A New or Improved Process for Sharpening or Restoring Files, Metal Engravings, and the like.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 13th Dec., 1889-Accepted, 8th Feb., 1890
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
A New or Improved Process for Sharpening or Restoring Files,
Metal Engravings, and the like.
A communication from AUGUSTIN PERSONNE, of 24, Rue de Chazelle, Paris, in the
Republic of France, Counsellor at the Court of Appeal.
I, ALFRED JULIUS BOULT of 323 High Holborn in the County of Middlesex,
M.I.M.E., do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement :-
This invention consists of a new process for restoring or sharpening files of any
size without softening the steel, the files treated according to this invention being
restored practically to their original new condition.
The process consists in forming a pile of elements, of carbon and acidified water
in which the file replaces the plate of zinc and so constitutes the negative pole.
To effect this the file is previously carefully cleaned and wetted and then dipped
between two carbons into the acidified water and the circuit of the electric current
between the carbons and the file is established by means of a piece of metal which
serves as its support and from which the file is held suspended in the bath.
In consequence of the effect of the acidified water upon the metal an electric
current is produced and the water is thereby decomposed the oxygen of the same
operates upon the cuttings of the file while the hydrogen bubbles in their state of
formation settle upon the teeth of the file and protect the same against the effect
of the acidified water which operates freely in the cuttings of the file.
After an immersion of a few minutes the file is withdrawn and brushed in a large
quantity of water to clear the inner surfaces of the cutting obstructed by the
oxide of iron and the said file is replaced in the bath. When the clearance of the
cuttings is found to be completely effected the file is withdrawn from the bath and
afterwards immersed in an alkaline bath for a few minutes to remove all traces of
the acid which would cause the file to rust the file being thereafter dried and
brushed. If this process is weli carried out the file ought to assume the colour and
property of a new one.
The same process may be applied with satisfactory results to the restoring to a
condition equal to new of engraved metallic plates worn after prolonged use and
also to Damascenings injured by friction.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed as communicated to
me by my foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is ;-
The process for recutting or sharpening or restoring files, metallic engravings,
Damascenings and the like by the application of an electric pile in which the object
to be operated upon forms the negative pole while the carbons connected by a piece
of metal, serve as supports and form the positive pole with the object of utilising
the hydrogen and oxygen produced by the decomposition of the acidified water
substantially as herein described.
Dated this 19th D
1000
W. P. THOMPSON & BOULT,
Agents for the Applicant.