Patents by Inventor Lynne M. Ernes

Lynne M. Ernes has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6802948
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method for cooper electrowinning and a modified lead electrode for use in such method. The modified electrode is suitable for use as an oxygen anode in low current density, oxygen-evolving applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Hardee, Lynne M. Ernes, Carl W. Brown, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030019760
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method for cooper electrowinning and a modified lead electrode for use in such method. The modified electrode is suitable for use as an oxygen anode in low current density, oxygen-evolving applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Hardee, Lynne M. Ernes, Carl W. Brown
  • Patent number: 6395153
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to electrolytic diaphragm cells, particularly for the electrolysis of brine to produce chlorine and caustic. The innovation resides generally in the discovery that electrolytic cell operation can be desirably enhanced by compressing the diaphragm between anode and cathode. This compression of the diaphragm reduces the diaphragm thickness from an original thickness, e.g., from an original thickness of a diaphragm freshly deposited on a cathode. The reduced thickness of the diaphragm provides for cell operation that is less than zero gap operation. By maintaining the diaphragm under compression and in a reduced thickness, the cell operates with a narrower interelectrode gap and consequently at a desirably reduced cell voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Rudolf C. Matousek, Mark L. Arnold, Barry L. Martin, Eric J. Rudd, Lynne M. Ernes, Zoilo J. Colon, Gary F. Wyman, Joseph J. Chance
  • Patent number: 6368489
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method for copper electrowinning and a modified lead electrode for use in such method. The modified electrode is suitable for use as an oxygen anode in low current density, oxygen-evolving applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Hardee, Lynne M. Ernes, Carl W. Brown, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6352622
    Abstract: A compound electrode incorporating a lead substrate utilizes the lead as a support structure. This support structure provides a surface that engages a valve metal expanded metal mesh. The mesh member has a front and back surface with the back surface facing the lead support structure. At least the front surface of the mesh member is an active surface. Securing of the mesh member to the lead support structure in electrical connection permits the lead support structure to serve as a current distributor for the mesh member. The mesh member may engage the surface of the lead support structure by pressing or rolling the mesh onto the lead. Other engagement means can include the use of fasteners, or welding and the like. The resulting structure can be particularly useful as an electrode assembly for use in an electrolytic cell that serves for the electrowinning of a metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Carl W. Brown, Jeries I. Bishara, Lynne M. Ernes, Andy W. Getsy, Kenneth L. Hardee, Barry L. Martin, Gerald R. Pohto, Thomas J. Schue, Thomas R. Turk
  • Patent number: 6309523
    Abstract: An electrode is disclosed having a coating on part of the electrode, e.g., a front face, comprising the oxides of tin, antimony, at least one platinum group metal and at least one valve metal. Another part of the electrode, such as a back face, has a coating comprising the oxides of at least one valve metal and at least one platinum group metal. The electrode can be generally plate-shaped and most desirably has at least one chamfered corner. The electrode is particularly useful in a cell wherein brine electrolyte is electrolyzed to prepare a disinfectant solution containing hypochlorite. The disinfectant solution can be especially serviceable, such as in maritime application, for treating water, e.g., freshwater as represented by desalinated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Albert R. Prasnikar, Richard C. Carlson, Richard J. Coin, Lynne M. Ernes, Catherine M. Lezan
  • Patent number: 6139705
    Abstract: A compound electrode incorporating a lead substrate utilizes the lead as a support structure. This support structure provides a surface that engages a mesh member, e.g., a valve metal expanded metal mesh. The mesh member has a front and back surface with the back surface facing the lead support structure. At least the front surface of the mesh member is an active surface. Securing of the mesh member to the lead support structure in electrical connection permits the lead support structure to serve as a current distributor for the mesh member. The mesh member may engage the surface of the lead support structure as by pressing or rolling the mesh onto the lead. Other engagement means can include the use of fasteners, or welding and the like. The resulting structure can be particularly useful as an electrode assembly for use in an electrolytic cell that serves for the electrowinning of a metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Carl W. Brown, Jr., Jeries I. Bishara, Lynne M. Ernes, Andy W. Getsy, Kenneth L. Hardee, Barry L. Martin, Gerald R. Pohto, Thomas J. Schue, Thomas R. Turk
  • Patent number: 6071570
    Abstract: A method of preparing electrodes is now described, which electrodes have enhanced adhesion of subsequently applied coatings combined with excellent coating service life. In the method, a substrate metal, such as a valve metal as represented by titanium, is provided with a highly desirable rough surface characteristic for subsequent coating application. This can be achieved by various operations including etching to ensure a roughened surface morphology. In subsequent operations, a barrier layer is provided on the surface of enhanced morphology. This may be achieved by operations including heating, as well as including thermal decomposition of a layer precursor. Subsequent coatings provide enhanced lifetime even in the most rugged commercial environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Hardee, Lynne M. Ernes, Richard C. Carlson
  • Patent number: 5989396
    Abstract: An electrode is disclosed having a coating on part of the electrode, e.g., a front face, comprising the oxides of tin, antimony, at least one platinum group metal and at least one valve metal. Another part of the electrode, such as a back face, has a coating comprising the oxides of at least one valve metal and at least one platinum group metal. The electrode can be generally plate-shaped and most desirably has at least one chamfered corner. The electrode is particularly useful in a cell wherein brine electrolyte is electrolyzed to prepare a disinfectant solution containing hypochlorite. The disinfectant solution can be especially serviceable, such as in maritime application, for treating water, e.g., freshwater as represented by desalinated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: ELTECH Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Albert R. Prasnikar, Richard C. Carlson, Richard J. Coin, Lynne M. Ernes, Thomas A. Mitchell, Catherine M. Lezan
  • Patent number: 5972181
    Abstract: An electrode, electrochemical cell, and electrochemical processes are disclosed. The electrode is a porous, multi-layered electrode which can have an element in flexible, strip form wound around a central, usually flat plate core, which core may serve as a current distributor. In any form, each layer can be represented by a very thin, highly flexible metal mesh. This can be a fine, as opposed to a coarse, mesh which has extremely thin strands and small voids. The electrode will have an active coating. For utilizing this electrode, the cell in one form will be a monopolar cell providing upward, parallel electrolyte flow through the porous, multi-layered electrode. A representative cell can have such electrode at least substantially filling an electrode chamber. The cells can be contained in a cell box that will provide the desired flow-through relationship for the electrolyte to the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Eltech Systems, Corp.
    Inventors: Richard J. Coin, Lynne M. Ernes, Andy W. Getsy, Kenneth L. Hardee, Marilyn J. Niksa
  • Patent number: 5804055
    Abstract: An electrode, electrochemical cell, and electrochemical processes are disclosed. The electrode is a porous, multi-layered electrode which can have an element in flexible, strip form wound around a central, usually flat plate core, which core may serve as a current distributor. In any form, each layer can be represented by a very thin, highly flexible metal mesh. This can be a fine, as opposed to a coarse, mesh which has extremely thin strands and small voids. The electrode will have an active coating. For utilizing this electrode, the cell in one form will be a monopolar cell providing upward, parallel electrolyte flow through the porous, multi-layered electrode. A representative cell can have such electrode at least substantially filling an electrode chamber. The cells can be contained in a cell box that will provide the desired flow-through relationship for the electrolyte to the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Coin, Lynne M. Ernes, Andy W. Getsy, Edward M. Halko, Kenneth L. Hardee, Marilyn J. Niksa
  • Patent number: 5783050
    Abstract: An electrode, electrochemical cell, and electrochemical processes are disclosed. The electrode is a porous, multi-layered electrode which can have an element in flexible, strip form wound around a central, usually flat plate core, which core may serve as a current distributor. In any form, each layer can be represented by a very thin, highly flexible metal mesh. This can be a fine, as opposed to a coarse, mesh which has extremely thin strands and small voids. The electrode will have an active coating. For utilizing this electrode, the cell in one form will be a monopolar cell providing upward, parallel electrolyte flow through the porous, multi-layered electrode. A representative cell can have such electrode at least substantially filling an electrode chamber. The cells can be contained in a cell box that will provide the desired flow-through relationship for the electrolyte to the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Coin, Lynne M. Ernes, Andy W. Getsy, Kenneth L. Hardee, Marilyn J. Niksa
  • Patent number: 5705051
    Abstract: An electrode, electrochemical cell, and electrochemical processes are disclosed. The electrode is a porous, multi-layered electrode which can have an element in flexible, strip form wound around a central, usually flat plate core, which core may serve as a current distributor. In any form, each layer can be represented by a very thin, highly flexible metal mesh. This can be a fine, as opposed to a coarse, mesh which has extremely thin strands and small voids. The electrode will have an active coating. For utilizing this electrode, the cell in one form will be a monopolar cell providing upward, parallel electrolyte flow through the porous, multi-layered electrode. A representative cell can have such electrode at least substantially filling an electrode chamber. The cells can be contained in a cell box that will provide the desired flow-through relationship for the electrolyte to the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Assignee: Dravo Lime Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Coin, Lynne M. Ernes, Andy W. Getsy, Edward M. Halko, Kenneth L. Hardee, Marilyn J. Niksa
  • Patent number: 5672394
    Abstract: A method of preparing electrodes is now described, which electrodes have enhanced adhesion of subsequently applied coatings combined with excellent coating service life. In the method, a substrate metal, such as a valve metal as represented by titanium, is provided with a highly desirable rough surface characteristic for subsequent coating application. This can be achieved by various operations including etching to ensure a roughened surface morphology. In subsequent operations, a barrier layer is provided on the surface of enhanced morphology. This may be achieved by operations including heating, as well as including thermal decomposition of a layer precursor. Subsequent coatings provide enhanced lifetime even in the most rugged commercial environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Hardee, Lynne M. Ernes, Richard C. Carlson
  • Patent number: 5578176
    Abstract: A method of preparing electrodes is now described, which electrodes have enhanced adhesion of subsequently applied coatings combined with excellent coating service life. In the method a substrate metal, such as a valve metal as represented by titanium, is provided with a highly desirable rough surface characteristic for subsequent coating application. This can be achieved by various operations including etching and melt spray application of metal or ceramic oxide to ensure a roughened surface morphology. In subsequent operations: a barrier layer is provided on the surface of enhanced morphology. This may be achieved by operations including heating, as well as including thermal decomposition of a layer precursor. Subsequent coatings provide enhanced lifetime even in the most rugged commercial environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Hardee, Lynne M. Ernes, Richard C. Carlson
  • Patent number: 5545262
    Abstract: A metal surface is now described having enhanced adhesion of subsequently applied coatings. The substrate metal of the article, such as a valve metal as represented by titanium, is provided with a highly desirable surface characteristic for subsequent coating application. This can be initiated by selection of a metal of desirable metallurgy and heat history, including prior heat treatment to provide surface grain boundaries which may be most readily etched. In subsequent etching operation, the surface is made to exhibit well defined, three dimensional grains with deep grain boundaries. Subsequently applied coatings, by penetrating into the etched intergranular valleys, are desirably locked onto the metal substrate surface and provide enhanced lifetime even in rugged commercial environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: ELTECH Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Hardee, Lynne M. Ernes, Richard C. Carlson, David E. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5435896
    Abstract: A metal surface, useful as an electrode in an electrolytic cell, is now described having enhanced adhesion of subsequently applied coatings combined with excellent coating service life. The substrate metal of the electrode, such as a valve metal as represented by titanium, is provided with a highly desirable rough surface characteristic for subsequent coating application. This can be achieved by various operations including etching and melt spray application of metal or ceramic oxide to ensure a roughened surface morphology. Usually in subsequent operations, a barrier layer is provided on the surface of enhanced morphology. This may be achieved by operations including heating, as well as including thermal decomposition of a layer precursor. Subsequent coatings provide enhanced lifetime even in the most rugged commercial environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: ELTECH Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Hardee, Lynne M. Ernes, Richard C. Carlson
  • Patent number: 5366598
    Abstract: A metal surface is now described having enhanced adhesion of subsequently applied coatings. The substrate metal of the article, such as a valve metal as represented by titanium, is provided with a highly desirable surface characteristic for subsequent coating application. This can be initiated by selection of a metal of desirable metallurgy and heat history, including prior heat treatment to provide surface grain boundaries which may be most readily etched. In subsequent etching operation, the surface is made to exhibit well defined, three dimensional grains with deep grain boundaries. Subsequently applied coatings, by penetrating into the etched intergranular valleys, are desirably locked onto the metal substrate surface and provide enhanced lifetime even in rugged commercial environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Hardee, Lynne M. Ernes, Richard C. Carlson, David E. Thomas
  • Patent number: 5324407
    Abstract: A metal surface is now described having enhanced adhesion of subsequently applied coatings. The substrate metal of the article, such as a valve metal as represented by titanium, is provided with a highly desirable surface characteristic for subsequent coating application. This can be achieved by a plasma sprayed coating of well defined surface morphology, the plasma spraying being with one or more metals usually valve metals. The metal of the coating may be the same or different from the metal of the substrate. Subsequently applied coatings, by penetrating into the coating of well defined surface morphology, and desirably locked onto the resulting metal article an provide enhanced lifetime even in rugged commercial environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: ELTECH Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Lynne M. Ernes, Richard C. Carlson, Kenneth L. Hardee
  • Patent number: 5314601
    Abstract: A metal surface is now described having enhanced adhesion of subsequently applied coatings combined with excellent coating service life. The substrate metal of the article, such as a valve metal as represented by titanium, is provided with a highly desirable rough surface characteristic for subsequent coating application. This can be achieved by various operations including etching and melt spray application of metal or ceramic oxide to ensure a roughened surface morphology. Usually in subsequent operations, a barrier layer is provided on the surface of enhanced morphology. This may be achieved by operations including heating, as well as including thermal decomposition of a layer precursor. Subsequent coatings provide enhanced lifetime even in the most rugged commercial environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Hardee, Lynne M. Ernes, Richard C. Carlson