With Feeding And/or Withdrawal Means Patents (Class 204/257)
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Patent number: 5993639Abstract: An electrolytic ionic water generating apparatus that produces electrolytic ionic water having a desired pH value and a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus that uses the electrolytic ionic water. The invention includes an electrolytic tank with an anode chamber and a cathode chamber, an introducing conduit or line to introduce electrolytic solution, and a discharge conduit or line to supply the generated electrolytic ionic water to other apparatuses such as a semiconductor washing machine and a semiconductor polishing machine. To control the pH value of the electrolyzed ionic water, pH meters and pH controllers are disposed on the introducing or discharge conduit. The pH meters detect the pH values of the electrolyzed ionic water and provide the detected result to the pH controllers. The pH controllers control the pH values of the supplied ionic water by controlling and changing the temperature of the solution.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Naoto Miyashita, Masahiro Abe
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Patent number: 5985110Abstract: An apparatus for electrochemical purification of water and for regulation of acid-alkaline properties, Red-Ox characteristics and catalytic activity of water that can be used for obtaining washing and disinfecting solutions. The apparatus includes at least one electrochemical cell which contain vertical coaxial cylindrical and rod electrodes made from material nonsoluble during electrolysis and an ultrafiltration ceramic diaphragm installed between the electrodes to create inter-electrode space in the electrode chambers. Channels for the treated solution supply into and discharge from the electrode chambers. A feeding line is connected to the inlet of the negative electrode chamber and the output of the negative electrode chamber is connected to the inlet of the positive electrode chamber by a special line which has a by-pass for discharging a part of the degasified treated solution from the chamber of the negative electrode. A catalyst chamber can be installed on the special line.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1998Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Inventors: Vitold M. Bakhir, Jury G. Zadorozhny, Taras Barabash
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Patent number: 5985109Abstract: An electrolytic cell composed of a cell housing formed at a lower portion thereof with a pair of inlet ports and at an upper portion thereof with a pair of outlet ports, a diaphragm assembled within the housing to subdivide the interior of the housing into a pair of reaction chambers respectively in open communication with the inlet and outlet ports, and a pair of electrode plates disposed within the reaction chambers respectively and opposed to one another through the diaphragm, wherein the electrode plates are applied with electric current to electrolyze water to be treated flowing therethrough from the inlet ports toward the outlet ports, a horizontal partition is provided in the respective reaction chambers to form a plurality of reaction passages between the diaphragm and the respective electrode plates in such a manner that the reaction passages are opened at their opposite ends, a pair of communication passages are formed at opposite sides of each of the electrode plates to alternately connect the oppoType: GrantFiled: March 19, 1998Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasuo Hara
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Patent number: 5951843Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrolytically extracting lithium at high purity and high efficiency are disclosed, in which the apparatus 1 includes a partition 2 constituted mainly of a perovskite-type Li ion conducting solid electrolyte, a feed chamber formed on one side of the partition in which a crude liquid containing a lithium component and impurities is introduced so as to come into contact with the partition, a recovery chamber formed on the other side of the partition in which a liquid for recovery is introduced so as to come into contact with the partition, and a means for applying an electrical field to the partition in such a manner that the crude liquid side is positive and the recovery liquid side is negative. On applying an electrical field to the partition, the lithium component of the crude liquid selectively passes through the partition in the form of Li ions into the recovery side.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1997Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuru Itoh, Yoshiyuki Inaguma, Shigeru Iijima
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Patent number: 5904829Abstract: Describes a method of electreochemically converting amine hydrohalide, e.g., amine hydrochloride, into free amine, e.g., free ethyleneamine. An electrolytic cell is provided having (1) a catholyte compartment containing a cathode assembly comprising a cathode and a bipolar ion exchange membrane, (2) an anode compartment containing an anode assembly comprising either (a) a hydrogen consuming gas diffusion anode and a current collecting electrode or (b) a hydrogen consuming gas diffusion anode which is fixedly held between a hydraulic barrier and a current collecting electrode, and (3) at least one pair of intermediate compartments separating the catholyte and anode compartments and separated from each other by an anion exchange membrane.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1997Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: PPG Industries, Inc.Inventors: Peter C. Foller, David G. Roberts, Robert H. Tang
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Patent number: 5858202Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for producing an electrolytic water whereby one electrolytic water used in compliance with its intended use is transformed into a water more effectively used and the by-product electrolytic water, previously disposed as virtually useless, is transformed into a water which can be effectively used by use of at least two electrolyzer in series. At least one of an outlet for a primary anodic electrolytic water in a primary electrolyzer and an outlet for a primary cathodic electrolytic water in a primary electrolyzer is connected to an inlet of a secondary electrolyzer through a first switching valve and a second switching valve. The anodic electrolytic water only, the primary cathodic electrolytic water only, or mixture of the primary anodic and primary cathodic electrolytic water is fed to the secondary electrolyzer to be electrolyzed again.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Zenkoku-Mokko-Kikai-Kan, Inc.Inventor: Tadamasa Nakamura
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Patent number: 5846397Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for obtaining inhibitively active "I" water and stimulatively activated "S" water which comprises:a parallelipipedic column having an open top;a support for said column;a cover closing said top of said column;at least one electrode assembly in said column and including:a pair of spaced apart mutually parallel porous membranes defining between inner surfaces thereof a supply space receiving water to be separated into inhibitively activated "I" water and stimulatively activated "S" water,respective porous electrodes spaced from outer surfaces of said membranes and parallel thereto, anda respective spacer between each of said electrodes and the respective outer surface whereby water flows outwardly from said supply space through said membranes and said electrodes;means for electrically connecting one of said electrodes as a positive electrode and the other of said electrodes as a negative electrode;means in said column for forming a first storage space adjacent said positive electrode fType: GrantFiled: February 10, 1997Date of Patent: December 8, 1998Assignee: S. C. TehmanInventors: Ioan Manzatu, Vasile Ionita-Manzatu
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Patent number: 5833821Abstract: An electrolyzer has an educt chamber, a membrane, a cathode-side product chamber, a porous cathode, a diaphragm, a porous anode, in which case a liquid electrolyte can be fixed in the pores of the anode and the cathode, and an anode-side product chamber. Between the membrane and the cathode-side product chamber, a first electrically conductive plate and, adjacent to the anode-side product gas chamber, a second electrically conductive plate, are situated. The two conductive plates are used for the current supply to and the current removal from the electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1996Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Dornier GmbHInventors: Ottmar Schmid, Werner Tillmetz
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Patent number: 5804055Abstract: An electrode, electrochemical cell, and electrochemical processes are disclosed. The electrode is a porous, multi-layered electrode which can have an element in flexible, strip form wound around a central, usually flat plate core, which core may serve as a current distributor. In any form, each layer can be represented by a very thin, highly flexible metal mesh. This can be a fine, as opposed to a coarse, mesh which has extremely thin strands and small voids. The electrode will have an active coating. For utilizing this electrode, the cell in one form will be a monopolar cell providing upward, parallel electrolyte flow through the porous, multi-layered electrode. A representative cell can have such electrode at least substantially filling an electrode chamber. The cells can be contained in a cell box that will provide the desired flow-through relationship for the electrolyte to the electrode.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 1997Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Eltech Systems CorporationInventors: Richard J. Coin, Lynne M. Ernes, Andy W. Getsy, Edward M. Halko, Kenneth L. Hardee, Marilyn J. Niksa
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Patent number: 5798028Abstract: A production system of electrolyzed water includes an electrolyzer the interior of which is subdivided into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber by means of a cation permeable membrane, a diluted brine tank arranged to store an amount of diluted brine to be supplied into the anode and cathode chambers of the electrolyzer, first and second water supply conduits connecting the brine tank to the anode and cathode chambers respectively, and first and second electrically operated hydraulic pumps provided on the first and second water supply conduits to supply the diluted brine from the brine tank into the anode and cathode chambers. To prevent an electric motor for the hydraulic pumps from corrosion caused by backward flow of electrolyzed water in the production system, the hydraulic pumps are deactivated upon the lapse of a predetermined time after application of the DC voltage to an anode and a cathode in the anode and cathode chambers has been interrupted.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1996Date of Patent: August 25, 1998Assignee: Hoshiazaki Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Koji Tsuchikawa, Yosuke Saito
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Patent number: 5788888Abstract: Described is a process for preparing a three-dimensional article of a lyotropic polymer comprising the steps of (a) forming a shaped article of a liquid crystalline solution of a lyotropic polymer; (b) washing the shaped article with a washing fluid under conditions sufficient to reduce the solvent content of the article to less than about 2,000 parts per million, wherein the dimensions of the washed article are no less than 0.05 inches by 0.05 inches by 0.05 inches. Such articles are useful for many applications, particularly those requiring fire- and/or heat-resistance.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1994Date of Patent: August 4, 1998Assignee: The Dow Chemical CompanyInventors: Arie Cohen, Myrna Serrano, Norman L. Madison, deceased, Peter E. Pierini, Ritchie A. Wessling, Donald E. McLemore, Donald L. Schmidt
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Patent number: 5785839Abstract: A composite structure comprising:(i) a solid electrolyte which is an O.sup.2- anion conductor and essentially impermeable to gases;(ii) a cathode; and(iii) an anode, wherein the cathode and anode are porous to gases and wherein the electrolyte is in contact with the cathode and anode,wherein at least one of the cathode and anode is a voluminal electrode comprising (a) at least one BIMEVOX compound and (b) an electronic conductor, forming a distinct solid phase, dispersed in the BIMEVOX compound so as to define, within respective volumes of the voluminal electrode, a plurality of triple contact points between an ambient gaseous atmosphere, the electrolyte, and the electronic conductor.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1997Date of Patent: July 28, 1998Assignees: Ecole Nationale Superieure de Chimi de Lille, Universite des Sciences et Technologies de Lille, L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude,Inventors: Michel Kleitz, Gaetan Mairesse, Jean-Claude Boivin, Gilles Lagrance
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Patent number: 5783051Abstract: An apparatus for producing hydrogen and oxygen having a pressure vessel surrounding a bipolar-type water electrolytic cell The electrolytic cell contains a plurality of joined solid electrolyte membrane units, and each solid electrolyte membrane unit contains a solid electrolyte membrane, porous conductors in contact with opposing surfaces of the solid electrolyte membrane, and bipolar-type electrode plates in contact with each porous conductor, wherein each electrode plate is capable of performing as an anode and a cathode. A gap is present between the interior of the pressure vessel and the exterior of the water electrolytic cell to form a water pressure regulating chamber, and water of a preselected pressure can be fed into the water pressure regulating chamber such that the pressure differential between the pressure inside the water electrolytic cell and the pressure inside the water pressure regulating chamber is maintained within the pressure differential tolerance range of the water electrolytic cell.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1997Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Assignee: Shinko Pantec Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kiyoshi Hirai, Shinichi Yasui, Hiroko Kobayashi, Mamoru Nagao, Takashi Sasaki, Akira Asari, Hiroyuki Harada
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Patent number: 5772012Abstract: An apparatus is configured with first and second applicators for applying respective first and second electrolytic fluids. Decontaminating a surface comprises supplying a first electrolytic fluid to a first applicator, supplying a second electrolytic fluid to a second applicator, generating an electrical potential between the first and second applicators, and contacting the contaminated surface with the first and second applicators.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1996Date of Patent: June 30, 1998Assignee: Corpex Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Thomas F. D'Muhala
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Patent number: 5766429Abstract: An electrolytic cell for producing sodium hydroxide, etc., which is partitioned by an ion-exchange membrane into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber, wherein at least one of a anode and a cathode is closely contacted to the ion-exchange membrane to form a gas diffusion electrode, and a current supplying means having guides for removing sodium hydroxide, etc., formed at the surface of the gas diffusion electrode is disposed therein closely contacting the gas diffusion electrode.By having a current supplying means having removing guides, sodium hydroxide formed at the surface of the gas diffusion electrode is separated therefrom and removed, whereby the supply of the raw material gas and removal of the produced gas can be smoothly performed without clogging perforations of the gas diffusion electrode with the sodium hydroxide.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Permelec Electrode Ltd.Inventors: Takayuki Shimamune, Yoshinori Nishiki, Takahiro Ashida, Yasuo Nakajima
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Patent number: 5756874Abstract: An electrochemical cell (20) which is effectively leakproof and can be incorporated into an easily serviceable cell pack (80). Within the cell are a plurality of parallel electrode plates (44, 46, 56) which act as anode and cathode reaction surfaces for processing chemicals. The electrochemical cell housing (33) is preferably formed of durable plastic with all fluid inlets (36, 38) and outlets (40, 42) on its upper face (30). One or more input manifolds (48, 50) are provided to route process chemicals to the bottom of the cell and then distribute them upward across the electrode plates. The housing is formed as a one-piece, monolithic structure with an opening left on top for fitting the top face. At the end of cell assembly, the top face is attached to the remainder of the cell housing so as to form a sealed cell.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1995Date of Patent: May 26, 1998Assignee: Eosystems, Inc.Inventor: G. Anthony Steward
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Patent number: 5736017Abstract: This invention has as its object to obtain a compact solid high polymer electrolytic module having a large electrolytic reaction capacity. An electrolytic membrane (20) is constituted in such a manner that strip-shaped anodes (23) and strip-shaped cathodes (22) are formed at a predetermined interval opposite to each other on both the surfaces of a belt-shaped solid high polymer electrolytic membrane (21). A frame (30) is constituted in such a manner that feeding terminals (33a, 33b) are formed on a pair of side edges (31a, 31b) of a frame member (31) having an opening (32) on one side. A plurality of frames (30) are stacked such that the openings (32) alternately face upward and downward. The electrolytic membrane (20) is folded at counter edges (31c) of the frames (30) and held between the adjacent frames (30) , thereby constituting a stereoscopically corrugated structure in a stacking direction of the frames (30).Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 1997Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tetsuo Moriguchi, Yoshiharu Takeuchi
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Patent number: 5725748Abstract: In a process for an electrochemical treatment of cellulose waste lye, mass transport takes place through a diaphragm or membrane between a cathode chamber and an anode chamber, and optionally through a middle chamber. Cationogenic components are removed from cellulose waste lye containing lignin sulfonates and being located in at least one of the chambers. Lignin sulfonic acids are produced from the waste lye. In an installation for an electrochemical treatment of cellulose waste lye, at least one diaphragm divides at least one reaction vessel into at least one cathode chamber and at least one anode chamber. At least one cathode electrode is disposed in the at least one cathode chamber, and at least one anode electrode is disposed in the at least one anode chamber. The at least one cathode electrode is formed of iron or aluminum and the at least one anode electrode is formed of special steel, in particular V4A steel.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1997Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Assignee: Chemische Werke Zell-Wildhausen GmbHInventors: Burkhard Brandt, Gerhard Born
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Patent number: 5695629Abstract: A fluidized bed electrowinning system and method includes a fluidized bed reaction vessel in which a fluidized bed of conductive particles serves as the cathode for the electrowinning reaction, the anodes being in the form of hollow tubes of electrochemically active material inserted into the fluidized bed and separated therefrom by a membrane. The catholyte and anolyte are separately supplied from an electrolyte supply tank, the catholyte being pumped through the conductive particles to form the fluidized bed and the anolyte being supplied to individual anodes, and are commingled at the top of the reaction vessel before return to the supply tank. Removal of particles from the tank occurs through a part in the side of the tank, the removed particles normally being recycled through a selector valve back into the tank to maintain continuous operation.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1996Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Assignee: Metalor USA Refining Corp.Inventors: Ravindra M. Nadkarni, David J. Kinneberg
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Patent number: 5667647Abstract: An oxygen-hydrogen gas generation apparatus in which an ion exchange film is used to prevent oxygen and hydrogen from mixing. The oxygen-hydrogen gas generation apparatus includes an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell includes an ion exchange film interposed between box-shaped structures. The box-shaped structures each have an interior surface coated with metal, a framework for holding the ion exchange film, and a gas discharge port. Oxygen gas is generated in a chamber formed by the ion exchange film and the box-shaped structures connected to a positive pole of a power supply. A hydrogen gas is generated in a chamber formed by the ion exchange film and the box-shaped structures connected to a negative pole of the power supply.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1996Date of Patent: September 16, 1997Assignee: Suga Test Instruments Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nagaichi Suga, Fujio Suga, Hiroshi Watanabe, Koichi Taniguchi
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Patent number: 5650058Abstract: The invention includes an electrolytic cell for gas-developing or gas-consuming electrolytic reactions and processes, and an electrolysis process therefor. According to the invention, the capillary slit electrode has conduits enabling the separate flow of reaction gas and electrolyte/permeate in the electrode. The electrode is preferably hydrophilic in a narrow internal region for mounting on a separator, while elsewhere it is hydrophobic. Thus electrolyte/permeate penetrates only into the region of the capillary slit electrode near the separator, while the region away from the separator remains free of electrolyte/permeate, so facilitating the unimpeded flow of the reaction gas. The invention is applicable especially in electrolytic cells for chlor-alkali or hydrogen electrolysis, and in the construction of cells for the generation of power.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1995Date of Patent: July 22, 1997Assignee: Maschinen-Und Anlagenbau Grimma GmbH (MAG)Inventors: Hanno Wenske, Hermann Matschiner, Hans Siegel
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Patent number: 5645700Abstract: An electrolytic cell for generating hydrogen peroxide is provided including a cathode containing a catalyst for the reduction of oxygen, and an anode containing a catalyst for the oxidation of water. A polymer membrane, semipermeable to either protons or hydroxide ions is also included and has a first face interfacing to the cathode and a second face interfacing to the anode so that when a stream of water containing dissolved oxygen or oxygen bubbles is passed over the cathode and a stream of water is passed over the anode, and an electric current is passed between the anode and the cathode, hydrogen peroxide is generated at the cathode and oxygen is generated at the anode.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 1994Date of Patent: July 8, 1997Assignee: Eltron Research, Inc.Inventors: James H. White, Michael Schwartz, Anthony F. Sammells
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Patent number: 5595641Abstract: Electrolyzer comprising at least one elementary cell divided into electrolyte compartments by cation-exchange membranes, said compartments are provided with a circuit for feeding electrolytic solutions and a circuit for withdrawing electrolysis products, said cell is equipped with a cathode and a hydrogen-depolarized anode assembly forming a hydrogen gas chamber fed with a hydrogen-containing gaseous stream, characterized in that said assembly comprises a cation-exchange membrane, a porous, flexible electrocatalytic sheet, a porous rigid current collector having a multiplicity of contact points with said electrocatalytic sheet, said membrane, sheet and current collector are held in contact together by means of pressure without bonding.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1993Date of Patent: January 21, 1997Assignee: DeNora Permelec S.p.A.Inventors: Carlo Traini, Giuseppe Faita
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Patent number: 5573655Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell comprising a solid electrolyte which conducts O.sup.2- anions in contact with an anode and a cathode of identical or different composition, the solid electrolyte being comprised of a composition derived from Bi.sub.4 V.sub.2 O.sub.11 of which at least one of the constituent cationic elements is substituted by at least one substituting element such that the gamma phase structural type of Bi.sub.4 V.sub.2 O.sub.11 is maintained as well as the equilibrium of charges, at least one of the anode or of the cathode is a material containing at least one element of substitution of said composition derived from Bi.sub.4 V.sub.2 O.sub.11, that element being in a metallic or cationic state. The invention equally relates to the use of the electrochemical cell with a view towards the separation or extraction of oxygen.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1994Date of Patent: November 12, 1996Assignees: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude, Universite des Sciences et Technologies de Lille, Ecole National Superieure de Chimie de LilleInventors: Gaetan Mairesse, Jean-Claude Boivin, Gilles Lagrange, Panayotis Cocolios
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Patent number: 5538618Abstract: A process is described for the electrochemical preparation of organosilicon compounds having at least one SiC-bound organic radical, a solution which contains at least one halosilane being subjected to an electrochemical reaction, an anode which contains a noble metal or an alloy consisting essentially of one or more noble metals having a halogen scavenger flowing around said anode.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1994Date of Patent: July 23, 1996Assignee: Wacker-Chemie GmbHInventors: Edwin Hengge, Christa Jammegg, Wilfried Kalchauer
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Patent number: 5505824Abstract: A propellant generator is disclosed that automatically adjusts rates of input of lean and excess reactants to compensate for changes in rates of reactions in the generator. In a particular embodiment, the invention generates propellants methane (CH.sub.4) and oxygen gas (O.sub.2) from a lean reactant carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) and an excess reactant hydrogen gas (H.sub.2) utilizing stored hydrogen gas transported to a remote site such as the surface of the planet Mars where carbon dioxide is accumulated and stored. A lean reactant flow controller measures the level of excess reactant passing through a sabatier by measuring a current consumed by an electrochemical separator that separates and pressurizes the excess reactant from a mixture of first propellant, water and excess reactant produced by the sabatier.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 1995Date of Patent: April 9, 1996Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: James F. McElroy
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Patent number: 5500104Abstract: A mono-polar pre-filter electrolyzer comprises a plurality of cathode elements, each of which is composed of a cathode element receiver and a cathode screen; a plurality of anode elements, which are arranged with the cathode elements alternately and face to face, and each of which is composed of an anode element receiver, a conductive anode frame screen having an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface and received in the anode element receiver, and power-supply rods positioned longitudinally in the conductive anode frame screen with spaces from the inner circumferential surface of the anode frame screen; a plurality of independent membranes, which each are positioned between one anode element and one cathode element arranged face to face; a plurality of tension rods, which pass through all above components and fix them together; an anode bus, which is positioned at the bottom of the electrolyzer; the power-supply rods extend downward from the anode element receivers to electricallyType: GrantFiled: March 23, 1995Date of Patent: March 19, 1996Inventor: Guo C. Wang
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Patent number: 5484514Abstract: An electrolyzer having a partition plate produced by forming thin plates. The electrolyzer includes a vertical electrolyzer unit which has a partition plate formed by superimposing a pair of anode- and cathode-side partitions provided with mutually fittable recesses and projections, and an electrode plate connected to the projections on each side of the partition plate to define an electrolytic chamber. A gas-liquid separating chamber having a discharge opening is provided in the upper part of the electrolyzer unit such that the cross-sectional area of the gas-liquid separating chamber is larger at a part closer to the discharge opening than at a part remoter from the discharge opening, thereby preventing the fluctuation of pressure in the electrolytic chamber caused by pulsation occurring in the gas-liquid separating chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1994Date of Patent: January 16, 1996Assignee: Chlorine Engineers Corp., Ltd.Inventor: Shinji Katayama
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Patent number: 5474662Abstract: An apparatus for producing electrolyzed water comprising an electrolytic cell, wherein the electrolytic cell includes an anode plate having a through-hole, a cathode plate having a through-hole and a sealing member. The electrolytic cell is constructed of the anode plate, the cathode plate, and the sealing member with the sealing member interposed between the anode plate and the cathode plate. Thereby a electrolytic chamber for electrolyzing subject water to be electrolyzed is defined between the anode plate and the cathode plate. One of the through-holes of the anode plate and the cathode plate serves as an inlet for introducing the subject water into the electrolytic chamber, the other through-hole serves as an outlet for discharging the subject water into the electrolytic chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1994Date of Patent: December 12, 1995Assignee: Miz Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazuhiro Miyamae
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Patent number: 5460705Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the production of ozone utilizing an anodic electrocatalyst and a membrane and electrode assembly formed by bonding a polytetrafluoroethylene-containing, proton exchange polymer-impregnated, gas diffusion cathode to a proton exchange membrane.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 1993Date of Patent: October 24, 1995Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: Oliver J. Murphy, G. Duncan Hitchens
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Patent number: 5456809Abstract: Economical, pollution-free treatment of textiles occurs in a low voltage electrochemical cell that mercerizes (or scours), sours, and optionally bleaches without effluents and without the purchase of bulk caustic, neutralizing acids, or bleaches. The cell produces base in the cathodic chamber for mercerization and an equivalent amount of acid in the anodic chamber for neutralizing the fabric. Gas diffusion electrodes are used for one or both electrodes and may simultaneously generate hydrogen peroxide for bleaching. The preferred configuration is a stack of bipolar electrodes, in which one or both of the anode and cathode are gas diffusion electrodes, and where no hydrogen gas is evolved at the cathode.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1995Date of Patent: October 10, 1995Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventor: John F. Cooper
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Patent number: 5454917Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and process for recovering metal from a solution. This apparatus is a structure having an anode formed from a plurality of reducing metal elements and a cathode formed from a high surface area electrically conductive material such as metal wire. The reducing metal elements of the anode have a more negative standard state reduction potential than the metal to be recovered. This invention is also a process in which a metal is recovered by contacting a solution of a metal to be recovered with the apparatus of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1993Date of Patent: October 3, 1995Assignee: Cognis, Inc.Inventors: Phillip L. Mattison, William E. Friestad, John Fast
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Patent number: 5425863Abstract: Electrolysis cell for the production of a gas, comprising at least two electrolysis chambers, respectively anodic (2) and cathodic (3), one at least of which is in communication, at its lower part, with an electrolyte entry pipe (5) and, at its upper part, with an electrolyte degassing chamber (7) sited above it and provided with a gas discharge opening (8) and with an electrolyte discharge opening (16), an electrolyte recycling pipe (10) connecting the degassing chamber (7) to the entry pipe (5) and including a valve (11) which is open or closed according to whether the pressure downstream (B) of the valve (11) is less than or greater than the pressure upstream (A) of the valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1994Date of Patent: June 20, 1995Assignee: Solvay S.A.Inventor: Luciano Chiti
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Patent number: 5414199Abstract: An apparatus and method for oxidizing wastes in a two-stage process. The apparatus includes an oxidation device, a gas-liquid contacting column and an electrocell. In the first stage of the process, wastes are heated in the presence of air to partially oxidize the wastes. The heated wastes produce an off-gas stream containing oxidizable materials. In the second stage, the off-gas stream is cooled and flowed through the contacting column, where the off-gas stream is contacted with an aqueous acid stream containing an oxidizing agent having at least two positive valence states. At least a portion of the oxidizable materials are transferred to the acid stream and destroyed by the oxidizing agent. During oxidation, the valence of the oxidizing agent is decreased from its higher state to its lower state. The acid stream is flowed to the electrocell, where an electric current is applied to the stream to restore the oxidizing agent to its higher valence state.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1993Date of Patent: May 9, 1995Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventor: Scott D. Fleischman
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Patent number: 5366606Abstract: The present invention provides an electrolytic gas generator for generating fluorine and other chemicals and more particularly, to a more efficient electrolyzer having reduced resistance between the cathode and anode and which prevents the migration of gas between the anode compartment and the cathode compartment.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1993Date of Patent: November 22, 1994Assignee: Florida Scientific Laboratories Inc.Inventor: Gregorio Tarancon
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Patent number: 5340458Abstract: This invention relates to an electrolytic ion water generator for producing alkali ion water containing alkali ions and acid ion water containing acid ions by introducing tap water or the like into an electrolytic cell comprising electrodes and ion exchange membranes arranged alternately which electrolyze the electrolytes in the water.Electrolytic cell unit panels having the same shape are constructed by attaching the electrode plate and ion exchange membrane onto each synthetic resin frame. The electrolytic cell unit panels are layered in a water-tight manner facing the front sides to front sides and the rear sides to rear sides via O-rings. A water-inlet external cover is attached at one end of the layered electrolytic cell unit panels, and a water-outlet external cover is attached at the other end of the layered electrolytic cell unit panels in a water-tight manner to secure the total assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 1993Date of Patent: August 23, 1994Assignee: Toho Technical Service Co., Ltd.Inventor: Haruhiko Koizumi
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Patent number: 5334300Abstract: There is disclosed a two-chambered electrocell comprising one or a plurality of anode chambers, a crude flow inlet and a crude flow outlet communicating with the anode chamber, one or a plurality of cathode chambers, and a catholyte outlet communicating with the cathode chamber, wherein cylindrical anodes are located in the anode chamber, wherein the anode chamber is defined by a membrane having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side of the membrane communicates with crude fluid circulating within the anode chamber, and wherein the second side of the membrane is supported by a plurality of support members, wherein a pressure of crude fluid in the anode chamber deflects the membrane between the support members toward the cathode to form a crude flow path having a constantly changing direction, and wherein the cathode chamber is defined by the second side of the membrane and the two-chambered electrocell, and the support members and a cathode are located in the cathode chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1992Date of Patent: August 2, 1994Assignee: Osmotek, Inc.Inventors: John R. Herron, Edward G. Beaudry, Carl E. Jochums, Luis E. Medina
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Patent number: 5332483Abstract: A solid state electrolytic cell for separating oxygen or nitrogen from the air which employs a flexible, ductile ceramic composite as the solid electrolyte is provided. The ductile ceramic composite solid electrolyte comprises a continuous, ordered, repeating, interconnected ductile metallic array substantially surrounded by and intimately integrated within a ceramic matrix. The cell is connected to a power supply so when current is passed through the cell, oxygen or nitrogen is separated from the air passing through the cell.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 1992Date of Patent: July 26, 1994Assignee: IGR Enterprises, Inc.Inventor: Arnold Z. Gordon
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Patent number: 5324396Abstract: There is provided improvements in systems and methods for the recovery of ferrous or non-ferrous metals in an electrolytic cell system. The improvements include an automated process and system and an electrolytic cell which includes means for removing a plated metal from the anode/cathode to permit it to settle at the floor of the cell and means for removing the settled metal therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1993Date of Patent: June 28, 1994Inventors: Philippe Ferron, Camil Prince
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Patent number: 5322604Abstract: An electrode and an electrolytic cell in which the electrode includes a plate having electrode material attached to at least one side thereof. A header opening is provided in the electrode plate and has a plurality of slots radiating therefrom towards the center of the plate. The electrolytic cell includes an electrode spaced from a separator such as a membrane or diaphram by a gasket member of universal design. The electrodes, separator and gaskets have a header opening extending therethrough with slots radiating from the header openings in the anode and cathode plates to provide fluid communication between anode and cathode chamber and the header.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1992Date of Patent: June 21, 1994Assignee: Olin CorporationInventor: David W. Cawlfield
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Patent number: 5314591Abstract: An electrolyzer includes a stack composed of a plurality of upright electrolytic cell units, each unit including an electrolytic cell unit frame bounding a pair of electrode sheets. Each pair of electrode sheets are anode-side and cathode-side partitions having opposed recesses and projections that are engaged in nesting relationship with each other. A gas-liquid separation chamber is provided which is integral with an upper edge of the electrolytic cell unit frame.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1992Date of Patent: May 24, 1994Assignee: Chlorine Engineers Corp., LtdInventors: Shinji Katayama, Yoshinari Take
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Patent number: 5296121Abstract: In an electrolyzer system having metallic supply and discharge piping subjected to shunt currents, the improvement which comprises a removable target electrode in the section of said piping subjected to said shunt currents, said target electrode having a lower overvoltage than the metallic piping being protected.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 1992Date of Patent: March 22, 1994Assignee: The Dow Chemical CompanyInventors: Richard N. Beaver, deceased, Gordon E. Newman
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Patent number: 5256268Abstract: A method and an apparatus for treating water by passing the water through an electrolytic bath provided with an anode and a porous cathode. The water is qualified by the decomposition and the reduction of chloride compounds in the water while the water passes through the porous cathode that occupies full area of a cross section of the flow path of the water.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1992Date of Patent: October 26, 1993Assignee: Konica CorporationInventors: Nobutaka Goto, Hiroyuki Hashimoto
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Patent number: 5254233Abstract: A monopolar ion exchange membrane electrolytic cell assembly comprising a plurality of unit electrolytic cells connected electritically in parallel to one another, each formed by clamping an anode compartment frame and a cathode compartment frame with an ion exchange membrane interposed therebetween, the anode and cathode compartment frames each having a feeding and discharging system for an electrolyte and a discharging system for generated gas, wherein:(a) an anode is made of a foraminous plate fixed to the anode compartment frame so that it is close to or in contact with the ion exchange membrane, and electricity is supplied to the foraminous plate via power supply rods and/or power supply ribs from a power source located outside the cell,(b) a cathode is made of flexible foraminous metal plate having good conductivity with an electric resistance at 20.degree. C. of not higher than 10 .mu..OMEGA..Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1992Date of Patent: October 19, 1993Assignee: Asahi Glass Company Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Nakao, Hidenori Shibata, Takeo Aikawa, Takahiro Uchibori, Hiroki Yano
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Patent number: 5225060Abstract: Disclosed is a bipolar, filter press type electrolytic cell comprising a plurality of unit cells which are arranged in series through a cation exchange membrane disposed between respective adjacent unit cells, each unit cell containing anode-side and cathode-side gas-liquid separation chambers respectively disposed in anode-side and cathode-side non-current-flowing spaces and extending over the entire upper-side lengths of anode and cathode compartments. This electrolytic cell can be utilized to stably perform, for a prolonged period of time, the electrolysis of an aqueous alkali metal chloride solution at low cost without causing not only a leakage of an electrolytic solution but also vibration of the cell and formation of a gas zone in the upper portion of the anode and cathode compartments even in the electrolysis conducted at a high current density and at a high alkali concentration.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1992Date of Patent: July 6, 1993Assignee: Asahi Kasei Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasuhide Noaki, Saburo Okamoto
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Patent number: 5198083Abstract: An electrochemical cell (60) and method for treating waste having an anode in the form of a number of elements comprising spheres (80) which locate between plates (78, 81). The spheres (80) divide the anode compartment (64) into parts (110, 111). The porous pot (62) separates the anode compartment from the cathode compartment (63). The electrode liquor is circulated over the elements from part (110) to part (111) by an impeller (86) located in a tube (75) having inlets (77) and outlets (76), the outlets (76) being at a different level from the inlets (77). A rake may stir the contents of chamber (111) particularly for solid waste. There may be a plurality of porous pots, each housing a cathode, in the anode compartment.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1991Date of Patent: March 30, 1993Assignee: United Kingdom Atomic Energy AuthorityInventor: John D. Thornton
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Patent number: 5194132Abstract: In the electrolysis apparatus for the production of chlorine, sodium hydroxide solution and hydrogen from aqueous alkali-metal halide solutions, which electrolysis apparatus comprises at least one electrolysis cell, anode and cathode, which are separated from one another by a partition, are disposed in a housing composed of two half-shells electrically separated by an insulating seal. The housing is provided with devices for supplying the electrolysis starting substances and for removing the electrolysis products, the latter comprising at least one discharge pipe which extends in the vertical direction in the interior of the half-shells, passes through the half-shell in the vicinity of the lower edge and extends up to the upper edge. The discharge pipe (9, 10) terminates in a separating chamber (14, 15) which is disposed in a stilling zone. The stilling zone is formed by a plate (11, 12) attached to the electrode (4, 5) and to the associated half-shell (1, 2).Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1992Date of Patent: March 16, 1993Assignee: Hoechst AktiengesellschaftInventors: Manfred Hartmann, Dieter Bergner, Kurt Hannesen
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Patent number: 5162079Abstract: A process and apparatus for electroplating metals in which the metal salt concentration within the electroplating bath is reduced by providing an insoluble anode assembly in the bath. The insoluble anode assembly includes an enclosure which defines a compartment around an insoluble anode and which is formed at least in part by an anion exchange membrane. The primary reaction at the insoluble anode during electroplating is electrolysis of water to produce predominantly oxygen and hydrogen ions. The flow of current through the insoluble anode assembly causes anions in the plating solution to travel through the anion membrane into the compartment, resulting in an increase in acid concentration within the compartment. Accumulated acid is periodically flushed from the compartment.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 1991Date of Patent: November 10, 1992Assignee: Eco-Tec LimitedInventor: Craig J. Brown
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Patent number: 5141618Abstract: Frame unit for an electrolyser of the filter-press type, comprising a vertical metal sheeting (1), a peripheral frame made up of two vertical uprights (2, 3) and of two horizontal lengthwise members (4, 5) and a metal sheet (6) covering the sheeting (1) and the two uprights (2, 3), the two lengthwise members (4, 5) being made of the same material as the sheet (6), being inserted between the uprights (2, 3) and being firmly attached to the sheet (6). Electrolysers of the filter-press type comprising this frame unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1991Date of Patent: August 25, 1992Assignee: Solvay & Cie.Inventors: Emile Cabaraux, Eric Paulus
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Patent number: 5130008Abstract: Frame unit for an electrolyser of the filter-press type, comprising a vertical frame (1) defining an electrolysis chamber (13), an electrode in the electrolysis chamber, comprising a pair of vertical metal sheets (6) arranged facing each other, horizontal or oblique metal rails (7) arranged between the sheets (6), and U-shaped or V-shaped vertical metal beams (8) inserted between the rails and the sheets, the beams (8) being arranged in pairs, symmetrically on either side of the rails (7), and being connected to each other by vertical plates (11) which join the rails (7) so as to form vertical ducts (12) in the chamber 13.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 1990Date of Patent: July 14, 1992Assignee: Solvay & Cie S.A.Inventors: Emile Cabaraux, Eric Paulus