Electrolytic Patents (Class 204/194)
  • Patent number: 11892363
    Abstract: A pressure sensing mat including a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, and an insulative layer disposed therebetween. The first conductive layer includes a first plurality of spaced apart conductive paths and a first plurality of non-conductive paths therebetween and defining a plurality of gaps in the first plurality of non-conductive paths having a first repeating pattern of a cross shape. The first plurality of spaced apart conductive paths and the first plurality of non-conductive paths extend in a first direction. The second conductive layer includes a second plurality of spaced apart conductive paths and a second plurality of non-conductive paths therebetween and defining a second plurality of gaps in the second plurality of non-conductive paths having a second repeating pattern. The second plurality of spaced apart conductive paths and the second plurality of non-conductive paths extends in a second direction different than the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Wellsense, Inc.
    Inventors: Arik Rofe, Oola Greenwald, Roman S. Ferber, Asaf Brosch
  • Patent number: 11776375
    Abstract: A pressure sensing mat having first and second conductive layers and an insulative layer. The first conductive layer defines a first aperture and includes first spaced apart conductive regions and first non-conductive regions therebetween. The first spaced apart conductive regions and non-conductive regions extends in a first direction. The second conductive layer defines a second aperture and includes second spaced apart conductive regions and second non-conductive regions therebetween. The second spaced apart conductive regions and the second non-conductive regions extend in a second direction different than the first direction. The insulative layer is between the first and second conductive layers and defines a third aperture. The first, second, and third apertures are aligned with each other such that the first, second, and third apertures form a vent through the first and second conductive layers and the insulative layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Wellsense, Inc.
    Inventors: Arik Rofe, Oola Greenwald, Roman S. Ferber, Asaf Brosch
  • Patent number: 11629068
    Abstract: A method for storing solar energy and generating electric power comprising the steps of utilizing a solar powered water treatment device (2) to convert non-potable water (3) into distillate (4) and concentrate (5), storing the distillate and the concentrate in a distillate storage tank (104) and a concentrate storage tank (105) respectively and feeding the distillate from the distillate storage tank and the concentrate from the concentrate storage tank to a salient gradient power device (106) to generate electric power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: DESOLENATOR B.V.
    Inventors: Jiajun Cen, Wilheimus Franciscus Johannes Janssen
  • Patent number: 11545690
    Abstract: A proton conductor contains a metal oxide that has a perovskite structure and that is represented by formula (1): AxB1-yMyO3-?, where an element A is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ba, Ca, and Sr, an element B is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ce and Zr, an element M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Y, Yb, Er, Ho, Tm, Gd, In, and Sc, ? indicates an oxygen deficiency amount, and 0.95?x?1 and 0<y?0.5 are satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignees: KYOTO UNIVERSITY, SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Takahiro Higashino, Yohei Noda, Chihiro Hiraiwa, Naho Mizuhara, Mitsuyasu Ogawa, Hiromasa Tawarayama, Masatoshi Majima, Tetsuya Uda, Donglin Han, Takayuki Onishi
  • Patent number: 11422131
    Abstract: A sensor for the detection of an analyte in a fluid includes an electrode having a detection surface, a polydopamine layer adhered to the electrode detection surface; and optionally a receptor chemically functionalized to the polydopamine of the detection surface of the electrode. The receptor selectively binds to the analyte of interest and the analyte once bound is detectable by measuring the change of capacitance of the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: James M. Seckler, Neil A. Goldsmith, Stephen J. Lewis, Corey Smith, James Bates, Nicole Meyers, Spencer T. Burton
  • Patent number: 11414755
    Abstract: An atomic layer deposition apparatus (1) is equipped with a processing substrate (2) provided in a vacuum container (3), and a shower head (4). The processing substrate (2) is provided in the vacuum container (3), and the shower head (4) is provided to be opposed to a processing surface of the processing substrate (2). A high-concentration ozone gas, an unsaturated hydrocarbon gas, and an ALD source gas are supplied from the shower head (4) to the processing substrate (2). The apparatus (1) repeats four steps of an oxidizing agent supplying step of supplying the high-concentration ozone gas and the unsaturated hydrocarbon gas into the vacuum container (3), an oxidizing agent purging step of discharging the gas supplied in the oxidizing agent supplying step, a source gas supplying step of supplying a source gas to the vacuum container (3), and a source gas purging step of discharging the source gas supplied to the vacuum container (3), to form an oxide film on the surface of the processing substrate (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: MEIDENSHA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoto Kameda, Toshinori Miura, Mitsuru Kekura
  • Patent number: 11266025
    Abstract: Provided are an electronic component manufacturing method by which even a platable layer made of a difficult-to-plate material can be easily plated with good adhesion without using a special chemical solution or a photolithography technique, and an electronic component which has a peel strength of 0.1 N/mm or greater as measured by a copper foil peel test. A picosecond laser beam having a pulse duration on the order of a picosecond or a femtosecond laser beam having a pulse duration on the order of a femtosecond is emitted at a surface of a platable layer (2) in order to roughen the surface, a wiring pattern is formed using a mask (13), and a plated part (12) is formed on the surface of the wiring pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Qualtec Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Oya, Seiichi Kaihara, Hiroshi Atarashi, Hirokazu Shikata
  • Patent number: 10890560
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes forming two or more catalyst nanoparticles from a metal layer disposed over a substrate in two or more openings of a hard mask patterned over the metal layer. The method also includes growing two or more carbon nanotubes using the catalyst nanoparticles, and removing the carbon nanotubes to form two or more nanoscale pores. The two or more nanoscale pores may be circular nanoscale pores having a substantially uniform diameter. The two or more openings in the hard mask may have non-uniform size, and the substantially uniform diameter of the two or more nanopores may be controlled by a size of the carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Juntao Li, Kangguo Cheng, Peng Xu, Zhenxing Bi
  • Patent number: 10682431
    Abstract: A method and device for destroying and inhibiting exposure to microbes and infection includes a first element and a second element, and a power source. At least one of the elements includes antimicrobial metal, which, when energized by the power source, produces ions that are lethal to microbes. The device can be incorporated into virtually any useful object. During normal use of the object, electrical communication is established between the two elements, causing current supplied from the power source to flow through the antimicrobial metal. The two elements are configured and arranged to ensure that ions flowing from the antimicrobial metal flow through the region in which it is desired to kill microbes. The antimicrobial metal can be on the surface of the element, incorporated into the material making up the element, or provided in any other way that allows the antimicrobial effect to be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Aionx Antimicrobial Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Fuller, Richard Wysk, Wayne J. Sebastianelli, Paul H. Cohen, Robert C. Voigt
  • Patent number: 10684245
    Abstract: Electrode arrangements for test elements, test elements and methods of determining sample sufficiency, monitoring fill time, establishing fill directions and/or confirming electrode coverage by a sample for test elements are disclosed. The test elements have an electrode-support substrate including a spacer having an edge defining a boundary of a capillary channel. The electrode-support substrate also includes a first electrode pair and a second electrode pair, wherein the first electrode pair is positioned between the second electrode pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Beaty, Harvey Buck, Erica Diebold, Martin Gerber
  • Patent number: 10525158
    Abstract: The present invention is generally related to a lens care system and method for disinfecting and cleaning contact lenses. A lens care system or method of the invention is based on electrolysis of an aqueous chloride solution for generating germicide species (e.g., chlorine, hypochlorous acid, hypochlorite, or combinations thereof) and subsequent in-situ electrolysis of hypochlorous acid or hypochlorite in the aqueous solution for neutralizing the generated germicide species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Novartis AG
    Inventor: Robert Carey Tucker
  • Patent number: 10429336
    Abstract: A method is provided for verifying test element integrity includes providing a biosensor having an electrode-support substrate. A first electrode is provided on the substrate that includes a first body and a neck extending from the first body. A second electrode is provided on the substrate that includes a second body and an opposite pair of necks. Each of the necks extends from a respective end of the second body. A spacer is positioned on the substrate and has an edge defining a boundary of a capillary channel formed between a cover and the substrate. The method also includes applying a signal across the necks of the second electrode to verify continuity along the second electrode. The second body of the second electrode and the pair of connective necks surround the first electrode in the capillary channel forming a loop circuit around the first electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Roche Diabeters Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Harvey Buck, Jr., Walter Jernigan
  • Patent number: 10428433
    Abstract: A method is described to regenerate an oxygen trap, comprising at least the following steps: circulating a current in the trap material (2) to reduce this material; measuring the value Im of the current and estimating its derivative dIm/dt in relation to time; estimating the length (?) of material reduced by the current as a function of the value of the current and its derivative; stopping circulation of the current when the length of reduced material is at least equal to a threshold value (?s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignees: UNIVERSITE GRENOBLE ALPES, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE
    Inventors: Jonathan Deseure, César Marlu Steil
  • Patent number: 10336587
    Abstract: A hoist and crane assembly is presented. The hoist and crane assembly contains an extendable and retractable hoist and crane subassembly that longitudinally moves in and out from the hoist and crane assembly. Further, the hoist and crane subassembly also contains a lateral rail system for moving shipping containers side to side within an associated trailer, for example. Yet further, means for moving shipping containers from the rear to the front of an associated trailer are also contained within the hoist and crane assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Professor Cargo, LLC
    Inventor: Lee Weddel
  • Patent number: 10300159
    Abstract: A method for deactivating preferably odor-relevant molecules that is distinguished by the following steps is proposed: generating a plasma; deactivating preferably odor-relevant molecules by the effect of hot electrons of the plasma on the molecules to be deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Wissenschaften e.V.
    Inventors: Gregor Morfill, Tetsuji Shimizu, Julia Zimmermann, Yangfang Li, Bernd Steffes
  • Patent number: 10085461
    Abstract: The present invention not only forms an electric field environment that can be controlled to differentiate between preservation of food freshness and promotion of ripening but also promotes fermentation by fermentative microbes, propagates plankton and inhibits bacterial reproduction. An electrode plate 2 is set inside a refrigerator 1 or an adjustable temperature box 6. Food 3 or a yogurt container 9 is place thereon. The electrode plate 2, 10 is connected to a power source 4, 11. Selection between food freshness preservation and promotion of ripening, and promotion of fermentation of fermented foods such as yogurt are performed by rectification, and voltage and frequency control of the power source. Additionally, propagation of phytoplankton and inhibition of bacterial reproduction are performed by controlling the frequency, voltage and ON/OFF timing of the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: MARS COMPANY
    Inventors: Masaki Ohno, Motohiko Sato, Tadao Izutsu
  • Patent number: 10072341
    Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid electrolytic device and comprises an electrolytic tank, a separator, a cover, and an electrode plate. The electrolytic tank comprises an upper opening, an under opening, and a hollow portion connected there between for containing liquid water. The separator covers the surface of the electrolytic tank corresponding to the upper opening of the electrolytic tank and comprises a first opening while the cover having a fixed portion and a cover hole disposed on the other surface of the separator. An upper portion of the electrode plate is embedded in the fixed portion of the cover while the under portion thereof is disposed in the hollow portion via the first opening and the upper opening. In practice, the electrolytic tank and the electrode plate are separately connected to a power respectively to electrolyze the liquid water in the electrolytic tank for generating a hydrogen-oxygen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Inventor: Hsin-Yung Lin
  • Patent number: 10040102
    Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus has an indexer block and a processing block. One side of the processing block has a vertical stack of a plurality of top surface cleaning units and the other side of the processing block has a vertical stack of a plurality of back surface cleaning units. Reversing units for reversing the substrate W are provided one above the other between the indexer block and the processing block. For example, one reversing unit is used for reversing the substrate before a back surface cleaning processing by the back surface cleaning unit or for other purposes, and the other reversing unit is used for placing the substrate W after a top surface cleaning processing by the top surface cleaning unit or for other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: SCREEN Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ichiro Mitsuyoshi, Jun Shibukawa, Shinji Kiyokawa, Tomohiro Kurebayashi
  • Patent number: 9850534
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides biochips and methods for making biochips. A biochip can comprise a nanopore in a membrane (e.g., lipid bilayer) adjacent or in proximity to an electrode. Methods are described for forming the membrane and inserting the nanopore into the membrane. The biochips and methods can be used for nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) sequencing. The present disclosure also describes methods for detecting, sorting, and binning molecules (e.g., proteins) using biochips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventors: Randall Davis, Roger Chen
  • Patent number: 9617595
    Abstract: Techniques for assembling a lipid bilayer on a substantially planar solid surface are described herein. In one example, a lipid material such as a lipid suspension is deposited on a substantially planar solid surface, a bubble filled with fast diffusing gas molecules is formed on the solid surface, and the gas molecules are allowed to diffuse out of the bubble to form a lipid bilayer on the solid surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Genia Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger J. A. Chen, Randy Davis
  • Patent number: 9039974
    Abstract: A biological sample measuring device including a mounting portion to which a biological sample measuring sensor is mounted, a voltage application section that applies voltage to a counter electrode of the biological sample measuring sensor mounted to the mounting portion, amplifiers that are selectively connected to a working electrode of the biological sample measuring sensor, and a determination section that is connected to these amplifiers. The determination section has a threshold determination section that determines a voltage value obtained by voltage conversion of the current value of the working electrode, a same determination section that selectively connects the amplifiers to the working electrode depending on the determination of the threshold determination section, and identifies the sample deposited on the biological sample measuring sensor from the output of the selected amplifier, and an output section that outputs a measurement value corresponding to the identified sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: PANASONIC HEALTHCARE HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shouko Hironaka, Teppei Shinno, Eriko Yoshioka, Takashi Miki
  • Publication number: 20150125580
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for the making of edible products for humans and animals, such as pets, using low voltage irreversible electroporation and or electrolysis device(s). In particular, aspects of this technology relate to the making of foods, food ingredients, supplements, and bio-components for human or animal consumption. Specifically, aspects of the technology relate to the making of foods, food ingredients, supplements, and bio-components that do not contain preservatives for microbiological control, and are neither sterilized nor pasteurized by using chemical, thermal or radioactive methods or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Fernando Qvyjt
  • Patent number: 8992750
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a test strip with a sample chamber opening spanning the width of the test strip at the sampling end and including a portion of the lateral sides at that end. The chamber is vertically bounded by upper and lower substrate layers, horizontally bounded by the front face of a spacer layer, and open on the remaining sides. The test strip fills rapidly and requires small sample volumes. Both 1-up and 2-up manufacturing techniques for producing such test strips eliminate registration and alignment steps, and other techniques relating to the 2-up technique (simultaneously manufacturing test strips arranged in multiple columns) are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry A. Beaty, Eric R. Diebold, Abner D. Joseph, Randall K. Riggles
  • Patent number: 8986518
    Abstract: The present aspects of an embodiment make more efficient use of hydrogen on-demand (hereinafter “HoD”) systems, thereby improving fossil-fuel-powered systems on the market. One main aspect uses a disposable cartridge in which the electrolytic process takes place to separate gas molecules from a solution that uses a substantially dry-cell design. Generally, the aspects include a replaceable and reusable cartridge for the flow of electrolyte solution using a pump, which may include a variety of safety features. A HoD cartridge generator has a plurality of staggered conductive material members that require electrolyte solution to flow between them, from one or more inlets to one or more outlets, using one or more specified paths. A conventional or specially-formulated electrolyte solution may be used. One or more sensors allow the generator to have a steady flow of solution in and a steady flow of liquid-gas mixture out of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Cleanworld Fuels, LLC
    Inventor: Marc Daniel Moncion
  • Patent number: 8961773
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing aluminum in an electrolysis cell, which includes setting up a succession of control periods of duration T, identifying perturbative tending operations on the cell that can introduce superfluous alumina in the electrolytic bath, noting the performance of the perturbative tending operations, determining a regulation feed rate B(k?) for each control period k? and setting a specified feed rate SR(k?) equal to M(k?)×B(k?), where M(k?) is a predetermined modulation factor that modulates the regulation feed rate B(k?) so as to take into account a reduction of the needs of the cell induced by the superfluous alumina. The method of the invention makes it possible to significantly reduce the rate of occurrence of anode effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Rio Tinto Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Sylvain Fardeau, Benoît Sulmont
  • Patent number: 8961749
    Abstract: The electrical connection device connecting the cells in series comprises: a first conductor (16) connected to the cathode assembly of cell (N?1) and to the anode frame of cell (N), having a portion (19) located between said pots (N?1) and (N) in which the current (I) flows in the direction of the alignment axis (x) of the pots; a second conductor (24) connected to the cathode assembly of cell (N) and to the anode frame of cell (N+1), having a portion (23) located between said pots (N?1) and (N) in which the current flows away from the axis. short-circuiting wedges (20, 21) housed between said portions (19, 23) of said conductors (16, 24); a third conductor (27) to balance the current flowing through the wedges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Rio Tinto Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Serge Despinasse, Yves Rochet, Sandra Berthe
  • Patent number: 8956770
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for optimizing the conductivity provided by the displacement of H+ protons and/or OH? ions in a conductive membrane made of a material permitting the insertion of steam into said membrane, wherein said method comprises the step of inserting under pressure gaseous flow containing the steam into said membrane in order to force said steam into said membrane under a certain partial pressure so as to obtained the desired conductivity at a given temperature, said partial pressure being higher than or equal to 1 bar, a drop in the operational temperature being compensated by an increase in said partial pressure in order to obtain the same desired conductivity. The invention can be used in particularly interesting applications in the fields of high-temperature water electrolysis for producing hydrogen, of the manufacture of fuel cells using hydrogen fuel, and of hydrogen separation and purification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignees: Areva, Societe des Ceramiques Techniques, Armines, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Béatrice Sala, Olivier Lacroix, Stéphanie Willemin, Kamal Rahmouni, Hisasi Takenouti, Arie Van Der Lee, Philippe Colomban, Patrice Goeuriot, Baroudi Benjeriou-Sedjerari
  • Patent number: 8877572
    Abstract: A graphene device manufacturing apparatus includes an electrode, a graphene structure including a metal catalyst layer formed on a substrate, a protection layer, and a graphene layer between the protection layer and the metal catalyst layer, a power unit configured to apply a voltage between the electrode and the metal catalyst layer, and an electrolyte in which the graphene structure is at least partially submerged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Joo-ho Lee, Yong-seok Jung, Yong-sung Kim, Chang-seung Lee, Chang-youl Moon
  • Patent number: 8852408
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell apparatus is disclosed where the cell has a chamber for containing an electrolyte. The chamber is situated between a bottom and a top substrate. One or more bottom windows are in the bottom substrate and one or more top windows are in the top substrate. Each window has a window cover facing the chamber. The top window and bottom window each have a portion in alignment so that an electron beam passes through both respective portions. A spacer is deposited between the top and bottom substrate and forming walls surrounding the chamber. Two or more electrodes, each having an interior portion that is within the chamber and electrically continuous with an exterior portion external to the chamber, are located on the chamber side of the bottom substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: S. Jay Chey, Mark den Heijer, Aparna Prabhakar, Frances M. Ross, Ranjani Sirdeshmukh
  • Patent number: 8833637
    Abstract: A device using the live welding method for aluminum electrolytic cell overhauling under series full current consists of short-circuit buses at the bottom of the cell (1), pillar buses (2), an anode bus (3), a balance bus (4), a inter-cell standby bus (5), a door-shaped pillar clamp (6), an arcuate clamp (7) of anode buses, a current conversion switch (8, a mechanical switching device (9) for the short-circuit port, a voltage sensor and wires thereof (10), a temperature sensor and wires thereof (11), a system (12) for data acquiring, displaying, analyzing and alarming, an A-side welding area (13), a B-side welding area (14) and compression-joint points (15) on pillar soft belts of overhauling cells; and the live welding method comprises the following steps: when welding is required to be performed in some zone, the currents of short-circuit buses at the bottom of the cell (1) and pillar buses (2) which influence the welding area most are cut off, the serial currents are shunted to other pillar buses (2), other
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: China Aluminum International Engineering Corporation Limited
    Inventors: Tao Yang, Bin Cao
  • Patent number: 8828316
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of a split and single electrical cells in industrial applications, and particularly in aseptic packaging applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Brandon L. Herdt, Junzhong Li
  • Patent number: 8784733
    Abstract: Chlorine dioxide generation systems and methods are disclosed. One or more reactants, such as sodium hypochlorite, may be electrolytically generated on-site for delivery to a reaction column. Low concentration reactants may be used to generate chlorine dioxide as part of a mixed oxy-chloro product stream containing free available chlorine. In at least one embodiment, an optical analyzer may be positioned along a reactant feed line to measure a concentration of reactant supplied to a reaction column. A controller may adjust a flow rate of the reactant in response to information provided by the optical analyzer. The controller may also perform pH control within the system. In some embodiments, the chlorine dioxide generator may be incorporated in an all-liquid water disinfection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Vince G. Alarid, Edward M. Martens, Bobby J. Owings, Glenn W. Holden
  • Patent number: 8758576
    Abstract: The device of the invention comprises a support having a surface comprising an attachment zone (Z) capable of being functionalized with a probe (A) capable of binding, according to the pH and reversibly, to a target (B) so as to attach it; a working electrode (WE) and a counterelectrode (CE) for this working electrode, arranged on the support in the vicinity of the attachment zone; and means for applying a given electric current or a given potential to said working electrode so as to cause, when said attachment zone and said electrodes are immersed in an aqueous solution, a local variation in pH in the region of said attachment zone. The method for attaching and/or detaching a target or an object according to the invention uses this device, the attachment and/or the detachment being electrochemically controlled with the working electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Celine Escoffier, Gilles Marchand, Frederic Revol-Cavalier, Francoise Vinet
  • Patent number: 8758578
    Abstract: A photoelectrochemical cell (100) includes: a semiconductor electrode (120) including a substrate (121), a first n-type semiconductor layer (122) disposed on the substrate (121), and a second n-type semiconductor layer (123) and a conductor (124) disposed apart from each other on the first n-type semiconductor layer (122); a counter electrode (130) connected electrically to the conductor (124); an electrolyte (140) in contact with surfaces of the second n-type semiconductor layer (123) and the counter electrode (130); and a container (110) accommodating the semiconductor electrode (120), the counter electrode (130) and the electrolyte (140).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takaiki Nomura, Takahiro Suzuki, Nobuhiro Miyata, Kazuhito Hato
  • Patent number: 8753490
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolyzer for producing sodium hypochlorite by electrolyzing brine such as salt water or seawater and the like, and more specifically to a horizontal non-membrane type electrolyzer of a new structure which can maintain a constant interval among electrode plates without using a welding means or an adhering means on the inside of a housing by including a separator for dividing an inner space of a hollow type housing into a plurality of electrode chambers; the electrode plates which are arranged in parallel to each other in the constant interval within a rectangular space part of the separator; and a fixing bar for fixing the separator to an inner wall of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Unitech Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Ki-Ha Shin, Il-Kyung Seo, Yoon-Seok Shin
  • Patent number: 8741182
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods for materials using compounds, polymeric compounds, and compositions used to prepare semiconductor and optoelectronic materials and devices including thin film and band gap materials. This invention provides a range of compounds, polymeric compounds, compositions, materials and methods directed ultimately toward photovoltaic applications, transparent conductive materials, as well as devices and systems for energy conversion, including solar cells. This invention further relates to thin film AIGS, AIS, and AGS materials made by a process of providing one or more polymeric precursor compounds or inks thereof, providing a substrate, depositing the compounds or inks onto the substrate; and heating the substrate at a temperature of from about 20° C. to about 650° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Precursor Energetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle L. Fujdala, Wayne A. Chomitz, Zhongliang Zhu, Matthew C. Kuchta, Qinglan Huang
  • Patent number: 8734625
    Abstract: A hydrogen generation device (100) of the present invention includes: a transparent substrate (1); a photocatalytic electrode (4) formed of a transparent conductive layer (2) and a photocatalytic layer (3) disposed on the transparent substrate (1); a counter electrode (8) connected electrically to the transparent conductive layer (2); a water-containing electrolyte solution layer provided between the photocatalytic electrode (3) and the counter electrode (8); a separator (6) that separates the electrolyte solution layer into a first electrolyte solution layer (5) in contact with the photocatalytic electrode (4) and a second electrolyte solution layer (7) in contact with the counter electrode (8); a first gas outlet (14) for discharging a gas generated in the first electrolyte solution layer (5); and a second gas outlet (15) for discharging a gas generated in the second electrolyte solution layer (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Suzuki, Takaiki Nomura, Kazuhito Hatoh, Noboru Taniguchi, Tomohiro Kuroha, Kenichi Tokuhiro
  • Patent number: 8722413
    Abstract: An automated system and process for the titration of either Waste vegetable oil (WVO) or virgin vegetable oil during its chemical conversion into Biodiesel. A system capable of automatically measuring and controlling the addition of a suitable amount of titration fluid is controlled in reaction to a pH level measurement tool, as determined by sensors and software. The process comprises forming a single phase solution of WVO and titrant in a ratio of between 10:1 to 50:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventors: Jimmy Gracia, Anthony Troy Hardtke, Eric Tallent
  • Patent number: 8702914
    Abstract: An oxygen generator having a honeycomb body composed of an oxygen ion conducting material is disclosed. The honeycomb body includes one or more air channels, each of which is composed of a plurality of the first channels and the first connecting holes therebetween to form a tortuous air flow path for lengthening the detention time of air, and oxygen collection channels, each of which is composed of a plurality of the second channels and the second connecting holes therebetween for oxygen passage. The first and second channels, which extend laterally through across the body and parallel to each other, are all sealed with glass members at both the front face and back face of the body. The source gas is provided and exhausted from one side face of the body to the other side face via a plurality of air inlets and air outlets, respectively, which laterally intersect the first channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: National Taipei University of Technology
    Inventors: Sea-Fue Wang, Anthony Lee
  • Patent number: 8697979
    Abstract: A system includes a microstructure layer, a photovoltaic layer disposed over the microstructure layer comprising a positive P-type layer and a negative N-type layer, a hydrogen collection micro-chamber formed through the microstructure layer and the negative layer, and an oxygen collection micro-chamber formed through the microstructure layer and the photovoltaic layer. A cathode may be disposed within the hydrogen collection micro-chamber and an anode may be disposed within the oxygen collection micro-chamber. The micro-chambers may be spaced between about 1 and 10 micrometers apart. An insulating layer may be disposed between the microstructure layer and the photovoltaic layer. A supplemental storage layer may be disposed over the photovoltaic layer such that a storage portion is in alignment with the hydrogen collection micro-chamber. MEMS actuators may be located at the ends of the hydrogen collection micro-chamber to facilitate hydrogen storage and release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Russel E. Clement, Ayax D. Ramirez, Jacob E. Clement
  • Patent number: 8691060
    Abstract: A water electrolysis apparatus includes an anode separator having a water flow field held in fluid communication with a water supply passage and a discharge passage. The water flow field includes a plurality of water channels, an arcuate inlet buffer, and an arcuate outlet buffer. The water channels have respective ends connected to the arcuate inlet buffer through respective inlet joint channels. The inlet joint channels are oriented at an angle of 90 degrees or greater with respect to respective tangential lines at the ends of the inlet joint channels which are connected to the arcuate inlet buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Haryu, Koji Nakazawa, Masanori Okabe, Kenji Taruya
  • Patent number: 8691407
    Abstract: A battery pack includes at least one bare cell, a protection circuit module (PCM) external to the at least one bare cell, and at least one conductive tab connecting the bare cell to the PCM, the conductive tabs including a non-magnetic portion and a magnetic portion on a region of the non-magnetic portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung-Ho Hong
  • Patent number: 8679305
    Abstract: A high-pressure hydrogen producing apparatus includes a cell device and a piston member. The piston member is to apply a pressing force to the cell device from an end of the piston member in a stacking direction in which unit cells are stacked. The piston member is provided with a first hydrogen passage, at least one second hydrogen passage, and a hydrogen lead-out passage. The first hydrogen passage and the second hydrogen passage are spaced at substantially equal angular intervals on a virtual circle centered on a center of an end face of the piston member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Nakazawa, Hiroyuki Ishikawa, Yuji Yamakawa
  • Patent number: 8663464
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for enhanced electrocoagulation processing using enhanced membrane aeration are disclosed for effluent treatment. The apparatus has an enrichment means for establishing an ion rich air/gas stream and a membrane aerator for receiving the ionized air/gas stream and effluent to be treated. An ionized air/gas rich effluent feed stream flows out of the membrane aerator and is received at an electrocoagulation processing assembly for diffused ion enhanced electrocoagulation treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: Reginald A. Wiemers, Robert Kohlheb, Peter H. Zahn
  • Patent number: 8663436
    Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes a high-pressure water electrolysis apparatus and a gas-liquid separation device. The gas-liquid separation device includes a block member which includes a gas-liquid separation opening and a water-level detection opening. The gas-liquid separation opening and the water-level detection opening extend substantially vertically and includes respective bottom portions which integrally communicate with a discharge pipe. The discharge pipe is disposed at a lower side portion of the block member. The water-level detection opening includes a top portion and a top water-level detection section. The block member further includes an inlet hole in which the hydrogen is introduced from the high-pressure water electrolysis device. The inlet hole is disposed at an upper side portion of the block member. The inlet hole is positioned above the top water-level detection section of the water-level detection opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Taruya, Koji Nakazawa, Hisashi Nagaoka, Daisuke Kurashina
  • Patent number: 8641874
    Abstract: This is an electrolytic apparatus and process for the production of Hypochlorous Acid (HClO) and Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) in a closed-loop arrangement. A brine solution in an electrolyzer cell is subjected to an electric current, causing HClO and/or NaOH to be produced in water circulated through the cell. The produced solution is recirculated through the cell as its chemical properties are monitored by a sensor, connected by a controller which controls a recirculating pump and the electric current, until the sensor indicates that the concentration of the solution has reached a desired value, and the controller stops the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Rayne Guest
    Inventor: John Kuiphoff
  • Patent number: 8636881
    Abstract: A process for electrolyzing a material to change at least a portion of the material from a first chemical state to a second chemical state includes placing a known quantity of a first substance into either a mixing chamber or an electrolysis chamber of an integrated electrochemical reactor, placing a known quantity of a second substance into the other chamber free of the first substance; sealing an opening to isolate an internal volume within the reactor; rotating the reactor to form a mixture, rotating the reactor again such that the mixture is transferred to the electrolysis chamber; electrolyzing the mixture in the electrolysis chamber to change at least a portion of the mixture from the first chemical state to the second chemical state; and analyzing the first substance, or analyzing the second substance, or analyzing the first chemical state, or analyzing the second chemical state, or any analytical combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventor: Michael A. May
  • Publication number: 20140023724
    Abstract: The problem of the present invention is to provide a method or the like for producing reduced water (hydrogen-enriched water), which is effective for various diseases caused by active oxygen, more efficiently than the conventional methods, by putting metallic magnesium or the like in water. Adding a metal such as magnesium, together with a solid phase contained in an anode of an oxidation-reduction reaction, to water increases the saturating amount of magnesium ions, and improves deterioration due to magnesium hydroxide being precipitated on the surface of the metallic magnesium. Thus, the abovementioned problem is solved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: Katsuya Fujimura
  • Patent number: 8603331
    Abstract: A tee shaped housing for a swimming pool chlorinator apparatus has three ports, a water inflow port, a water outflow port, and a port into which an electrode assembly unit is sealingly disposed. The electrode assembly includes a plurality of alternating anode and cathode plates which extend into the flow of water in the housing, and the plurality of plates is connected to a source of electrical current. When the electrode assembly is removed for cleaning, a dummy plug is inserted into the port to seal the port so that the flow of water through the housing may continue while the plates are being cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Danny L. Koble
  • Patent number: 8585933
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods for making materials using compounds, polymeric compounds, and compositions used to prepare semiconductor and optoelectronic materials and devices including thin film and band gap materials. This invention provides a range of compounds, polymeric compounds, compositions, materials and methods directed ultimately toward photovoltaic applications, transparent conductive materials, as well as devices and systems for energy conversion, including solar cells. This invention further relates to methods for making AIGS, AIS or AGS materials by providing one or more polymeric precursor compounds or inks thereof, providing a substrate, depositing the compounds or inks onto the substrate; and heating the substrate at a temperature of from about 20° C. to about 650° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Precursor Energetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle L. Fujdala, Wayne A. Chomitz, Zhongliang Zhu, Matthew C. Kuchta, Qinglan Huang