Gas Withdrawal Patents (Class 204/278)
  • Publication number: 20130192984
    Abstract: The NbON film of the present invention is a NbON film in which a photocurrent is generated by light irradiation. The NbON film of the present invention is desirably a single-phase film. The hydrogen generation device (600) of the present invention includes: an optical semiconductor electrode (620) including a conductor (621) and the NbON film (622) of the present invention disposed on the conductor (621); a counter electrode (630) connected electrically to the conductor (621); a water-containing electrolyte (640) disposed in contact with a surface of the NbON film (622) and a surface of the counter electrode (630); and a container (610) containing the optical semiconductor electrode (620), the counter electrode (630), and the electrolyte (640). In this device, hydrogen is generated by irradiating the NbON film (622) with light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takaiki Nomura, Takahiro Suzuki, Nobuhiro Miyata, Kazuhito Hato
  • 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: 20130180847
    Abstract: This disclosure enables high-productivity fabrication of porous semiconductor layers (made of single layer or multi-layer porous semiconductors such as porous silicon, comprising single porosity or multi-porosity layers). Some applications include fabrication of MEMS separation and sacrificial layers for die detachment and MEMS device fabrication, membrane formation and shallow trench isolation (STI) porous silicon (using porous silicon formation with an optimal porosity and its subsequent oxidation). Further, this disclosure is applicable to the general fields of photovoltaics, MEMS, including sensors and actuators, stand-alone, or integrated with integrated semiconductor microelectronics, semiconductor microelectronics chips and optoelectronics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Takao Yonehara, Subramanian Tamilmani, Karl-Josef Kramer, Jay Ashjaee, Mehrdad M. Moslehi, Yasuyoshi Miyaji, Noriyuki Hayashi, Takamitsu Inahara
  • Publication number: 20130175163
    Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus is capable of generating hydrogen and oxygen gases from water containing little or no electrolyte. The apparatus includes a container and at least one electrolysis assembly comprising one or more permanent magnets which are covered with at least one pair of porous conductive electrodes separated by a non conductive insulator. The assembly is connected to the leads of a direct current power supply. After the container is filled with water to cover the electrodes, application of voltage from the power supply results in the generation of hydrogen and oxygen gases. This apparatus and method provides a means of producing and distributing hydrogen on-site, simply and inexpensively, since it uses very little energy and liquefaction, transportation, and delivery costs can be avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: HYDROX ENERGY CORP LLC
    Inventor: Hydrox Energy Corp LLC
  • Publication number: 20130168235
    Abstract: A system is capable of air cleaning and dehumidifying, and includes a condenser device, a water supplying device and an oxyhydrogen ion generating device. The condenser device is operable to form water vapor in ambient air into water droplets. The water supplying device collects the water droplets from the condenser device. The oxyhydrogen ion generating device is coupled to the water supplying device and includes a container receiving water from the water supplying device, electrode plates disposed in the container, and an output conduit. The electrode plates are operable to electrolytically convert water to form oxyhydrogen-ion-containing gas that is released via the output conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Wen-Chang LIN, Sung-Hua Tsai
  • Publication number: 20130168239
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process and an apparatus for generating hydrogen and oxygen gas by electrolysis of water. The process involves forming an electrolyte including alkaline ions and the water and generating plasma between electrodes immersed in the electrolyte by applying an electrical potential between the electrodes. The plasma ionises the electrolyte, thereby generating hydrogen and oxygen gas. The process further involves controlling the process by relocating the generated plasma between two or more further electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: HOPE CELL TECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD
    Inventor: HOPE CELL TECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD
  • Patent number: 8470143
    Abstract: A chlorine-generating apparatus is herein disclosed which uses softened household water and salt. The apparatus includes a freestanding brine tank to hold salt and softened household water. The brine tank includes a submerged chlorine-generating cell, an improved chlorine-generating cell container, and a cell-cleaning reservoir. The brine tank also includes a precipitation tank to help remove minerals from the incoming household water. The chlorine-generating apparatus generates sodium hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide, as well as other sanitizing chemicals. The chlorine-generating apparatus also incorporates an improved method for controlling pH. A water-cooled power supply independently delivers power to the chlorine-generating cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel Moroni Tucker
  • Publication number: 20130149755
    Abstract: Compositions and methods for a hybrid biological and chemical process that captures and converts carbon dioxide and/or other forms of inorganic carbon and/or CI carbon sources including but not limited to carbon monoxide, methane, methanol, formate, or formic acid, and/or mixtures containing CI chemicals including but not limited to various syngas compositions, into organic chemicals including bio-fuels or other valuable biomass, chemical, industrial, or pharmaceutical products are provided. The present invention, in certain embodiments, fixes inorganic carbon or CI carbon sources into longer carbon chain organic chemicals by utilizing microorganisms capable of performing the oxyhydrogen reaction and the autotrophic fixation of CO2 in one or more steps of the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Kiverdi ,Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Reed, Lisa Dyson
  • Publication number: 20130140189
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for improved electrical appliances which allow for efficient and safe production of hydrogen and oxygen gas for a flame are disclosed. An appliance for providing gas for combustion may comprise a water inlet, a power source, and an electrolyzer with at least one electrolysis transistor generating hydrogen and oxygen. The appliance may also comprise a gas handling unit for collecting the output of the electrolyzer and transporting it to a burner, and an output interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: Transphorm, Inc.
    Inventor: Transphorm, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8449738
    Abstract: An apparatus for the removal of gasses from a number of electrolysis cells, including a suction duct for each cell, each suction duct being connected to a central manifold with a gas treatment center and a central suction fan. A flow restriction device is provided in each suction duct. One or more additional ductworks are provided. Each additional ductwork is for one or more suction ducts. Each additional ductwork has a branch for each suction duct, the branch being connected to the suction duct between the electrolysis cell and the flow restriction device, which one or more branches are connected to a booster duct in which an on/off valve is present. One or more booster ducts are connected to a booster manifold connected to the central manifold. A booster fan is provided in the booster manifold. A method for performing an electrolysis process is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Danieli Corus Technical Services BV
    Inventors: Pieter Dirk Klut, Petrus Leonardus Verbraak
  • Patent number: 8449737
    Abstract: An electrolyzer assembly includes an electrolysis unit having: a hermetically-sealed case made at least partially from a durable dielectric polymer material, the case having a gas outlet and an electrolyte inlet; at least one set of series-coupled, equally-spaced, rectangular, vertically-oriented metal plates installed within the case, each set having first and second end plates, each plate having each side edge sealed to a case wall panel and a bottom edge sealed to the bottom panel; a ground connection to each first end plate; and a voltage connection to each second end plate that is non-zero with respect to the ground connection, thereby providing at least a 1.5 voltage differential between each pair of adjacent plates when gaps between each adjacent pair of plates are filled with electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: David Thomas Richardson
  • Patent number: 8419910
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a balance-of-plant system and apparatus suited for regulating the operation of an electrolyzer cell stack. Specifically, in some embodiments, a balance-of-plant system and apparatus is operable to regulate the respective pressures of at least two reaction products relative to one another. Various examples are provided to demonstrate how the respective pressures of two reaction products can be regulated in relation to one another in a pressure following configuration, thereby regulating the pressure differential across an electrolyte layer according to aspects of different embodiments of the invention. Some of the examples provided also include design simplifications and alternatives that may reduce production costs of electrochemical cells configured according to aspects of different embodiments of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Hydrogenics Corporation
    Inventors: Ali Rusta-Sallehy, Michael Vale, David Frank, Nathaniel Ian Joos
  • Publication number: 20130071492
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for generating germicidal compositions for use in a wide variety of settings, including agricultural settings, food production settings, hospitality settings, health care settings, health club settings, exercise facility settings, research based settings, veterinarian settings, medical settings, hydraulic fracturing settings, and/or any setting requiring disinfection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Carmine J. Durham, R. Andrew Morgan, Michael C. Pawlak
  • Publication number: 20130032488
    Abstract: A method for producing methanol includes dissolving carbon dioxide in water to obtain a two-phase coexistence aqueous solution that is pressurized and heated to a critical state to separate critical state carbon dioxide and critical water. The critical state carbon dioxide is reduced to critical state carbon monoxide. The critical water is electrolyzed to obtain super critical state hydrogen and super critical state oxygen. The critical state carbon monoxide reacts with the super critical state hydrogen to produce methanol. Furthermore, a device for producing methanol is also provided in the present invention, comprising a mixing unit, a conversion unit and a synthesis unit, and which is highly effective in producing methanol and frugal in energy use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Chang-Hsien Tai, Jr-Ming Miao, Wu-Jang Huang, Yao-Nan Wang
  • Publication number: 20130026034
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolyzer for producing sodium hypochlorite by electrolyzing brine such as salt water or seawater and the like, and more specifically to a horizontal non-membrane type electrolyzer of a new structure which can maintain a constant interval among electrode plates without using a welding means or an adhering means on the inside of a housing by including a separator for dividing an inner space of a hollow type housing into a plurality of electrode chambers; the electrode plates which are arranged in parallel to each other in the constant interval within a rectangular space part of the separator; and a fixing bar for fixing the separator to an inner wall of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventors: Ki-Ha Shin, Il-Kyung Seo, Yoon-Seok Shin
  • Patent number: 8361287
    Abstract: A multi-element cover system for controlling acid mist in metal electrowinning or electrorefining cells is made of an electrolyte resistant material and is applied above the surface of the electrolyte and below the electrical connections of the electrodes in order to provide a continuous and substantially airtight seal above the electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventors: Fernando Penna Wittig, Cristian Villaseca Castro
  • Publication number: 20130020193
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for electroplating an inside wall of a transfer mold, the transfer mold being suitable for use in semiconductor device encapsulation. Specifically, the apparatus comprises a fixture, as well as a through-hole in the fixture for receiving an electrode to electroplate the inside wall of the transfer mold. In particular, the through-hole is configured to receive the electrode in a slide-fit to form a mutual interference fit for securing the electrode to the fixture. Upon fitting the electrode into the through-hole, the apparatus can then be used to electroplate the inside wall of the transfer mold by introducing the electrode into the space adjacent to the inside wall of the transfer mold. A device for use as an electrode in the apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: Shu Chuen HO, Kai Fat YIP, Eng Cheng CHNG, Yew Lan NGO, Saravana Ranganathan DAMODARAN
  • Publication number: 20130015076
    Abstract: There is provided a hydrogen production device which is high in the light use efficiency and can produce hydrogen with high efficiency without decreasing the hydrogen generation rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Akihito Yoshida, Shunsuke Sata, Masaki Kaga
  • Patent number: 8337678
    Abstract: A hydrogen electrolysis apparatus includes a stack of unit cells each having a membrane electrode assembly sandwiched between an anode separator and a cathode separator. The anode separator has a first flow field which is supplied with water, and the cathode separator has a second flow field which produces high-pressure hydrogen through an electrolysis of the water. The cathode separator also has a first seal groove defined therein which extends around the second flow field and a first seal member inserted in the first seal groove. The first seal groove and the second flow field are held in fluid communication with each other through passageways. The passageways keep the first seal groove and the second flow field in direct fluid communication with each other in bypassing relation to the boundary between the cathode separator and a solid polymer electrolyte membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ishikawa, Masanori Okabe, Koji Nakazawa, Eiji Haryu
  • Patent number: 8329008
    Abstract: A gas generating device of present invention is generated a first gas at a first carbon electrode by applying a voltage between said first carbon electrode and a second electrode to electrolyzing an electrolytic solution. The first carbon electrode is an anode or a cathode. The first carbon electrode is provided with a plurality of fine gas flow channels which selectively pass said first gas generated on one surface of said first carbon electrode to the other surface without allowing said electrolytic solution to permeate therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Maekawa, Mitsuru Sadamoto, Souta Itou, Takahiro Maeda, Kentaro Suzuki, Tetsuya Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8308919
    Abstract: An electrolysis device to separate water into its more economically valuable constituent hydrogen and oxygen gases. A neutral plate is interleaved between every magnetically charged electrode in an electrode stack to provide a means of spark suppression, a physical barrier between the hydrogen gas created at the cathode and oxygen gas created at the cathode, and to reduce deterioration of electrode surfaces caused by alternating polarity from an anode state to a cathode state. Scale of electrolysis cell electrodes are partially cleaned through a cycling of system polarity through a neutral electrode period. A means is provided to isolate and segregate dissociated hydrogen and oxygen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy Fletcher
  • Patent number: 8308918
    Abstract: There is provided a hydrogen generator. The hydrogen generator including: an electrolytic bath having an inner space of a predetermined size; a cover hermetically covering an open top of the electrolytic bath and having at least one hydrogen outlet; a flexible pocket disposed in the electrolytic bath and filled with an electrolyte of a predetermined amount; an electrode part fixed to the cover, and immersed in the electrolyte filled in the flexible pocket to electrolyze the electrolyte upon application of power; and a power supply supplying current to the electrode part. In the hydrogen generator, the electrode part and the electrolyte maintains a substantially constant contact area there between, thereby allowing hydrogen to be generated constantly and stably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Hyoung Gil, Chang Ryul Jung, Jae Hyuk Jang
  • Patent number: 8303781
    Abstract: A method using an electrolytic cell to electrolyze urea to produce at least one of H2 and NH3 is described. An electrolytic cell having a cathode with a first conducting component, an anode with a second conducting component, urea and an alkaline electrolyte composition in electrical communication with the anode and the cathode is used to electrolyze urea. The alkaline electrolyte composition has a hydroxide concentration of at least 0.01 M.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Ohio University
    Inventor: Gerardine G. Botte
  • Patent number: 8303798
    Abstract: The invention is a unit that produces Hydrogen Gas (Browns Gas (HHO)) that can be used as an assist to diesel and gas engines. The gas is produced from distilled water, using our stainless steel plate design. The patent should apply to the internal plate placement and design. The internal design of the unit allows it to produce significantly more hydrogen, drawing significantly less current or electricity from its power source. The internal design is in the placement of positive, negative and neutral plates to produce the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventors: James D. Dees, Ken Colclesser, April R. Saldivar, legal representative
  • Patent number: 8287716
    Abstract: The desalination system and method places water from the sea under electrolysis to produce hydrogen and oxygen gas. The system has a chamber that is filled with the hydrogen gas displacing other gases. Once the chamber is filled with only hydrogen gas, the oxygen is introduced to form water vapor within the chamber. Liquid water collects on the lower surface of the chamber, and water vapor condenses on the sidewalls. The condensation creates a partial vacuum in the chamber, causing further water to evaporate from the liquid water on the lower end of the chamber. The condensate is desalinated water, which may be collected. Condensation may be assisted through cooling the wall. The hydrogen and oxygen mix in the chamber undergoes a reaction through electrical spark generation from a spark plug to create the water vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventor: Jihad Hassan Al-Sadah
  • Publication number: 20120255868
    Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes a water electrolysis apparatus for electrically decomposing water to generate oxygen and high-pressure hydrogen having a pressure higher than the oxygen, a gas-liquid separator connected to a hydrogen pipe which discharges the high-pressure hydrogen from the water electrolysis apparatus, for separating water contained in the high-pressure hydrogen, a high-pressure hydrogen outlet pipe for delivering the high-pressure hydrogen separated from water from the gas-liquid separator, a water drainage line for discharging the water from the gas-liquid separator, and a gas depressurizing line connected to the gas-liquid separator, for degassing the gas-liquid separator before the water is discharged from the water drainage line into the water drainage line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun TAKEUCHI, Koji NAKAZAWA, Hisashi NAGAOKA, Tetsuya YOSHIDA, Masanori OKABE, Daisuke KURASHINA, Aoi MIYAKE
  • Patent number: 8282811
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for generating hydrogen gas at pressures high enough to fill a hydrogen storage cylinder for stationary and transportation applications. The hydrogen output of an electrochemical hydrogen gas generating device, a hydrogen-producing reactor, or a diluted hydrogen stream is integrated with an electrochemical hydrogen compressor operating in a high-differential-pressure mode. The compressor brings the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen generating device to the high pressure required to fill the storage cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Giner Electrochemical Systems, LLC
    Inventors: John A. Kosek, José Giner, Anthony B. LaConti
  • Publication number: 20120234265
    Abstract: Improved electrolysis systems for production of Brown's gas. The produced Brown's gas is made available for co-combustion with hydrocarbon fuel in an internal combustion engine to improve the fuel efficiency of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Duanne Y. Ball
  • Publication number: 20120222954
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrolytic reaction system (1) for generating gaseous hydrogen and oxygen, comprising a reaction chamber (2) for accommodating an electrolyte and an electrode arrangement (3) comprising a plurality of anodic and cathodic electrodes (5, 6). The electrode arrangement (3) comprises a plurality of plate-shaped electrodes (5, 6) fanned out in a star-shaped arrangement, and a virtual fanning axis (7) of the star-shaped electrode arrangement (3) lies at least approximately on a virtual, central cylinder or vertical axis (8) or is congruent with a virtual, central cylinder or vertical axis (8) of the reaction chamber (2). At least one electromagnetic coil (13) is disposed above and/or underneath the star-shaped electrode arrangement (3) in the axial direction of the virtual cylinder or vertical axis (8), the electromagnetic field of which acts on the electrolyte and on the electrode arrangement (3) when exposed to electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: NEW ENERGY AG
    Inventor: Adolf Lothring
  • Publication number: 20120222953
    Abstract: A system for producing pressurized gas(es) from polar molecular liquids without the need to compress the gas(es) through outside mechanical forces or through the use of electrical energy or otherwise. The system incorporates an electrolysis cell positioned at depth (greater than 16 feet) within the liquid. The electrolysis cell includes a bell shaped enclosure defining a gas generating assembly that is positioned at depth within a fluid such as water. The gas generating assembly includes first and second electrodes positioned in spaced relationship and a bell shaped collection vessel arranged above the electrodes. At least one collection vessel includes at least one gas port configured to connect to gas conduits to carry the pressurized gas(es) to the point of use or storage. At least one electrical conductor extends from a power source to at least one of two electrodes positioned within the gas generating assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Kenneth W. ANDERSON
  • Patent number: 8227127
    Abstract: A carbon dioxide negative method of manufacturing renewable hydrogen and trapping carbon dioxide from the air or gas streams is described. Direct current renewable electricity is provided to a water electrolysis apparatus with sufficient voltage to generate hydrogen and hydroxide ions at the cathode, and protons and oxygen at the anode. These products are separated and sequestered and the base is used to trap carbon dioxide from the air or gas streams as bicarbonate or carbonate salts. These carbonate salts, hydrogen, and trapped carbon dioxide in turn can be combined in a variety of chemical and electrochemical processes to create valuable carbon-based materials made from atmospheric carbon dioxide. The net effect of all processes is the generation of renewable hydrogen from water and a reduction of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere or in gas destined to enter the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: New Sky Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Deane Little, Timothy C. Heffernan, Joseph V. Kosmoski, C. Gordon Little
  • Publication number: 20120168318
    Abstract: A gas generating device for generating an oxygen gas and/or a hydrogen gas from an electrolytic solution containing water, including an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, a plurality of through holes and a gas containing unit. The anode electrode (photocatalyst supporting electrode) has a photocatalyst-containing layer containing a photocatalyst producing an oxygen gas from the electrolytic solution by a photocatalytic reaction. The cathode electrode produces a hydrogen gas from electrons and hydrogen ions that are generated in the electrolytic solution by the photocatalytic reaction at the photocatalyst-containing layer. The through holes are formed on at least one of the anode electrode and the cathode electrode, and the through holes allow the produced oxygen gas or hydrogen gas to pass therethrough, but do not allow the electrolytic solution to pass therethrough. The gas containing unit holds the oxygen gas or hydrogen gas that has passed through the through holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUI CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Keiji Ueno, Mitsuru Sadamoto, Hiroko Wachi, Hiroshi Maekawa
  • Publication number: 20120160706
    Abstract: The wastewater treatment apparatus of present invention has an electro-coagulation unit for removing contaminants with at least one anode and at least one cathode and an electro-oxidation unit for oxidizing contaminants with at least one anode and at least one cathode wherein oxidants are electrochemically generated. Based on the type of wastewater, the apparatus can have an electro-flotation unit between the electro-coagulation unit and the electro-oxidation unit. The apparatus also has an oxidant removal unit which can have a metal ion-liberating electrode for reacting with and removing residual oxidants. In some cases, portions of effluent from the oxidant removal unit can be recirculated to the electro-coagulation unit for increased efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: PROTERRGO INC.
    Inventors: Nicole A. Poirier, Valérie Leveillé
  • Publication number: 20120152197
    Abstract: This procedure allows for the splitting of the water molecule into its basic components of two hydrogen gas ions, one oxygen gas ion, and two free electrons. Polarized electrodes are placed in a water bath then subjected to pulsed voltage fields at sub resonant frequencies which results in the fission process of the water molecule. The Hydrogen gas and Oxygen gas (Hydroxy) can provide fuel to a combustion process where only clean water is exhausted. The Hydrogen and Oxygen may also be separated and feed a fuel cell that generates clean electricity. The free electrons can be extracted and provide additional electrical power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Charles Inskeep
  • Publication number: 20120145553
    Abstract: This disclosure enables high-productivity controlled fabrication of uniform porous semiconductor layers (made of single layer or multi-layer porous semiconductors such as porous silicon, comprising single porosity or multi-porosity layers). Some applications include fabrication of MEMS separation and sacrificial layers for die detachment and MEMS device fabrication, membrane formation and shallow trench isolation (STI) porous silicon (using porous silicon formation with an optimal porosity and its subsequent oxidation). Further, this disclosure is applicable to the general fields of photovoltaics, MEMS, including sensors and actuators, stand-alone, or integrated with integrated semiconductor microelectronics, semiconductor microelectronics chips and optoelectronics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: SOLEXEL, INC.
    Inventors: Karl-Josef Kramer, Mehrdad M. Moslehi, Subramanian Tamilmani, George D. Kamian, Jay Ashjaee, Takao Yonehara
  • Publication number: 20120149789
    Abstract: An apparatus for the electrolytic splitting of water into hydrogen and/or oxygen, the apparatus comprising: (i) at least one lithographically-patternable substrate having a surface; (ii) a plurality of microscaled catalytic electrodes embedded in said surface; (iii) at least one counter electrode in proximity to but not on said surface; (iv) means for collecting evolved hydrogen and/or oxygen gas; (v) electrical powering means for applying a voltage across said plurality of microscaled catalytic electrodes and said at least one counter electrode; and (vi) a container for holding an aqueous electrolyte and housing said plurality of microscaled catalytic electrodes and said at least one counter electrode. Electrolytic processes using the above electrolytic apparatus or functional mimics thereof are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventor: Elias Greenbaum
  • Patent number: 8197666
    Abstract: A method serves the production of one or more gases, in particular of oxyhydrogen. A liquid, preferably water (9), is electrolytically treated in the method. To improve the efficiency of a method of this type, a substance is present in the liquid (9) to which the or one of the gases to be produced adheres, in particular an ion exchanger (10) (single FIGURE).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Franz Roiner
  • Publication number: 20120137950
    Abstract: An underwater vehicle includes systems for harvesting ambient hydrostatic pressure and storing the same as a gas pressure in a compressed gas system and as a water pressure in a pressurized electrolysis system. The gas pressure is used to perform mechanical work or to generate electrical power via a prime mover. The water pressure is used to release pressurized hydrogen and oxygen gases via electrolysis. The pressurized hydrogen and oxygen gases are used in a combustion chamber to generate propulsion power for the underwater vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: John W. Rapp, Louis J. Larkin
  • Publication number: 20120111290
    Abstract: A hydrogen supplementation fuel apparatus and method having a power source, a hydrogen generator and an accumulator for supplementing hydrogen gas to improve the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines. The hydrogen generator uses electrodes that are helically wound about a separator to increase the hydrogen generation output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: CLEAN-FUEL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Daniel McBride, Dominic Ciacelli
  • Patent number: 8172990
    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 first electrode is configured to control the location of nucleation of the gas by substantially separating the location of electron transfer and nucleation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy E. McAlister
  • Patent number: 8168047
    Abstract: A HHO electrolysis cell mounted in a vehicle for creating hydrogen The hydrogen is mixed with a vehicle's fuel supply for increased fuel mileage. The electrolysis cell includes a cell housing for holding water. A plurality of positive electrode plates are mounted inside the cell housing and attached to a positive pole mounted on top of the cell housing. The positive pole is adapted for connection to a vehicle's electrical source. A plurality of negative electrode plates are mounted inside the housing and indexed in a spaced relationship between each of the positive electrode plates. The negative electrode plates are attached to a negative pole mounted on top of the cell housing. The negative pole is also adapted for connection to a vehicle's electrical source. The negative electrode plates are attached to a moveable plate rod mounted inside the cell housing. One end of the moveable rod is adapted for attachment to a linkage assembly connected to a vehicle's fuel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Jerry Smith
  • Patent number: 8168048
    Abstract: A CO2 generating and dispensing device having container with a first space for receiving oxalic acid and water, and a second space for receiving a CO2 generator which generator is attached to a lid. The lid secures to the container. Two conductive rods extend above the lid and are attached to the CO2 generator. Electric current is applied to the rods which initiates the CO2 generation. Generated CO2 rises from the second space and out a discharge vent on the lid. An hose attached to the discharge vent direct the CO2 to a pre-determined destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: M&R Consulting Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Henri J. R. Maget
  • Publication number: 20120097532
    Abstract: A generally concentric sealed reactor vessel defining a volume. A concentric target electrode 12 centered within a nonconductive vessel 24. This vessel is suspended in insulating and cooling medium 242 composed of transformer oil. Deuterium gas 235 is contained within the volume at a predetermined pressure. High voltage, high frequency potential 130 is connected between the target electrode and Earth ground 153, creating an alternating electrical field within the reaction chamber. This electric field is of sufficient intensity ionize the contained gases, and result in the alternately radial outward acceleration and alternately radial inward acceleration of these ionized gases. On inward acceleration the ions impact the target and with one another at fusion reactive velocities causing fusion reactions. In the second embodiment the reactor vessel is a conductive material connected to the power supply and the defined volume is free of tangible structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: James Robert DeLuze
  • Patent number: 8163142
    Abstract: A hydrogen system for internal combustion engines, comprising a housing assembly having at least three internal chambers divided by at least two dividing plates. The two dividing plates include a lower dividing plate and an upper dividing plate. Each comprises a plurality of through holes to allow aqueous solution to flow and circulate through the three internal chambers. A hydrogen generator is mounted onto the housing assembly at a predetermined angle. The hydrogen generator comprises a first predetermined number of negative charged plates, a second predetermined number of neutral plates, and a third predetermined number of positive charged plates. The hydrogen generator generates oxygen and hydrogen gas for use in an internal combustion engine to improve combustion efficiency and to decrease emissions. The hydrogen generator serves as an electrolysis cell to generate the oxygen and hydrogen gas with electric current from a power source being passed through the aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Giulio Stama
  • Patent number: 8152897
    Abstract: A gas liquid separator system for a hydrogen generating apparatus includes a collection area for collecting liquid from the generated gases. To empty the collection area occasionally so that liquid does not build up and become entrained again in the dried gas, a vent solenoid is provided in communication with the collection area and a pump is used to create a vacuum periodically on the electrolysis cells. Such arrangement is used to open the liquid gas filter and possibly just the sump to atmosphere occasionally and vacuum generated to draw the liquid from the sump back to the electrolysis cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Blutip Power Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Andrew Harland Lindsay
  • Publication number: 20120080311
    Abstract: An Electrolytic cell to produce Electrolysis with the use of graphite, a non metallic electrolysis element in the cell, into water passing through the cell without the use of metallic electrolysis elements. Water passing through the cell is thereby affected by the electrolysis with the use of non metal components in contact with the water to generate the electrolytic reaction. The cell being oriented with the inlets and outlets in a downward direction so that if the water remains in the cell, gaseous vapor produced by the electrolysis will eventually fill the cell cavity and stop electrolysis thereby limiting the accumulation of excess amounts of hydrogen gas from the electrolysis in the cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: Anthony Ray Stearns
  • Publication number: 20120080310
    Abstract: A photoelectrochemical cell (1) includes: an optical semiconductor electrode (first electrode) (3) including a conductive substrate (3a) and an n-type semiconductor layer (3b) as an optical semiconductor layer disposed on the conductive substrate (3a); a counter electrode (second electrode) (4) disposed to face the surface of the optical semiconductor electrode (3) on the conductive substrate (3a) side and connected electrically to the conductive substrate (3a); an electrolyte solution (11) containing water and disposed in contact with the surface of the n-type semiconductor layer (3b) and the surface of the counter electrode (4); a container (2) in which the optical semiconductor electrode (3), the counter electrode (4), and the electrolyte solution (11) are disposed; an inlet (5) for supplying water into the container; and an ion passing portion (12) that allows ions to move between the electrolyte solution in a region A on the surface side of the n-type semiconductor layer (3b) and the electrolyte solution
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takaiki Nomura, Takahiro Suzuki, Kenichi Tokuhiro, Tomohiro Kuroha, Noboru Taniguchi, Kazuhito Hatoh, Shuzo Tokumitsu
  • Patent number: 8147661
    Abstract: The invention discloses a unit for the electrolysis of water. The unit includes a plurality of stacked conductive plates which are separated from each other by a non conductive sealing ring. At least one of the stacked conductive plates functions as an anode. A plurality of the conductive plates functions as a cathode, wherein the number of cathodes is double the number of anodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Green on Demand GmbH
    Inventors: Joseph Michael Moon, Joseph E. Leiato, Timothy Iinug Mark Yataman Leiato
  • Publication number: 20120064466
    Abstract: Apparatus for dissociating water into hydrogen and oxygen, comprising a tank and the quantity of water contained in said tank is dissolved. A quantity of a conductivity promoting material suspended or dissolved in said water to form an electrically conductive fluid and a plurality of plates suspended in said electrically conductive fluid and a reactive agent selected from the group consisting of derivatives of vegetable materials, derivatives of highly resinous vegetable materials, derivatives of vegetable materials taken from pinyon pine, derivatives of vegetable materials taken from dragon blood tree, water soluble derivatives of partially oxidized vegetable materials, water soluble derivatives of partially oxidized highly resinous vegetable materials, water soluble derivatives of partially oxidized vegetable materials taken from pinyon pine, and water soluble derivatives of partially oxidized vegetable materials taken from dragon blood tree.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: COMMON SENSE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Vernon Roth, Gregory Sherman
  • Patent number: 8128792
    Abstract: A fluorine gas generator is provided with which the gases used and/or generated, in case of leakage thereof, can be prevented from mixing together as far as possible and, even in case of gas leakage into the outside of the generator system, the leakage gas can be treated safely and in which the maintenance, exchange and other operations are easy to carry out. The generator comprises a box-shaped body containing an electrolyzer for fluorine gas generation, and the box-shaped body is divided into two or more compartments, including a compartment containing the electrolyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Toyo Tanso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiro Hiraiwa, Osamu Yoshimoto, Tetsuro Tojo