With Current, Voltage, Or Power Control Means Responsive To Sensed Condition Patents (Class 204/228.1)
  • Patent number: 11926920
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an electroplating apparatus for electroplating on a surface of a wafer, which comprising a plurality of electrodes, for forming electric fields on the surface of the wafer, an independent electric field is formed in a designated area, when a notch of the wafer is positioned within the designated area, a total amount of power received by the notch is reduced. Embodiments of the present invention also provide an electroplating method for electroplating on a surface of a wafer, the method controlling the plurality of electrodes to form electric fields on the surface of the wafer, an independent electric field is formed in a designated area, when a notch of the wafer is positioned within the designated area, a total amount of power received by the notch is reduced. The present invention is more accurate and reliable, the electroplating efficiency is also increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: ACM RESEARCH (SHANGHAI), INC.
    Inventors: Zhaowei Jia, Jian Wang, Hui Wang, Hongchao Yang
  • Patent number: 11879203
    Abstract: A mobile vehicle that is self-contained and equipped to wash firefighter gear at the firefighter's station. The vehicle would be on a dispatched network and be activated after an incident, and for scheduled cleanings on a regular basis; the vehicle having the required equipment to clean all contaminated gear by use of a sonic cleaner, extractors, and dryers. The process includes monitoring the life of the gear and decontaminating the gear in accordance with the gear manufacturer's recommendations. Gear that has been cleaned is reassembled, wrapped, sealed and placed back into a fireman's station, giving the firefighter the assurance that their firefighting gear was cleaned, sanitized, and serviced per the manufacturer's recommendations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: HC Risk Reduction, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Matros
  • Patent number: 11578455
    Abstract: A mobile vehicle that is self-contained and equipped to wash firefighter gear at the firefighter's station. The vehicle would be on a dispatched network and be activated after an incident, and for scheduled cleanings on a regular basis; the vehicle having the required equipment to clean all contaminated gear by use of a sonic cleaner, extractors, dryers, and an ozonator. The process includes monitoring the life of the gear and decontaminating the gear in accordance with the gear manufacturer's recommendations. Gear that has been cleaned is reassembled, wrapped, sealed and placed back into a fireman's station, giving the firefighter the assurance that their firefighting gear was cleaned, sanitized, and serviced per the manufacturer's recommendations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: HC Risk Reduction, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Matros
  • Patent number: 11512404
    Abstract: Printhead for a 3D manufacturing system that uses metal electrodeposition to construct parts; embodiments utilize a grid of anodes to achieve high quality parts with features that may be small and detailed. To support grids with thousands or millions of anodes, the printhead may use matrix control with row and column drivers similar to display backplanes. Unlike display backplanes where the design goal is to display images using minimal current, the printhead may be optimized for high current density for fast electrodeposition, and for anode longevity. Current density may exceed 1000 mA per cm-squared, at least an order of magnitude greater than that of display backplanes. Anode longevity may be enhanced by using relatively large anodes compared to the grid pitch of the printhead, by lengthening the conductive paths through anodes, or both. Embodiments may be constructed by adding anode and insulation layers on top of matrix-controlled switching circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: FABRIC8LABS, INC.
    Inventors: David Pain, Andrew Edmonds, Jeffrey Herman, Charles Pateros, David Wirth, Kareemullah Shaik
  • Patent number: 11414330
    Abstract: A method of operating an electrochemical cell including introducing an aqueous solution into the electrochemical cell, applying a current across an anode and a cathode to produce a product, monitoring the voltage, dissolved hydrogen, or a condition of the aqueous solution, and reversing polarity of the anode and the cathode responsive to one of the measured parameters is disclosed. An electrochemical system including an electrochemical cell including an anode and a cathode, a source of an aqueous solution having an outlet fluidly connectable to the electrochemical cell, a sensor for measuring a parameter, and a controller configured to cause the anode and the cathode to reverse polarity responsive to the parameter measurement is disclosed. Methods of suppressing accumulation of hydrogen gas within the electrochemical cell are also disclosed. Methods of facilitating operation of an electrochemical cell are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Simon Paul Dukes, George Gu, Joshua Griffis, Michael Shaw
  • 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: 10548687
    Abstract: A flossing appliance with a body portion which includes a system for generating bursts of liquid and/or a liquid/gas mixture. A neck portion extends from the body portion through which the bursts are delivered to a nozzle, which is shaped and adapted to fit into the interproximal spaces of the user's teeth. A use reminder system which includes a reminder timer which begins to time following the activation cycle of the appliance. An indicator is responsive to the timer, providing an indication to the user that the timer has exceeded a predetermined time, such as 24 hours, without use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Wolter F. Benning
  • Patent number: 10427958
    Abstract: An energy transfer system is disclosed which has a controller, a first capacitor acting as a first electrode, a second capacitor acting as a second electrode, a first inductor for storing energy received from the first capacitor, and transferring the stored energy to the second capacitor, and a first plurality of electronic switches. The first plurality of electronic switches may be controlled by the controller to control a transfer of energy from the first capacitor to the first inductor, and from the first inductor to the first capacitor. An additional energy transfer subsystem may be included which has a second inductor for receiving energy from the first capacitor while the first inductor is transferring the stored energy to the second capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Steven L. Hunter, Michael Stadermann
  • Patent number: 10183875
    Abstract: A point of use electrolysis system can be used to generate oxidizing species within liquid retained by a point of use discharge nozzle, helping to prevent pathogens from growing and multiplying in the nozzle. In one example, a system includes a point of use discharge nozzle having an inlet and an outlet and electrodes. The electrodes are configured to electrochemically generate an oxidizing species within the point of use discharge nozzle. According to the example, the point of use discharge nozzle is configured to trap liquid from a liquid source, when liquid ceases flowing through the point of use discharge nozzle, thereby providing a trapped liquid. Further, the electrodes are configured to generate the oxidizing species within the trapped liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Water Star, Inc.
    Inventors: Marilyn J. Niksa, Andrew J. Niksa
  • Patent number: 10154873
    Abstract: Example apparatuses and systems are disclosed for providing controlled delivery of electrolysis products to a site which may be used the treatment of infection and ablation of undesirable cells and tissue. A system disclosed may include a power supply, two electrodes, an aqueous matrix that may close the electric circuit between the electrodes at the treated site, and a controller. The controller may control the electrical circuit to induce a direct current through the electrodes and an aqueous matrix to produce electrolysis products. The duration and magnitude of the charge applied may determine the dose of the products applied to the treatment site. The composition of the electrodes and the aqueous matrix may be chosen to produce desired products. An apparatus is disclosed that may be in the form of a pad for applying to a wound. An apparatus is disclosed that may be used for treating internal tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: RM2 TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Boris Rubinsky, Paul Mikus, Liel Rubinsky
  • Patent number: 10073107
    Abstract: A system for the integrated and automated analysis of DNA or protein, including a single-use cartridge, with an analysis device having a control device, and devices for capturing and processing signals, the control device carrying out a completely automatic process and evaluation of molecular diagnostic analysis via single-use cartridges (Lab-on-a-Chip). Controlling of an analysis process, which occurs in the cartridge, involves the subsequent displacement and thermostatization of liquids with a first device, and with a second device the signals which are obtained during the analysis are processed. The first and the second devices are synchronized in such a manner that the analysis process of the sample can be carried out in a totally integrated manner thus producing an immediate result.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH
    Inventors: Walter Gumbrecht, Peter Paulicka
  • Patent number: 9914650
    Abstract: A water treatment unit performs a normal operation during which discharge parts generate an electric discharge in a state where water flows into a treatment vessel and treated water flows out of the treatment vessel. When the water treatment unit starts operating, the water treatment unit performs a preparatory operation for a predetermined period of time before starting the normal operation. During the preparatory operation, the discharge parts generate an electric discharge in a state where an outflow of the water from the treatment vessel is stopped. As a result, the water which has been stagnating in the treatment vessel while the water treatment unit is not operating and in which bacteria have grown is sufficiently sterilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Daikin Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoki Saitou, Masaya Nishimura, Tsunahiro Ohdou, Sachiko Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 9738552
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating waste water utilizing two energized agitated electrochemical reaction reactor units (each utilizing approximately 10 amps per gallon) with a reaction time of approximately 5 minutes wherein the first reaction vessel has a pH below 7 and a second reaction vessel has a pH of above the pH of the first reaction vessel and the effluent flows from a first agitated electrochemical reaction vessel to a degassing tank and then flows to a second agitated electrochemical reaction vessel and then to a flocculation tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Inventor: Dan Prokop
  • Patent number: 9535032
    Abstract: The cartridge includes a sensor structure that has multiple sensors positioned on a substrate. The cartridge also includes a common channel defined in the substrate such that a fluid flowing in the common channel contacts each of the sensors as a result of the fluid flowing from an inlet of the common channel to an outlet of the common channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: GeneFluidics, Inc.
    Inventor: Jen-Jr Gau
  • Patent number: 9446350
    Abstract: [Object] To provide a gas decomposition apparatus and a gas decomposition method in which no safety problems occur in spite of the application of a relatively high voltage between an anode and a cathode for the purpose of decomposing odorous gases of many types. [Solution] A catalytic electrode layer 6 that contains a catalyst and is porous; a counter electrode layer 7 that forms a pair with the catalytic electrode; and an electrolyte layer 15 that is sandwiched between the catalytic electrode and the counter electrode and has ion conductivity are included. The catalyst is held by the catalytic electrode in the form of being carried by a carrier containing a conductive material or the catalyst is directly carried by the catalytic electrode. A conductive material in the catalytic electrode, the conductive material being in contact with the catalyst, is not a noncovalent carbon material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Majima, Shinji Inazawa, Koji Nitta, Masahiro Yamakawa, Takayasu Sugihara, Yasuhiro Takeda, Yoshihiro Akahane, Takahiro Imai
  • Patent number: 9388060
    Abstract: The electrolysis water-making apparatus (A) includes: an electrolytic cell (2); a raw material solution feed pump (3) used to supply the raw material solution (W1, W3) to the electrolytic cell (2); a raw material solution pipe (32, 36) connecting an outlet (3b) of the raw material solution feed pump (3) and an inlet (26) of the electrolytic cell (2); and an electrolyzed solution advection-deterring portion (40) formed in the raw material solution pipe (32, 36) between the outlet (3b) and the inlet (26). The raw material solution feed pump (3) is provided so that the outlet (3b) is disposed on an upper side of the inlet (26). A pitched pipe (32c) in which an end thereof near the inlet (26) is disposed on an upper side of another end thereof near the outlet (3b) is provided in at least a part of the electrolyzed solution advection-deterring portion (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Morinaga Milk Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayasu Shirato, Koki Matsuyama
  • Publication number: 20150132675
    Abstract: A circuit applies an electric field to a reforming chamber housing a hydrocarbon-water mixture to cause molecular breakdown and create a feed of hydrogen and carbon and dioxide that can be supplied to fuel cells. The circuit includes a DC-to-DC converter, a DC-to-AC inverter and a transformer to transform available input voltage to a control voltage that can be used to apply the electric field to the mixture in the reforming chamber. The signal supplied to the DC-to-AC inverter is monitored to determine whether enough voltage is supplied to create an electrical discharge in the reforming chamber. If an electrical discharge exists, the variables to the circuit is left alone or decreased until the signal indicates the electrical discharge is no longer present. If no electrical discharge exists, the variable input voltage is increased until an electrical discharge is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2015
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: 19th Space Energy, LLC
    Inventor: Babak Fahimi
  • Publication number: 20150114842
    Abstract: An electrochemical reduction device is provided with an electrolyte membrane, an electrode unit, a power control unit, hydrogen gas generation amount measuring unit, and a control unit. The electrolyte membrane has ion conductivity. The electrode unit includes both a reduction electrode that is provided on one side of the electrolyte membrane and contains a reduction catalyst for hydrogenating at least one benzene ring of an aromatic hydrocarbon compound or a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic aromatic compound, and an oxygen evolving electrode. The control unit releases, when the hydrogen gas generation amount F1 is larger than an acceptable upper limit F0 of a hydrogen gas generation amount in the electrode unit, the application of a voltage by the power control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2015
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi SATO, Kota MIYOSHI, Kojiro NAKAGAWA, Yoshihiro KOBORI
  • Publication number: 20150090585
    Abstract: An anodizing or plating system is provided that has a bath with an electrolytic solution into which a production part is at least partially disposed. For the anodizing process, an anodizing monitoring device is present and has a control panel at least partially disposed within the electrolytic solution. A power source for forming an electrical circuit between the power source, the bath, the production part, and the anodizing monitoring device is present. The production part and the anodizing monitoring device are arranged in parallel relationship to one another in the electrical circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Andrew John Nosti
  • Publication number: 20150090602
    Abstract: An electrochemical reduction device comprises an electrode unit including an electrolyte membrane, a reduction electrode, and an oxygen evolving electrode; a power control unit that applies a voltage Va between the reduction electrode and the oxygen evolving electrode; a hydrogen gas generation rate measurement unit that measures a hydrogen gas generation rate F1; and a control unit that controls the power control unit so as to gradually increase the Va within a range that satisfies a relationship of F1?F0 and VCA>VHER?acceptable potential difference (APD), when the potential at a reversible hydrogen electrode is VHER, the potential of the reduction electrode is VCA, the acceptable upper limit of the hydrogen gas generation rate is F0, and the APD is a potential difference that defines an upper limit of a potential difference between VCA and VHER.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Yasushi Sato, Kota Miyoshi, Kojiro Nakagawa, Yoshihiro Kobori
  • Publication number: 20150041328
    Abstract: A method for plating electrodes includes contacting a substrate with an electrolyte, the substrate comprising a plurality of working electrodes, applying an electric potential to one or more working electrodes of the plurality of working electrodes, monitoring a separate current through each of the one or more working electrodes of the plurality of working electrodes, and in response to determining that a first current through a first electrode of the plurality of working electrodes has reached a predetermined value, interrupting the first current through the first working electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Wen Chan
  • Publication number: 20150038741
    Abstract: A device and a process for producing high purity CO by electrolysis of CO2 in a Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell stack and a gas separation unit, also the gas separation unit may be a Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Haldor Topsøe A/S
    Inventors: Friis Claus Pedersen, Bøgild John Hansen, Thomas Rostrup-Nielsen, Jens Ulrik Nielsen, Henrik Olsson, Kim Hedegaard Andersen
  • Patent number: 8945343
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for selectively etching an encapsulant forming a package of resinous material around an electronic device includes an electronic device package mountable on the etch head; a conductive electrode in electrical contact with package leads of the electronic device package to apply a first voltage to the package leads of the electronic device; a first pump configured to pump a first quantity of the etchant solution from the source into the etch head where the etchant solution is electrically biased to a second voltage different from the first voltage. An etch cavity is formed on an exterior surface of the electronic device package. When the etchant solution has etched through an exterior surface of the electronic device package, the conductive bond wires of the electronic device is prevented from being etched by the applied first voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Nisene Technology Group
    Inventor: Alan M. Wagner
  • Publication number: 20150024298
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method for tuning the performance of at least one electrochemical cell of an electrochemical cell stack. The method includes supplying power to an electrochemical cell stack. The electrochemical cell stack includes a plurality of electrochemical cells. The method further includes monitoring a parameter of at least one electrochemical cell and determining if an electrochemical cell becomes impaired. The method also includes diverting a fraction of the current flow from the impaired electrochemical cell during operation of the electrochemical cell stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: Nuvera Fuel Cells, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Blanchet, Wonseok Yoon, Pierre-Francois Quet
  • Patent number: 8936712
    Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes a high-pressure hydrogen production unit for electrolyzing water to generate oxygen and high-pressure hydrogen (the pressure of the high-pressure hydrogen being higher than that of the oxygen), and a gas-liquid separation unit for removing water contained in the high-pressure hydrogen. The gas-liquid separation unit is placed on a hydrogen pipe for discharging the high-pressure hydrogen from the high-pressure hydrogen production unit. In addition, the water electrolysis system includes a high-pressure hydrogen supply pipe for transferring dewatered high-pressure hydrogen from the gas-liquid separation unit, a cooling unit, which is placed on the high-pressure hydrogen supply pipe and is capable of variably controlling the temperature of the high-pressure hydrogen to adjust the humidity of the high-pressure hydrogen, and a control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daisuke Kurashina, Koji Nakazawa, Hisashi Nagaoka, Hiroyuki Ishikawa, Yuji Yamakawa, Jun Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20150008132
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical analysis method for monitoring and controlling the quality of electrochemical deposition and/or plating processes whereby the electrochemical analysis method uses a fingerprinting analysis method of an output signal to have an indicator of whether the chemistry and/or process is operating in the normally expected range, whereby the method utilizes one or more substrates as working electrode(s) and a) whereby the potential between the one or more working electrodes and one or more reference electrodes being analyzed to provide an output signal fingerprint which is represented as potential difference as a function of time or b) the input power of a process power supply to provide input energy in the form of current and/or potential between the working electrode(s) and a counter-electrode whereby the method utilizes the potential between the one or more working electrode(s) and at least one of: one or more reference electrodes; or one or more counter-electrodes; to pro
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Juerg Stahl, Norbert Schroeder, Fred Richter
  • Publication number: 20140367270
    Abstract: A system is disclosed for controlling an electrochemical process. The system has a power source that is coupled to a power amplifier. The power amplifier is configured to provide an electromotive force (emf) signal, and a plurality of electrodes apply the emf signal to an electrochemical solution. A control element is configured to control the power amplifier such that the emf signal exhibits a predetermined frequency, amplitude, and duty cycle for reducing a thickness of the Nernst diffusion layer such that an operational parameter is set to a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Floyd L. Williamson
  • Patent number: 8852414
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for utilizing sensors with existing devices. An interface module is used in combination with a newer sensor, such as a fluorescence oxygen sensor, and an older legacy device. The older legacy device supplies a polarizing voltage, and anticipates a measured current of between 0 and 100 nA. The newer sensor requires no polarizing voltage and delivers an output of 0-10 volts in one embodiment, and 4-20 mA in another embodiment. The interface module receives the output from the sensor, and converts it into a useable signal to the legacy device. In another embodiment, the interface module comprises a number of outputs, such that both legacy devices and newer devices can be in communication with the sensor simultaneously. The interface module can be used in conjunction with a reactor chamber or other pharmaceutical process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Joens, Ricky F. Baggio
  • Patent number: 8852421
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for utilizing sensors with existing devices. An interface module is used in combination with a newer sensor, such as a fluorescence oxygen sensor, and an older legacy device. The older legacy device supplies a polarizing voltage, and anticipates a measured current of between 0 and 100 nA. The newer sensor requires no polarizing voltage and delivers an output of 0-10 volts in one embodiment, and 4-20 mA in another embodiment. The interface module receives the output from the sensor, and converts it into a useable signal to the legacy device. In another embodiment, the interface module comprises a number of outputs, such that both legacy devices and newer devices can be in communication with the sensor simultaneously. The interface module can be used in conjunction with a reactor chamber or other pharmaceutical process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Joens, Ricky F. Baggio
  • Patent number: 8795481
    Abstract: A power generation system including an electrolyzer may be optimized taking non-linear operational constraints into account with lower processing requirements than current solutions in real time. A pre-processing module assesses non-linear operational constraints in a low-overhead manner and passes results to an optimization module. The optimization module determines an operating power value constrained in accordance with results from the pre-processing module. A post-processing module uses results from the pre-processing and optimization modules to assemble instructions to control the electrolyzer. As a result, optimization may be performed in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mohammad Reza Dadash Zadeh, Amirhossein Hajimiragha, Michael Joseph Krok
  • Patent number: 8721849
    Abstract: A substantially ring-shaped seat section (8) protrudes from an inner circumference wall in a through hole (4) of a container attaching section (6) made of a metal. On an outer circumference of an electrode shaft (3) held in the through hole (4) through an insulator (5) made of a synthetic resin, locking protrusions (13, 14), which have a diameter larger than a hole diameter of the seat section (8), are provided at a distance from the seat section (8), on at least inner side or outer side of the seat section (8) in a shaft direction of the electrode shaft (3). Thus, for instance, when the inside of the metal container (2) is at a high temperature, the insulator (5) is destroyed and the electrode shaft (3) is to jump out from the container attaching section (6) to the outside or the inside of the metal container (2), the locking protrusions (13, 14) lock the seat section (8) and prevent the electrode shaft (3) from jumping out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Miura Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Furukawa, Tomohisa Takeda
  • Publication number: 20140097095
    Abstract: A chlorine dioxide generator is provided. The generator includes a controller, a pump electrically connected to the controller and configured to pump reactant feedstock, a power supply electrically connected to the controller, and an electrochemical cell electrically connected to the power supply and configured to receive reactant feedstock from the pump and produce chlorine dioxide. The controller is configured to receive user chlorine dioxide concentration input data and provide control signals to at least one of the pump and power supply to variably control a concentration of chlorine dioxide provided by the electrochemical cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: PURELINE TREATMENT SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventor: James F. Moser
  • Patent number: 8663449
    Abstract: A feed control method for wire cutting electrochemical discharge machining is disclosed. The method determines whether a contact event has occurred using a wire electrode, based on variations in wire tension when being cut. A wire is cut with an ideal feed speed when the wire electrode is not in contact with a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Jui-Kuan Lin, Hsiang-Kuo Lee, Yang-Xin Lin, Hsin-Chuan Su
  • Publication number: 20140038074
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus of reacting reaction components. The method comprises electro-chemically reacting reaction components on opposite sides of at least one membrane with at least one catalyst encompassing a respective volume. In another embodiment, the method includes conducting electrolysis, such as electrolysis of water. The apparatus includes at least one membrane with first and second sides encompassing a respective volume. The apparatus further includes at least one catalyst coupled to the first and second sides to electro-chemically react reaction components on the first and second sides in gaseous communication with the at least one catalyst, and a cover coupled to the at least one membrane to separate flow paths on the first and second sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Encite, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen A. Marsh
  • Patent number: 8597477
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a contact bar assembly for use in a multi-cell electrolytic system for recovery of metal, to a system including the contact bar assembly, and to a method of using the assembly and system. The contact bar assembly includes a base cap board, a primary bar having a plurality of primary bar structures formed thereon, an auxiliary bar having a plurality of auxiliary bar structures formed thereon, and a top cap board, wherein the base cap board includes slots to receive the primary bar and the auxiliary bar, and wherein the top cap board includes a plurality of openings to receive the plurality of primary bar structures and the plurality of auxiliary bar structures. A system includes the contact bar assembly, an anode assembly, a cathode assembly, and a tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Freeport-McMoran Corporation
    Inventors: Rafael Garcia Navarro, Luis A. Gonzalez Olguin, Luis Ricardo Olivares, Larry R. Todd, Mark Peabody, Casey J. Clayton, Scot P. Sandoval
  • Publication number: 20130317959
    Abstract: An electrolyser operates within an energy system, for example to provide grid services, energy storage or fuel, or to produce hydrogen from electricity produced from renewable resources. The electrolyser may be configured to operate at frequently or quickly varying rates of electricity consumption or to operate at a specified power consumption. In one process of operating an electrolyser, a series of dispatches is received indicating a specified power consumption for a period of time. The dispatches may occur at least once every 30 minutes. The electrolyser is operated according to the dispatches. Hydrogen produced by the electrolyser is discharged to a natural gas system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Nathaniel Ian JOOS, Joseph CARGNELLI
  • Patent number: 8585875
    Abstract: A system for electroplating a substrate includes one or more controllers, with each controller having an FPGA with one or more output channels. A bulk power supply is connected to each controller. One or more transistors are associated with each output channel. An electroplating chamber has one or more electrodes, with each electrode connected to at least one output channel. The system may include a waveform capture and viewing circuit providing built-in process verification and diagnostic tools. The system may also have a throttle back mode which attempts to maintain proper anode current ratios by reducing setpoints of all anodes by the same percentage, if a fault condition causes a reduction in current to one of the anodes. Blackbox logging may also optionally be used for recording selected data values into a circular buffer having a selected amount of memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Cummings, Mikael R. Borjesson
  • Patent number: 8559163
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reaction vessel for producing a capacitor element, which is used for forming a semiconductor layer by means of energization on two or more electric conductors each having formed on the surface thereof a dielectric layer simultaneously, by immersing the electric conductors into an electrolyte in the reaction vessel, the vessel comprising two or more negative electrode plates corresponding to the individual electric conductors and two or more constant current sources electrically connected to each of the negative electrode plates; production method for a group of capacitor elements using the reaction vessel and a capacitor using the capacitor element. According to the present invention, a large number of capacitors which each uses a semiconductor layer as one part electrode with a narrow appearance capacitance distribution can be obtained simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Showa Denko K. K.
    Inventors: Kazumi Naito, Katutoshi Tamura
  • Publication number: 20130264195
    Abstract: A pumpless, fanless electrolyte-circulation system comprises an electrolyzer core that generates hydrogen and oxygen gases and includes a water electrolyzer having a plurality of electrolytic serial clusters connected substantially in parallel with each other and assembled into respective sealed reaction cells. Each of the electrolytic serial clusters includes a plurality of electrolytic cells. An electrolyte container includes a plurality of electrolytes in form of a concentration and is substantially separated from and connected to the electrolyzer core with a supply tube and return tube. A frame is substantially resistant to the concentration and separates a plurality of electrodes. Releasing of the gases brings the electrolytes in the electrolyzer core out of the electrolyzer core through the supply tube into the electrolyte container. The return tube allows each of the electrolytes to enter the electrolyzer core such that the electrolyte is forced to circulate by a releasing force of the gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Qiang Zhou, Yong Zhou, Yu He, Jason Loftus, Jonathan Zhou, Shaojiu Wang
  • Publication number: 20130264218
    Abstract: An oxygen concentrator is for generating a flow of oxygen by electrolysis of atmospheric humidity. It comprises a cathode (24) and an anode (26) contacting opposite sides of a proton-conducting membrane (12). A catalytic apparatus (14) comprises a diffusion layer (28) which spaces a catalyst (30) from the cathode. The cathode and the catalytic apparatus are contained within a cathode chamber which comprises a ventilation means (44) for allowing a controlled flow of air to the catalyst. In operation water is electrolysed at the anode and hydrogen generated at the cathode flows through the diffusion layer to the catalyst, where it reacts with atmospheric oxygen to form water which flows back to the proton-conducting membrane for further electrolysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: Inotec AMD Limited
    Inventors: Melvin Frederick Vinton, Derek John Fray
  • Patent number: 8551302
    Abstract: Hydrogen generating apparatus that is capable of controlling the amount of hydrogen generation. The hydrogen generating apparatus has an electrolyzer, a first electrode, a second electrode, a switch, which is located between the first electrode and the second electrode, a flow rate meter, which measures an amount of hydrogen generation in the second electrode, and a switch controller, which receives a set value, compares the amount of hydrogen generation measured by the flow rate meter with the set value, and controls an on/off status of the switch. The amount of hydrogen generation can be controlled by use of on/off time and/or on/of frequency of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Hyoung Gil, Jae-Hyuk Jang, Arunabha Kundu, Sung-Han Kim, Kyoungsoo Chae
  • Publication number: 20130233723
    Abstract: An electrolyzer apparatus for the electrolytic manufacture of elemental F2 from an electrolyte/HF-solution, e.g., KF×1.8 HF, comprising at least one electrolytic cell which contains at least two anodes, often 20 to 30 anodes, a metallic cathodic vessel, and at least two rectifiers such that each anode is allocated to one rectifier. In this manner, each anode can be controlled and regulated individually. Failure of each individual anode, e.g., anode break, causes the production of undesired side products, e.g., of CF4. Any faulty anode can be detected easily, and each anode can be shut off individually, if needed, and repaired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: SOLVAY SA
    Inventors: Philippe Morelle, Joachim Lange, Christoph Sommer
  • Patent number: 8512540
    Abstract: An objective of this invention is to reliably form a plating film. The following two steps are sequentially conducted: a first step of connecting a film-formation surface of a wafer 109 to a cathode electrode 107, making the film-formation surface inclined from the surface of a plating solution 103 and immersing the wafer 109 into the plating solution 103 with applying a first current between the cathode electrode 107 and an Cu anode electrode 105 disposed in the plating solution 103, and second step of, after immersing the film-formation surface in the plating solution 103, applying a second current between the cathode electrode 107 and the Cu anode electrode 105 to form a metal film on the film-formation surface by electrolytic plating. In the first step, the first current is controlled on the basis of an inclination angle between the liquid surface and the film-formation surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Furuya, Yasuaki Tsuchiya
  • Patent number: 8500969
    Abstract: System for producing electric energy and hydrogen based on renewable energy sources, such as wind energy from one or several wind turbines, and incorporating means for producing hydrogen. The system comprises a hybrid electrolyzer device, which comprises a combination of at least two different electrolysis technologies and at least one control device, which manages the hydrogen production between the two electrolyzers of the different electrolysis technologies; being at least one electrolyzer of a rapid dynamics electrolysis technology type and, at least the second one of a substantially slower dynamics electrolysis technology type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignees: Acciona Energia, S.A., Ingeteam Power Technology. S.A.
    Inventors: Eugenio Guelbenzu Michelena, Javier Pérez Barbáchano
  • Publication number: 20130161197
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a substrate plating apparatus, including: a constant current device supplying power; cathode hangers that includes a plurality of clamps holding substrates, hall current sensors mounted on each of the clamps to detect current information, and wireless communication modules connected with the hall current sensors to wirelessly transmit the current information to the outside; a current rail mounted with the plurality of cathode hangers above a plating bath and connected with the constant current device; and an anode unit extending from the constant current device and dipped in a plating solution of the plating bath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SAMSUNG ELECTRO-MECHANICS CO., LTD.
  • Patent number: 8460520
    Abstract: Contaminants are removed from raw water or discharge water from plants, such as sewerage and industrial plants, by applying direct current through an array of spaced, alternately charged electrodes to eliminate or minimize clogging of the electrodes with precipitated contaminants. Polarity may be switched periodically to assist in eliminating or minimizing clogging. In illustrated embodiments, electrode arrays are contained in housings of dielectric material to form modules, To increase processing capacity, the modules are arranged in parallel arrays. Alternatively, a single module is scaled up for large or industrial applications or scaled down for personal use. Instead of housing the electrode arrays in modules through which liquid passes, the electrode arrays for some batch applications are dipped in the water or aqueous solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: David Rigby
  • Publication number: 20130126337
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in the electro-production of metals, comprising a plurality of anodes and a plurality of cathodes in an interleaved configuration, wherein each anode and cathode pair forms a cell; a plurality of power supplies, each cell associated with one or more respective power supplies; and the power supplies are arranged to control a direct current in the one or more cells to a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Duncan Grant
  • Patent number: 8440146
    Abstract: Cells and methods of producing hydrogen and oxygen from an aqueous solution at about 90% of the Faraday Limit are provided. An exemplary method includes the steps of placing a graphite electrode and a nickel electrode in an alkaline solution comprising colloidal silver, colloidal magnesium and a powdered metal such as aluminum, and applying a constant positive voltage to the nickel electrode. Further, the example includes cyclically applying a negative voltage potential to the graphite electrode by turning on the negative applied voltage for a first time period and switching off the negative voltage for a second time period. The second time period should be sufficient to permit removal of substantially all or at least some of any aluminum or zinc deposited on the graphite electrode. Graphite-containing electrodes may be pretreated to infuse with a precious metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: G & M Energy Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Linnard Gene Griffin
  • Patent number: 8425756
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing electrolyzed water includes an electrochemical cell and a solution reservoir containing a solution and having an outlet. An injection pump has an input end in fluid communication with the outlet of the solution reservoir and an output end in fluid communication with the electrochemical cell, wherein the injection pumps an amount of the solution from the solution reservoir to mix with a water solution and enter the electrochemical cell. A current feedback sensor senses a cell current in the electrochemical cell. A current control unit in data communication with the current feedback sensor and the injection pump wherein the current control unit compares the cell current with a preselected current and adjusts the amount of solution pumped from the injection pump responsive to the comparison. The apparatus may also include an automatic control feedback system to monitor and adjust pH.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Electric Aquagenics Unlimited
    Inventor: Douglas Wayne Kindred
  • Patent number: 8419907
    Abstract: A metal ion eluting unit according to the present invention includes: a plurality of electrodes 102 and 103; a drive circuit (not shown) that applies a voltage between the electrodes; and a control circuit (not shown) that controls the drive circuit so that the drive circuit periodically reverses the polarity of the voltage applied between the electrodes, operates, from every time the polarity of the voltage applied between the electrodes is reversed until a predetermined period elapses, in a first current mode in which the value of a current flowing between the electrodes equals a first value, and operates, thereafter, in a second current mode in which the value of the current flowing between the electrodes equals a second current value different from the first current value. According to this configuration, metal ions can be efficiently and stably eluted for a prolonged period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ikeboh, Mugihei Ikemizu