With Lateral Extensions Patents (Class 204/289)
  • Patent number: 10274453
    Abstract: Nanostructured microelectrodes and biosensing devices incorporating the same are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: The Governing Council of the University of Toronto
    Inventors: Leyla Soleymani, Zhichao Fang, Shana Kelley, Edward Sargent, Bradford Taft
  • Patent number: 9051626
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the extraction of precious metals, using halogens. It has been found that introducing halogens in the reactor in the form of hypohalites rather than free halogens simplified greatly the recycling of halogens by electrolysis. It increases the rate of addition of the halogens and significantly reduces secondary reactions with base metals such as iron. Operating under acidic conditions, the gold recovery has been found as high with hypochlorite as with elemental chlorine, with an active chlorine to ore ratio reduced by a factor of two to five.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: DUNDEE, TECHNOLOGIES DURABLES INC.
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Lalancette, Bertrand Dubreuil, David Lemieux
  • Publication number: 20150136591
    Abstract: Electrolytically treating water through influent inlet arrangements for cavitation and one or more pairs of electrodes. The electrodes can provide continuous anodic and cathodic operation for treating water. The pressurized influent premixed with oxidant gas can be pumped into the reactor vessel through the mixing nozzles arranged radially along the circumference. The polarity of the current to the electrode can be periodically reversed at a set interval. An electro-catalytic paddle electrode can be used for the treatment of flowback and produced water. The paddle electrode can consists of alternate pentagonal flat plate electrodes separated by adjustable variable distance Teflon spacers. The paddle electrode is provided with a chemical coating capable of switching/reversing the polarity of anodes and cathodes at ultra high frequencies under very high current flowing conditions thus making it more efficient, stable and durable under demanding field conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: MICHAEL FRAIM, SANJEEV JAKHETE
  • Publication number: 20150083605
    Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor photoelectrode comprising a conductive substrate; a first semiconductor photocatalyst layer provided on a surface of the conductive substrate; a second semiconductor photocatalyst layer provided on a surface of the first semiconductor photocatalyst layer. The semiconductor photoelectrode has a plurality of pillar protrusions on the surface thereof. A surface of each of the pillar protrusions is formed of the second semiconductor photocatalyst layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: SATORU TAMURA, KAZUHITO HATO, KENICHI TOKUHIRO, TAKAHIRO KURABUCHI, MINORU MIZUHATA
  • Patent number: 8961751
    Abstract: A cell for direct treatment of liquid using electrolysis uses a modular construction of electrode plates and spacer assemblies positioned between end plates. Changes in the liquid flow capacity of the cell may be made by changing the number of module housing sections and electrode plate assemblies. The design includes electrode plates that lock into a mating module housing section to resist the pressure of the fluid being treated. The design further provides for multiple fluid flow paths and for automatic cleaning of the cell using standard clean-in-place methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Biolonix, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Tretheway, Myron F. Miller, Karl W. Marschke, Brian R. Hale, Ajit K. Chowdhury, Jeremy J. Vogel
  • Patent number: 8888969
    Abstract: Nanostructured microelectrodes and biosensing devices incorporating the same are disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: The Governing Council of the University of Toronto
    Inventors: Leyla Soleymani, Zhichao Fang, Shana Kelley, Edward Sargent, Bradford Taft
  • Patent number: 8715469
    Abstract: An improved galvanic processing device includes disk shaped electrodes made from a metal which have circumferential segments aligned at an angle ? relative to the plane of the circumference of the electrode. The circumferential segments may have portions aligned at a different angle ? relative to the plane of the circumference of the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventors: Franti{hacek over (s)}ek Pancurák, Ladislav Jurec
  • Patent number: 8540858
    Abstract: An interdigitated microelectrode (2) comprising a substrate (4), a first layer (6) of a first metal on the substrate (4), and a second layer (8) of a second metal on the substrate (4), the first layer (6) comprising a plurality of line microelectrodes (10) which are connected at a first end (12) and are not connected at a second end (14), the second layer (8) comprising a plurality of line microelectrodes (16) which are connected at a first end (18) and are not connected at a second end (20), the line microelectrodes (10) of the first layer (6) and the line microelectrodes (16) of the second layer (8) being such that they extend into each other but do not touch each other thereby to form an interdigititated microelectrode array (22), and the first metal being different from the second metal. A process for producing the interdigitated microelectrode (2) is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Intellitect Water Limited
    Inventor: David Robert Vincent
  • Patent number: 8419909
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for storing foodstuff comprising: a container for accommodating water and the foodstuff; at least one electrode unit having a negative electrode within the container and a positive electrode therewithin facing the negative electrode; and a power supplier for supplying electric power to the electrode unit, thereby inducing electrolysis between the negative electrode and the positive electrode set apart from each other so as to generate oxidants, and removing bacilli of decaying foodstuff by the oxidants, and thus, maintaining the freshness of foodstuff for a long time without freezing or refrigeration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Chil-Young Kim
  • Patent number: 8372254
    Abstract: An electrode for use in producing copper in either a conventional electrowinning cell or the direct electrowinning cell is provided. The electrode includes a hanger bar and an electrode body coupled with the hanger bar. The electrode body includes at least one conductor rod having a core and an outer layer surrounding the core and a substrate coupled with the conductor rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Freeport-McMoran Corporation
    Inventors: Scot P Sandoval, Casey J Clayton, Timothy G Robinson, Christopher John Zanotti, Martin Kim Zanotti
  • Publication number: 20120325669
    Abstract: There is provided a nanohair structure with the nanowires exposed on a nanotemplate; the method thereof; and a three-dimensional nanostructure-based sensor with ultra-sensitivity and greatly increased three-dimensional surface-to-volume ratio which immobilizes bio-nanoparticles to the nanohair structure and arranges antibodies to the nano surface with the controlled orientation by physical interaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Korea University Research and Business Foundation
    Inventors: Young Keun Kim, Jee Won Lee, Jin Seung Park, Moon Kyu Cho, Eun Jung Lee
  • Patent number: 8337679
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrolytic cathode assemblies typically used in the refining or winning of metals and to methods of manufacturing and using same. The cathode assembly comprises an electrically conductive hanger bar and a deposition plate attached along an upper end to the hanger bar to define a joint. The cathode assembly further comprises a protective covering having lateral edges and surrounding the hanger bar and a portion of the upper end of the deposition plate so as to substantially enclose the joint and to leave end portions of the hanger bar exposed outside of the lateral edges of the protective covering. Each end of the protective covering includes a corrosion resistant material positioned to form a substantially continuous seal between the protective covering and the hanger bar, thereby to at least hinder fluid flow into the protective covering. Methods of manufacturing and using the electrolytic cathode assemblies are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: EPCM Services Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Stanley Jickling, Gordon Steven Iverson
  • Patent number: 8303800
    Abstract: Provided is an electrochemical sensor device capable of micromachining a channel while maintaining its measurement sensitivity and of reliably quantitating an analyte in a trace amount of a sample. An electrochemical sensor device includes: a channel portion formed in a substrate; and working electrodes for subjecting an analyte in a solution flowing in the channel portion to electrochemical measurement, the electrochemical sensor device includes a plurality of measuring portions individually provided with the working electrodes, and each of the working electrodes has a plurality of conductive protrusion portions formed to protrude from a bottom surface of each of the measuring portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignees: University of Tsukuba, Kuraray Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junji Fukuda, Hiroaki Suzuki, Kentaro Okamura, Masatoshi Hashimoto, Takahisa Anada, Hideki Kuramitsu, Go Tazaki
  • Patent number: 8277975
    Abstract: The effective ionic conductivity in a composite structure is believed to decrease rapidly with volume fraction. A system, such as a bipolar device or energy storage device, has structures or components in which the diffusion length or path that electrodes or ions must traverse is minimized and the interfacial area exposed to the ions or electrons is maximized. The device includes components that can be reticulated or has a reticulated interface so that an interface area can be increased. The increased interfacial perimeter increases the available sites for reaction of ionic species. Many different reticulation patterns can be used. The aspect ratio of the reticulated features can be varied. Such bipolar devices can be fabricated by a variety of methods or procedures. A bipolar device having structures of reticulated interface can be tailored for the purposes of controlling and optimizing charge and discharge kinetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Massachusetts Intitute of Technology
    Inventors: Yet-Ming Chiang, Benjamin Hellweg
  • Patent number: 8168326
    Abstract: An energy storage device includes a first electrode comprising a first material and a second electrode comprising a second material, at least a portion of the first and second materials forming an interpenetrating network when dispersed in an electrolyte, the electrolyte, the first material and the second material are selected so that the first and second materials exert a repelling force on each other when combined. An electrochemical device, includes a first electrode in electrical communication with a first current collector; a second electrode in electrical communication with a second current collector; and an ionically conductive medium in ionic contact with said first and second electrodes, wherein at least a portion of the first and second electrodes form an interpenetrating network and wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes comprises an electrode structure providing two or more pathways to its current collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignees: A123 Systems, Inc., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yet-Ming Chiang, William D. Moorehead, Antoni S. Gozdz, Richard K. Holman, Andrew L. Loxley, Gilbert N. Riley, Jr., Michael S. Viola
  • Patent number: 8148009
    Abstract: The effective ionic conductivity in a composite structure is believed to decrease rapidly with volume fraction. A system, such as a bipolar device or energy storage device, has structures or components in which the diffusion length or path that electrodes or ions must traverse is minimized and the interfacial area exposed to the ions or electrons is maximized. In some embodiments, electrodes comprising a plurality of channels are provided, wherein the electrodes are constructed and arranged to allow diffusion of an ionic species from an electrolyte to a surface thereof. The device includes components that can be reticulated or has a reticulated interface so that an interface area can be increased. The increased interfacial perimeter increases the available sites for reaction of ionic species. The aspect ratio of the reticulated features can be varied. Such bipolar devices can be fabricated by a variety of methods or procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yet-Ming Chiang, Benjamin Hellweg
  • Patent number: 8137514
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing sterilized water, spraying apparatus thereof and capsule containing salt using therein, more particularly, comprises a container having a water receiver for accommodating water; at least one negative electrode having at least one negative electrode projection formed thereon in the water receiver; at least one positive electrode having at least one positive electrode projection formed thereon arranged to face the negative electrode projection in the water receiver; and a power supply for supplying electric current to the negative electrode and the positive electrode, thereby promptly manufacturing a large amount of sterilized water within a short time, and thus, enabling users to use for disinfecting and sterilization the fresh sterilized water immediately after directly manufacturing the sterilized water without having aseptic to injured area or the inside of a nose for rhinitis' patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Chil-Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20120037505
    Abstract: A microlectrode comprising a diamond layer formed from electrically non-conducting diamond and containing one or more pins or projections of electrically conducting diamond extending at least partially through the layer of non-conducting diamond presenting areas of electrically conducting diamond.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventors: Charles Simon James Pickles, Clive Edward Hall, Li Jiang, Neil Perkins, Richard Antonius Kleijhorst
  • Patent number: 8038855
    Abstract: An electrode for use in producing copper in either a conventional electrowinning cell or the direct electrowinning cell is provided. The electrode includes a hanger bar and an electrode body coupled with the hanger bar. The electrode body includes at least one conductor rod having a core and an outer layer surrounding the core and a substrate coupled with the conductor rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Freeport-McMoran Corporation
    Inventors: Scot P. Sandoval, Casey J. Clayton, Timothy G. Robinson, Christopher John Zanotti, Martin Kim Zanotti
  • Patent number: 7927468
    Abstract: An electrode assembly for use with an electrodeposition process. According to an exemplary embodiment, the electrode assembly includes an electrode for exchanging electrical current with a solution, a passageway for removing gas that becomes trapped between a workpiece and the solution, and a sleeve for electrically isolating the electrode from the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Guangling Song, Yar-Ming Wang, Hong-Hsiang Kuo, Kevin M. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 7927471
    Abstract: A three-dimensional electrode with higher strength and higher toughness is provided. The three-dimensional electrode is fabricated by bending a plurality of snicks which are formed in a plate-like electrode substrate toward the same direction. The stabilization of the positional relation among the elements generated by the three-dimensional electrode neither mechanically damages the membrane nor causes the insufficient current supply. The three-dimensional electrode is preferably used for brine electrolysis and white liquor electrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Chlorine Engineers Corp., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Shinomiya, Masahiro Ohara, Keiji One, Tsuneo Tokumori
  • Patent number: 7914651
    Abstract: A cathode plate and method for electro-refining or electro-winning of metal. The cathode includes a cathode blade and hanger bar. A quantity of electrically conductive material is wrapped around the hanger bar and along the cathode blade to a position, in use, proximate the level of electrolyte in the electrolytic bath. The provision of a deeper and preferably thicker coating of electrically conductive material, as compared with conventional cathode plates, reduces power consumption in the electrolytic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Mount Isa Mines Limited
    Inventors: Nigel James Aslin, Wayne Keith Webb, Reville Wayne Armstrong, Tim Robinson
  • Patent number: 7807028
    Abstract: There is provided a substantially permanent stainless steel cathode plate suitable for use in electrorefining of metal cathodes, the cathode being composed of a low-nickel duplex steel or a lower grade “304” steel, wherein operational adherence of an electrodeposition thereon is enabled by altering various qualities of the cathode surface. There is also provided a method of producing the above duplex or Grade 304 cathode plates, such that the desired operational adherence of the deposit upon the plate is not so strong as to prevent the deposit being removed during subsequent handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Xstrata Queensland Limited
    Inventor: Wayne Keith Webb
  • Patent number: 7807029
    Abstract: There is provided a substantially permanent stainless steel cathode plate (1) suitable for use in electrorefining of metal cathodes, the cathode being composed of a low-nickel duplex steel or a lower grade “304” steel, wherein operational adherence of an electrode-position thereon is enabled by altering various qualities of the cathode surface. There is also provided a method of producing the above duplex or Grade 304 cathode plates, such that the desired operational adherence of the deposit upon the plate is not so strong as to prevent the metal deposit being removed during subsequent handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Xstrata Queensland Limited
    Inventor: Wayne Keith Webb
  • Patent number: 7785453
    Abstract: An electrode for electrochemical processes for gas production, which in the installed state is located parallel and opposite to an ion exchange membrane and consists of a multitude of horizontal lamellar elements which are structured and three-dimensionally shaped and are in contact with only one surface with the membrane, wherein the lamellar elements have grooves and holes, the major part of the holes being placed in the grooves and the surfaces of such holes or part thereof are located in the grooves or extend into the grooves whereby the holes are ideally placed in the contact area of the respective lamellar element with the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Uhdenora S.p.A.
    Inventors: Karl Heinz Dulle, Roland Beckmann, Randolf Kiefer, Peter Woltering
  • Patent number: 7781098
    Abstract: The effective ionic conductivity in a composite structure is believed to decrease rapidly with volume fraction. A system, such as a bipolar device or energy storage device, has structures or components in which the diffusion length or path that electrodes or ions must traverse is minimized and the interfacial area exposed to the ions or electrons is maximized. The device includes components that can be reticulated or has a reticulated interface so that an interface area can be increased. The increased interfacial perimeter increases the available sites for reaction of ionic species. Many different reticulation patterns can be used. The aspect ratio of the reticulated features can be varied. Such bipolar devices can be fabricated by a variety of methods or procedures. A bipolar device having structures of reticulated interface can be tailored for the purposes of controlling and optimizing charge and discharge kinetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yet-Ming Chiang, Benjamin Hellweg
  • Patent number: 7682493
    Abstract: The electrode cartridge for measuring an internal stress of a film of plating includes a cathode support, an anode support, a shield plate and an anode shell. The anode support supports an anode plate so that the anode plate is opposite to the cathode plate with a predetermined spacing. The shield plate is interposed between the cathode and anode plates. A through hole is made in the shield plate in such a manner that the through hole confronts a plating section and has a geometry which is reduced by a first predetermined scale factor relative to a geometry of the plating section. An opening is made in the anode shell in such a manner that the opening confronts the plating section and has a geometry which is magnified by a second predetermined scale factor relative to the geometry of the plating section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Yamamoto-MS Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wataru Yamamoto, Katsunori Akiyama, Fumio Harada, Yutaka Tsuru
  • Patent number: 7592091
    Abstract: A microreactor includes a filament comprising a supporting core having an axial length and a plurality of webs extending radially from the core and axially along said length. The filament forms a radially internal, electrically conductive first electrode. The microreactor also includes a radially external membrane having a radially internal envelope surface separated from the core by the webs, thereby forming flow channels in which a fuel component flows against the filament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: 2S-Sophisticated Systems Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Blum, Robert Heggemann, Bernd Luhrs
  • Publication number: 20090229974
    Abstract: The Tamian Fusion Cell is a uniquely designed electrolytic cell that promotes the process of nuclear fusion. The cell consists of an outer cylinder whose inner surface is lined with palladium (Pd), a middle cylinder of platinum (Pt), which acts as an ion “kicker”, and a central palladium (Pd) electrode post. The middle (Pt) cylinder is perforated, allowing for the electrolyte and ions to flow from the outer cell chamber through these holes to the inner cell chamber and vice versa. A dual-polarity, direct current power supply is connected to the cell by either a “double-pole double-throw” switch or by an “integrated timing circuit”. The purpose of the I.C. timing circuit or switch is to periodically reverse the polarities of the cell's palladium electrodes, which creates a fluctuating ion flow, whereby promoting constant fusion at the negative palladium electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Tamian
  • Patent number: 7579112
    Abstract: An energy storage device includes a first electrode comprising a first material and a second electrode comprising a second material, at least a portion of the first and second materials forming an interpenetrating network when dispersed in an electrolyte, the electrolyte, the first material and the second material are selected so that the first and second materials exert a repelling force on each other when combined. An electrochemical device, includes a first electrode in electrical communication with a first current collector; a second electrode in electrical communication with a second current collector; and an ionically conductive medium in ionic contact with said first and second electrodes, wherein at least a portion of the first and second electrodes form an interpenetrating network and wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes comprises an electrode structure providing two or more pathways to its current collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignees: A123 Systems, Inc., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yet Ming Chiang, William Douglas Moorehead, Antoni S. Gozdz, Richard K. Holman, Andrew Loxley, Gilbert N. Riley, Jr., Michael S. Viola
  • Patent number: 7553584
    Abstract: The effective ionic conductivity in a composite structure is believed to decrease rapidly with volume fraction. A system, such as a bipolar device or energy storage device, has structures or components in which the diffusion length or path that electrodes or ions must traverse is minimized and the interfacial area exposed to the ions or electrons is maximized. The device includes components that can be reticulated or has a reticulated interface so that an interface area can be increased. The increased interfacial perimeter increases the available sites for reaction of ionic species. Many different reticulation patterns can be used. The aspect ratio of the reticulated features can be varied. Such bipolar devices can be fabricated by a variety of methods or procedures. A bipolar device having structures of reticulated interface can be tailored for the purposes of controlling and optimizing charge and discharge kinetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Yet-Ming Chiang, Benjamin Hellweg
  • Patent number: 7494576
    Abstract: Apparatus for electroplating a workpiece includes an unassembled electroplating anode assembly having weldable first and second structural anode members. The first structural anode member includes a positioning slot. The second structural anode member includes a positioning tab disposable in the positioning slot. A method for making an electroplating anode assembly includes obtaining an electroplating-anode-assembly first structural anode member having a positioning slot and obtaining an electroplating-anode-assembly second structural anode member having a positioning tab. The method also includes locating the positioning tab in the positioning slot and welding together the first and second structural anode members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mark Alan Rosenzweig, Robert George Zimmerman, Jr., John D. Evans, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7396442
    Abstract: An ionically conductive ceramic element includes a central unit (703). The central unit (703) is composed of a plurality of integrated manifold and tube modules (IMAT) (22) joined end to end along a central axis (A). Each IMAT module (22) has a tube support portion (804) and a plurality of tubes (802) extending from the first surface (803). The tubes (802) each have a closed end (805) and an open end. The second surface (807) is at least partially open to the atmosphere. The open ends of the tubes (802) are open to the atmosphere through the second surface (807). An interior space (830) is formed in the interior of the IMAT (22) for collecting a desired product gas. A collection tube (710) is operable joined with a first end (714) of the central unit (703) for transporting the desired product gas collected in the interior space (730) of the connected IMAT modules (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Carleton Life Support Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brad M. Bagby, Scott H. Harvey
  • Patent number: 7384521
    Abstract: A self-baking, Soderberg type carbon anode (40) for use in an aluminum electrolyses cell (1) to form product aluminum (11), where the anode (40) is consumable in molten electrolyte (12) in the cell, the anode having top, bottom and side surfaces and at least four layers of vertically disposed plate inserts (48) meltable in the molten electrolyte, the plate inserts (48) preferably made of aluminum and are capable of melting to create hollow vertical slots (52) at the bottom of the anode facilitating any gas bubbles (60) generated to channel to the side of the anode into the electrolyte (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Xiangwen Wang, Alton T. Tabereaux, Jerry L. Roddy, Alain J. Belda
  • Patent number: 7344624
    Abstract: A cathode plate and method for electro-refining or electro-winning of metal. The cathode includes a cathode blade and hanger bar. A quantity of electrically conductive material is wrapped around the hanger bar and along the cathode blade to a position, in use, proximate the level of electrolyte in the electrolytic bath. The provision of a deeper and preferably thicker coating of electrically conductive material, as compared with conventional cathode plates, reduces power consumption in the electrolytic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Mount Isa Mines Limited
    Inventors: Nigel James Aslin, Wayne Keith Webb, Reville Wayne Armstrong, Tim Robinson
  • Patent number: 7285193
    Abstract: A cathode for use in the refining or winning of metals, typically used in the electro-refining or winning of copper, comprising a substantially flat deposition plate fixedly attached along an upper edge thereof to an elongate hanger bar thereby defining a connection. A protective cladding is attached to the deposition plate and at least partially surrounding the hanger bar such that a cavity is defined in the region of the connection. A corrosion resistant material fills the cavity. In this manner the corrosion resistant material prevents corrosive substances from penetrating the connection. The corrosion resistant material prevents corrosive electrolytic solution and other liquids from corroding the conductive connection between the deposition plate and the hanger bar which would otherwise reduce efficiency of the cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Falconbridge Limited
    Inventors: Victor Robinson, James Joseph Detulleo, Gordon S. Iverson, Ian J. Beales
  • Patent number: 7214296
    Abstract: Object of the invention is an anodic structure for mercury cathode cells for the industrial electrolysis of sodium chloride. The new structure is constituted by a grid array comprising a multiplicity of vertically disposed and mutually parallel titanium blades, covered by an electrocatalytic coating specific for the discharge of chlorine. The ratio between the thickness and the height of the blades is comprised between 1:16 and 1:100 and the ratio between the surface of free passage between the blades and the projected surface is comprised between 15:17 and 25:30. The new grid array is perpendicularly fixed to new or existing frames having the function of mechanical support and current conduction to the grid array. Scope of the invention is simultaneously reducing the energetic consumption of the cell and the costs for restoring the exhausted electrocatalytic coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: De Nora Elettrodi, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Meneghini
  • Patent number: 7132190
    Abstract: A microreactor for use in an electrode system of a fuel cell includes a filament having a supporting core and a plurality of spokes extending radially from the core, the filament forming an electrode against which a fuel component flows. A membrane is supported on the spokes to form flow channels for the fuel component, the filament and the membrane supporting each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: 2S-Sophisticated Systems Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Blum, Robert Heggemann, Bernd Luhrs
  • Patent number: 7090760
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method of reducing spent oxides nuclear fuel to nuclear-fuel metal, in which metal oxides are reduced to metals using an electrochemical reduction device with LiCl—Li2O salt as an electrolyte, a cathode electrode assembly used in the method, and a reduction device including the cathode electrode assembly. The method is advantageous in that the process of reducing the spent oxide nuclear fuel to the nuclear-fuel metal and another process of recovering Li are united to simplify the whole processes, direct use of high oxidative Li metals is excluded to secure safety, and conversion efficiency of the spent oxide nuclear fuel is 99% or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignees: Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung Seok Seo, Jin Mok Hur, In Kyu Choi, Seong Won Park, Hyun Soo Park
  • Patent number: 6913683
    Abstract: A method for the production of pipe segments from a pipe (10) in which the pipe (10) is rotated about its longitudinal axis, while an electrode (20) is positioned in the vicinity of the outer surface (11) of the pipe (10) and electrolyte (30) is fed to the space between the pipe (10) and the electrode (20). The electrode (20) and the pipe (10) are connected to a voltage source (40), with the result that an electric current is brought about via the electrolyte (30). Thus, the pipe (10) is divided into pipe segments in an electrochemical way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Van Doorne's Transmissie B.V.
    Inventors: Cornelus Hendricus Maria Van Oirschot, Roland Theo Anton Kals, Hendrikus Van Den Boomen
  • Patent number: 6852205
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an electrode plate for a water electrolysis device, which is formed from a metal plate having such a thickness as to be capable of being press-formed, and which comprises a flat plate portion, and a peripheral edge portion positioned on the outer side of the flat plate portion and bent so that recesses and protrusions are alternately arrayed along an outer peripheral edge thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Shinko-Pantec Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Manabu Toyoshima, Masaru Yonezawa, Kiyoshi Hirai, Akiko Miyake, Yutaka Ishii, Tsutomu Oi, Shingo Toriu
  • Publication number: 20040231978
    Abstract: The invention relates to electroplating. In particular, the invention relates to an improved anode for electroplating metals onto substrates, and to a method of electroplating metals onto substrates utilizing the anode. The anode has a solid metal portion, and a metal electrode shaft having one or more barbs projecting outwardly from a periphery of the shaft at one end of the shaft. The barbs are fixed through the body extend a distance therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Tamara L White
  • Publication number: 20040231979
    Abstract: A long-lasting metal-based oxygen-evolving anode (10) for the electrowinning of aluminium from alumina dissolved in a molten electrolyte, has a plurality of electrochemically active anode members (15,15′) spaced apart and parallel to one another. Each anode member (15) can comprise a bottom part (15a) which has a substantially constant width over its height and which is extended upwardly by a tapered top part (15b for guiding a circulation a of electrolyte (30) thereon. The bottom part (15a) is usually made of a metal alloy with a substantially flat oxide bottom surface (16) which is electrochemically active for the oxidation of oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Vittorio De Nora
  • Patent number: 6802947
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for securing and electrically contacting a substrate on a non-production surface of the substrate. The apparatus includes a substrate holder assembly having a substrate engaging surface formed thereon, the substrate engaging surface being configured to engage a substrate on the non-production surface. The apparatus further includes an electrical contact device positioned on the substrate engaging surface, the electrical contact device including a plurality of radially spaced electrically conductive members configured to electrically communicate with the non-production surface of the substrate positioned on the substrate engaging surface. The method includes depositing a conductive seed layer on a production surface of the substrate, and depositing a backside conductive layer on a portion of the non-production side of the substrate, the backside conductive layer extending around a bevel of the substrate to electrically communicate with the seed layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. K. Olgado, Michael Wood, Dmitry Lubomirsky
  • Publication number: 20030178298
    Abstract: The electrode comprises a plate-shaped part (2) having a portion for establishing contact with the skin of a patient, and a flange part (5) connected with the plate-shaped part. Snap connecting means (6) are provided on the flange part and includes a stud portion (7) for establishing connection to a lead wire connector means of a measuring apparatus and a base portion (8) formed integrally with the stud portion. A conductive area (4) extends between the skin contact establishing portion and the snap connecting means (6). Fastening means for fastening the snap connecting means to the electrode is formed integrally with the base portion and comprises a plurality of legs (9) which protrude from the base portion. The legs are folded to a position in which they abut against the conductive area (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas Bassoe, Torben Madsen, Brian Nielsen
  • Patent number: 6613201
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treating water by means of an electric field. An Anode and a cathode are arranged in a treatment chamber. The cathode has a plurality of parallel pins. Seed crystals are deposited on these pins. There are means for separating these seed crystals from the pins. The apparatus is to be of simple design and is to have high efficiency with regard to the formation of seed crystals. The cathode is to be kept free from lime depositions. To this end, the seed crystals are separated or stripped from the pins by means of a perforated disc. The pins extend through the holes of this perforated disc. The perforated disc is guided over the pins. The perforated disc can be moved by water pressure or by an electric motor. The electric motor has as second function the actuation of a safety valve controlled by a monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Hans Sasserath & Co KG
    Inventor: Willi Hecking
  • Patent number: 6576098
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal cathode sheet as component of cathode equipment for an electrolysis tank for the electrolytic recovery of pure metals, especially copper. The cathode sheet is provided, at its side edges which come into contact with the electrolyte and are vertically aligned in the electrolysis tank, with an edge protector, made of a ceramic material. The edge protector is electrically insulating, of dense porosity and resistant to electrolyte. Sharp-edged breakthroughs and the outer cathode cutting edges are completely coated by edge protector. In this manner flux line concentrations at these locations are forestalled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: KM Europa Metal AG
    Inventor: Gunter Knies
  • Patent number: 6562226
    Abstract: An electrochemical machining process gives a workpiece such as a honeycomb panel a 3-dimensional profile form having a varying cross-section perpendicular to an axis of the profile form. In the process an electrode is maintained in a constant position relative to the axis and the surface of the profile form is exposed differentially to the action of the electrode in the axial direction to vary the amount of material removal and so vary the cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Anglia Polytechnic University
    Inventor: Hassan Shirvani
  • Patent number: 6527923
    Abstract: An electrode of use in electrolytic cells, particularly water electrolyser cells for the production of hydrogen, and comprising an electrically conductive first metal sheet having an electrochemically active gas-evolving planar surface; an electrically conductive second metal electrochemically active gas-evolving screen intimately adjacent and parallel to the planar surface to define an electrolyte and gas-evolving chamber between the sheet and the screen having a narrow width. The electrode provides improvements in voltage and efficiency, longer-term electrode stability and opportunity for periodic depolarization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventors: Donald W. Kirk, John W Graydon
  • Patent number: RE40035
    Abstract: A ceramic oxygen generator is described which is capable of modular construction to permit the oxygen generation capacity to be expanded. An ionically conducted ceramic electrolyte is formed into a series of rows and columns of tubes on a tube support member and like electrolyte bodies can be connected together to form a manifold therebetween of oxygen produced in the interiors of the rubes. An electrical connection between tubes is formed such that the anodes and cathodes of tubes in a column are connected in parallel while the tubes in the row are, respectively, connected anode to cathode to form a series connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Carleton Life Support Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Victor P. Crome