Electrolyte Property Sensing Means (e.g., Temperature, Concentration, Ph, Conductivity, Etc.) Patents (Class 204/228.6)
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Publication number: 20120145537Abstract: This is an electrolytic apparatus and process for the production of Hypochlorous Acid (HClO) and Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) in a closed-loop arrangement. A brine solution in an electrolyzer cell is subjected to an electric current, causing HClO and/or NaOH to be produced in water circulated through the cell. The produced solution is recirculated through the cell as its chemical properties are monitored by a sensor, connected by a controller which controls a recirculating pump and the electric current, until the sensor indicates that the concentration of the solution has reached a desired value, and the controller stops the process.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2011Publication date: June 14, 2012Inventor: John Kuiphoff
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Patent number: 8187444Abstract: A fluid treatment device is disclosed. The fluid treatment device includes at least a first electrode and a second electrode in direct contact with the fluid. The fluid treatment device may include a control device which adjusts a parameter of an alternating potential difference provided between the first electrode and the second electrode based on the indication of the conductivity between the first electrode and the second electrode.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2007Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Inventor: Eric John Kruger
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Publication number: 20120111734Abstract: A water electrolyzer comprises a reservoir of water, one or more cells, a source of pulse width modulated direct current electricity, a positive terminal, a negative terminal, and a cooling system. Said electrode cells are submerged in said reservoir of water. Said source of pulse width modulated direct current electricity attaches to said positive terminal and said negative terminal of said water electrolyzer. Said electrode cells each comprise a cathode having a positive terminal and an anode having a negative terminal. Said cathode and said anode comprise different materials. Said positive terminal attaches to said electrode cells with one or more positive lines. Said negative terminal attaches to said electrode cells with one or more negative lines. Said cooling system is capable of cooling said reservoir of water. Said water electrolyzer produces and can deliver one or more gases through a fluid connection with an engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2012Publication date: May 10, 2012Inventor: Edward Kramer
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Patent number: 8114265Abstract: There is described a method and a system for evaluating damage of a plurality of cells in an electrolyser. The method comprises acquiring a voltage for each one of the cells; comparing the voltage to at least two threshold voltage levels; classifying the cells as one of: severely damaged cells, non-severely damaged cells and undamaged cells, based on the comparison of the voltage with the at least two threshold voltage levels; and deactivating the cells classified as severely damaged cells from the electrolyser.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2008Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Recherche 2000 Inc.Inventors: Said Berriah, Michel Veillette, Gilles J. Tremblay
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Publication number: 20110308938Abstract: In an electrolytic apparatus for removing contaminants from water, a set (110) of spaced apart conductive electrodes (40) in a reaction chamber (54, 112, 114), is arranged in oppositely charged groups of first and second interleaved electrodes with flow paths between them. Non-conductive turbulence inducers (158, 168) on the faces of electrodes (40) are applied to water in the flow paths. One variety is modular elements (1 58) with stepped increases in width to present a narrow leading edge in the direction of flow. Another variety is a continuous set of wave guides (168) bordering the flow path. Electrodes (40) are selectively powered in patterns creating turbulence, with effective patterns including a first and last electrode powering pattern and a mini-cell electrode powering pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: LATITUDE CLEAN TECH GROUP, INC.Inventors: F. William Gilmore, Russell Renk
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Patent number: 8070933Abstract: The invention is an electrolytic microfinishing process which utilizes a conductive tool as a cathode and a conductive workpiece as an anode both connected to a power supply. Electrolytic fluid is pumped between the tool and workpiece, creating a decomposition of the workpiece surface allowing the surface of the workpiece to be removed or wiped away by the interaction of the flowing electrolyte and rotation of the tool without generating any heat at a rate significantly faster than any other known machining process. The tool has no contact with the workpiece and accordingly, requires very low clamping loads to hold the workpiece in the spindle during the finishing operation. Due to the low clamping loads, the distortion of the workpiece is completely eliminated. Modulating the power supply during the work cycle allows the use of a single tool for both roughing and finishing as a continuous cycle to significantly provide surface finishes previously unobtainable.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2006Date of Patent: December 6, 2011Assignee: Thielenhaus Microfinishing Corp.Inventor: Manfred G. Becker
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Publication number: 20110256243Abstract: A system to prepare an antimicrobial solution by the electrolysis of brine is presented where the antimicrobial solution is a solution comprising HOCl that contains a HOCl concentration of 100 ppm or more at a pH of approximately 6.5. The system includes an electrolysis cell that is provided with a constant current by a digital DC power supply controlled by a microprocessor and a controlled brine concentration at a controlled rate, which can also be controlled by the microprocessor to deliver a fluid that is continuously observed by a pH probe and an ORP probe that provides input to the microprocessor to adjust voltage, pump rate and/or flow rate in a programmed manner by the microprocessor. A method to produce the antimicrobial solution, including a sporicidal solution, by the novel system is presented.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: CLENOX MANAGEMENT LLCInventors: DUKE VAN KALKEN, Nathan Waldner
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Patent number: 8025784Abstract: Methods and systems for generating biocidal solution having a predetermined level of available free chlorine and pH, including an electrolytic cell that generates the biocidal solution by an electrolytic reaction, the electrolytic cell including an input pipe for receiving an input brine solution, an anode chamber including an anode and a cathode chamber including a cathode separated by a separator, electrical connections for application of voltage to the anode and cathode; temperature sensing means for detecting a temperature of a solution of the electrolytic cell and outputting a signal indicative of the detected temperature; and process control means for adjusting the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell by the process control means thereby maintaining the level of available free chlorine and pH at the predetermined level in response to the signal output from the temperature sensing means.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2008Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Puricore, Inc.Inventors: Bruno Tongiani, Claire Sampson
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Publication number: 20110220516Abstract: A hydrogen/oxygen generation system includes an electrolyzer cell, a servo integrated controller, a power control module, a voltage/current feedback device and a temperature feedback device. Servo closed loop control is used to efficiently and effectively produce hydrogen and oxygen gases.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Inventors: Timm J. Finfrock, James D. Hill, David A. Bateman, JR.
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Publication number: 20110210009Abstract: A water treatment system is disclosed having electrolytic cell for liberating hydrogen from a base solution. The base solution may be a solution of brine for generating sodium hypochlorite, or potable water to be oxidized. The cell has first and second opposing electrode endplates held apart from each other by a pair of supports such that the supports enclose opposing sides of the endplates to form a cell chamber. One or more inner electrode plates are spaced apart from each other in the cell chamber in between the first and second electrode plates. The supports are configured to electrically isolate the first and second electrode plates and the inner electrode plates from each other. The first and second electrode plates are configured to receive opposite polarity charges that passively charge the inner electrode plates via conduction from the base solution to form a chemical reaction in the base solution as the base solution passes through the cell chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2011Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: PROCESS SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Brent A. Simmons, Gunnar T. Thordarson, James C. Robertson
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Patent number: 7988844Abstract: A method for measuring an iodine adsorption number of carbon black includes: (a) electrochemically reducing an unknown amount of iodine adsorbed by a predetermined amount of a carbon black sample; (b) measuring the electrical charge used for reducing the unknown amount of the iodine adsorbed by the carbon black sample; and (c) obtaining the iodine adsorption number from the measured electrical charge. An electrolytic cell and a kit for measuring an iodine adsorption number of carbon black are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2009Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: National Kaohsiung University of Applied SciencesInventors: Jiin-Jiang Jow, Ho-Ruei Chen, Ping-Feng Lo, Zong-Sin Guo, Tzong-Rong Ling
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Publication number: 20110180395Abstract: A chlorine-generating apparatus is herein disclosed which uses softened household water and salt. The apparatus includes a freestanding brine tank to hold salt and softened household water. The brine tank includes a submerged chlorine-generating cell, an improved chlorine-generating cell container, and a cell-cleaning reservoir. The brine tank also includes a precipitation tank to help remove minerals from the incoming household water. The chlorine-generating apparatus generates sodium hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide, as well as other sanitizing chemicals. The chlorine-generating apparatus also incorporates an improved method for controlling pH. A water-cooled power supply independently delivers power to the chlorine-generating cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2010Publication date: July 28, 2011Inventor: Daniel Moroni Tucker
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Publication number: 20110108438Abstract: The invention herein provides an apparatus and method of controlling an electrochemical treatment process where treatment is performed in a flow cell to ensure that a controlled dose of electrical energy or current is delivered to all volumes of the liquid being treated. In addition the invention provides for further optimization of the dose based on other factors and sensor inputs. This invention also provides a method to estimate, display and record a forecast of process efficacy such as disinfection, oxidation or other desired treatment that otherwise cannot be measured in an online manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2010Publication date: May 12, 2011Inventors: James A. Tretheway, Brian R. Hale, Dennis E. Bahr, Ajit K. Chowdhury, Jeremy J. Vogel, Karl W. Marschke
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Patent number: 7914650Abstract: In an air filtering apparatus in which power is supplied from a power supply to electrodes in an electrolytic bath to electrolyze water in the electrolytic bath and thus generate electrolytic water and the generated electrolytic water and air are supplied to a gas-liquid contact member to filter the air, a voltage varying unit varies the voltage applied between the electrodes, and includes a voltage switching unit for switching a power supply voltage, a voltage adjusting unit for adjusting the power supply voltage switched by the voltage switching unit and applying the adjusted voltage between the electrodes and a controller for controlling the voltage switching unit so that the power supply voltage is adjusted to a voltage nearest to the adjusted power supply voltage by the voltage adjusting unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2007Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masanori Kobayashi, Mitsuhiro Dobashi
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Publication number: 20110036727Abstract: A micro-current electrolysis-sterilization-algaecide device includes the solution conductivity detector installed in the inlet pipe of the tank, at least a group of electrodes set in the tank in accordance with the order of anode, auxiliary electrode, and cathode, and the controller, which judges the conductance values, controls the electrode polarity and the circuit connections. Said controller includes judging unit to determine the conductance values of water, and according to the results to trigger the corresponding seawater electrolysis-model unit, the fresh water electrolysis-model unit, or the pole-reversing electrolysis-model unit. The device can be used to the seawater and fresh water sterilization algaecide, with good bactericidal algaecide effect, automatic scaling, and a wide range of applications. By adding ultrasonic generator, the device can destroy a variety of bacteria and algae cells. Said device has a simple structure and a wide range of use.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2008Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: QINGDAO HEADWAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Xueliang Cao, Xuelei Cao, Qinghua Du, Bingyan Liu, Ye Chen
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Publication number: 20110024361Abstract: An electrochlorination and electrochemical system for the on-site generation and treatment of municipal water supplies and other reservoirs of water, by using a custom mixed oxidant and mixed reductant generating system for the enhanced destruction of water borne contaminants by creating custom oxidation-reduction-reactant chemistries with real time monitoring. A range of chemical precursors are provided that when acted upon in an electrochemical cell either create an enhanced oxidation, or reduction environment for the destruction or control of contaminants. Chemical agents that can be used to control standard water quality parameters such as total hardness, total alkalinity, pH, total dissolved solids, and the like are introduced via the chemical precursor injection subsystem infrequently or in real time based on sensor inputs and controller set points.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2008Publication date: February 3, 2011Inventors: David T. Schwartzel, Michael L. Fraim
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Publication number: 20110017066Abstract: To provide a small active oxygen generating device capable of efficiently continuously generating active oxygen while supplying oxygen in the air. In the active oxygen generating device in which water is made to exist between an anode and a cathode composed of a base material containing a conductive polymer and by turning on electricity between the anode and the cathode, the conductive polymer deoxidizes the oxygen dissolved in the water to generate active oxygen, the cathode is rotatably installed about a conductive horizontal axis with part of the surface being projected over the surface of the water.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2009Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Shiro Takeuchi, Akira Shiga, Takuya Furuhashi
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Patent number: 7855005Abstract: Methods for determining the state of charge of an electrolyte solution in a redox battery by optical absorption spectrophotometry are disclosed. The state of charge thus obtained may serve as a gauge for the amount of electro-chemical energy left in the system.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2007Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: Deeya Energy, Inc.Inventor: Saroj Kumar Sahu
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Publication number: 20100314259Abstract: A hydrogen generating system includes an electrode plate assembly including a plurality of electrode plates, a first connector and a second connector, each connector connected to at least some of the plates, an amperage sensor, a temperature sensor, and a controller capable of receiving signals from the amperage sensor and temperature sensor to monitor an amperage and a temperature of the hydrogen generating system. The controller includes a processor programmed to receive a target amperage, select, based on the target amperage, certain of the plurality of conductive plates to receive voltage input during a predetermined duty cycle, determine an actual amperage and an actual temperature resulting from the voltage input, compare the actual amperage and the actual temperature to a respective amperage threshold and temperature threshold; and adjust the duty cycle for applying voltage based on the comparison.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2009Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: ETORUS, INC.Inventors: Leslie Paul Arnett, Scott Alan DeHart, Robert E. Yelin
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Patent number: 7829024Abstract: A urea concentration identification device comprising a concentration identification sensor unit (2) and a support unit (4) attached at the bottom end thereof with this sensor unit and provided at the top end thereof with a mounting unit (4a) to a urea solution tank opening. The concentration identification sensor unit (2) has an indirectly-heated concentration detector and liquid temperature detector provided with metal fins (21c),(22c), respectively, for heat-exchanging with urea solution. The concentration identification sensor unit (2) is provided with a cover member (2d) that forms an opposite-ends-opened urea solution induction passage so as to surround the metal fins (21c),(22c), and an enclosure (2e) that forms communication holes (26),(27) in the top and bottom end plate thereof (2e1),(2e2).Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2004Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kenjiro Izutani, Takayuki Takahata
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Publication number: 20100276295Abstract: A hydrogen generating system includes a plurality of conductive plates, a first connector and a second connector, wherein each connector is connected to at least some of the plates, an amperage sensor configured to measure an actual amperage of the hydrogen generating system, and a temperature sensor configured to measure an actual temperature of the hydrogen generating system, and a controller. The controller includes a processor programmed to receive a target amperage, a maximum amperage threshold, a maximum temperature threshold, and an optimal temperature, select, based on the target amperage, certain of the plurality of conductive plates to receive an applied voltage, receive a measurement of an actual amperage and an actual temperature from the amperage sensor and the temperature sensor, respectively, compare the actual amperage and the actual temperature to the maximum amperage threshold and the optimum temperature, respectively, and adjust the applied voltage based on the comparison.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2009Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: Etorus, Inc.Inventors: Leslie Paul Arnett, Scott Alan DeHart, Robert E. Yelin
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Publication number: 20100276294Abstract: A method for sanitizing water comprises flowing the water without added electrolyte between opposing first and second electrodes arranged in an electrolysis cell, the water forming a continuous flow that contacts both electrodes simultaneously before exiting the electrolysis cell. The method further comprises biasing the first and second electrodes with respect to each other in response to a relative amount of a bioinhibitory agent in the water exiting the electrolysis cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventor: John M. Lambie
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Patent number: 7799193Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is provided that includes a housing having an outer wall, a plurality of longitudinal walls disposed within the outer wall, and a reference chamber housing a reference electrode. The longitudinal walls define a plurality of longitudinal chambers. Ionic communication between the target fluid and the reference electrode passes sequentially through each of longitudinal chambers from a first longitudinal chamber to the reference chamber. In this manner, the sensor provides generally a long, tortuous flow path, or salt bridge, between the target fluid and the reference electrode, resulting in a high resistance factor for the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Georg Fischer Signet LLCInventors: Steven Wells, Gert Burkhardt, Anthony Thai
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Publication number: 20100155233Abstract: A hydrogen-oxygen generating system includes a water capture-storage (10), where water is stored and hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas is captured, an electrolyte unit (20) including inflowing pipe (25) to inhale water, and out-flowing pipe (26) to exhale hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas and including a plurality of electrodes (21)(22) to electrolyze water, a first heat radiant pipe (30) radiating heat and supplying water to the electrolyte unit (20) from water capture-storage (10) and connected to a lower part of the water capture-storage (10) and a second heat radiant pipe (40) connected to the outflowing pipe (26) and an upper part of the water capture-storage (10) radiating heat as it provides hydrogen-oxygen mixed gas to the water capture-storage (10).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2009Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventor: Boo-Sung Hwang
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Patent number: 7722746Abstract: A water treatment system includes a circulation pump and an electrolytic chamber in fluid communication with a main body of water. Electrolytic plates within the electrolytic chamber generate chlorine. When mineral deposits foul the electrolytic plates, water is isolated within the electrolytic chamber and a minimal amount of a pH-reducing agent is added to the electrolytic chamber to remove the mineral deposits. In a first embodiment, the pH-reducing agent is admitted on a periodic timed basis. In a second embodiment, the pH-reducing agent is added when the pH of the main body of water falls below a predetermined threshold. In both embodiments, cleaning is accomplished by adding the pH-reducing agent when the circulation pump is not operating so that the acid dwells within the electrolytic chamber for a sufficient amount of time. Activation of the circulation pump causes the pH-reducing agent to enter the main body of water.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2008Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Maytal Tech, LLCInventor: Omer C. Eyal
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Patent number: 7658834Abstract: A hypochlorous acid generator includes a brine tank for holding salt and a brine solution, the brine tank having a water inlet in fluid communication with a source of pressurized water, a brine solution outlet and a salt fill port to allow salt to be added to the brine tank. The generator also includes an anode chamber in fluid communication with the brine solution outlet of the brine tank for receiving brine solution therefrom, and for generating anolyte, the anode chamber having an outlet for providing hypochlorous acid therefrom, and a cathode chamber in fluid communication with the brine solution outlet of the brine tank for receiving brine solution therefrom and for generating catholyte. The generator further includes a catholyte recirculating pump in fluid communication with the cathode chamber and the anode chamber, the recirculating pump being responsive to a control signal to recirculate catholyte generated by the cathode chamber to the anode chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2005Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Inventor: Mark Salerno
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Patent number: 7638031Abstract: A method and device for protecting an aqueous system from scale precipitation by depressing scale precipitation in a bulk phase of a water supply, the device including: (a) an electrolytic cell for fluidly connecting to the system, including: (i) a tank for receiving the water supply, the tank having a copper surface forming a cathode of the cell; and (ii) an element having a zinc surface disposed within the tank, and forming an anode of the cell; (b) a controlling unit for controlling a current (I) from the power supply; and (c) a flowmeter for measuring a flow rate of the water supply, the flow rate associated with a flow rate of water into the system, wherein the controlling unit is designed to control the current according to the flow rate so as to depress the scale precipitation in the bulk phase of the water supply, and wherein the current I exceeds (1.84?A)*Q and is less than (1.84+A)*Q, wherein I is measured in amperes; Q is the total flow rate (m3/h); and A is a positive number and less than 1.05.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2005Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Elgressy Engineering Services Ltd.Inventor: Gabi Elgressy
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Publication number: 20090314656Abstract: A method of purifying cooling water which requires the lowest maintenance and management cost without the need for a cumbersome cleaning operation for removing scale in an electrolytic purifying vessel by taking out the electrodes from the electrolytic purifying vessel, and an apparatus therefor are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2007Publication date: December 24, 2009Inventor: Takayuki Nakano
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Publication number: 20090308736Abstract: Apparatus and methods for separating different polynucleotide populations in a mixture are provided, wherein different polynucleotides or polynucleotide populations are captured on different solid support. After hybridization, polynucleotides are selectively released from a selected support by altering a physical property of that support. The released polynucleotides can be eluted from a common flow path and isolated.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2009Publication date: December 17, 2009Applicant: LIFE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION, a Delaware CorporationInventors: Janice G. Shigeura, Jer-Kang Chen, John Shigeura
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Publication number: 20090277783Abstract: The present invention refers to a machine, such as a washing machine, in particular a dishwashing machine and a clothes washing machine, an ironing machine, a food cooking oven and a boiling pan of the kind intended for use in professional kitchens, such machine being provided with water heating means 6,l 36, 46) and being further provided with a device adapted to curb and reduce scale formation. A machine provided according to the present invention is characterized in that it comprises an electrolytic cell (2, 22, 32, 42) eluting zinc ions in the process water, and in that it further comprises sensor means (11, 211, 211a, 311, 411) and processing means (12, 212, 312, 412) for determining the (Zn)-to-(Ca) ratio, i.e. the ratio of the concentration by weight of zinc to the concentration by weight of calcium in said water.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2009Publication date: November 12, 2009Applicant: Electrolux Professional S. p. A.Inventors: Fabio Sinatra, Michele Toppano, Giuseppe Dreossi, Franco Tassan-Mangina
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Patent number: 7604728Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of generating hydrogen or oxygen from an aqueous solution within a flow cell by applying a high frequency AC signal to the flow cell. The present invention further relates to an apparatus for generating hydrogen or oxygen from an aqueous solution, and a method of generating hydrogen peroxide in an aqueous solution.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2006Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: BioIonix, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth J. Schlager
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Patent number: 7605326Abstract: A solar electrolysis power co-generation system includes a solar electrolysis source and a control unit. The solar electrolysis source includes a solar panel, an electrolysis unit, a hermetically sealed compressor, a hydrogen tank, and a hydrogen-powered fuel cell and produces, compresses, and stores hydrogen gas that is used to fuel the fuel cell. The control unit includes an inverter, a microprocessor, and a modem. The control unit connects the solar electrolysis power source with a power grid and with an individual consumer having an electrical load. The power co-generation system utilizes the electrolysis of water and solar energy to power a fuel cell. The energy produced with the fuel cell may be provided to an existing power gird as well as to an individual consumer. Further a method for decentralized power co-generation includes the step of providing a plurality of solar electrolysis power co-generation systems.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2003Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Inventor: Christopher M. Anderson
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Publication number: 20090205974Abstract: Disclosed are methods for controlling molecular interactions where at least one member of a pair of chemical entities having a pH-dependent affinity is immobilized on the surface of an electrode. By changing the potential difference between the electrode and a counter electrode, the affinity of the pair of chemical entities is changed, changing the tendency of the pair to bind or to dissociate. Disclosed are also devices useful for implementing the methods of the present invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2007Publication date: August 20, 2009Inventors: Uri Sivan, Elad Brod
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Publication number: 20090173635Abstract: Methods and systems for generating biocidal solution having a predetermined level of available free chlorine and pH, including an electrolytic cell that generates the biocidal solution by an electrolytic reaction, the electrolytic cell including an input pipe for receiving an input brine solution, an anode chamber including an anode and a cathode chamber including a cathode separated by a separator, electrical connections for application of voltage to the anode and cathode; temperature sensing means for detecting a temperature of a solution of the electrolytic cell and outputting a signal indicative of the detected temperature; and process control means for adjusting the voltage applied to the electrolytic cell by the process control means thereby maintaining the level of available free chlorine and pH at the predetermined level in response to the signal output from the temperature sensing means.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2008Publication date: July 9, 2009Applicant: PURICORE, INC.Inventors: Bruno Tongiani, Claire Sampson
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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: 7550113Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for an a system for maintaining hydrogen purity in an electrical power generator. The purity system includes: a generator, a hydrogen generator configured to provide hydrogen gas to the generator, a purity monitor for detecting the level of hydrogen purity in the generator and providing a signal when the purity drops below a predetermined threshold. The system automatically compensates for gas loss or contamination to maintain the desired level of efficiency in the electrical generator.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: A. John Speranza, Luisa Gudino
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Publication number: 20090120804Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing coatings from metal components, such as metal components used in aircraft and other aerospace vehicles and the oil industry, as well as aqueous bath compositions. The metal component may be DC coupled with a counter electrode and immersed in an aqueous bath that includes an active oxygen source and a ligand in a composition effective to remove the coating. The aqueous bath may include hydrogen peroxide as the active oxygen source and may be maintained in a specific pH range if the temperature of the aqueous bath is controlled. In an alternative embodiment, the composition of the aqueous bath may include a non-peroxide active oxygen source, such as sodium perborate, and be maintained in a different specific pH range. An oxygen sensor may be provided to periodically monitor the concentration of active oxygen in the aqueous bath.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2008Publication date: May 14, 2009Applicant: AEROMET TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: David C. Fairbourn, Max Sorenson
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Patent number: 7507323Abstract: A water treatment system includes a circulation pump and an electrolytic chamber in fluid communication with a main body of water. Electrolytic plates within the electrolytic chamber generate chlorine. When mineral deposits foul the electrolytic plates, water is isolated within the electrolytic chamber and a minimal amount of a pH-reducing agent is added to the electrolytic chamber to remove the mineral deposits. In a first embodiment, the pH-reducing agent is admitted on a periodic timed basis. In a second embodiment, the pH-reducing agent is added when the pH of the main body of water falls below a predetermined threshold. In both embodiments, cleaning is accomplished by adding the pH-reducing agent when the circulation pump is not operating so that the acid dwells within the electrolytic chamber for a sufficient amount of time. Activation of the circulation pump causes the pH-reducing agent to enter the main body of water.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2004Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Maytal Tech, Inc.Inventor: Omer C. Eyal
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Publication number: 20090071951Abstract: When power begins to be supplied to a heater, open loop control is selected as the power supply control method to supply a predetermined power to the heater. After that, the control method is switched to feedback control to set the power to be supplied to the heater based on the difference between the target temperature and the actual temperature of the sensor chip if a predetermined period of time in which the difference between the target temperature and the actual temperature is expected to fall within a predetermined reference difference has passed since power began to be supplied to the heater.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2006Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yusuke Suzuki
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Patent number: 7504016Abstract: This invention relates to a method for controlling additions of powder materials into an electrolytic cell designed for the production of aluminium by fused bath electrolysis. The method according to the invention, which can easily be automated, can be used to maintain monitoring of operation of the feed even during anode effects.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2004Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Aluminum PechineyInventors: Claude Ritter, BenoƮt Sulmont
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Patent number: 7494582Abstract: The present invention relates to an electroionic apparatus for treating an aqueous solution, including a flow cell through which the aqueous solution may flow, and a high frequency AC power source. A pair of electrodes within the flow cell are in contact with the aqueous solution and coupled to the AC power source. The AC power source generates a signal that is transmitted to the electrodes to generate an electromagnetic field and an ionic current within the aqueous solution in the flow cell. Each electrode includes a plurality of perforations defined through the plate electrode. Electrodes within the flow cell may be formed of materials having a catalytic effect upon the electroionic reactions within the flow cell.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2006Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Bioionix, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth J. Schlager, Dale Buechler
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Publication number: 20090045067Abstract: A method and apparatus are set forth capable of processing a substrate with a high uniformity within the surface area even for a thin feeding layer. The method comprises arranging a counter electrode and the substrate to confront each other; providing a membrane between the counter electrode and the substrate to define a substrate side region and a counter electrode side region. The substrate side region and the counter electrode side region are capable of accommodating respective electrolytes. The substrate side region and the counter electrode side region are supplied with respective electrolytes having different specific resistances. A processing current is also supplied between the substrate and the counter electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2008Publication date: February 19, 2009Inventors: Koji Mishima, Kunihito Ide, Hidenao Suzuki, Kazufumi Nomura, Hiroyuki Kanda
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Patent number: 7459064Abstract: A solar electrolysis power source includes a solar panel, an electrolysis unit, a hermetically sealed compressor, a hydrogen tank, and a fuel cell. By utilizing the electrolysis of water powered by solar energy, the solar electrolysis power source enables a safe, environmentally benign, and cost-effective method of power generation. Furthermore, by combining the production, the compression, the storage of hydrogen, as well as the delivery of the hydrogen to the fuel cell in one hermetically sealed unit currently existing problems with the production, storage delivery, and refueling of hydrogen can be eliminated. The solar electrolysis power source uses hydrogen gas that is hermetically sealed from production to use.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2003Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventor: Christopher M. Anderson
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Publication number: 20080210552Abstract: The present invention describes four preferred embodiments of an apparatus aimed to the production of a dilute solution of sodium hypochlorite. It uses the process of the electrolysis of a dilute solution of sodium chloride in water by means of two metallic electrodes immersed in the solution. The electricity needed may be delivered by a range of sources like disposable cells (alkaline), rechargeable batteries, photovoltaic modules (PVM) or electromechanical generators, like alternators or dynamos, moved by human power. All the apparatus described operate in batch mode. They are small lightweight portable units, easily transportable anywhere, in remote areas or emergency situations where chemicals or electricity is not available. Main use is the purification of drinking water, but also the production of sterilizing solutions for wound disinfection, washing etc.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2007Publication date: September 4, 2008Inventor: Giovanni Del Signore
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Patent number: 7413637Abstract: An automatic dishwashing appliance comprising an unattached electrolytic device which comprises an unattached electrochemical cell capable of generating electrolyzed water in the wash and/or rinse cycle, and more particularly to the unattached electrolytic device itself, methods of use, and articles of manufacture.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2002Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: The Procter and Gamble CompanyInventors: William Michael Scheper, Kenneth Nathan Price, Julia Elizabeth Ballas, Mario Elmen Tremblay
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Publication number: 20080128292Abstract: An electronic water treatment apparatus includes an electronic impulse generator and control box attached to a power source. An impulse chamber includes a cylindrical anode rod inside a tubular cathode and is connected to the impulse generator and control box with a low-voltage cable which is no more than about six feet long. The impulse generator and control box supply about 16 v DC power and 120-180 milliamps to the impulse chamber at between 2300 and 5200 Hertz. The discharge frequency within the impulse chamber automatically varies with the conductivity of the aqueous solution within the impulse chamber. The impulse generator and control box supply power with a waveform that includes about a two microsecond break between each positive and negative pulse to prevent corrosion of the electrodes and create the aragonite form of calcium carbonate instead of the calcite form.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2007Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventor: Sven Mierswa
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Patent number: 7381313Abstract: A method of operating an integrated hydrogen production and processing system is provided. The method includes operating an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen from water and utilizing heat generated from the electrolyzer to increase a temperature of an electrolyte in a first mode of operation. The method also includes heating the electrolyte in a second mode of operation by extracting heat from a hydrogen compressor to increase or maintain the temperature of the electrolyte during periods when electrolysis is not performed in the electrolyzer or during startup of the electrolyzer.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2005Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Cara Suzanne Libby, Richard Scott Bourgeois
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Publication number: 20080073204Abstract: In an air filtering apparatus in which power is supplied from a power supply to electrodes in an electrolytic bath to electrolyze water in the electrolytic bath and thus generate electrolytic water and the generated electrolytic water and air are supplied to a gas-liquid contact member to filter the air, a voltage varying unit varies the voltage applied between the electrodes, and includes a voltage switching unit for switching a power supply voltage, a voltage adjusting unit for adjusting the power supply voltage switched by the voltage switching unit and applying the adjusted voltage between the electrodes and a controller for controlling the voltage switching unit so that the power supply voltage is adjusted to a voltage nearest to the adjusted power supply voltage by the voltage adjusting unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 25, 2007Publication date: March 27, 2008Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Masanori Kobayashi, Mitsuhiro Dobashi
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Publication number: 20080003334Abstract: Disclosed are packaging systems and methods useful in extending the storage-life of foodstuff such as fresh fish. The packaging systems and methods can be used to transport or store the foodstuff for an extended period of time. The packaging systems preferably use a fuel cell to maintain a reduced oxygen level in the environment surrounding the foodstuff.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2007Publication date: January 3, 2008Inventors: Laurence D. BELL, David G. SCHANZER, Brian J. WESTCOTT
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Patent number: 7244348Abstract: A system and method for treating ballast water within an ocean going vessel by generating hypochlorite for treating the ballast water. The system comprises one or more hypochlorite electrolytic cells in fluid communication with a stream of ballast water. A chlorine analyzer is positioned downstream from the electrolytic cells to determine the chlorine concentration of the treated ballast water. A hydrogen separator is connected to the hypochlorite electrolytic cells for venting hydrogen. In the method of this invention, water is taken aboard the ship for ballast in one port. A treatment stream is separated from the ballast water stream and piped to hypochlorite electrolytic cells. Hypochlorite is generated into the treatment stream and the hydrogen byproduct is separated by the hydrogen separators. The treatment stream is then reintroduced to the ballast water to eliminate marine species and pathogenic bacteria from ballast water.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2005Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Severn Trent de Nora, LLCInventors: Randolfo Fernandez, David W. Hill, Rudolf C. Matousek, James B. Moore