Patents Examined by Bruce F. Bell
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Patent number: 7569083Abstract: In a gas diffusion electrode assembly, and in an electrolyzer using the same, a bonding piece having on at least one surface a perfluorosulfonic acid layer, a perfluorosulfonyl fluoride layer or an alkyl ester of perfluorocarboxylic acid layer is positioned at its perfluoro compound layer surface with respect to the gas diffusion electrode assembly. Adjacent gas diffusion electrodes are heat fusion bonded together, or heat fusion bonding is carried out using the bonding piece in a frame form. Adjacent gas diffusion electrodes are sealed up by heat fusion bonding, using a material that is similar to the material that forms the gas diffusion electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2008Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignees: Chlorine Engineers Corp. Ltd., Tosoh Corporation, Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., Toagosei Co., Ltd., Kaneka Corporation, Asahi Glass Company, Limited, Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation, Daiso Co., Ltd., Tokuyama CorporationInventors: Shinji Katayama, Kiyohito Asaumi, Hiroaki Aikawa, Tsugiyoshi Osakabe, Mitsuharu Hamamori, Tatsuhito Kimura, Koji Saiki, Kenji Nonomura, Naoya Okada, Osamu Ichinose
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Patent number: 7566387Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for producing ozone by electrolysis of water. The apparatus comprises a pair of frames facing each other, and an anode and a cathode oppositely arranged between the two pieces of frames. Between the anode and the cathode is provided a solid polymer electrolyte membrane for transferring hydrogen ions formed during electrolysis. In addition, an auxiliary electrode is provided between the cathode and the solid polymer electrolyte membrane such that a scale can be formed on the surface of the auxiliary electrode. A spacer 60 is inserted between the anode and the cathode. Tap water as well as pure water and cation-exchanged water can be used as a raw material water to produce high-concentration ozone water. A uniformity of pressure between the electrodes and the solid polymer electrolyte membrane can be achieved, thereby providing for a stable operation.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2004Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: R to R, Inc.Inventors: Sang Seon Nam, Hyeok Choi
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Patent number: 7566388Abstract: An electrode catalyst comprising a conductive carrier, and a mixture containing a particulate noble metal and at least one particulate rare-earth oxide, the mixture being supported on the conductive carrier wherein the particulate rare-earth oxide has an alkaline-earth metal as solid solution therein.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2003Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Asahi Kasei Chemicals CorporationInventors: Takeaki Sasaki, Toshinori Hachiya, Isao Morimoto
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Patent number: 7566389Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing an electrode comprising providing an electrode substrate, depositing on said electrode substrate a first substantially aqueous coating solution comprising precursors of a valve metal oxide and of at least two platinum group metal oxides, treating the first coating solution to provide a first metal oxide coating layer on the electrode substrate, depositing on said first coating layer a second substantially organic coating solution comprising precursors of a valve metal oxide and at least one platinum group metal oxide, wherein at least one of the precursors is in organic form, treating said second coating solution to provide a second metal oxide coating layer on the first coating layer. The invention also relates to an electrode obtainable by said method, and the use thereof.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2004Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Akzo Nobel N.V.Inventors: Takayuki Shimamune, Erik Zimmerman, Christer Andreasson
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Patent number: 7566390Abstract: A multi-layered wafer support apparatus is provided for performing an electroplating process on a semiconductor wafer (“wafer”). The multi-layered wafer support apparatus includes a bottom film layer and a top film layer. The bottom film layer includes a wafer placement area and a sacrificial anode surrounding the wafer placement area. The top film layer is defined to be placed over the bottom film layer. The top film layer includes an open region to be positioned over a surface of the wafer to be processed, i.e., electroplated. The top film layer provides a liquid seal between the top film layer and the wafer, about a periphery of the open region. The top film layer further includes first and second electrical circuits that are each defined to electrically contact a peripheral top surface of the wafer at diametrically opposed locations about the wafer.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2004Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Lam Research CorporationInventor: Carl Woods
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Patent number: 7566514Abstract: A catalyst particle having high oxygen reduction reactivity and low methanol oxidation reactivity, a supported catalyst comprising the catalyst particle, and a fuel cell using a cathode comprising the supported catalyst are provided. The whole catalyst particle or at least the surface of the catalyst particle includes an alloy of two or more metals selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Ni, Rh, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, and Cd. The alloy has a stronger oxygen-binding force than platinum or a weaker hydrogen-binding force than platinum.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2003Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sung-hoon Lee, Chan-ho Pak, Hyuk Chang, Jai-kwang Shin
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Patent number: 7563355Abstract: A cell for gas generation is provided, particularly for the operation of a lubricant dispenser. The cell has two electrodes to be connected to a circuit containing a power source, and an aqueous electrolyte fluid located between the two electrodes, containing an azide having the formula XN3, for electrochemical generation of a gas containing nitrogen (N2). The electrolyte fluid contains a magnesium salt as an additive, for chemical binding of hydroxide ions that are formed during the electrochemical reaction.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2008Date of Patent: July 21, 2009Assignee: perma-tec GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Walter Graf, Michael Weigand, Robert Glier, Renate Glier
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Patent number: 7560018Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing closed-loop control over an electrochemical etching process during porous semiconductor fabrication enhance the quality of the porous semiconductor materials, especially those contained structural variations (such as porosity or morphology variations) along the thickness of said porous semiconductors. Such enhancement of the control over the electrochemical etching process is highly desired for many applications of porous semiconductor materials.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2005Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Kochergin, Marc Christophersen
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Patent number: 7560016Abstract: To make a metal feature, a non-plateable layer is applied to a workpiece surface and then patterned to form a first plating region and a first non-plating region. Then, metal is deposited on the workpiece to form a raised field region in said first plating region and a recessed region in said first non-plating region. Then, an accelerator film is applied globally on the workpiece. A portion of the accelerator film is selectively removed from the field region, and another portion of the accelerator film remains in the recessed acceleration region. Then, metal is deposited onto the workpiece, and the metal deposits at an accelerated rate in the acceleration region, resulting in a greater thickness of metal in the acceleration region compared to metal in the non-activated field region. Then, metal is completely removed from the field region, thereby forming the metal feature.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2008Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.Inventors: Steven T. Mayer, John Stephen Drewery
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Patent number: 7553580Abstract: An electrode substrate for a fuel cell including a diffusion layer, a first microporous layer that embeds into the diffusion layer, with the first microporous layer having a thickness in the range of 10 to 30 ?m, and a second microporous layer that forms a boundary with the diffusion layer on the surface of the first microporous layer. The electrode substrate has improved performance such as increased diffusion properties of a fuel or an oxidant, increased properties of releasing moisture, and enhanced electron conductivity.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2006Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sung-Yong Cho, Jong-Ki Lee, Yeong-Chan Eun, Ho-Jin Kweon
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Patent number: 7550068Abstract: A system, device, and method include a cell-powered first electronic device powered using electrical potential imposed across an electrolytic cell. The potential is voltage-boosted to accomplish this task. If the electrical potential imposed the cell is insufficient, the device can also be battery-powered. In any event, this device is in communication with one or more sensors in the electrolytic cell, as well as a second electronic device, and the first and second electronic devices wirelessly communicate. More specifically, the first electronic device wireless transmits data signals to the second electronic device, which receives the same. The first and second electronic devices are physically remote from one another, and they communicating over a private or public network, preferably using spread spectrum technology.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2005Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Kennecott Utah Copper CorporationInventors: Eugene Yanjun You, Antonio Berges-Dreyfous, David B. George, Roger Roth, Keming Zhou, Minyan Ruan
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Patent number: 7550174Abstract: A separator assembly for use in a stack of electrochemical cells is provided, having a first conductive metallic substrate with a first surface and a second conductive metallic substrate with a second surface, wherein each of the first and second surfaces are overlaid with an ultra-thin electrically conductive metal coating. The first and second surfaces form electrically conductive paths at regions where the metal coating of the first and second layer contact one another. The contact of the surfaces overlaid with metal coating is sufficient to join the first and second substrates to one another. Preferred metal coatings comprise gold (Au). Methods of making such separator assemblies are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2008Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: GM Global Technologies Operations, Inc.Inventors: Gayatri Vyas, Michael Budinski, Brian K Brady, Michael K Lukitsch, Harald Schlag
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Patent number: 7550070Abstract: An electrode assembly includes a distribution plate having a plurality of grooves that communicate with openings in an overlying polishing pad layer. The grooves include end openings that allow for draining of process solution, both during processing and subsequent cleaning/rinsing of the pad. Drainage occurs continually during processing, cleaning and rinsing, and so is constricted through the end openings relative to the grooves, to prevent wastage. The end openings are sufficiently large, however, to substantially completely drain fluids from the grooves between steps without delaying robotic motions.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2006Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.Inventors: Bulent M. Basol, Jeffrey Bogart
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Patent number: 7547379Abstract: The present claimed invention intends to provide a responsive glass membrane for ion selective electrode glass and an ion selective electrode comprising the responsive glass membrane that produces a self-cleaning function when the ultraviolet rays are irradiated although no change is brought in a composition of a sample solution as being an object to be measured and that is low in electric resistance value and superior in responsivity under an ordinary measurement environment. The responsive glass membrane for ion selective electrode is made of the titanium-containing oxide glass that contains 20˜80 mol % of titanium dioxide and lithium oxide.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2008Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignees: Horiba, Ltd., Mie UniversityInventors: Yuji Nishio, Yasukazu Iwamoto, Tadanori Hashimoto
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Patent number: 7544281Abstract: An electrochemical plating apparatus and method for facilitating uniform current distribution across a wafer during loading into an ECP (electrochemical plating) apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a bath container for containing a bath solution, an anode provided in the bath container, a cathode ring for supporting a wafer in the bath container and a current source electrically connected to the anode and the cathode ring. According to the method, a voltage potential is applied to the cathode ring as it is immersed into the solution and prior to immersion of the wafer in the solution, thereby facilitating a substantially uniform plating current across the wafer upon immersion of the wafer.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2005Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ming-Wei Lin, Ming-Hsing Tsai
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Patent number: 7544275Abstract: This invention relates to an anode assembly (1) to be used in a fused bath electrolysis aluminium production cell. This assembly comprises one inert anode (2) in the shape of a ladle, one connection conductor (3, 4, 5), mechanical connection means capable of cooperating so as to set up a mechanical link between the conductor and the anode, one metallic joint (31) that is or could be formed by brazing being located between all or part of at least one surface (20, 20?, 20?) of the open end (22) of the anode (2) and all or part of at least one surface (40, 40?, 40?) of the connection end (42) of the conductor (3, 4, 5). The invention simplifies manufacturing of anode assemblies comprising one inert anode.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2004Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Aluminium PechineyInventor: Airy-Pierre Lamaze
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Patent number: 7540945Abstract: A device that prolongs the life of a shaving blade including a condenser, a pair of spaced apart and substantially parallel copper plates adapted to receive the shaving blade between the plates, a source of DC of 1.5V and a conductor of electricity that leads electrical energy from the source to the copper plates.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2005Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Inventor: Manuel Antonio Marquéz Salvatierra
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Patent number: 7534329Abstract: A frame for holding sheet material taut comprises a support as well as two legs which extend essentially parallel to one another transversely from the support, on which legs fixing elements are provided for fixing, in each case, one of the opposing edges of a piece of sheet material thereto. At least one of the legs can be moved along the support towards and away from the other leg. Furthermore compensation elements are provided for compensating for stretch and/or shrinkage of the piece of sheet material fixed between the legs.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2003Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Stork Fokker AESP B.V.Inventor: Pieter Maarten Van Gent
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Patent number: 7534328Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a carbon electrode, suitable for use as an anode in an aluminum reduction cell, which comprises mixing an aggregate, comprising a mixture of particulate shot coke, and a particulate carbonaceous material other than shot coke with coal tar pitch or petroleum pitch or a combination of these pitches at an elevated temperature to form a paste wherein said aggregate comprises a combination of butts, coarse, and fine particles and said particulate shot coke may comprise a majority of said coarse particles or fine particles, and said paste comprises from about 80 to about 90%, by weight, of said aggregate and from about 10 to about 20%, by weight, of said pitch; forming said paste into a solid body; and baking said solid body at an elevated temperature to form said carbon electrode.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignees: CII Carbon LLC, Century Aluminum CompanyInventors: Leslie C. Edwards, M. Franz Vogt, Richard O. Love, J. Anthony Ross, William Rogers Morgan, Jr.
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Patent number: 7531274Abstract: A new cathode design has a first cathode active material of a relatively low energy density but of a relatively high rate capability contacted to the outer sides of first and second cathode current collectors and a second cathode active material having a relatively high energy density but of a relatively low rate capability in contact with the inner sides of the current collectors. The first and second current collectors have a thickness in the range of from about 0.001 inches to about 0.002 inches. A conventional Li/SVO cell powering an implantable medical device has the cathode with a current collector of about 0.003 inches. Even though the present current collectors are about one-half as thick as that of a conventional cell, their combined thickness means that the cell has no reduction in current carrying capacity.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2006Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.Inventors: Mark J. Roy, Hong Gan, Paul T. Hallifax
