Having Specified Circuit Details Patents (Class 204/230.8)
  • Patent number: 11130104
    Abstract: A system for distributing ozonated fluid includes a manifold that contains a plurality of fluid paths and has one or more ozone intake ports. The ozone intake ports are fluidically coupled to one or more ozone output ports of one or more ozone supply units. The manifold includes a plurality of flow switches configured to transmit control signals to one or more controllers of each ozone supply unit in response to sensing a flow of water through the fluid paths in order to cause the ozone supply units to generate ozone. The manifold also includes a plurality of fluid mixers that are fluidically coupled to the ozone intake ports and configured to introduce the ozone generated by the ozone supply units into the water flowing through the fluid paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Inventor: Daniel W. Lynn
  • Patent number: 10801225
    Abstract: A pool maintenance system for maintaining desired characteristics of a body of water in fluid communication therewith, includes a chlorine generator having an integral power supply input, a water circulation pump in fluid communication with the body of water and with the chlorine generator via a series of water conduits, and a heat pump in fluid communication the water circulation pump. The water circulation pump and/or the heat pump incorporate an integral power supply/transformer functioning as a single shared power source communicatively integrating the chlorine generator with the respective water circulation pump and/or heat pump. A wired and/or wireless interface is provided electrically connected to the power supply and transformer integrated with the respective water circulation pump and or heat pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: AQUACAL AUTOPILOT, INC.
    Inventors: Rakesh Reddy, Kevin Doyle, William Kent
  • Patent number: 10435804
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for efficient on-demand production of H2 and O2 from water and heat using environmentally safe metals are disclosed. In one aspect, the apparatus for hydrogen generation through water-decomposition reaction includes a main reactor, an oxidizer reactor, and a computer-control system. The computer system is configured to control each of the components of the hydrogen gas production system for stable hydrogen-gas production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Marine Power Products Incorporated
    Inventor: Jeffrey Carey
  • Patent number: 10214820
    Abstract: A hydrogen generation system includes a pulsed drive signal generator to generate a pulsed drive signal, a hydrogen generation chamber to receive the pulsed drive signal and generate hydrogen from a feedstock material contained therein based on the pulsed drive signal and a controllable reactive circuit coupled between the pulsed drive signal generator and the hydrogen generation chamber. A hydrogen detection device is coupled to the hydrogen generation chamber to detect the generated hydrogen. A controller controls the controllable reactive circuit based on detection of the generated hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Joi Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Louis Koeneman, Traver Hall Kennedy
  • Patent number: 9845254
    Abstract: An ozone sparkling water supply apparatus includes a water supply and an ozone generator, wherein the ozone generator is communicated with the water supply via a first pipe. The ozone generator includes a main processor, a sensor electrically connected to the main processor and a fluid pressure switch communicated with the main processor via a second pipe, wherein the sensor and the fluid pressure switch correspond to each other. The fluid pressure switch starts the ozone generator for providing ozone into the water supply such that the water supply is capable of providing ozone sparkling water when the ozone is mixed into the water in the water supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: GEANN INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shiang-Shih Wang
  • Patent number: 9266760
    Abstract: An ozone faucet contains a body and a mixer. The body includes an outlet end and an ozone tube, and the outlet end has inner threads for screwing with a casing, between the casing and the outlet end is defined an accommodating space. The mixer includes a water guiding member, a resilient element, and a check tube. The water guiding member has a groove and a plurality of increasingly conical orifices, the resilient element is accommodated in the groove and has a stopping plug pushed by the resilient element. The check tube has a disc covering the water guiding member, the disc has a plurality of decreasingly conical apertures matching with the plurality of increasingly conical orifices The check tube also has a channel passing therethrough and contacting with the stopping plug, the mixer is secured in the accommodating space, and the check tube connects with the ozone tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: Geann Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsiang-Shih Wang
  • Publication number: 20150041327
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are electroplating systems for electroplating nickel onto a semiconductor substrate having an electroplating cell for holding an electrolyte solution during electroplating which includes a cathode chamber and an anode chamber configured to hold a nickel anode, and having an oxygen removal device arranged to reduce oxygen concentration in the electrolyte solution as it is flowed to the anode chamber during electroplating and during idle times when the system is not electroplating. Also disclosed herein are methods of electroplating nickel onto a substrate in an electroplating cell having anode and cathode chambers, which include reducing the oxygen concentration in an electrolyte solution, flowing the electrolyte solution into the anode chamber and contacting a nickel anode therein, and electroplating nickel from the electrolyte solution onto a substrate in the cathode chamber, wherein the electrolyte solution in the cathode chamber is maintained at a pH of between about 3.5 and 4.5.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Bryan L. Buckalew, Thomas A. Ponnuswamy, Ben Foley, Steven T. Mayer
  • Publication number: 20140246333
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for controlling mercury emissions, and more particularly, to methods for controlling mercury re-emissions from a wet flue gas desulfurizer by using applied electrochemical potential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventors: Rebecca Lee Stiles, Richard Mimna, Bruce A. Keiser
  • Publication number: 20140097093
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for electrolysis that does not require the use of a transformer to operate. The apparatus comprises one or more electrolytic cells which comprise the number of intermediate electrodes sufficient to enable the cell or cells to operate at the rectified line voltage without any need for voltage regulation, or near the rectified line voltage with only some voltage regulation, such as less than 20% of the rectified line voltage. Such regulation is achieved by using a buck or boost converter rather than a transformer, and can be varied to accommodate fluctuations in the line voltage and/or conductivity of the electrolyte, or varied to produce different chemistries in the same apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: MIOX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Geofrey Showalter, Justin Sanchez
  • Patent number: 8636878
    Abstract: This is a device and process to generate alternating current without an external source for cell-houses in electro-winning or electro-refining of copper or other products in which the electric source consists of a conventional rectifier-transformer group that supplies continuous electrical current to the cell-house, which is connected in parallel to a device characterized by having the capacity to extract an electrical current from the cell-house for a period of time and then return it in another period of time, whether periodically or semi-periodically and without changing the average value of the electrical current, supplied to the cell-house by the rectifier-transformer. This results in an electrical current in the cell-house that is the superimposition of a continuous and alternating current. This process is designed to overcome the barrier of electric potential produced by the presence of the pure continuous electric field in cell-houses through the electric agitation of an ion-rich electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hecker Electronics de Potencia y Procesos S.A.
    Inventor: Juan Pablo Bustos Robledo
  • Patent number: 8535492
    Abstract: A system providing selective spin modification and reaction in an electrolytic cell. An electrolytic cell is coupled to a magnet that provides a level-splitting magnetic field in a region of electrolyte adjacent to a working electrode, thus establishing a spin resonance for an unpaired electron associated with a chemical species in the region of electrolyte adjacent to the working electrode. The working electrode carries an excitation current produced by a switching source or amplifier. The excitation current produces an alternating magnetic field adjacent to the working electrode that alters the spin state population density for the unpaired electron associated with a chemical species within the electrolyte, thereby enhancing or inhibiting the reaction of the chemical species during subsequent electrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Mehlin Dean Matthews
  • Publication number: 20130182375
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solid electrolytic capacitor element including the steps of forming a semiconductor layer on a dielectric layer formed on surfaces of a plurality of anode bodies at one time. A step of forming a semiconductor layer includes repeating an electrolytic polymerization operation several times by applying a current from a power-feeding terminal that comes into contact with each anode body. Further, at least one of the electrolytic polymerization operations continuously applies a current while changing the amount of current between the range of 5 to 200 ?A per power-feeding terminal. Also disclosed is a jig for electrolytic polymerization for forming the semiconductor layer including a plurality of power supply circuits (i) capable of continuously changing the amount of current between a lower limit and an upper limit; and a power-feeding terminals (ii).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventors: Kazumi Naito, Masahiro Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20130122382
    Abstract: Provided are a carbon dioxide separator and method of use therefor for separating carbon dioxide gas from a mixed gas containing oxygen and carbon dioxide gases, said carbon dioxide separator comprising: a carbon dioxide separating stack having in sequence an anode electrode, an anion-exchange polymer electrolyte membrane and a cathode electrode; a reducing agent supply chamber for supplying a reducing agent to the anode electrode, said reducing agent supply chamber disposed on the outer surface of the anode electrode and comprising a space in which at least a part of the anode electrode side is exposed; and a mixed gas supply chamber for supplying the mixed gas to the cathode electrode, said mixed gas supply chamber disposed on an outer surface of the cathode electrode and comprising a space in which at least a part of the cathode electrode side is exposed. The anode and cathode electrodes are electrically connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirotaka Mizuhata, Shunsuke Sata, Akihito Yoshida, Tomohisa Yoshie
  • Publication number: 20130026029
    Abstract: CO2 conversation into organic molecules is based on the photo-oxidation of water into oxygen gas O2, protons H+, and electrons. The conversion of CO2 occurs at the photo-cathode and involves the generated protons, electrons and the “fuel” CO2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Sam Kayaert, Johan Martens, Kasper Masschaele
  • Publication number: 20130028000
    Abstract: A device for converting direct voltage from an electrochemical store or a fuel cell to alternating voltage, includes a two-stage design having a single DC/DC converter stage for generating an intermediate circuit voltage from the output voltage of the electrochemical store or the fuel cell, which converter stage converts, in particular raises, the direct voltage in a wide input voltage range directly to an intermediate circuit voltage with which a DC/AC converter stage can be operated to generate the alternating voltage. The single DC/AC converter stage generates the alternating voltage from the intermediate circuit voltage. The invention further relates to a method for actuating a device for converting direct voltage from a store or energy generator into alternating voltage for feeding into a supply network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: SMA Solar Technology AG
    Inventors: Jens-Uwe Mueller, Peter Witsch, Christian Ruehling, Andreas Falk, Torsten Leifert
  • Patent number: 8241469
    Abstract: A reactor cover, and a hydrogen generating apparatus and a fuel cell power generation system having the reactor cover are disclosed. The reactor cover includes a base panel; a control unit, which is coupled to one side of the base panel, and which regulates a reaction for generating the hydrogen; a circuit pattern buried in the base panel in electrical connection with the control unit; and an electrode pad formed on the other side of the base panel in electrical connection with the circuit pattern. In the reactor cover, the base panel and the control unit may be integrated, to eliminate unnecessary wiring, prevent short-circuiting, and consequently provide a reactor cover that can be fabricated and used more easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Hyoung Gil, Jae-Hyuk Jang, Bo-Sung Ku, Kyoung-Soo Chae
  • Publication number: 20120160703
    Abstract: Power distribution systems are useable in electrolytic reduction systems and include several cathode and anode assembly electrical contacts that permit flexible modular assembly numbers and placement in standardized connection configurations. Electrical contacts may be arranged at any position where assembly contact is desired. Electrical power may be provided via power cables attached to seating assemblies of the electrical contacts. Cathode and anode assembly electrical contacts may provide electrical power at any desired levels. Pairs of anode and cathode assembly electrical contacts may provide equal and opposite electrical power; different cathode assembly electrical contacts may provide different levels of electrical power to a same or different modular cathode assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC
    Inventors: Eugene R. Koehl, Laurel A. Barnes, Stanley G. Wiedmeyer, Mark A. Williamson, James L. Willit
  • Publication number: 20110180411
    Abstract: When a controller turns on a relay, a closed circuit constituted by a power supply device, a wire, a resistance, a relay and wires is formed. This causes a current to flow through the closed circuit. The power supply device performs constant current control. The controller compares a measured voltage value output from a voltage detecting circuit with a preset reference voltage value. In the case of no connection failure of the wire, the measured voltage value substantially equals to the reference voltage value. In the case of connection failure of the wire, the measured voltage value is larger than the reference voltage value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenichirou NISHIWAKI
  • Publication number: 20110155565
    Abstract: A microfluidic driving system includes a first planar electrode, a second planar electrode, a third planar electrode, a fourth planar electrode, a power supply unit and a detection module. The second, third and fourth planar electrodes are disposed parallel to the first planar electrode and face-to-face with the first planar electrode to form an accommodation space for accommodating a fluid. An AC power is provided by the power supply unit and an AC electrical field is applied by alternately connecting the third planar electrode and the fourth planar electrode with the first planar electrode for driving the first fluid and the second fluid to flow; and then AC electrical field is also applied by connecting the second planar electrode to the first planar electrode to mix the first fluid and the second fluid. Finally, a detection is performed upon a mixture of the fluids through the detection module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: NATIONAL CHUNG CHENG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Wen-Hsin HSIEH, Jhih-Lin CHEN, Wei-Hung SHIH
  • Publication number: 20110100837
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the processing of fluids and/or their carriers. Carriers may comprise pipes, tubes and the like or reservoirs for the distribution and/or storage of fluids. In one form, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus that is suitable for use in the treatment of various fluids, such as water, by introducing at least one chemically active metal into the water and its carriers for disinfection of the water in a controlled manner. The invention also relates to a biasing means for displacement of an electrode arrangement to allow for the introduction of ions into a fluid at a controlled or easily monitored rate that is commensurate with the amount of fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: WONDER WATER PTY LTD
    Inventor: William Ernest BRIGGS
  • Patent number: 7901547
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical device for impeding corrosion of a metal body. The electrical device includes a driver circuit including at least one inductive component. The driver circuit is suitable for driving one or more pads coupled to the metal body so that corrosion of the metal body is impeded. A control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the driver circuit. A feedback circuit provides feedback from the driver circuit to the control circuit. The driver circuit can operate as a resonant circuit, owing to the at least one inductive component, and ballast energy applied to the pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Couplertec Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Robin Richardson
  • Patent number: 7879205
    Abstract: A hydrogen generating apparatus, capable of controlling the amount of hydrogen generation, has an electrolyzer, which is filled with an aqueous electrolyte solution containing hydrogen ions, a first electrode, which is accommodated in the electrolyzer, is submerged in the aqueous electrolyte solution, and generates electrons, a second electrode, which is accommodated in the electrolyzer, is submerged in the aqueous electrolyte solution, and receives the electrons to generate hydrogen, a switch, which is located between the first electrode and the second electrode, a flow rate meter, which measures an amount of hydrogen generation in the second electrode, and a switch controller, which receives a set value, compares the amount of hydrogen generation measured by the flow rate meter with the set value, and controls an on/off status of the switch. The amount of hydrogen generation can be controlled by use of on/off time and/or on/of frequency of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Hyoung Gil, Jae-Hyuk Jang, Arunabha Kundu, Sung-Han Kim, Kyoungsoo Chae
  • Publication number: 20110011749
    Abstract: A process for separation of a target ion from a fluid mixture containing the ion as well as a fluid non-ionic component includes flowing a mixture of the fluid and the ion through a separation zone containing positive and negative plates. The positive plate has a surface layer of negative polarity and the negative plate has a surface layer of positive polarity. An electrical potential is applied across the plates using a selected voltage. The mixture flows along at least one of the positive and negative plates such that target ions are attracted to the plate of opposite charge caused by the electrical potential. At the selected voltage, the surface layers of the positive plate and negative plates having the same polarity as an attracted positive or negative ion has surface groups that repel the attracted ions as they flow past the plate surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Christian Gollmann
  • Publication number: 20100326821
    Abstract: An electrolyte apparatus wherein an electric-field inducing material capable of forming a uniform electric field between electrodes is arranged between the electrodes, so as to obtain sufficient electrolysis, although a low voltage is applied thereto, based on the fact that a voltage applied to electrodes is closely related to an electric field generated therebetween, and a device including the same is provided. The electric-field inducing material includes a conductive material bound to a non-conductive material, wherein the conductive material is randomly distributed in the accepting area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jee Yong Kim
  • Publication number: 20100140108
    Abstract: A method for improving the precision of electrochemical measurements made using an electrochemical cell is provided. The method comprises preconditioning a working electrode of the cell by (i) baking the working electrode; and/or (ii) incubating the working electrode; and/or (iii) applying a preconditioning potential across the cell; and/or (iv) treating the working electrode with a UV laser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Patricia Mary Elizabeth Roblin, Mark Hyland, Christopher Paul Newman
  • Publication number: 20100116648
    Abstract: A hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas generator includes a metal thin walled tube having a certain inner diameter, an insulation tube inserted into an inner surface of the tube, an electrolyte plate unit composed of multiple electrolyte plates with multiple holes and loops with certain thickness a frontal cover provided on a front of the metal thin walled tube and which includes a frontal inlet formed at the bottom and a frontal outlet formed at a top, a frontal insulator which disconnects electricity between the frontal cover and the tube, a rear cover provided on a rear of the metal thin walled tube and which includes a the rear inlet at the bottom and a rear outlet at the top, a rear insulator which disconnect electricity between the rear cover and the tube and a heat-protective plate covered with multiple heat-protective pins, provided in the metal thin walled tube between the front and rear covers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Boo-Sung Hwang
  • Publication number: 20090283402
    Abstract: A compact and portable system adapted for use in decomposing water and separating an oxygen rich gaseous stream and a hydrogen rich gaseous stream which produces a massive output of Hydrogen fuel, (along with the proportional amount of oxygen) capable of operating at varying levels of output, on-demand. This system can interface easily with existing technologies to power standard motor vehicles (gas, diesel, ethanol or hydrogen systems), recreational vehicles, home energy systems and home appliances, commercial/industrial power generators, smelters and much more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Dana Charles Osman
  • Patent number: 7615138
    Abstract: An electrolysis system (100) is provided. In addition to an electrolysis tank (101) and a membrane (105) separating the tank into two regions, the system includes at least one pair of low voltage electrodes (115/117) of a first type comprised of a first material, at least one pair of low voltage electrodes (117/118) of a second type comprised of a second material different from the first material, and at least one pair of high voltage electrodes (121/122) comprised of a material that may be the same as either the first or second material or different from both the first and second material. The low voltage applied to the low voltage electrodes and the high voltage applied to the high voltage electrodes is pulsed with the pulses occurring simultaneously with the same pulse duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: Nehemia Davidson
  • Patent number: 7604718
    Abstract: A dynamically configurable electrode includes a first planar electrode and a planar array of pixels in a different plane, wherein a polarizable liquid medium (including electrolyte solutions) is to reside in the gap between electrodes. The pixels are individually addressable by a time-varying voltage, and adjacent pixels receive, at any instant in time, either the same voltage waveform or a different voltage waveform. Adjacent pixels receiving different voltage waveforms generate corresponding movement of dipolar entities, including dipolar particles, ions, or dipolar molecules in the polarizable liquid medium between the electrodes, which can in turn generate fluid flow and movement of particles suspended in the fluid along the planar array surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: BioArray Solutions Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi Zhang, Michael Seul
  • Publication number: 20090130506
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating hydrogen and a fuel cell power generation system equipped with the apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus can include an electrolyte bath containing the electrolyte solution, an anode positioned inside the electrolyte bath and configured to generate electrons, a cathode positioned inside the electrolyte bath and configured to receive the electrons from the anode to generate hydrogen, and a supplementary device configured to increase an amount of the hydrogen generated. The apparatus can be utilized to increase the amount of hydrogen generation at initial operation and reduce the time required to reach steady state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Hyuk Jang, Kyoung-Soo Chae, Jae-Hyoung Gil
  • Patent number: 7429314
    Abstract: Device for equipment of a cell (1) comprising an electrolytic bath (4) covered with a crust (5), with a chisel (13) that can be moved vertically between a high position in which it is above the crust (5) and a low position in which the crust (5) is perforated and in which contact is made with the bath (4), the device (11) comprising means of detecting electrical contact between the chisel (13) and the bath (4), these means comprising an electrical circuit (19) capable of making an electrical measurement between the chisel (13) and a point (20) in the cell used as an electrical reference, and taking immediate action on the actuator to cause vertical upwards displacement of the chisel when a predetermined value of an electrical measurement is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Aluminium Pechiney
    Inventors: Sebastien Couvreur, Jerome Bos, Silvino Caetano, Christian Dreyer
  • Patent number: 7041203
    Abstract: Multi-directional currents are generated in a medium by cyclically reversing the direction of a conventional current applied to at least one of at least two electrodes so that an electromotive force (EMF) pulse travels from side of the electrode to the other, changing the direction of current in the medium. The multi-directional currents may be used to accelerate electrolytic processes such as generation of hydrogen by water electrolysis, to sterilize water for drinking, to supply charging current to a battery or capacitor, including a capacitive thrust module, in a way that extends the life and/or improves the performance of the battery or capacitor, to increase the range of an electromagnetic projectile launcher, and to increase the light output of a cold cathode light tube, to name just a few of the potential applications for the multi-directional currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventor: John Timothy Sullivan
  • Patent number: 6994777
    Abstract: A chemical sensor for detecting the presence of one or more analytes. The sensor comprises at least one electrode pair and a photopolymerized electrically conducting polymer composition disposed in contact between each of the electrode pairs. Each polymer composition may include an organic polymer capable of interacting with one or more analytes. The sensor also comprises a means for delivering an analyte to each polymer composition, and a means for processing the resultant electronic signal from each polymer composition and electrode pair. Preferably, the sensor comprises a plurality of different polymer compositions, each with a dedicated electrode pair, to generate a collection of signals that provide a fingerprint unique to a particular analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.
    Inventors: Anuncia Gonzalez-Martin, Jinseong Kim, Harry Jabs, Armando Solar, Larris Andrew Rutherford, Jr., Daniel Westerheim
  • Patent number: 6984295
    Abstract: An electrolytic process of ozone generation using platinum-coated titanium grid as cathode, ?-PbO2 deposited on the grid as anode, and batteries in conjunction with supercapacitors as a DC power source is described. No membrane is required to separate the electrodes, and a neutral salt such as NaCl is used to enhance the generation of ozone gas. The electrolytic apparatus comprising a cell, the electrodes, and a bubbler can also be inserted directly in water that needs ozone treatment. As batteries can power the ozone generation, the apparatus can be disposed at point-of-use and away from the city electricity. The electrolytic apparatus can be used for sterilization of water for pharmaceutical industry, household water supply, for surface cleaning of semiconductors, meats, fish, fruits, as well as for disinfection of SPA water and personal hygiene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Luxon Energy Devices Corporation
    Inventors: Lin-Ren Shiue, Chia-Chann Shiue, Hsing-Chen Chung, Fei-Chen Hsieh, Yu-His Hsieh, Jiung-Jau Jou
  • Patent number: 6893551
    Abstract: A process for forming oxide based dense ceramic composite coatings on reactive metal and allow bodies involves suspension of at least two reactive metal or alloy bodies in a non-metallic, non-conducting, non-reactive chamber in such a way that it causes either partial or full immersion of the bodies in a continuously circulating electrolyte. Thyristor controlled, modified shaped wave multiphase alternating current power supply is applied across the bodies where in each body is connected to an electrode. Electric current supplied to the bodies is slowly increased to a particular value till the required current density is achieved and the maintained at the same level throughout the process. Visible arcing at the surface of the immersed regions of the bodies is identified when the applied electric potential crosses 60V. Electric potential is further increased gradually to compensate the increasing resistance of the coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI)
    Inventors: Lingamaneni Rama Krishna, Alexander Vasilyevich Rybalko, Govindan Sundararajan
  • Patent number: 6797134
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for electrolyzing water for enhanced production of oxygen, hydrogen and heat by the steps of (i) providing an electrochemical cell comprising an isotopic hydrogen storage cathode, an electrically conductive anode and an ionically conducting electrolyte comprising water, and (ii) impressing a repeating sequence of voltages across the cathode and anode comprised of at least two cell voltage regimes, a first cell voltage regime consisting of a voltage sufficient to enhance cathodic absorption of hydrogen, and a second cell voltage regime consisting of at least one voltage pulse which is at least two times the voltage of the first cell voltage regime for a total duration no greater than 0.10 seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Lectro Press, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman L. Weinberg, Klaus Tomantschger, Robert S. Feldstein, J. David Genders, Joseph M. Rait
  • Patent number: 6689259
    Abstract: The present invention is a device, which generates a hydrogen and oxygen gas, preferably used for welding. The hydrogen and oxygen gas is generated by an electrolyzing process. Electrolyte is pumped into the hydrogen-oxygen generator where the gas is separated from the electrolyte by applying a direct current voltage across the generator. Oxygen is formed in one part, hydrogen in the other and then combined to form the gas. As the gas is generated, pressure is built up. When the pressure reaches an operating pressure, the gas is pumped via the plumbing system into the electrolyte reservoir, through a filtering process, and stored in a gas reservoir that is connected to a supply line. In operation the supply line is attached to a torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Dennis Klein
  • Publication number: 20040007456
    Abstract: The present invention is drawn to the electrolysis of fluids in a lab-on-a-chip environment for generating gases. Various lab-on-a-chip embodiments are described along with a method of generating gas in a lab-on-a-chip environment. The method comprises the steps of (a) providing a substrate having active circuitry thereon, at least a portion of said active circuitry being readable by a computer; (b) providing an electrolytic cell configured for communication with the active circuitry, said electrolytic cell comprising an anode and a cathode in an electrolytic fluid bath; and (c) generating a gas in the electrolytic fluid bath by creating an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode through the electrolytic fluid bath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Clayton L. Holstun, David Tyvoll
  • Patent number: 6666960
    Abstract: An electroplating current supply system includes a power supply unit for supplying an object to be plated (4) with an electroplating current whose polarity is inverted at predetermined intervals. The power supply unit includes a first DC power supply (3A) supplying a positive current and a second power supply (3B) supplying a negative current. The system includes further a processing unit (58) for controlling the ratio in magnitude and duration of the positive current (I2) to the negative current (I1) supplied to the object so as to plate the object with a uniform coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Sansha Electric Manufacturing Company, Limited
    Inventors: Toru Arai, Makoto Sakurada, Yoshiyuki Nishioka
  • Patent number: 6632334
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing microelectronic workpieces. The apparatus can include a housing at least partially enclosing a process environment, with a first processing chamber and a second processing chamber positioned within the housing. The first processing chamber can have a first electrically powered device, such as a first anode and/or a first cathode, and the second processing chamber can have a second electrically powered device, such as a second anode and/or a second cathode. A first power supply is electrically coupled to the first processing chamber to provide electrical power to at least one of a first anode and a first cathode, and a second power supply is electrically coupled to the second processing chamber to provide electrical power to at least one of the second anode and the second cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Anderson, Tim McGlenn, Steve L. Eudy
  • Patent number: 6627051
    Abstract: A cathode current control system employing a current thief for use in electroplating a wafer is set forth. The current thief comprises a plurality of conductive segments disposed to substantially surround a peripheral region of the wafer. A first plurality of resistance devices are used, each associated with a respective one of the plurality of conductive segments. The resistance devices are used to regulate current through the respective conductive finger during electroplating of the wafer. Various constructions are used for the current thief and further conductive elements, such as fingers, may also be employed in the system. As with the conductive segments, current through the fingers may also be individually controlled. In accordance with one embodiment of the overall system, selection of the resistance of each respective resistance devices is automatically controlled in accordance with predetermined programming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Berner, Joseph J. Fatula, Jr., Robert Hitzfeld, Richard Contreras, Andrew Chiu
  • Publication number: 20030168349
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for electrochemically generating one or more gases under high pressure, comprising: a container (1, 6) comprising one or more chambers (7, 8) for filling with electrolyte; a first (2, 10) and a second (2, 11) electrode over which a voltage difference can be applied in order to bring about an electrochemical generation in the container (1, 6); wherein the content of a chamber (7, 8) is in the order of magnitude of a few millilitres or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: Sebastiaan Bohm, Albert Van Den Berg, Heiko Jan Van Der Linden
  • Patent number: 6599415
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for electropolishing a workpiece without immersing the workpiece in a bath of electrolytic solution. The workpiece is held in an atmospheric environment, while electrolytic solution is discharged from a reservoir in the form of a plurality of jet streams onto the surface of the workpiece. A voltage difference is applied across the workpiece and the jet streams, thereby inducing a current to flow, between the workpiece acting as anode and the jet streams acting as cathode. The workpiece may be rotated about an axis and moved linearly along the same axis while the jet streams of electrolytic solution are discharged onto the workpiece. Anodic dissolution causes polishing of the workpiece surface. The electrolytic solution may be collected after discharge and recycled back into the reservoir, after being filtered and cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu-Chun Ku, Ryan John Santos
  • Patent number: 6589403
    Abstract: There is provided an electrolysis gas converter, which prevents excessive gas generation and can maintain a constant amount of gas conversion even if outside air conditions such as humidity changes. The converter, which provides DC current to a jointed electrochemical device 8 comprising a solid polymer electrolytic film 3 between an anode 1 and a cathode 2 having a catalytic layer on a base substrate of conductive porous material, comprises means 11 and 17 which provide a fixed current to the jointed electrochemical device 8.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Ikeda, Akihiko Iwata, Shigeo Ueguri, Yoshikazu Tsunoda
  • Patent number: 6500317
    Abstract: The present invention provides a conductivity sensing device capable of detecting the conductivity (contact state) of the plurality of feeder contacts contacting the conductive area of the substrate, and a plating apparatus capable of forming a plating film of uniform thickness by supplying a uniform plating current through a plurality of feeder contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Junichiro Yoshioka, Satoshi Sendai, Atsushi Chono, Mitsuo Tada, Akihisa Hongo, Yoshitaka Mukaiyama, Kenya Tomioka, Akira Ogata, Kenichi Suzuki, Naomitsu Ozawa
  • Patent number: 6432282
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that supplies electricity to a substrate. In one embodiment, the device includes multiple contacts, a current sensor, and a current regulator. The current sensor is attached to each of the plurality of contacts to sense their electric current. A current regulator controls current applied to each of the multiple contacts in response to the current sensor. In another embodiment, a compliant ridge is formed about the periphery of each contact to seal the contact from undesired chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Shamouil Shamouilian, Anada H. Kumar, Donald J. Olgado, Joseph J. Stevens, Ricardo Leon, Jon Clinton
  • Patent number: 6391167
    Abstract: A water chlorinator comprises a housing having in-line inlet and outlet openings and a removable cover. The cover supports two electrode terminals which are spaced apart and have corresponding rods extending therefrom through concentric anode and cathode discs. Alternate discs are electrically connected to each rod. The power supply is a DC supply which includes an input bridge connected to a buck convertor and an output relay arranged to switch the output from the convertor to the electrodes of the chlorinator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Integrated Pool Products (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Ingo W. Grannersberger
  • Patent number: 6224721
    Abstract: An electroplating apparatus including an elongated, hollow conductive anode tube having first and second ends, an inner conductive surface, and an outer conductive surface from which sacrificial plating metal may be suspended. An elongated cathode conductor is disposed within the hollow conductive anode tube, the cathode conductor having first and second ends, corresponding to the first and second ends of the anode tube, and an outer conductive surface. An insulation layer is placed between the outer surface of the cathode conductor and the inner surface of the anode tube. Power and ground cables respectively connect a power supply to the first end of the anode tube and the first end of the cathode conductor, and a conductive jumper connects the second end of the cathode conductor to an elongated cathode bar, from which articles to be plated may be suspended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Nelson Solid Temp, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn M. Nelson, Tadeusz Maslach
  • Patent number: 6168692
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating alkali ion water includes an electrolytic cell. At least two electrodes are disposed in the electrolytic cell. A diaphragm disposed in the electrolytic cell extends between the electrodes. A dc voltage is supplied to the electrodes. A mean value of the dc voltage is varied at a given inclination. A first detecting device operates to detect an ac current and generate a signal representative thereof. The dc voltage is derived from the ac current. A second detecting device operates to detect the mean value of the dc voltage in response to the signal generated by the first detecting device. A third detecting device operates to detect an inclination in a variation in the mean value of the dc voltage in response to the mean value of the dc voltage which is detected by the second detecting device. The mean value of the dc voltage is controlled in response to the inclination detected by the third detecting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshisuke Sakai, Narumi Nagase