With Lateral Extensions Patents (Class 204/289)
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Patent number: 6524453Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrochemical apparatus comprising of an electrode assembly, an internal reservoir and an internal dryer. The internal dryer consists of a chamber filled with a multitude of balls to create mechanical obstacles removing moisture from gasses present inside, reducing the volume of accumulated gasses and acting as anti-splash for the electrolyte. The invention is also directed to an electrode assembly of monopolar electrodes for use in electrical apparatus. The bipolar electrode assembly comprises a pair of electrodes (12, 14), each of the electrodes having a plurality of electrode plates (16, 18) connected in series together. The electrode plates of each of the electrodes are connected to the next electrode plate in the series by a bridging member (20) contiguous with each of the interconnected electrode plates. The invention is also directed to an electrode for use in an electrode assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2000Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: FatPower Inc.Inventors: Mario De Souza, Gabi Balan
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Patent number: 6471835Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode assemblage clamping device for an electrode comprising two parallel, essentially flat and rectangular electrode members, and at least one current supply rod/conductor bar, arranged between and in conductive contact with said electrode members. The device comprises a clamping means provided along at least a part of the vertical peripheral edges of said electrode elements, said clamping means comprising a resilient member and an abutment member. The latter are configured such that each electrode member is clamped between one respective part each of the abutment member and of the resilient member.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2000Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Permascand ABInventors: Maria Sjöberg, Anders Ullman, Karl Axel Hugosson, Mikael Tenfält, Martin Kroon, Jostein Per Saetre, Tor Haakon Groesle
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Publication number: 20020060149Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal cathode sheet assembly for use in the electrolytic recovery of pure metals, especially copper, in an electrolysis tank. The metal cathode sheet is provided at its side edges with an edge protector formed by a grooved profile strip. The edge protector is secured to the side edge by engaging at least one trapezoidal holding wedge that has back surfaces facing away from the narrow sides. The wedge is able to be secured in a cutout on the edge. The edge protector grips behind the back surface with counter-support surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2001Publication date: May 23, 2002Inventor: Gunter Knies
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Patent number: 6312572Abstract: The present invention provides an ion exchange membrane type electrolyzer, which comprises electrodes at opposed positions via an ion exchange membrane, spacers are mounted in dot-like arrangement on openings of electrode surface to maintain spacing between the ion exchange membrane and surface of at least one of the electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2000Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignees: Chlorine Engineers Corp., Ltd., Tosoh CorporationInventor: Shinji Katayama
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Publication number: 20010025785Abstract: A cathode arrangement having a mounting rail (1) and a cathode plate (2) bonded to the mounting rail (1). Two parallel flanges extending in its longitudinal direction are formed on the underside (5) of the mounting rail (1). The cathode plate (2) is accommodated and bonded to the flanges (8, 9) by explosion welding between the parallel flanges. A full-surface metal-to-metal bond is thus obtained, which has very good current-conducting properties at the contact surfaces between the flanges (8, 9) and the cathode plate (2). The ends of the mounting rail (1) projecting over the cathode plate (2) have a flangeless design and have oblique surfaces (6, 7) intersecting in the shape of a wedge on the underside.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2001Publication date: October 4, 2001Applicant: Novozymes A/SInventors: Gunter Knies, Reinhardt Ax
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Patent number: 6284109Abstract: A spacer mechanism which is used to separate electrodes within an electrowinning process. The spacers have a central body portion which defines the distancing between the electrodes and at least four sloping arms extending from the central body. The arms are used to move the electrodes to the top of the central body of the spacer, as the electrodes are being placed next to each other. Each of the arms is ideally narrow so that the “footprint” of the spacer is minimized. The small “footprint” causes minimal disruption of the electrical flow between the electrodes so that the electro-deposition process proceeds in a uniform manner.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2000Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Inventor: William Ebert
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Patent number: 6224736Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus or a method for forming a thin zinc oxide film on a conductive base member by immersing the conductive base member and a counter electrode in an aqueous solution and supplying a current between the conductive base member and the counter electrode, in which (a) a distance between the counter electrode and the base member is 50 mm or more at an end portion of the counter electrode and is 3 mm to 40 mm at a central portion of the counter electrode, and (b) an end portion of the counter electrode is folded by an angle of −1° to −90° with respect to the conductive base member. Thus the thin zinc oxide film of satisfactory film quality can be formed on the conductive base member for a long time with a satisfactory yield, and inexpensive and stable production of the thin zinc oxide film can be realized.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yusuke Miyamoto
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Patent number: 6217734Abstract: An electrodeposition apparatus for depositing material on a surface of a substrate. The electrodeposition apparatus includes at least one contact for laterally contacting the substrate and providing electrical connection to the substrate. The at least one contact does not obscure the surface of the substrate to be plated. A voltage source is connected to the at least one contact.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1999Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Cyprian E. Uzoh
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Patent number: 6217725Abstract: A resilient dielectric wiper blade is mounted between electrodes and a workpiece, particularly in an anodizing operation, to wipe bubbles of oxygen from the anodic work surface, to remove a surface layer of excessively heated electrolytic solution and replace with fresh cooler solution, and in the case of flexible strip processing, to stabilize the strip between cathodes. The resilient dielectric wiper blade is preferably used with perforated electrodes to facilitate removal of overheated electrolytic solution and replace with freshly circulated solution.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 1997Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: Electroplating Technologies Ltd.Inventors: Erik S. Van Anglen, Harold M. Keeney, James L. Forand
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Patent number: 6106680Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating electrochemical copper interconnections between the component parts of an integrated circuit on a semiconductor device. A cathodic platter is provided that includes contact pins that contact the surface of a semiconductor wafer at predetermined locations during the electrochemical deposition process. The contact pins are arranged on the cathodic platter so that when placed on the surface of the semiconductor wafer the contact pins surround the perimetrical edges of each respective semiconductor device on the semiconductor wafer. Once the semiconductor wafer is properly positioned on the cathodic platter, a copper conductive layer can be electrochemically and uniformly deposited on the surface of the semiconductor device.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1999Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: AMDInventors: Takeshi Nogami, Axel Preusse, Valery Dubin
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Patent number: 6054027Abstract: A filtering mechanism for especially well suited for corrosive mists which are generated from electro-refining systems. A layer of bristles forming a brush is secured to an electrode within the electro-refining system. As the electro-refining system produces a mist of corrosive chemicals above the slurry, the mist rises through the bristles. As the mist passes through the bristles, the corrosive chemical adheres to the bristles; hence, the corrosive chemical does not pass into the surrounding environment. Periodically, the bristles are washed to remove the corrosive chemicals. In one embodiment of the invention, the edge between the electrodes and the wall of the slurry bath are partially sealed with a pliable member which assists in directing the mist through the bristles.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1998Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Inventor: William Arthur Ebert
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Patent number: 5993637Abstract: An electrode structure is constituted by a first electrode, and at least one second electrode providing a pair of opposite portions with a prescribed spacing therebetween at which the first electrode is disposed. The electrode structure is suitably used for electrolytic etching and is effective in providing an accurate etching pattern without damaging the surface of an etching object.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masaya Hisamatsu, Akio Hasebe, Tsutomu Murakami, Hirofumi Ichinose, Satoshi Shinkura, Yukie Ueno
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Patent number: 5985113Abstract: A ceramic element is provided which can be injection molded from an electrolyte and a binder. The ceramic element includes a tube support portion and a plurality of tubes extending from the tube support portion. The plurality of tubes are arranged in rows and columns. A plurality of vias extend from one surface of the tube support portion to an opposite surface of the tube support portion. The ceramic element is coated with an electrically conductive coating and a current collector coating. The vias are coated with the electrically conductive coating and plugged. After the coatings are removed in selected areas of the ceramic element, the tubes of the ceramic element form a series-parallel array because tubes in the same column are connected in parallel electrically and tubes in adjacent rows are connected in series electrically. Two ceramic elements are sealed together to form a modular electrochemical device. The electrochemical device can be either an oxygen generator or a fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1998Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.Inventors: Victor Paul Crome, Russell Frank Hart, Scott Richard Sehlin
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Patent number: 5871624Abstract: 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 for 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: GrantFiled: February 6, 1998Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.Inventor: Victor P. Crome
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Patent number: 5865965Abstract: An insulating shield plate (1) divides a room of an electrolysis bath (2) into an anode chamber (13) and a cathode chamber (14). An anode (5) is disposed in the anode chamber (13), and a cathode (6), metallic waste (7) and heater (4) are disposed in the cathode chamber (14). An electrolyte (3) stored in the electrolysis bath (2) flows in a circulation path from a circulating pump (10) through a circulating line (12) and filter (11) to return the electrolysis bath (2). An exhaust gas processing device 9 is connected to the electrolysis bath (2). When a voltage is supplied to the anode (5) and cathode (6), a surface of the metallic waste (7) is charged in a positive polarity to dissolve a base metal of the metallic waste (7). Further, a cylindrical anode (33) is arranged in an electrolyte (32) in an electrolysis bath (31), and a cylindrical metal (34) as a metallic waste is arranged in the cylindrical anode (33).Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 1997Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Masami Enda, Jiro Sakurai, Hitoshi Sakai, Osamu Sasaki
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Patent number: 5849164Abstract: A cell, particularly a membrane cell, that will generally be oriented in an at least substantially vertical positioning, is provided with an array of blade electrodes. The blade electrodes are Delta shape in cross-section, having a flat back face and forwardly sloping sides meeting at a forward edge. Such electrodes can be secured to a current distributor bar, typically on a flat front face of the bar. The forward edge of an electrode blade may be placed opposite a counter electrode of the same or different structure, with a membrane separator usually interposed therebetween. Electrical connection can be made to the electrode blades from the distributor bar, and to the distributor bar through boss electrical connectors. Baffles, which may also be secured to the distributor bar, help establish a front chamber, containing the electrode blades, in front of the baffles, and a back chamber behind the baffles. Electrolyte circulates through the front chamber and recirculates through the back chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 1997Date of Patent: December 15, 1998Assignee: Eltech Systems CorporationInventor: Gerald R. Pohto
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Patent number: 5837120Abstract: A continuous strip is electrochemically processed in an electrolytic processing bath using either a thin flexible or resilient dielectric wiping blade or an open web, plastic mesh to wipe bubbles of gas from the surface, sever dendritic material, if such is present, and to remove a surface layer of partially depleted electrolytic solution, replacing with fresh solution and to stabilize strip portions extending between support rolls. The resilient dielectric wiper blade is preferably used with perforated anodes which allow fresh electrolytic solution to flow into the space between the anodes and the strip surface after being expelled by passage of the strip past the wiping blade. The wiping blades may also be angularly oriented with respect to the strip to increase the wiping effectiveness.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1995Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Assignee: Electroplating Technologies, Inc.Inventors: James L. Forand, Harold M. Keeney, Erik S. Vananglen
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Patent number: 5837111Abstract: A filtering mechanism for especially well suited for corrosive mists which are generated from electro-refining systems. A layer of bristles forming a brush is secured to an electrode within the electro-refining system. As the electro-refining system produces a mist of corrosive chemicals above the slurry, the mist rises through the bristles. As the mist passes through the bristles, the corrosive chemical adheres to the bristles; hence, the corrosive chemical does not pass into the surrounding environment. Periodically, the bristles are washed to remove the corrosive chemicals. In one embodiment of the invention, the edge between the electrodes and the wall of the slurry bath are partially sealed with a pliable member which assists in directing the mist through the bristles.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1997Date of Patent: November 17, 1998Inventor: William Arthur Ebert
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Patent number: 5824202Abstract: The invention concerns an improved electrode particularly useful for electrochemical processes forming gaseous products. The electrode is made of a composite structure comprising a shaped sheet having a profile of the "venetian blind" type, which provides for ensuring the necessary stiffness and improved local fluodynamics, and a mesh having the same "venetian blind" profile, provided with an electrocatalytic coating. The mesh is fixed by spot welding to the sheet in order to have the two profiles substantially coincident.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1997Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: De Nora S.p.A.Inventors: Peter Fabian, Emilio Zioni
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Patent number: 5770024Abstract: The invention concerns an improved electrode particularly useful for electrochemical processes forming gaseous products. The electrode is made of a composite structure comprising a shaped sheet having a profile of the "venetian blind" type, which provides for ensuring the necessary stiffness and improved local fluodynamics, and a mesh having the same "venetian blind" profile, provided with an electrocatalytic coating. The mesh is fixed by spot welding to the sheet in order to have the two profiles substantially coincident.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1996Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: De Nora S.p.A.Inventors: Peter Fabian, Emilio Zioni
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Patent number: 5733424Abstract: An electrode for an electrochemical cell used in strip coating systems for continuous metal sheets has a plate-shaped electrode carrier, to which activated electrode components are connected mechanically in a detachable manner. The electrode carrier contains a metal core of material with good electrical conductivity, which, with the exception of the points where the activated electrode parts are connected, is surrounded by a jacketing of valve metal; on the side of the electrode carrier facing the cell wall, a corrosion- resistant plastic body in attached, against which the support means, the spring elements, the positioning elements, or the flow guide elements extending from the cell wall rest, these supports or elements thus being unable to cause any damage to the valve-metal jacketing of the electrode carrier.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1995Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Assignee: Heraeus Elektrochemie GmbHInventors: Gerhard Dehm, Martin Pfannschmidt, Wilfried Schug, Heinrich Simon, Edgar Glueck
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Patent number: 5660698Abstract: An electrode plate of planar structure contains lamellar electrode elements, with adjacent electrode elements being separated from one another by a gap. For a better escape of the gas from the electrode/membrane area, the lamellar electrode elements are provided with an expanded-metal structure, the openings of which serve to improve the passage of gas. The electrode elements are provided with angled upper edge strips in order to facilitate the escape of gas in the vertical direction. The electrode configuration is particularly suitable as an anodically connected electrode in direct contact with an ion exchanger membrane, but can also be used as a cathode at a distance from the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 1995Date of Patent: August 26, 1997Assignee: Heraeus Elektrochemie GmbHInventors: Robert Scannell, Bernd Busse
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Patent number: 5653857Abstract: A filter press electrolyzer, such as for use in a chlor-alkali cell, has electrode assemblies which include a pan-shaped structure. The pan members have a planar floor and an upright side around the peripheral edge of the floor. The upright side terminates upwardly in a rim. The pan members are elongate, thereby providing long, at least substantially parallel sides at long pan edges as well as short sides at the top and bottom of the pan. On the pan floor are a series of parallel, rigid stand-offs, which project upwardly from the floor. These hold electrodes away from the back of the pan. These electrodes are typically large, somewhat flexible and at least substantially planar members, usually made of metal mesh. The stand-offs can include principal stand-offs located at the central area of the pan, plus additional stand-offs, typically one each at the top and bottom of the pan.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1995Date of Patent: August 5, 1997Assignee: Oxteh Systems, Inc.Inventors: Andy W. Getsy, Gregory J. Manning, Robert B. Kubinski, Kevin B. Garland
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Patent number: 5649355Abstract: A welding electrode for providing a significant improvement in the detrimental tensile residual stress condition on the root side of welds, especially on the inside wall of piping welds. The electrode has a tungsten alloy blade. The blade is made from sheets of tungsten alloy by cutting or stamping. The preferred shape of the blade is an isosceles triangle. The base of the flat triangular blade is secured in a slot formed in an electrode holder. The electrode holder is preferably T-shaped, with the shank of the holder being connected to a conventional welding torch. The holder is made of electrically conductive material, whereby the blade is coupled to the torch for producing an electric arc at the blade tip for welding. The blade is optionally covered with a ceramic coating to prevent arcing to the side walls of the groove formed between the parts being welded. A further option is to incorporate insulating stand-offs which protrude from both flat sides of the electrode blade.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1996Date of Patent: July 22, 1997Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Henry Peter Offer
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Patent number: 5609738Abstract: In a tank confined electrolysis process, such as electrowinning or electrorefining, having circulated electroplating solution containing sulfuric acid, a multi-element cover system is applied below the electrode conductor connections and above the surface of the electrolyte bath. This cover is evacuated in the interstices below the cover and above the bath at a rate exceeding the stoichiometric ratio causing any leakage to occur into the volume overlying the bath thereby preventing acid aerosol from escape. The rate of evacuation is restricted so that humidity is maintain under the cover and over the surface of the bath to prevent the formation of crystals formed from aerosol droplets which become supersaturated. In a preferred embodiment, a circular weir in combination with gas discharge over the weir to a downcomer is disclosed. Entrainment of air over the weir and into the downcomer is disclosed to provide sufficient pumping for evacuation.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 1995Date of Patent: March 11, 1997Assignee: Bechtel Group, Inc.Inventors: James A. Murray, Michael R. Nees, William P. Imrie, Christopher C. Rayner, Chris L. Pfalzgraff, Robert K. Bates, Valmer H. Ness, Terrance J. Cox
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Patent number: 5527441Abstract: A welding electrode for providing a significant improvement in the detrimental tensile residual stress condition on the root side of welds, especially on the inside wall of piping welds. The electrode has a tungsten alloy blade. The blade is made from sheets of tungsten alloy by cutting or stamping. The preferred shape of the blade is an isosceles triangle. The base of the flat triangular blade is secured in a slot formed in an electrode holder. The electrode holder is preferably T-shaped, with the shank of the holder being connected to a conventional welding torch. The holder is made of electrically conductive material, whereby the blade is coupled to the torch for producing an electric arc at the blade tip for welding. The blade is optionally covered with a ceramic coating to prevent arcing to the side walls of the groove formed between the parts being welded. A further option is to incorporate insulating stand-offs which protrude from both flat sides of the electrode blade.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1994Date of Patent: June 18, 1996Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Henry P. Offer
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Patent number: 5497091Abstract: A surface-mounted pH sensor provides continuous pH profiling with depth during standard cone penetration testing (CPT). The pH sensor includes at least two electrodes, one being an antimony electrode and the other being a ceramic electrode. The electrodes are mounted to the shaft of a cone penetration device, and make contact with underground fluids during CPT. The antimony electrode, which functions as a measurement electrode, creates an exchange equilibrium between the hydrogen ions in the underground fluids and the ions of the antimony. This equilibrium creates a potential in the antimony electrode which is measured against the stable reference potential of the ceramic electrode. The resulting potential difference is indicative of the pH level of the underground fluids.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1994Date of Patent: March 5, 1996Assignee: Applied Research Associates, Inc.Inventors: Wesley L. Bratton, J. Christopher Bianchi
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Patent number: 5476578Abstract: A continuous strip is electrolytically coated in an electrolytic coating bath using a thin flexible or resilient dielectric wiping blade to wipe bubbles of hydrogen from the surface, sever dendritic material, if such is present as the coating thickens, and to remove a surface layer of partially depleted electrolytic solution, replacing with fresh solution and to stabilize strip portions extending between support rolls. The resilient dielectric wiper blade is preferably used with perforated anodes which allow fresh electrolytic solution to flow into the space between the anodes and the strip surface after being expelled by passage of the strip past the wiping blade. The orifices in the anode may be differentially sized to eliminate cavitation behind the wiping blades. The wiping blades may be chevron shaped to increase the wiping effect and pumps may be used to increase the flow of electrolytic solution into and out of the space between the anodes and the strip.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1994Date of Patent: December 19, 1995Assignee: Electroplating Technologies, Ltd.Inventors: James L. Forand, Harold M. Keeney, Erik S. Van Anglen
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Patent number: 5470445Abstract: In a tank confined electrolysis process, such as electrowinning or electrorefining, having circulated electroplating solution containing sulfuric acid, a multi-element cover system is applied below the electrode conductor connections and above the surface of the electrolyte bath. This cover is evacuated in the interstices below the cover and above the bath at a rate exceeding the stoichiometric ratio causing any leakage to occur into the volume overlying the bath thereby preventing acid aerosol from escape. The rate of evacuation is restricted so that humidity is maintain under the cover and over the surface of the bath to prevent the formation of crystals formed from aerosol droplets which become supersaturated. In a preferred embodiment, a circular weir in combination with gas discharge over the weir to a downcomer is disclosed. Entrainment of air over the weir and into the downcomer is disclosed to provide sufficient pumping for evacuation.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 1994Date of Patent: November 28, 1995Assignee: Bechtel Group, Inc.Inventors: James A. Murray, Michael R. Nees, William P. Imrie, Christopher C. Rayner, Chris L. Pfalzgraff, Robert K. Bates, Valmer H. Ness, Terrance J. Cox
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Patent number: 5415758Abstract: The invention includes methods for electro-elution of a biological molecule from a biological sample matrix, the methods including electro-eluting a negatively charged molecule from each of plural individual sample matrices via corresponding plural electric fields which include an electrified anode wire comprising a plurality of serially connected conductive extensions and an electrified cathode wire, wherein each electric field extends from a single conductive anode extension and the cathode wire.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 1993Date of Patent: May 16, 1995Assignee: Theobald Smith Research Institute, Inc.Inventor: Anne M. Comeau
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Patent number: 5413646Abstract: A method for depositing chromium and iron metals on substrates is disclosed in which the chromium hardens when heated. The electrolytic plating bath preferably includes: (a) water soluble Cr(III) produced by reducing Cr(VI) with sufficient amounts of methanol or formic acid; (b) ammonium formate; (c) a sulfate catalyst, such as sodium sulfate; (d) an inorganic iron compound, such as iron sulfate; (e) sufficient amounts of boric acid to substantially saturate the bath; and (f) a sufficient amount of sulfuric acid to provide a bath pH of from about 1.0 to about 1.5. The heat-hardenable chromium deposit allows the plated substrate to be heat tempered after plating to provide a KHN of greater than about 1200. This eliminates the necessity of removing oxidation products from an unplated heated substrate. Moreover, the amount of toxic Cr(VI) present in the bath is greatly diminished, and is replaced with a Cr(III) species that is environmentally safer.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1993Date of Patent: May 9, 1995Assignee: Blount, Inc.Inventors: John Dash, John DeHaven
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Patent number: 5372692Abstract: A bipolar electrolytic cell includes an anode-side partition having protrusions on the anode side which are electrically connected to the anode through conductive members, or recesses formed by causing the anode-side partition to protrude on the cathode side.Use of this bipolar electrolytic cell enables the conductor resistance on the anode side to be small, allows the anode to be easily replaced when its activity as a catalyst has been deteriorated, and makes it possible to effect easy and economic repairs even when trouble has occurred during operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1993Date of Patent: December 13, 1994Assignee: Tosoh CorporationInventors: Kenji Sakamoto, Akira Hironaga
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Patent number: 5370781Abstract: An electrode for use in an electrolytic cell is disclosed, comprising a generally flat sheet (50) of flexible material having at least one electrically conductive surface. Upper and lower securing means are provided each comprising a tongue (55a,b) formed on one side edge (53) of the sheet (50) and a slot (56a,b) associated with an opposite side edge (54) of the sheet (50). The tongues and slots co-operate to enable the sheet (50) to be folded into and secured in an open frusto-conical configuration. This arrangement gives ease of removal from an electrolytic cell after use and advantages of requiring less storage and transport space in a flat configuration.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1994Date of Patent: December 6, 1994Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert N.V.Inventors: Werner Van de Wynckel, Dirk de Ruijter, Benny Jansen, Frank Michiels
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Patent number: 5360526Abstract: An electrode (14) is joined to ridges (12) or ribs of a partition (11) by means of spring members (13), each being in comb form and bent at the toothed portions (16) thereof, so that, while the electrode surface is kept flat, the toothed portions (16) can be held with any desired distance with respect to electrode-supporting portions such as the partition or its ribs, but without causing damage to an ion-exchange membrane.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1993Date of Patent: November 1, 1994Assignee: Chlorine Engineers Corp. Ltd.Inventors: Osamu Arimoto, Shinji Katayama, Yoshinari Take
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Patent number: 5340457Abstract: An electrolytic cell construction in which the cell includes at least one anode and cathode, and a separator therebetween held under a compressive force by a frame assembly. The anodes and cathode are provided with a portion for electrical connection to an electric connector plate. The electric connector plate is positioned in contact with a respective anode and cathode. The compressive force of the frame assembly which holds the components of the cell in compression to provide a fluid tight seal simultaneously serves to apply a force between the electrical connector plates and their respective anode or cathode to hold the electrical connector plates in contact therewith. Preferably spring means are provided for biasing the electrical connector plates and the portions of the anode and cathode for connection to the plate into engagement with each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 1993Date of Patent: August 23, 1994Assignee: Olin CorporationInventors: James M. Ford, David W. Cawlfield
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Patent number: 5330631Abstract: An aluminium smelting cell comprising a floor defining a cathode surface (4) which is substantially horizontal in the longitudinal direction of an overlying anode (1), shaped structures (2,3) projecting from the cathode surface (4) and having exposed surfaces of aluminium wetted material, the shaped structures being positioned to cause preferential contouring of the anode (1), particularly at its longitudinal edges (5,6) to allow for improved bubble release and to minimize cell resistivity.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1993Date of Patent: July 19, 1994Assignee: Comalco Aluminium LimitedInventors: Draco D. Juric, Raymond W. Shaw, Geoffrey J. Houston, Ian A. Coad
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Patent number: 5314591Abstract: An electrolyzer includes a stack composed of a plurality of upright electrolytic cell units, each unit including an electrolytic cell unit frame bounding a pair of electrode sheets. Each pair of electrode sheets are anode-side and cathode-side partitions having opposed recesses and projections that are engaged in nesting relationship with each other. A gas-liquid separation chamber is provided which is integral with an upper edge of the electrolytic cell unit frame.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1992Date of Patent: May 24, 1994Assignee: Chlorine Engineers Corp., LtdInventors: Shinji Katayama, Yoshinari Take
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Patent number: 5312533Abstract: In order to prevent mechanical damage to electrode surfaces and to facilitate easy swapping out of immersible electrodes for inspection or replacement, an electrode element for an electrolysis cell for electrolytic precipitation of metals from a liquid containing metal ions has a frame (1) provided with parallel side sections (2, 3) of electrically insulating plastic. Each element includes at least one conduit (13) for supplying a liquid ion conductor and at least one conduit (16) for the removal of this liquid ion conductor. There is at least one planar active part is disposed between the conduits to serve as an electrode (7), along which the ion conductor flows. The active surface of the electrode (7) is covered by an ion exchange diaphragm (20). The electrode element is adapted for partial dipping, up to a predetermined immersion line (17), in the liquid. The electrode (7) is removably supported in the side sections (2, 3) of the frame (1).Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1992Date of Patent: May 17, 1994Assignee: Heraeus Electrochemie GmbHInventors: Max Mayr, Wolfgang Blatt, Harri Heinke
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Patent number: 5286944Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multiple microelectrode assembly is disclosed. Micromachining technology (such as micro-electrical-discharge machining technology, laser-beam micromachining, electron-beam micromachining) is used to manufacture an electrode/base assembly. The electrode/base assembly is placed within a container; a liquid material is placed into the container; the liquid material surrounds the electrodes of the electrode/base assembly and is allowed to solidify; and the solidified liquid material in combination with the electrode/base assembly is separated from the container. The bottom (or base) portion of the electrode/base assembly is then removed. The electrodes of the electrode/base assembly comprise a plurality of rod-like members of very small (on the order of 1 micron) metallic members of preselected dimension, shape and spacing, by which they are adapted in combination with the surrounding insulating material as a multiple microelectrode assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1992Date of Patent: February 15, 1994Assignee: Panasonic Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Hong Li
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Patent number: 5225061Abstract: A novel bipolar electrode module is provided. Such module includes a generally-rectangular, plate-like metallic cathode, a generally-rectangular, plate-like metallic anode, the plate-like metallic cathode and anode being disposed in edge-to-edge butting relationship, thereby to align the plate-like metallic cathode to lie in the same plane as the plate-like metallic anode; and the butting relationship between the plate-like metallic anode and the plate-like metallic cathode being provided by a coextensive joint between the respective abutting edges of the plate-like metallic anode and the plate-like metallic cathode, the joint comprising a mechanical integration fit between a plurality a plurality of male tongues on an edge of one metallic plate and a similar plurality of female grooves in an edge of the other metallic plate. The joint provides: structural rigidity for the module; and electrically-conducting zone of low resistance; and no increase in module thickness.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1991Date of Patent: July 6, 1993Inventor: Goethe O. Westerlund
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Patent number: 5141619Abstract: Electrolyzer comprising at least two elementary electrolysis cells (1), coupled in electrical series along a common vertical wall (6) which comprises two vertical metal plates (10, 11), arranged on either side of a peripheral frame (12) so as to define a vertical chamber (16). One of the plates (10) carries an anode (13) of one of the cells and the other plate (11) carries a cathode (14) of the other cell. The chamber (16) contains a metal mass whose melting temperature is lower than the temperature prevailing in the said chamber when the electrolyzer is in operation. The electrolyzer is suitable for the electrolytic production of sodium chlorate.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1991Date of Patent: August 25, 1992Assignee: Solvay & Cie. S.A.Inventor: Frederic Muret
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Patent number: 5114547Abstract: An electrode for electrolysis comprisng an electrically conducting metal, the surface of which is embossed with at least one central, vertical circulation channel (2) and upwardly directed channels (1) in a herring-bone pattern, the upwardly directed channels (1) forming an angle of <90.degree. with a horizontal line in the plane of the electrode surface and communicating with the centrally positioned, vertically directed circulation channel (2). The circulation channel (2) may be provided with penetrating slits or holes (3). The electrode may be used for electrolysis in a membrane cell, for electrochemical recovery of metals, or for recovery of chlorine from sea-water. The electrode can be manufactured by embossing the surface through stamping with a die or through rolling with a figure roller.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1990Date of Patent: May 19, 1992Assignee: Permascand ABInventor: Anders Ullman
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Patent number: 5071533Abstract: An aluminum production cell with a non-conductive cell bottom composed predominantly of alumina (1) has a plurality of vertical current collector plates or posts (3), e.g., of steel protected at their upper ends by a carbon body (4), e.g., a plate, slab or cap which contacts the cathodic pool of molten aluminum (10).Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 1990Date of Patent: December 10, 1991Assignee: MOLTECH Invent S.A.Inventors: Vittorio de Nora, Jean-Jacques Duruz
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Patent number: 5002642Abstract: A method of electrowinning a metal in which electrolysis and servicing and treatments of the electrodes are carried out using an electrode unit. A plurality of anode plates and cathode plates are allunately and insulatedly assembled and regularly spaced and secured. By use of such electrode units, the anode plates and the cathode plates can be arranged closely-spaced, and thus the efficiency of electrolysis is enhanced, the electrolytic cell can be made compact, and the operation space can be reduced. Also, this method is suitable for automation of an electrowinning operation.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1988Date of Patent: March 26, 1991Assignee: Mitsubishi Kinzoku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koichi Kaneko, Kiyotaka Abe, Takeo Kimura, Fusao Ichinoseki, Mitsuru Ohkoda
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Patent number: 4999093Abstract: An electrode or cathode assembly includes at least one electrode moveable relatively toward a workpart such as a turbine blade. The electrode includes a primary work face for machining the airfoil portion of the turbine blade. The electrode further includes secondary workfaces transverse to the primary workface for machining the shroud portion and the platform portion of the turbine blade which extend at negative angles transverses to the airfoil portion of the turbine blade. The primary workface comprises upper and lower electrode portions each having a plurality of fingers. The fingers of the upper electrode portion are alternatively disposed among the fingers of the lower electrode portion such that the opposing fingers interleave side by side with one another when the primary workface is closed.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1989Date of Patent: March 12, 1991Assignee: Compressor Components Textron Inc.Inventor: Donald J. Moracz
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Patent number: 4903520Abstract: Method and apparatus for straightening of cast anodes on their way to a stage for electrolytic refining of metals. The straightening of the anodes and the elimination of casting fins is carried out by pressing the anode at several spots or spot areas simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1988Date of Patent: February 27, 1990Assignee: Outokumpu OyInventors: Rauno K. Hukkanen, Olli E. Ylimaki, Seppo I. Kuisma
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Patent number: 4903519Abstract: Method and apparatus for straightening of cast anodes on their way to a stage for electrolytic refining of metals. The straightening of the anodes and the elimination of the casting fins is carried out by pressing the anode at several spots or spot areas simultaneously. The apparatus includes a pressing member formed of horizontal and vertical bars. The adjacent ends of the horizontal and vertical bars form at least one of a 45.degree. miter joint configuration or are right-angled.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1988Date of Patent: February 27, 1990Assignee: Outokumpu OyInventors: Rauno K. Hukkanen, Olli E. Ylimaki, Seppo I. Kuisma
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Patent number: 4869800Abstract: An electrical contact to a porous metal layer forming an anode of a diaphragm cell in a stack of such cells, is established by sintering a plurality of metal platelets into the porous metal layer. Preferably, the sintering-in of the platelets takes place simultaneously with the sintering of the porous metal layer. Each platelet is provided with an electrical contact metal pin extending out of the porous metal layer.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1988Date of Patent: September 26, 1989Assignee: Messerschmitt-Boelkow Blohm GmbHInventors: Hans Hofmann, Hartmut Wendt
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Patent number: 4863580Abstract: A waste metal extraction apparatus is disclosed which includes a tank (1) having a plurality of oppositely disposed arcuate baffles (14) disposed on the sidewalls. The baffles are placed in an offsetting relation in order to direct the flow of a fluid through the cell in essentially a serpentine fashion. The arcuate baffles facilitate maintaining a maximum velocity through the turning radius of the fluid passing therethrough to prevent a solids buildup. In addition, the tank is placed at an angle of at least 6 degrees downwardly sloped ind the direction of flow. The tank bottom (6) includes a plurality of sockets (20) sized to engage a plurality of cathode supports (21) placed therein, with each support including a mating end (22) for mating with the socket. Each post includes a slot (23) extending substantially therethrough for accepting a cathode (13) therein.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1988Date of Patent: September 5, 1989Inventor: Randolph L. Epner
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Patent number: 4855032Abstract: An electrode structure for membrane electrolysis cells comprises a planar electrode part which is joined by metal spacers to a sheet metal support serving as current distributor. The spacers are made in the form of a spring clip mounting comprising a spring part and a springless part, the spring part being fixedly joined to the support while the springless part is integral with the electrode part. In case of the need to reactivate or repair the active electrode parts the spring clip mounting permits them to be separated easily from their supports and then they can be sent away directly for reactivation or repair.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1988Date of Patent: August 8, 1989Assignee: Heraeus Elektroden GmbHInventors: Peter Fabian, Helmut Krebs, Heinrich Simon