With Heater Or Cooler Patents (Class 204/274)
  • Patent number: 5911870
    Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the quantity of dissolved oxygen in water. The apparatus includes an inlet for receiving untreated water. A cell housing having an electrolytic cell therein is coupled to the inlet. A translucent resident time housing is connected to the cell housing for receiving water containing oxygen and hydrogen gas. The resident time housing is vertically oriented and longitudinally extended for a selected vertical length above the cell housing. This provides sufficient resident time of the water in a quiet zone to permit the generated oxygen gas to transition into the dissolved state prior to reaching the top of the resident time housing. An outlet is provided at the top of the resident time housing to dispense water having a high dissolved oxygen content. A gas vent is provided at the outlet to permit the escape of hydrogen or other gases which have not been dissolved into the water. Preferably, a chill unit is provided prior to the electrolytic cell to reduce the temperature of the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: H20 Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventor: Gary S. Hough
  • Patent number: 5902465
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating industrial wastes through electrolysis is disclosed. Steam or waste steam is utilized to heat the electrolyzing apparatus so as to separate contamination materials from the waste water, thereby treating the waste water. An electrolyzing tank has a waste water inlet on the bottom thereof, and a steam supply pipe is wound around the electrolyzing tank, for heating the electrolyzing tank during a passing of steam through the pipe. An insulating tube is formed inside the electrolyzing tank, and is coated with an insulating material on inside thereof, for insulating the electrolyzing tube from its contents. A cathode tube is installed within the insulating tank, for serving as a cathode during an electrolysis. An agitator having agitating blades is fixed on a shaft, the shaft is inserted into the center of the cathode tube, and anodes are attached on tips of the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Bong Shin Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong-Chul Pang
  • Patent number: 5888361
    Abstract: A simply configured cooling mechanism for an apparatus for producing hydrogen and oxygen is disclosed. The configuration makes it possible to freely select the type of heat exchanger, without any restrictions, in order to improve cooling efficiency. In particular, a heat exchanger for cooling deionized water in a deionized water tank, which contains an electrolytic cell, is installed outside the tank. An inlet to the heat exchanger is connected to a deionized water flow outlet from the tank that is below the level of the deionized water the tank by a pipe, and an outlet from the heat exchanger to tank is connected to a deionized water flow inlet that is positioned in the tank below the deionized water flow outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Shinko Pantec Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Hirai, Shinichi Yasui, Hiroko Kobayashi, Teruyuki Morioka, Akiko Miyake, Hiroyuki Harada
  • Patent number: 5885426
    Abstract: A halogen generator produces a halogen sanitizing agent to sanitize water in a spa or other water feature. A coaxial wall fitting desirably couples the halogen generator to the water feature. The halogen generator desirably includes a bipolar electrolytic cell in which a center electrode plate rotates between stationary anode and cathode plates. The bipolar electrode includes a plurality of vanes which motivate water flow between the anode and the cathode. The vanes on the rotating electrode also produce a flow of water through the generator. In this manner, the bipolar electrode functions as a impeller to pump water through the halogen generator. The vanes are positioned between the electrode and cathode, and are sufficiently spaced from the cathode to inhibit scale formation on the cathode. The vanes, however, generally do not contact the cathode when rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: BioQuest
    Inventor: Michael A. Silveri
  • Patent number: 5882502
    Abstract: An electrochemical apparatus and system for extracting and recovering metals from their compounds using electrochemical cells where the anolyte 10 is connected electrically to the catholyte 11 through an independent set of electrodes 13, 14 immersed in each electrolyte and connected to each other by a conductor 16. The specification details the application of this principle to commercial size cells and systems to extract metals from solutions, from ores in-situ, from ores in heaps and fixed beds, from fine metal concentrates dissolved either at the anode cell or in a separate leaching vessel. Alkaline electrolytes are also given for the extraction and recovery of nickel and copper from their oxide ores. A method for extracting gold from ores or residues is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: RMG Services Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Rodolfo Gomez
  • Patent number: 5833822
    Abstract: An electrochemical converter assembly having one or more converter elements having a peripheral edge. The converter element includes a series of electrolyte plates having an oxidizer electrode material on one side and a fuel electrode material on the opposing side, and a series of interconnector plates, alternately stacked with the electrolyte plates, that provide electrical contact with the electrolyte plates. The interconnector plate has a textured pattern that forms reactant-flow passageways. The converter assembly has a low pressure drop configuration that includes at least one passageway which is disposed generally in the central region of the converter element, for introducing one input reactant thereto, and at least one second passageway, for introducing the other reactant. A third passageway, outwardly spaced from the second passageway removes spent fuel from the reactant-flow passageways, and thus from the converter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Ztek Corporation
    Inventor: Michael S. Hsu
  • Patent number: 5676805
    Abstract: A halogen generator produces a halogen sanitizing agent to sanitize water in a spa or other water feature. A coaxial wall fitting desirably couples the halogen generator to the water feature. The halogen generator desirably includes a bipolar electrolytic cell in which a center electrode plate rotates between stationary anode and cathode plates. The bipolar electrode includes a plurality of vanes which motivate water flow between the anode and the cathode. The vanes on the rotating electrode also produce a flow of water through the generator. In this manner, the bipolar electrode functions as a impeller to pump water through the halogen generator. The vanes are positioned between the electrode and cathode, and are sufficiently spaced from the cathode to inhibit scale formation on the cathode. The vanes, however, generally do not contact the cathode when rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: BioQuest
    Inventor: Michael A. Silveri
  • Patent number: 5672253
    Abstract: A hexagonal and pentagonal molecular structure water making apparatus includes an upper water reservoir disposed at a predetermined portion of the refrigerating chamber of the refrigerator, a hexagonal and pentagonal molecular structure water generating section for generating hexagonal and pentagonal molecular structure water by electrolysis of water from the upper water reservoir, a hexagonal and pentagonal molecular structure water storing section for storing hexagonal and pentagonal molecular structure water generated at the hexagonal and pentagonal molecular structure water generating section, and a freezing container for storing hexagonal molecular structure water after receiving water stored at the hexagonal molecular structure water storing reservoir of the hexagonal molecular structure water storing section through a connecting pipe. The hexagonal and pentagonal molecular structure water have useful effects for preventing adult diseases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Goldstar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gui Nan Hwang
  • Patent number: 5632870
    Abstract: Electrolytic cell apparatus and methods for generating a useful energy product from a plurality of energy sources. In a preferred embodiment, hydrogen gas is produced at a cathode by transmission of electrons through a low voltage potential barrier to electron flow achieved by careful control of electrolyte constituent concentrations and surface materials on the cathode. A portion of the energy captured in the hydrogen gas is provided by heat transmitting activity of ions dissociated from water at an anode which catalytically dissociates the water and thereby transfers thermal energy from the anode to the ions and other constituents of the cell electrolyte. Thermal energy is replaced in the anode by absorption of heat from the surrounding environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventor: Yan R. Kucherov
  • Patent number: 5628886
    Abstract: An electrolytic system for heating water containing a conductive salt in solution. An electrolytic cell in the system includes a non-conductive housing having an inlet and an outlet and spaced apart first and second conductive foraminous grids positioned within the housing. A plurality of conductive particles each including a conductive metal which is readily combineable with hydrogen or an isotope of hydrogen to form a metallic hydride are positioned within the housing in electrical contact with the first grid adjacent the inlet. An electric power source in the system is initially operably connected across the first and second grids whereby electrical current flows between the grids within the water solution to charge the system after which the system is self-sustaining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: James A. Patterson
  • Patent number: 5628887
    Abstract: An electrolytic system and cell for excess heating of water containing a conductive salt in solution. The electrolytic cell includes a non-conductive housing defining a substantially closed interior volume and spaced apart first and second conductive members positioned within the housing. A plurality of conductive particles each having a conductive metal which is readily combinable with hydrogen or an isotope of hydrogen to form a metallic hydride are positioned within the housing in electrical contact with the first conductive member and electrically spaced from said second conductive member. The conductive particles may be of any convenient regular or irregular shape. An electric power source in the system is operably connected across the first and second conductive members whereby electrical current flows therebetween and through the conductive particles within the liquid electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventors: James A. Patterson, Dennis Cravens
  • Patent number: 5614069
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing electrolytically and collecting separately two gases includes an electrolytic tank, a power supply unit, and two gas tanks. The electrolytic tank has a casing with an open top, a plurality of electrode plates which are spaced parallelly in the casing and which are connected electrically to the power supply unit, and a lid member disposed on the open top of the casing. The lid member has first and second cavities in its upper face and a plurality of partition plates and press plates depending alternatively from its lower face. A plurality of clearances are formed between the partition and press plates. Each of the press plates abuts against a top edge of a respective one of the electrode plates. The first and second cavities are formed respectively with a plurality of first and second through holes which are staggered with one another so that the first and second cavities can be communicated alternatively with the clearances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: I-Chuan Lin
  • Patent number: 5501781
    Abstract: An electrochemical converter assembly that significantly reduces the size of the dedicated thermal processing heat exchangers associated with the converter. This reduction is achieved by heating the input reactants of the electrochemical converter assembly inside the axial manifolds. This heating configuration thus relies upon an effective heat transfer mechanism located within the manifolds, and particularly within the manifold surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, the heating of the reactants occurs at the entrance region of the planar gap formed between the interconnector plates and the electrolyte plates. This heating is facilitated by the conduction of heat through the highly thermally conductive interconnector plate to an extended heating surface disposed within the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Ztek Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. Hsu, Ethan D. Hoag
  • Patent number: 5441629
    Abstract: An electroplating apparatus includes a casing having a large opening at the bottom, a substrate being electroplated in the casing, a plating solution injector penetrating through an upper part of the casing for introducing a plating solution into the casing, an exhaust port penetrating through an upper part of the casing for draining the plating solution, a vertically movable substrate stage disposed beneath the casing for holding the substrate and having an opening smaller than the substrate, and a spin chuck for carrying the substrate to the substrate stage. In this apparatus, initially, the substrate is put on the spin chuck. Then, the substrate stage moves up and closes the casing from the bottom, and the substrate is electroplated in the casing. After the electroplating, the substrate stage moves down, and the substrate is transferred to the spin chuck. Automatic transfer of the substrate is possible using a uniaxial robot that moves only in the vertical or horizontal directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsuya Kosaki
  • Patent number: 5409593
    Abstract: A device is provided for brush electroplating a surface of a workpiece. The device includes an anode generally composed of a metal to be electroplated on the surface of the workpiece. The anode is selectively retained within a cavity formed in a lower surface of a carrier piece composed of a generally electrical non-conductive material. The lower surface of the carrier piece is shaped to conform to at least a portion of the surface of the workpiece. An absorbent material extends over the lower surface of the carrier piece to form a brush. The cover material and lower surface of the anode are spaced from each other to form a chamber. The device also includes an assembly, fluidly connected to the space between the anode and absorbent material, to inject a flow of the electrolytic fluid into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Sifco Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Moskowitz
  • Patent number: 5409580
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for melting metals that react rapidly with air at elevated temperatures to form a stable metal oxide and/or that contains a metal oxide prior to being exposed to elevated temperature, while reducing metal losses due to oxidation or the presence of the oxides. The process involves melting the metal in the presence of a molten metal salt metal salt mixture while electrolyzing metal oxide contained in the salt metal salt mixture to convert the oxide to elemental metal. The process requires an metal salt mixture which contains at least 25% by weight, and more preferably 100% by weight, of metal fluoride and which, for the metal being melted, has a composition which remains substantially unchanged during the electrolysis process. The fluoride improves oxide solubility in the metal salt mixture, making it possible to increase current densities without producing anode effects. The stable composition makes it possible to use the metal salt mixture for prolonged periods without change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Adam J. Gesing, Alan D. McLeod, Ernest W. Dewing
  • Patent number: 5399251
    Abstract: A system for generating hydrogen and oxygen includes a tank and a solid polyelectrolyte film which separates the tank into first and second portions. Electrodes are provided on opposed first and second sides of the polyelectrolyte film. A power supply is connected to the electrodes. The system includes means for introducing water into the bottom of the first portion of the tank and a vibrating means for vibrating the polyelectrolyte film, electrodes and water. A power regulator which regulates power from the power supply and includes an electronic element that generates heat is provided. The electronic element is mounted in the tank for heating the water. The hydrogen generated by the system may be supplied together with gasoline to the engine of an automobile while the generated oxygen may be released to the inside of the car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventor: Yoshiro Nakamats
  • Patent number: 5273635
    Abstract: A heater which uses the electrolysis of a liquid to produce heat from electricity and transfers the heat from the electrolyte by means of a heat exchanger. One embodiment includes electrodes of nickel and platinum and an electrolyte of potassium carbonate with a heat exchanger immersed in and transferring heat from the electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Thermacore, Inc.
    Inventors: Nelson J. Gernert, Robert M. Shaubach, Donald M. Ernst
  • Patent number: 5266176
    Abstract: Bipolar electrode for an electrolyser of the series type, comprising two metal plates (1, 2) arranged in parallel facing each other, an electrically conductive solid mass (3) maintained under pressure between the two plates and a means for heating the solid mass to a temperature which is at least equal to its flow temperature. The bipolar electrode is suitable for electrolysers of the series type, in which sodium chlorate and hydrogen are produced by electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Solvay (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Frederic Muret, Emile Cabaraux
  • Patent number: 5169506
    Abstract: An oxygen concentration system for producing oxygen from pressurized air comprises an electrochemical oxygen generator which selectively extracts oxygen from air by an electrochemical reaction. The oxygen concentration system includes first, second, and third concentric enclosures. The three enclosures produce three annuli formed between the enclosures. Air enters the top of the outermost enclosure, travels downwardly through the outermost annulus, crosses over the second annulus to the oxygen generators via ports, travels upwardly through the oxygen generators and back downwardly through the second annulus. By orienting the downward flow of the oxygen-depleted air next to the downward flow of the cooler incoming air, the incoming air is heated by the outgoing hot air, thereby increasing comfort to the user and reducing energy requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Invacare Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory A. Michaels
  • Patent number: 5158661
    Abstract: Electrophoresis apparatus comprising an electrophoresis device including an electrophoresis chamber for containing a solid matrix electrophoresis medium and an electrically conductive fluid, a structure for establishing an electric field in the fluid and in the medium, and a structure including a Peltier element for circulating the fluid through the chamber and for removing heat from the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Fotodyne Incorporated
    Inventor: Michael E. Hansen
  • Patent number: 5139625
    Abstract: This invention concerns a fluid treatment apparatus wherein active particles are used to perform fluid treatment.As active particles have a very short lifetime, it has conventionally been difficult to use them for fluid treatment. In this invention, active particles generated in electrolytic dissociation chamber (104) under reduced pressure are aspirated by a fluid jetted from jetting throat (108) into a diffuser throat (110), and then perform treatment of the source fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaaki Tanaka, Akira Ikeda, Toshiaki Kobayashi, Ken-ichiro Yamanishi, Shin-ichi Inoue, Shigeki Nakayama
  • Patent number: 5137612
    Abstract: In a sidewall-enclosed electrolytic cell, such as for the electrolysis of brine to form chloralkali product, the cell can have at least one cathode sidewall. There is now provided an at least substantially wall-sized, planar busbar that is interface bonded to the cathode sidewall. The interface bonded, wall-sized busbar plus sidewall thereby at least substantially serve as a wall unit for the electrolytic cell. The wall-sized busbar has at least one internal passageway therethrough for the circulation of cooling fluid. Where the bonded busbar is connected by a jumper switch for current connection, the cooling passageway of the busbar may connect at the location of the jumper switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1992
    Assignee: OxyTech Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard L. Romine, Robert B. Kubinski, L. Calvert Curlin, James W. Pyle
  • 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: 5066370
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for electrochemically processing an anodic material in strip form, such as the stainless steel print bands used in high speed printers. Also provided is an electrochemical process including electroetching, electropolishing, or both to obtain microfinishing of the material. Moreover, an electrolyte is provided which is a mixture of phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, and glycerol in which the material removal rate is controlled by the addition of small amounts of sodium chloride. The electrochemical process operates at ambient temperature over a wide range of current density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph C. Andreshak, Madhav Datta, Lubomyr T. Romankiw, Luis F. Vega
  • Patent number: 5007992
    Abstract: A semiconductor process chamber with electrolytic ceramic cell having one major surface in the chamber. A second major surface of the cell is outside the process chamber. When activated by heat and an electric current between the two major surfaces, the cell selectively removes oxygen from the processing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Inventor: Daniel K. Weber
  • Patent number: 4966673
    Abstract: The invention provides a jewelry cleaning arrangement including a housing and a cleaning bath tank formed of an electrically conductive material. The cleaning bath tank is supported within the housing and is connectable to an electric potential. An electrical contact member extends sealingly into the interior region of the tank. The electrical contact member is electrically insulated from the tank and is connectable to an electric potential. A non-conductive insert member is positionable in the tank and movable between a cleaning position and an elevated position. The non-conductive insert member includes a support surface upon which jewelry may be placed. A jewelry engagement conductive member is provided supported on the non-conductive insert member support surface. The jewelry engagement member includes a contact portion engaging the electrical contact member when the insert member is positioned in the cleaning position within the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Inventor: Carlo Accattato
  • Patent number: 4936957
    Abstract: A metallic oxide such as aluminum oxide of significantly improved electrical properties is disclosed. The method of oxide formation includes a combination of soft porous anodization followed by transformation to a hard barrier form of oxide using inter alia low temperature electrolytes, constant voltage anodizing, and timely rate of current change responsive termination of the anodizing process. Use of the resulting oxide in electrical insulation, optic and other environments is contemplated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: John R. Dickey, Jimmy L. Davidson, Yonhua Tzeng
  • Patent number: 4933061
    Abstract: An electroplating apparatus for electroplating a plurality of items. The apparatus includes a tank having a bottom wall and side walls and adapted to hold a predetermined quantity of an electrolytic plating solution. A sparger system at the bottom of the tank directs the electrolytic plating solution in an upward direction. A cathode rack supporting the items to be electroplated extends intermediate to anode plates and upwardly from the sparger system. Strategically placed openings in the anodes and an anode screen in conjunction with the sparger system act to reduce the plating thickness variance over the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1990
    Assignee: Trifari, Krussman & Fishel, Inc.
    Inventors: Krishna Kulkarni, Richard J. DiDonato
  • Patent number: 4919781
    Abstract: A fluorine-generating electrolytic cell has the base 12 thereof insulated electrically by a layer 10 of plastics material such as PTFE which is held against the cell base by means of structure extending between cooling coils 24 of the cell and the layer 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1990
    Assignee: British Nuclear Fuels plc
    Inventor: Roland Leeming
  • Patent number: 4891116
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for electrochemically decomposing iganic material contained in an aqueous radioactive waste solution. The solution is concentrated by evaporation in order to reduce its volume for further treatment as a waste solution. In order to achieve a more effective decomposition of inorganic compounds in the aqueous radioactive solution, an electrolytic process is performed during evaporation of the waste solution with the electrolytic process effecting the electrochemical decompostion. An apparatus for carrying out the method includes an evaporator for accommodating the waste solution and the evaporator is configured as an electrolytic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Wiederaufarbeitung von Kernbrennstoffen GmbH
    Inventor: Detlef Stritzke
  • Patent number: 4874496
    Abstract: A device for silverizing water has a plurality of electrodes including silver electrodes so that a passing water is saturated with silver ions, and a temperature maintaining unit with cooling and heating elements to maintain a required temperature and silver ions saturation of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Inventors: Maryan Chak, Alexander Chak
  • Patent number: 4822458
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for anodization uses an electrolyte consisting of .0 percent by weight of aqueous solution of oxalic acid, an anodization temperature in the range of 0.degree.-5.degree. C., and an anodization voltage starting at 100 volts and progressing to 300 volts after 90 minutes at an anodization current density of 2-3 amps per decimeter.sup.2 to provide a 30-40 micrometer thickness having a thermal conductivity of 1.3 Watt/meter/C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Thomas R. Ogden
  • Patent number: 4749463
    Abstract: In this field it is a problem to find practical technical solutions for heat recovery at the same time as regulation and control of the temperature conditions during cell operation is difficult, especially when cooling of the cell is intended. The arrangement comprises cooling chambers (6A, 6B, 6C, 6', 51) each having a base area covering a small proportion of the surface of each cell. Together these cooling chambers cover a substantial proportion of the cell surface without any significant space between the cooling chambers. These are adapted to receive a through-flow of a cooling medium which is controlled (8A, 8B, 8C) individually for each cooling chamber, and the cooling medium preferably is helium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: H-Invent A/S
    Inventor: Hans K. Holmen
  • Patent number: 4659435
    Abstract: A novel electrochemical cell including a solid electrolyte heated to an elevated temperature for operation and an integral cell electrode/heater for heating the electrolyte. Solid electrolyte embodiments are described. The integral electrode/heater is applied to a surface of the solid electrolyte and is resistively heated by an alternating electric current. A portion of the solid electrolyte may also be resistively heated. The described or comparable cells may be incorporated into an oxygen detector or similar apparatus where the apparatus is operated by alternately heating the cell and measuring the emf developed by the cell across its electrode.The invention is also, in part, a unique, solid electrolyte-integral cell electrode/heater configuration which provides a zone of uniform maximum heating at a predetermined location within the electrolyte and which, when used with a suitable resistive heating electric current, confines the current to the integral electrode/heater prolonging cell life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: Corning Glass Works
    Inventors: Jack A. Brothers, William T. Kane, Harold A. Brouneus, Margaret M. Layton, Paul L. Walsh
  • Patent number: 4647355
    Abstract: An apparatus for molten salt electrolysis, comprising: an electrolysis chamber which is capable of holding a molten salt of metallic chloride and is closed upwards with a top cover, a cathode placed in said chamber, a lead block of metallic material which runs through the top cover and comprises therealong a bottom-closed axial cavity with inlet and outlet for a fluid coolant connected thereto, said cathode and lead block connected to each other below the bath level to be employed of said salt, and said cavity reaching below said level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ishizuka
  • Patent number: 4608134
    Abstract: The invention comprises an improved Hall cell for electrolytic reduction of aluminum from a molten salt bath having a carbon cathode bottom wall and sidewall, a cover over said cell, at least one anode within said cell depending from an anode support rod passing through said cover, conductive means over the carbon bottom wall to reduce the spacing between the anode and the cathode, and protective sidewall lining means relatively inert to attack by the molten salt bath on the inner surface of the carbon sidewall. Cooling means are provided to cool an upper portion of the sidewall lining adjacent the surface of the molten salt bath to promote the formation of a protective layer of frozen bath over the exposed portion of the sidewall lining adjacent the surface of the molten salt bath while retaining within the cell at least a portion of the heat removed from the sidewall lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Melvin H. Brown
  • Patent number: 4608135
    Abstract: The invention is an improvement in the construction of a Hall cell for the production of aluminum by electrolytic reduction of alumina in a molten salt bath wherein a conductive carbon cathode lining comprising a bottom wall and a sidewall is surrounded adjacent the outer surface thereof with an insulating layer, and a layer of conductive material overlies the inner surface of at least the bottom wall of the carbon lining to reduce the effective spacing between the cathode and one or more anodes in the cell to thereby reduce the power consumption of the cell. The improvement comprises an air passageway between the insulating layer and the outer surface of the carbon lining sidewall and an air inlet port adjacent the bottom of the passageway for passing air into the air passageway and along the outer surface of the carbon lining sidewall whereby the carbon sidewall may be cooled sufficiently to permit the formation of a protective layer of frozen bath on the inner surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Melvin H. Brown
  • Patent number: 4592812
    Abstract: A cell for the electrolytic reduction of alumina to aluminum comprises an electrolyte bath composed of halide salts having a density greater than aluminum but less than alumina. A non-consumable anode is located at the bottom of the bath, and a dimensionally stable cathode coated with titanium diboride is spaced above the anode and totally immersed in the bath. Particles of alumina are introduced into the bath where the alumina dissolves and forms ions of aluminum and oxygen. The oxygen ions are converted at the anode to gaseous oxygen which bubbles upwardly through the bath, agitating the bath. As a result, the bath is substantially saturated with dissolved alumina in the region of the anode, and the build-up of a layer of undissolved alumina on the anode is prevented. The aluminum ions are converted to metallic aluminum at the cathodes, and molten aluminum accumulates as a pool atop the bath above the cathodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1986
    Assignees: Electrochemical Technology Corp., Brooks Rand, Ltd.
    Inventors: Theodore R. Beck, Richard J. Brooks
  • Patent number: 4592820
    Abstract: In conventional electrolytic cells for aluminium production, heat loss through the side walls is necessary to cause the formation of a protective layer of solid electrolyte. In this invention, the side walls are lined with a ceramic material, e.g. titanium diboride, resistant to the electrolyte and to molten aluminium. Thermal insulation is provided such that a layer of solid electrolyte is not present during normal operation of the cell. A cathode current collection system is provided such that the horizontal lateral currents in the cathode are insignificant compared with the vertical current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1986
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventor: James P. McGeer
  • Patent number: 4561955
    Abstract: A power supply circuit containing a transformer which is used in a spray-drenched environment, for example, near a bathing pool or food processing plant, is cooled by heat exchange with circulating liquid. An electrolysis apparatus producing in situ chlorine for a pool has a passage through which pool water is pumped. A metal sleeve surrounds the passage and contacts a transformer and rectifier, all of which are surrounded by cast, insulating resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Inventor: Graham Jackson
  • Patent number: 4561961
    Abstract: A glass slide has parallel tubular electrodes for performing electro cell fusion. Fluid may be pumped through the electrodes to dissipate heat to enhance the yield of viable hybrids. An alternate embodiment sandwiches a gasket and parallel tubular electrodes between glass slides to permit cell fusion in a closed sterile environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Assignee: Biotronics
    Inventor: Gunter A. Hofmann
  • Patent number: 4529488
    Abstract: A process for depositing a salt by applying an electric current or voltage to at least one pair of electrodes placed in a supersaturated aqueous solution or supercooled molten liquid of an inorganic or organic salt, whereby the supersaturation or supercooling can be broken or prevented and the crystallization or solidification of the salt can be efficiently made. The process of the invention is advantageously utilized in an air-conditioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1985
    Assignee: Nippon Gohsei Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuo Kotani, Tokio Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 4495048
    Abstract: A filter-press type electrolytic cell is disclosed wherein sodium hypochlorite is produced by diaphragmless electrolysis of saline water. The filter-press electrolytic cell is compact and simple in structure, and operates with improved current efficiency, at a reduced cell voltage, and with less power and with minimal maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Assignee: The Japan Carlit Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyuki Murakami, Kaoru Hirakata, Shinichi Shimoda, Reiichi Itai
  • Patent number: 4481085
    Abstract: An apparatus for electrolysis of MgCl.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ishizuka
  • Patent number: 4458634
    Abstract: A control system for maintaining a desired water level range from electrodes spaced thereabove in a layer of oil where alternating current discharge occurs from electrode down to and through water to another electrode, with the electrical discharge occurring between electrodes disposed at all times in the hydrocarbon oil layer. With the situs of reaction being confined to the oil and the interstitial boundry between the oil and water, dangerous conditions of hydrogen generation are generally obviated over most state-of-the-art methods of producing hydrogen with a highly efficient production process. Hydrocarbon gases and vapors are also produced from the oil with a cracking process occuring to some extent incumbant with the A C discharge from the electrodes through the oil to the water. This has also been found to gradually upgrade the quality of the oil remaining while some is at the same time consumed in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Inventors: Edwin R. Carr, Donald L. Carr
  • Patent number: 4435265
    Abstract: In order to avoid smoke formation within the cover hood for the plating tank in an assembly for the electro-deposit of aluminum and contamination of charging and discharge liquid locks leading to and from the cover hood, a liquid spray chamber and a cooled condensing zone are disposed beneath a slotted cover plate leading to the interior space of the cover hood and the open ends of the individual electrolyte cell. The substrate goods and goods carriers are sprayed and cooled leaving the electro-deposit cells prior to being passed back into the interior space of the cover hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1984
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Siegfried Birkle, Johann Gehring, Klaus Stoger
  • Patent number: 4431501
    Abstract: A movable apparatus for local electrolytic polishing of metal surfaces is disclosed, the apparatus having an arm, a supported soft surface which is attached to the arm and intended to be brought against the metal surface to be polished, and members for conducting cathodic current to this soft surface and for conducting anodic current to the metal surface to be polished. In the apparatus the supported soft surface is of an absorbent material, which is connected to the electrolyte container in order to cause electrolyte to be absorbed into the absorbent material, as electrolyte is transferred to the polished surface when the apparatus is moved. The electrolyte container may be a trough attached to the arm, the bottom of the trough supporting the absorbent material attached to its lower surface and extending to inside the trough, and the absorbent material may be some acid-resistant wadding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1984
    Assignee: Outokumpu Oy
    Inventor: Yrjo T. J. Leppanen
  • Patent number: 4425211
    Abstract: A device for electrodepositing aluminum from an aprotic, oxygen-free, water-free aluminum-organic electrolyte, which comprises an electroplating tank, which is subdivided into a plurality of identical individual cells for receiving an electrolyte and anode plates, which cells contain support racks and are positioned one after another in a line or row, and the tank has a hood forming a protective chamber which contains a protective atmosphere. To charge and discharge workpiece holders into and out of the device includes a charging lock at one end of the row of cells forming the tank, a discharging lock at the other end of the row and a conveyor in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1984
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Siegfried Birkle, Johann Gehring, Klaus Stoeger
  • Patent number: 4420381
    Abstract: In the production of magnesium by electrolysis of a fused salt the metal is collected over a body of the fused salt under a heavily insulated cover to reduce heat loss from the molten metal under a substantially non-oxidizing atmosphere. The electrolyte is held down to a controlled temperature somewhat above the melting point of magnesium by means of a heat exchanger which projects into the fused electrolyte and is arranged so as to avoid significant uptake of heat from the supernatant molten metal. This arrangement permits the electrolyte temperature to be controlled with reduced formation of sludge and extended cell life by avoidance of exposure of the electrolyte to atmospheric moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1983
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Olivo G. Silvilotti, Junkichi Iseki