Using Membrane Patents (Class 205/770)
  • Patent number: 11611204
    Abstract: A reclosing fault protection device detects a partial bypass state. Upon detecting the partial bypass state, the fault protection device implements a ground trip delay operating state. The ground trip delay operating state provides a delayed ground trip response characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: S&C Electric Company
    Inventors: Christopher McCarthy, Raymond P. O'Leary
  • Patent number: 10435649
    Abstract: The cleaning performance of washing and cleaning agents, in particular with respect to bleachable stains, was to be intensified without resulting in damage, in the context of use, to the textile treated therewith. This was achieved substantially by employing a bleaching-active species generated electrolytically from an organic mediator compound using a redox reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Henkel AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Mareile Job, Peter Schmiedel, Erik Brueckner, Guido Grundmeier, Markus Voigt
  • Patent number: 10240241
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the management of fluids required to operate a vehicle, remarkable in that it comprises an operation of the anodic oxidation of a solution of hydrogen peroxide (P) for the purpose of producing oxygen, water and hydrogen cations by subjecting said solution to an electric current produced by an electrical power source. The invention also relates to a device that makes it possible to implement the method. Applications: management of the fluids required to operate a vehicle in particular an aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Inventors: Morou Boukari, Marc Auriol
  • Patent number: 8936711
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of extracting lithium with high purity from a lithium bearing solution by electrolysis. More specifically, the present invention provides a method of economical extraction of lithium from the lithium bearing solution by adding a phosphorous supplying material to the solution to prepare a lithium phosphate aqueous solution subject to electrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Research Institute of Industrial Science & Technology
    Inventors: Uong Chon, Ki Hong Kim, Oh Joon Kwon, Chang Ho Song, Gi Chun Han, Ki Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20140197040
    Abstract: Alkali metals and sulfur may be recovered from alkali monosulfide and polysulfides in an electrolytic process that utilizes an electrolytic cell having an alkali ion conductive membrane. An anolyte solution includes an alkali monosulfide, an alkali polysulfide, or a mixture thereof and a solvent that dissolves elemental sulfur. A catholyte includes molten alkali metal. Applying an electric current oxidizes sulfide and polysulfide in the anolyte compartment, causes alkali metal ions to pass through the alkali ion conductive membrane to the catholyte compartment, and reduces the alkali metal ions in the catholyte compartment. Liquid sulfur separates from the anolyte solution and may be recovered. The electrolytic cell is operated at a temperature where the formed alkali metal and sulfur are molten.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventors: John Howard Gordon, Javier Alvare
  • Patent number: 8764967
    Abstract: A method and system for regenerating used cooking oil in which the used cooking oil is introduced into a cooking oil regenerator, which includes an electrochemical device having a high temperature proton exchange membrane disposed between an anode electrode and a cathode electrode. A voltage is applied between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode using an external electricity source, producing regenerated cooking oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventor: Qinbai Fan
  • Publication number: 20140065513
    Abstract: An ion-conducting composite electrolyte is provided comprising path-engineered ion-conducting ceramic electrolyte particles and a solid polymeric matrix. The path-engineered particles are characterized by an anisotropic crystalline structure and the ionic conductivity of the crystalline structure in a preferred conductivity direction H associated with one of the crystal planes of the path-engineered particle is larger than the ionic conductivity of the crystalline structure in a reduced conductivity direction L associated with another of the crystal planes of the path-engineered particle. The path-engineered particles are sized and positioned in the polymeric matrix such that a majority of the path-engineered particles breach both of the opposite major faces of the matrix body and are oriented in the polymeric matrix such that the preferred conductivity direction H is more closely aligned with a minimum path length spanning a thickness of the matrix body than is the reduced conductivity direction L.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Edward Badding, Jacqueline Leslie Brown, Katherine A. Fink, Atanas Valentinov Gagov, Cameron Wayne Tanner
  • Patent number: 8562810
    Abstract: Methods for enhancing alkalinity and performance of ash-based detergents are disclosed. Nonhazardous ash-based detergent alkalinity is enhanced through increasing the ratio of sodium hydroxide to ash-based alkalinity. Methods according to the invention do not require the addition of chemical ingredients, do not generate additional waste streams and use the entirety of the ash-based detergent. The methods according to the invention provide alkalinity-enhanced detergent use solutions that are sufficiently concentrated for adequate cleaning capability while only requiring minimal amounts of the use solution to be dispensed for an in situ cleaning process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Katherine M. Sanville, Clinton Hunt, Jr., Barry R. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20130220830
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for controlling ionic strength and/or pH of a solution are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicants: Technion Research & Development Foundation Ltd., Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Aran Paulus, Camille Diges, Roumen Bogoev, Sricharan Bandhakavi, Annett Hahn-Windgassen, Anton Posch, Elad Brod, Uri Sivan
  • Publication number: 20130146476
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of extracting lithium with high purity from a lithium bearing solution by electrolysis. More specifically, the present invention provides a method of economical extraction of lithium from the lithium bearing solution by adding a phosphorous supplying material to the solution to prepare a lithium phosphate aqueous solution subject to electrolysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
  • Publication number: 20130101499
    Abstract: Methods for the reductive post-treatment of NaCl-containing solutions, wherein such methods comprise: providing a NaCl-containing solution obtained from an anode side of an NaCl electrolysis cell, the solution comprising reducible components; and subjecting the solution to cathodic electrochemical reduction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Bayer Intellectual Property GmbH
    Inventor: Bayer Intellectual Property GmbH
  • Patent number: 8419926
    Abstract: Electrolyzed water producing method and apparatus are provided which are capable of producing electrolyzed water having a desired property irrespective of the quality of raw water supplied and the like while allowing the size and weight of the apparatus and the cost to be reduced by limiting the capacity of an electrolysis power source. The electrolyzed water producing method includes: circulating an aqueous electrolyte solution to a first electrolytic chamber of a pair of electrolytic chambers opposed to each other across an intervening ion permeable diaphragm while supplying raw water to the second electrolytic chamber; and applying a predetermined voltage to a pair of electrodes disposed in the respective electrolytic chambers with the diaphragm intervening there between, to electrolyze the raw water and the aqueous electrolyte solution, thereby producing electrolyzed water in the second electrolytic chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohichi Miyashita, Ryuichi Kimata, Makoto Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 8313637
    Abstract: A wear of an electrode is prevented as much as possible, thereby efficiently electrolyzing a sulfuric acid solution and the like. An electrolysis method includes: passing an electrolytic solution through an electrolysis cell including at least a pair of an anode and a cathode; and supplying the electrodes with an electric power, so as to electrolyze the electrolytic solution, wherein a viscosity of the electrolytic solution is set in a range in response to a current density upon the electric power supply to carry out the electrolysis. The viscosity of a sulfuric acid solution as the electrolytic solution is equal to or less than 10 cP when the current density is equal to or less than 50 A/dm2, the viscosity of the sulfuric acid solution is equal to or less than 8 cP when the current density is from more than 50 to 75 A/dm2, and the viscosity of the sulfuric acid solution is equal to or less than 6 cP when the current density is from more than 75 to 100 A/dm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Uchida, Tatsuo Nagai, Shunichi Kanamori
  • Patent number: 8298398
    Abstract: A micro flow device and a method for generating a fluid with pH gradient are provided. The micro flow device includes a first and second substrates, an ion exchange membrane, and at least an electrode unit. The second substrate having a second flow path is disposed corresponding to the first substrate that has a first flow path. The ion exchange membrane is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate to separate an electrolyte solution inside the first and second flow paths. The electrode unit includes at least two electrodes disposed in the first and second flow paths respectively. When the pair of electrodes is driven to electrolyze the electrolyte solution, the ion exchange membrane retards the mixing of an anode product and a cathode product produced by electrolyzing the electrolyte solution, such that a liquid having pH gradient is generated inside the first and second flow paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Benq Materials Corp.
    Inventor: Chen Peng
  • Publication number: 20120255871
    Abstract: A pH adjusting apparatus includes an electrolytic chip receiving a solution, an electrolytic chip loading station receiving the electrolytic chip, an input unit inputting electrolysis conditions, a control unit receiving the electrolysis conditions and controlling electrolysis performed in the electrolytic chip, and a display unit displaying the electrolysis conditions and a progress of the electrolysis. Thus, the pH of a solution can be adjusted easily and accurately, by precisely controlling a constant current, a constant voltage, and current and voltage application times, thereby enabling useful application in various biological assays such as cell lysis. Furthermore, the pH adjusting apparatus has small size and weight and can be operated for a long time after charging once due to low power consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hun-joo LEE, Jin-tae KIM, Sung-young JEONG, Joon-ho KIM, Hee-kyun LIM
  • Publication number: 20120234694
    Abstract: A filtration apparatus and filtration method can be used to reduce at least one contaminant (e.g., organic molecules, ions and/or biological microorganisms) in an aqueous fluid. The filtration apparatuses and methods of the invention can separate at least one contaminant from an aqueous fluid and/or oxidize at least one contaminant. In operation, an aqueous fluid is flowed through a filtration apparatus comprising a porous carbon nanotube filter material at an applied voltage. In some embodiments, the filtration apparatus described herein can be used for dead-end filtration. In some embodiments, the filtration apparatus described herein can be used for cross-over filtration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
    Inventors: Chad D. Vecitis, Kirsten Van Fossen
  • Patent number: 8242026
    Abstract: Provided is a method for performing etching process or film forming process to a substrate W whereupon a prescribed pattern is formed with an opening. The method is provided with a step of mixing a liquid and a gas, at least one of which contains a component that contributes to the etching process or the film forming process, and generating charged nano-bubbles 85 having a diameter smaller than that of the opening formed on the semiconductor substrate W; a step of forming an electric field to attract the nano-bubbles onto the surface of the substrate W; and a step of performing the process by supplying the substrate with the liquid containing the nano-bubbles 85 while forming the electric field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Sumie Nagaseki
  • Patent number: 8216445
    Abstract: A nanoporous insulating oxide deionization device, method of manufacture and method of use thereof for deionizing a water supply (such as a hard water supply), for desalinating a salt water supply, and for treating a bacteria-containing water supply. The device contains two composite electrodes each constructed from a conductive backing electrode and a composite oxide layer being an insulating oxide or a non-insulating oxide and an intermediate porous layer. The composite layer being substantially free of mixed oxidation states and nanoporous and having a median pore diameter of 0.5-500 nanometers and average surface area of 300-600 m2/g. The composite layer made from a stable sol-gel suspension containing particles of the insulating oxide, the median primary particle diameter being 1-50 nanometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Marc A. Anderson, Kevin C. Leonard
  • Publication number: 20120103832
    Abstract: A microfluidic device for electrochemically regulating the pH of a fluid includes: an ion-exchange material; an anode chamber having a surface defined by a surface of the ion-exchange material and an anode electrode disposed along an edge of the surface of the anode chamber; and a cathode chamber having a surface defined by an opposite surface of the ion-exchange material and a cathode electrode disposed along an edge of the surface of the cathode chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hun-joo LEE, Joon-ho KIM, Chin-sung PARK, Jung-im HAN, Seung-yeon YANG, Shin-i YOO
  • Publication number: 20120067740
    Abstract: A method for concentrating dilute sulfuric acid involves feeding dilute sulfuric acid through at least two electrolytic cells depolarized by sulfur dioxide, and through a cation conductive membrane separating the cathode and anode sides in the electrolytic cell. Also provided is an apparatus for concentrating sulfuric acid, wherein at least a first electrolytic cell is in fluid communication with a second electrolytic cell, and wherein a cation conductive membrane separates the cathode and anode sides in the electrolytic cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: Outotec OYJ
    Inventors: Michael Gasik, Anu Lokkiluoto, Heljä Peltola, Pekka Taskinen
  • Patent number: 8038867
    Abstract: A device includes a first electrode and a second electrode spaced from the first electrode to define a volume. An anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane are disposed within the volume. A controller controls a supply of electrical current from an electrical source to the first electrode and to the second electrode. The electrical current supply is controlled to switch from a first mode of operation to a second mode of operation providing electrical current having a reverse polarity during each cycle. The electrical current is supplied at a controlled cycle rate and for a controlled duration. The cycle rate is greater than about 100 hertz and less than about 10 kilohertz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Yu Du, Yunfeng Liu, Saijun Mao, Xiaoming Yuan, Chao Yang, Rihua Xiong, Chun Cao, Shengxian Wang, Wei Cai, Chang Wei, Jiyang Xia
  • Publication number: 20110215000
    Abstract: A process for controlling the pH and level of target ions of a liquid composition, more particularly the use of Reverse Electro-Enhanced Dialysis (REED) for extraction of low-molecular, charged species generated in a reactor. Even more particularly the invention relates to a process for pH control and control of inhibitors in bioreactors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: Jurag Separation A/S
    Inventors: Arvid Garde, Jens-Ulrik Rype
  • Patent number: 7964068
    Abstract: The present invention provides: a membrane-electrode assembly having a first electrode having a shape of a rod-form or a cylindrical-form, a strip-form diaphragm covering the periphery of the first electrode, and a second electrode disposed on a surface of the strip-form diaphragm; an electrolytic unit containing the membrane-electrode assembly; an electrolytic water ejecting apparatus containing the electrolytic unit; and a method of sterilization using the membrane-electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignees: Permelec Electrode Ltd., Institute of National Colleges of Technology, Japan
    Inventors: Noriyuki Kitaori, Kota Sekido, Genzo Yamane, Katsumi Hamaguchi, Hozumi Tanaka, Yoshinori Nishiki, Tsuneto Furuta
  • Publication number: 20110073491
    Abstract: The present invention describes an electrochemical cell, comprising at least an anode half-cell with an anode, a cathode half-cell with a cathode, and an ion exchange membrane arranged between the anode half-cell and the cathode half-cell, the anode and/or the cathode is a gas diffusion electrode. And a gap is provided between the gas diffusion electrode and the ion exchange membrane, and the half-cell with the gas diffusion electrode has an electrolyte feed and an electrolyte discharge as well as a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The electrochemical cell preferably has an electrolyte feed that is hermetically connected to the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: Bayer MaterialScience AG
    Inventors: Andreas Bulan, Michael Großholz, Volker Michele, Hans-Joachim Brockhaus, Hans-Dieter Pinter, Fritz Gestermann, Rainer Weber
  • Publication number: 20110036728
    Abstract: A low energy method and system of removing H+ from a solution in an electrochemical cell wherein on applying a voltage across an anode in a first electrolyte and a cathode in second electrolyte, H+ are transferred to second electrolyte through a proton transfer member without forming a gas, e.g., oxygen or chlorine at the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventor: Kasra FARSAD
  • Publication number: 20100233575
    Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a method of conduction including the steps of providing a quaternary ammonium compound, and causing the quaternary ammonium compound to conduct ionically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: IONIC POLYMER SOLUTIONS LIMITED
    Inventors: Ian David Brotherston, John Lindley Bancroft
  • Patent number: 7749469
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for recovery of uranium from a spent nuclear fuel using a carbonate solution, characterized by excellent proliferation resistance of preventing leaching of transuranium element (TRU) nuclides such as Pu, Np, Am, Cm, etc. from the spent nuclear fuel as well as environmental friendliness of minimizing waste generation, wherein a highly alkaline carbonate solution is used to separate uranium alone from the spent nuclear fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute
    Inventors: Kwang Wook Kim, Eil Hee Lee, Dong Young Chung, Han Bum Yang, Jae Kwan Lim, Kee Soo Cho, Kee Chan Song, Kyu Seok Song, Kwang Yong Jee
  • Publication number: 20100069600
    Abstract: A method to extract out of water, concentrate and reformulate [18F] fluorides includes passing a dilute aqueous [18F] fluoride solution entering by an inlet (1) in a cavity (6) embodying an electrochemical cell with at least two electrodes (3, 4, 5), flowing in the cavity (6) and coming out of the cavity (6) by an outlet (2), an external voltage being applied to the electrodes. One electrode (4) is used as an extraction electrode, another one (3) is used for polarizing the solution, and configured so that at least the extraction electrode (4), either used as a cathode or as an anode, is in contact with and polarizes a large specific surface area conducting material (7), contained in the cavity (6). The extracted ions are released from the surface of the large specific surface area conducting material (7) by turning off the applied external voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Trasis S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Morelle, Samuel Voccia, Gauthier Philippart
  • Publication number: 20100065490
    Abstract: A method for producing an ion-permeable membrane which has at least one profiled surface includes contacting a shaping element with an uncured polymer film which contains at least one polymer, impressing the shaping element onto the polymer film and generating a regular pattern of identically or differently structured elevations and/or recesses on the polymer film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: Fuma-Tech Gesellschaft fur funktionelle Membranen und Anlagentechnologie mbH
    Inventors: Jörg Henning Balster, Dimitrios Stamatialis, Matthias Wessling
  • Publication number: 20090321275
    Abstract: A micro flow device and a method for generating a fluid with pH gradient are provided. The micro flow device includes a first and second substrates, an ion exchange membrane, and at least an electrode unit. The second substrate having a second flow path is disposed corresponding to the first substrate that has a first flow path. The ion exchange membrane is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate to separate an electrolyte solution inside the first and second flow paths. The electrode unit includes at least two electrodes disposed in the first and second flow paths respectively. When the pair of electrodes is driven to electrolyze the electrolyte solution, the ion exchange membrane retards the mixing of an anode product and a cathode product produced by electrolyzing the electrolyte solution, such that a liquid having pH gradient is generated inside the first and second flow paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: DAXON TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: Chen Peng
  • Publication number: 20090314659
    Abstract: An electrolysis cell is provided, which includes an inlet, an outlet, and coaxial, cylindrical inner and outer electrodes. A cylindrical ion-selective membrane is located between the inner and outer electrodes and forms respective first and second electrolysis reaction chambers on opposing sides of the membrane. Fluid flow paths along the first and second chambers join together as a combined inlet flow path through the inlet and a combined outlet flow path through the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: TENNANT COMPANY
    Inventor: Bruce F. Field
  • Publication number: 20090314657
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for performing electrolysis with an electrolysis cell. The cell includes an anode electrode and a cathode electrode. At least one of the anode electrode or the cathode electrode is at least partially formed of conductive polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: TENNANT COMPANY
    Inventor: Bruce F. Field
  • Publication number: 20090314658
    Abstract: A hand-held spray bottle is provided, which includes a liquid reservoir, a liquid outlet, an electrolysis cell, a power source and a DC-to-DC converter. The electrolysis cell is carried by the spray bottle and is fluidically coupled between the reservoir and the liquid outlet. The power source is carried by the spray bottle and has a voltage output. The DC-to-DC converter is coupled between the voltage output and the electrolysis cell and provides a stepped-up voltage, which is greater than the voltage output of the power source, to energize the electrolysis cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: TENNANT COMPANY
    Inventor: Bruce F. Field
  • Publication number: 20090205975
    Abstract: In the method of the present invention, in an aqueous solution 20 containing at least one type of ions (L) other than hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions, voltage is applied between an ion-adsorbing electrode 11 containing an electrically conductive material (C1) capable of adsorbing ions and an ion-adsorbing electrode 12 containing an electrically conductive material (C2) capable of adsorbing ions so that the ion-adsorbing electrode 11 serves as an anode. Thus the electrically conductive material (C1) is allowed to adsorb an anion contained in the aqueous solution 20 and the electrically conductive material (C2) is allowed to adsorb a cation contained in the aqueous solution 20. Subsequently, in a liquid 30 containing water, voltage is applied between either the ion-adsorbing electrode 11 or the ion-adsorbing electrode 12 and counter electrode 13 or 14, resulting in changing the pH of the liquid 30.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Tanah Process Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakazu Tanahashi, Seiji Tanahashi
  • Publication number: 20080210572
    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: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Tennant Company
    Inventor: Bruce F. Field
  • Publication number: 20080128293
    Abstract: A soil remediation system includes an electrochemical cell that is configured to provide increased mass transfer and a decreased diffusion layer between the electrodes to thereby allow formation of a homogenous lead deposit that is substantially free of dendrite formation and easily removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Samaresh Mohanta, Brian J. Dougherty, Scott Stevenson
  • Patent number: 7318888
    Abstract: A method for the photoelectrolysis of a liquid or gaseous species, comprises irradiating an ion exchange membrane of a membrane electrode assembly, wherein the membrane is an optically transparent material and comprises the species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: ITM Power Ltd
    Inventors: Donald James Highgate, Jonathan Anthony Lloyd
  • Patent number: 6984303
    Abstract: An electrochemical process for the preparation of water-soluble colorants, particularly triphenylmethane colorants and other water soluble technical dyes, is disclosed. In this process, the anode in the electrochemical cell comprises an open pore carbon material having specific void volume and surface area characteristics. A preferred electrode material is a carbon felt pad, preferably between about 1/16 inch and ¼ inch in thickness. This process provides faster reaction rates than electrochemical processes using standard electrodes, as well as higher yields compared to processes using chemical oxidizing agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Noveon IP Holdings Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph D. Kern, Gene P. Wesseler
  • Patent number: 6899803
    Abstract: In order to regulate the metal ion concentration in an electrolyte fluid serving to electrolytically deposit metal and additionally containing substances of an electrochemically reversible redox system, it has been known in the art to conduct at least one portion of the electrolyte fluid through one auxiliary cell provided with one insoluble auxiliary anode and at least one auxiliary cathode, a current being conducted between them by applying a voltage. Accordingly, excess quantities of the oxidized substances of the redox system are reduced at the auxiliary cathode, the formation of ions of the metal to be deposited being reduced as a result thereof. Starting from this prior art, the present invention relates to using pieces of the metal to be deposited as an auxiliary cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Atotech Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Kai-Jens Matejat, Sven Lamprecht
  • Patent number: 6890417
    Abstract: An electrolytic bath is divided into an anodic chamber and a cathodic chamber by a cation-exchange membrane. A base alkaline solution of high impurity concentration is supplied into the anodic chamber from a tank of a base material as well as a circulating anolyte overflowed from the anodic chamber is supplied and circulated from an anode circulating tank, and NaOH solution of low impurity concentration is supplied and circulated into the cathodic chamber through a tank of a refined solution. The concentration of the circulating anolyte is detected, and based on this detected value the supplying amount of the base NaOH solution is controlled and electrolysis is performed. Thus, the concentration of NaOH solution in the anodic chamber is kept stable, and the refined NaOH solution of low impurity concentration can be obtained in the cathodic chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Tsurumi Soda Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuro Yamashita, Takumi Manabe
  • Patent number: 6869519
    Abstract: An electrolytic process for the production of metallic copper in an electrolytic cell including anode and cathode chambers separated from each other by a porous member, an anode disposed in the anode chamber, and a cathode disposed in the cathode chamber. The process comprises providing an ammoniacal alkaline electrolyte solution containing diammine cuprous ions in each of the anode and cathode chambers, and applying direct current to the anode and cathode to produce metallic copper on the cathode and to produce tetrammine cupric ions on the anode. An electrolytic cell apparatus including anode and cathode chambers separated from each other by a porous member, an anode disposed in the anode chamber, a cathode disposed in the cathode chamber, and a DC current source connected to the anode and cathode, wherein each of the anode and cathode chambers contains an ammoniacal alkaline electrolyte solution containing diammine cuprous ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventor: Kazuya Koyama
  • Publication number: 20040084328
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical sensor for determining the concentration of a group IA metal in a fluid such as molten metal. The sensor comprises a substantially pure quantity of the group 1A metal as a reference electrode (13) contained in a sensor housing (3), and a solid electrolyte constituting at least part of the sensor housing (3). The electrolyte is in electrical contact with the reference electrode (13) and the sensor is capable of operating at temperatures in excess of 973K. In a preferred arrangement, the sensor comprises a two part elongate conductor (15), a first part (17) of which extends from the reference electrode (13) into a refractory seal (11a), and a second part (19) of which extends from within the refractory seal (11a) externally of the sensor, the two parts (17, 19) being welded together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Ivor W Jones, Glyn Arherton, Francis M Stackpool
  • Patent number: 6613215
    Abstract: A method for operating an electrolysis cell at a range of pressures and current densities, the cell having an ultrathin composite membrane, preferably comprising an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene base material impregnated with a hydrogen conducting ionomer. The resulting membrane is unexpectedly durable and efficient when used in an electrolysis cell operating at high membrane pressure differentials, thereby allowing greater cell current densities and efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Trent M. Molter, Jason K. Shiepe
  • Patent number: 6544404
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the separation of oxygen from an oxygen-containing fluid using novel membranes, formed from perovskitic or multi-phase structures, with a chemically active coating. The process exhibits exceptionally high rates of oxygen flux. The process uses membranes that are conductors of oxygen ions and electrons, which are substantially stable in air over the temperature range of 25° C. to the operating temperature of the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventors: Terry J. Mazanec, Thomas L. Cable
  • Publication number: 20020170831
    Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus comprising: a first electrode in a first electrode zone; a second electrode in a second electrode zone, the first electrode disposed relative to the second electrode so as to be adapted to generate an electric field in an electric field area therebetween upon application of an electric potential between the first and second electrodes; a first membrane disposed in the electric field area; a second membrane disposed between the first electrode zone and the first membrane so as to define a first interstitial volume therebetween; wherein at least one membrane being a barrier capable of controlling substantial bulk movement of liquid under the influence of an electric field; means adapted to provide fluids to the electrode zone and the interstitial volume, wherein one of the fluids contains a sample constituent, and wherein upon application of the electric potential, liquid is caused to move from the sample constituent through at least one membrane to an adjacent electrode zone and at
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Philip John Roeth, Steven Anthony Botto, Benjamin John Curley, Chenicheri Hariharan Nair
  • Patent number: 6458277
    Abstract: The invention uses the electro-kinetic principle for a method for the cleaning of materials contaminated with heavy metals, whereby use is made of an apparatus comprising two charge-selective ion-exchange membranes with different charges combined with an inner and an outer electrolyte solution chambers which are separated by the membranes which serve a blocking function. A surprisingly good degree of removal is achieved, particularly in relation to the current consumption, and at the same time the heavy metals can be precipitated in a separate vessel such that they can be reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventors: Arne Villumsen, Joergen Birger Jensen
  • Publication number: 20020079233
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for improving the purity of a composition comprising a quaternary ammonium hydroxide comprising the steps of (a) providing an electrolysis cell which comprises an anolyte compartment containing an anode, a catholyte compartment containing a cathode, and at least one intermediate compartment, said at least one intermediate compartment being separated from the anolyte and catholyte compartments by cation selective membranes, (b) charging water, optionally containing a supporting electrolyte, to the anolyte compartment, charging water, optionally containing a quaternary ammonium hydroxide, to the catholyte compartment, and charging the composition comprising the quaternary ammonium hydroxide to be purified to the intermediate compartment, (c) passing a current through the electrolysis cell to produce a purified aqueous quaternary ammonium hydroxide solution in the catholyte compartment, and (d) recovering the purified aqueous quaternary ammonium hydroxide solution from
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Anna Giatti, Fred Korpel, Roger Keranen Rains, Gerrit Jan Boerman
  • Publication number: 20020079235
    Abstract: A method for operating an electrolysis cell at a range of pressures and current densities, the cell having an ultrathin composite membrane, preferably comprising an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene base material impregnated with a hydrogen conducting ionomer. The resulting membrane is unexpectedly durable and efficient when used in an electrolysis cell operating at high membrane pressure differentials, thereby allowing greater cell current densities and efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventors: Trent M. Molter, Jason K. Shiepe
  • Publication number: 20020074241
    Abstract: An apparatus for electrolysis of beverages. The apparatus comprises an electrolysis chamber for oxidizing and reducing beverages; a first pump coupled to the electrolysis chamber for pumping out the oxidized beverage; and a second pump coupled to the electrolysis chamber for pumping out the reduced beverage. The electrolysis chamber may further comprise one or more neutral, anion or cation membranes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Shinichi Natsume
  • Publication number: 20020014418
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of a peroxodisulfate, such as ammonium-, sodium- and potassium peroxodisulfate by anodic oxidation of an electrolyte containing a sulfate and/or hydrogen sulfate. The disadvantages of the conventional platinum anodes used for this hitherto can be avoided by using as the anode a diamond film mounted on a conductive carrier and made conductive by doping with a tri- or pentavalent element and by not adding a promoter to the anolyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas Lehmann, Patrik Stenner