The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 06, 2003
Filed:
Apr. 05, 2001
John Edward Chancey, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI (US);
Lawrence Edward Ellis, Dearborn Heights, MI (US);
Larry Gerald Gargol, Ann Arbor, MI (US);
Srikanth Chinthagunta Reddy, Southfield, MI (US);
Ford Global Technologies, Inc., Dearborn, MI (US);
Abstract
A cathode assembly for an electric arc spray apparatus. The cathode assembly utilizes a positive cathode retention design which provides for improved heat management characteristics, quick and easy cathode replacement and increased cathode life. The cathode assembly includes a cathode holder , a cathode including a first portion which resides within the cathode holder , a tip portion which extends from the cathode holder, and a shoulder portion which is formed on the outer surface of the cathode. The cathode assembly further includes a retention member or nut which removably attaches to the cathode holder and which engages the shoulder portion , effective to positively retain the cathode within the holder . The retention member also includes an aperture through which the cathode tip extends. The cathode retention member allows for a longer and larger cathode to be utilized and provides an increased amount of heat dissipating surfaces relative to prior designs, thereby increasing the life and improving the performance of the cathode.