Metallic Patents (Class 204/292)
-
Patent number: 6350355Abstract: The object of this invention was to create starting copper cathodes which prevent a memory effect during copper electrolysis, achieving a high production output of electrolytic copper and which can also be manufactured from directly shaped copper sheeting material in the form of a coil. A suitable method of producing starting cathodes for processing copper sheet produced by conventional methods. The proposed starting cathodes are made of milled copper sheets with a thickness of 0.3 to 1.2 mm, is soft annealed after milling and has a strength of 210 to 240 N/mm2. The copper sheet is cut to the length and width determined by the dimensions of the electrolysis bath and has a flat, fat-free, burless surface. Ear strips of copper sheet with a thickness of 0.3 to 0.6 mm are mounted on the suspension side.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2000Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Lamitref Industries N.V.Inventor: Leon Raphael Lucienne G. Cloostermans-Huwaert
-
Publication number: 20020014417Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising a negative electrode, a solid electrolyte which conducts oxygen ions, and a positive electrode comprising zeolites, mordenites, silicates, phosphates or mixed-metal oxides having a pore size of less than 200 nm can be used in a process for partially oxidizing organic compounds, for example alkanes, olefins or aromatic compounds.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2001Publication date: February 7, 2002Inventors: Adolf Kuehnle, Mark Duda, Guido Stochniol, Uwe Tanger, Horst-Werner Zanthoff
-
Publication number: 20020008038Abstract: An array of selectively addressible microelectrodes for combinatorial synthesis of complex polymers or alloys.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2000Publication date: January 24, 2002Applicant: TheraSense, Inc.Inventors: Adam Heller , Daren J. Caruana
-
Patent number: 6340418Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for insertion into slag for determining the activity of a metal oxide in the slag is disclosed. The sensor includes a reference electrode comprising a mixture of a metal alloy and a metal oxide, the metal alloy and the metal oxide each being exposed on a surface of the reference electrode. The sensor also includes at least one oxide electrode comprising a mixture of a metal alloy and a metal oxide different from the mixture of the reference electrode, the metal alloy and the metal oxide of the oxide electrode each being exposed on a surface of the oxide electrode. The sensor further includes a refractory housing holding the reference electrode and each oxide electrode. The reference electrode and each oxide electrode extend from the refractory housing such that the surface of the reference electrode and the surface of the oxide electrode are each in direct contact with the slag when the sensor is inserted into the slag.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2000Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Inventor: Ethem T. Turkdogan
-
Publication number: 20020005358Abstract: An electrolytic method is disclosed by which occlusion of hydrogen or sticking of atoms or molecules in plating and so forth is not disturbed by electronic magnetic force produced by main electric current and ion current flowing from the positive electrode to the negative electrode through electrolyte. An electric circuit separate from a positive electrode and a negative electrode is provided between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and electric current of a direction opposite to that of main electric current and ion current flowing in the electrolyte from the positive electrode to the negative electrode is supplied to the electric circuit to produce an opposite magnetic field which cancels a magnetic field produced by the main electric current and the ion current flowing in the electrolyte.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2001Publication date: January 17, 2002Applicant: TOICHI CHIKUMAInventor: Toichi Chikuma
-
Publication number: 20020005361Abstract: Barrel-shaped anodes and cathodes are alternately arranged in layers in a concentric manner with space between the electrodes. Anodes are ferrite poles with a long hole along the center axis or a pipe, and the hole is filled with a metal with a low melting point heated to the temperature at which it has some fluidity.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2001Publication date: January 17, 2002Applicant: OMEGA CO., LTD.Inventors: Shinichi Nakamura, Kunihiko Fukuzuka, Kenji Nagayoshi, Masaki Miyashita
-
Publication number: 20020005351Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices that enable the nesting of metal units. One method generally identifies a nesting location on the metal unit, and applies a force at the nesting location to create a nesting feature. In another embodiment, the invention is a nestable metal sheet. The nestable metal sheet is generally a metal sheet, such as a copper cathode, having a nesting feature.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2001Publication date: January 17, 2002Inventor: Richard A. Smith
-
Publication number: 20020000384Abstract: A novel process for the continuous preparation of perfluorinated organic compounds by electrochemical fluorination of the parent non-fluorinated or partially fluorinated organic compounds, in which the quantity of charge which the electrolyte can still take up is kept in the range from about 5 Ah per kg of electrolyte to about 600 Ah per kg of electrolyte during the electrochemical fluorination, can be operated continuously over a prolonged period of time without the electrode area-time yield decreasing over time and without the formation of polymeric by products occurring.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2001Publication date: January 3, 2002Inventors: Andreas Bulan, Joachim Herzig
-
Patent number: 6334937Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved electroplating method, chemistry, and apparatus for selectively depositing tin/lead solder bumps and other structures at a high deposition rate pursuant to manufacturing a microelectronic device from a workpiece, such as a semiconductor wafer. An apparatus for plating solder on a microelectronic workpiece in accordance with one aspect of the present invention comprises a reactor chamber containing an electroplating solution having free ions of tin and lead for plating onto the workpiece. A chemical delivery system is used to deliver the electroplating solution to the reactor chamber at a high flow rate. A workpiece support is used that includes a contact assembly for providing electroplating power to a surface at a side of the workpiece that is to be plated. The contact contacts the workpiece at a large plurality of discrete contact points that isolated from exposure to the electroplating solution.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1999Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Assignee: Semitool, Inc.Inventors: Robert W. Batz, Jr., Scot Conrady, Thomas L. Ritzdorf
-
Publication number: 20010054559Abstract: Halogen substituents in the 5-position of 4-aminopicolinic acids are selectively reduced in the presence of halogen substituents in the 3- and 6-positions by electrolysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2001Publication date: December 27, 2001Inventors: Karl Leopold Krumel, Craig Joseph Bott, Michael Frederick Gullo, Carey Lee Scortichini, John Wesley Hull
-
Patent number: 6332969Abstract: A cermet composite material is made by treating at an elevated temperature a mixture comprising a compound of iron and a compound of at least one other metal, together with an alloy or mixture of copper and a noble metal. The alloy or mixture preferably comprises particles having an interior portion containing more copper than noble metal and an exterior portion containing more noble metal than copper. The noble metal is preferably silver. The cermet composite material preferably includes alloy phase portions and a ceramic phase portion. At least part of the ceramic phase portion preferably has a spinel structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2000Date of Patent: December 25, 2001Assignee: Alcoa Inc.Inventors: Siba P. Ray, Robert W. Woods, Robert K. Dawless, Robert B. Hosler
-
Publication number: 20010047934Abstract: For eliminating dioxins from soot containing dioxins adhering to incineration ash by decomposing them, in an easy and simple manner and at low cost, into a harmless and useful oil and water and recovering the oil and water, a mixed gas 3 composed of smoke and dioxin-entraining ash is passed through a particulate matter separator 6, where the mixed gas passes through a curtain of water 5 to cause the dioxin-entraining ash to be taken up in water. The ash-water mixture is separated into ash and water on a centrifuge 12. The ash is washed with washing water 22 to elute the oleaginous dioxins entrained by the ash to give an emulsion-like oil-water mixture and the resulting mixture is separated, by means of a centrifuge 23, into ash and the emulsion-like oil-water mixture in which dioxins are dissolved. This ash is washed first with acidified water 26, then with alkaline washing water 28 and further with neutral water 29, followed by separation into moist ash and aqueous washings.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2000Publication date: December 6, 2001Inventor: Yukimasa Satoh
-
Publication number: 20010045364Abstract: A hydrogen source system delivers a controlled fuel stream to applications, using wicking to control the contact between a mixture of NaBH4, NaOH and H2O and a hydrolyzing catalyst to create a feedback mechanism to automatically maintain a constant pressure production supply of hydrogen. A small compact device packaged for storage, the system operates in any orientation and is mobile. The system is a small portable packaged hydrogen generator for small fuel cells to power applications that are currently powered by batteries. These packaged devices have higher energy per unit mass, higher energy per unit volume, are more convenient for energy users, environmentally less harmful, and less expensive than conventional power sources.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2001Publication date: November 29, 2001Inventors: Robert G. Hockaday, Patrick S. Turner, Marc D. DeJohn, Carlos J. Navas, Heathcliff L. Vaz, L. Luke Vazul
-
Patent number: 6309521Abstract: An ozone generator which operates at constant pressures to produce a continuous flow of ozone in an oxygen stream having from 10% to 18% by weight of ozone. The ozone generator includes one or more electrolytic cells comprising an anode/anode flowfield, a cathode/cathode flowfield, and a proton exchange medium for maintaining the separation of ozone and oxygen from hydrogen. The ozone generator also has an anode reservoir which vents oxygen and ozone and a cathode reservoir which vents hydrogen. The anode reservoir can be filled from the cathode reservoir while continuing to produce ozone. The ozone generator is readily configured for self-control using a system controller programmed to operate the anode reservoir at a constant pressure.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2000Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Assignee: Lynntech Internationals, Inc.Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, Oliver J. Murphy
-
Publication number: 20010031239Abstract: The present invention provides improved cathode material comprised of electrolytic manganese dioxide having high discharge capacity at high discharge rates and methods of producing such electrolytic manganese dioxide by electrolysis in an electrolytic cell. The methods are basically comprised of maintaining a heated high purity aqueous electrolyte solution comprising specific amounts of sulfuric acid and manganese sulfate in the electrolytic cell and maintaining the amounts of the sulfuric acid and manganese ion in the solution at a ratio of sulfuric acid to manganese ion greater than 2. An electric current is applied to the electrodes of the electrolytic cell whereby the anodic electrode current density is in the range of from about 2.5 to about 6 amperes per square foot and the high discharge capacity EMD produced is deposited on the anodic electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2000Publication date: October 18, 2001Inventors: Terrell Neils Andersen, Samuel Faust Burkhardt, Wilmont Frederick Howard, Richard F. Wohletz, Vahid Kazerooni, Mohammad Reza Moumenzadeh, Amy Wren Unsell
-
Publication number: 20010030131Abstract: An electrode for electrolyzing an electrolyte comprising an ammonium fluoride (NH4F)-hydrogen fluoride (HF)-containing molten salt and having a composition ratio (HF/NH4F) of 1 to 3 to prepare a nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) gas and an electrolyte for use in the preparation of NF3 gas, and a preparation method of the NF3 gas by the use of the electrode and the electrolyte. The electrode comprises nickel having 0.07 wt % or less of Si content and containing a transition metal other than nickel. The electrolyte also contains a transition metal other than nickel.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2000Publication date: October 18, 2001Inventors: Tatsuma Morokuma, Hiromi Hayashida, Akio Kikkawa
-
Patent number: 6290836Abstract: An electrode (1) having an active surface for contacting an electrolyte. The electrode (1) comprises first and second metallic materials (2, 3) arranged to provide a number of first metallic material to second metallic material interfaces at the active surface. The invention also relates to a method of making such an electrode (1) and to an electrolysis cell provided with such an electrode (1).Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Inventor: Christopher Robert Eccles
-
Patent number: 6280588Abstract: Disclosed is a NOx concentration-measuring apparatus for measuring a NOx concentration by using a main pumping cell including an electrode (inner pumping electrode and outer pumping electrode) having no or low decomposing/reducing ability with respect to NOx to control an oxygen concentration in a measurement gas to have a predetermined value which substantially does not affect measurement of NOx component, and using a detecting electrode having certain or high decomposing/reducing ability with respect to NOx to decompose NOx so that an amount of oxygen produced during this process is measured, wherein the detecting electrode is a cermet electrode composed of an alloy of Pt—Rh and a ceramic component, and Pt and Rh are contained in a weight ratio of Pt:Rh=20:80 to 1:99.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Nobuhide Kato, Kunihiko Nakagaki, Satoshi Nishikawa
-
Patent number: 6277256Abstract: A solid state gas sensor generates an electrical potential between an equilibrium electrode and a second electrode indicative of a gas to be sensed. A solid electrolyte substrate has the second electrode mounted on a first portion of the electrolyte substrate and a composite equilibrium electrode including conterminous transition metal oxide and Pt components mounted on a second portion of the electrolyte substrate. The composite equilibrium electrode and the second electrode are electrically connected to generate an electrical potential indicative of the gas that is being sensed. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the second electrode is a reference electrode that is exposed to a reference oxygen gas mixture so that the electrical potential is indicative of the oxygen in a gas stream.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1999Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Fernando H. Garzon, Eric L. Brosha
-
Patent number: 6277510Abstract: The present invention provides a porous electrode used for a conductive material-filled polymer composite. At least one surface of the porous electrode is an open porous structure, which includes a plurality of macropores and micropores randomly distributed and interconnected with each other. The conductive material-filled polymer composite includes a polymer substrate and conductive particles filled therein. When the surface of the open porous structure of the porous electrode is bonded with the conductive material-filled polymer composite, the conductive particles in the conductive material-filled polymer composite can be trapped in the macropores of the porous structure, and the polymer substrate in the conductive material-filled polymer composite can be immersed into the micropores of the porous structure. This enables a better direct contact between the conductive particles and the porous electrode.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2000Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Kun-Huang Chang, Wei-Wen Yeh, Shu-Chin Chou, Chen-Ron Lin
-
Patent number: 6274016Abstract: A nitrogen oxide gas sensor wherein an alloy electrode of platinum and rhodium or a cermet electrode of platinum, rhodium, and zirconia or of a rhodium alloy and zirconia is used as the gas sensing electrode. The electrode of the sensor is suitable for measuring nitrogen oxide such as NO and NO2 in an exhaust gas.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1999Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha RikenInventors: Masaharu Hasei, Yongtie Yan, Akira Kunimoto
-
Patent number: 6238534Abstract: Hybrid membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) are presented, having an anode comprising a dense distribution of catalyst that may be borne on small, high-aspect ratio supports, such as nanostructured elements, and a cathode comprising a less dense distribution of catalyst that may be borne on lower-aspect ratio supports, such as carbon particle supported catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Shane S. Mao, Gregory Meis Haugen, Krzysztof A. Lewinski, Mark Kevitt Debe
-
Patent number: 6238535Abstract: The present invention relates to a limiting-current type hydrocarbon sensor comprising a solid-electrolytic layer made of a Ba—Ce-based oxide, and provides a sensor capable of stably detecting hydrocarbon at high sensitivity, regardless of the concentration of oxygen in an atmosphere. A material mainly containing Al is used for at least one of two electrodes on the solid-electrolytic layer made of a Ba—Ce-based oxide to block oxygen at the electrode, i.e. cathode, whereby a hydrocarbon sensor being stable, high in sensitivity, compact, easy to use and low in cost can be provided. Furthermore, the other electrode, anode, of the limiting-current type hydrocarbon sensor is made of a material mainly containing Ag.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Noboru Taniguchi, Masuo Takigawa
-
Patent number: 6221234Abstract: A method for pickling products in a metal alloy containing iron, and products in titanium and alloys thereof, in the absence of nitric acid as an oxidizing agent, and for the recovery of the exhausted solutions, characterized in that the recovery of the exhausted solutions deriving from pickling comprises the following steps: sending of the pickling solution, both as catholyte and as anolyte, in an electro-chemical cell optionally of the membrane type to separate the Fe2+ (or Ti2+) ions to be disposed of, from the Fe3+ (or of the Ti3+ and Ti4+) ions to be recovered, obtained by reduction at the cathode of the Fe3+ ions which are in the catholyte to Fe2+ (or of the Ti3+ and Ti4+ ions to Ti2+) and of oxidation at the anode Fe2+ (or Ti2+) ions which are in the anolyte to Fe3+ (to Ti3+ and Ti4+); treating the catholytic solution coming out of the cell and enriched in Fe2+ (or Ti2+) ions as to allow the separation in two phases, aType: GrantFiled: November 30, 1999Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Acciai Speciali Terni S.p.A.Inventors: Franco Mancia, Sandro Fortunati
-
Electrochemical conversion of anhydrous hydrogen halide to halogen gas using an electrochemical cell
Patent number: 6203675Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell and a process for converting anhydrous hydrogen halide to halogen gas using a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) or a separate membrane and electrode arrangement, such as gas diffusion electrodes with a membrane.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1998Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventors: William H. Zimmerman, James Arthur Trainham, Clarence Garlan Law, Jr., John Scott Newman -
Patent number: 6200445Abstract: A sulfur dioxide gas sensor having a high selectivity of SO2 gas, and an operability at a high temperature which comprises: a solid electrolyte having oxygen ion conductivity; a detecting electrode for measuring sulfur dioxide gas, electrically connected to at least a part of a surface of the solid electrolyte and containing glass and either gold or a gold alloy; and a basic electrode for measuring sulfur dioxide gas, electrically connected to at least a part of a surface of the solid electrolyte and containing Pt.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1998Date of Patent: March 13, 2001Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Minoru Yokota, Takao Murase
-
Patent number: 6194338Abstract: The invention relates to a stabilized bimetal catalyst comprising an electrically conductive support and a metallic deposited coating consisting of a first metal M1 chosen from platinum and silver and a second metal M2, different from the first and chosen from the group consisting of platinum, silver, gold, ruthenium, iridium, rhodium and osmium. The invention also relates to a process for obtaining such a catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1999Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Assignee: Elf Atochem S.A.Inventors: Francoise Andolfatto, Sylvain Miachon
-
Patent number: 6187168Abstract: An electrolytic cell and electrolytic process for producing a metal by reduction of a metal oxide dissolved in a molten salt bath containing at least one chloride and at least one fluoride. A solid conductor of oxide ions is interposed between the anode and the cathode. The solid conductor preferably comprises zirconia, stabilized in cubic form by addition of a divalent or trivalent metal oxide such as yttria.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1998Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Alfred F. LaCamera, Siba P. Ray
-
Patent number: 6180277Abstract: In a dispersoid-reinforced electrode with a net-like open pore structure and a ceramic and a metallic meshwork, ceramic particles with an average particle diameter of less than 100 nm are homogeneously distributed in the metallic network thereby reinforcing the electrode.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Assignee: Forschungszentrum J{umlaut over (u)}lich GmbHInventors: Rolf Wilkenhöner, Robert Vassen, Detlev Stöver, Hans Peter Buchkremer, Werner Mallener
-
Inert anode containing base metal and noble metal useful for the electrolytic production of aluminum
Patent number: 6162334Abstract: An inert anode for production of metals such as aluminum is disclosed. The inert anode comprises a base metal selected from Cu and Ag, and at least one noble metal selected from Ag, Pd, Pt, Au, Rh, Ru, Ir and Os. The inert anode may optionally be formed of sintered particles having interior portions containing more base metal than noble metal and exterior portions containing more noble metal than base metal. In a preferred embodiment, the base metal comprises Cu, and the noble metal comprises Ag, Pd or a combination thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1999Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Assignee: Alcoa Inc.Inventors: Siba P. Ray, Xinghua Liu -
Patent number: 6146513Abstract: The present invention includes uranium-bearing ceramic phase electrodes and electrolysis apparatus and electrolysis methods featuring same, including methods of metal production and the like by the electrolytic reduction of oxides or salts of the respective metals. More particularly, the invention relates to an inert type electrode composition, and methods for fabricating electrode compositions, useful in the electrolytic production of such metals. The present invention also includes an inert-type electrode composition, and methods for fabricating electrode compositions, used in processes for generating energy from fossil fuels.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1998Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: The Ohio State UniversityInventors: Kenneth H. Sandhage, Robert L. Snyder
-
Patent number: 6126799Abstract: A cermet composite material is made by treating at an elevated temperature a mixture comprising a compound of iron and a compound of at least one other metal, together with an alloy or mixture of copper and a noble metal. The alloy or mixture preferably comprises particles having an interior portion containing more copper than noble metal and an exterior portion containing more noble metal than copper. The noble metal is preferably silver. The cermet composite material preferably includes alloy phase portions and a ceramic phase portion. At least part of the ceramic phase portion preferably has a spinel structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1999Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Alcoa Inc.Inventors: Siba P. Ray, Robert W. Woods, Robert K. Dawless, Robert B. Hosler
-
Patent number: 6120673Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for regenerating exhausted tin-plating solutions which contain tin and copper ions, free complexing agent and complexing agent bound to the copper ions, as well as expended and unexpended reducing agent. By means of a suitable rinsing technique, the rinse water of the tin-plating process is concentrated to a 10 to 15 percent dilution of the process solution. The regenerating solution thus produced is fed to an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell comprises a cathode chamber, a middle chamber and an anode chamber. The cathode chamber is separated from the middle chamber by an anion-exchange membrane and the anode chamber is separated from the middle chamber by a cation-exchange membrane. The regenerating solution is initially provided in the cathode chamber. Here, the interfering copper component is cathodically deposited.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1998Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: KM Europa Metal AGInventors: Ulrich Reiter, Werner Harnischmacher, Klaus Fischwasser, Hans-Wilhelm Lieber, Ralph Blittersdorf, Annette Heuss
-
Patent number: 6103090Abstract: A non-carbon, metal-based high temperature resistant anode of a cell for the production of aluminium has a metal-based substrate coated with one or more electrically conductive adherent applied layers, at least one electrically conductive layer being electrochemically active. The electrochemically active layer contains one or more electrocatalysts fostering the oxidation of oxygen ions as well as fostering the formation of biatomic molecular gaseous oxygen to inhibit ionic and/or monoatomic oxygen attack of the metal-based substrate. The electrocatalyst can be iridium, palladium, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, silicon, tin, zinc, Mischmetal oxides and metals of the Lanthanide series. The applied layer may further comprise electrochemically active constituents from oxides, oxyfluorides, phosphides, carbides, in particular spinels such as ferrites.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1998Date of Patent: August 15, 2000Assignee: Moltech Invent S.A.Inventors: Vittorio de Nora, Jean-Jacques Duruz
-
Patent number: 6090249Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode material for potentiometric or amperometric electrochemical sensors with the chemical composition Ln.sub.1-2 A.sub.1-x B.sub.x O.sub.3, where Ln is at least a lanthanide cation or a mixture of rare earth cations, A is at least a trivalent transitional material, and B is at least a trivalent or bivalent redox-stable cation.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1998Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite InternationalInventor: Ulrich Guth
-
Patent number: 6086733Abstract: A high performance electrochemical cell is useful for recovery of metal from aqueous solutions. The electrochemical cell has a cathode assembly that includes a nonporous support member, a primary cathode, and a nonconductive or conductive porous material covering the primary cathode. An anode is spaced apart from the cathode assembly. Fluid is caused to flow through the porous material to the primary cathode, through openings or fluid collection channels in the nonporous support member, and uniformly out of the cell. Uniform and efficient deposition of metal is accomplished over the entire primary cathode because of modulation of fluid flow and increased mass transfer.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: James J. Carey, Gary P. Wainwright, Stephen N. Lowery, Robert B. Call, Peter J. Kelch
-
Patent number: 6074539Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical sensor for the detection of hydrogen cyanide. In general, the electrochemical sensor includes a housing having disposed therein a working electrode, a reference electrode and a counter electrode. The electrochemically active surfaces of the working electrode and reference electrode preferably comprise silver. Electrical connection is maintained between the working electrode and the counter electrode via an organic electrolyte present within the housing. The electrochemical gas sensor preferably further comprises circuitry for maintaining the working electrode at a potential in the range of approximately +40 mV to approximately -40 mV versus the silver reference electrode. Most preferably, the electrochemical gas sensor comprises circuitry for maintaining the working electrode at a potential of approximately 0 mV versus the silver reference electrode.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1998Date of Patent: June 13, 2000Assignee: Mine Safety Appliances CompanyInventors: Debra J. Dorisio Deininger, Towner B. Scheffler
-
Patent number: 6071385Abstract: The present invention relates to a racking fixture for holding components while they are electro-chemically processed. The fixture includes at least one shelf for holding the components and is electrically connected to a bus bar. A motor is mechanically engaged with the shelf and causes it to agitate to remove gasses trapped in components held on the fixture. The fixture also includes localized anodes for positioning adjacent to specific portions of the component.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1998Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Earl R. Long
-
Patent number: 6059942Abstract: Disclosed is an improved electrolytic cell 10 for the generation of low cost halogen biocidally active agent from an aqueous solution having a low halogen salt content for the use in the treatment of swimming pools and spas or other liquid effluents, especially those the fresh water swimming pools or spas. The electrolytic cell is used in line with pumps generally associated with the distribution of waters for swimming pools, spas or other facilities. The electrolytic cell has electrodes 11 made of a noble metal that are not directly in the path of the flow of the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1998Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Inventors: Ferman Richard Barnes, Deborah Barnes
-
Patent number: 6051117Abstract: An apertured and porous metal article can find use, for example, in diaphragm or membrane electrolysis cells. The article may comprise a thin and flexible metal foam of small pores which, typically, has been perforated with large apertures. The article may also be provided with an electrocatalytic coating. It can be in substantial physical contact with a membrane or diaphragm separator used in the cell for separating anode and cathode members or compartments. There is also disclosed the preparation of the article and an electrolysis cell utilizing the resulting apertured and porous metal article.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1997Date of Patent: April 18, 2000Assignee: Eltech Systems, Corp.Inventors: Donald S. Novak, Douglas J. Waskovich, Mark L. Arnold, Kevin J. O'Leary, Eric J. Rudd, Thomas J. Gilligan, III, Timothy M. Hambor
-
Patent number: 6042751Abstract: The invention is directed to polymer thick film conductor compositions comprising conductive metal particles selected from the group consisting of finely divided powders of platinum group metals and mixtures thereof; modified graphite; and a thermoplastic polymer and optionally, graphite and/or a metallized graphite in combination with a surfactant may replace the modified graphite.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1998Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventors: Man-Sheung Chan, Donald W. Kuty
-
Patent number: 6030518Abstract: Aluminum is produced by electrolytic reduction of alumina in a cell having a cathode, an inert anode and a molten salt bath containing metal fluorides and alumina. The inert anode preferably contains copper, silver and oxides of iron and nickel. Reducing the molten salt bath temperature to about 900-950.degree. C. lowers corrosion on the inert anode constituents.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 1997Date of Patent: February 29, 2000Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventors: Robert K. Dawless, Siba P. Ray, Robert B. Hosler, Robert L. Kozarek, Alfred F. LaCamera
-
Patent number: 6004697Abstract: A method of improving certain vanadium oxide formulations is presented. The method concerns fluorine doping formulations having a nominal formula of LiV.sub.3 O.sub.8. Preferred average formulations are provided wherein the average oxidation state of the vanadium is at least 4.6. Herein preferred fluorine doped vanadium oxide materials, electrodes using such materials, and batteries including at least one electrode therein comprising such materials are provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 1997Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignees: Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co., Hydro-Quebec CorporationInventors: Michael M. Thackeray, Arthur J. Kahaian, Donald R. Visser, Dennis W. Dees, Roy Benedek
-
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
-
Patent number: 5972181Abstract: An electrode, electrochemical cell, and electrochemical processes are disclosed. The electrode is a porous, multi-layered electrode which can have an element in flexible, strip form wound around a central, usually flat plate core, which core may serve as a current distributor. In any form, each layer can be represented by a very thin, highly flexible metal mesh. This can be a fine, as opposed to a coarse, mesh which has extremely thin strands and small voids. The electrode will have an active coating. For utilizing this electrode, the cell in one form will be a monopolar cell providing upward, parallel electrolyte flow through the porous, multi-layered electrode. A representative cell can have such electrode at least substantially filling an electrode chamber. The cells can be contained in a cell box that will provide the desired flow-through relationship for the electrolyte to the electrode.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1998Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Assignee: Eltech Systems, Corp.Inventors: Richard J. Coin, Lynne M. Ernes, Andy W. Getsy, Kenneth L. Hardee, Marilyn J. Niksa
-
Patent number: 5968325Abstract: An auto-electrolyte hydrogen generating reactor having a plurality of cells. The cells are stacked in series in an electronically non-conductive housing. Each cell is separate from its neighbour by electronically conductive bipolar walls. Each cell comprises an anode with a metal whose standard oxidation potential is above that of hydrogen in the same electrolyte. There is a solid electrolyte and a cathode. The cathode is an inert electronic conductor with a surface in contact with a solid electrolyte. The surface is electrochemically catalytic for the formation of hydrogen.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1997Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: A.T.S. Electro-Lube Holdings Ltd.Inventors: Colin William Oloman, Jonathan Wing-Fai Ho, Jielin Song
-
Patent number: 5961797Abstract: Wrought copper cathode starting sheets for use in the electrolytic production of copper made preferably by a continuous casting and rolling process are provided. Refined copper is melted in a shaft furnace and continuously cast preferably using a twin belt horizontal caster and straight line rolled to reduce the thickness of the casting by about 25% to 98% to produce a sheet having a thickness up to about 0.123 inch. The continuous sheet is cut after the rolling process from uncoiled sheet into discrete rectangular shapes suitable for use as a starting sheet, as a starting sheet blank or other metal sheet uses such as cladding and roofing.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1996Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: Asarco IncorporatedInventors: Melvin G. DeBord, Harry E. Tallert, Michael D. Owsley
-
Patent number: 5958213Abstract: A water treating apparatus for treating water, includes: an oil drop separator for separating oil drops from water to be treated which has an electrode in which an anode is made of amphoteric metal, a power source for supplying an electric power to the electrode, a treating tank for housing the electrode and the water, a water inlet through which the water is led to the treating tank, and a water outlet through which the treated water is exhausted from the treating tank; and a three-dimensional fixed bed type electrolytic tank for treating the water which has been treated by the oil drop separator which has a fixed bed type electrode, a power source for supplying an electric power in which a polarity is reversed periodically, to the fixed bed type electrode, a treating tank for housing the fixed bed type electrode and the water, a water inlet through which the water is led to the treating tank, and a water outlet through which the treated water is exhausted from the treating tank.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Konica CorporationInventor: Nobutaka Goto
-
Patent number: 5942096Abstract: An apparatus and method for electro-depositing of a material on at least one side of a metal strip. The apparatus includes at least one casing having a first container section adapted to store under pressure a liquid including the material, a second container adapted to receive a portion of the liquid from the first container section, and a panel. The panel includes an active portion that is electrically polarized at a first polarity, at least one first outlet through which the liquid stored under pressure in the first container section is output in a direction toward the metal strip when the metal strip is conveyed past the panel, and at least one second outlet through which the liquid stored in the second container section is output in a direction toward the conveyed metal strip. The first outlet can be a slit which extends at an angle with respect to the direction in which the strip is conveyed, and the second outlets can be slits which extend traverse to the direction in which the strip is conveyed.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 1997Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Assignee: Andritz-Patentverwaltungs-GesellschaftInventors: Franz Ruzicka, Gerald Maresch, Ortwin Noll, Werner Schuler
-
Patent number: 5928810Abstract: Electrode including a paste containing particles of electrochemically active material and a conductive support consisting of a three-dimensional porous material comprising strands delimiting contiguous pores communicating via passages, characterized in that the average width L in .mu.m of said passages is related to the average diameter .O slashed. in .mu.m of said particles by the following equation, in which W and Y are dimensionless coefficients:(W.times..O slashed.)+X.gtoreq.L.gtoreq.(Y.times..O slashed.)+ZwhereinW=0.16Y=1.69X=202.4 .mu.m andZ=80 .mu.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1997Date of Patent: July 27, 1999Assignee: SaftInventors: Patrick Bernard, Jean-Michel Dauchier, Olivier Simonneau