Switch Or Connector Patents (Class 204/230.5)
-
Patent number: 7410557Abstract: At least a pair of electrodes comprising semiconductors or a semiconductor compounds are arranged to be submerged in water or a liquid of a hydrogen-containing organic compound. Applying pulse electric power between the at least one pair of the electrodes activates hydrogen atoms contained in the water or the hydrogen-containing organic compound to produce hydrogen gas. The hydrogen activating apparatus thus constructed eliminates the necessity of doping electrolysis or the like for improving an electric conductivity of the water and allows production of hydrogen from materials containing hydrogen atoms such as water and the hydrogen-containing compound or the like with a low energy.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2003Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masayoshi Kitada, Masahiro Hirota, Kosuke Niki
-
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
-
Patent number: 7138042Abstract: An electrically regeneratable battery of electrochemical cells for capacitive deionization (including electrochemical purification) and regeneration of electrodes is operated at alternate polarities during consecutive cycles. In other words, after each regeneration step operated at a given polarity in a deionization-regeneration cycle, the polarity of the deionization step in the next cycle is maintained. In one embodiment, two end electrodes are arranged one at each end of the battery, adjacent to end plates. An insulator layer is interposed between each end plate and the adjacent end electrode. Each end electrode includes a single sheet of conductive material having a high specific surface area and sorption capacity, preferably a sheet formed of carbon aerogel composite. The batter further includes a plurality of generally identical double-sided intermediate electrodes that are equidistally separated from each other, between the two end electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2004Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Tri D. Tran, David J. Lenz
-
Patent number: 7041203Abstract: Multi-directional currents are generated in a medium by cyclically reversing the direction of a conventional current applied to at least one of at least two electrodes so that an electromotive force (EMF) pulse travels from side of the electrode to the other, changing the direction of current in the medium. The multi-directional currents may be used to accelerate electrolytic processes such as generation of hydrogen by water electrolysis, to sterilize water for drinking, to supply charging current to a battery or capacitor, including a capacitive thrust module, in a way that extends the life and/or improves the performance of the battery or capacitor, to increase the range of an electromagnetic projectile launcher, and to increase the light output of a cold cathode light tube, to name just a few of the potential applications for the multi-directional currents.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2003Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Inventor: John Timothy Sullivan
-
Patent number: 6998029Abstract: Various systems and methods for protecting electrowinning anodes having electrocatalytically active coatings in a bank of electrolytic cells from being damaged by reverse currents. In the first embodiment, one or more auxiliary power sources are provided that, when triggered by one or more predetermined conditions being met, keep the bank of electrolytic cells in an electrical state that is relatively harmless to the anodes having electrocatalytically active coatings. In a second embodiment, the invention is directed to a method of maintaining the polarization of anodes in an electrowinning cell positive of the cathodes (i.e. in a potential region where the anode coating is not susceptible to significant damage). In a final embodiment, the invention is directed to various methods for the installation of replacement anodes and maintenance of electrowinning cells.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2002Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Eltech Systems CorporationInventors: Kenneth L. Hardee, Michael S. Moats, Carl W. Brown, Jr., Robert L. Wilhelm, Edward M. Halko, Zane A. Wade
-
Patent number: 6953522Abstract: A contact is disposed to come into contact with a metal layer formed on a substrate being treated, the contact being in contact with a surface being treated from an opposite surface through a through hole present in a substrate. Alternatively, a contact is disposed to come into contact with a metal layer formed on a substrate, the contact coming into contact at an approximate center of the substrate. Alternatively, a plurality of needle bodies are disposed to be in electrical contact with a metal layer of a substrate being treated, thereby power supply for electrolytic polishing/plating to a substrate being treated being implemented, without restricting to a periphery of a substrate, from a plurality of points on a surface thereof. Due to any one of these, liquid treatment equipment enables to improve uniformity in plane of an electric current sent to a surface being treated and of liquid treatment.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2001Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Kyungho Park, Wataru Okase, Takenobu Matsuo
-
Patent number: 6893551Abstract: A process for forming oxide based dense ceramic composite coatings on reactive metal and allow bodies involves suspension of at least two reactive metal or alloy bodies in a non-metallic, non-conducting, non-reactive chamber in such a way that it causes either partial or full immersion of the bodies in a continuously circulating electrolyte. Thyristor controlled, modified shaped wave multiphase alternating current power supply is applied across the bodies where in each body is connected to an electrode. Electric current supplied to the bodies is slowly increased to a particular value till the required current density is achieved and the maintained at the same level throughout the process. Visible arcing at the surface of the immersed regions of the bodies is identified when the applied electric potential crosses 60V. Electric potential is further increased gradually to compensate the increasing resistance of the coating.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2002Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI)Inventors: Lingamaneni Rama Krishna, Alexander Vasilyevich Rybalko, Govindan Sundararajan
-
Patent number: 6780293Abstract: A floatable sanitizer employs a plurality of electrodes to contact a body of water in order to achieve a near maintenance-free sanitizing chemical generator. In one embodiment, the sanitizing chemical is chlorine and the chlorine is generated by an electrolytic process. The electrolytic reaction may be powered by photovoltaic cells, making the apparatus self-contained and able to float freely within a body of water. In one embodiment, the energy source is channeled through a polarity-reversing module. The polarity-reversing module alternates the direction of the current generated by the photovoltaic cells at a predetermined time interval. The reversing of the polarity reduces scale build-up and prevents corrosion of the metal electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2001Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Inventors: Dell R. Munk, Stanley S. Munk
-
Patent number: 6780304Abstract: A device as described for the generation of high purity carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) by electrochemical decomposition of aqueous solutions of liquid and solid organic acids. A d.c. power source is used to apply a pre-selected current to an electrochemical cell, consisting of an ion permeable membrane and two electrodes. The generation rate of CO2 and H2 are continuous and proportional to the applied current; it can be stopped instantaneously by interrupting the current. Small battery operated generators can produce propellant CO2 and H2 to deliver fluids from containers other uses include the creation of anaerobic environments in incubation chambers.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Inventor: Henri J. R. Maget
-
Patent number: 6689259Abstract: The present invention is a device, which generates a hydrogen and oxygen gas, preferably used for welding. The hydrogen and oxygen gas is generated by an electrolyzing process. Electrolyte is pumped into the hydrogen-oxygen generator where the gas is separated from the electrolyte by applying a direct current voltage across the generator. Oxygen is formed in one part, hydrogen in the other and then combined to form the gas. As the gas is generated, pressure is built up. When the pressure reaches an operating pressure, the gas is pumped via the plumbing system into the electrolyte reservoir, through a filtering process, and stored in a gas reservoir that is connected to a supply line. In operation the supply line is attached to a torch.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2002Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Inventor: Dennis Klein
-
Patent number: 6679985Abstract: An electrochemical discharge machining method may include electrolytically machining a tool fed by a three-dimensional tool feeder which can accurately feed a tool in three dimensions. The electrolytic machining may be performed in a current controlled mode, during which a concentration and a height of an electrolyte may be regulated. Further, the method may include performing electrochemical discharge machining of the workpiece using the machined tool in a voltage controlled mode.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2002Date of Patent: January 20, 2004Inventors: Soo Hyun Kim, Young-Mo Lim, Hyung-Jun Lim
-
Patent number: 6666960Abstract: An electroplating current supply system includes a power supply unit for supplying an object to be plated (4) with an electroplating current whose polarity is inverted at predetermined intervals. The power supply unit includes a first DC power supply (3A) supplying a positive current and a second power supply (3B) supplying a negative current. The system includes further a processing unit (58) for controlling the ratio in magnitude and duration of the positive current (I2) to the negative current (I1) supplied to the object so as to plate the object with a uniform coating.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Assignee: Sansha Electric Manufacturing Company, LimitedInventors: Toru Arai, Makoto Sakurada, Yoshiyuki Nishioka
-
Publication number: 20030201168Abstract: The apparatus for decomposing PFCs includes an external electrode unit which is coupled to a reference voltage and which defines a flow space for the flow of the PFCs, and an internal electrode unit which is located within the flow space of the external electrode unit so as to define a reaction space between the internal electrode unit and the external electrode unit. The apparatus is also equipped with a voltage supply unit which applies an alternating voltage to the internal electrode unit which is of sufficient voltage and frequency to generate an electron beam within the reaction space which is capable of decomposing the PFCs.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2003Publication date: October 30, 2003Inventors: Seung-ki Chae, Sang-gon Lee, In-ju Lee, Kyoung-hye Lee, Yong-hee Lee, Jin-ok Jung, Young-jo Shin
-
Patent number: 6585867Abstract: In a production system of electrolyzed water A, alkaline water and acid water produced in a pair of electrode chambers 12, 23 of an electrolyzer 10 are discharged from discharge conduits 41, 42 through a flow passage changeover valve 50. The discharge conduits 41, 42 are provided at their outlet portions with manually operated faucets 43, 44 and 45, 46. Water flow sensors 81, 82 ate provided to be turned on and off in accordance with the flow of water supplied from a water supply conduit 24.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2000Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Katsuhiro Asano
-
Patent number: 6524450Abstract: In a production system of electrolyzed water A having an electrolyzer provided with electrodes 14, 15, each pair of inlet conduits 21, 22 and outlet conduits 31, 32, a pair of discharge conduits 41, 42 provided with faucets 43, 44; 45, 46 respectively, a flow passage changeover valve 50, each pair of drain conduits 61, 62 and drain valves 71, 72, a pair of flow quantity sensors 81, 82 and an electric control device 100, the electrodes 14, 15 are supplied with an electric power in response to a detection signal applied from the flow quantity sensors 81, 82 when the faucets 43, 44 or 45, 46 were opened, and simultaneously the drain valve 71 or 72 on the drain conduit 61 or 62 in connection to the discharge conduit 42 or 41 the faucets maintained in a closed condition is is opened.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2000Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasuo Hara
-
Patent number: 6488834Abstract: A razor blade sharpener utilising the principles of an electrochemical cell. The blade (10) forms an anode (−) and a cathodic plate (16) is provided in close proximity to the razor edge (12) to be sharpened. The present invention electrochemically sharpens the edge (12) of the blade tip (14) to provide a fresh, or “as new” razor blade. The blade sharpener has additional uses for sharpening, for example, kitchen knifes and surgical blades.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2000Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Inventor: Clive Alan Francis
-
Publication number: 20020170829Abstract: An electrochemical discharge machining method may include electrolytically machining a tool fed by a three-dimensional tool feeder which can accurately feed a tool in three dimensions. The electrolytic machining may be performed in a current controlled mode, during which a concentration and a height of an electrolyte may be regulated. Further, the method may include performing electrochemical discharge machining of the workpiece using the machined tool in a voltage controlled mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2002Publication date: November 21, 2002Applicant: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Soo Hyun Kim, Young-Mo Lim, Hyung-Jun Lim
-
Patent number: 6436270Abstract: A method and a device for controlling the movement of a combined alumina feeding and crust breaking chisel in an aluminum production cell, wherein the chisel is moved downwards and upwards by means of a pneumatic cylinder which is alternatively fed with pressurized air, wherein electrical contact between the chisel and the melt is detected when the chisel reaches the melt, wherein it is monitored whether said electrical contact has been reached within a predetermined time interval, and if not, air at a second, high, pressure is fed to said first, and wherein air at high pressure is fed to the second side of the cylinder after said electrical contact has been established so as to quickly withdraw the chisel from the hot melt in order to minimize heat transfer from the melt to the cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1999Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: AB Rexroth MecmanInventor: Lars-Göran Sander
-
Publication number: 20020104755Abstract: An electroplating current supply system includes a power supply unit for supplying an object to be plated (4) with an electroplating current whose polarity is inverted at predetermined intervals. The power supply unit includes a first DC power supply (3A) supplying a positive current and a second power supply (3B) supplying a negative current. The system includes further a processing unit (58) for controlling the ratio in magnitude and duration of the positive current (I2) to the negative current (I1) supplied to the object so as to plate the object with a uniform coating.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2002Publication date: August 8, 2002Inventors: Toru Arai, Makoto Sakurada, Yoshiyuki Nishioka
-
Publication number: 20020092764Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming a conductive layer and an electroplating device, and in particular, to a method of forming a conductive layer that provides an electrically-conductive layer having both characteristics of increased adhesiveness to an electroplated body and increased uniformity. The electroplating apparatus and method can produce supersonic waves for electroplating. Thus, the electroplating device can include a wave generator. The electroplating device can further include a plating bath filled with an electrolyte solution that can propagate super sonic waves, a power supply, a plated body connected electrically to a first terminal of the power supply, and a plating body connected electrically to a second terminal of the power supply where the plating body provides ions the same as dissolved in the electrolyte solution to maintain a desired concentration of dissolved ions.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2002Publication date: July 18, 2002Applicant: HYUNDAI MICROELECTRONICS CO., LTDInventors: Do-Heyoung Kim, Jae-Jeong Kim, Jae-Hee Ha
-
Patent number: 6391167Abstract: A water chlorinator comprises a housing having in-line inlet and outlet openings and a removable cover. The cover supports two electrode terminals which are spaced apart and have corresponding rods extending therefrom through concentric anode and cathode discs. Alternate discs are electrically connected to each rod. The power supply is a DC supply which includes an input bridge connected to a buck convertor and an output relay arranged to switch the output from the convertor to the electrodes of the chlorinator.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1999Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: Integrated Pool Products (Proprietary) LimitedInventor: Ingo W. Grannersberger
-
Patent number: 6387227Abstract: An oxidation electrode is formed with a front-surface-side electrode member and a back-surface-side electrode member, and two switches are provided respectively between a power supply and the front-surface-side electrode member and between the power supply and the back-surface-side electrode member. Since the front-surface-side electrode member and the back-surface-side electrode member are separate, an aluminum plate and other structures provided in a anodizing bath do not hinder a replacement of the electrode members, so that the replacement can be carried out easily and at low costs. Since the front-surface-side electrode member and the back-surface-side electrode member can be independently turned on and off for a single side treatment, the energy efficiency can be improved and switching between the single side treatment and the double treatment can be facilitated.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuya Hamanaka, Hiromitsu Nonaka
-
Patent number: 6387228Abstract: A device as described for the generation of high purity carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) by electrochemical decomposition of aqueous solutions of liquid and solid organic acids. A d.c. power source is used to apply a preselected current to an electrochemical cell, consisting of an ion permeable membrane and two electrodes. The generation rate of CO2 and H2 is continuous and proportional to the applied current; it can be stopped instantaneously by interrupting the current. Small Battery operated generators can produce propellant CO2 and H2 to deliver fluids from containers. Other uses include the creation of anaerobic environments in incubation chambers.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2000Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Inventor: Henri J. R. Maget
-
Publication number: 20020023834Abstract: A fan flow sensor for a gas generating proton exchange member electrolysis cell includes a switching device and a sail disposed in communication with the switching device. The sail is pivotally mounted and movable in response to an airflow from a fan. The sail is further configured to actuate the switching device in response to the airflow from the fan.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2001Publication date: February 28, 2002Inventors: Lawrence C. Moulthrop, Ricky S. Scott, Charles Bennet McCollough, Richard A. Dubey, A. John Speranza
-
Patent number: 6337002Abstract: In the present invention, by making an alkaline ionic water conditioner in which an electrolysis current detection device has a plurality of output means different in conversion level, and conversion levels are switched in accordance with the level of a current flowing in an electrolyte, and which has an optimum pH control function by performing duty control, in case of electrifying certain raw water, or in case of adding brine for strongly accelerating generation, when a current flowing between electrode plates is high, the conversion level of the electrolysis current detection device is lowered to generate electrolyte water of pH 10 or more. When the current is low, an electrolysis current detection range with a high resolution can be obtained by raising the conversion level, proper pH control can be performed in accordance with change in electrolysis current in the quality of raw water and adding brine.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2000Date of Patent: January 8, 2002Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masahiko Kashimoto
-
Patent number: 6224721Abstract: An electroplating apparatus including an elongated, hollow conductive anode tube having first and second ends, an inner conductive surface, and an outer conductive surface from which sacrificial plating metal may be suspended. An elongated cathode conductor is disposed within the hollow conductive anode tube, the cathode conductor having first and second ends, corresponding to the first and second ends of the anode tube, and an outer conductive surface. An insulation layer is placed between the outer surface of the cathode conductor and the inner surface of the anode tube. Power and ground cables respectively connect a power supply to the first end of the anode tube and the first end of the cathode conductor, and a conductive jumper connects the second end of the cathode conductor to an elongated cathode bar, from which articles to be plated may be suspended.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Nelson Solid Temp, Inc.Inventors: Glenn M. Nelson, Tadeusz Maslach
-
Patent number: RE38066Abstract: An electrolysis apparatus has a number of membrane electrolysis cells. Each of the cells has a membrane formed on both sides with a contact layer. The apparatus, while it is compact in its design, is also suitable for comparatively high hydrogen production rates and can consequently be used particularly flexibly. A contact plate is respectively arranged on each contact layer. Each of the contact plates is formed, on its surface facing the contact layer assigned to it, with a system of ducts for the transport of water and/or gas.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Framatome ANP GmbInventor: Anwer Puthawala