With Heater Or Cooler Patents (Class 204/239)
  • Patent number: 11299808
    Abstract: An electrolysis unit and to a method for electrochemically decomposing water into hydrogen and oxygen. The electrolysis unit has at least two electrolysis modules. The electrolysis unit also has exactly one first gas separation device for a first product gas including oxygen and exactly one second gas separation device for a second product gas including hydrogen. The first gas separation device is connected to the at least two electrolysis modules by respective first lines. The second gas separation device is connected to the at least two electrolysis modules by respective second lines. The at least two first lines have the same first length. The at least two second lines likewise have the same second length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Siemens Energy Global GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Purucker, Stephan Rückert, Jochen Straub, Peter Utz
  • Patent number: 10876214
    Abstract: An electrolytic system for an internal combustion engine includes an electrolyte tank for receiving an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and an electrolytic fluid therein for communication with the anode and cathode. A power source applies an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode to generate a current through the electrolytic fluid and produce an electrolytic reaction in the electrolyte tank which produces combustible gases. A gas outlet communicates the combustible gases from the electrolyte tank to the internal combustion engine. At least one of the electrodes A hollow passage which does not communicate with the electrolytic fluid in the electrolyte tank extends through one of the electrodes to receive a heat exchange fluid circulated therethrough so as to be arranged to exchange heat with said at least one of the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Innovative Hydrogen Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy D. Bogers, Joseph Charles Williams, Arne R. Lean
  • Patent number: 10537902
    Abstract: A system for extracting metals (e.g. precious metals or dangerous metals) from a substrate material such as sludge from a lake bed or sewage treatment facility includes processing the substrate material and metals by exposing the substrate material and metals to the plasma of an electric arc. Then, the exposed substrate material and metals are passed through an electrically charged collection grid in which the metals, now electrically charged, are attracted to the collection grid and hold to the collection grid and the substrate material exits the collection grid with less concentrations (or none) of the metals. In some embodiments, in addition to recovering the metals (e.g. precious metals, dangerous metals, etc.), a flammable gas is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Magnegas IP, LLC
    Inventor: Ermanno Santilli
  • Patent number: 10458028
    Abstract: An electrochemical method for ammonia synthesis including the steps of: preparing a single-crystalline metal thin film; and synthesizing ammonia by using the single-crystalline metal thin film electrode. More particularly, it relates to improvement of the production yield and synthesis rate of ammonia trough the method for preparing ammonia by using an electrochemical reactor which includes a cathode including a single-crystalline metal thin film on the surface thereof, an anode and an electrolyte, wherein the method includes the steps of: supplying nitrogen to the cathode; supplying aqueous electrolyte solution to the anode; and applying an electric voltage between the cathode and the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Jong Hyuk Park, Hyun Seo Park, Jimin Kong
  • Patent number: 10287164
    Abstract: Provided is an unique, efficient and cost-effective process for the recovery of acid from acid-rich solutions. The process of the subject matter utilizes a strong oxidizer, such as Caro's acid, to disintegrate or render insoluble organic or inorganic materials such as carbohydrates and complexes thereof contained in acid-rich solutions, to make efficient and simple the separation and recovery of the acid solution. The acid recovered thus obtained is free of organic matter, and containing nearly all of the acid originally contained in the acid-rich solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: MELODEA LTD.
    Inventors: Shaul Lapidot, Clarite Azerraf, Inbar Kremer
  • Patent number: 9631288
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a gas generator with a cooling system and comprises an outer tank, an inner tank, and an electrolytic tank module. The outer tank is accommodated a coolant for cooling the electrolytic tank module and inner tank configured in the outer tank, whereby the temperature of the gas generator will be decreased to prevent the hydrogen explosion. Furthermore, in the present invention, the hydrogen-oxygen gas generated by the electrolytic tank module will be inputted to the inner tank, and the temperature of the hydrogen-oxygen gas will be further decreased through the liquid water in the inner tank to decrease the probability of the hydrogen explosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Inventor: Hsin-Yung Lin
  • Patent number: 9624587
    Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes a water electrolysis apparatus, an electric component, and a casing. The electric component is to operate the water electrolysis apparatus. The casing includes a housing chamber, an electric component chamber, and a buffering chamber. The housing chamber has a first ventilation air inlet to introduce external air into the housing chamber and houses the water electrolysis apparatus. The electric component chamber has a second ventilation air inlet to introduce the external air into the electric component chamber and houses the electric component. The first ventilation air inlet and the second ventilation air inlet are separate from each other. The buffering chamber is in communication with the first ventilation air inlet and the second ventilation air inlet. An air pressure in the buffering chamber is to be maintained at atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Yoshida, Koji Nakazawa, Hisashi Nagaoka, Jun Takeuchi, Daisuke Kurashina
  • Patent number: 9504423
    Abstract: Individuals who suffer from certain kinds of medical conditions, particularly conditions that only sporadically exhibit measurable symptoms, can feel helpless in their attempts to secure access to medical care because, at least in part, they are left to the mercy of their condition to present symptoms at the right time to allow diagnosis and treatment. Providing these individuals with ambulatory extended-wear health monitors that record ECG and physiology, preferably available over-the-counter and without health insurance preauthorization, is a first step towards addressing their needs. In addition, these individuals need a way to gain entry into the health care system once a medically-actionable medical condition has been identified. Here, the ECG and physiology is downloaded and evaluated post-monitoring against medical diagnostic criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: BARDY DIAGNOSTICS, INC.
    Inventors: Gust H. Bardy, Jon Mikalson Bishay
  • Patent number: 9200374
    Abstract: A device for high temperature electrolysis of water, including: at least one elementary electrolysis cell formed from a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte intermediate between the cathode and the anode; a first device forming an electric and fluid interconnector including a metallic part delimited by at least one plane, the metallic part including two internal chambers, superposed one on the other, and a plurality of holes distributed around the surface, approximately perpendicular to the plane and divided into two groups, one of the groups of holes opens up onto the plane and directly into the adjacent chamber and the other group of holes opens up onto the plane and also in a furthest chamber through channels, the plane of the first interconnector being in mechanical contact with the plane of the cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
    Inventor: Christian Perret
  • Patent number: 8992758
    Abstract: In a method for reduction of a solid feedstock, such as a solid metal compound, in an electrolytic apparatus a portion of the feedstock is arranged in each of two or more electrolytic cells (50, 60, 70, 80). A molten salt is provided as an electrolyte in each cell. The molten salt is circulated from a molten salt reservoir (10) such that salt flows through each of the cells. Feedstock is reduced in each cell by applying a potential across electrodes in each cell, the potential being sufficient to cause reduction of the feedstock. The invention also provides an apparatus for implementing the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Metalysis Limited
    Inventors: Peter G. Dudley, Allen Richard Wright
  • Patent number: 8980068
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell for adjusting pH and replenishing nickel in a nickel plating solution of a nickel plating bath and a method of using the same is disclosed. The electrolytic cell comprises an inlet for receiving nickel plating solution from the nickel plating bath; a cooled cathode connected to a first bus bar connected to a negative terminal of a power supply; a plurality of nickel anodes capable of creating hydrogen gas on the cooled cathode when current is applied, connected to at least a second bus bar, the at least the second bus bar connected to a positive terminal of the power supply; and an outlet for returning nickel plating solution in the electrolytic cell to the nickel plating bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Inventors: Allen R. Hayes, Steven L. Swanson
  • Publication number: 20150056303
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method, system and equipment for the elaboration of electrolytic chlorine oxidants, hypochlorous acid and sodium hypochlorite substances, using elements that result in an ecological process and confers a high efficiency in the production of these substances, permitting the generation of a product of very high performance and efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Miguel Angel Alcantara, Adan Tapia Duran
  • Publication number: 20150047973
    Abstract: An electrolysis device removes a scale component contained in water that is fed to a water heat exchanger. The electrolysis device has a container having a water inlet port and a water outlet port; a plurality of electrodes provided inside the container; and agitation means for agitating water, between adjacent electrodes, that flows from the water inlet port towards the water outlet port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Kaori Yoshida, Yutaka Shibata, You Agata, Isao Fujinami
  • Patent number: 8940158
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for chlorine generation and distribution for the treatment of a pool, spa, body of water, or other water system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: ChlorKing, Inc.
    Inventors: David Von Broembsen, Chris Warwick, Michael Podolak
  • Publication number: 20150014154
    Abstract: Provided is a processing unit including a condenser, which is capable of condensing, during a plate-making process to be performed by the processing unit in a fully automatic gravure plate-making processing system, a processing solution vaporized into the form of mist so as to reuse the resultant as the processing solution, and to provide a fully automatic gravure plate-making processing system using the processing unit including a condenser. The processing unit includes a condenser, which is to be used for a fully automatic gravure plate-making processing system for manufacturing a plate-making roll by performing a series of processes on an unprocessed plate-making roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventor: Tatsuo Shigeta
  • Patent number: 8840764
    Abstract: An electrolysis apparatus comprises an electrolysis cell to electrolyze a first fluid to generate a product fluid. The electrolysis apparatus also comprises a fuel cell to electrolyze an electrolytic fluid and to heat a second fluid. The electrolysis apparatus also includes a fluid transfer arrangement to transfer the heated second fluid from the fuel cell to the electrolysis cell to provide heat to drive the electrolysis of the first fluid in the electrolysis cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Cristiano Balestrino, Gerard D. Agnew, Michele Bozzolo
  • Publication number: 20140174942
    Abstract: An electrochemical system and method are disclosed for On Site Generation (OSG) of oxidants, such as free available chlorine, mixed oxidants and persulfate. Operation at high current density, using at least a diamond anode, provides for higher current efficiency, extended lifetime operation, and improved cost efficiency. High current density operation, in either a single pass or recycle mode, provides for rapid generation of oxidants, with high current efficiency, which potentially allows for more compact systems. Beneficially, operation in reverse polarity for a short cleaning cycle manages scaling, provides for improved efficiency and electrode lifetime and allows for use of impure feedstocks without requiring water softeners. Systems have application for generation of chlorine or other oxidants, including mixed oxidants providing high disinfection rate per unit of oxidant, e.g. for water treatment to remove microorganisms or for degradation of organics in industrial waste water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: ADVANCED DIAMOND TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Ian W. Wylie, Prabhu U. Arumugam, Hongjun Zeng, John Arthur Carlisle
  • Publication number: 20140102882
    Abstract: Disclosed is a Fuel Augmentation Support System (“FASS”). The disclosed FASS herein is useful to support a multitude of electrolysis cell composition and designs. It provides a system which supports an uncontaminated electrolysis process via the prohibition of other elements from intermingling with the electrolytic fluid, without creating excess positive or negative pressures in a FASS operations, an example of producing gas using the electrolysis of distilled water combined with a catalyst of potassium Hydroxide will be used since it is a method to generate a combustible gas used to enhance the combustion of practically any fuel. The FASS exploits an efficient utilization of electrons generated between the electrolysis electrodes in order to produce gas and achieve it's goals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: NuCell Hydro
    Inventor: NuCell Hydro
  • Publication number: 20140083843
    Abstract: Disclosing is a preparation apparatus of a porous alumina plate, including an electrolytic tank, an aluminum substrate, a negative electrode, a thermostatic apparatus, a circulation apparatus, and a power supply. The electrolytic tank includes an accommodating space and connects to a first opening and a second opening of the accommodating space, respectively, and a slot wall of the electrolytic tank is installed with an input tube and an output tube. The accommodating space is used to accommodate an electrolyte. The aluminum substrate and the negative electrode are installed on the first opening and the second opening, respectively, to contact the electrolyte. The thermostatic apparatus is used to maintain a temperature of the electrolyte, and the circulation apparatus is connected to the thermostatic apparatus and the electrolytic tank to circularly transport the electrolyte in the thermostatic apparatus and the electrolytic tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Cheng-Hsin CHUANG, Yu-Min SHEN, Sheng-Chang WANG, Sung-Wen TSAI
  • Patent number: 8529748
    Abstract: A sulfuric acid electrolyte is produced efficiently as a functional solution and persulfuric acid produced by electrolysis is supplied efficiently to a use side while suppressing self-decomposition thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Uchida, Tatsuo Nagai, Haruyoshi Kamakawa
  • Publication number: 20130105406
    Abstract: An evaporative recirculation cooling water system, the system having a recirculation loop to recirculate water through the system, a space to cool the water in the recirculation loop by evaporation, and an ion removal apparatus to remove ions. The ion removal apparatus has a flow through capacitor to remove hardness ions while leaving silica ions in the water. The flow through capacitor has an inlet connected to a water inlet and an outlet having a regulator to direct the flow of water to the recirculation loop or to a waste water output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: VOLTEA B.V.
    Inventors: Albert Van Der Wal, Hank Robert Reinhoudt, Erik Driessen
  • Publication number: 20130105331
    Abstract: The present invention provides a nano-presion photo/electrochemical planarization and polishing method and an apparatus therefor. The method comprises through electrochemical, photochemical or photoelectrochemical means, an etchant being generated on a surface of a tool electrode which has a nanometer-sized planeness; the generated etchant reacting with a scavenger contained in an working electrolyte solution, or decaying itself in the working electrolyte solution, such that a confined etchant liquid layer is generated on the tool electrode surface and having a confined thickness of nanoscale; and by a chemical reaction between the etchant contained in the confined etchant liquid layer and a surface of a workpiece, the surface of the workpiece being polished or planarized to a nanometer scaled profile precision and surface roughness, thereby, realizing the planarization and polishing in nano-precision for the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Dongping Zhan, Kang Shi, Zhongqun Tian, Jianzhang Zhou, Zhaowu Tian, Lianhuan Han, Jing Tang
  • Publication number: 20120325675
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and a method for recovery of valuable metals. The apparatus includes an electrolytic chlorine producing bath, a dissolution bath disposed at a rear side of the electrolytic chlorine producing bath to perform leaching of a valuable metal content, a gas supplier connected to the dissolution bath to supply a carrier gas, a collection bath disposed at the rear side of the dissolution bath to collect a volatile material, a separation bath separating and purifying a leaching reactant generated in the dissolution bath, and chlorine and sodium hydroxide recirculation lines connecting the electrolytic chlorine producing bath, the dissolution bath and the separation bath. The apparatus permits recovery of valuable metals according to characteristics of the valuable metal, and the chlorine and sodium hydroxide recirculation lines of the apparatus provides optimized recovery rate and efficiency, thereby realizing economic feasibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCE S
    Inventors: Min-Seuk KIM, Jae-Chun LEE
  • Publication number: 20120052335
    Abstract: Electrochemical cells modules made up of couples of catalytic multilayer porous electrodes forming the anodes and the cathodes and delimitating external gaseous areas and internal areas containing the electrolyte wherein the pressure modulators, generating two pressure cycles independently synchronized but of opposite phase, act at the inlet and at the outlet of the electrolyte and the multilayer porous electrodes are weeping on the gas side. According to a preferred embodiment the multilayer porous electrodes are hydrophobic and conductive on the gas side, the conductive and catalytic middle layers are hydrophobic and hydrophilic, the non-conductive and non-catalytic layer on the electrolyte side is hydrophilic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Mario MELOSI
  • Patent number: 7850838
    Abstract: A system for providing hydrogen gas is provided. The system includes a hydrogen generator that produces gas from water. One or more heat generation devices are arranged to provide heating of the enclosure during different modes of operation to prevent freezing of components. A plurality of temperature sensors are arranged and coupled to a controller to selectively activate a heat source if the temperature of the component is less than a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Wayne Dreier, Michael Thomas Kowalski, Stephen Charles Porter, Oscar Ken Chow, Nicholas Paul Borland, Stephen Arthur Goyette
  • Patent number: 7794573
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Klocke
  • Patent number: 7566385
    Abstract: This invention provides a membrane-mediated electropolishing apparatus for polishing and/or planarizing metal work-pieces. The work-piece is wetted with a low-conductivity fluid. The wetted work-piece is contacted with a first side of a charge-selective ion-conducting membrane, wherein the second side contacts a conductive electrolyte solution in electrical contact with a electrode. Current flow between the electrode and the work-piece electropolishes metal from the work-piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Stephen Mazur, Charles E. Jackson, Jr., Gary W. Foggin
  • Publication number: 20090078577
    Abstract: A plating solution recovery apparatus for electroplating, the apparatus comprises a circulation tank; a sludge removing device; a concentrating device; an iron compound crystallizing device; an iron compound separating device; an iron compound redissolving device; an iron ion removing device; pipelines sequentially connecting the circulation tank, the sludge removing device, the concentrating device, the iron compound crystallizing device, the iron compound separating device, the iron compound redissolving device, and then the iron ion removing device in a downstream direction from a base point coincident with the circulation tank; a pipeline connecting from the iron ion removing device to the circulation tank; a pipeline connecting from the iron compound separating device to the circulation tank; and a flow path changing device connecting to the circulation tank and provided in at least one portion selected from a group of portions, respectively, between the sludge removing device and the concentrating devic
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Kentaro Suzuki, Kei Yuki, Fumio Aoki
  • Patent number: 7427345
    Abstract: A method and device for regenerating an ion exchanger can regenerate an ion exchanger easily and quickly, and can minimize a load upon cleaning of the regenerated ion exchanger and disposal of waste liquid. A method for regenerating a contaminated ion exchanger includes: providing a pair of a regeneration electrode and a counter electrode, a partition disposed between the electrodes, and an ion exchanger to be regenerated disposed between the counter electrode and the partition; and applying a voltage between the regeneration electrode and the counter electrode while supplying a liquid between the partition and the regeneration electrode and also supplying a liquid between the partition and the counter electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Saito, Tsukuru Suzuki, Yuji Makita, Kaoru Yamada, Masayuki Kumekawa, Hozumi Yasuda, Osamu Nabeya, Kazuto Hirokawa, Mitsuhiko Shirakashi, Yasushi Toma, Itsuki Kobata
  • Patent number: 7381313
    Abstract: A method of operating an integrated hydrogen production and processing system is provided. The method includes operating an electrolyzer to produce hydrogen from water and utilizing heat generated from the electrolyzer to increase a temperature of an electrolyte in a first mode of operation. The method also includes heating the electrolyte in a second mode of operation by extracting heat from a hydrogen compressor to increase or maintain the temperature of the electrolyte during periods when electrolysis is not performed in the electrolyzer or during startup of the electrolyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Cara Suzanne Libby, Richard Scott Bourgeois
  • Patent number: 6977120
    Abstract: A mixed hydrogen-oxygen fuel generator system uses an electrolytic solution to generate gaseous hydrogen-oxygen fuel through the electrolysis of water. This generator system includes: at least one electrolytic cell with multiple metallic plates used as an internal isolation system in which two of the plates separately connect to both the positive and negative terminal of a DC circuit. These plates are used for the electrolysis of the electrolytic solution in the cell(s) to produce, under pressure, mixed hydrogen-oxygen fuel. The apparatus also includes a cooling system containing a water cooling tank in which there are two zones: one is the electrolytic solution circulation coil and the another is a water circulation zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventors: Nai Sung Chou, Choi Shiu Sum, Chou Te-Hung, Hui Lin
  • Patent number: 6929723
    Abstract: An apparatus for electroplating a rotogravure cylinder out of a plating solution is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plating tank adapted to support the cylinder and to contain a plating solution so that the cylinder is at least partially disposed into the plating solution. The apparatus also includes a non-dissolvable anode at least partially disposed within the plating solution. A current source is electrically connected to the non-dissolvable anode and to the cylinder. An ultrasonic system may be provided to introduce wave energy into the plating solution includes at least one transducer element mountable within the tank and a power generator adapted to provide electrical energy to the transducer element. A holding tank having a circulation pump, a mixing system and heating and cooling elements for the plating solution may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Inventor: Hubert F. Metzger
  • Patent number: 6893551
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI)
    Inventors: Lingamaneni Rama Krishna, Alexander Vasilyevich Rybalko, Govindan Sundararajan
  • Patent number: 6884332
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating an aqueous electroplating bath solution. The method comprises continuously agitating the solution; adjusting the pH of the solution, adjusting the temperature of the solution while adding an amount of hydrogen peroxide sufficient to promote dissolution of the hydrogen peroxide and generation of hydroxyl radicals; and adding an amount of an iron-containing compound so as to increase the rate of dissolution of the hydrogen peroxide to hydroxyl radicals so as to oxidize the organic compounds; whereby the total amount of organic carbon compounds in the solution is reduced. The apparatus comprises a treatment vessel, a pump for transferring a portion of the solution from the vessel to a mixing tank and for transferring a second portion of the solution to a heat exchanger for heating or cooling the second portion of the solution and a pump for transferring hydrogen peroxide to the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Kuntz Electroplating Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Forth, Art Vibert, Madeline Busch, Sarah Stevenson, Hussain Al-Ekabi
  • Patent number: 6875335
    Abstract: An anode as a workpiece, and a cathode opposed to the anode with a predetermined spacing are placed in ultrapure water. A catalytic material promoting dissociation of the ultrapure water and having water permeability is disposed between the workpiece and the cathode. A flow of the ultrapure water is formed inside the catalytic material, with a voltage being applied between the workpiece and the cathode, to decompose water molecules in the ultrapure water into hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions, and supply the resulting hydroxide ions to a surface of the workpiece, thereby performing removal processing of or oxide film formation on the workpiece through a chemical dissolution reaction or an oxidation reaction mediated by the hydroxide ions. Thus, clean processing can be performed by use of hydroxide ions in ultrapure water, with no impurities left behind on the processed surface of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignees: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Yuzo Mori, Mitsuhiko Shirakashi, Takayuki Saito, Yasushi Toma, Akira Fukunaga, Itsuki Kobata
  • Patent number: 6875322
    Abstract: A method for material removal and planarization of a substrate includes formation of a weak passivating film on overburden to be removed in the presence of an electrolyte bath and an applied electric potential. An engineered polishing substrate is brought into compliance with the weak passivating film, and using low pressure to minimize shear stress realized at the surface of the substrate, material removal is controlled by mechanical contact between the polishing substrate and the weak passivating film. The weak passivating film is periodically reformed, and mechanical contact continued until desired material removal and substrate planarization is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney C. Kistler
  • Patent number: 6740436
    Abstract: A mixed hydrogen-oxygen fuel generator system uses an electrolytic solution to generate gaseous hydrogen-oxygen fuel through the electrolysis of water. This generator system includes: at least one electrolytic cell with multiple metallic plates used as an internal isolation system in which two of the plates separately connect to both the positive and negative terminal of a DC circuit. These plates are used for the electrolysis of the electrolytic solution in the cell(s) to produce, under pressure, mixed hydrogen-oxygen fuel. The apparatus also includes a cooling system containing a water cooling tank in which there are two zones: one is the electrolytic solution circulation coil and the another is a water circulation zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Natural Energy Resources
    Inventors: Nai Sung Chou, Choi Shiu Sum, Chou Te-Hung, Hui Lin
  • Patent number: 6689271
    Abstract: An electrocoagulation system for removing contaminants from waste effluents comprising an electrocoagulation reactor having charged and uncharged plates and allowing serial flow of water therethrough. The reactor is connected to a voltage source to charge some of the plates positive and some negative, with uncharged plates between the positive and negative plates. The system allows waste water to enter the reactor for coagulation therein, the waste water leaving the reactor to enter a defoam tank for agitation which allows trapped bubbles to rise to the surface of the tank as foam. From the defoam tank, waste water goes through a sludge thickener, to allow sludge to settle at the bottom thereof and waste water is drawn off from the sludge thickener to flow to a clarifier. The pump removes sludge forming at the bottom of clarifier to take it back to the sludge thickener. The sludge is drawn out the bottom of the sludge thickener for transport to a press where most of the water is removed therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Kaspar Wire Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul E. Morkovsky, Douglas D. Kaspar
  • Patent number: 6630061
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating a mixture of oxygen gas and hydrogen gas is provided with an electrolytic cell in which electrolysis of electrolyte therein is performed to generate the mixture of the oxygen and the hydrogen gas by electricity being applied from an electrical conversion device and having a plurality of electrode plates arranged with separation, a insulating materials attached to inner wall surfaces of the electrolytic cell and having at least one surface grooves formed thereon into which the electrode plates are inserted, a water supply device for supplementing the water into the electrolytic cell, the water supply device connected to the electrolytic cell, a gas reservoir for restoring the mixture generated in the electrolytic cell, the gas reservoir connected to the electrolytic cell, and a cooling unit for maintaining temperature inside the electrolytic cell constant connected to the electrolytic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventors: Jae-Heung Lee, Yung-Kil Jun, Jung-Hi Kim
  • Patent number: 6602396
    Abstract: An anode as a workpiece, and a cathode opposed to the anode with a predetermined spacing are placed in ultrapure water. A catalytic material promoting dissociation of the ultrapure water and having water permeability is disposed between the workpiece and the cathode. A flow of the ultrapure water is formed inside the catalytic material, with a voltage being applied between the workpiece and the cathode, to decompose water molecules in the ultrapure water into hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions, and supply the resulting hydroxide ions to a surface of the workpiece, thereby performing removal processing of or oxide film formation on the workpiece through a chemical dissolution reaction or an oxidation reaction mediated by the hydroxide ions. Thus, clean processing can be performed by use of hydroxide ions in ultrapure water, with no impurities left behind on the processed surface of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignees: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Yuzo Mori, Mitsuhiko Shirakashi, Takayuki Saito, Yasushi Toma, Akira Fukunaga, Itsuki Kobata
  • Patent number: 6599415
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for electropolishing a workpiece without immersing the workpiece in a bath of electrolytic solution. The workpiece is held in an atmospheric environment, while electrolytic solution is discharged from a reservoir in the form of a plurality of jet streams onto the surface of the workpiece. A voltage difference is applied across the workpiece and the jet streams, thereby inducing a current to flow, between the workpiece acting as anode and the jet streams acting as cathode. The workpiece may be rotated about an axis and moved linearly along the same axis while the jet streams of electrolytic solution are discharged onto the workpiece. Anodic dissolution causes polishing of the workpiece surface. The electrolytic solution may be collected after discharge and recycled back into the reservoir, after being filtered and cooled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Advanced Cardiovascular Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Yu-Chun Ku, Ryan John Santos
  • Patent number: 6585875
    Abstract: A process for cleaning an electrically conducting surface (3) by arranging for the surface to form the cathode of an electrolytic cell in which the anode (1) is maintained at a DC voltage in excess of 30V and an electrical arc discharge (electro-plasma) is established at the surface of the workpiece by suitable adjustment of the operating parameters, characterized in that the working gap between the anode and the cathode is filled with an electrically conductive medium consisting of a foam (9) comprising a gas/vapor phase and a liquid phase. The process can be adapted for simultaneously coating the metal surface by including ions of the species required to form the coating in the electrically conductive medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: CAP Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Danila Vitalievich Ryabkov
  • Patent number: 6547936
    Abstract: An apparatus for electroplating and deplating an object out of a plating solution is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plating tank adapted to support the object and to contain a plating solution so that the object is at least partially disposed into the plating solution. The apparatus also includes a non-dissolvable conductor at least partially disposed within the plating solution. A current source is electrically connected to the non-dissolvable conductor and to the object. An ultrasonic system may be provided to introduce wave energy into the plating solution includes at least one transducer element mountable within the tank and a power generator adapted to provide electrical energy to the transducer element. A holding tank having a circulating pump and heating and cooling elements for the plating solution may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Chema Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Hubert F. Metzger
  • Publication number: 20030006133
    Abstract: An apparatus for electroplating a rotogravure cylinder out of a plating solution is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plating tank adapted to support the cylinder and to contain a plating solution so that the cylinder is at least partially disposed into the plating solution. The apparatus also includes a non-dissolvable anode at least partially disposed within the plating solution. A current source is electrically connected to the non-dissolvable anode and to the cylinder. An ultrasonic system may be provided to introduce wave energy into the plating solution includes at least one transducer element mountable within the tank and a power generator adapted to provide electrical energy to the transducer element. A holding tank having a circulation pump, a mixing system and heating and cooling elements for the plating solution may be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Hubert F. Metzger
  • Patent number: 6428683
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a feedback controlled stripping system with integrated water management and acid recycling system. The system comprises a stripping tank containing an electrolyte bath stripping solution for removing a coating from at least one workpiece immersed in the stripping solution while a controlled absolute electrical potential is maintained on the at least one workpiece with respect to a reference electrode also immersed in the stripping solution, a rinse tank for rinsing the workpiece(s) after removal of the workpiece(s) from the stripping tank, and a distillation unit for receiving electrolyte containing dissolved metals from the stripping tank, for purifying the electrolyte received from the stripping tank, and for returning the purified electrolyte to the stripping tank. In a preferred embodiment, the stripping tank, the rinse tank, and the distillation unit are mounted to a skid. The system further includes a control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Mark R. Jaworowski, Christopher C. Shovlin, Glenn T. Janowsky, Curtis H. Riewe, Michael A. Kryzman
  • Patent number: 6402908
    Abstract: A temperature handling subsystem (12) for a pipe electrochemical polishing system (10) has a chiller (46) and associated heat exchanger (44) for cooling the acid electrolyte (24) circulating through a pipe (28) while a cathode (14) is drawn therethrough for the purpose of electropolishing the interior of the pipe (24). A temperature control method (48) has a temperature low enough decision operation (58) wherein a temperature indicating control (38) is used to determine if the chiller (46) should be activated. The electrolyte (24) is pumped by an electrolyte pump from an electrolyte reservoir (22) containing a temperature indicating controller (38) for determining the temperature of the electrolyte (24) and further containing an electric heater (36) for heating the electrolyte (24), as necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Therma Corporation, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Lorincz
  • Patent number: 6395152
    Abstract: An electropolishing apparatus for polishing a metal layer formed on a wafer (31) includes an electrolyte (34), a polishing receptacle (100), a wafer chuck (29), a fluid inlet (5, 7, 9), and at least one cathode (1, 2, 3). The wafer chuck (29) holds and positions the wafer (31) within the polishing receptacle (100). The electrolyte (34) is delivered through the fluid inlet (5, 7, 9) into the polishing receptacle (100). The cathode (1, 2, 3) then applies an electropolishing current to the electrolyte to electropolish the wafer (31). In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, discrete portions of the wafer (31) can be electropolished to enhance the uniformity of the electropolished wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: ACM Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Hui Wang
  • Patent number: 6383347
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochemical cells and electrochemical systems using a one piece or unitary electrode plate hereinafter also referred to as a double electrode plate (DEP) which serves to electrically connect two adjacent cell compartments and wherein the current flow in the electrodes is parallel to the working face of the electrode. In the cell designs disclosed, the cells are assembled as a contiguous stack of cells (cell stack) appearing similar to a filter press where the electrical connections between adjacent cells are made using the double electrode plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Stuart Energy Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew T. B. Stuart, Raynald G. LaChance, Chris T. Bowen
  • Patent number: 6322675
    Abstract: An on line copper removal system for use in an absorption cooling unit which includes an evaporator, an absorber, a generator and a condenser which are interconnected to provide an absorption cycle in which a lithium bromide solution which contains a deleterious amount of copper is circulated through said unit through a series of interconnected flow lines and pumps. An electroplating cell is positioned in a bypass connection to a flow line to selectively plate copper out of said lithium bromide solution while said unit is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventor: Alfred J. Pratt
  • Patent number: 6258221
    Abstract: A flame adjusting device includes a tank for receiving a fluid and includes an upper portion and a lower portion coupled to a coupler with hoses. The coupler is coupled to a gas generator. A control device is disposed between the coupler and an upper hose and is used for controlling the gas to flow through the hoses and to adjust the gas flowing out of the tank. The gas is a gaseous fuel and is supplied to a facility for generating a flame. The temperature generated by the flame may thus also be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Wen Chang Lin