Recirculation Patents (Class 204/234)
-
Patent number: 10794427Abstract: A non-conventional, low temperature, process for applying a thin electrically insulating coating arrangement with high density, high purity, minimal porosity, and improved adhesion strength to a steel bearing component is provided. The bearing component is formed from steel and machined or otherwise formed to a near net shape. A high purity aluminum is electro-chemically deposited on the steel bearing component using a non-aqueous electrolyte in an inert environment to form a high purity aluminum coating at least over a portion of the steel bearing component. A surface of the high purity aluminum coating is then converted by an acid-bath into aluminum oxide to form an insulating layer. A bearing component and a bearing having such components is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2016Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KGInventor: Michael White
-
Patent number: 10407790Abstract: Provided here is a method for providing a coating on a plurality of substrate particles utilizing concurrent dissolution and deposition processes occurring among a plurality of source particles. Both the plurality of source particles and the plurality of substrate particles are freely immersed in the aqueous solution to form a slurry. A pH of the aqueous solution the electrochemical potential between the plurality of source particles and the aqueous solution establishes the source particles at a corrosion potential providing the concurrent dissolution and re-deposition of a cationic species on the source particles. Agitation of the slurry generates close proximity and/or brief contact between source and substrate particles causing substrate particles pass through the local environment of the source particles, resulting in some portion of the cationic species depositing at nucleation sites on the substrate particles.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2016Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Andrew C. Johannes, Sebastian Osswald
-
Patent number: 10316418Abstract: The present invention relates an excess microbubble hydrogen preparation device, which belongs to the technical field of electrolysis equipment. The device comprises a water container which is respectively provided with a water inlet and a water outlet; at least one pair of a cathode and an anode are arranged within the water container; a water-permeable porous membrane is clamped between the coupled cathode and anode with no gap; the area of the inside of the water-permeable porous membrane opposite the cathode or the anode is smaller than the area of the inside of the cathode or the anode opposite the water-permeable porous membrane, and the thickness of the water-permeable porous membrane is less than 5 mm. The device can generate massive amounts of ultroultra-micro bubble hydrogen, and at the same time, very little oxygen is generated.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2015Date of Patent: June 11, 2019Assignee: DALIAN SHUANGDI INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO., LTD.Inventor: Zhibang Xiao
-
Patent number: 10299512Abstract: Disposable electronic-cigarette cartridge; the electronic-cigarette cartridge having: a hygroscopic plug; a liquid substance which impregnates the hygroscopic plug and is vaporized in use; and a surface covering, which is located on the outside of the hygroscopic plug, completely covers the hygroscopic plug itself, is impermeable to liquids, and is permeable to gas.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2015Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: G.D. SOCIETA'PER AZIONIInventors: Gilberto Spirito, Stefano Negrini
-
Patent number: 9799864Abstract: A battery is provided. The battery includes a positive electrode; a negative electrode; and a separator; wherein the separator comprises a base which is formed from a non-woven fabric, and a surface layer which is formed on at least one of the surfaces of the base and includes a resin material and inorganic particles, and the separator is formed by a pressurizing process being carried out on at least one of the surfaces of the surface layer, a thickness of the base is 12 ?m or more and 30 ?m or less, an average particle diameter of primary particles of the inorganic particles is 0.3 ?m or more and 0.8 ?m or less, a thickness of the surface layer is 1 ?m or more and 10 ?m or less.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2016Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Kazuhiro Okamoto
-
Patent number: 8945368Abstract: Apparatus for separating CO2 from an electrolyte solution are provided. Example apparatus can include: a vessel defining an interior volume and configured to house an electrolyte solution; an input conduit in fluid communication with the interior volume; an output conduit in fluid communication with the interior volume; an exhaust conduit in fluid communication with the interior volume; and an anode located within the interior volume. Other example apparatus can include: an elongated vessel having two regions; an input conduit extending outwardly from the one region; an output conduit extending outwardly from the other region; an exhaust conduit in fluid communication with the one region; and an anode located within the one region. Methods for separating CO2 from an electrolyte solution are provided. Example methods can include: providing a CO2 rich electrolyte solution to a vessel containing an anode; and distributing hydrogen from the anode to acidify the electrolyte solution.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2013Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Peter C. Rieke, Silas A. Towne, Greg W. Coffey, Aaron M. Appel
-
Patent number: 8894926Abstract: It is to provide a mechanism where a sterilization process using a concentrated sterilizing agent and a sterilization process using a sterilizing agent that has not been concentrated can be switched without changing the sterilization process. In the case where the concentrated mode is received by receiving means the transfer of the sterilizing agent to the concentration chamber is controlled according to a first timing, and in the case where the non-concentrated mode is received by the receiving means, the transfer of the sterilizing agent to the concentration chamber is controlled according to a second timing, wherein the first timing is different from the second timing.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignees: Canon Marketing Japan Kabushiki Kaisha, Elk Corporation, Kabushiki Kaisha ElquestInventors: Yasushi Hanada, Takashi Koyama
-
Publication number: 20140144788Abstract: A system [100?] and process [100] for the continuous recovery of metals is disclosed. The system [100?] comprises a continuous acid wash system [10?], a holding tank [60], a continuous elution system [20?], a continuous electrowinning system [40?], a carbon regeneration system [30?], and a continuous carbon loading/adsorption system [70?]. The systems and methods disclosed overcome the disadvantages associated with current systems and processes which utilize batch process steps and equipment designed for batch processes. The systems [10?, 20?, 30?] are each configured to receive a continuous inflow of a solution or slurry and deliver a continuous outflow of a solution or slurry, without interruptions which are common with conventional metal recovery systems [9000?].Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2012Publication date: May 29, 2014Applicant: FLSmidth A/SInventor: Cameron Barton
-
Publication number: 20130306483Abstract: A plating apparatus plates a substrate with Sn alloy to form an Sn alloy film on a surface of the substrate. The apparatus includes: a plating bath for retaining a plating solution therein, the substrate being immersed in the plating solution in a position opposite to an insoluble anode; a plating solution dialysis line for extracting the plating solution from the plating bath and returning the plating solution to the plating bath; a dialysis cell provided in the plating solution dialysis line and configured to remove a free acid from the plating solution by dialysis using an anion exchange membrane; a free acid concentration analyzer; and a controller for controlling a flow rate of the plating solution flowing through the plating solution dialysis line based on the concentration of the free acid measured by the free acid concentration analyzer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: EBARA CORPORATIONInventors: Yuji ARAKI, Masashi SHIMOYAMA
-
Publication number: 20130186775Abstract: Apparatus for separating CO2 from an electrolyte solution are provided. Example apparatus can include: a vessel defining an interior volume and configured to house an electrolyte solution; an input conduit in fluid communication with the interior volume; an output conduit in fluid communication with the interior volume; an exhaust conduit in fluid communication with the interior volume; and an anode located within the interior volume. Other example apparatus can include: an elongated vessel having two regions; an input conduit extending outwardly from the one region; an output conduit extending outwardly from the other region; an exhaust conduit in fluid communication with the one region; and an anode located within the one region. Methods for separating CO2 from an electrolyte solution are provided. Example methods can include: providing a CO2 rich electrolyte solution to a vessel containing an anode; and distributing hydrogen from the anode to acidify the electrolyte solution.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2013Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTEInventor: Battelle Memorial Institute
-
Publication number: 20130171808Abstract: This disclosure presents manufacturing methods and apparatus designs for making TFSSs from both sides of a re-usable semiconductor template, thus effectively increasing the substrate manufacturing throughput and reducing the substrate manufacturing cost. This approach also reduces the amortized starting template cost per manufactured substrate (TFSS) by about a factor of 2 for a given number of template reuse cycles.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: SOLEXEL, INC.Inventors: Mehrdad M. Moslehi, Karl-Josef Kramer, David Xuan-Qi Wang, Pawan Kapur, Somnath Nag, George D. Kamian, Jay Ashjaee, Takao Yonehara
-
Publication number: 20130095649Abstract: Ions depleted from a chemical bath by a reaction such as plating are continually replenished by production and moving of ions through selectively permeable membranes while isolating potential contaminant ions from the chemical bath.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2011Publication date: April 18, 2013Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Tien-Jen Cheng, John Anthony Fitzsimmons, David E. Speed, Keith Kwong Hon Wong
-
Publication number: 20130001094Abstract: The application generally relates to a process for generating hydrogen, oxygen or both from water. More particularly, the application generally relates to a lanthanide-mediated electrochemical and/or photoelectrochemical process for generating hydrogen, oxygen or both from water.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2012Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: MOLYCORP MINERALS, LLCInventors: Robert Cable, Anthony J. Perrotta, Carl Hassler, John Burba
-
Publication number: 20120298521Abstract: Electrolyte supply tanks and bubbler tanks for oxyhydrogen gas generation systems are provided which eliminate the introduction of electrolyte and water into the induction systems of internal combustion engines. Both types of tanks are equipped with porous polyethylene gas diffusers which break up incoming gas into microscopic bubbles, thereby facilitating the absorption of electrolyte mist and droplets returning to the electrolyte supply tank and minimizing splashing of incoming gas in bubbler tanks. Air diffusers having an average pore diameter of about 70 ?m are installed near the bottom of the electrolyte supply tanks, while air diffusers having an average pore diameter of about 35 ?m are installed near the bottom of the bubbler tanks.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Inventor: David Thomas Richardson
-
Patent number: 8157972Abstract: An electrolytic water treatment system improving upon the electrode life of electrolytic oxygen generators by reducing mineral precipitation and fouling that typically occurs in water treatment systems. The electrolytic water treatment system can include a softened water bypass stream into which a flow-through electrolytic element can be positioned. By eliminating exposure of the electrolytic element to hard water, scale formation on electrodes can be significantly reduced such that polarity reversal cycles of the electrolytic element decrease in frequency.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2009Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Oxygenator Water Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Rudolph R. Hegel, Karl J. Fritze
-
Publication number: 20120085643Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention an electrolytic cell is provided comprising a containment vessel; a first electrode; a second electrode; a source of electrical current in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; an electrolyte in fluid communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; a gas, wherein the gas is formed during electrolysis at or near the first electrode; and a separator; wherein the separator includes an inclined surface to direct flow of the electrolyte and the gas due to a difference between density of the electrolyte and the combined density of the electrolyte and the gas such that the gas substantially flows in a direction distal to the second electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: McAlister Technologies, LLCInventor: Roy E. McAlister
-
Patent number: 8012318Abstract: A system and process for recovering copper from a copper-containing ore, concentrate, or other copper-bearing material to produce high quality cathode copper from a leach solution without the use of copper solvent/solution extraction techniques or apparatus. A process for recovering copper from a copper-containing ore generally includes the steps of providing a feed stream containing comminuted copper-containing ore, concentrate, or other copper-bearing material, leaching the feed stream to yield a copper-containing solution, conditioning the copper-containing solution through one or more physical or chemical conditioning steps, and electrowinning copper directly from the copper-containing solution in multiple electrowinning stages, without subjecting the copper-containing solution to solvent/solution extraction prior to electrowinning.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2010Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Freeport-McMoran CorporationInventors: John O Marsden, Robert E Brewer, Susan R Brewer, Joanna M Robertson, David R Baughman, Philip Thompson, Wayne W Hazen, Christel M. A. Bemelmans
-
Publication number: 20110210006Abstract: The invention concerns a process which is used to plate functional layers of acidic or alkaline zinc or zinc alloy baths which contain nitrogenous organic additives, a soluble zinc salt and if necessary other metal salts selected from Fe, Ni, Co and Sn salts, where the bath composition for the regeneration is conveyed through an appropriate device having an ion exchanger resin to remove cyanide ions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2009Publication date: September 1, 2011Inventor: Serdar Turan Karagöl
-
Publication number: 20110147227Abstract: A method and system of separating an acid from an acid-salt solution produced in an electrochemical system using an ion exchange resin bed, by processing the acid-salt solution through the ion exchange resin bed such that the acid is retarded at the bottom of the bed and a de-acidified salt solution is recovered from the top of the bed. After removing the salt solution from the bed, the acid is recovered by back-flushing the resin bed with water.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 4, 2011Publication date: June 23, 2011Inventors: Ryan J. Gilliam, Nigel Antony Knott, Michael Kostowskyj
-
Publication number: 20110083968Abstract: An alkaline production system comprising an electrochemical unit comprising a hydrogen-oxidizing anode, a cathode compartment comprising a cathode and a hydrogen delivery system configured to deliver hydrogen gas to the anode, wherein the system configured to sequester carbon dioxide with the cathode electrolyte; and methods thereof. In another embodiment, a system comprising a hydrogen-oxidizing anode in communication with a cathode electrolyte comprising bicarbonate ion; and an hydrogen delivery system configured to deliver hydrogen gas to the anode; and methods thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2010Publication date: April 14, 2011Inventors: Ryan J. Gilliam, Valentin Decker, Bryan Boggs, Nikhil Jalani, Thomas A. Albrecht, Matt Smith
-
Patent number: 7799198Abstract: A chlorine dioxide solution generator includes a chlorine dioxide gas source and an absorption loop for effecting the dissolution of chlorine dioxide into a liquid stream. A gas transfer assembly is interposed between the chlorine dioxide gas source and the absorption loop. The gas transfer assembly includes a gas transfer pump and an exhaust manifold assembly. The exhaust manifold assembly includes a manifold conduit defining an interior volume for directing the pressurized chlorine dioxide gas stream from the pump outlet to the absorption loop. The manifold conduit interior volume is sufficiently large to inhibit chlorine dioxide decomposition in the pressurized chlorine dioxide gas stream by induce a pressurized chlorine dioxide gas stream temperature within the manifold conduit of less than about 163° F. (73° C.).Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2005Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Pureline Treatment Systems, LLCInventors: Chenniah Nanjundiah, Larry L. Hawn, Jeffrey M. Dotson
-
Patent number: 7794573Abstract: Systems and methods for electrochemically processing microfeature workpieces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system includes (a) a processing unit having a first flow system configured to convey a flow of a first processing fluid to a microfeature workpiece, (b) an electrode unit having an electrode and a second flow system configured to convey a flow of a second processing fluid at least proximate to the electrode, (c) a barrier between the processing unit and the electrode unit to separate the first and second processing fluids, and (d) a water balance unit for maintaining the concentration of water in the first processing fluid within a desired range.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Semitool, Inc.Inventor: John L. Klocke
-
Publication number: 20100206741Abstract: A system and process for recovering copper from a copper-containing ore, concentrate, or other copper-bearing material to produce high quality cathode copper from a leach solution without the use of copper solvent/solution extraction techniques or apparatus. A process for recovering copper from a copper-containing ore generally includes the steps of providing a feed stream containing comminuted copper-containing ore, concentrate, or other copper-bearing material, leaching the feed stream to yield a copper-containing solution, conditioning the copper-containing solution through one or more physical or chemical conditioning steps, and electrowinning copper directly from the copper-containing solution in multiple electrowinning stages, without subjecting the copper-containing solution to solvent/solution extraction prior to electrowinning.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: FREEPORT-MCMORAN CORPORATIONInventors: John O. Marsden, Robert E. Brewer, Susan R. Brewer, Joanna M. Robertson, David R. Baughman, Philip Thompson, Wayne W. Hazen, Christel M.A. Bemelmans
-
Patent number: 7754057Abstract: A chlorine dioxide solution generator, which injects a chlorine dioxide solution into a pressurized fluid system, including an absorption loop for effecting the dissolution of chlorine dioxide into a liquid stream. The chlorine dioxide gas source can include an anolyte loop and a catholyte loop. The generator avoids or eliminates the introduction of air or other gases that can cause corrosion in the process distribution system.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2004Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Pureline Treatment Systems, LLCInventors: Timothy J. O'Leary, Jerry J. Kaczur, Chenniah Nanjundiah
-
Publication number: 20090145770Abstract: A system for supplying chlorine to and recovering chlorine from a polysilicon plant may include a brine treatment system, at least one membrane cell, a chlorine drying system, a chlorine compression system, a hydrogen drying system, a hydrogen compression system, a hydrogen chloride synthesis/desorption system, a hydrogen chloride liquefaction system, a liquefied hydrogen chloride storage system, a hydrogen chloride vaporizer, and a waste conversion and filtration system. These systems may be operatively joined to generate hydrogen chloride gas for delivery to the polysilicon plant. A method for supplying chlorine to the polysilicon plant may include generating hydrogen gas and chlorine gas from recovered and raw salt, converting at least a portion of the hydrogen gas and at least a portion of the chlorine gas to hydrogen chloride, passing the hydrogen chloride through a cryogenic column, vaporizing the hydrogen chloride, and providing the vaporized hydrogen chloride to the polysilicon plant.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2008Publication date: June 11, 2009Applicant: CH2M Hill Engineers, Inc.Inventor: James T. Sims
-
Patent number: 7449091Abstract: A wafer electroplating apparatus with a function of bubble removal includes an electroplating bath main body and a fixing device. The electroplating bath main body has an inlet device, a first de-bubble tank and at least an air hole. The fixing device has a second de-bubble tank and an outer shell. The air hole guides gathering bubbles to an outside of the electroplating bath main body so as to remove bubbles. The fixing device can be put into the first de-bubble tank within the electroplating bath main body to form a de-bubble area and is separated easily therefrom to clean the wafer electroplating apparatus. The electroplating bath main body further includes a baffle for rectifying electroplating solution flow before entering the inlet device.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2005Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Chen-Chung Du, Jen-Rong Huang, Pang-Ming Chiang, Chih-Yuan Tseng, Muh-Wang Liang, Chih-Cheng Wang, Yi-Chao Weng
-
Patent number: 7416647Abstract: A plating processing device comprises: a plating bath, on which an object to be plated is mounted; and a sparger provided with plating nozzle and washing nozzle for jetting plating solution and washing solution, respectively, toward the object in such a manner that the used plating solution and washing solution are accumulated and collected in the plating bath. Plating solution is supplied to the plating nozzle from a plating solution tank. Washing solution is supplied to the washing nozzle from a washing solution tank. The used plating solution and washing solution are accumulated in the plating bath, are recovered to the plating solution tank and used again as a plating solution.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Assignee: Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.Inventor: Eiichi Yamamuro
-
Patent number: 7279079Abstract: A plating apparatus provided with: three copper dissolution tanks connected to a plating liquid circulation path for supplying copper ions to a plating liquid; a buffer container for supplying a replacement liquid into some of the copper dissolution tanks not in use; and an undiluted replacement liquid supplying section for supplying an undiluted replacement liquid as a source of the replacement liquid into the buffer container. Copper mesh members each prepared by weaving a copper wire, straight copper pipes or copper plates are accommodated as a copper source in each of the copper dissolution tanks. The copper dissolution tanks each include a detachable cartridge, in which the copper mesh members or the like are disposed.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2003Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiro Mizohata, Hideaki Matsubara, Yoshihiro Koyama
-
Patent number: 7160430Abstract: In a sewage treatment plant, dissolved ammonium is extracted from the waste-water stream, and is transferred to a body of secondary water. The secondary water is passed through an electrolysis station, where the ammonium is transformed to nitrogen gas. The capture and transfer can be done by ion-exchange, the electrolysis then being done on the regenerant water. Or the capture and transfer can be done by first transforming the dissolved ammonium to ammonia gas by raising the pH of the waste-water, then passing the ammonia gas through acidic secondary-water, in which the ammonia dissolves, the electrolysis then being done on the acid-water. The electrolysed, ammonium-diminished, secondary-water can be re-used in further capture/transfer episodes. The secondary-water does not mix with the waste-water stream.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2003Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: ENPAR Technologies Inc.Inventors: Gene Sidney Shelp, Leonard Paul Seed
-
Method to improve the control of electro-polishing by use of a plating electrode an electrolyte bath
Patent number: 7067048Abstract: A method and apparatus which uses a plating electrode in an electrolyte bath. The plating electrode works to purify an electrolyte polishing solution during the electro-polishing process. Preferably, the plating electrode is employed in a closed loop feedback system. The plating electrode may be powered by a power supply which is controlled by a controller. A sensor may be connected to the controller and the sensor may be configured to sense a characteristic (for example, but not limited to: resistance, conductance or optical transmission, absorption of light, etc.) of the electrolyte bath, which tends to indicate the level of saturation. Preferably, the plating electrode is easily replaceable.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: LSI Logic CorporationInventors: Michael J. Berman, Steven E. Reder -
Patent number: 7033480Abstract: The process of the present invention recovers platinum group metal(s), such as platinum and palladium, from PGM-containing materials containing base metals, such as copper and nickel. The process controls sulfur levels by using solvent extraction 306 to remove acid in the nickel recovery circuit. The acid product 326 can then be neutralized and/or recycled as desired.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2002Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Placer Dome Technical Services LimitedInventor: James A. King
-
Patent number: 6899803Abstract: In order to regulate the metal ion concentration in an electrolyte fluid serving to electrolytically deposit metal and additionally containing substances of an electrochemically reversible redox system, it has been known in the art to conduct at least one portion of the electrolyte fluid through one auxiliary cell provided with one insoluble auxiliary anode and at least one auxiliary cathode, a current being conducted between them by applying a voltage. Accordingly, excess quantities of the oxidized substances of the redox system are reduced at the auxiliary cathode, the formation of ions of the metal to be deposited being reduced as a result thereof. Starting from this prior art, the present invention relates to using pieces of the metal to be deposited as an auxiliary cathode.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2001Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Atotech Deutschland GmbHInventors: Kai-Jens Matejat, Sven Lamprecht
-
Publication number: 20030010644Abstract: Disclosed are a process for producing a zinc oxide film comprising the steps of transporting a conductive long substrate via above at least one electrode comprised of zinc in an electrodeposition bath held in an electrodeposition tank and applying an electric field between the electrode and the conductive long substrate, thereby forming a zinc oxide film on the conductive long substrate, the process comprising a first step of forming the zinc oxide film on a part of the conductive long substrate; a second step of stopping the application of the electric field and the transportation; and a third step of bringing at least a region of a part of the conductive long substrate being in contact with the electrodeposition bath in the second step into non-contact with the electrodeposition bath, and an apparatus suitably used for the process. The process and apparatus enables high-quality zinc oxide films to be produced.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2001Publication date: January 16, 2003Inventors: Yuichi Sonoda, Kozo Arao, Noboru Toyama, Yusuke Miyamoto
-
Publication number: 20020189935Abstract: Acidity in water leaching from a mass of sulphide tailings is prevented by de-oxygenating the water prior to entering the mass. A cover comprising an electrolytic cell, either galvanic or impressed-current, gives rise to a cathode reaction in which the redox voltage of the water drops to 003 volts or less. The cover can be thinner, and much less expensive, than an equally-effective non-reactive cover. The electrolyte is water contained in water-retaining soil, or a depth of water, lying over the cathode. The cathode is steel mesh, or a layer of graphite, spread over the whole mass of tailings.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2002Publication date: December 19, 2002Inventors: Gene Sidney Shelp, Rejean Joseph Henri Brousseau
-
Publication number: 20020153254Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for selectively removing one or more organic and inorganic and also preferably one or more inorganic contaminants from plating baths. More particularly, the invented method relates to the use of a source of energy in combination with chemical oxidants, alone or in conjunction with a catalyst to oxidize organic contaminants in the plating bath to a level such that the electroplating bath can be recovered and reused after appropriate chemical adjustment. The oxidative treatment method may be a continuous process or a batch process that is performed in a single pass. Residual organics, if desired and chloride ions in the bath are removed from the solution by a chemisorption or physisorption treatment. Inorganic contaminants are removed from the electroplating bath by selective ion exchange resins or electrodialysis, while particulate and suspended colloidal particles are removed by filtration before the treated plating bath is recycled.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2002Publication date: October 24, 2002Applicant: Mykrolis CorporationInventors: Brett Matthew Belongia, Zhen Wu Lin, John E. Pillion, Jieh-Hwa Shyu
-
Patent number: 6402909Abstract: An electroplating system is provided for semiconductor wafers which include a plating chamber having a consumable shielded secondary anode shielded by an inert anode from a semiconductor wafer connector. For a copper plating system the plating chamber has a consumable copper shielded anode shielded by an inert platinum anode from a semiconductor wafer connector.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2000Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.Inventors: Minh Quoc Tran, Christy Mei-Chu Woo
-
Publication number: 20020051898Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the regenerative electrochemical cell system comprises: a fuel cell module comprising a fuel cell oxygen inlet in fluid communication a water storage device, and a fuel cell hydrogen inlet in fluid communication with both an oxygen source and with a gaseous portion of an water phase separation device; an electrolysis module comprising an electrolysis water inlet in fluid communication with the water storage device via a fuel cell oxygen outlet, and an electrolysis water outlet in fluid communication with the fuel cell hydrogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2001Publication date: May 2, 2002Inventors: Lawrence C. Moulthrop, Trent M. Molter, A. John Speranza, Mark A. Lillis, William Smith, Jason Shiepe, Thomas M. Skoczylas
-
Patent number: 6350354Abstract: A modular solvent extraction plant for extracting metal from a metal are is provided. It includes a stage-wise, plug flow contactor that mixes an aqueous solution and an organic solvent solution into a mixed emulsion, a reactor to further mix the solutions, a separator for breaking up the emulsion into an aqueous solution and an organic solution, and a loaded organic coalescer that removes aqueous entrainment. It may also include a raffinate coalescer that removes organic entrainment, a second stage-wise, plug flow contactor that mixes an electrolyte solution with the organic solution from the loaded organic coalescer to form a second mixed emulsion, a second reactor, a second separator for breaking up the second emulsion, and an electrolyte coalescer. An organic scrub station may be used in place of the loaded organic coalescer. The contactors, reactors, separators, and coalescers can be mounted on movable structures.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1999Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Koch-Glitsch, Inc.Inventors: Mark Neuman, Roger Cusack, Kevin McLoughlin
-
Patent number: 6350362Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for regulating the concentration of metal ions in an electrolytic fluid, which is used for the deposition of metal with insoluble anodes and additionally contains compounds of an electrochemically reversible redox system. With the oxidized form of said system, metal is dissolved in an ion generator 1, traversed by the fluid, so that these compounds are thereby reduced. For the deposition of metal, the dissolved metal ions on the item to be treated are reduced. The compounds of the redox system in the reduced form are oxidized again on the insoluble anodes in the electroplating system 13. In order to keep the concentration of the metal ions in the electrolytic fluid constant, at least a portion of the electrolytic fluid, contained in the electroplating system, is conducted through one or a plurality of electrolytic auxiliary cells 6.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2000Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Atotech Deutschland GmbHInventors: Jens-Eric Geisler, Ralf-Peter Wachter, Lorenz Kopp, Manfred Maurer
-
Patent number: 5656140Abstract: An electrochemical remediation apparatus comprising a cylindrical tank having a plurality of vertical anodes suspended downwardly from a dome-shaped lid and positioned around the circumference of the tank spaced radially inwardly from the inner sidewalls of the tank. A single cathode is positioned at the axis of the cylindrical tank and removably mounted to the lid. A cylindrical metal ion permeable membrane is positioned between the anodes and the cathode. A plurality of nozzles spaced circumferentially around the tank directs pressurized fluid into the tank at a direction having radial, axial and circumferential components. A mixture of water, acid and contaminated earth consisting of approximately 50% contaminated earth is poured into the region between the membrane and the tank sidewalls. The mixture is incubated and fluidized, and contact between metals in the mixture and the anodes causes the metal contaminants to act as sacrificial anodes and thereby to ionize.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1995Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: Chamberlain Ltd., Inc.Inventors: John H. Oesterle, Kenneth D. Hughes
-
Patent number: 5569370Abstract: An electrochemical system for the recovery of metals from metal ores in which reactions are carried out in separate anode and cathode tanks with the liquid product from the anode tank being separated and purified before being returned to the cathode tank for metal deposition. The separation includes thickening such as liquid solid separation with the liquid proceeding to the cathode tank. A reaction stage may be included before the thickening stage. Purification may include removal of impurities, adjustment of chemical and physical conditions and the addition of cathode reaction enhancers.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1994Date of Patent: October 29, 1996Assignee: RMG Services Pty. Ltd.Inventor: Rodolfo A. Gomez
-
Patent number: 5536378Abstract: A reactor apparatus for production of Lunar oxygen uses feed stocks comprising a particulate hydrogen-reducible enriched feed in the size range from about 20-200 microns, containing 80-90% Lunar ilmenite (FeTiO.sub.3) and ferrous Lunar agglutinates. The reactor apparatus has three vertically spaced fluidized zones with downcomers from the upper to the central fluidized zone and openings for introducing a hydrogen-containing gas stream through the lower fluidized zone. A solid-to-gas RF-dielectric heater has a ceramic honeycomb with small parallel channels separated by thin, ceramic walls and electrodes surrounding the honeycomb connected to an external RF power source for heating the gas stream to a reducing reaction temperature. A top inlet introduces the enriched feed into the upper fluidized zone for fluidization therein and flow into middle and lower fluidized zones countercurrent to the flow of the gas stream.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 1994Date of Patent: July 16, 1996Assignee: Carbotek Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Gibson, Christian W. Knudsen
-
Patent number: 5378324Abstract: A process and an electrolytic cell for the production of fluorine. A fluorine-containing electrolyte is passed in non-turbulent flow between an anode and a cathode of the electrolytic cell. The electrolyte emerging from between the anode and the cathode is divided into two streams. One stream emerges adjacent to the anode and has fluorine entrained therein, the other stream emerges adjacent to the cathode and has hydrogen entrained therein. The fluorine and the hydrogen are subsequently separated from their respective streams of electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1993Date of Patent: January 3, 1995Assignee: British Nuclear Fuels plcInventor: Graham Hodgson
-
Patent number: 5362368Abstract: An electrolytic chlorine gas generating system is disclosed. The system includes an electrolytic cell generating the chlorine gas, a brine tank supplying saturated brine to the anode compartment of the cell, and an acid feed tank containing hydrochloric acid at sufficient concentration to maintain the anolyte brine at less than about pH 4.0. In operation, the brine tank contains solid sodium chloride which dissolves in the brine and replenishes the anolyte brine solution as chloride ion is consumed during electrolysis. The acid feed tank is in fluid communication with the brine tank so that the brine is maintained at a constant volume during electrolysis.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1993Date of Patent: November 8, 1994Inventors: Scott Lynn, Steven F. Sciamanna, Aldo F. Sciamanna
-
Patent number: 5308464Abstract: A system for electroplating a tin-bismuth alloy at near eutectic composition is disclosed. The system includes the plating bath and the process for initially preparing the bath as well as the process for plating an object with tin-bismuth alloy. The system further includes an apparatus for regulating the concentrations of tin and bismuth in the plating bath and the process by which the concentrations are controlled.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1993Date of Patent: May 3, 1994Assignee: Unisys CorporationInventors: Timothy I. Murphy, Brian R. Reynolds
-
Patent number: 5133846Abstract: Silver is recovered from the rinse water from a photographic film processing unit by means of a silver recovery device in which the rinse water is passed through at least one bed of ion exchange resin particles maintained in fluidized condition by the water flow. A plurality of such beds are preferably connected in series with rinse water being recirculated until fresh rinse water causes overflow to the next bed and finally to a collection vessel. Fluidization is interrupted periodically to create quiescent periods which aid in removal from the resin particles of accumulated gelatin from the processed film.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1990Date of Patent: July 28, 1992Assignee: AGFA-Gevaert N. V.Inventors: Marc A. De Niel, Herman M. Engels, Marc J. Scheerders, Dirk F. De Ruijter, Bartolomeus J. Verlinden, Benedictus J. Jansen
-
Patent number: 5118402Abstract: An electrolytic silver recovery system for recovering silver from photographic fixing solutions, by means of an electrolytic cell (28) having an anode (52) and a cathode (53), and circulation pumps (29a, 29b) for removing solution from the cell and returning it to the cell, which device comprises a hydrocyclone (56) located in the liquid path (55) from the cell to the suction side of the pumps and connected at its outlet directly to the suction side of the pumps. The suction pressure of the circulating pump maintains a low pressure differential of less than about 0.6 bar between the inlet and outlet of the hydrocyclone which establishes the liquid flow through the hydrocyclone.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 1990Date of Patent: June 2, 1992Assignee: Agfa-Gevaert N.V.Inventors: Herman M. Engels, Marc A. de Niel, Bartolomeus J. Verlinden
-
Patent number: 5094734Abstract: A water treatment unit uses an electrolytic cell generating chlorine and ozone. The electrolyte is brine, and the separation between the anode and the cathode of the cell is 2-30 cm. The generated chlorine and ozone are added to a stream of water to be treated, with the interposition of a turbulence promoting arrangement. The unit operation is automatically regulated from the working times of the cell and volume of water to be treated, and/or electrometrical probes as chlorine detectors.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1989Date of Patent: March 10, 1992Inventor: Santiago D. Torrado
-
Patent number: 4948476Abstract: There are disclosed method and apparatus for recovering chromium from chromium-containing wastes, using an electrolytic oxidation cell divided by an anion exchange membrane and a coupled transport module containing a membrane containing a chromium(VI) complexing agent.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1989Date of Patent: August 14, 1990Assignee: Bend Research, Inc.Inventors: David R. Kamperman, Dwayne T. Friesen
-
Patent number: RE34191Abstract: A process for electroplating metals in an electroplating cell in which the anode current efficiency of the cell is greater than the cathode current efficiency. Buildup of excess metal in the cell is counteracted by circulating the plating solution through an electrowinning cell and plating out the excess metal onto cathodes in the electrowinning cell. The amount of current flowing through the electrowinning cell is controlled so that the amount of the said current which results in the deposition of metal is at least substantially equal to the amount of current flowing through the electroplating cell which results in the evolution of hydrogen gas.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1991Date of Patent: March 9, 1993Assignee: Eco-Tec LimitedInventor: Craig J. Brown