With Feeding And/or Withdrawal Means Patents (Class 204/257)
  • Patent number: 11618959
    Abstract: Provided is a treatment method whereby it becomes possible to recovery copper, nickel and cobalt, which are valuable metals, contained in a lithium ion battery waste and to separate copper, nickel and cobalt from one another effectively. A method for treating a lithium ion battery waste according to the present invention includes: an alloy production step S1 of introducing the lithium ion battery waste into a furnace and then melting the lithium ion battery waste by heating, thereby producing an alloy containing copper, nickel and cobalt; and an electrolytic purification step S2 of subjecting the alloy to such an electrolytic treatment that the alloy is charged as an anode into a sulfuric acid solution and then electricity is conducted between the anode and a cathode to electrodeposit copper contained in the alloy onto the cathode, thereby separating nickel and cobalt from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: SUMITOMO METAL MINING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Takenouchi, Satoshi Asano, Toshirou Tan, Hiroshi Kobayashi, Kenji Takeda
  • Patent number: 11466373
    Abstract: Buffer generators are described based on electrodialytic devices. The methods of using these devices can generate buffers for diverse applications, including separations, e.g., HPLC and ion chromatography. Also provided are chromatographic devices including the buffer generators, generally located upstream from a chromatography column, sample injector valve or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignees: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, Dionex Corporation
    Inventors: Purnendu K. Dasgupta, Yongjing Chen, Kannan Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 11192807
    Abstract: Assemblies designed to facilitate detection of water flow in low water flow situations. In some embodiments, the assembly includes a channel that narrows from an inlet end of the assembly to an outlet end of the assembly to increase the velocity of water flowing through the channel. In some embodiments, the assembly may also include a water delivery mechanism that delivers water flowing through the channel to a flow sensor and enables the detection of water flow, even in low flow situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: ZODIAC POOL SYSTEMS LLC
    Inventors: Hwa Leung Heng, Richard Asplund
  • Patent number: 11186914
    Abstract: A water electrolysis device for generating hydrogen gas includes a case, a power supplying unit, and an ion-exchange membrane electrolyzer. The case has a containing space including a bottom space and a top space. The bottom space is larger than the top space. The power supplying unit is configured in the bottom space for supplying power to operate the water electrolysis device. The ion-exchange membrane electrolyzer includes an ion-exchange membrane and a cathode, and the cathode generates hydrogen gas during which the ion-exchange membrane electrolyzer electrolyzes water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Inventor: Hsin-Yung Lin
  • Patent number: 10982340
    Abstract: A water electrolysis device includes a membrane electrolyzer, an air supplying tube, and an air pump. The electrolyzer includes an ion-exchange membrane and a cathode chamber. A cathode electrode is configured in the cathode chamber. The cathode generates hydrogen gas while the electrolyzer electrolyzes water. The air pump draws air and is connected with the air supplying tube by a duct. A lead angle is formed between the duct and the air supplying tube for guiding the air from the duct into the air supplying tube to dilute the hydrogen concentration in the air supplying tube. The volume of the water electrolysis device is 8.5 liters, and the hydrogen gas generating rate of the water electrolysis device is located in a range between 120 ml/min and 600 ml/min.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Hsin-Yung Lin
  • Patent number: 10738386
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrode assembly and an electrolyser using said assemblies/structures, wherein the electrode assembly comprises an anode structure and a cathode structure, each of said anode structure and cathode structure comprising an outlet header for evolved gas and spent liquid, wherein each of said anode structure and cathode structure comprising an outlet header for evolved gas and spent liquid, wherein the outlet header on the anode structure has a total internal volume of VA cm3 and the outlet header on the cathode structure has a total volume of VC cm3 wherein VA is less than VC, and/or i) the outlet header on the anode structure has an internal volume, VA cm3, an internal cross sectional area at the exit end of the header of AA cm2 and an internal length LA cm, and ii) the outlet header on the cathode structure has an internal volume, VC cm3, an internal cross sectional area at the exit end of the header of AC cm2 and an internal length LC cm, and one or both of the ratios VA/
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: INEOS TECHNOLOGIES SA
    Inventors: Gary Martin Shannon, Brian Kenneth Revill
  • Patent number: 10720654
    Abstract: A battery is provided which includes at least one pair of cell frames stacked together and each including a frame body and a bipolar plate, the frame body having a manifold serving as a flow path for a battery fluid, the bipolar plate being disposed inside the frame body; a positive electrode and a negative electrode; and a membrane having a through hole corresponding to the manifold. The battery includes a sealing member including an annular base portion and bifurcated annular leg portions. The annular base portion is disposed along an inner periphery of the through hole, and the bifurcated annular leg portions extend from the annular base portion toward the outside of the through hole in such a manner that the membrane is sandwiched therebetween. The sealing member is interposed between the frame bodies stacked together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Nakaishi
  • Patent number: 10105913
    Abstract: Method of making a spar cap includes: providing a plurality of composite strips, each strip being of constant cross section defined by first and second sides and edges, the first and second sides comprising first and second abutment surfaces, the strip being of uniform thickness between the abutment surfaces, a first edge region of the strip comprising a first edge being of relatively reduced thickness, the first side of the strip comprising an edge surface, and the strip having a peel ply layer at least partially covering the first abutment surface and the edge surface; removing the peel ply layers; stacking the strips such that the first abutment surface abuts an abutment surface of an adjacent strip to define an interface region, such that a clearance region is defined; supplying resin to the respective clearance regions and causing the resin to infiltrate into the interface regions; and curing the resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/S
    Inventor: Stephen Sandercock
  • Patent number: 10023506
    Abstract: Fuel cell arrangement having an improved efficiency. The arrangement comprises one or more fuel cell units 110 and a methanation unit 200 and a control unit 300. The fuel cell unit comprises a water inlet 111, a hydrogen outlet 112 and an oxygen outlet 113. The methanation unit comprises a catalyst 222, a hydrogen inlet 213, a carbon oxide inlet 214 having a first controllable valve 215 and a methane outlet 216, wherein the hydrogen outlet of the first fuel cell unit is coupled to the hydrogen inlet of the methanation unit, and the methanation unit is adapted to convert hydrogen and carbon oxide into methane, wherein the control unit is adapted to control the first controllable valve so as to obtain an optimum converting process to convert hydrogen and carbon oxide into methane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignees: Helmut Schmidt Universität, Universität der Bundeswehr Hamburg, Hamburg Innovation GmbH
    Inventor: Detlef Schulz
  • Patent number: 9931585
    Abstract: An electrolytic device comprising a housing includes at least first and second adjacent liquid flow-through channels. A barrier impermeable to ion flow and to bulk liquid flow is disposed between the first and second channels. A first electrode assembly is disposed adjacent to one end of the channels and a second electrode assembly is disposed adjacent the other end of the channels. Also, a contaminant removal method using the above electrolytic device. A first aqueous stream including contaminants flows through the first channel while passing a current between the first and second electrode assemblies to remove contaminants. Effluent from the first channel flows, with or without further treatment, through the second channel while passing current between said first and second electrode assemblies to remove further contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: DIONEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kannan Srinivasan
  • Patent number: 9920440
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical device intended for the production of products through electrochemical reaction of reactants, said electrochemical device comprising a stack of electrochemical cells (10), each cell (10) comprising a structure (16), two bipolar plates (18a, 18b) shared with adjacent cells (10), a membrane/electrode assembly (20) and two intermediate elements (21, 22) arranged to carry a current and the reactants/products to/from the membrane/electrode assembly (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Swiss Hydrogen SA
    Inventors: Rexhep Gashi, Daniel Shapiro, Elli Varkaraki
  • Patent number: 9879352
    Abstract: Methods and systems for fuel, chemical, and/or electricity production from electrochemical cells are disclosed. A voltage is applied between an anode and a cathode of an electrochemical cell. The anode includes a metal or metal oxide electrocatalyst. Oxygen is supplied to the cathode, producing oxygen ions. The anode electrocatalyst is at least partially oxidized by the oxygen ions transported through an electrolyte from the cathode to the anode. A feed gas stream is supplied to the anode electrocatalyst, which is converted to a liquid fuel. The anode electrocatalyst is re-oxidized to higher valency oxides, or a mixture of oxide phases, by supplying the oxygen ions to the anode. The re-oxidation by the ions is controlled or regulated by the amount of voltage applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Olga A. Marina, Larry R. Pederson
  • Patent number: 9780398
    Abstract: The invention is a power generation system which involves a water-splitting reaction employing metal feedstock to generate heat, hydrogen and metal hydroxide. The heat produced by the power generation system supplies a Heating-Ventilation-Air Conditioning (HVAC) system for heating and cooling building structures, such as homes, kiosks, commercial buildings and greenhouses. The hydrogen gas component produced by the invention is sufficient to fuel a fuel cell vehicle (FCV) and a fuel cell, which provides electricity to an associated building structure. The invention can be located on-site with a building structure and provides a readily available FCV fueling station associated with the building structure where an FCV is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Inventors: Jerry M. Woodall, Thomas E. Rowley
  • Patent number: 9625330
    Abstract: Various aspects as described herein are directed to electronic skin pressure sensors and methods of using the same. As consistent with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes an electronic skin pressure sensor and sensor circuitry. The electronic skin device is configured and arranged for differentiating between different mechanical stimuli including lateral stress and at least one additional mechanical stimuli. The sensor circuitry is configured and arranged to respond to the electronic skin pressure sensor by sensing a change in impedance due to the lateral stress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Steve J. Park, Zhenan Bao
  • Patent number: 9315914
    Abstract: An electrochemical process for the production of light metals, particularly aluminum. Such a process involves contacting a light metal source material with an inorganic acid to form a solution containing the light metal ions in high concentration. The solution is fed to an electrochemical reactor assembly having an anode side containing an anode and a cathode side containing a cathode, with anode side and the cathode side separated by a bipolar membrane, with the solution being fed to the anode side. Light metal ions are electrochemically transferred through the bipolar membrane to the cathode side. The process further involves reducing the light metal ions to light metal powder. An associated processing system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventor: Qinbai Fan
  • Patent number: 9302225
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to trap, release and/or separate sample components in solution passing through a channel with or without packing material present by passing ion current through the channel driven by an electric field. A portion of the ion current includes cation and/or anion species generated from second solution flows separated from the sample solution flow path by semipermeable membranes. Cation and/or anion species generated in the second solution flow regions are transferred into the sample solution flow path through ion selective semipermeable membranes. Ion current moving along the sample solution flow path is controlled by varying the composition of the second solutions and/or changing the voltage between membrane sections for a given sample solution composition. The sample composition may also be varied separately or in parallel to enhance trapping, release and/or separation efficiency and range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: PerkinElmer Health Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig M. Whitehouse, Thomas P. White
  • Patent number: 9169570
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a technology for producing the production of disinfectants by diaphragm electrolysis of the aqueous solution of sodium chloride. Disinfectants are used in agriculture, public health care and medical institutions, public water supply systems and elsewhere. The purpose of the this invention is to provide the means for producing disinfectants with the adjusting range of the pH value from 2.5 to 8.5 by using devices with various capacities ranging from 1 to 600 g active chlorine per hour, while decreasing the consumption of electric energy and sodium chloride for the production of 1 g of active chlorine over two times compared to prototype methods, and reducing the consumption of fresh water for producing of waste catholyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Inventors: Valeri Iltsenko, Nikolay Nayda
  • Publication number: 20150122668
    Abstract: A water conditioner that utilizes ionic flow and selective ionic filtering to control water hardness and/or pH. In some embodiments, the water conditioner includes one or more conditioning cells each having electrodes and a cathode side and an anode side separated by an ion-selective filter. The ion-selective filter is design/configured/selected to pass alkaline earth metal cations and block corresponding carbonate anions. When the electrodes are energized and water is present on the cathode and anode sides of the filter membrane, the alkaline earth metal cations pass from the anode side to the cathode side through the membrane, while the membrane blocks carbonate ions on the cathode side from passing to the anode side. In this manner, alkaline earth metal cations, and water hardness, can be reduced in the anode flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Tadeusz Karabin
  • Patent number: 9023184
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electric device for producing deionized water comprising: desalting chamber (4) defined by at least two ion-exchange membranes (1, 2) and filled with an ion exchanger; first concentration chamber (5a) positioned adjacent to one side of the desalting chamber with one of the ion-exchange membranes therebetween; second concentration chamber (5b) positioned adjacent to the other side of the desalting chamber with another of the ion-exchange membranes therebetween; and a pair of electrode chambers (6a, 6b) with one electrode chamber being disposed at the outer side of first concentration chamber (5a) and the other electrode chamber being disposed at the outer side of second concentration chamber (5b), wherein the electric device for producing deionized water is provided with: main body part (20) formed to include desalting chamber (4), concentration chambers (5a, 5b), and electrode chambers (6a, 6b); a pair of fixing plates (9a, 9b) disposed in such a way that main body part (20)
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Organo Corporation
    Inventors: Kyosuke Yamada, Chika Kemmochi, Shinichi Ohashi
  • Patent number: 9023215
    Abstract: A low energy water treatment system and method is provided. The system has at least one electrodialysis device that produces partially treated water and a brine byproduct, a softener, and at least one electrodeionization device. The partially treated water stream can be softened by the softener to reduce the likelihood of scale formation and to reduce energy consumption in the electrodeionization device, which produces water having target properties. At least a portion of the energy used by the electrodeionization device can be generated by concentration differences between the brine and seawater streams introduced into compartments thereof. The brine stream can also be used to regenerate the softener.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Evoqua Water Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Gary C. Ganzi, Li-Shiang Liang, Frederick C. Wilkins
  • Publication number: 20150068915
    Abstract: The invention relates to a photoelectrochemical cell 100 for light-driven production of hydrogen and oxygen, especially from water or another electrolyte based on aqueous solution, having a photoelectric layer structure 1 and an electrochemical layer structure 2 in a layer construction 40, where—the photoelectric layer structure 1 for absorption of light 3 uninfluenced by the electrolyte 10 forms a front side 41 of the layer structure 40, and—the electrochemical layer structure 2, for accommodation of the electrolyte 10, forms a reverse side 42 of the layer construction 40, and—a conductive and corrosion-inhibiting coupling layer 13 forms electrical contact between the photoelectric layer structure 1 and the electrochemical layer structure 2 in the layer construction 40, where—the electrochemical layer structure 2 has an electrode structure of a front electrode 21 and an electrode structure of a rear electrode 22, between which is arranged an ion exchange layer 61 such that an integrated layer construction 40
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: EVONIK INDUSTRIES AG
    Inventors: Sascha Hoch, Matthias Blug, Jens Busse, Wolfram Calvet, Bernhard Kaiser, Wolfram Jaegermann, Hanna Hahn, Horst-Werner Zanthoff
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8945356
    Abstract: A high-temperature module for electrolysis of water with improved operational safety, in which steam containing at most 1% hydrogen can be made to flow simultaneously in each cathode and in each anode, as a draining gas, of a stack of cells. The stack of cells is housed in a sealed case and a mechanism for clamping by compression of the stack is included. The risks of leaks likely to cause impairments of efficiency and breakages of all or part of a stack EHT electrolyzer are reduced, while a high level of efficiency is provided due to the fact that satisfactory electrical conduction is maintained by compression of the stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives
    Inventors: Patrick Le Gallo, Jean-Luc Sarro, Michel Planque, Magali Reytier
  • Publication number: 20150008119
    Abstract: An electrochemical deposition system is described. The electrochemical deposition system includes one or more electrochemical deposition modules arranged on a common platform for depositing one or more metals on a substrate, and a chemical management system coupled to the one or more electrochemical deposition modules. The chemical management system is configured to supply at least one of the one or more electrochemical deposition modules with one or more metal constituents for depositing the one or more metals. The chemical management system can include at least one metal enrichment cell and at least one metal-concentrate generator cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Demetrius Papapanayiotou, Arthur Keigler, Jonathan Hander, Johannes Chiu, David G. Guarnaccia, Daniel L. Goodman
  • Publication number: 20140353145
    Abstract: Apparatus for producing dissolved hydrogen water and providing sterilization is disclosed. Hydrogen radicals are dissolved in water and converted to weak alkaline hydrogen water, and particles of the water passing through media become smaller and softer in reaction to the modifying magnetic field impulse and thus can be easily absorbed to the body of a user, thereby providing dissolved hydrogen water with antioxidant effects and sterilized drinking water. A solenoid pipe is arranged outside a cartridge (10) formed into a container, a coil (20) is spirally wound on the solenoid pipe, and metal alloy media (30) fill the inside of the cartridge (10) and an internal filter (13). The cartridge (10) has an inlet (10a) and an outlet (10b). Emission and absorption of electrons between the metal media (30) and the drinking water are performed to generate active hydrogen, thus generating hydrogen water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventor: Hyun Duk Jang
  • Patent number: 8894829
    Abstract: A water electrolysis apparatus is formed by stacking a plurality of unit cells. Each unit cell includes a membrane electrode assembly, and an anode separator and a cathode separator which sandwich the membrane electrode assembly therebetween. The anode separator has a plurality of inlet joint channels in fluid communication with a water supply passage, and a plurality of outlet joint channels in fluid communication with a discharge passage. The water supply passage has an inner wall surface at which the inlet joint channels are open, and an outer wall surface which faces the inner wall surface, the inner wall surface and the outer wall surface jointly forming an opening of an oblong cross-sectional shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Haryu, Masanori Okabe, Koji Nakazawa, Kenji Taruya
  • Publication number: 20140202849
    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: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Carl Halterman
  • Patent number: 8784620
    Abstract: Described is a method for improving the operation of an electrolytic cell having an anolyte compartment, a catholyte compartment and a synthetic diaphragm separating the compartments, wherein liquid anolyte is introduced into the anolyte compartment and flows through the diaphragm into the catholyte compartment, which method involves introducing particulate material comprising halocarbon polymer short fiber, e.g., fluorocarbon polymer short fiber, into the anolyte compartment in amounts sufficient to lower the flow of liquid anolyte through the diaphragm into the catholyte compartment. In the case of an electrolytic cell wherein aqueous alkali metal chloride, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Axiall Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry W. Schussler, David R. Bush, Craig R. Long
  • Patent number: 8691060
    Abstract: A water electrolysis apparatus includes an anode separator having a water flow field held in fluid communication with a water supply passage and a discharge passage. The water flow field includes a plurality of water channels, an arcuate inlet buffer, and an arcuate outlet buffer. The water channels have respective ends connected to the arcuate inlet buffer through respective inlet joint channels. The inlet joint channels are oriented at an angle of 90 degrees or greater with respect to respective tangential lines at the ends of the inlet joint channels which are connected to the arcuate inlet buffer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Haryu, Koji Nakazawa, Masanori Okabe, Kenji Taruya
  • Publication number: 20140069176
    Abstract: A system and method to generate a concentration gradient eluent flow are described. The concentration gradient eluent flow can include at least two different generants. A liquid can be pumped to an eluent generating device. A first controlling signal can be applied to a first eluent generator to generate a first generant. A second controlling signal can be applied to a second eluent generator to generate a second generant. Either the first and/or the second controlling signal can be varied as a function of time to generate the concentration gradient eluent flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventors: Yan LIU, Petr JANDIK, Christopher A. POHL
  • Patent number: 8669499
    Abstract: A domestic apparatus, such as a cooking appliance, uses hydrogen and, optionally electrical heating, to cook food. The cooking appliance may have a cooking surface (e.g. a grilling surface) so as to result in an indoor barbeque, which may be used with no venting or reduced venting requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: G.B.D. Corp.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20140042030
    Abstract: Generally stated, provided is a sealed laminated metal structure. This laminated metal structure has a metal layer, where the metal layer has a first surface and an opposite second surface. A material is laminated on each of the first and second surfaces of the metal layer. Typically, the laminated metal structure is removed from a larger laminated sheet of metal. The laminated metal structure is subjected to alternating current electrolytic deburring and cleaning to remove any burrs along the perimeter edge. After deburring and cleaning, a sealer, which is a phosphate compound, is deposited on the perimeter edge of the laminated metal structure where the metal is exposed using alternating current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Yuefeng Luo, William Edward Adis, Michael Lewis Jones
  • Publication number: 20140038074
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus of reacting reaction components. The method comprises electro-chemically reacting reaction components on opposite sides of at least one membrane with at least one catalyst encompassing a respective volume. In another embodiment, the method includes conducting electrolysis, such as electrolysis of water. The apparatus includes at least one membrane with first and second sides encompassing a respective volume. The apparatus further includes at least one catalyst coupled to the first and second sides to electro-chemically react reaction components on the first and second sides in gaseous communication with the at least one catalyst, and a cover coupled to the at least one membrane to separate flow paths on the first and second sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Encite, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen A. Marsh
  • Patent number: 8603305
    Abstract: An electrolyte, and particularly anolyte, may be circulated via an open loop having a pressure regulator, so that the pressure in the plating chamber is maintained at a constant (or substantially constant) value with respect to atmospheric pressure. In these embodiments, a pressure regulator is in fluid communication with the anode chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Rash, Richard Abraham, David W. Porter, Steven T. Mayer
  • Publication number: 20130313126
    Abstract: An electrolysis method for electrolytic cells having an electrode-membrane-electrode assembly includes two porous electrode having a porous membrane located therebetween and filled with electrolyte or having an ion exchange membrane located therebetween, one or more liquids being led directly into the membrane of the electrode-membrane-electrode assembly. The one or more liquids are guided in a channel structure arranged in the membrane. An electrolytic cell includes porous electrode, between which a porous membrane is arranged. A liquid electrolyte is fixed in the pore of electrodes and membrane, a product gas chamber adjoining the cathode, a further product gas chamber adjoining the anode, and an arrangement for feeding a liquid to the electrode. A channel structure, in which distribution of the liquid is provided, is arranged in the membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: ASTRIUM GMBH
    Inventors: Willigert Raatschen, Joachim Lucas, Walter Jehle, Helmut Funke
  • Publication number: 20130228459
    Abstract: An electrolyzed water producing apparatus comprises an electrolysis unit including a diaphragm electrolytic cell and a diaphragmless electrolytic cell; a water supply pipe with a three-way valve; a water take-out pipe having one end connected to each anode chamber to remove anode electrolyzed water; a water take-out pipe having one end connected to each cathode chamber to remove cathode electrolyzed water; and a water take-out pipe provided with a free chlorine removing filter and having one end connected to each diaphragmless electrolytic chamber to remove mixed electrolyzed water. The diaphragm electrolytic cell contains a pair of electrode plates, and a plurality of electrolytic chambers, at least one of which includes an anode chamber and a cathode chamber. The diaphragmless electrolytic cell contains a pair of electrode plates, and diaphragmless electrolytic chambers which are the remaining electrolytic chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicants: SEKI Kazunori, Bio-REDOX Laboratory Inc.
    Inventor: Kokichi Hanaoka
  • Publication number: 20130220830
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for controlling ionic strength and/or pH of a solution are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicants: Technion Research & Development Foundation Ltd., Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Aran Paulus, Camille Diges, Roumen Bogoev, Sricharan Bandhakavi, Annett Hahn-Windgassen, Anton Posch, Elad Brod, Uri Sivan
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130175181
    Abstract: The present disclosure is a method and system for production of carboxylic based chemicals, including carboxylic acids and salts. A method for producing at oxalic acid may include receiving an anolyte feed at an anolyte region of an electrochemical cell including an anode and receiving a catholyte feed including carbon dioxide and an alkali metal hydroxide at a catholyte region of the electrochemical cell including a cathode. Method may include applying an electrical potential between the anode and cathode sufficient to reduce the carbon dioxide to at least one reduction product and converting the at least one reduction product and the alkali metal hydroxide to an alkali metal oxalate via a thermal reactor. The method may further include receiving the alkali metal oxalate at an electrochemical acidification electrolyzer and converting the alkali metal oxalate to oxalic acid at the electrochemical acidification electrolyzer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: LIQUID LIGHT, INC.
    Inventor: LIQUID LIGHT, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130146472
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method utilizing Cylindrical Electrolysis cells for the generation of Hypochlorous Acid (HOCL) solutions having excellent sanitizing properties and a shelf life of 24 months when bottled. The electrolysis cells consist of at least two cylindrical electrodes with at least one cylindrical ion-selective membrane arranged co-axially between them. A cation-selective or anion-selective membrane separates the cathode chamber from the anode chamber allowing only selective ions to move from one chamber to another. A three section end piece facilitate the assembly of the cylindrical electrolysis cell and enables easy inspection and replacement of the ion-selective membranes. The method allows production of different concentrations of Hypochlorous Acid solutions with a pH value ranging from 3.5 to 7.5 and an Redox Oxidation Potential between +700 and +1200 mV when an aqueous sodium chloride or potassium chloride solution is treated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: AQUAOX INC.
    Inventor: AQUAOX INC.
  • Patent number: 8444833
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrolysis device for cleaning acidic waters which comprises a cathode, an anode, and an ion exchange membrane, wherein the membrane is arranged between the cathode and the anode and is attached at least along the entire circumference of its rim, wherein many inlets and outlets are arranged along the upper and lower rim of the electrolysis device which are linked to the cathode space or to the anode space, in such a way that a plug flow, ideally with a laminar profile, is created in the cathode space and in the anode space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Uhde GmbH
    Inventors: Randolf Kiefer, Karl-Heinz Dulle, Peter Woltering, Stefan Oelmann, Ulf-Steffen Baeumer, Wolfram Stolp
  • Publication number: 20130112550
    Abstract: Among other things, a device for use in electrolyzing water is described. The device comprises an electrolysis unit that includes a chamber, an ion exchange structure in the chamber, a cathode, an anode, a high pressure chamber, and a reservoir. The chamber is separated by the ion exchange structure into a first compartment and a second compartment. The cathode is in the first compartment and the anode in the second compartment. The reservoir is disposed in the high pressure chamber for storing water to be supplied to the chamber of the electrolysis unit. In some implementations, the ion exchange structure is a proton exchange membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: ENCITE LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Alan Marsh, Donald Merrill Parker
  • Patent number: 8414748
    Abstract: A cell design for systems of mediated electrochemical oxidation (MEO) of materials includes inactive surface coatings, such as polyvinylidene fluoride, polypropylene, ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene and polytetrafluoroethylene polymers or a glass glaze or metallic oxide, on all interior surfaces of the electrochemical cell to prevent . A further cell design for systems of mediated electrochemical oxidation (MEO) included conduits for connecting plural catholyte chambers or for connecting plural anolyte chambers which are embedded within walls of a molded unibody constructed box and slots for parallel arrangement of membranes and porous electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Scimist, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Carson, Bruce W. Bremer, Michael L. Mastracci, Kent E. Maggard
  • Publication number: 20130015059
    Abstract: In a unit cell that forms a water electrolysis device, which is an electrochemical device, an electrolyte membrane/electrode structure is sandwiched between an anode-side separator and a cathode-side separator. A load-applying mechanism is disposed between a cathode-side feeder and the cathode-side separator, while an anode-side feeder is set with a smaller contact area range than the aforementioned cathode-side feeder. The anode-side feeder and the cathode-side feeder are set with a larger contact area range than an anode electrode catalyst layer and a cathode electrode catalyst layer, and a contact surface that touches a solid polymer electrolyte membrane on the aforementioned anode-side feeder is disposed projecting farther to the side of the aforementioned solid polymer electrolyte membrane than a contact surface on the anode-side separator and a contact surface on a frame member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eiji Haryu, Masanori Okabe, Koji Nakazawa, Kenji Taruya
  • Publication number: 20130008782
    Abstract: A cell stack has frames having lines of four apertures (41) at each end. In the stack, the apertures form four ducts at each end of the side of the stack, with the ducts extending from end to end of the stack for electrolyte flow therethrough. The apertures in the transfer frames have no passages connected to them. The eight apertures (41) in the passage frame are surrounded in pairs by four grooves (44) and 0-rings (45), dividing them into a pair for anolyte feed, a pair for anolyte return, a pair for catholyte feed and a pair for catholyte return. The stack is divided into opposite end sections (46, 47). Only one of each pair is connected to a local feed or return flow passage, contained within the 0-rings. The other is connected in the other section. The anolyte feed and return passages (51,52,55,56) lead from their apertures to respective openings (61) from the side (4) of each passage frame to its plain face (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Richard Lindsay Underwood
  • Patent number: 8349151
    Abstract: Universal cell frame generic for use as an anode frame and as a cathode frame in a water electrolyzer. According to one embodiment, the universal cell frame includes a unitary annular member having a central opening. Four trios of transverse openings are provided in the annular member, each trio being spaced apart by about 90 degrees. A plurality of internal radial passageways fluidly interconnect the central opening and each of the transverse openings of two diametrically-opposed trios of openings, the other two trios of openings lacking corresponding radial passageways. Sealing ribs are provided on the top and bottom surfaces of the annular member. The present invention is also directed at a water electrolyzer that includes two such cell frames, one being used as the anode frame and the other being used as the cathode frame, the cathode frame being rotated 90 degrees relative to the anode frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Giner Electrochemical Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Edwin W. Schmitt, Timothy J. Norman
  • Publication number: 20120305388
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator (1) comprising a plurality of electrodes (15) arranged in a sequence. The sequence comprises a first an anode (17) or a cathode (19), which is followed in the sequence by an isolated member (21). The isolated member (21) is made of similar conductive material to the anode (17) and the cathode (19). The sequence continues, where the isolated member (21) is followed by an electrode (17, 19) that is of opposite polarity to the first electrode (17, 19) in the sequence. An isolated member (21) is located between each anode (17) and cathode (19) of the sequence. The sequence ends with an electrode (17, 19) of opposite polarity to the polarity of the first electrode (17, 19) in the sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Robert Cowan
  • Publication number: 20120295172
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to electrochemical systems, e.g., a combination of an electrical energy source and an electrical energy storage system having a regenerative fuel cell system, that exhibit operational stability in harsh environments, e.g., both charging and discharging reactions in a regenerative fuel cell in the presence of an acid or a mixture of acids, or a halogen ion or a mixture of halogen ions. The electrochemical systems are capable of conducting both hydrogen evolution reactions (HERs) and hydrogen oxidation reactions (HORs) in the same system. The electrochemical systems have low cost, fast response time, and acceptable life and performance. This disclosure also relates to methods of operating the electrochemical systems containing a regenerative fuel cell system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Emanuel Peled, Arnon Blum
  • Publication number: 20120255874
    Abstract: An energy-saving ionized water production device and a production method are provided that are capable of producing strongly alkaline ionized in a short period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Alone World
    Inventors: Kazunori Osamura, Takao Kawajiri, Yutaka Nakamura, Noboru Kudo, Masae Shimizu
  • Patent number: 8282811
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for generating hydrogen gas at pressures high enough to fill a hydrogen storage cylinder for stationary and transportation applications. The hydrogen output of an electrochemical hydrogen gas generating device, a hydrogen-producing reactor, or a diluted hydrogen stream is integrated with an electrochemical hydrogen compressor operating in a high-differential-pressure mode. The compressor brings the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen generating device to the high pressure required to fill the storage cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Giner Electrochemical Systems, LLC
    Inventors: John A. Kosek, José Giner, Anthony B. LaConti