With Mixing, Agitating, Or Gas-liquid Contacting Patents (Class 205/755)
  • Patent number: 10443138
    Abstract: A method for electrolytic recycling and regenerating acidic cupric chloride etchants, comprising: (1) employing an acidic cupric chloride etchant that contains iron ions in PCB etching, controlling the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of said acidic cupric chloride etchant within the range of 360-700 mV; (2) transferring an etchant waste of step (1) to an electrolysis tank and electrolyzing said etchant waste; (3) the chlorine gas generated by electrolysis oxidizes the electrolyte in the electrolysis tank and thereby dissolved into the electrolyte, in the effect of the ORP of the electrolyte; (4) regenerating an etchant by oxidizing Fe(II) ions and Cu(I) ions in the electrolyte to Fe(III) ions and Cu(II) ions using the chlorine gas of step (3) that is dissolved into the electrolyte, and when the chlorine gas is fully dissolved into the electrolyte, the oxidizing step of the electrolyte is finished and an etchant is regenerated; (5) transferring the etchant regenerated in step (4) to an etching production l
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Inventor: Yiting Ye
  • Patent number: 9238586
    Abstract: A method cleans a plurality of filters in parallel, each filter having an inlet side and an outlet side separated by a filter barrier. In an operational phase, water is filtered using a plurality of the filters, by passing the water through the filter. In a cleaning phase, at least one of the filters is cleaned while the other filters are filtering water in the operational phase. Each filter is cleaned by supplying sodium hypochlorite to an inlet side of the filter when the filter is off-line. The inlet side of the filter is allowed to soak in the sodium hypochlorite for at least 30 seconds without the sodium hypochlorite being pressurized through the filter barrier during the soaking process. The filters are cycled through the cleaning phase such that each filter is repeatedly cleaned while other filters are filtering in the operational phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: Alion Science & Technology
    Inventors: Donald W. Haun, Jr., Wayne Adamson
  • Patent number: 8936726
    Abstract: Contaminants are removed from a quantity of contaminated liquid in a treatment reservoir (2,28) containing a carbon based adsorbent material capable of electrochemical regeneration. The adsorbent material is in the form of a bed supported on a plate (6) at the base of the reservoir. The bed is agitated for a period to distribute the adsorbent material in the liquid and adsorb contaminant therefrom. At the end of the period the agitation ceases, and the bed of adsorbent material is allowed to settle. The adsorbent is then regenerated, during or after settlement, by passing an electric current through the bed to release from the adsorbent gaseous products derived from the contaminant, in bubbles rising through the decontaminated liquid in the reservoir. Various methods of regenerating the adsorbent material are disclosed, as are apparatus in which the method can be applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Arvia Technology Limited
    Inventors: Nigel Willis Brown, Edward P. L. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8877032
    Abstract: The disclosure teaches an apparatus for circulating electrically conductive solutions between electro-chemical cells. The apparatus is able to decrease the size or surface area of the cells and operate the electro-chemical at reduced amperage. Movement of the solution over the plates also facilitates reduced build up of scale on the plates. The flow rate or treatment dwell time can be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: Dan Prokop
  • Patent number: 8771499
    Abstract: Axially fed fluid is sheared during long residence time in a radial workspace between counter-rotating coaxial disk-shaped centrifugal impellers. Gases evolve in the fractal turbulence of a shear layer, which is forced between laminar boundary layers, and an axial suction pump axially extracts evolved noncondensables and volatiles through cores of radial vortices in the shear layer. Cavitation due to shear between the impellers kills pathogens by shock waves, microjets, OH radicals, and nearby UV light pulses. Oppositely charged electrodes bounding the workspace cause electroporesis and electrohydraulic cavitation. The electrodes are counter-rotating ridged armatures of disk dynamos, forming a dynamic capacitor having audio frequency pulsed electric fields. Electrode erosion by arcing is prevented by shear between the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: McCutchen Co.
    Inventors: Wilmot H. McCutchen, David J. McCutchen
  • Patent number: 8747648
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for treating liquids, particularly ocean, brackish water, refuse liquid, and waste water, wherein a hot carrier gas flow charged with water vapor is present in a predetermined treatment step as a hot water vapor carrier gas flow, particularly from a device for the treatment of liquids. According to the invention, at least a partial flow of the hot water vapor carrier gas flow is subjected to water vapor electrolysis in a water vapor electrolysis device in which at least part of the hydrogen and oxygen is separated from the hot water vapor carrier gas flow, and a dried carrier gas flow is created.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventors: Neubert Joachim, Karl Ferdinand Staab
  • Patent number: 8673129
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cavitation and electrocoagulation reactor comprising a hollow cylindrical cathode having a cylindrical anode coaxially disposed therein to form an annular interelectrode gap between the contact surfaces. An inlet sleeve and an outlet sleeve disposed in the respective inlet and outlet of the cathode and abutting against opposite ends of the anode seal the interelectrode gap from the respective inlet and outlet of the cathode. A set of channels disposed in the wall of the inlet sleeve connect the inlet to the interelectrode gap. Similarly, a set of openings disposed in the outlet sleeve connect the interelectrode gap to the cathode outlet. An electrical source has first and second terminals respectively connected to the anode and the cathode. The method for removing contaminants from a contaminated fluid flow involves the simultaneous application of hydrodynamic cavitation and electrocoagulation to the contaminated fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Cavitation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roman Gordon, Igor Gorodnitsky, Maxim A. Promtov
  • Patent number: 8603320
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for generating and applying a sanitizing liquid. The method includes moving a mobile floor cleaning device along a floor and electrochemically activating a liquid on the mobile floor cleaning device by passing the liquid through a functional generator having first and second electrode chambers that are separated by an ion exchange membrane such that the liquid activated in the first electrode chamber comprises O3 molecules. Substantially all of the liquid activated in the first and second electrode chambers are dispensed from the device within 5 seconds of the time at which the liquids are activated by the functional generator without an intermediate step of storing either of the liquids produced in the first or second electrode chambers. At least some of the dispensed liquid is recovered from the floor with a recovery device carried by the mobile floor cleaning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventor: Bruce F. Field
  • Publication number: 20130299361
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for treatment of wastewater to destroy organic contaminants using an electrochemical advanced oxidation process. In particular, the method comprises a multistep process, comprising a) generating a concentrated oxidant solution comprising a peroxy oxidant species, such as persulfate or hydrogen peroxide; b) mixing wastewater comprising organic contaminants with the concentrated oxidant solution to provide a mixture comprising wastewater and diluted oxidant, the wastewater and concentrated oxidant solution being mixed in a prescribed ratio to provide a desired concentration ratio of oxidant species to contaminants; and c) in an electrochemical cell comprising a diamond anode, electrolyzing the mixture of wastewater and diluted oxidant, comprising electrochemically activating the peroxy oxidant species for oxidation and destruction of the contaminants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Ian Wylie, John A. Carlisle, Prabhu Arumugam
  • Patent number: 8500989
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing contaminant species from water by electrocoagulation are described. Alternating grounded, rotating, planar circular electrodes and stationary planar electrodes function as a Tesla fluid pump when placed in contact with the contaminated water, causing the water to flow between the rotating and stationary electrodes. An insoluble abrasive material introduced into the water removes scale from the electrodes while the water is pumped thereby. A direct electric current is caused to flow between each pair of rotating and stationary electrodes, thereby producing electrocoagulation of the contaminants in the water flowing therebetween. The electrocoagulated materials may be separated from the treated water by filtration or by permitting the treated water to stand for a chosen period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Avivid Water Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Lockett E. Wood, William R. Lowstuter, Karen V. Schumacher
  • Publication number: 20130161202
    Abstract: An arrangement for treating water, particularly in swimming pools, with an electrolytic cell and a gas inlet port and fluid communication with a chamber of the cell wherein the gas inlet port allows gas into the chamber to displace water and water flow through the chamber ceases. Additionally, a method for improving safety of a water treatment system the method may include the step of purging water from an electrolytic cell of the water treatment system when water flow through a chamber of the electrolyte cell ceases. Additionally, a method of cleaning electrolytic plates in an electrolytic cell in an arrangement for treating water may include introducing gas into a chamber housing the electrolytic plates, displacing water from around the electrolytic plates with the gas, allowing the electrolytic plates to dry, at least partially, and activating a pump to deliver pressurized water to the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventor: Alexander Babych
  • Patent number: 8465653
    Abstract: Methods and systems for treating wastewater. Wastewater slurry collected in a tank is routed by a macerator pump. The macerated slurry is piped to an electrolytic cell to oxidize and disinfect it. The slurry is then piped to an electrocoagulation cell. Suspended solid particles are flocculated in the electrocoagulation cell. The flocculated slurry is routed to a primary settling tank for separation of sludge and a substantially clarified supernatant. The supernatant is piped to a secondary clarifying tank to facilitate further separation of the sludge. The sludge is discharged to a sludge collection tank. The turbidity levels of the sludge discharged is continually monitored. When the turbidity level equals a pre-determined low value, the sludge discharge is stopped. The substantially clarified supernatant may be discharged as an effluent following dechlorination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Severn Trent De Nora, LLC
    Inventors: Rudolf Matousek, Dana Casbeer, David Hill, Rubin Bariya
  • Publication number: 20130126362
    Abstract: A process for electrocoagulation fluid treatment utilizing a tubular member with a plurality of electrocoagulation assemblies disposed therein. The assemblies have first and second conductive plates that are angularly oriented in relation to one another to promote turbulent flow through the tubular member. A non-conductive block is positioned between the plates to stabilize and orient the plates within the tubular member. The conductive plates may be provided with alternating negative and positive charges to combat corrosion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Water Rescue Services Holdings LLC
    Inventor: Water Rescue Services Holdings LLC
  • Patent number: 8440080
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable device for generating ozone in water, purifying the water and making it drinkable. The device comprises a housing; at least two electrodes, including an anode and a cathode extending from the housing into the water and each having semi-rough or rough surfaces in contact with the water. The device also comprises a power supply operatively connected to the electrodes for generating between them a difference of potential creating a current and the hydrolysis of the water creating ozone that purifies the water. The electrodes may have a plate or a rode and tube configuration with a plurality of holes with rough edges. The roughness of the surfaces and of the edges of the holes leads to a coalescence of tiny hydrogen bubbles into larger hydrogen bubbles. The hydrogen may be also removed by absorption in a conductive material and regenerated for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Ozomax Inc.
    Inventors: Amir Salama, Marianne Salama
  • Patent number: 8431010
    Abstract: A method and system for purifying liquid is disclosed that includes combining powdered metal particles with the fluid to be treated. The mixture of powdered metal particles or metal and liquid to be treated is then passed through an electrolytic cell. The cell forms multivalent ions which attach to contaminants in the liquid and are subsequently separated out from the liquid using conventional solid/liquid separation techniques. The multivalent ions may also be formed from thin strips of aluminum or formed by pressing layers of powdered metallic particles together and installing in the electrolytic cell between two cathodes, the powdered metal electrode being the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Water Vision Incorporated
    Inventor: Bruce E. Norris
  • Patent number: 8431009
    Abstract: An electrocoagulation reactor is provided for treating waste water and removing contaminants therefrom. The reactor is typically a six sided rectangular water tight housing which has an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. There are a multiplicity of charged plates located parallel to one another within the housing. Adjacent plates are typically oppositely charged and water will pass between the plates as it flows through the reactor. The electric field between the plates will help encourage coagulation of waste matter which then may be removed from the waste water downstream of the electrocoagulation reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Kaspar Electroplating Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Morkovsky, Douglas D. Kaspar
  • Patent number: 8361327
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an agricultural water-recycling system comprising an iron (Fe)-ionizing module and a method of recycling agricultural water using the same, and more particularly to an agricultural water-recycling system comprising an iron (Fe)-ionizing module and a method of recycling agricultural water using the same, in which phosphorus (P) contained in effluent from a sewage treatment plant is removed by using the iron (Fe)-ionizing module comprising an iron (Fe)-ionizing electrode consisting of an iron plate serving as a cathode and a titanium plate serving as an anode and an electrode-washing device. According to the present invention, an effluent treatment process of a sewage treatment plant and an electrode washing process needed for iron ionization can be simultaneously performed, the iron ionization is controlled depending on the concentration of phosphorus contained in the effluent, thereby improving effluent treatment efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignees: Korea Rural Community Corporation, Blue Environment N Tech Co., Ltd., Kyungpook National University Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: Kwang Ya Lee, Hae Do Kim, Jong Hwa Son, Min Hong, Kyung Sook Choi
  • Publication number: 20130020079
    Abstract: Systems and methods for using one or more electrolyzed aqueous solutions to treat subterranean reservoirs containing hydrocarbons are disclosed herein. In some cases, the methods include using an electrochemical cell to produce electrolyzed acidic water, electrolyzed alkaline water, and/or stabilized acidic water. In such cases, the electrolyzed acidic water, the electrolyzed alkaline water, and/or the stabilized acidic water is introduced to the well. While the electrolyzed water can be used for a variety of purposes, in some cases, it is used to improve hydraulic fracturing, water flooding, and well stimulation techniques. In some cases, the electrolyzed water is mixed with one or more other materials, such as a proppant, a hydraulic fracturing fluid, a polymer, or another additive. Additional implementations are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: Zerorez Texas, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Hopkins, James K. Stone, William R. Shupe
  • Patent number: 8323474
    Abstract: Provided is an electro-chemical water treatment apparatus and method for removing total nitrogen ingredients of ammonia nitrogen, nitrous acid nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen etc., organic materials of BOD and COD induction ingredients, and cyanogen included in wastewater and dirty water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: Chi-Jung Jeon, Jong-Sung Kim, Kwang-Su Kim, Sang-Ki Hong
  • Patent number: 8273249
    Abstract: A new method that integrates electrochemical oxidation and flocculation processes for removing ammonia nitrogen in coking wastewater is disclosed in this invention. It comprises steps as follow: first, adjusting the PH of coking wastewater and adding Fe2+ into the wastewater; then leading the wastewater containing Fe2+ through such 5 areas as pulsed high-voltage discharge oxidation area, pulsed high-frequency DC electrolytic oxidation area, microbubble oxidation area, flocculation area and precipitation area in succession. High-voltage pulse and high-frequency pulse are two different mechanisms for achieving strong oxidation. With help of both solid and liquid catalysts, these two oxidations can work synergistically. The recalcitrant organic chemicals are effectively destroyed and satisfactorily removed out of wastewater. The high-concentration coking waster pretreated with this method will meet Chinese highest discharge standard as long as the routine biochemical treatment is applied thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Nanjing University
    Inventors: Hongqiang Ren, Yunjun Yang, Lili Ding, Xiaolei Shi
  • Publication number: 20120160705
    Abstract: A water treatment system includes a reservoir for holding water to be treated, one or more primary electrode pairs at least partially immersed in water held in the reservoir, a power supply adapted to power the one or more primary electrode pairs, and an agitator operable to cause movement in the water and particles and gases therein. Water is treated in the system by performing at least a first electrolysis phase wherein one or more of the primary electrode pairs are powered using electrical current of a first polarity such that for each powered primary electrode pair one electrode provides dissolved ions which act as an attractant for impurities to aid removal of the impurities from the water. The agitator can be operated during the first electrolysis phase to cause movement in the water and particles and gases therein to aid carriage of ions and impurities away from the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: AQUATECH WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEMS PTY LTD
    Inventor: Valrie Dene Robinson
  • Patent number: 8152990
    Abstract: Process and apparatus to remove colloids and nitrogen compounds from contaminated water by coagulating the colloids and separating them from the water. The solids are floated by sparging and then the floating solids are swept from the surface of the water into an exit port using a conveyor from which downwardly depending flaps skim or near the surface, thus sweeping the floating floc into the exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Potable Water Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Jorge Miller, Luisa Kling Miller
  • Publication number: 20110259761
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing the scaling tendency of fracture-treatment flow back water and oil field brine by the precipitation of hardness salts using carbon dioxide as a carbonate donor. The apparatus includes a treatment conduit comprised of a plurality of segments. The treatment conduit includes a plurality of anode surfaces, a plurality of heated cathode surfaces each associated with an ultrasonic transducer and an arrangement for injecting carbon dioxide into the stream of raw water. The injection of carbon dioxide from an external source helps to reduce the pH of the water and to prevent scaling by softening the water thereby eliminating the use of HCL at the frac job site. The treatment conduit further includes a plurality of static mixers each creating hydrodynamic cavitation thereby facilitating better mixing of the carbon dioxide and higher mass transfer efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Dennis McGuire, Sanjeev Jakhete
  • Patent number: 8025787
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for receiving a cleaning liquid having a pH in a range between pH6-pH8 and an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) between ±50 mV. The liquid is converted into an anolyte liquid and a catholyte liquid having respective pHs outside of the range between pH6-pH8 and having respective ORPs outside the range between ±50 mV. The anolyte and catholyte liquids are applied to a surface, wherein the anolyte and catholyte liquids are, for example, in a combined state on the surface and substantially neutralize to a pH between pH6-pH8 and an ORP between ±50 mV within one minute of the time at which the anolyte and catholyte liquids are converted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Bruce F. Field, Patrick J. Gronlund
  • Patent number: 8025786
    Abstract: A method is provided, which includes generating a cleaning liquid by a combination of a sparging process and an electrochemical process that produces an anolyte and a catholye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Bruce F. Field, Patrick J. Gronlund
  • Patent number: 8016996
    Abstract: A method is provided, which includes moving a mobile floor cleaning machine along a floor. Onboard the mobile floor cleaning machine, a liquid is sparged by electrolysis. The sparged liquid is dispensed from the mobile floor cleaning machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Bruce F. Field, Patrick J. Gronlund
  • Patent number: 8012339
    Abstract: A hand-held spray apparatus is provided, which includes a tank for holding a supply of liquid to be treated and a functional generator carried by the hand-held spray apparatus. The functional generator receives the liquid from the tank and has an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by an ion exchange membrane and electrochemically activates the liquid that is passed through the functional generator. A spray output is coupled to an output of the functional generator and dispenses the electrochemically activated liquid as an output spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventor: Bruce F. Field
  • Patent number: 8012340
    Abstract: A method is provided, which includes moving a mobile floor cleaning device along a floor; electrochemically activating a liquid on the mobile floor cleaning device, and dispensing the electrochemically activated liquid from the mobile floor cleaning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Bruce F. Field, Patrick J. Gronlund
  • Publication number: 20110210075
    Abstract: The present invention provides electrocoagulation devices and methods for using the same to treat water to remove at least a portion of suspended, dissolved solids, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: AUXSOL, INC.
    Inventors: Michael L. Enos, Randal R. Gingrich, William R. Henchel
  • Patent number: 8007654
    Abstract: An electrochemically activated fluid is provided, which has an anolyte and a catholyte. For example, a sparged anolyte and a sparged catholyte are provided. In another example, a combined anolyte and catholyte is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Bruce F. Field, Patrick J. Gronlund
  • Patent number: 7959789
    Abstract: A method is provided, which includes moving a mobile floor cleaning device along a floor; electrochemically activating a liquid on the mobile floor cleaning device, and dispensing the electrochemically activated liquid from the mobile floor cleaning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Bruce F. Field, Patrick J. Gronlund
  • Patent number: 7959788
    Abstract: A method is provided, which includes moving a mobile floor cleaning machine along a floor. Onboard the mobile floor cleaning machine, a liquid is sparged by electrolysis. The sparged liquid is dispensed from the mobile floor cleaning machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Bruce F. Field, Patrick J. Gronlund
  • Patent number: 7959785
    Abstract: A hand-held spray apparatus is provided, which includes a tank for holding a supply of liquid to be treated and a functional generator carried by the hand-held spray apparatus. The functional generator receives the liquid from the tank and has an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by an ion exchange membrane and electrochemically activates the liquid that is passed through the functional generator. A spray output is coupled to an output of the functional generator and dispenses the electrochemically activated liquid as an output spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventor: Bruce F. Field
  • Patent number: 7959787
    Abstract: A method is provided, which includes generating a cleaning liquid by a combination of a sparging process and an electrochemical process that produces an anolyte and a catholye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventors: Bruce F. Field, Patrick J. Gronlund
  • Patent number: 7955842
    Abstract: A microfluidic device for concentrating a sample including cells or viruses and lysing the cells or viruses, the device including an anode chamber including an anode electrode, a cathode chamber including a cathode electrode and an ion exchange membrane separating the anode chamber and the cathode chamber. The cathode chamber includes a solid support therein. A method of producing the microfluidic device and a method of concentrating a sample including cells or viruses and lysing the cells or viruses therein using the microfluidic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hun-joo Lee, Joon-ho Kim, Sung-young Jeong, Kyu-youn Hwang
  • Publication number: 20110100839
    Abstract: The disclosure teaches an apparatus for circulating electrically conductive solutions between electro-chemical cells. The apparatus is able to decrease the size or surface area of the cells and operate the electro-chemical at reduced amperage. Movement of the solution over the plates also facilitates reduced build up of scale on the plates. The flow rate or treatment dwell time can be controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Dan Prokop
  • Patent number: 7914660
    Abstract: Provided is a method of controlling the pH of a solution using electrolysis in a microfluidic device comprising an electrolysis device including an anode chamber, a cathode chamber, and a partition membrane between the anode chamber and the cathode chamber, wherein the anode chamber includes an inlet and an outlet through which an anode chamber solution enters and is discharged from the anode chamber, respectively, and an electrode, and the cathode chamber includes an inlet and an outlet through which a cathode chamber solution enters and is discharged from the cathode chamber, respectively, and an electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hun-joo Lee, Joon-ho Kim, Chang-eun Yoo, Kyu-youn Hwang, Hee-kyun Lim
  • Patent number: 7815780
    Abstract: A device for removing mineral deposits from the electrode of a pool chlorinator cell, which has a housing with liquid inlet and outlet ports and in which the electrode is submerged, has: (a) a container having an opening, with this opening being affixed proximate an aperture that is placed in the housing, (b) an ultrasonic membrane which covers the aperture, (c) an ultrasonic transducer mounted in the container and coupled to the membrane in such a manner so as to cause specified, ultrasonic vibrations in the membrane and throughout the liquid contained in the housing, and (d) a frequency modulated power source that drives the transducer. In a preferred embodiment, this device is powered such that the energy projected to the electrodes is in range of 100 to 200 watts and the flux of energy supplied to the membrane is in the range of 4 to 25 watts per square inch of membrane surface area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Materials and Sensors Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: B. Boro Djordjevic
  • Publication number: 20100187129
    Abstract: A method for producing of electrolyzed water involves, using an electrolyzing apparatus for water having a structural feature of dividing an electrolyzer into an anode chamber (D) and a cathode chamber (E) by a diaphragm (1) and arranging an anode plate (3) in the anode chamber and a cathode plate (4) in the cathode chamber and carrying out the electrolysis by filling water to which electrolyte is previously added, wherein the flow rate of water to be provided to the cathode chamber is restricted to 40 mL/min. per 1 A (ampere) of loading electric current or less, and softening previously the water provided to the cathode chamber (10) alone. It is possible to divide the electrolyzer into three chambers by 2 diaphragms, filling an aqueous solution of electrolysis in the center chamber and to provide the electrolysis by electrophoresis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: ECOLAB, INC.
    Inventor: YOICHI SANO
  • Patent number: 7731834
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing chemical additives into contaminated liquids and electrolyzing contaminated liquids includes the positioning of a vibratable element, such as a metal spring, within a cylindrical liquid conduit. A treatment additive is introduced into the liquid upstream of the vibratable element and the liquid is directed through the conduit. The flow of the liquid in proximity to the vibratable element causes the element to vibrate and mix the liquid and the additive. The conduit and the vibratable element may be electrically charged such that the flow of the liquid in proximity to the charged and vibrating element causes an electrical charge to be imparted to the liquid. The vibration of the element also prevents fouling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Clean Water Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Dwain E. Morse, Wade O. Morse, Thomas G. Matherly
  • Patent number: 7678246
    Abstract: An insulated vibration-stirring apparatus comprising: a vibration generating means containing a vibration motor and a vibrating member attached to that motor, and a vibrating rod attached by an installation piece to allow vibration lined with the vibration generating means, and vibrating vanes installed on this vibrating rod. An electrical insulation area made from hard rubber is installed on a section nearer to the installation section to the installation piece than the section where the vibrating vanes are mounted on the vibrating rod. An electrical line is connected to the lower section of the vibrating rod on the electrical insulation area side where the vibrating vanes are installed. This electrical line conducts power to the vibrating vanes by way of the lower section of the vibrating rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Japan Techno Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryushin Omasa
  • Patent number: 7459071
    Abstract: A hydrogen-oxygen gas generator comprising an electrolytic cell, an electrode group formed from an anode and a cathode mutually installed in that electrolytic cell, a power supply for applying a voltage across the anode and cathode, a gas trapping means for collecting the hydrogen-oxygen gas generated by electrolyzing the electrolyte fluid and a vibration-stirring means. The gas trapping means is comprised of a lid member installed on the electrolytic cell, a hydrogen-gas extraction tube connecting to the hydrogen-oxygen gas extraction outlet of that lid member. A vibration-stirring means for stirring and agitating the electrolytic fluid is supported by support tables. The distance between the adjacent positive electrode and negative electrode within the electrode group is set within a range of 1 to 20 millimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Japan Techno Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryushin Omasa
  • Patent number: 7338586
    Abstract: An insulated vibration-stirring apparatus comprising a vibration generating means containing a vibration motor and a vibrating member attached to that motor, and a vibrating rod attached by an installation piece to allow vibration linked with the vibration generating means, and vibrating vanes installed on this vibrating rod. An electrical insulation area made from hard rubber is installed on a section nearer to the installation section to the installation piece than the section where the vibrating vanes are mounted on the vibrating rod. An electrical line is connected to the lower section of the vibrating rod on the electrical insulation area side where the vibrating vanes are installed. This electrical line conducts power to the vibrating vanes by way of the lower section of the vibrating rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Japan Techno Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryushin Omasa
  • Patent number: 7250110
    Abstract: A method for treating hard water comprising the steps of flowing water containing suspended colloidal mineral particles through a confined treatment zone, applying an electrical potential across the flowing water to cause electrical current to flow through the water, increasing the zeta potential of the suspended colloidal particles. The increased zeta potential causes the particles to repel each other, preventing aggregation and precipitation onto surfaces in contact with the water to form scale or create hard pan conditions in soil on which the water falls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventors: George C. Bruce, Thomas J. Martin
  • Patent number: 7192556
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flow cell, a method for separating carrier-free radionuclides from a liquid or liquefiable target material, and the radiochemical reaction thereof. According to prior art, flow cells are known which require reaction volumes corresponding to the volume of the target material in order to carry out the desired reactions. The inventive flow cell (1) and method enable the reaction volume, and thus the quantity of starting material, to be reduced by a multiple by reducing the cylinder volume (=reaction volume). As the radioactively marked product is present in very small quantities (picomole to nanomole), the HPL-chromatographic separation of the non-reacted starting material is significantly improved. The economic efficiency of the method is increased due to the fact that small quantities of starting material can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Forschungszentrum Julich GmbH
    Inventors: Kurt Hamacher, Willi Bolten
  • Patent number: 7008523
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for disinfecting or sanitizing a desired object. The apparatus includes a container for an aqueous solution; the container may be a spray bottle. The apparatus includes an electrolytic cell, containing an electrolyte, an electrical power source, a control circuit for providing an electric charge to the electrolyte to create an oxidant, and a fluid connection between the cell and container to permit introduction of the oxidant into the aqueous solution to create a disinfectant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: MIOX Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney E. Herrington
  • Patent number: 6878268
    Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for purification of water in which impurities in contaminated water can be removed with a reduced amount of flocculant and with high efficiency. The apparatus comprises, in the order from the side where contaminated water is introduced, an electrolysis tank (1) for electrolyzing the contaminated water, a gas mixing tank (2) for mixing carbon dioxide into the contaminated water electrolyzed, a coagulation tank (3) for mixing Fe3+ supplied from a flocculant producing device (7) to coagulate impurities in the contaminated water, and a floatation tank (4) for floating and separating the impurities coagulated. The electrolysis tank (1) electrolyzes the contaminated water to lower zeta potential of colloid particles in the contaminated water, and then the contaminated water is mixed with Fe3+ in the coagulation tank (3), thereby reducing the amount of positively charged Fe3+ to be added for neutralizing the colloid particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Sawada
  • Patent number: 6869626
    Abstract: The present invention realized the production of a water product having excellent physiological activity such as health promoting activity and the utilization of the water, in which ultrafine gold particles having a diameter as small as 1-2 figures in micron order, much smaller than any ordinary fine gold particles, are dissolved. According to the present invention, an aqueous ultrafine gold particle solution is produced using an apparatus comprising a pressure-resistant vessel equipped with a high-pressure water tank, a jet nozzle, an ignition device, and a combustion chamber, in which a gas mixture comprising hydrogen and oxygen is combusted in highly pressurized water, in which gold leaf fragments are suspended, and then the gold leaf fragments are heated and melted by the resulting combustion gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Phild Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Hirata, Yoshio Ueda, Hiraoki Takase
  • Publication number: 20040134796
    Abstract: In a sewage treatment plant, dissolved ammonium is extracted from the waste-water stream, and is transferred to a body of secondary water. The secondary water is passed through an electrolysis station, where the ammonium is transformed to nitrogen gas. The capture and transfer can be done by ion-exchange, the electrolysis then being done on the regenerant water. Or the capture and transfer can be done by first transforming the dissolved ammonium to ammonia gas by raising the pH of the waste-water, then passing the ammonia gas through acidic secondary-water, in which the ammonia dissolves, the electrolysis then being done on the acid-water. The electrolysed, ammonium-diminished, secondary-water can be re-used in further capture/transfer episodes. The secondary-water does not mix with the waste-water stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Gene Sidney Shelp, Leonard Paul Seed
  • Patent number: 6733679
    Abstract: A method of treating an electroless plating waste is provided. The waste is contained and an ability of a reducing agent to reduce a metal of the waste is decreased, for example by adding a stabilizing chemical or by exposing the waste to an anode to which a positive voltage is applied. Poisonous and explosive gases evolve from the waste, which are vented. Upon completion, the waste is drained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Valery M. Dubin, Chin-Chang Cheng, Christopher D. Thomas