Recirculation Patents (Class 204/234)
  • Patent number: 10794427
    Abstract: A non-conventional, low temperature, process for applying a thin electrically insulating coating arrangement with high density, high purity, minimal porosity, and improved adhesion strength to a steel bearing component is provided. The bearing component is formed from steel and machined or otherwise formed to a near net shape. A high purity aluminum is electro-chemically deposited on the steel bearing component using a non-aqueous electrolyte in an inert environment to form a high purity aluminum coating at least over a portion of the steel bearing component. A surface of the high purity aluminum coating is then converted by an acid-bath into aluminum oxide to form an insulating layer. A bearing component and a bearing having such components is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventor: Michael White
  • Patent number: 10407790
    Abstract: Provided here is a method for providing a coating on a plurality of substrate particles utilizing concurrent dissolution and deposition processes occurring among a plurality of source particles. Both the plurality of source particles and the plurality of substrate particles are freely immersed in the aqueous solution to form a slurry. A pH of the aqueous solution the electrochemical potential between the plurality of source particles and the aqueous solution establishes the source particles at a corrosion potential providing the concurrent dissolution and re-deposition of a cationic species on the source particles. Agitation of the slurry generates close proximity and/or brief contact between source and substrate particles causing substrate particles pass through the local environment of the source particles, resulting in some portion of the cationic species depositing at nucleation sites on the substrate particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Andrew C. Johannes, Sebastian Osswald
  • Patent number: 10316418
    Abstract: The present invention relates an excess microbubble hydrogen preparation device, which belongs to the technical field of electrolysis equipment. The device comprises a water container which is respectively provided with a water inlet and a water outlet; at least one pair of a cathode and an anode are arranged within the water container; a water-permeable porous membrane is clamped between the coupled cathode and anode with no gap; the area of the inside of the water-permeable porous membrane opposite the cathode or the anode is smaller than the area of the inside of the cathode or the anode opposite the water-permeable porous membrane, and the thickness of the water-permeable porous membrane is less than 5 mm. The device can generate massive amounts of ultroultra-micro bubble hydrogen, and at the same time, very little oxygen is generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: DALIAN SHUANGDI INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Zhibang Xiao
  • Patent number: 10299512
    Abstract: Disposable electronic-cigarette cartridge; the electronic-cigarette cartridge having: a hygroscopic plug; a liquid substance which impregnates the hygroscopic plug and is vaporized in use; and a surface covering, which is located on the outside of the hygroscopic plug, completely covers the hygroscopic plug itself, is impermeable to liquids, and is permeable to gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: G.D. SOCIETA'PER AZIONI
    Inventors: Gilberto Spirito, Stefano Negrini
  • Patent number: 9799864
    Abstract: A battery is provided. The battery includes a positive electrode; a negative electrode; and a separator; wherein the separator comprises a base which is formed from a non-woven fabric, and a surface layer which is formed on at least one of the surfaces of the base and includes a resin material and inorganic particles, and the separator is formed by a pressurizing process being carried out on at least one of the surfaces of the surface layer, a thickness of the base is 12 ?m or more and 30 ?m or less, an average particle diameter of primary particles of the inorganic particles is 0.3 ?m or more and 0.8 ?m or less, a thickness of the surface layer is 1 ?m or more and 10 ?m or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Okamoto
  • Patent number: 8945368
    Abstract: Apparatus for separating CO2 from an electrolyte solution are provided. Example apparatus can include: a vessel defining an interior volume and configured to house an electrolyte solution; an input conduit in fluid communication with the interior volume; an output conduit in fluid communication with the interior volume; an exhaust conduit in fluid communication with the interior volume; and an anode located within the interior volume. Other example apparatus can include: an elongated vessel having two regions; an input conduit extending outwardly from the one region; an output conduit extending outwardly from the other region; an exhaust conduit in fluid communication with the one region; and an anode located within the one region. Methods for separating CO2 from an electrolyte solution are provided. Example methods can include: providing a CO2 rich electrolyte solution to a vessel containing an anode; and distributing hydrogen from the anode to acidify the electrolyte solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Peter C. Rieke, Silas A. Towne, Greg W. Coffey, Aaron M. Appel
  • Patent number: 8894926
    Abstract: It is to provide a mechanism where a sterilization process using a concentrated sterilizing agent and a sterilization process using a sterilizing agent that has not been concentrated can be switched without changing the sterilization process. In the case where the concentrated mode is received by receiving means the transfer of the sterilizing agent to the concentration chamber is controlled according to a first timing, and in the case where the non-concentrated mode is received by the receiving means, the transfer of the sterilizing agent to the concentration chamber is controlled according to a second timing, wherein the first timing is different from the second timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignees: Canon Marketing Japan Kabushiki Kaisha, Elk Corporation, Kabushiki Kaisha Elquest
    Inventors: Yasushi Hanada, Takashi Koyama
  • Publication number: 20140144788
    Abstract: A system [100?] and process [100] for the continuous recovery of metals is disclosed. The system [100?] comprises a continuous acid wash system [10?], a holding tank [60], a continuous elution system [20?], a continuous electrowinning system [40?], a carbon regeneration system [30?], and a continuous carbon loading/adsorption system [70?]. The systems and methods disclosed overcome the disadvantages associated with current systems and processes which utilize batch process steps and equipment designed for batch processes. The systems [10?, 20?, 30?] are each configured to receive a continuous inflow of a solution or slurry and deliver a continuous outflow of a solution or slurry, without interruptions which are common with conventional metal recovery systems [9000?].
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: FLSmidth A/S
    Inventor: Cameron Barton
  • Publication number: 20130306483
    Abstract: A plating apparatus plates a substrate with Sn alloy to form an Sn alloy film on a surface of the substrate. The apparatus includes: a plating bath for retaining a plating solution therein, the substrate being immersed in the plating solution in a position opposite to an insoluble anode; a plating solution dialysis line for extracting the plating solution from the plating bath and returning the plating solution to the plating bath; a dialysis cell provided in the plating solution dialysis line and configured to remove a free acid from the plating solution by dialysis using an anion exchange membrane; a free acid concentration analyzer; and a controller for controlling a flow rate of the plating solution flowing through the plating solution dialysis line based on the concentration of the free acid measured by the free acid concentration analyzer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: EBARA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuji ARAKI, Masashi SHIMOYAMA
  • Publication number: 20130186775
    Abstract: Apparatus for separating CO2 from an electrolyte solution are provided. Example apparatus can include: a vessel defining an interior volume and configured to house an electrolyte solution; an input conduit in fluid communication with the interior volume; an output conduit in fluid communication with the interior volume; an exhaust conduit in fluid communication with the interior volume; and an anode located within the interior volume. Other example apparatus can include: an elongated vessel having two regions; an input conduit extending outwardly from the one region; an output conduit extending outwardly from the other region; an exhaust conduit in fluid communication with the one region; and an anode located within the one region. Methods for separating CO2 from an electrolyte solution are provided. Example methods can include: providing a CO2 rich electrolyte solution to a vessel containing an anode; and distributing hydrogen from the anode to acidify the electrolyte solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventor: Battelle Memorial Institute
  • Publication number: 20130171808
    Abstract: This disclosure presents manufacturing methods and apparatus designs for making TFSSs from both sides of a re-usable semiconductor template, thus effectively increasing the substrate manufacturing throughput and reducing the substrate manufacturing cost. This approach also reduces the amortized starting template cost per manufactured substrate (TFSS) by about a factor of 2 for a given number of template reuse cycles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: SOLEXEL, INC.
    Inventors: Mehrdad M. Moslehi, Karl-Josef Kramer, David Xuan-Qi Wang, Pawan Kapur, Somnath Nag, George D. Kamian, Jay Ashjaee, Takao Yonehara
  • Publication number: 20130095649
    Abstract: Ions depleted from a chemical bath by a reaction such as plating are continually replenished by production and moving of ions through selectively permeable membranes while isolating potential contaminant ions from the chemical bath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tien-Jen Cheng, John Anthony Fitzsimmons, David E. Speed, Keith Kwong Hon Wong
  • Publication number: 20130001094
    Abstract: The application generally relates to a process for generating hydrogen, oxygen or both from water. More particularly, the application generally relates to a lanthanide-mediated electrochemical and/or photoelectrochemical process for generating hydrogen, oxygen or both from water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: MOLYCORP MINERALS, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Cable, Anthony J. Perrotta, Carl Hassler, John Burba
  • Publication number: 20120298521
    Abstract: Electrolyte supply tanks and bubbler tanks for oxyhydrogen gas generation systems are provided which eliminate the introduction of electrolyte and water into the induction systems of internal combustion engines. Both types of tanks are equipped with porous polyethylene gas diffusers which break up incoming gas into microscopic bubbles, thereby facilitating the absorption of electrolyte mist and droplets returning to the electrolyte supply tank and minimizing splashing of incoming gas in bubbler tanks. Air diffusers having an average pore diameter of about 70 ?m are installed near the bottom of the electrolyte supply tanks, while air diffusers having an average pore diameter of about 35 ?m are installed near the bottom of the bubbler tanks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: David Thomas Richardson
  • Patent number: 8157972
    Abstract: An electrolytic water treatment system improving upon the electrode life of electrolytic oxygen generators by reducing mineral precipitation and fouling that typically occurs in water treatment systems. The electrolytic water treatment system can include a softened water bypass stream into which a flow-through electrolytic element can be positioned. By eliminating exposure of the electrolytic element to hard water, scale formation on electrodes can be significantly reduced such that polarity reversal cycles of the electrolytic element decrease in frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Oxygenator Water Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolph R. Hegel, Karl J. Fritze
  • Publication number: 20120085643
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention an electrolytic cell is provided comprising a containment vessel; a first electrode; a second electrode; a source of electrical current in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; an electrolyte in fluid communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; a gas, wherein the gas is formed during electrolysis at or near the first electrode; and a separator; wherein the separator includes an inclined surface to direct flow of the electrolyte and the gas due to a difference between density of the electrolyte and the combined density of the electrolyte and the gas such that the gas substantially flows in a direction distal to the second electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy E. McAlister
  • Patent number: 8012318
    Abstract: A system and process for recovering copper from a copper-containing ore, concentrate, or other copper-bearing material to produce high quality cathode copper from a leach solution without the use of copper solvent/solution extraction techniques or apparatus. A process for recovering copper from a copper-containing ore generally includes the steps of providing a feed stream containing comminuted copper-containing ore, concentrate, or other copper-bearing material, leaching the feed stream to yield a copper-containing solution, conditioning the copper-containing solution through one or more physical or chemical conditioning steps, and electrowinning copper directly from the copper-containing solution in multiple electrowinning stages, without subjecting the copper-containing solution to solvent/solution extraction prior to electrowinning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Freeport-McMoran Corporation
    Inventors: John O Marsden, Robert E Brewer, Susan R Brewer, Joanna M Robertson, David R Baughman, Philip Thompson, Wayne W Hazen, Christel M. A. Bemelmans
  • Publication number: 20110210006
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process which is used to plate functional layers of acidic or alkaline zinc or zinc alloy baths which contain nitrogenous organic additives, a soluble zinc salt and if necessary other metal salts selected from Fe, Ni, Co and Sn salts, where the bath composition for the regeneration is conveyed through an appropriate device having an ion exchanger resin to remove cyanide ions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventor: Serdar Turan Karagöl
  • Publication number: 20110147227
    Abstract: A method and system of separating an acid from an acid-salt solution produced in an electrochemical system using an ion exchange resin bed, by processing the acid-salt solution through the ion exchange resin bed such that the acid is retarded at the bottom of the bed and a de-acidified salt solution is recovered from the top of the bed. After removing the salt solution from the bed, the acid is recovered by back-flushing the resin bed with water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Ryan J. Gilliam, Nigel Antony Knott, Michael Kostowskyj
  • Publication number: 20110083968
    Abstract: An alkaline production system comprising an electrochemical unit comprising a hydrogen-oxidizing anode, a cathode compartment comprising a cathode and a hydrogen delivery system configured to deliver hydrogen gas to the anode, wherein the system configured to sequester carbon dioxide with the cathode electrolyte; and methods thereof. In another embodiment, a system comprising a hydrogen-oxidizing anode in communication with a cathode electrolyte comprising bicarbonate ion; and an hydrogen delivery system configured to deliver hydrogen gas to the anode; and methods thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Ryan J. Gilliam, Valentin Decker, Bryan Boggs, Nikhil Jalani, Thomas A. Albrecht, Matt Smith
  • Patent number: 7799198
    Abstract: A chlorine dioxide solution generator includes a chlorine dioxide gas source and an absorption loop for effecting the dissolution of chlorine dioxide into a liquid stream. A gas transfer assembly is interposed between the chlorine dioxide gas source and the absorption loop. The gas transfer assembly includes a gas transfer pump and an exhaust manifold assembly. The exhaust manifold assembly includes a manifold conduit defining an interior volume for directing the pressurized chlorine dioxide gas stream from the pump outlet to the absorption loop. The manifold conduit interior volume is sufficiently large to inhibit chlorine dioxide decomposition in the pressurized chlorine dioxide gas stream by induce a pressurized chlorine dioxide gas stream temperature within the manifold conduit of less than about 163° F. (73° C.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Pureline Treatment Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Chenniah Nanjundiah, Larry L. Hawn, Jeffrey M. Dotson
  • Patent number: 7794573
    Abstract: Systems and methods for electrochemically processing microfeature workpieces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system includes (a) a processing unit having a first flow system configured to convey a flow of a first processing fluid to a microfeature workpiece, (b) an electrode unit having an electrode and a second flow system configured to convey a flow of a second processing fluid at least proximate to the electrode, (c) a barrier between the processing unit and the electrode unit to separate the first and second processing fluids, and (d) a water balance unit for maintaining the concentration of water in the first processing fluid within a desired range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Klocke
  • Publication number: 20100206741
    Abstract: A system and process for recovering copper from a copper-containing ore, concentrate, or other copper-bearing material to produce high quality cathode copper from a leach solution without the use of copper solvent/solution extraction techniques or apparatus. A process for recovering copper from a copper-containing ore generally includes the steps of providing a feed stream containing comminuted copper-containing ore, concentrate, or other copper-bearing material, leaching the feed stream to yield a copper-containing solution, conditioning the copper-containing solution through one or more physical or chemical conditioning steps, and electrowinning copper directly from the copper-containing solution in multiple electrowinning stages, without subjecting the copper-containing solution to solvent/solution extraction prior to electrowinning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: FREEPORT-MCMORAN CORPORATION
    Inventors: John O. Marsden, Robert E. Brewer, Susan R. Brewer, Joanna M. Robertson, David R. Baughman, Philip Thompson, Wayne W. Hazen, Christel M.A. Bemelmans
  • Patent number: 7754057
    Abstract: A chlorine dioxide solution generator, which injects a chlorine dioxide solution into a pressurized fluid system, including an absorption loop for effecting the dissolution of chlorine dioxide into a liquid stream. The chlorine dioxide gas source can include an anolyte loop and a catholyte loop. The generator avoids or eliminates the introduction of air or other gases that can cause corrosion in the process distribution system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Pureline Treatment Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. O'Leary, Jerry J. Kaczur, Chenniah Nanjundiah
  • Publication number: 20090145770
    Abstract: A system for supplying chlorine to and recovering chlorine from a polysilicon plant may include a brine treatment system, at least one membrane cell, a chlorine drying system, a chlorine compression system, a hydrogen drying system, a hydrogen compression system, a hydrogen chloride synthesis/desorption system, a hydrogen chloride liquefaction system, a liquefied hydrogen chloride storage system, a hydrogen chloride vaporizer, and a waste conversion and filtration system. These systems may be operatively joined to generate hydrogen chloride gas for delivery to the polysilicon plant. A method for supplying chlorine to the polysilicon plant may include generating hydrogen gas and chlorine gas from recovered and raw salt, converting at least a portion of the hydrogen gas and at least a portion of the chlorine gas to hydrogen chloride, passing the hydrogen chloride through a cryogenic column, vaporizing the hydrogen chloride, and providing the vaporized hydrogen chloride to the polysilicon plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: CH2M Hill Engineers, Inc.
    Inventor: James T. Sims
  • Patent number: 7449091
    Abstract: A wafer electroplating apparatus with a function of bubble removal includes an electroplating bath main body and a fixing device. The electroplating bath main body has an inlet device, a first de-bubble tank and at least an air hole. The fixing device has a second de-bubble tank and an outer shell. The air hole guides gathering bubbles to an outside of the electroplating bath main body so as to remove bubbles. The fixing device can be put into the first de-bubble tank within the electroplating bath main body to form a de-bubble area and is separated easily therefrom to clean the wafer electroplating apparatus. The electroplating bath main body further includes a baffle for rectifying electroplating solution flow before entering the inlet device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chen-Chung Du, Jen-Rong Huang, Pang-Ming Chiang, Chih-Yuan Tseng, Muh-Wang Liang, Chih-Cheng Wang, Yi-Chao Weng
  • Patent number: 7416647
    Abstract: A plating processing device comprises: a plating bath, on which an object to be plated is mounted; and a sparger provided with plating nozzle and washing nozzle for jetting plating solution and washing solution, respectively, toward the object in such a manner that the used plating solution and washing solution are accumulated and collected in the plating bath. Plating solution is supplied to the plating nozzle from a plating solution tank. Washing solution is supplied to the washing nozzle from a washing solution tank. The used plating solution and washing solution are accumulated in the plating bath, are recovered to the plating solution tank and used again as a plating solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiichi Yamamuro
  • Patent number: 7279079
    Abstract: A plating apparatus provided with: three copper dissolution tanks connected to a plating liquid circulation path for supplying copper ions to a plating liquid; a buffer container for supplying a replacement liquid into some of the copper dissolution tanks not in use; and an undiluted replacement liquid supplying section for supplying an undiluted replacement liquid as a source of the replacement liquid into the buffer container. Copper mesh members each prepared by weaving a copper wire, straight copper pipes or copper plates are accommodated as a copper source in each of the copper dissolution tanks. The copper dissolution tanks each include a detachable cartridge, in which the copper mesh members or the like are disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Mizohata, Hideaki Matsubara, Yoshihiro Koyama
  • Patent number: 7160430
    Abstract: In a sewage treatment plant, dissolved ammonium is extracted from the waste-water stream, and is transferred to a body of secondary water. The secondary water is passed through an electrolysis station, where the ammonium is transformed to nitrogen gas. The capture and transfer can be done by ion-exchange, the electrolysis then being done on the regenerant water. Or the capture and transfer can be done by first transforming the dissolved ammonium to ammonia gas by raising the pH of the waste-water, then passing the ammonia gas through acidic secondary-water, in which the ammonia dissolves, the electrolysis then being done on the acid-water. The electrolysed, ammonium-diminished, secondary-water can be re-used in further capture/transfer episodes. The secondary-water does not mix with the waste-water stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: ENPAR Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Gene Sidney Shelp, Leonard Paul Seed
  • Patent number: 7067048
    Abstract: A method and apparatus which uses a plating electrode in an electrolyte bath. The plating electrode works to purify an electrolyte polishing solution during the electro-polishing process. Preferably, the plating electrode is employed in a closed loop feedback system. The plating electrode may be powered by a power supply which is controlled by a controller. A sensor may be connected to the controller and the sensor may be configured to sense a characteristic (for example, but not limited to: resistance, conductance or optical transmission, absorption of light, etc.) of the electrolyte bath, which tends to indicate the level of saturation. Preferably, the plating electrode is easily replaceable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: LSI Logic Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Berman, Steven E. Reder
  • Patent number: 7033480
    Abstract: The process of the present invention recovers platinum group metal(s), such as platinum and palladium, from PGM-containing materials containing base metals, such as copper and nickel. The process controls sulfur levels by using solvent extraction 306 to remove acid in the nickel recovery circuit. The acid product 326 can then be neutralized and/or recycled as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Placer Dome Technical Services Limited
    Inventor: James A. King
  • Patent number: 6899803
    Abstract: In order to regulate the metal ion concentration in an electrolyte fluid serving to electrolytically deposit metal and additionally containing substances of an electrochemically reversible redox system, it has been known in the art to conduct at least one portion of the electrolyte fluid through one auxiliary cell provided with one insoluble auxiliary anode and at least one auxiliary cathode, a current being conducted between them by applying a voltage. Accordingly, excess quantities of the oxidized substances of the redox system are reduced at the auxiliary cathode, the formation of ions of the metal to be deposited being reduced as a result thereof. Starting from this prior art, the present invention relates to using pieces of the metal to be deposited as an auxiliary cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Atotech Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Kai-Jens Matejat, Sven Lamprecht
  • Publication number: 20030010644
    Abstract: Disclosed are a process for producing a zinc oxide film comprising the steps of transporting a conductive long substrate via above at least one electrode comprised of zinc in an electrodeposition bath held in an electrodeposition tank and applying an electric field between the electrode and the conductive long substrate, thereby forming a zinc oxide film on the conductive long substrate, the process comprising a first step of forming the zinc oxide film on a part of the conductive long substrate; a second step of stopping the application of the electric field and the transportation; and a third step of bringing at least a region of a part of the conductive long substrate being in contact with the electrodeposition bath in the second step into non-contact with the electrodeposition bath, and an apparatus suitably used for the process. The process and apparatus enables high-quality zinc oxide films to be produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Yuichi Sonoda, Kozo Arao, Noboru Toyama, Yusuke Miyamoto
  • Publication number: 20020189935
    Abstract: Acidity in water leaching from a mass of sulphide tailings is prevented by de-oxygenating the water prior to entering the mass. A cover comprising an electrolytic cell, either galvanic or impressed-current, gives rise to a cathode reaction in which the redox voltage of the water drops to 003 volts or less. The cover can be thinner, and much less expensive, than an equally-effective non-reactive cover. The electrolyte is water contained in water-retaining soil, or a depth of water, lying over the cathode. The cathode is steel mesh, or a layer of graphite, spread over the whole mass of tailings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Gene Sidney Shelp, Rejean Joseph Henri Brousseau
  • Publication number: 20020153254
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for selectively removing one or more organic and inorganic and also preferably one or more inorganic contaminants from plating baths. More particularly, the invented method relates to the use of a source of energy in combination with chemical oxidants, alone or in conjunction with a catalyst to oxidize organic contaminants in the plating bath to a level such that the electroplating bath can be recovered and reused after appropriate chemical adjustment. The oxidative treatment method may be a continuous process or a batch process that is performed in a single pass. Residual organics, if desired and chloride ions in the bath are removed from the solution by a chemisorption or physisorption treatment. Inorganic contaminants are removed from the electroplating bath by selective ion exchange resins or electrodialysis, while particulate and suspended colloidal particles are removed by filtration before the treated plating bath is recycled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Applicant: Mykrolis Corporation
    Inventors: Brett Matthew Belongia, Zhen Wu Lin, John E. Pillion, Jieh-Hwa Shyu
  • Patent number: 6402909
    Abstract: An electroplating system is provided for semiconductor wafers which include a plating chamber having a consumable shielded secondary anode shielded by an inert anode from a semiconductor wafer connector. For a copper plating system the plating chamber has a consumable copper shielded anode shielded by an inert platinum anode from a semiconductor wafer connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Minh Quoc Tran, Christy Mei-Chu Woo
  • Publication number: 20020051898
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the regenerative electrochemical cell system comprises: a fuel cell module comprising a fuel cell oxygen inlet in fluid communication a water storage device, and a fuel cell hydrogen inlet in fluid communication with both an oxygen source and with a gaseous portion of an water phase separation device; an electrolysis module comprising an electrolysis water inlet in fluid communication with the water storage device via a fuel cell oxygen outlet, and an electrolysis water outlet in fluid communication with the fuel cell hydrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: Lawrence C. Moulthrop, Trent M. Molter, A. John Speranza, Mark A. Lillis, William Smith, Jason Shiepe, Thomas M. Skoczylas
  • Patent number: 6350362
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for regulating the concentration of metal ions in an electrolytic fluid, which is used for the deposition of metal with insoluble anodes and additionally contains compounds of an electrochemically reversible redox system. With the oxidized form of said system, metal is dissolved in an ion generator 1, traversed by the fluid, so that these compounds are thereby reduced. For the deposition of metal, the dissolved metal ions on the item to be treated are reduced. The compounds of the redox system in the reduced form are oxidized again on the insoluble anodes in the electroplating system 13. In order to keep the concentration of the metal ions in the electrolytic fluid constant, at least a portion of the electrolytic fluid, contained in the electroplating system, is conducted through one or a plurality of electrolytic auxiliary cells 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Atotech Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Jens-Eric Geisler, Ralf-Peter Wachter, Lorenz Kopp, Manfred Maurer
  • Patent number: 6350354
    Abstract: A modular solvent extraction plant for extracting metal from a metal are is provided. It includes a stage-wise, plug flow contactor that mixes an aqueous solution and an organic solvent solution into a mixed emulsion, a reactor to further mix the solutions, a separator for breaking up the emulsion into an aqueous solution and an organic solution, and a loaded organic coalescer that removes aqueous entrainment. It may also include a raffinate coalescer that removes organic entrainment, a second stage-wise, plug flow contactor that mixes an electrolyte solution with the organic solution from the loaded organic coalescer to form a second mixed emulsion, a second reactor, a second separator for breaking up the second emulsion, and an electrolyte coalescer. An organic scrub station may be used in place of the loaded organic coalescer. The contactors, reactors, separators, and coalescers can be mounted on movable structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Koch-Glitsch, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Neuman, Roger Cusack, Kevin McLoughlin
  • Patent number: 5656140
    Abstract: An electrochemical remediation apparatus comprising a cylindrical tank having a plurality of vertical anodes suspended downwardly from a dome-shaped lid and positioned around the circumference of the tank spaced radially inwardly from the inner sidewalls of the tank. A single cathode is positioned at the axis of the cylindrical tank and removably mounted to the lid. A cylindrical metal ion permeable membrane is positioned between the anodes and the cathode. A plurality of nozzles spaced circumferentially around the tank directs pressurized fluid into the tank at a direction having radial, axial and circumferential components. A mixture of water, acid and contaminated earth consisting of approximately 50% contaminated earth is poured into the region between the membrane and the tank sidewalls. The mixture is incubated and fluidized, and contact between metals in the mixture and the anodes causes the metal contaminants to act as sacrificial anodes and thereby to ionize.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Chamberlain Ltd., Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Oesterle, Kenneth D. Hughes
  • Patent number: 5569370
    Abstract: An electrochemical system for the recovery of metals from metal ores in which reactions are carried out in separate anode and cathode tanks with the liquid product from the anode tank being separated and purified before being returned to the cathode tank for metal deposition. The separation includes thickening such as liquid solid separation with the liquid proceeding to the cathode tank. A reaction stage may be included before the thickening stage. Purification may include removal of impurities, adjustment of chemical and physical conditions and the addition of cathode reaction enhancers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: RMG Services Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Rodolfo A. Gomez
  • Patent number: 5536378
    Abstract: A reactor apparatus for production of Lunar oxygen uses feed stocks comprising a particulate hydrogen-reducible enriched feed in the size range from about 20-200 microns, containing 80-90% Lunar ilmenite (FeTiO.sub.3) and ferrous Lunar agglutinates. The reactor apparatus has three vertically spaced fluidized zones with downcomers from the upper to the central fluidized zone and openings for introducing a hydrogen-containing gas stream through the lower fluidized zone. A solid-to-gas RF-dielectric heater has a ceramic honeycomb with small parallel channels separated by thin, ceramic walls and electrodes surrounding the honeycomb connected to an external RF power source for heating the gas stream to a reducing reaction temperature. A top inlet introduces the enriched feed into the upper fluidized zone for fluidization therein and flow into middle and lower fluidized zones countercurrent to the flow of the gas stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Carbotek Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Gibson, Christian W. Knudsen
  • Patent number: 5378324
    Abstract: A process and an electrolytic cell for the production of fluorine. A fluorine-containing electrolyte is passed in non-turbulent flow between an anode and a cathode of the electrolytic cell. The electrolyte emerging from between the anode and the cathode is divided into two streams. One stream emerges adjacent to the anode and has fluorine entrained therein, the other stream emerges adjacent to the cathode and has hydrogen entrained therein. The fluorine and the hydrogen are subsequently separated from their respective streams of electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Assignee: British Nuclear Fuels plc
    Inventor: Graham Hodgson
  • Patent number: 5362368
    Abstract: An electrolytic chlorine gas generating system is disclosed. The system includes an electrolytic cell generating the chlorine gas, a brine tank supplying saturated brine to the anode compartment of the cell, and an acid feed tank containing hydrochloric acid at sufficient concentration to maintain the anolyte brine at less than about pH 4.0. In operation, the brine tank contains solid sodium chloride which dissolves in the brine and replenishes the anolyte brine solution as chloride ion is consumed during electrolysis. The acid feed tank is in fluid communication with the brine tank so that the brine is maintained at a constant volume during electrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Inventors: Scott Lynn, Steven F. Sciamanna, Aldo F. Sciamanna
  • Patent number: 5308464
    Abstract: A system for electroplating a tin-bismuth alloy at near eutectic composition is disclosed. The system includes the plating bath and the process for initially preparing the bath as well as the process for plating an object with tin-bismuth alloy. The system further includes an apparatus for regulating the concentrations of tin and bismuth in the plating bath and the process by which the concentrations are controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Unisys Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy I. Murphy, Brian R. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 5133846
    Abstract: Silver is recovered from the rinse water from a photographic film processing unit by means of a silver recovery device in which the rinse water is passed through at least one bed of ion exchange resin particles maintained in fluidized condition by the water flow. A plurality of such beds are preferably connected in series with rinse water being recirculated until fresh rinse water causes overflow to the next bed and finally to a collection vessel. Fluidization is interrupted periodically to create quiescent periods which aid in removal from the resin particles of accumulated gelatin from the processed film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert N. V.
    Inventors: Marc A. De Niel, Herman M. Engels, Marc J. Scheerders, Dirk F. De Ruijter, Bartolomeus J. Verlinden, Benedictus J. Jansen
  • Patent number: 5118402
    Abstract: An electrolytic silver recovery system for recovering silver from photographic fixing solutions, by means of an electrolytic cell (28) having an anode (52) and a cathode (53), and circulation pumps (29a, 29b) for removing solution from the cell and returning it to the cell, which device comprises a hydrocyclone (56) located in the liquid path (55) from the cell to the suction side of the pumps and connected at its outlet directly to the suction side of the pumps. The suction pressure of the circulating pump maintains a low pressure differential of less than about 0.6 bar between the inlet and outlet of the hydrocyclone which establishes the liquid flow through the hydrocyclone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert N.V.
    Inventors: Herman M. Engels, Marc A. de Niel, Bartolomeus J. Verlinden
  • Patent number: 5094734
    Abstract: A water treatment unit uses an electrolytic cell generating chlorine and ozone. The electrolyte is brine, and the separation between the anode and the cathode of the cell is 2-30 cm. The generated chlorine and ozone are added to a stream of water to be treated, with the interposition of a turbulence promoting arrangement. The unit operation is automatically regulated from the working times of the cell and volume of water to be treated, and/or electrometrical probes as chlorine detectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Inventor: Santiago D. Torrado
  • Patent number: 4948476
    Abstract: There are disclosed method and apparatus for recovering chromium from chromium-containing wastes, using an electrolytic oxidation cell divided by an anion exchange membrane and a coupled transport module containing a membrane containing a chromium(VI) complexing agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Bend Research, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Kamperman, Dwayne T. Friesen
  • Patent number: RE34191
    Abstract: A process for electroplating metals in an electroplating cell in which the anode current efficiency of the cell is greater than the cathode current efficiency. Buildup of excess metal in the cell is counteracted by circulating the plating solution through an electrowinning cell and plating out the excess metal onto cathodes in the electrowinning cell. The amount of current flowing through the electrowinning cell is controlled so that the amount of the said current which results in the deposition of metal is at least substantially equal to the amount of current flowing through the electroplating cell which results in the evolution of hydrogen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Assignee: Eco-Tec Limited
    Inventor: Craig J. Brown