With Feeding And/or Withdrawal Means Patents (Class 204/255)
  • Patent number: 11939689
    Abstract: An electrode system comprising: a plurality of first electrode plates (3) and a plurality of second electrode plates (5?) arranged alternatingly to form an electrode stack, each first electrode plate having a first electrode plate first busbar opening and a first electrode plate second busbar opening extending through the first electrode plate, the first electrode plate second busbar opening being larger than the first electrode plate first busbar opening, each second electrode plate (5?) having a second electrode plate first busbar opening (27a?) extending through the second electrode plate (5?), the second electrode plate first busbar opening (27a?) being dimensioned larger than each of the first electrode plate first busbar openings and aligned with the first electrode plate first busbar openings, and a second electrode plate second busbar opening (27b?) extending through the second electrode plate (5?), the second electrode plate second busbar opening (27b?) being dimensioned smaller than each of the firs
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: HYMETH APS
    Inventor: Sumon Bishwas
  • Patent number: 11799110
    Abstract: Provided herein are anode and/or cathode pan assemblies comprising unique manifold, outlet tube, and/or baffle plate configurations; electrochemical cell and/or electrolyzer containing the anode and/or the cathode pan assemblies; and methods to use and manufacture the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Verdagy, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H. McWaid, Ryan J. Gilliam
  • Patent number: 11444304
    Abstract: Provided herein are anode and/or cathode pan assemblies comprising unique manifold, outlet tube, and/or baffle plate configurations; electrochemical cell and/or electrolyzer containing the anode and/or the cathode pan assemblies; and methods to use and manufacture the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Verdagy, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas H McWaid, Ryan J Gilliam
  • Patent number: 11400417
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular flow system having a plurality of frame elements (101, 102) configured to be combined together to form a stack for forming a functional member. This functional member may be in particular a membrane distillation stage, a vapor generator, a condenser, a heat exchanger, a filter and/or a pervaporation stage. The frame elements (101, 102) each include: ? an outer frame (39) and an inner frame (43), the inner frame (43) encasing a central inner region (40) and being surrounded by the outer frame (39), and ? passage openings (13 to 16) and vapor and/or liquid channels (17, 18) arranged between the outer frame (39) and the inner frame (43). At least one of the two vapor and/or liquid channels (17, 18) is connected to the central inner region (40) by at least one vapor and/or liquid channel opening (22) constituting a through hole in the inner frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: EVCON GMBH
    Inventors: Markus Wenzel, Norbert Borgmann, Wolfgang Heinzl
  • Patent number: 11319635
    Abstract: The electrolysis vessel for alkaline water electrolysis includes an anode end unit, a cathode end unit, anode chamber cells, cathode chamber cells, and separating membranes. The anode/cathode end units each comprise a pressing frame, an insulating plate, and an end cell. The anode/cathode chamber cells are alternately arranged between the anode end unit and the cathode end unit. Electrolyte supply/recovery flow paths are arranged through each chamber cell. Electrolyte supply/recovery pipes each being a metal pipe, at least an inner surface of the metal pipe being coated with an insulating resin, are connected to the electrolyte supply/recovery flow paths respectively via through-holes arranged through the pressing frame(s) and the insulating plate(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: TOKUYAMA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Tanaka, Ryouta Umebayashi
  • Patent number: 11211616
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing electrochemical cell stacks of different sizes or configurations is disclosed in which a first planar module having a first planar size and configuration is assembled from a first inventory of parts including planar modular parts having mating surfaces along connectable ends. The planar modular parts are connected in a co-planar configuration to form the first planar module having the first size and configuration. A second inventory of parts including planar modular parts in common with the first inventory is identified, and a second planar module having a different planar size or configuration than the first planar module is assembled from the second inventory. The first and second planar modules are assembled with other planar modules and component to form electrochemical stacks corresponding to the planar size and configuration of the respective first or second planar module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Mark E. Dristy, Trent M. Molter, William A. G. McPhee, Joshua S. Preston, Gregory Hesler
  • Patent number: 10843943
    Abstract: An electrolytic liquid generation device according to the present disclosure includes an electrolytic part and a housing in which the electrolytic part is disposed. The electrolytic part has a laminate including mutually adjacent electrodes and a conductive film interposed between the electrodes. The electrolytic part electrolyzes a liquid. The housing includes an electrode case having a recess with an opening to enable insertion of the electrolytic part through the opening and to contain the electrolytic part in the recess, and an electrode case lid to cover the opening of the electrode case. The electrolytic part is contained in the recess such that lamination direction Z of the laminate is substantially aligned with a direction in which the opening opens. This configuration provides an electrolytic liquid generation device that can be built with improved facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichirou Inagaki, Atsushi Tsuji, Chihiro Ii, Tetsuya Maekawa, Shunsuke Mori
  • Patent number: 10833337
    Abstract: An electrochemical device is provided that includes a stack of a plurality of electrochemical units that succeed one another in a stacking direction and each include an electrochemically active membrane electrode assembly, at least one gas diffusion layer and a bipolar plate having at least one flow field, in which at least one flow field is sealed off simply and reliably and the occurrence of parasitic flows is prevented, wherein at least one bipolar plate has at least one edge web, which borders a flow field of the bipolar plate and is in contact with a gas diffusion layer adjacent to the bipolar plate, and wherein the electrochemical device further includes at least one flow field seal element that seals off the flow field bordered by the edge web and is in contact with the edge web and in contact with the gas diffusion layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: ElringKlinger AG
    Inventors: Peter Stahl, Juergen Kraft, Michael Goetz
  • Patent number: 10358729
    Abstract: An ion-permeable web-reinforced separator, said ion-permeable web-reinforced separator comprising two separator elements separated by an (optionally integrated) substantially hollow by-pass channel, wherein the separator elements each comprise a binder and a metal oxide or hydroxide dispersed therein and the separator elements have a bubble point of at least 1 bar (0.1 MPa) and a back-wash resistance of at least 1 bar (0.1 MPa) and optionally have a specific resistance less than 4 ?-cm at 30° C. in 6M potassium hydroxide solution; an electrochemical cell involving the production or consumption of at least one gas, said electrochemical cell comprising said ion-permeable web-reinforced separator; and the use thereof in an electrochemical cell involving the production or consumption of at least one gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: VITO NV
    Inventors: Willy Doyen, Yolanda Alvarez Gallego
  • Patent number: 10014515
    Abstract: A battery includes: a battery case having a case body member and a case lid member having a through hole; a rivet that engages with the through hole; and a gasket. The through hole is hermetically sealed with the gasket interposed between the circumferential outer surface of the case lid member and an outer flange of the rivet. The case lid member is configured such that, in a state wherein a peripheral edge portion connected to an opening end portion of the case body member, the circumferential outer surface is positioned in the axial outward direction such that the circumferential outer surface faces further towards the outer side along the axis line of the through hole than the peripheral edge portion and the opening end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Harayama, Kazuyuki Kusama, Hiroyuki Nakayama
  • Patent number: 9944544
    Abstract: Disclosed is a 3-dimensional porous mono-polar electrode body that includes a 3-dimensional porous parent substance, which has a 3-dimensional structure including a side and a remaining side that communicate with each other via a plurality of pores arranged in multiple layers and which is made of a metal material to have dimensional stability, and an electrode catalyst layer applied on the 3-dimensional porous parent substance. The 3-dimensional porous mono-polar electrode body is used to remove microorganisms contained in treatment water to thus minimize the consumption of power, which is required to remove the microorganisms, prevent secondary pollution, and ensure the durability of an electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignees: Elchemtech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Bong Moon, Hye Young Jung, Yun Ki Choi, So Young Kim, Dae Jin Yoon, Ja Young Kim, Su Hyun Im, Min Ah Song, Tae Lim Lee, Chang Hwan Moon, Ji Yeong Kim, Jun Young Lee, Sung Won Choi
  • Patent number: 9695494
    Abstract: Compositions for forming Au-based bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys are provided. The Au-based bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys of the current invention are based on ternary Au—Cu—Si alloys, and the extension of this ternary system to higher order alloys by the addition of one or more alloying elements. Additional substitute elements are also provided, which allow for the tailoring of the physical properties of the Au-base bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys of the current invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Crucible Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventors: Jan Schroers, Atakan Peker
  • Patent number: 9683300
    Abstract: A bipolar alkaline water electrolysis unit incorporated in an electrolytic cell for electrolyzing an electrolytic solution of alkaline water to obtain oxygen and hydrogen, the bipolar alkaline water electrolysis unit including an oxygen generating anode, a hydrogen generating cathode, a conductive partition wall that separates the anode and the cathode from each other, and an outer frame that surrounds the conductive partition wall, wherein a gas and electrolytic solution passage is provided at an upper portion of the conductive partition wall and/or the outer frame, and an electrolytic solution passage is provided at a lower part of the conductive partition wall and/or the outer frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: ASAHI KASEI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yasuhide Noaki, Yousuke Uchino, Keiji Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 9620832
    Abstract: An ROB stack (10?) contains a plurality of stacked ROB cells (10) made from: thin metal bipolar housings (13) having air inlets and exits and horizontal channels for feeding air between the inlets (16) and exits (17), the channel having top ridges and also grooves (25) for containing active material (34); a porous air electrode (21/39) next to the air channels allowing air contact; a metal electrode (36); and an oxygen ion transfer membrane (37) acting as electrolyte; wherein the plurality of all the assemblies form vertical air inlet and outlet plenums.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Charles R. Osborne, Kevin P. Litzinger, Shih-Yu W. Liu, Chun Lu
  • Patent number: 9556529
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a module for an electrolyzer of filterpress type comprising at least one closed frame defining at least one first opening, wherein said module comprises a sealing and electric insulating material, wherein said material at least partly covers the surface of the frame. In addition the present invention comprises a method for producing a module for an electrolyzer of filterpress type and use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: New NEL Hydrogen AS
    Inventors: Oddmund Wallevik, Hans Jörg Fell, Petr Chladek
  • Patent number: 9458036
    Abstract: An electrolyzed water processor chamber with an anodic chamber having an anode plate held in an anode tray, and a cathodic chamber having a cathode plate held within a cathode tray. The plates are charged by an electrical current, to separate an incoming water stream into its electromagnetically ionized alkaline and acidic components, across an ion exchange membrane sandwiched between the anode and cathode plate trays. The trays can include sets of ducts and cavities, so that when the trays are stacked together, with the cavities aligning to form plenums for the routing of water between the trays. The trays stack as modular units, so that any multiple of the anodic and cathodic tray pairs, with their plates and sandwiched membrane, can be stacked together and function as a combined processor chamber, with end caps mounted on the top-most and bottom-most plate trays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Cascade Ridge Industries, LLC.
    Inventor: Carl Halterman
  • Patent number: 9359231
    Abstract: An electrolytic bath for manufacturing acid water capable of securing sufficient conductivity even in pure water or deionized water without separately using a catalyst or an ion exchange resin, electrolyzing the pure water or deionized water as well as tap water, and particularly minimizing a reaction between ions and a gas through a deaeration effect and an electrolytic effect in one electrolytic process, increasing conductivity of acid water, and enhancing reduction potential and maintenance time of dissolving power, to obtain acid water (hydrogen water) as stable acid reduced water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignees: MAG TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., BYOUNGLYEOL KIM
    Inventor: Jae Yong Lee
  • Patent number: 8506787
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell having two or more diffusion bonded layers, which demonstrates a high degree of ruggedness, reliability, efficiency and attitude insensitiveness, is provided. The novel cell structure simplifies construction and operation of these cells. Also provided is a method for passive water removal from these cells. The inventive cell, as well as stacks made using these cells, is suitable for use in applications such as commercial space power systems, long endurance aircraft, undersea power systems, remote backup power systems, and regenerative fuel cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Callahan, James F. McElroy, Alfred Meyer, William F. Smith
  • Patent number: 8317985
    Abstract: An electrolyte electrolyzer adapted to create hydrogen and oxygen from electrolyte fluid at or near atmospheric pressure. The electrolyzer is comprised in a preferred form of a plurality of cells which collectively create oxygen and hydrogen chambers separated by an ion permeable membrane. The electrolyzer is further defined by a passive electrode that is electrically interposed between a charged anode and cathode. The chambers defined by the cells are in communication with oxygen and hydrogen supply lines to transfer the hydrogen gas from the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Wood Stone Corporation
    Inventor: Tadeusz Karabin
  • Patent number: 8277620
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present techniques provide electrolyzers made using thermoformed electrode assemblies and diaphragm assemblies. Each electrode assembly is made from two plastic rings and an electrode plate using a twin sheet thermoforming technique. A first plastic ring is laid in a mold having the appropriate shape to form the electrode assembly. The electrode plate is laid on top of the first plastic ring and is generally centered on the ring. The second plastic ring is laid over the electrode plate, and is generally centered over the electrode plate. The plastic is heated to soften the plastic, and a vacuum is pulled on the mold to pull the softened plastic into the shape of the mold. The mold is closed over the assembly to seal the two plastic rings together. After cooling, the molded part may be removed, resulting in a hollow plastic rim surrounding an electrode plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Richard Scott Bourgeois
  • Patent number: 8273225
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solid diamond electrode, a reactor, in particular a reactor comprising an anode, a cathode and at least one bipolar electrode having first and second major working surfaces positioned therebetween wherein the at least one bipolar electrode consists essentially of diamond, and methods in which the reactors are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Element Six Limited
    Inventors: Jonathan James Wilman, Patrick Simon Bray, Timothy Peter Mollart
  • Patent number: 8182693
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for purifying water are provided. A feed water such as seawater can be fed to a filter such as a microporous or nanofiltration membrane to produce a permeate that can, in turn, be fed to an electrodeionization system to produce fresh water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick C. Wilkins, Anil Jha, Gary C. Ganzi
  • Patent number: 8168047
    Abstract: A HHO electrolysis cell mounted in a vehicle for creating hydrogen The hydrogen is mixed with a vehicle's fuel supply for increased fuel mileage. The electrolysis cell includes a cell housing for holding water. A plurality of positive electrode plates are mounted inside the cell housing and attached to a positive pole mounted on top of the cell housing. The positive pole is adapted for connection to a vehicle's electrical source. A plurality of negative electrode plates are mounted inside the housing and indexed in a spaced relationship between each of the positive electrode plates. The negative electrode plates are attached to a negative pole mounted on top of the cell housing. The negative pole is also adapted for connection to a vehicle's electrical source. The negative electrode plates are attached to a moveable plate rod mounted inside the cell housing. One end of the moveable rod is adapted for attachment to a linkage assembly connected to a vehicle's fuel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Jerry Smith
  • Patent number: 8021525
    Abstract: A PEM based water electrolysis stack consists of a number of cells connected in series by using interconnects. Water and electrical power (power supply) are the external inputs to the stack. Water supplied to the oxygen electrodes through flow fields in interconnects is dissociated into oxygen and protons. The protons are transported through the polymer membrane to the hydrogen electrodes, where they combine with electrons to form hydrogen gas. If the electrolysis stack is required to be used exclusively as an oxygen generator, the hydrogen gas generated would have to be disposed off safely. The disposal of hydrogen would lead to a number of system and safety related issues, resulting in the limited application of the device as an oxygen generator. Hydrogen can be combusted to produce heat or better disposed off in a separate fuel cell unit which will supply electricity generated, to the electrolysis stack to reduce power input requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
    Inventors: Sarbjit Singh Giddey, Fabio T. Ciacchi, Sukhvinder P. S. Badwal
  • Patent number: 7922879
    Abstract: An ion exchange membrane electrolyzer is provided, which is characterized in that a current is passed through at least one electrode in contact with a plate spring member formed at a portion of an electrode retainer member parallel with a flat plate form of electrode chamber partition, wherein said electrode retainer member is joined at a belt junction to the flat plate form of electrode chamber partition with a space between them, said electrode is provided with a floating mount means at a portion thereof other than a portion of contact with the plate spring member, and said floating mount means is provided with an engaging portion that is engaged with a fixed engaging member to enable said electrode to move in a perpendicular direction to an electrode surface and in a range of displacement of said plate spring member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignees: Chlorine Engineers Corp., Ltd., Tosoh Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Kodama, Shinichiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7901549
    Abstract: A gas evolving bipolar electrolysis system is provided which includes multiple cells. Each cell further includes a cathode, an anode, at least one inlet and at least one outlet for flow of electrolyte and the cathode and the anode are configured to maintain a variable interelectrode gap between the cathode and the anode. In some embodiments, the cell includes a membrane disposed between the electrodes and in some other embodiments the electrodes are coated with electrocatalysts configured to provide uniform current density on the electrode surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ravichandra Srinivasa Jupudi, Richard Scott Bourgeois, Hongmei Zhang
  • Patent number: 7897022
    Abstract: A water treatment system is disclosed having electrolytic cell for liberating hydrogen from a base solution. The base solution may be a solution of brine for generating sodium hypochlorite, or potable water to be oxidized. The cell has first and second opposing electrode endplates held apart from each other by a pair of supports such that the supports enclose opposing sides of the endplates to form a cell chamber. One or more inner electrode plates are spaced apart from each other in the cell chamber in between the first and second electrode plates. The supports are configured to electrically isolate the first and second electrode plates and the inner electrode plates from each other. The first and second electrode plates are configured to receive opposite polarity charges that passively charge the inner electrode plates via conduction from the base solution to form a chemical reaction in the base solution as the base solution passes through the cell chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Process Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent A. Simmons, Gunnar T. Thordarsonn, James C. Robertson
  • Patent number: 7842172
    Abstract: It is described a bipolar plate consisting of a single wall and a perimetrical sealing frame obtained by folding and provided with a planar abutment surface for the frame-to-wall welding. The wall is further provided with projections on one face thereof preferably obtained by moulding, and with supports on the other face consisting of sheet strips housed in the recesses formed by the concave part of the projections. The projections substantially extend along the entire length of the bipolar plate. The projections and supports are connected to electrodes or current distributors. The projections, the supports, the single wall and the perimetrical frame are made of the same metal or alloy. The electrode or current distributor supported by the projections, the same projections and the supports are welded together by a single pass of arc-welding or preferably laser-welding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Uhdenora S.p.A.
    Inventors: Fulvio Federico, Leonello Carrettin, Dario Oldani, Corrado Mojana
  • Patent number: 7763152
    Abstract: There is provided an ion exchange membrane electrolyzer, wherein at least one electrode is energized by coming into contact with plate spring bodies formed on the electrode side of an electrode holding member forming a space with an electrode chamber partition bonded to a plate-like electrode chamber partition by a strip-like bonded portion, the electrode has a connected portion extending from a plane parallel to the ion exchange membrane toward the electrode holding member side in a direction perpendicular to the electrode plane, the connected portion is provided with an engaging opening extending in a direction perpendicular to the electrode plane, and the engaging opening engages with an engaging member, permitting the electrode to move in a direction perpendicular to the electrode plane within the displacement range of the plate spring bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignees: Chlorine Engineers Corp., Ltd., Tosoh Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Suzuki, Masakazu Kameda
  • Patent number: 7744733
    Abstract: A system to vent a moist gas stream is disclosed. The system includes an enclosure and an electrochemical cell disposed within the enclosure, the electrochemical cell productive of the moist gas stream. A first vent is in fluid communication with the electrochemical cell for venting the moist gas stream to an exterior of the enclosure, and a second vent is in fluid communication with an interior of the enclosure and in thermal communication with the first vent for discharging heated air to the exterior of the enclosure. At least a portion of the discharging heated air is for preventing freezing of the moist gas stream within the first vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Amjad Khan, Ken Wayne Dreier, Lawrence Clinton Moulthrop, Erik James White
  • Patent number: 7710371
    Abstract: Cells can include variable volumes defined between a flexible structure, such as a polymer layer, and a support surface, with the flexible structure and support surface being attached in a first region that surrounds a second region in which they are unattached. Various adhesion structures can attach the flexible structure and the support surface. When unstretched, the flexible structure can lie in a flat position on the support surface. In response to a stretching force away from the support surface, the flexible structure can move out of the flat position, providing the variable volume. Electrodes, such as on the flexible structure, on the support surface, and over the flexible structure, can have charge levels that couple with each other and with the variable volume. A support structure can include a device layer with signal circuitry that provides a signal path between an electrode and external circuitry. One or more ducts can provide fluid communication with each cell's variable volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Ping Mei, Jurgen Daniel, James B. Boyce, Kathleen Dore Boyce, legal representative, Jackson Ho, Rachel Lau, Yu Wang
  • Patent number: 7704355
    Abstract: The invention describes an improved anode suitable for being installed in chlor-alkali electrolysis cells intercalated to cathode elements provided with a diaphragm. In operation, the anode of the invention is in direct contact with the diaphragm so as to form mutually equivalent vertical channels defined by the surfaces of the plates, of the supporting sheets and of the diaphragm, allowing a predefined and controlled upward motion of the chlorine-brine biphasic mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Industrie De Nora S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Meneghini
  • Patent number: 7704353
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode assembly for the electrochemical treatment of liquids with a low conductivity. Said assembly comprises electrodes (1, 2), between which a polymer solid electrolyte (3) is situated. The electrodes are pressed against one another by means of a compression device (9, 10; 91) and are configured in such a way that the assembly can be traversed by the liquid. To produce said assembly simply and to ensure that it is flexible and easy to use, the compression device (9, 10; 91) is supported on the electrodes (1, 2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Condias GmbH
    Inventors: Manuela Stadelmann, Manfred Blaschke, Maja Wuensche, Helmut Petzer, Alexander Kraft, Thorsten Matthee, Matthias Fryda
  • Patent number: 7591932
    Abstract: A pressure electrolyzer having an electrolytic cell block that contains a number of electrolytic cells combined to form a stack, each electrolytic cell having an anode and a cathode. The electrolytic cell block has a sealed housing formed by a number of stacked cell frames of the electrolytic cells, the cell frames being composed at least partially of a material that is elastic at least in a longitudinal direction of the electrolytic cell block and seals adjacent cell frames from each other. End plates are provided so as to hold the electrolytic cell block in place between the end plates under compression of the elastic material. Each of the cell frames has a rigid element that runs in a circumferential direction of the frame so as to mechanically stabilize the cell frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Hydrogen Technologies
    Inventors: Marko Ramisch, Pietro d'Erasmo
  • Patent number: 7513980
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell 1 comprises electrolysis chambers 5 and 6 arranged opposite to each other through a diaphragm 11, raw water feed means 8 and 7, electrodes 12a and 12b arranged in the electrolysis chambers 5 and 6 in a manner sandwiching the diaphragm 11, and electrolyzed water take-out means 9 and 10 for taking out electrolyzed water obtained by electrolyzing raw water. The electrolytic cell 1 comprises a membrane-electrode assembly 2 formed so as to cause the electrodes 12a and 12b to respectively adhere to both surfaces of the diaphragm 11, mesh current collectors 13 and 14 respectively arranged opposite to the electrodes 12a and 12b, and a plurality of protrusions 15 and 16.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kohichi Miyashita, Go Muto
  • Publication number: 20080245662
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolysis cell comprising sheet-like anodes and cathodes which are separated from one another by means of separators and which are arranged in a cell trough or in a plurality of electrode frames clamped to one another and are connected in an electrically monopolar or bipolar manner, wherein the cathodes and/or anodes are in the form of multilayer expanded metal electrodes which consist of at least two expanded metal layers which are in contact with one another via internal resistance zones and through which the electrolyte solutions flow in the longitudinal direction, and to its use for the cathodic reduction or the anodic oxidation of organic or inorganic compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Eilenburger Elektrolyse- und Umwelttechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Jurgen Forster, Wolfgang Thiele, Hans-Jurgen Kramer, Heiko Brunner, Wolfgang Schrott, Thomas Bechtold
  • Patent number: 7402358
    Abstract: A bipolar plate for an electrochemical cell is disclosed. The bipolar plate includes a unitary plate having first and second inlet ports, first and second outlet ports, first flow channels, and second flow channels. A first inlet header channel at one end of the first flow channels is in fluid communication with the first inlet port, and a first outlet header channel at the other end of the first flow channels is in fluid communication with the first outlet port. A second inlet header channel at one end of the second flow channels is in fluid communication with the second inlet port, and a second outlet header channel at the other end of the second flow channels is in fluid communication with the second outlet port. Each of the header channels includes a support surface sufficient to support a membrane-electrode-assembly while providing a fluid flow channel from one end of the respective header channel to the other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Greg A. Hanlon
  • Patent number: 7363110
    Abstract: A gasket having the form of a frame is provided with a curved portion at an inner or outer periphery thereof. When used in combination with a similarly configured gasket, the two gaskets may together, upon compression, form a pinch seal. The curved portion may be provided with a chemically resistant material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Ineos Chlor Enterprises Limited
    Inventors: Brian K. Revill, Michael F. Dutton, Keith A. Stanley, Alan R. Naylor
  • Patent number: 7332063
    Abstract: A structural component for electrolytic cells of an electrochemical reactor of the filter-press type, comprising a frame (6) supporting its corresponding functional element (7, 7a), a bipolar sheet or a diaphragm, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Casale Chemicals S.A.
    Inventor: Giancarlo Sioli
  • Patent number: 7323089
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bonded membrane-electrode assembly for electrolysis of water, which enables the generation of hydrogen capable of being used as a fuel for a fuel cell by electrolyzing water, and a water electrolyzer constructed using the bonded membrane-electrode assembly, so that hydrogen can be produced safely. The bonded membrane-electrode assembly includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an oxygen electrode bonded to one of sides of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, a hydrogen electrode bonded to the other side of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The oxygen electrode includes a porous sheet-shaped carbon element plated with iridium and coated with a mixture containing carbon and a resin for a solid polymer membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Daido Metal Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Kato, Katsumi Kanematsu, Shoji Nawa, Yasuo Ido
  • Patent number: 7323090
    Abstract: A bipolar zero-gap electrolytic cell comprising an anode comprising an anode substrate constituted of a titanium expanded metal or titanium metal net of 25 to 70% opening ratio, which anode after coating the substrate with a catalyst has a surface of 5 to 50 ?m unevenness difference maximum and has a thickness of 0.7 to 2.0 mm. In this electrolytic cell, the possibility of breakage of ion exchange membrane is low, and the anolyte and catholyte have a concentration distribution falling within given range. With this electrolytic cell, stable electrolysis can be performed for a prolonged period of time with less variation of cell internal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyoshi Houda, Yasuhide Noaki
  • Patent number: 7172830
    Abstract: A separator for a fuel cell is manufactured by preparing a raw material powder, uniformly mixing the prepared raw material to be formed into a slurry, and charging the raw material powder derived from granulation into a metal mold for heat press forming. The raw material is obtained by adding to carbon powder a binder containing a mixture of phenolic resin and epoxy resin. Therefore the heat press forming step does not cause the binder to generate gas, thus allowing manufacturing of a separator exhibiting sufficient gas-impermeability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Seiji Mizuno
  • Patent number: 7156962
    Abstract: There are provided an electrode for electrolysis which takes into consideration safety to human bodies and environmental pollution upon disposal of the electrode, produces ozone with high efficiency and has excellent durability, a production process of the electrode, and an active oxygen producing device using the electrode. In an electrode 5 for electrolysis which has an electrode catalyst at least on the surface and produces ozone or active oxygen in for-treatment water by electrolysis, the electrode catalyst contains a dielectric which constitutes more than 70% of the surface area of the electrode catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohito Koizumi, Naoki Hiro, Tsuyoshi Rakuma, Katsuhiko Mushiake, Masahiro Iseki, Hiroyuki Umezawa, Yurika Koizumi, Yasuhito Kondo
  • Patent number: 7153409
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the electrochemical system comprises an electrochemical cell and hydrogen storage in fluid communication with the hydrogen electrode, the hydrogen storage comprising at least one of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers. In one embodiment, the method for operating an electrochemical cell system, comprises introducing water to an oxygen electrode and electrolyzing the water to form oxygen, hydrogen ions and electrons, wherein the hydrogen ions migrate to a hydrogen electrode. The hydrogen ions can then be reacted with the electrons to form hydrogen gas that is stored in at least one of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason K. Shiepe, Frano Barbir
  • Patent number: 7048838
    Abstract: The invention provides an ion exchange membrane electrolyzer ensuring a satisfactory circulation of electrolyte, high electrolytic efficiency and great ridigity. An anode chamber partition in a flat sheet form is joined to a cathode chamber partition in a flat sheet form. An electrode retainer member in a sheet form is joined to at least one partition at a belt-like junction. A projecting strip with an electrode joined thereto is located between adjacent junctions. A space on an electrode surface side of the electrode retainer member defines a path through which a fluid goes up in the electrode chamber, and a space that spaces away from the space defines a path through which an electrolyte separated from a gas at a top portion of the electrode goes down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Chlorine Engineers Corp., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Katayama, Masaru Mori, Masakazu Kameda
  • Patent number: 7018516
    Abstract: A bipolar multi-purpose electrolytic cell for high current loads has a frame, two electrode edge plates with metal electrode sheet, and power supply and of bipolar plates. Each includes a plastic electrode base body with electrode rear spaces and/or with coolings spaces that are incorporated on one or both sides: incorporated supply and discharge lines for the electrolyte solutions and the cooling medium, metal electrode sheets which are applied to both sides of the base body and are solid and/or perforated in the electrochemically active area: electrolyte sealing frames, which rest on the solid metal electrode sheets and which are made of flexible plastic, and: ion exchanger membranes, which rest on the perforated metal electrode sheets and/or on the electrolyte sheets and/or on the electrolyte sealing frames and which are provided for separating the electrode spaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Peroxid-Chemie GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Gnann, Wolfgang Thiele, Gerd Heinze
  • Patent number: 7001493
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for preparing sterilizing water, which comprises an electrolyzer wherein an anode chamber (10) and a cathode chamber (20) partitioned by an ion exchange membrane (40) form a unit cell (A), being alternately arranged and successively equipped with close relation; water inlets (61, 62) and water outlets (71, 72) are provided on the end plate (60, 70) at both ends of the electrolyzer; said anode chamber (10) and cathode chamber (20) having circulative openings at the vicinity of each edge at both sides centered from anode plate (11) and cathode plate (21), of which two circulative openings of diagonal direction among them have plural passages of fan-shape, in order for water introduced through the openings to pass through the passages to rapidly go through each electrode; and a gap-control gasket (30) and a gasket for preventing leakage of electrolyte (31) having plural horizontal members are provided at the center to form an anode reaction chamber (13) and a cathode r
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Kyungwon Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hee Jung Kim
  • Patent number: 6881511
    Abstract: Gas-diffusion electrodes containing modified carbon products are described wherein the modified carbon product is a carbon product having attached at least one organic group. The modified carbon product can be used for at least one component of the electrodes such as the active layer and/or the blocking layer. Methods to extend the service life of electrodes as well as methods to reduce the amount of fluorine containing compounds are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignees: Cabot Corporation, Edison Termoelettrica, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Tosco, Laurent Kosbach, Yuan Yu, Claudio Orecchia
  • Patent number: 6843897
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide an electrochemical plating cell having an electrolyte container assembly configured to hold a plating solution therein, a head assembly positioned above the electrolyte container, the head assembly being configured to support a substrate during an electrochemical plating process, and an anode assembly positioned in a lower portion of the electrolyte container. The anode assembly generally includes a copper member having a substantially planar upper surface, at least one groove formed into the substantially planar upper surface, each of the at least one grooves originating in a central portion of the substantially planar anode surface and terminating at a position proximate a perimeter of the substantially planar upper surface, and at least one fluid outlet positioned at a perimeter of the substantially planar upper anode surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Harald Herchen, Vincent Burkhart
  • Patent number: 6841058
    Abstract: A redox bipolar cell fabric washing system and method is disclosed that provides for washing fabrics without the use of any added detergents, fabric softeners, or bleaches, or other chemical al additives. The system includes a conventional fabric washing machine with a redox bipolar cell that through a circulation pump continuously treats the wash water by using mixed oxidants or charged wash water to remove contaminants from the fabric. The redox cell includes a housing, a plurality of cathode plates, a plurality of membranes, and a plurality of anodes proximately positioned in an alternate manner with a plurality of flow channels in the housing. The cell produces charged wash water by an electrochemical reaction utilizing electrically charged anodes and cathodes with semi permeable membranes, wherein the oxidation reduction potential of the charged wash water is continuously controlled with a sensor to determine when the fabrics are clean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventors: Brian G. Culvey, Kim Bong Jun