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`Device for delivery of electrode caps for welding electrodes of automatic welding machines
`
`Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the delivery of electrode caps for
`welding electrodes of automatic welding machines, wherein the electrode caps are
`made available in an error-free manner at a defined position for transfer. For this
`purpose, the removal area of the device has a holding device that engages at least
`partially around the electrode cap positioned in the removal area.
`
`Description
`
`The invention relates to a device for the delivery of electrode caps for welding electrodes of
`automatic welding machines
`
`– with at least one magazine for holding electrode caps
`– that has at least one removal area and in which the electrode caps are held for removal by
`the welding electrodes.
`
`One known device of the type described above is known from DE 29 71 0142. The devices
`described therein are rolling or series magazines. For example, in series magazines, pairs of new
`electrode caps can be arranged with the receiving apertures pointing outward so that electrodes
`can be guided on electrode holders from the outside over the caps and loaded with new electrode
`caps by closing the electrode holder at its electrodes. In the rolling magazine described in the
`printed publication recited above, the electrode caps slide downward from above into a removal
`position.
`
`However, these devices prove to be very error-prone during operation. For instance, individual
`electrode caps frequently get jammed in the respective magazine during rolling, thus resulting in
`the electrode caps not being available for removal. What is more, the position of the electrode
`caps varies in the removal position, so that errors occur during the transfer of the electrode caps
`by the electrodes of the electrode holders.
`
`It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a device for the delivery of electrode
`caps for welding electrodes of the type described at the outset in which the electrode caps are
`made available in an error-free manner at a defined position for transfer.
`
`Ex. C&D 1014, page 1
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`According to the invention, this object is achieved in that the removal area has a holding device
`that that engages at least partially around the electrode cap positioned in the removal area.
`
`The holding devices used engages around the entire circumferential surface of the electrode caps
`or at least a portion of the circumferential surface that is large enough to ensure the exact
`positioning of the electrode caps.
`
`Through the exact positioning of the electrode caps in the removal area, a high level of process
`reliability is ensured during operation. Down time caused by faulty positioning of the electrodes
`in the device for delivery can be completely prevented by the inventive design of the removal
`area. In addition, as a result of the high level of process reliability, there is no need for
`monitoring during operation.
`
`Moreover, the electrode caps are secured in every position against falling out, so the arrangement
`can be selected at will. For instance, an arrangement is even conceivable in which the openings
`of the electrode caps run parallel to the floor. In conventional devices, such an arrangement
`would result in the electrode cap falling out.
`
`According to one development of the invention, the holding device can have at least one holding
`member. Holding members serve to fix the electrode caps in the removal area. They secure the
`position of the electrode caps against movement by exerting pressure on the electrode caps. The
`number of holding members depends, among other things, on the holding effect transferred to the
`electrode caps. In the case of holding members that act only in a point-wise manner, it is
`expedient to use several holding members in order to ensure sufficiently precise positioning. The
`choice of the holding members depends, among other things, on the specific application of the
`device for the delivery of electrode caps.
`
`In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the holding member is spring-loaded. Through the
`use of spring-loaded holding members, it is achieved that they do not press rigidly but elastically
`against the electrode cap. It is thus possible for an electrode cap in the removal position to adapt,
`or give, even to a somewhat eccentric or slanted direction of engagement of the electrode. As a
`
`Ex. C&D 1014, page 2
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`result, the possible danger of the destruction of the electrode caps or of components of the device
`during the positioning in the removal area and during removal is averted.
`
`According to another embodiment of the invention, the holding member presses from outside
`against the casing of the electrode cap. Such an arrangement of the holding members prevents,
`among other things, errors during removal that might occur as a result of an arrangement of the
`holding members in the path of the electrodes. The holding members acting on the lateral region
`of the electrode caps achieve a sufficient holding effect that ensures the exact positioning of the
`electrode caps.
`
`In one development of the invention, the contact pressure can be adjustable. This development of
`the invention enables an adaptation of the contact pressure against the electrode caps used, thus
`preventing additional damage to the electrode caps that might occur as a result of high pressure.
`Such a possibility for adjustment is particularly expedient when using different electrode caps
`that are made of materials with different hardnesses.
`
`In another embodiment of the invention, several pressing bodies are provided as holding
`members. The number of pressing bodies preferably acting on a limited area of the electrode cap
`depends on the holding effect achieved by the pressing bodies. When using several pressing
`bodies, the respective individual pressure can be reduced while maintaining the holding effect.
`
`According to a development of the invention, the pressing bodies can be spring-loaded and
`embodied as spheres. The spheres are arranged in bores that lead from the outside into the
`removal area. The opening of the bore located in the removal area is smaller than the diameter of
`the sphere, so than only a calotte of the sphere protrudes into the removal area and is in contact
`with the electrode cap. Depending on the size of the diameter of the spheres and of the opening
`of the bores in the removal area, the dimensions of the calotte and hence the extent of a possible
`evasive movement of the electrode cap can be adapted to the respective requirements. On the
`side facing away from the removal area, the sphere is impinged with pressure by a spring. The
`end of the spring opposite the sphere is supported on a screw that is screwed into the bore.
`
`Ex. C&D 1014, page 3
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`The spheres are preferably arranged in pairs across from each other immediately in front of the
`arch area or at the beginning of the arch area of the removal area. In addition, a sphere can be
`arranged directly in the middle of the arch area. These spheres arranged commensurately in the
`shape of a triangle can be arranged on two levels over each other to increase the holding effect.
`
`The use of spring-loaded spheres enables the error-free removal of the electrode caps during
`operation. The spheres preferably act on the lateral surface of the electrode caps. Through the
`selection of the spring and the spring path, the pressure can be selected that the sphere transfers
`to the electrode cap. During removal of the electrode caps, the spheres can roll off of the lateral
`surface of the electrode cap. As a result, the formation of gouges on the lateral surface of the
`electrode caps that might be caused by rigid holding members can additionally be prevented.
`
`In a preferred embodiment if the invention, the adjustable holding force of the holding members
`is less than the clamping force between the welding electrode and the electrode cap. The
`possibility of adjustment enables removal of an electrode cap from the removal area without
`having to release the electrode cap by means of an external switching process and without having
`to establish an additional connection between the electrode cap and the electrode.
`
`According to a development of the invention, two substantially equal magazine chambers are
`connected together to a magazine in a mutually parallel, mirror-symmetrical arrangement such
`that the removal openings of their removal areas lie coaxially on sides facing away from each
`other. This development of the invention enables the simultaneous removal of two electrode caps
`by an electrode holder equipped with a lower and an upper electrode, the electrodes lying across
`from each other in a substantially coaxial manner when the electrode holder approaches its
`closed position. In order to remove the electrode caps, the electrodes of the electrode holder are
`brought into such a position with respect to the magazine that, when the electrode holder is
`closed, the electrodes engage in the openings of the electrode caps. A nonpositive connection,
`that is, a secure clamping, is established between the electrode caps and the electrodes that has
`the effect that, upon opening of the electrode holder, the electrode caps are provided with fresh
`electrode caps and simultaneously removed from the magazine.
`
`Ex. C&D 1014, page 4
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`According to another embodiment of the invention, the electrode caps can be moveably arranged
`in the magazine chambers such that, after removal of an electrode cap from the removal area,
`they advance under the effect of a force, so that another electrode cap moves into the removal
`area. The force pushes the electrode caps such that another electrode cap is available for transfer.
`The force preferably acts continuously on the electrode caps so that no external switching
`process is required to release the effect of a force by means of which the electrode caps are
`moved. In addition, the force also acts on the electrode cap positioned in the removal area, thus
`supporting the holding effect of the holding members.
`
`According to a development of the invention, a spring member is provided by means of whose
`spring force the electrode cap is impinged with a pressing force in the direction of the removal
`area. Screw springs are preferably used in this context. However, other spring members such as
`pneumatic springs, for example, can also be used. The spring members generate sufficient force
`on the electrode caps in the direction of the removal area. This ensures that electrode caps
`removed from the removal area are replaced by subsequent pushing of the electrode caps still
`present in the magazine. By means of a shape of the inner end of each magazine chamber in the
`removal area adapted appropriately to the lateral shape of the electrode cap, a stop is
`simultaneously formed for the electrode caps, thus also ensuring the exact positioning thereof.
`
`According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the magazine chambers have an oblong
`shape, and the electrode caps are arranged in a row. Such an arrangement of the electrode caps
`ensures the simple and error-free advancement of the electrode caps into the removal area. What
`is more, this embodiment offers a simple way to keep a sufficient quantity of electrode caps
`available.
`
`The advantageous embodiments of the invention described in claims 13-16 relate, among other
`things, to the use of a preferably arched slide for adapting to the lateral shape of the electrode cap
`that is guided in each magazine chamber and on which the pressing force acts. The interposition
`of such a slide ensures the uniform transfer of the pressing force to the electrode cap arranged
`directly in front of the slide. As a result, the jamming of the spring in the magazine is prevented,
`among other things. In addition, the arched design of the slide on the side facing toward the
`
`Ex. C&D 1014, page 5
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`electrode cap ensures planar contact with the electrode cap. An actuating member guided out of
`the housing that is connected to the slide makes it possible to push the slide manually back
`against the spring force into its initial position in order to tension the spring. By providing a
`notch on the housing, the actuating member and hence the slide can be locked in the initial
`position on the housing. This renders a manual holding of the slide during reloading of electrode
`caps superfluous. This is advantageous particularly if the slide has to be held in the initial
`position over a longer period of time.
`
`According to a development of the invention, the magazine is formed by a substantially closed
`housing. A closed housing ensures that the magazine does not become soiled on its interior and
`that no electrode caps can fall out of the magazine. Removal of the electrode caps is only
`possible from the removal area.
`
`According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing has a loading opening. This
`loading opening is used to refill electrode caps. Tedious loading of the magazine through the
`removal opening is thus avoided.
`
`According to another embodiment of the invention, the slide can be stopped in a position in
`which the loading opening is freely accessible for feeding electrode caps into the respective
`magazine chamber. In the locked position or initial position, the slide – when viewed in the
`direction toward the removal area – is located in front of the loading opening, so that the
`magazine can be filled up through the loading opening. After the filling operation, the slide is
`released, so that the electrode caps are pushed in the direction of the removal area.
`
`In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the magazine can be embodied as a preferably
`circular disc that has receptacles for electrode cap on one and/or or both sides. The transfer of the
`electrode caps occurs in a predetermined angular position of the disc with respect to the electrode
`holder or the like. After the transfer, the entire disc is moved, preferably rotated, such that the
`receptacles still having electrode caps assume a spatial position at which the electrode caps can
`be removed. Unlike the embodiment described previously, the entire magazine is moved here, as
`a result of which the respective receptacles are moved into the predetermined position.
`
`Ex. C&D 1014, page 6
`
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`According to a development of the invention, scraper rings in the receptacles serve as holding
`members. Such a holding member ensures uniform pressure distribution over the entire
`circumferential surface of the electrode cap, it being possible to select a lower pressure in
`comparison to pressing members acting in a point-wise manner without having a negative impact
`on the desired holding effect. The ring is preferably made of an elastic material, e.g., of rubber, is
`fixed in the receptacle, and rests against the lateral surface of the electrode cap. The pressure that
`the ring exerts on the electrode caps depends on the type of elastic material. If the pressure
`generated is too little, it is possible, for example, to increase the pressure through the
`arrangement of spring members within the rings. In that case, the use of closed screw springs is
`particularly possible.
`
`According to a development of the invention, the receptacles are arranged on at least one circle
`preferably with a large radius around the midpoint of the disc. Such a distribution of the
`receptacles on the disc makes it possible to bring the receptacles into the desired position by
`rotating the disc about the midpoint. In addition, when using large radii, more receptacles can be
`accommodated on the disc than when using small radii.
`
`According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the disc can be embodied in the
`region of a midpoint for connection to a rotary drive. Here, connection to a step motor is
`particularly conceivable that rotates the disc by a defined angular range, thus bringing the
`receptacles that still having electrode caps into the desired position.
`
`According to a development of the invention, the electrode caps are arranged in a tilting manner
`in the receptacles. As a result of such a development of the invention, electrode holders can also
`cooperate with the magazine in which the electrodes of the electrode holders are not arranged
`coaxially across from each other, but rather are tilted by a certain angular range with respect to
`each other. The electrode caps can be tilted in an angular range of about 18° in any direction with
`respect to the plane formed by the receptacle opening.
`
`According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a sensor can monitor the fill level of the
`magazine. A sensor can be coupled with both preferred embodiments of the invention. It signals
`the operating staff that the minimum fill level of the magazine has been undershot so that
`
`Ex. C&D 1014, page 7
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`electrode caps are provided. The operating staff then have sufficient time to provide the
`magazine with new electrode caps without the down times resulting from there no longer being
`any electrode caps available in the magazine.
`
`Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the drawings.
`
`Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a device for the delivery of electrode caps for welding
`electrodes;
`
`Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a device for the delivery of electrode caps for welding
`electrodes;
`
`Fig. 3 shows a side view of a device for the delivery of electrode caps for welding electrodes;
`
`Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the removal area of the first device for the delivery of
`electrode caps for welding electrodes;
`
`Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the removal area of a second device for the delivery of
`electrode caps for welding electrodes.
`
`Fig. 1 is a first embodiment of a device for the delivery of electrode caps 20 for welding
`electrodes. The device has a magazine 1b that is formed from two longitudinally extending,
`shell-like magazine chambers 5a, 5b whose openings face each other. The magazine chambers
`5a, 5b are screwed together in bores 17a to 17d by means of screws 14 (cf. Fig. 4). To provide
`spatial separation, a dividing plate 18 is arranged between the magazine chambers 5a, 5b.
`
`Running on the interior of the magazine chambers 5a, 5b is a spring 6 whose lower end is
`supported on the part of the magazine chambers 5a, 5b facing away from a removal area 19. The
`removal area 19 of each of the magazine chambers 5a, 5b has a substantially circular removal
`opening 11 for removing the electrode caps 20.
`
`The removal openings 11 of the two magazine chambers 5a, 5b point outward in the screwed
`state, so that they can be reached from opposite directions. As a result, the device and an
`electrode holder equipped with an upper and a lower electrode can be brought into such a
`
`Ex. C&D 1014, page 8
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`position with respect to each other that the two electrodes can be brought into contact with fresh
`electrode caps 20 in the magazine 1b from different sides of the device in order to thus remove
`the electrode caps 20 automatically.
`
`A support plate 9 is mounted by means of screws (not shown here) on the lower end of the
`magazine chamber 5a for attachment of the device on a support unit.
`
`Since the construction of the magazine chambers 5a, 5b is substantially the same, only the
`magazine chamber 5a will be explained in further detail below.
`
`The end of the spring 6 facing toward the removal area 19 is moveable and provided with a slide
`6a shown with dashed lines in the drawing. The slide 6a can be moved by means of an actuating
`member 8 that is connected to the slide 6a and protrudes outward through a longitudinal groove
`12 of a side wall of the magazine chamber 5a. To lock the slide 6a, the actuating member 8 can
`be fixed in a notch 13 (cf. Fig. 2) at the end of the longitudinal groove 12. Such a stopping of the
`slide 6a enables the trouble-free loading of the device with electrode caps 20 because, although
`the slide 6a is under the pressure of the spring 6 when seen in the direction of the removal area
`19, it is locked in the position in front of the loading opening 7. The electrode caps 20 can
`therefore be placed successively into the magazine chamber 5a. After filling, the actuating
`member 8 is moved out of the notch 13, so that the slide 6a, which is preferably arched on the
`side facing the electrode caps 20, presses the electrode caps 20 located in the magazine chamber
`5a in the direction of the removal area 19 (cf. Figs. 2, 3 and Fig. 4).
`
`The head side of the shell-like receptacle of the magazine chamber 5a has an arch-shaped cross
`section and serves as a stop for the advancing electrode caps 20. The arch of the arch-shaped
`cross section corresponds substantially to the lateral surface of an electrode cap 20. The
`advancement occurs as a result of the spring force acting on the electrode caps 20 that is directed
`onto the removal area 19.
`
`Holding members serve to secure the position of the electrode caps 20 in the removal position in
`order to prevent unwanted falling-out of the electrode caps 20. For the arrangement of spheres 15
`that act as holding members, the magazine chamber 5a has six respective bores 10 on its upper
`
`Ex. C&D 1014, page 9
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`end that lead into the removal area 19 and whose interior opening is smaller than the bore
`diameter.
`
`The spheres 15, whose diameter is greater than the diameter of the tapering opening of the bores
`10, are positioned in the bores 10 such that a calotte of a segment of the spheres 15 protrudes into
`the removal area 19 and is in contact there with the electrode cap 20. The spheres 15 are
`arranged in the shape of a triangle over each other on two levels at the beginning of the arch area
`and directly in the middle of the arch area.
`
`The spheres 15 are pressed into the bores 10 by springs (not shown here) that are supported in
`screws screwed into the bores 10. The spring pressure and hence the pressure of the spheres 15
`on the electrode caps 20 can be adjusted using the screws not shown here. The pressure must be
`such that the holding force is less than the clamping force between an electrode cap 20 and an
`electrode onto which the electrode cap 20 is placed.
`
`An insertion aid 21 is embodied in an annular region around the removal opening 11 in the
`manner of a funnel. The funnel-shaped opening of the insertion aid 21 tapers in the direction of
`the removal opening 11. It is therefore even possible for electrodes aligned somewhat
`eccentrically with respect to the electrode cap 20 to be brought into contact.
`
`Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of a device for the delivery of electrode caps 20. A magazine
`1a is formed by a circular disc having receptacles 2 on both sides that are arranged around the
`disc midpoint 3. The receptacles 2 are embodied such that the electrode caps 20 are arranged
`parallel to each other and their openings lie parallel to the disc surface.
`
`Scraper rings 4 are fixed in the receptacles 2 that serve as holding members for the electrode
`caps 20. The scraper rings 4 consist of hollow rubber rings within which a closed screw spring
`runs. This spring exerts pressure on the lateral surface of the electrode caps 20, thus presenting
`unwanted falling-out or movement of the electrode caps 20.
`
`Electrode caps 20 located in the receptacle 2 can be tilted upon removal by up to about 18° by
`the effect of the rubber rings without an electrode cap 20 to be removed detaching prematurely
`from the respective receptacle and without encountering problems during removal of the
`
`Ex. C&D 1014, page 10
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`electrode cap 20. On the contrary, this embodiment also permits error-free automatic removal of
`an electrode cap 20 if the respective electrode is brought imprecisely into contact with the
`electrode cap 20, i.e., at an angle.
`
`The hub of the disc has a connector (not shown here) for a step motor that rotes the disc further
`by a defined angular range when an electrode cap 20 has been removed from the receptacle. This
`ensures that electrode caps 20 are always available for removal.
`
`Both embodiments of the invention, the magazines 1a, 1b, are preferably coupled with a sensor
`(not shown here). The sensor performs the task of indicating to the operating staff that the
`electrode cap 20 fill level is too low.
`
`
`
`
`
`Ex. C&D 1014, page 11
`
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`29
`
`Patent Claims
`
`
`Device for the delivery of electrode caps for welding electrodes of automatic
`1.
`
`welding machines
`
`– with at least one magazine for holding electrode caps
`
`– having at least one removal area that has at least one removal area and in which the
`electrode caps are held for removal by the welding electrodes,
`
`characterized in that
`
`– the removal area (19) has a holding device that engages at least partially around the
`electrode cap (20) positioned in the removal area (19).
`
`Device as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that the holding device has at least
`2.
`
`one holding member.
`
`3.
`
`spring-loaded.
`
`Device as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the
`4.
`
`holding member presses on the casing of the electrode cap (20).
`
`Device as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the
`5.
`
`pressing force is adjustable.
`
`Device as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
`6.
`
`several pressing bodies (15) are provided as holding members.
`
`Device as set forth in claim 6, characterized in that the pressing bodies are spring-
`7.
`
`loaded on one side and embodied as spheres (15).
`
`
`Device as set forth in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the holding member is
`
`Ex. C&D 1014, page 12
`
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`30
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`Device as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the
`8.
`
`adjustable holding force of the holding members is less than the clamping force between the
`welding electrode and the electrode cap (20).
`
`Device as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that two
`9.
`
`substantially equal magazine chambers (5a, 5b) are connected together to a magazine in a
`mutually parallel, mirror-symmetrical arrangement such that the removal openings (11) of their
`removal areas (19) lie coaxially on sides facing away from each other.
`
`Device as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
`10.
`
`electrode caps (20) are moveably arranged in the magazine chambers (5a, 5b) such that, after
`removal of an electrode cap (20) from the removal area (19), they advance under the effect of a
`force, so that another electrode cap (20) moves into the removal area (19).
`
`Device as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a
`11.
`
`spring member (6) is provided by means of whose spring force the electrode cap (20) is loaded
`with pressure in the direction of the removal area (19).
`
`Device as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the
`12.
`
`magazine chambers (5a, 5b) have an oblong shape in which the electrode caps (20) are arranged
`in a row.
`
`Device as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a slide
`13.
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`(6a) is guided in the magazine chambers (5a, 5b) in their longitudinal direction and impinged by
`the spring force.
`
`Device as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the
`14.
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`slide (6a) is embodied as an arch on the side facing away from the spring (6) to adapt to the
`lateral shape of the electrode caps (20).
`
`
`Ex. C&D 1014, page 13
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`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`9
`10
`11
`12
`13
`14
`15
`16
`17
`18
`19
`20
`21
`22
`23
`24
`25
`26
`27
`28
`29
`30
`
`Device as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the
`15.
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`slide (6a) is connected to a respective actuating member (8).
`
`Device as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the
`16.
`
`slide (6a) can be locked on the housing.
`
`Device as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the
`17.
`
`magazine chambers (5a, 5b) are formed by a substantially closed housing.
`
`Device as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the
`18.
`
`housing has a loading opening (7).
`
`Device as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the
`19.
`
`slide (6a) can be locked in a position in which the loading opening (7) for feeding electrode caps
`(20) to the respective magazine chamber (5a, 5b) is freely accessible.
`
`Device as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the
`20.
`
`magazine is embodied as a disc (1a) that has receptacles (2) for electrode caps (20) on one and/or
`both sides.
`
`Device as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that rings,
`21.
`
`preferably scraper rings (4) in the receptacles (2) act as holding members.
`
`Device as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the
`22.
`
`receptacles (2) are arranged on at least one circle preferably with a large radius around the
`midpoint of the disc (3).
`
`Device as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the
`23.
`
`disc is circular.
`
`
`Ex. C&D 1014, page 14
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`1
`2
`3
`4
`5
`6
`7
`8
`
`Device as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the
`24.
`
`disc is embodied in the region of its midpoint (3) for connecting to a rotary device.
`
`Device as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the
`25.
`
`electrode caps (20) are arranged in a tilting manner in the receptacles (2).
`
`Device as set forth in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a
`26.
`
`sensor monitors the fill level of the magazine (5).
`
`Ex. C&D 1014, page 15
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`Ex. C&D 1014, page 16
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`Ex. C&D 1014, page 16
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`Ex. C&D 1014, page 17
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`Ex. C&D 1014, page 17
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`Ex. C&D 1014, page 18
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`Ex. C&D 1014, page 18
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`Ex. C&D 1014, page 19
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`Ex. C&D 1014, page 19
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`Ex. C&D 1014, page 20
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`
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`Ex. C&D 1014, page 20