Switch Or Connector Patents (Class 204/230.5)
  • Patent number: 11828219
    Abstract: Safety of vehicles employing an electrolysis generator is improved by a rollover abatement system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: HyTech Power, LLC
    Inventors: Evan Charles Johnson, William A. Woods
  • Patent number: 10697074
    Abstract: This cell (1) comprises a pot shell (2) having two longitudinal sides (18) which are symmetrical in relation to a longitudinal median plane (P) of the electrolytic cell (1), an anode assembly which can only move in vertical translation with respect to the pot shell (2), the anode assembly comprising an anode block (100) and a transverse anode support (200) extending at right angles to the longitudinal sides (18) of the pot shell (2), from which support the anode block (100) is suspended. The anode support (200) comprises two connecting portions (202) from which electrolysis current is supplied to the anode support (200), and the cell (1) comprises electrical connection conductors (20) electrically connected to the two connecting portions (202) of the anode support (200), the two connecting portions (202) being located on either side of the plane (P).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Rio Tinto Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Steeve Renaudier, Benoit Bardet, Yves Rochet, Denis Laroche, Olivier Martin
  • Patent number: 10392719
    Abstract: An electrolytic treatment apparatus of the present disclosure includes a common electrode and a counter electrode that are disposed such that the treatment liquid is interposed therebetween. A first wiring and a second wiring are connected to the common electrode, a capacitor is provided in the first wiring. Copper ions are moved to the counter electrode side by forming an electric field in the treatment liquid when the capacitor is charged without connecting the first wiring and the second wiring to each other, and the copper ions moved to the counter electrode side are reduced by applying a voltage between the common electrode and the counter electrode when the capacitor is discharged by connecting the first wiring and the second wiring to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Tomohisa Hoshino, Masato Hamada
  • Patent number: 10344390
    Abstract: This aluminum smelter comprises a row of cells (50) arranged transversely in relation to the length of the row, the cells (50) individually comprising an anode (52), rising and connecting electrical conductors (54) running upwards along the two opposite longitudinal edges of the cell (50) to route the electrolysis current towards the anode (52), and a cathode (56) through which pass cathode conductors (55) connected to cathode outputs connected to linking conductors to route the electrolysis current to the rising and connecting electrical conductors of the next cell (50). Furthermore the aluminum smelter comprises a compensating electrical circuit separate from the electrical circuit through which the electrolysis current flows, running beneath the cells (50), through which a compensating current may flow beneath the cells (50) in a direction opposite to the overall direction of flow of the electrolysis current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Rio Tinto Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Steeve Renaudier, Benoit Bardet, Olivier Martin, Christian Duval
  • Patent number: 10041183
    Abstract: Disclosed are electrodeposition systems and methods wherein at least three electrodes are placed in a container containing a plating solution. The electrodes are connected to a polarity-switching unit and include a first electrode, a second electrode and a third electrode. The polarity-switching unit establishes a constant polarity state between the first and second electrodes in the solution during an active plating mode, wherein the first electrode has a negative polarity and the second electrode has a positive polarity, thereby allowing a plated layer to form on a workpiece at the first electrode. The polarity-switching unit further establishes an oscillating polarity state between the second and third electrodes during a non-plating mode (i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.
    Inventors: Charles L. Arvin, Harry D. Cox, Eric D. Perfecto
  • Patent number: 9845014
    Abstract: A system control method is provided for measuring a distance between a smart key and a vehicle. When the distance between the smart key and the vehicle is changed based on a predetermined distance whether a hydrogen leak occurs is detected by a hydrogen sensor detection controller. A driver is then informed of a hydrogen leak via a display on a cluster, a turn-on of an emergency light, and a warning sound of the vehicle. Alternatively, a starting-impossible state of the vehicle or shutting-down starting of the vehicle is maintained to ensure safety measures based on the concentration of the leaking hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sang Hyun Kim, Ji Hyun Shim, Ki Ho Hwang, Hyung Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 9831641
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method are described. In one embodiment, the system generates ions for use in treating vegetation to optimize growth of the vegetation. The system includes an ion generation region having a pair of dissimilar metal plates. The ion generation chamber receives a liquid and routes the liquid past the dissimilar metal plates to capture ion transfer between the dissimilar metal plates. The ions form a charged solution. The system also includes a collection region having a collection bed for storing the charged solution, and a fertigation region for dispersing the liquid. Other embodiments of the system are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: G-RO TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Gorton, Frank J Brown
  • Patent number: 9731865
    Abstract: A fluid container of a household appliance, the fluid container having a retaining region to hold fluid and which has at least one oligodynamic surface, and a household appliance that includes on such fluid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Heβ, Vladimir Proseanic, Piotr Skierman
  • Publication number: 20150136587
    Abstract: A supply of metal parts are electroplated by progressively transferring the parts with a computer controlled robot into a series of open top tanks containing solutions. The tanks have submerged metal fixtures which temporarily support the parts, and each fixture in the electroplating tank is individually connected to a direct current power source through a corresponding timer switch controlled by the computer so that each part is plated for a precise time period independently of the time the part remains in the plating solution. Each fixture is coated with an insulation material and has a base with metal contact with a removable fixture member having limited metal line contact with the supporting part. A plurality of electroplating lines each include the above components, and common tanks in the lines receive an electroplating solution recirculated through a common filter and service tank where the solution is heated and controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: John J. Buschur
  • Publication number: 20150075974
    Abstract: A self-breathing electrochemical oxygenerator includes an outer housing including an upper housing part and a lower housing part. A cavity formed by the upper housing part includes a battery installation cavity, a controller installation cavity and an electrochemical assembly installation cavity. Batteries are installed within the battery installation cavity. A controller is installed within the controller installation cavity. A self-breathing electrochemical pure oxygen generation assembly is installed within the electrochemical assembly installation cavity. An upper housing body of the upper housing part corresponding to the electrochemical assembly installation cavity has air holes. After the external oxygen output pipe is blocked, through timely manual operation, the pressure within the pure oxygen generation assembly is ensured to fall within a normal range, so as to ensure that the pure oxygen generation assembly works normally, thereby ensuring long service life of the oxygenerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Applicant: WUXI GREENSTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mingruo Hu, Akira Ogasawara, Guangyi Cao
  • Publication number: 20150034496
    Abstract: A washing device includes a container (10) in which aqueous solution is contained, an adsorption electrode (11) which is placed in the container (10) and on which adsorption and desorption of ions in the aqueous solution can be brought about, a counter electrode (12) which is placed in the container (10) so as to face the adsorption electrode (11), a direct-current power source (20) for applying a voltage between the adsorption electrode (11) and the counter electrode (12), and a switching circuit (30) for switching polarity of the voltage applied between the adsorption electrode (11) and the counter electrode (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Takeshi Kawazu, Hirotsugu Yano, Akira Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8936704
    Abstract: Systems and methods for generating hydrogen by electrolysis of water from a volatile power source may facilitate adjusting the operating capacity of an electrolysis stack based on measurements of the electricity output of the power source. In various embodiments, capacity adjustment is achieved by incorporating fewer or more cells of the electrolysis stack into a closed electrical circuit including the incorporated cells in series with the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Haiming Li
  • Publication number: 20150001086
    Abstract: A refurbishing method, refurbishing apparatus and refurbished article are provided. The refurbishing method includes accessing a plurality of rotatable components attached to a turbine assembly, the turbine assembly being a portion of a turbomachine, providing a predetermined volume of a buffered electrolytic solution in an electro-polishing tank, coupling the plurality of rotatable components to a power supply, immersing an immersion portion of at least one of the plurality of rotatable components in the buffered electrolytic solution, passing an electrical energy through the immersion portion of at least one of the plurality of rotatable components while the immersion portion is immersed in the buffered electrolytic solution, wherein an electrical flux to the immersion portion electro-polishes the immersion portion, separating the immersion portion from the buffered electrolytic solution, and applying a corrosion inhibitor to the plurality of rotatable components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Paul Stephen DIMASCIO, Alston Ilford SCIPIO, Dale J. DAVIS, Sanji EKANAYAKE
  • Patent number: 8900440
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for detecting one or more chemical or biological species, which can either react in a redox reaction or directly or indirectly generate a molecule, which can react in a redox reaction, wherein current generated by said redox reaction is detected at at least one electrode, comprising the following steps: 1. Positioning a quantity of the species or molecule, which quantity varies over time, on, at or in the vicinity of the at least one electrode within a period t1-t2, 2. switching the at least one electrode back and forth multiple times during the period t1-t2 between two different potentials, such that relative to a reference electrode, it assumes potentials that are in the range of the oxidation potential of said species or of said molecule or above it or in the range of the reduction potential of said species or said molecule or under it, as a result of which said species/said molecule is alternatingly reduced and oxidized, and 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Eric Nebling, Joerg Albers
  • Publication number: 20140291158
    Abstract: In order to provide a coating facility for coating workpieces, which includes a dip tank, into which the workpieces are introducible in order to coat them, a current conversion system for providing a coating current, which is feedable through the dip tank to coat the workpieces, and an electrode, which is configured to be arranged in the dip tank and which is electrically connected to the current conversion system, which coating facility is configured to be flexibly and reliably operated, it is proposed that the current conversion system comprises a current conversion unit, which includes a power switch and an isolating transformer, the power switch being connectable on the input side to a supply current source and being connected on the output side to the isolating transformer and the isolating transformer being connected on the input side to the power switch and on the output side to an electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Dürr Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Pregenzer, Michael Dieterich
  • Publication number: 20140251814
    Abstract: A method of plating a metal layer on a work piece includes exposing a surface of the work piece to a plating solution, and supplying a first voltage at a negative end of a power supply source to an edge portion of the work piece. A second voltage is supplied to an inner portion of the work piece, wherein the inner portion is closer to a center of the work piece than the edge portion. A positive end of the power supply source is connected to a metal plate, wherein the metal plate and the work piece are spaced apart from each other by, and are in contact with, the plating solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen-Yuan Kao, Hung-Wen Su, Minghsing Tsai
  • Patent number: 8636878
    Abstract: This is a device and process to generate alternating current without an external source for cell-houses in electro-winning or electro-refining of copper or other products in which the electric source consists of a conventional rectifier-transformer group that supplies continuous electrical current to the cell-house, which is connected in parallel to a device characterized by having the capacity to extract an electrical current from the cell-house for a period of time and then return it in another period of time, whether periodically or semi-periodically and without changing the average value of the electrical current, supplied to the cell-house by the rectifier-transformer. This results in an electrical current in the cell-house that is the superimposition of a continuous and alternating current. This process is designed to overcome the barrier of electric potential produced by the presence of the pure continuous electric field in cell-houses through the electric agitation of an ion-rich electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hecker Electronics de Potencia y Procesos S.A.
    Inventor: Juan Pablo Bustos Robledo
  • Patent number: 8535492
    Abstract: A system providing selective spin modification and reaction in an electrolytic cell. An electrolytic cell is coupled to a magnet that provides a level-splitting magnetic field in a region of electrolyte adjacent to a working electrode, thus establishing a spin resonance for an unpaired electron associated with a chemical species in the region of electrolyte adjacent to the working electrode. The working electrode carries an excitation current produced by a switching source or amplifier. The excitation current produces an alternating magnetic field adjacent to the working electrode that alters the spin state population density for the unpaired electron associated with a chemical species within the electrolyte, thereby enhancing or inhibiting the reaction of the chemical species during subsequent electrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Inventor: Mehlin Dean Matthews
  • Publication number: 20130180847
    Abstract: This disclosure enables high-productivity fabrication of porous semiconductor layers (made of single layer or multi-layer porous semiconductors such as porous silicon, comprising single porosity or multi-porosity layers). Some applications include fabrication of MEMS separation and sacrificial layers for die detachment and MEMS device fabrication, membrane formation and shallow trench isolation (STI) porous silicon (using porous silicon formation with an optimal porosity and its subsequent oxidation). Further, this disclosure is applicable to the general fields of photovoltaics, MEMS, including sensors and actuators, stand-alone, or integrated with integrated semiconductor microelectronics, semiconductor microelectronics chips and optoelectronics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Takao Yonehara, Subramanian Tamilmani, Karl-Josef Kramer, Jay Ashjaee, Mehrdad M. Moslehi, Yasuyoshi Miyaji, Noriyuki Hayashi, Takamitsu Inahara
  • Publication number: 20130154061
    Abstract: An anodizing apparatus for causing an anodizing reaction to substrates immersed in an electrolyte solution. The apparatus includes a storage tank for storing the electrolyte solution, a holder for holding a plurality of substrates in liquid-tight contact with circumferential surfaces of the substrates, a moving mechanism for moving the holder between a transfer position outside the storage tank and a treating position inside the storage tank, and a closing device disposed in the storage tank for cooperating with the holder to complete a liquid-tight closure of the circumferential surfaces of the substrates held by the holder. Chemical reaction treatment is carried out with the circumferential surfaces of the substrates placed in a liquid-tight state. After the chemical reaction treatment is completed, the closing device is made inoperative and the holder is moved away from the treating position to unload the substrates from the storage tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicants: SOLEXEL, INC., DAINIPPON SCREEN MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dainippon Screen MFG. Co., Ltd., Solexel, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130140190
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method, apparatus and system for sorting ions. According to some embodiments of the present invention, ions may be sorted to produce hydrogen gas from water. The apparatus may include a first electric field source, an insulation layer to electrically isolate the first field sources from the water, a first deionization surface within a field line of the first field source; and a conductor connected to the first deionization surface and adapted to discharge charge built up due to attracted ions at the first deionization surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: HPT (HYDROGEN PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY) AG
    Inventor: HPT(Hydrogen Production Technology) AG
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130056350
    Abstract: An ion water device, constructed with an ionization container holding raw water to be ionized; and an ionizing electrode unit disposed at one side of the ionizing container, with only one electrode, either an anode or a cathode, directly contacting the raw water. An ionization water control unit controls the ionizing electrode unit in accordance with a user's signal, and a power supply supplying electrode power to the ionizing electrode unit according to a control of the ionizing control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: IONFARMS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jong-Ho Sin
  • Patent number: 8323462
    Abstract: A device for adjustment of the pH of a target liquid includes a working electrode (10), an electrolyte chamber (16) which holds an electrolyte (14), a counter electrode (12) in electrical contact with the electrolyte, a junction (18) which spaces the electrolyte from a target liquid (20) when the working electrode is in contact therewith, and a source of current (22), for supplying current to the working electrode for electrolysis of water at the working electrode, whereby the pH of the target solution is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: Miklos Gratzl, Gautam Nithyanand Shetty
  • Patent number: 8293078
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (50) and a method for short-circuiting a specified electrolysis in a row of electrolysis cells intended for the production of aluminum. This device includes a bridging member (60) including at least two opposite contact arms and at least one bridging conductor electrically that electrically connects the contact arms. The contact arms are shaped like a wedge. The device further includes a clasping member (70) including a frame and a least two opposite thrust members. The clasping member (70) is fit to embrace the bridging member (60) so that each thrust member bears on each contact arm and so that, upon moving the contact arms with respect to the clasping member, each thrust member urges the corresponding contact arm towards the conductors (201, 202) inserted between the contact arms, so as to create and secure a short-circuit. The invention makes it possible to short-circuit electrolysis cells with increased amperages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Rio Tinto Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Serge Despinasse, Yves Rochet, Olivier Martin
  • Publication number: 20120137882
    Abstract: A method for electrolytically producing alkaline water comprises the steps of (a) providing an electrolytic cell (50) containing at least one anode electrode (30) and at least one cathode electrode (40) in a spaced manner, without a separator or a diaphragm arranged between at least one anode electrode (30) and at least one cathode electrode (40), both the anode and cathode electrodes being made of magnesium; (b) supplying water to the electrolytic cell (50); and (c) applying a direct current across at least one anode electrode and at least one cathode electrode for causing electrolysis of water in the electrolytic cell (50) to produce alkaline water. An apparatus (100) corresponding to the method and the use of the alkaline water produced by the method are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Hwee Hong Chew
  • Patent number: 8172159
    Abstract: Macroscopic volumes of fluid can be moved across a surface, including windshields, without mechanical assistance. Insulated electrodes, which for windshields and windows are preferably transparent, are embedded in the surface of the windshield. Varying voltages are supplied to the electrodes to generate intense surface fringe electric fields moving in a given direction across the surface. The intense surface fringe electric fields exert strong electrical forces on the polar molecules of the fluid. These forces move the fluid in specific directions dependent on the geometry of the electrode array and the manner in which voltage is applied to each electrode within an array of electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: WCH Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Walter Charles Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20120061244
    Abstract: An electric contact in the outer edge thereof, is used for electroplating substrates, e.g. as a wafer in a cup plater. In order to obtain an even electroplating result, at least two electrolytic partial cells are formed which are supplied with current by respective electroplating current sources (9?) and (9?) that can be individually adjusted. The partial cathode (12?) and the associated partial anode (7?) are supplied in the region of the diametrically remote partial cathode (12?). Conversely, the partial cathode (12?) is supplied via the base layer of the partial cathode (12?). The required levelling of the layer thickness distribution is inter alia carried out by alternate different adjustments of the quantity of the electroplating current of the two partial cells and by the electrodes (7,12) that rotate relative to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: SOMONT GMBH
    Inventor: Egon Engmark Hübel
  • Patent number: 8114265
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Recherche 2000 Inc.
    Inventors: Said Berriah, Michel Veillette, Gilles J. Tremblay
  • Publication number: 20120018297
    Abstract: This is a device and process to generate alternating current without an external source for cell-houses in electro-winning or electro-refining of copper or other products in which the electric source consists of a conventional rectifier-transformer group that supplies continuous electrical current to the cell-house, which is connected in parallel to a device characterized by having the capacity to extract an electrical current from the cell-house for a period of time and then return it in another period of time, whether periodically or semi-periodically and without changing the average value of the electrical current, supplied to the cell-house by the rectifier-transformer. This results in an electrical current in the cell-house that is the superimposition of a continuous and alternating current. This process is designed to overcome the barrier of electric potential produced by the presence of the pure continuous electric field in cell-houses through the electric agitation of an ion-rich electrolyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: Hecker Electronica De Potencia Y Processos S.A.
    Inventor: Juan Pablo Bustos Robledo
  • Publication number: 20120000784
    Abstract: An anodizing method for growing an anodized layer on a surface of aluminum in electrolyte is disclosed. The method comprises applying a DC/AC-combined pulse wave between an anode and a cathode. The DC/AC-combined pulse wave is provided by combining a DC pulse wave with an AC wave, and has a peak voltage at a start point of each pulse. The grown anodized layer may be equal to or less than 300 ?m in thickness, and the diameter of a cell in the anodized layer may range between 50 nm and 100 nm. The power supply used for anodizing may comprise a rectifying modulator unit, an AC modulating unit, a pulse wave synthesizing unit, and a control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: KOST CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yong-Bong Shin
  • Publication number: 20110272290
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods for electrochemical analysis of arsenic are described. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting arsenic (III) by, at least in part, applying electrolytic current to an arsenic compound that has not been reduced with a reducing agent. In another embodiment, a method for electrochemical analysis of arsenic includes detecting arsenic (V) by, at least in part, applying electrolytic current to an arsenic compound that has not been reduced with a reducing agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Inventors: Purnendu K. Dasgupta, Mrinal K. Sengupta
  • Patent number: 8043486
    Abstract: A system providing selective spin modification and reaction in an electrolytic cell. An electrolytic cell is coupled to a magnet that provides a level-splitting magnetic field in a region of electrolyte adjacent to a working electrode, thus establishing a spin resonance for an unpaired electron associated with a chemical species in the region of electrolyte adjacent to the working electrode. The working electrode carries an excitation current produced by a switching source or amplifier. The excitation current produces an alternating magnetic field adjacent to the working electrode that alters the spin state population density for the unpaired electron associated with a chemical species within the electrolyte, thereby enhancing or inhibiting the reaction of the chemical species during subsequent electrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventor: Mehlin Dean Matthews
  • Patent number: 8007642
    Abstract: An electrochemical gas generator is provided with an electrolysis cell (1) with a housing, which is closed by a gas-permeable membrane (2) for the escape of the test or calibrating gas. A cathode (5) is provided formed of a noble metal, a mixture of noble metals or a material containing carbon. The cathode is in direct contact with an electrolyte (7) disposed in the housing. An anode (4) is provided formed of a noble metal, a mixture of noble metals or a material containing carbon. The anode is in direct contact with an electrolyte (7). The electrolyte (7) contains a carboxylic acid salt. A control unit (6) is provided that acts as a current source and which is connected to the electrodes (4, 5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Kerstin Caro, Peter Tschuncky, Herbert Kiesele
  • Publication number: 20110180411
    Abstract: When a controller turns on a relay, a closed circuit constituted by a power supply device, a wire, a resistance, a relay and wires is formed. This causes a current to flow through the closed circuit. The power supply device performs constant current control. The controller compares a measured voltage value output from a voltage detecting circuit with a preset reference voltage value. In the case of no connection failure of the wire, the measured voltage value substantially equals to the reference voltage value. In the case of connection failure of the wire, the measured voltage value is larger than the reference voltage value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenichirou NISHIWAKI
  • Publication number: 20110135565
    Abstract: A method of producing hydrogen from sodium hydroxide and water is disclosed. The method comprises separating sodium from a first aqueous sodium hydroxide stream in a sodium ion separator, feeding the sodium produced in the sodium ion separator to a sodium reactor, reacting the sodium in the sodium reactor with water, and producing a second aqueous sodium hydroxide stream and hydrogen. The method may also comprise reusing the second aqueous sodium hydroxide stream by combining the second aqueous sodium hydroxide stream with the first aqueous sodium hydroxide stream. A system of producing hydrogen is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis N. Bingham, Kerry M. Klingler, Terry D. Turner, Bruce M. Wilding, Lyman Frost
  • Publication number: 20110120885
    Abstract: A cooling tower water management system is disclosed. A water treatment module is positioned in a water circulation line in a cooling tower. The water treatment module comprises a treatment cell having a cathodic tube and an anodic rod within the tube. A controller and power supply create a pulsed electrical potential across water in the treatment cell from the cathode to the anode to perform electrolysis on the water. Suspended and dissolved solids in the water are built up on a surface within the treatment cell. The controller can initiate a regeneration cycle to remove the built up solids from the surface. The regeneration comprises switching the electrical contact from the anode to a portion of the cathodic tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: Earthwise Environmental Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Miller, Robert C. Warnecke
  • Publication number: 20110114506
    Abstract: An electrolysis device to separate water into its more economically valuable constituent hydrogen and oxygen gases. A neutral plate is interleaved between every magnetically charged electrode in an electrode stack to provide a means of spark suppression, a physical barrier between the hydrogen gas created at the cathode and oxygen gas created at the cathode, and to reduce deterioration of electrode surfaces caused by alternating polarity from an anode state to a cathode state. Scale of electrolysis cell electrodes are partially cleaned through a cycling of system polarity through a neutral electrode period. A means is provided to isolate and segregate dissociated hydrogen and oxygen gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Timothy Fletcher
  • Publication number: 20110100837
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the processing of fluids and/or their carriers. Carriers may comprise pipes, tubes and the like or reservoirs for the distribution and/or storage of fluids. In one form, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus that is suitable for use in the treatment of various fluids, such as water, by introducing at least one chemically active metal into the water and its carriers for disinfection of the water in a controlled manner. The invention also relates to a biasing means for displacement of an electrode arrangement to allow for the introduction of ions into a fluid at a controlled or easily monitored rate that is commensurate with the amount of fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: WONDER WATER PTY LTD
    Inventor: William Ernest BRIGGS
  • Patent number: 7901547
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical device for impeding corrosion of a metal body. The electrical device includes a driver circuit including at least one inductive component. The driver circuit is suitable for driving one or more pads coupled to the metal body so that corrosion of the metal body is impeded. A control circuit is provided for controlling the operation of the driver circuit. A feedback circuit provides feedback from the driver circuit to the control circuit. The driver circuit can operate as a resonant circuit, owing to the at least one inductive component, and ballast energy applied to the pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Couplertec Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Robin Richardson
  • Patent number: 7879205
    Abstract: A hydrogen generating apparatus, capable of controlling the amount of hydrogen generation, has an electrolyzer, which is filled with an aqueous electrolyte solution containing hydrogen ions, a first electrode, which is accommodated in the electrolyzer, is submerged in the aqueous electrolyte solution, and generates electrons, a second electrode, which is accommodated in the electrolyzer, is submerged in the aqueous electrolyte solution, and receives the electrons to generate hydrogen, 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: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-Hyoung Gil, Jae-Hyuk Jang, Arunabha Kundu, Sung-Han Kim, Kyoungsoo Chae
  • Publication number: 20100243434
    Abstract: Small, autonomous, low cost electrochemical gas generators containing an electrochemical cell assembly, a commercially available battery and a current controlling mechanism. Current control, which defines the gas generation rate, is achieved either electronically by means of a resistor or through mass transfer control by means of a gas permeable film of known permeability. In either case, the gas generation rates are generally from 0.1 to 10 cc/day. The gas source must contain an electrochemically active gas such as oxygen or hydrogen. Air is the preferred source for oxygen. These miniature gas generators, generally are less than 1.5 cm in diameter and length, require novel, compact, electrochemical cell assemblies. Various cell assemblies, generally 1 cm in diameter and less than 05 mm thick, are described. These miniature gas generators are used for the controlled release of fluids such as pheromones, fragrances, insect repellents, and the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Henri J.R. MAGET
  • Patent number: 7724499
    Abstract: Electrolyte transistor including a gate structure, two sources/drains, an electrolyte layer and a buried conductive layer is provided. The gate structure including a gate dielectric layer and a gate is located above a substrate. The two sources/drains are separated from each other and located above the substrate on each side the gate structure. The electrolyte layer is located between and contacts the two sources/drains, and located between and contacts the gate structure and the substrate. The buried conductive layer is located between the electrolyte layer and the substrate. The electrolyte layer between the two sources/drains includes a channel. The conductivity of the electrolyte layer between the two sources/drains is changed by a redox reaction, so as to turn on or turn off the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Cha-Hsin Lin
  • Publication number: 20100038251
    Abstract: Techniques for manufacturing carbon nanotube network-based nano-composites are provided. In some embodiments, a nano-composite manufacturing method includes forming a carbon nanotube (CNT) network, immersing the CNT network into an electroplating solution, applying electrical energy, and relaying the electrical energy flow to produce a nano-composite having uniform conductive bridges on the CNT network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: SNU R&DB FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Yong Hyup Kim, Tae June Kang
  • Publication number: 20090134006
    Abstract: A system providing selective spin modification and reaction in an electrolytic cell. An electrolytic cell is coupled to a magnet that provides a level-splitting magnetic field in a region of electrolyte adjacent to a working electrode, thus establishing a spin resonance for an unpaired electron associated with a chemical species in the region of electrolyte adjacent to the working electrode. The working electrode carries an excitation current produced by a switching source or amplifier. The excitation current produces an alternating magnetic field adjacent to the working electrode that alters the spin state population density for the unpaired electron associated with a chemical species within the electrolyte, thereby enhancing or inhibiting the reaction of the chemical species during subsequent electrolysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: MEHLIN DEAN MATTHEWS
  • Publication number: 20090127104
    Abstract: An electrochemical structure is disclosed, including a first electrochemically active element and an electrolyte, arranged near or in contact with the first electrochemically active element. In at least one embodiment, the electrolyte is deformable and/or movable between a first state, wherein the structure provides a first electric characteristic, and a second state, wherein the structure provides a second, different electric characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Tommi Remonen, David Nilsson, Petronella Norberg
  • Publication number: 20090122465
    Abstract: Electrolyte transistor including a gate structure, two sources/drains, an electrolyte layer and a buried conductive layer is provided. The gate structure including a gate dielectric layer and a gate is located above a substrate. The two sources/drains are separated from each other and located above the substrate on each side the gate structure. The electrolyte layer is located between and contacts the two sources/drains, and located between and contacts the gate structure and the substrate. The buried conductive layer is located between the electrolyte layer and the substrate. The electrolyte layer between the two sources/drains includes a channel. The conductivity of the electrolyte layer between the two sources/drains is changed by a redox reaction, so as to turn on or turn off the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventor: Cha-Hsin Lin
  • Patent number: 7513978
    Abstract: An electro-galvanic hydrogen generator system that has two or more anode materials; a cathode material; and an electrolyte. The electrolyte comprises a metal hydride, at least one stabilizing agent, and a solvent. Hydrogen gas is generated whenever an anode material and the cathode material are electrically connected, and the different anode materials can be used separately or in combination to control the quantity and rate of hydrogen generation. An insulating shield may be used to catch reaction debris from the anodes. A removable inert layer may cover the electrodes. The use of cell pressure may regulate the rate of hydrogen generation. The hydrogen generator may have a separate catalyst chamber, and the hydrogen generator may also function as a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: Phillip J. Petillo
  • Patent number: 7429314
    Abstract: Device for equipment of a cell (1) comprising an electrolytic bath (4) covered with a crust (5), with a chisel (13) that can be moved vertically between a high position in which it is above the crust (5) and a low position in which the crust (5) is perforated and in which contact is made with the bath (4), the device (11) comprising means of detecting electrical contact between the chisel (13) and the bath (4), these means comprising an electrical circuit (19) capable of making an electrical measurement between the chisel (13) and a point (20) in the cell used as an electrical reference, and taking immediate action on the actuator to cause vertical upwards displacement of the chisel when a predetermined value of an electrical measurement is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Aluminium Pechiney
    Inventors: Sebastien Couvreur, Jerome Bos, Silvino Caetano, Christian Dreyer
  • Publication number: 20080202942
    Abstract: A water separation apparatus is provided to separate hydrogen and oxygen from water that includes a reaction chamber containing a plurality of spaced apart conductive plates, a positive electrical terminal electrically connected to one of the conductive plates, and a negative electrical terminal electrically connected to another of the conductive plates. A mixture of water and a catalyst is placed in the chamber and in contact with the plates. A non-conductive adjuster plate is provided to separate the chamber into a front chamber and a rear chamber, and may include at least one fluid passageway. A portion of the plates are disposed in the front chamber and a portion of the plates are disposed in the rear chamber. The adjuster plate may include a moveable member adapted to adjust the cross-sectional area of fluid passageway and thus the cross-sectional area of fluid communication between the front and rear chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: HYDROGEN PRODUCTION WERKS, LLC
    Inventors: Ernest H. Wilkinson, Stanley D. Cromer