Patents Examined by Harry D. Wilkins, III
  • Patent number: 10801118
    Abstract: An electrolysis cell, particularly for the production of aluminum, contains a cathode, a layer of liquid aluminum arranged on the upper side of the cathode, a melt layer thereon and an anode on the top of the melt layer. The cathode is composed of at least two cathode blocks, wherein at least one of the at least two cathode blocks differs from at least one of the other cathode blocks with regard to the average compressive strength, the average thermal conductivity, the average specific electrical resistivity and/or the apparent density.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: TOKAI COBEX GMBH
    Inventor: Ghazanfar Abbas
  • Patent number: 10800678
    Abstract: An electrochlorination system comprising an electrochemical cell including a housing having an inlet, an outlet, and an anode-cathode pair disposed within the housing, a source of a chloride-containing aqueous solution having an outlet fluidly connectable to the inlet of the electrochemical cell, and a source of an oxidizing agent fluidly connectable to the source of chloride-containing aqueous solution upstream of the electrochemical cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Joseph D. Gifford, Joshua Griffis, Simon P. Dukes, Li-Shiang Liang, Michael J. Shaw, Frederick C. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 10793956
    Abstract: The present invention provides an additive for high-purity copper electrolytic refining and a method of producing high-purity copper using the additive. The additive of the present invention for high-purity copper electrolytic refining can be added to a copper electrolyte in electrolytic refining for producing high-purity copper. The additive includes a main agent formed of a non-ionic surfactant which has a hydrophobic group containing an aromatic ring and a hydrophilic group containing a polyoxyalkylene group, and a stress relaxation agent formed of a polyvinyl alcohol or a derivative thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI MATERIALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenji Kubota, Yoshie Tarutani, Kiyotaka Nakaya
  • Patent number: 10793957
    Abstract: A closed loop electrochemical process of recovery of high-purity lead uses continuous formation of adherent lead on a cathode from an electrolyte that is used to dissolve desulfated lead paste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: AQUA METALS INC.
    Inventors: Stephen R. Clarke, Robert Lewis Clarke, Brian Dougherty
  • Patent number: 10774432
    Abstract: A hydrogen molecule remixing device includes a base, a first gas and water channelling disc, an anode, a cathode, an ion membrane, a second gas and water channelling disc, a cover, a cationic water outlet connector and a connector. In practice, the source water is electrolyzed in the anode cavities of the anode to form oxygen molecules, ozone and anionic water, and electrolyzed in the cathode cavities of the cathode to form hydrogen molecules and cationic water. The hydrogen molecules are carried by the cationic water into the collecting and guiding chambers of the second gas and water channelling disc, so that the hydrogen molecules and the cationic water produce a blending reaction, and more hydrogen molecules are dissolved into the cationic water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Inventor: Wen-Shing Shyu
  • Patent number: 10767269
    Abstract: An improved electrolysis system is disclosed in which the tank is designed to operate with a plurality of electrodes that are connected in a parallel plate configuration to a DC power source. The electrode geometry provides a means in which the height of the electrodes is lessened by increasing the length of the electrodes to provide the necessary area for any given current input. The lessened height of the electrode reduces the travel path of the gases escaping to the surface thereby reducing the void fracture height area of the bubbles and increasing the overall system efficiency. Additional efficiencies are obtained with a high surface area of contact between the electrical bus segments and the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Vital Tech, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew R Alcon
  • Patent number: 10767270
    Abstract: Electrodes for use within an ozone generator and method for assembling and using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Delta Faucet Company
    Inventors: Patrick B. Jonte, Klaus Brondum, Patrick Sullivan, Vladimir Gorokhovsky
  • Patent number: 10724118
    Abstract: The invention refers to a method for recovering copper from waste fishing nets. The method of the invention includes washing of nets in a washing liquid, wherein an antifouling coating and other impurities are removed from the surface of the nets to a largest extent possible. The washing liquid is water; NaOH can also be added into the water in order to improve the efficiency of washing, such that the NaOH concentration in the water is up to 20%. The suspension of the washing liquid, sludge and other impurities, resulting from the washing step, is led to a separation step. The sludge obtained in the separation step is led to the dissolution step in an acidic medium. A strong mineral acid is selected as the acidic medium, such as H2SO4, HNO3, HCl, a mixture of strong mineral acids or a mixture of one or several strong mineral acids with H2O2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: AquafilSLO d.o.o.
    Inventor: Denis Jahic
  • Patent number: 10722676
    Abstract: The present invention provides a gas generator including an electrolytic device, a gas pathway, and a three-way valve module. The electrolytic device is configured for electrolyzing electrolyzed water to generate gas with hydrogen. The gas generated from the electrolytic device is transferred by the gas pathway for inhaling. The three-way valve module is configured on the electrolytic device for balancing a pressure in the electrolytic device by importing an ambient gas. The present invention uses the three-way valve module to balance the pressure in the electrolytic device for maintaining the water level of the electrolyzed water, thereby avoiding the electrolyzed water splashing or corroding the other elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Inventor: Hsin-Yung Lin
  • Patent number: 10724142
    Abstract: Water electrolyzers employs base metal catalysts and an anion-conducting polymeric membrane with an area specific resistance at 60° C. in 1 M KOH below 0.037 ohm-cm2. Preferably, the membrane comprising a polymer of styrene, vinylbenzyl-Rs and possibly vinylbenzyl-Rx. Rs is a positively charged cyclic amine group. Rx is at least one constituent selected from the group consisting of —Cl, —OH, and a reaction product between an —OH or —Cl and a species other than a simple amine or a cyclic amine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Dioxide Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard I. Masel, Zengcai Liu
  • Patent number: 10718057
    Abstract: A method and electrolysis cell for producing lithium metal at a low temperature. The method includes combining (i) phenyl trihaloalkyl sulfone and (ii) an organic cation bis(trihaloalkylsulfonyl)imide or organic cation bis(trihalosulfonyl)imidic acid in a weight ratio of (i) to (ii) about 10:90 to about 60:40 to provide a non-aqueous electrolyte composition. A lithium compound selected from the group consisting of LiOH, Li2O and Li2CO3 is dissolved in the electrolyte composition to provide a soluble lithium ion species in the electrolyte composition. Power is applied to the electrolyte composition to form lithium metal on a cathode of an electrolysis cell. The lithium metal is separated from the cathode has a purity of at least about 95 wt. %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC
    Inventor: John W. Freiderich
  • Patent number: 10711354
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolysis apparatus for collecting a nitrogen compound using ferric-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Fe-EDTA), and more particularly, to an electrolysis apparatus for collecting a nitrogen compound in exhaust gas by supplying electric energy to cause a redox reaction of Fe-EDTA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Jong-In Han, Dongyeon Kim, Nara Lee
  • Patent number: 10711364
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for depositing a metal layer on a wafer. A secondary weir is positioned at a region below the primary weir such that overflowed plating solution over the primary weir during electroplating flows in a substantially azimuthally uniform manner. Methods are provided for electroplating wafers by increasing flow rate between wafer processes while plating solution flows over a primary weir, remains in contact with the overflowing plating solution, and flows onto the secondary weir such that overflow is substantially azimuthally uniform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel Mark Dinneen, Jingbin Feng
  • Patent number: 10711366
    Abstract: In one example, an electroplating system comprising a bath reservoir having a first inlet for feeding fresh electrolyte solution into the bath reservoir and a first outlet for bleeding used electrolyte solution out of the bath reservoir, a second inlet for receiving recycled electrolyte solution into the bath reservoir, and a second outlet for discharge of electrolyte solution from the bath reservoir. A plating cell is providing for electroplating an object, the plating cell has an inlet in direct or indirect fluid communication with the bath reservoir, and an outlet for discharge of electrolyte solution from the plating cell. An extraction column extracts by-products generated by the plating cell and has an inlet in direct or indirect fluid communication with the outlet of the plating cell, and an outlet for discharge of electrolyte solution from the extraction column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Tighe A. Spurlin, Jonathan D. Reid
  • Patent number: 10704152
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing metal chloride MIClx from metal MI without the use of HCl and/or Cl2 gases, including: a bath vessel holding conductive fluid; an anode disposed in the conductive fluid, the anode including metal MI; a cathode assembly disposed in the conductive fluid, the cathode assembly including a cathode vessel including porous and non-porous portions, the non-porous portion holding sacrificial metal chloride MIICly substantially separate from metal chloride MIClx, wherein the cathode assembly includes a center lead disposed within the cathode vessel operable for delivering charge to sacrificial metal chloride MIICly; and a power supply coupling the anode and the cathode assembly, the power supply polarized to produce current flow in a direction that causes anodic dissolution of metal MI into the conductive fluid and deposition of metal MII within the cathode vessel. The systems and methods apply equally to producing metal halide MIXx.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Consolidated Nuclear Security, LLC
    Inventors: Justin M. Holland, John W. Freiderich
  • Patent number: 10695725
    Abstract: An ion conductive intercalation membrane is useful to separate anode and cathode compartments in an electrochemical cell and provide ion transport between the anode and cathode compartments. The intercalation membrane does not receive and release electrons during operation of the electrochemical cell. An electric potential and current source is connected to an anode and a cathode disposed in respective anode and cathode compartments to cause oxidation and reduction reactions to occur at the anode and cathode, to cause electrons to flow through an external circuit coupled to the anode and cathode, and to cause ions to transport through the intercalation membrane to maintain charge neutrality within the electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell operates at a current density greater than 25 mA/cm2 across the intercalation membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Enlighten Innovations Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Mosby, Thomas Hinklin
  • Patent number: 10697083
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a method comprising inducing a first current between a source of a countercharge and a first electrode, the first current being through an electrolyte. A second current is induced across the first electrode, the second current being transverse to the first current, and the second current inducing a relativistic charge across the first electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Ionta LLC
    Inventors: Daniel A. Konopka, Jason A. Seedig
  • Patent number: 10689769
    Abstract: The inventive subject matter is directed to continuous electrochemical production of highly pure micro- or nanostructured lead that at least partially encloses the electroprocessing solvent and molecular hydrogen and optional guest compounds to form a mixed matrix. Such compositions are particularly suitable for cold forming of various structures and/or for alloy and composite material production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Aqua Metals Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen R. Clarke, Michael John King, Brian Dougherty, Michael David Hurwitz
  • Patent number: 10648927
    Abstract: A semiconductor apparatus includes a transfer chamber, an annealing station, a robot arm, and an edge detector. The transfer chamber is configured to interface with an electroplating apparatus. The annealing station is arranged to anneal a wafer. The robot arm is arranged to transfer the wafer from the transfer chamber to the annealing station. The edge detector is disposed over the robot arm for the purpose of monitoring at least one portion of an edge bevel removal area of the wafer carried by the robot arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Chao-Tung Wu, Kuo-Chung Yu, Chung-Hao Hu, Sheng-Ping Weng
  • Patent number: 10633752
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a feed system for distributing fluidized feed material, comprises: a distribution unit configured to fluidize feed material; and a control unit fluidly coupled to the distribution unit, wherein the control unit comprises: a chamber configured to hold the feed material provided from the distribution unit; and a feeder unit fluidly coupled to the chamber: and a second gas inlet configured to provide gas to the chamber; and a material discharge pipe fluidly coupled to the chamber and the second gas inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: ELYSIS LIMITED PARTNERSHIP
    Inventors: Roy A. Glisan, Leroy E. D'Astolfo, Derrick Lucey, Mark Ripepi