Apparatus for stripping electrodeposited metal from cathode sheets

Apparatus for stripping from a set of cathode sheets high-purity metal layers deposited on the opposite faces of each cathode sheets by electrolysis in an electrolytic cell, comprising:

• rack means for holding therein the set of cathode sheets in side-by-side relationship with predetermined spacings therebetween, said rack means having an open top and at least one open side;
• hoisting and transporting means for lifting the set of cathode sheets from the electrolytic cell after the metal layers have been deposited thereon to a desired thickness and for transporting and lowering the set of cathode sheets into said rack means through said open top;
• a plurality of stripper assemblies each comprising a pair of stripper plates disposed in face-to-face arrangement with respect to each other and substantially in coplanar relationship to a respective one of the cathode sheets held in position within said rack means, said stripper assemblies being movable along the planes of the respective cathode sheets between a first position confronting said open side of said rack means and a second position within said rack means, said pairs of stripper plates being each adapted to make sliding contact with the opposite faces of the associated cathode sheet at least during the movement of said stripper assemblies from said first to said second position;
• and
• means for moving said stripper assemblies between said first and said second position,
• whereby upon movement of said stripper assemblies from said first to said second position, the metal layers are peeled off the opposite faces of each cathode sheet as the latter slides relative to the associated stripper assembly between the pair of stripper plates thereof.