Concentrically Arranged Electrodes Patents (Class 204/260)
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Publication number: 20020058174Abstract: Compound electrodes are used instead of an anode and solution electrode and cathode and solution electrode in an electrochemical system that does not rely on a diaphragm or membrane directly between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode. The compound electrode consists of a solution electrode inside the anode or cathode electrode with a liquid or gel or electrolytic membrane located between the solution electrode and the anode or cathode electrode. The compound electrode may be used in a electrolytic cell, a fuel cell or a unipolar activation cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2001Publication date: May 16, 2002Inventor: Rodolfo Antonio Gomez
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Publication number: 20020028367Abstract: A process for manufacturing a solid oxide fuel cell comprises, in one embodiment according to the invention: forming a plastic mass comprising a mixture of an electrolyte substance and an electrochemically active substance; extruding the plastic mass through a die to form an extruded tube; and sintering the extruded tube to form a tubular anode capable of supporting the solid oxide fuel cell. The process may further comprise, after sintering the extruded tube, layering an electrolyte onto the tubular anode; and, after layering the electrolyte, layering a cathode onto the electrolyte.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2001Publication date: March 7, 2002Inventors: Nigel Sammes, Tracy Murray, Michael Brown, Warren Ziegler
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Publication number: 20010050234Abstract: An electrochemical cell system is disclosed, wherein a MEA is provided within a vessel. The MEA includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a membrane disposed between and in intimate contact with the first electrode and the second electrode. The vessel is disposed around the MEA, and defines a first storage area in fluid communication with the first electrode. The MEA defines a second storage region in fluid communication the second electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2000Publication date: December 13, 2001Inventor: Jason K. Shiepe
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Patent number: 6261433Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and a method for achieving reliable, consistent metal electroplating or electrochemical deposition onto semiconductor substrates. More particularly, the invention provides uniform and void-free deposition of metal onto metal seeded semiconductor substrates having sub-micron, high aspect ratio features. The invention provides an electrochemical deposition cell comprising a substrate holder, a cathode electrically contacting a substrate plating surface, an electrolyte container having an electrolyte inlet, an electrolyte outlet and an opening adapted to receive a substrate plating surface and an anode electrically connect to an electrolyte. Preferably, a vibrator is attached to the substrate holder to vibrate the substrate in at least one direction, and an auxiliary electrode is disposed adjacent the electrolyte outlet to provide uniform deposition across the substrate surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventor: Uziel Landau
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Patent number: 6248221Abstract: An improved electrolysis system includes a cylindrical anode, a cylindrical cathode, a cathode material including nanocrystalline particles, and an insulator disposed between the anode and the cathode material to prevent contact between the anode and the cathode material.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Inventors: Randolph R. Davis, Thomas F. McGraw, Richard S. Woll
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Patent number: 6162333Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a porous carbon fiber cathode supported on an elongate support member of open structure and a surrounding tubular anode. The cathode is provided with a current feeder that comprises a plurality of feeder strips, each extending substantially the length of the cathode, and in which the feeder strips are disposed substantially evenly around the elongate cathode support member. The feeder strips have an aggregate total width of at least about 20 percent of the characteristic circumferential dimension of the cathode support member. The feeder strips may be formed to conform to the curvature of the cathode support member. The cell may also be provided with an anode that is spaced apart from the inner wall of the outer casing by a distance of at least 2.5 mm, which provides an effective means of preventing gas buildup between the anode the outer casing.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1999Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Assignee: Renovare International, Inc.Inventors: Charles E. Lemon, Anthony A. Zante
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Patent number: 6086733Abstract: A high performance electrochemical cell is useful for recovery of metal from aqueous solutions. The electrochemical cell has a cathode assembly that includes a nonporous support member, a primary cathode, and a nonconductive or conductive porous material covering the primary cathode. An anode is spaced apart from the cathode assembly. Fluid is caused to flow through the porous material to the primary cathode, through openings or fluid collection channels in the nonporous support member, and uniformly out of the cell. Uniform and efficient deposition of metal is accomplished over the entire primary cathode because of modulation of fluid flow and increased mass transfer.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: James J. Carey, Gary P. Wainwright, Stephen N. Lowery, Robert B. Call, Peter J. Kelch
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Patent number: 6071404Abstract: A water treating device includes an outer casing, a reverse osmosis tube, a side cap, and an outlet tube. The outer casing includes an outer tube having a first inlet for water and a first outlet, an inner tube mounted inside the outer tube and including a number of holes defined in a periphery of an end thereof, and a water-permeable layer mounted between the inner tube and the outer tube. The reverse osmosis tube is mounted in the inner tube and includes a second inlet for water from the holes of the inner tube and adjacent to the end of the outer tube. The reverse osmosis tube further includes a second outlet for pure water. The side cap is mounted to seal a first end of the outer casing and includes a first electric rod to interconnect the outer tube with a positive power connection and a second electric rod to interconnect the inner tube with a negative power connection.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 1998Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Inventor: Tommy Tsui
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Patent number: 6063247Abstract: Lithium chloride improves electrolytic cell efficiency and performance when included in the electrolyte. Self-aligning cell diaphragms improve cell efficiency and reduce maintenance.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and CompanyInventors: Oswald Robert Bergmann, Howard M. Blank, Russell Bertrum Diemer, Jr., David Jain, Thomas A. Messing, Walter John Simmons
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Patent number: 6054026Abstract: The cell comprises a housing (10), an anode (20) positioned within the housing (10), and a cathode (30) surrounding the anode (20) in the housing (10). A perforated screen (28) is located between the anode (20) and the cathode (30). The construction provides the advantage of a higher and more uniform desilvering speed, due to an improved liquid flow over the cathode surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1998Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Assignee: Agfa-GevaertInventors: Patrick Van den Bergen, Bart Verlinden
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Patent number: 6035518Abstract: A method for preparing a cylindrical separator from sheet material and for inserting the separator in the cylindrical anode space of a semi-finished cell, in which the separator is wound from a sheet material around a mandrel to have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the anode space so that the sheet is temporarily affixed to the outer surface of the mandrel by providing vacuum through the mandrel wall, and the so obtained winding is inserted axially in the cathode cylinder. When the insertion is ready, the vacuum is disrupted, and the wound structure expands and presses against the cathode wall.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1999Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Battery Technologies Inc.Inventor: Djuro Slivar
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Patent number: 6033539Abstract: An electrochemical cell unit contains one or a plurality of electrochemical cells which are interconnected for the flow of solutions therethrough. Each electrochemical cell comprises an outer hollow tubular anode electrode and a central core tubular cathode electrode. Mounted coaxially between the outer hollow tubular anode electrode and the central core tubular cathode electrode is a hollow tubular diaphragm. A lower head assembly also includes inlet passageways for bringing solution into the anode chamber and the cathode chamber. An upper head assembly also includes outlet passageways for removing treated solution from the anode chamber and the cathode chamber. At the lower end of the electrochemical cell housing and underneath the lower head assembly, there is provided a collection container which can be in the shape of a box with a centrally depressed area for water accumulation.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1998Date of Patent: March 7, 2000Inventor: Viacheslav G. Gablenko
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Patent number: 6004439Abstract: An electrochemical cell or a plurality or block of electrochemical cells is connected through an anode circulation system to a reservoir which is also provided with a built-in controller for maintaining the level of anolyte. The built-in controller can be any suitable regulation device that controls the speed at which the brine is pumped into the anode chamber. A valve-type device is provided on the reservoir for releasing the gaseous mixture of the oxidants to maintain a given pressure in the anode circulation system. The cathode circulation system also includes a reservoir which also includes a valve-type device for the discharge of the excess gas-liquid mixture. A feed unit which contains a pump and a brine tank is connected to the lower part of the anode circulation system. A gas separator for separating hydrogen from the alkaline solution (the catholyte) is also connected to the system.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1998Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Inventors: Vitold M. Bakhir, Jury G. Zadorozhny
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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: 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: 5922178Abstract: A high temperature gas separation apparatus, integrated with, and enclosed by, a heat exchanger-thermal insulation, providing for counter-flow heat exchange between a cold inlet flow of a gas mixture containing one gas component and the hot return gas being depleted of the one gas component. Two adjacent heat exchanger flow channels surround a heated central gas separation unit in multiple spiral windings and provide the thermal insulation for the gas separation apparatus which operates at ambient or elevated pressure, resulting in significant savings in materials and energy cost, and greatly reduced weight for gas separation systems, such as electrochemical oxygen generators, and for hydrogen and helium separators.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 1997Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Inventor: Arnold O. Isenberg
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Patent number: 5882502Abstract: An electrochemical apparatus and system for extracting and recovering metals from their compounds using electrochemical cells where the anolyte 10 is connected electrically to the catholyte 11 through an independent set of electrodes 13, 14 immersed in each electrolyte and connected to each other by a conductor 16. The specification details the application of this principle to commercial size cells and systems to extract metals from solutions, from ores in-situ, from ores in heaps and fixed beds, from fine metal concentrates dissolved either at the anode cell or in a separate leaching vessel. Alkaline electrolytes are also given for the extraction and recovery of nickel and copper from their oxide ores. A method for extracting gold from ores or residues is also included.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1996Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Assignee: RMG Services Pty Ltd.Inventor: Rodolfo Gomez
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Patent number: 5871623Abstract: 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 in the bushings between the electrodes to create inter-electrode space in the electrode chambers. The lower and upper bushings have a channels for the treated solution supply into and discharge from the electrode chambers. The channels are connected to the feeding and discharging adjustment lines. There is also a metering pump on the water line for sodium chloride dosing into the water to be treated. The water line contains a flow regulator connected to the feeding and discharging adjustment lines. Poles of the power supply are connected to the electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1997Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Assignee: Rscecat, USA, Inc.Inventors: Vitold M. Bakhir, Jury G. Zadorozhny, Taras Barabash
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Patent number: 5814198Abstract: An electrolytic magnetization device has an outer pipe, an anode tube, a diaphragm, a cathode tube, an insulating tube, and a water flow controller. A cover and a base seat cover an upper end of the outer pipe and a lower end of the outer pipe respectively. The cover has a water outlet. The base seat has a through hole and a water inlet. The anode tube is disposed in the outer pipe. The diaphragm is disposed in the anode tube. A hollow pipe is disposed in the diaphragm. The insulating tube is disposed in the hollow pipe. The water flow controller has an inlet joint connected to the water inlet, a main body disposed beneath the inlet joint, a flow control post having a water passage, a water pressure stabilizer, an automatic switch device, a water drain device, a first outlet joint, and a second outlet joint. The automatic switch device has a switch seat. A micromotion switch is disposed on the switch seat.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1997Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Inventor: Wen-Shing Shyu
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Patent number: 5783052Abstract: An electrochemical cell for the treatment of water and/or water solutions comprises an internal electrode having a middle section and a pin-end at each end thereof, the diameter of each pin-end being not more than 0.75 of the diameter of the middle section; an external electrode mounted around the internal electrode; and a coaxial ceramic diaphragm mounted in a separate inter-electrode space in an electrode chamber of the cell. The external electrode is mounted in lower and upper dielectric bushings. Both the internal electrode and the external electrode are connected with positive and negative poles of a power supply. The cell further includes an upper dielectric collector head and a lower dielectric collector head which each have an axial channel; each collector head being installed in the bushing slots and adapted for turning therein. The diaphragm being fastened by elastic gaskets mounted in the slots of the bushings.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1997Date of Patent: July 21, 1998Assignee: RSCECAT, USA, Inc.Inventors: Vitold M. Bakhir, Jury G. Zadorozhny
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Patent number: 5693212Abstract: Solid membranes comprising an intimate, gas-impervious, multi-phase mixture of an electronically-conductive material and an oxygen ion-conductive material and/or a mixed metal oxide of a perovskite structure are described. Electrochemical reactor components, such as reactor cells, and electrochemical reactors are also described for transporting oxygen from any oxygen-containing gas to any gas or mixture of gases that consume oxygen. The reactor cells generally comprise first and second zones separated by an element having a first surface capable of reducing oxygen to oxygen ions, a second surface capable of reacting oxygen ions with an oxygen-consuming gas, an electron-conductive path between the first and second surfaces and an oxygen ion-conductive path between the first and second surfaces. The element may further comprise (1) a porous substrate, (2) an electron-conductive metal, metal oxide or mixture thereof and/or (3) a catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1996Date of Patent: December 2, 1997Assignee: The Standard Oil CompanyInventors: Terry J. Mazanec, Thomas L. Cable, John G. Frye, Jr., Wayne R. Kliewer
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Patent number: 5690806Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided for removal of metals such as copper, lead, silver, tellurium, platinum, palladium or nickel from dilute solutions of the metal. The cell comprises a porous tubular support (18) which is provided with a cathode comprising a porous carbon fiber material (19), a current feeder (15) for the cathode, a tubular anode (12) spaced from said cathode, a current feeder (16) for the anode, the anode and the cathode being enclosed by a non-porous outer casing (11). In use the dilute solution from which the metal is to be removed is introduced into the cell through an inlet (13) and flows through the porous carbon fiber cathode to an outlet (14). The cell is useful for removing harmful metals from wastes so that they are environmentally acceptable for disposal and for recovery of valuable metals.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1996Date of Patent: November 25, 1997Assignee: EA Technology Ltd.Inventors: John Garry Sunderland, Ian McCrady Dalrymple
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Patent number: 5656140Abstract: An electrochemical remediation apparatus comprising a cylindrical tank having a plurality of vertical anodes suspended downwardly from a dome-shaped lid and positioned around the circumference of the tank spaced radially inwardly from the inner sidewalls of the tank. A single cathode is positioned at the axis of the cylindrical tank and removably mounted to the lid. A cylindrical metal ion permeable membrane is positioned between the anodes and the cathode. A plurality of nozzles spaced circumferentially around the tank directs pressurized fluid into the tank at a direction having radial, axial and circumferential components. A mixture of water, acid and contaminated earth consisting of approximately 50% contaminated earth is poured into the region between the membrane and the tank sidewalls. The mixture is incubated and fluidized, and contact between metals in the mixture and the anodes causes the metal contaminants to act as sacrificial anodes and thereby to ionize.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1995Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Assignee: Chamberlain Ltd., Inc.Inventors: John H. Oesterle, Kenneth D. Hughes
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Patent number: 5635040Abstract: An electrochemical cell for the treatment of water and/or water solutions comprises an internal electrode having a middle section and a pin-end at each end thereof, the diameter of each pin-end being not more than 0.75 of the diameter of the middle section; an external electrode mounted around the internal electrode; and a coaxial ceramic diaphragm mounted in a separate inter-electrode space in an electrode chamber of the cell. The external electrode is mounted in lower and upper dielectric bushings. Both the internal electrode and the external electrode are connected with positive and negative poles of a power supply. The cell further includes an upper dielectric collector head and a lower dielectric collector head which each have an axial channel; each collector head being installed in the bushing slots and adapted for turning therein. The diaphragm being fastened by elastic gaskets mounted in the slots of the bushings.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1996Date of Patent: June 3, 1997Assignee: Rscecat, USA, Inc.Inventors: Vitold M. Bakhir, Jury G. Zadorozhny
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Patent number: 5628888Abstract: 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 in the bushings between the electrodes to create inter-electrode space in the electrode chambers. The lower and upper bushings have a channels for the treated solution supply into and discharge from the electrode chambers. The channels are connected to the feeding and discharging adjustment lines. There is also a metering pump on the water line for sodium chloride dosing into the water to be treated. The water line contains a flow regulator connected to the feeding and discharging adjustment lines. Poles of the power supply are connected to the electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1996Date of Patent: May 13, 1997Assignee: RSCECAT, USA, Inc.Inventors: Vitold M. Bakhir, Jury G. Zadorozhny, Taras Barabash
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Patent number: 5624544Abstract: An ionized water stably maintaining a strong pH value for a long period is manufactured. Plural electrolytic cells disposing cylindrical cathodes and anodes across a cylindrical electrolytic diaphragm with a bottom made of clay ceramics are disposed in an electrolytic bath. Alkaline ionized water produced in the electrolytic diaphragm is supplied into the electrolytic diaphragm of the adjacent electrolytic cell, and electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell. In the electrolytic diaphragm of each electrolytic cell, crystalline clay minerals are dissolved, and alkaline ionized water of high intensity is sequentially produced, and at the outside of the electrolytic diaphragm of each electrolytic cell, crystalline clay minerals are dissolved, and acidic ionized water of high intensity is sequentially produced.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1995Date of Patent: April 29, 1997Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Alone WorldInventors: Katsuhiko Deguchi, Kazunori Osamura
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Patent number: 5615764Abstract: A positive electrode made of titanium having its surface electrolytically plated with platinum is disposed at the central position of an electrolytic ionized water producer. A cylindrical anion membrane is annularly arranged spaced from the positive electrode, a cylindrical cation membrane is annularly arranged spaced from the anion membrane, and a cylindrical negative electrode is annularly arranged spaced from the cation membrane. The opposite ends of the positive electrode, the anion membrane, the cation membrane and the negative electrode are watertightly closed with a base cover and a top cover, and a cylindrical first space is formed inside of the anion membrane. An annular second space is defined between the anion membrane and the cation membrane and an annular third space is defined between the cation membrane and the negative electrode. Water is introduced into the second space.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1995Date of Patent: April 1, 1997Inventor: Yukimasa Satoh
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Patent number: 5611904Abstract: The invention provides fittings for the ends of electrochromatography cols. Each fitting includes an annular electrode surrounding one end of the passage electrical fields to be applied. The fitting also contains a passageway for eluant flowing into or out of the column, an annular chamber for the electrode and a membrane separating the passageway from the annular electrode chamber. The membrane prevents gases and electrolytic products from entering the column eluent going through the chromatographic column. The membrane also isolate the electrodes from the compounds such as proteins and macromolecules being separated. A buffer solution was pumped through the electrode chamber to remove the gases and electrode products. The buffer flow through the electrode chamber maintains a constant pH and conductivity so that the electrical field applied by each electrode is constant. The buffer flow also serves to remove the heat generated in the electrode chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1995Date of Patent: March 18, 1997Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of CommerceInventors: Kenneth D. Cole, Heriberto Cabezas, Jr.
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Patent number: 5595643Abstract: Negatively charged oxygen atoms can be generated by the steps of (A) supplying oxygen to a surface of a solid electrolyte, at which the surface is provided an electrode A', while supplying electric current to the electrode A', to thereby form oxygen ions; (B) causing the oxygen ions formed in step (A) to be transmitted through the solid electrolyte; (C) forming negatively charged oxygen atoms at a surface of the solid electrolyte, an opposite surface on which the electrode A' is provided, by providing electric current to an electrode A on the opposite surface, to thereby produce negatively charged oxygen atoms from the oxygen ions; and (D) applying voltage to an electrode B spaced from the electrode A, in an amount sufficient to generate an electric potential between the electrode A and the electrode B, thereby causing the negatively charged oxygen atoms to move in the direction of the electrode B. The apparatus of the present invention can be used for the above method.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 1995Date of Patent: January 21, 1997Assignees: Kao Corporation, Masayoshi SadakataInventors: Yoshifumi Torimoto, Masayoshi Sadakata
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Patent number: 5468361Abstract: A guard for a membrane electrode cell in an electrocoat paint system that separates the counter-electrode, the object being painted, from the membrane shell housing that surrounds the electrode, which is located inside the membrane. The guard is of a grid-like structure with openings that have rounded edges and allows for the flow of electricity between the electrode and the counter-electrode and for a substantially continuous flow of paint particles around the membrane electrode cell. The guard is made from a durable, flexible, non-conducting material that is impervious to the temperature conditions and acids, solvents and other compounds often found in electrocoating paint baths. Embodiments of the present invention include an externally affixed guard, an integral guard and a rigid membrane guard.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1994Date of Patent: November 21, 1995Assignee: UFS CorporationInventors: H. Frederick Hess, Jr., H. Frederick Hess, III
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Patent number: 5427667Abstract: An apparatus for electrical treatment of water can be used for purifying and disinfecting potable water, and also for producing detergent and disinfecting solutions, and comprises at least one electrochemical cell made up of an upright cylindrical electrode and a rod electrode of a variable cross-section mounted coaxially in dielectric sleeves, an ultrafiltration diaphragm made from ceramics based on zirconium oxide and coaxially mounted in the sleeves between the electrodes, the geometrical dimensions of the cell meet some definite relationships. The system of openings in the electrodes and ducts in the sleeves provides for the optimal hydraulic characteristics of the cell. The sleeves and cylindrical electrode have the same external diameter and the cells are specially secured by means of gaskets in the upper and lower headers of a dielectric material with cylindrical sockets in each and supply and discharge ducts.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 1994Date of Patent: June 27, 1995Inventors: Vitold M. Bakhir, Jury G. Zadorozhny, Jury A. Rakhmanin, Igor N. Naida, Nikolai N. Naida, Nugzar V. Dzheiranishvili, Boris I. Leonov, Sergei K. Butin, Viktor G. Vedenkov
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Patent number: 5378339Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a water electrolyzer, which has higher electrolyzing efficiency and smaller size than conventional ones. In an electrolyzing tank, at least three cylindrical electrodes, each of which has different polarity with respect to adjacent one, are arranged concentrically with cylindrical partitions. Surface area of the one cylindrical electrode, which is provided between other two, is equal to the sum of surface area of an outer face of the inner cylindrical electrode and that of an inner face of the outer cylindrical electrodes, so that maximum electrolyzing efficiency can be gained.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1993Date of Patent: January 3, 1995Assignee: Techno Excel Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazuaki Aoki, Tomio Tadokoro, Shozo Miyazawa
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Patent number: 5306411Abstract: Solid membranes comprising an intimate, gas-impervious, multi-phase mixture of an electronically-conductive material and an oxygen ion-conductive material and/or a mixed metal oxide of a perovskite structure are described. Electrochemical reactor components, such as reactor cells, and electrochemical reactors are also described for transporting oxygen from any oxygen-containing gas to any gas or mixture of gases that consume oxygen. The reactor cells generally comprise first and second zones separated by an element having a first surface capable of reducing oxygen to oxygen ions, a second surface capable of reacting oxygen ions with an oxygen-consuming gas, an electron-conductive path between the first and second surfaces and an oxygen ion-conductive path between the first and second surfaces. The element may further comprise (1) a porous substrate, (2) an electron-conductive metal, metal oxide or mixture thereof and/or (3) a catalyst.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 1990Date of Patent: April 26, 1994Assignee: The Standard Oil CompanyInventors: Terry J. Mazanec, Thomas L. Cable, John G. Frye, Jr., Wayne R. Kliewer
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Patent number: 5302258Abstract: A solid composition provides high oxygen ion conductivity, and includes a metal oxide combined with multiple dopants. The oxide may, for example, include zirconia, bismuth trioxide, thoria or halfnia. The dopants are chosen such that they are of similar ionic radius to the oxide, but such that they generally have different valences. For example, zirconium has a +4 valence, while dopants are usually chosen which have +2 or +3 valences. Possible dopants include materials such as magnesia, yttria, and oxides of calcium, barium, strontium, lanthanum, and scandium. It has been found that choosing the dopants such that they exist in the composition at specified ratios results in surprising ability to transport oxygen ions. In the case of a composition which includes magnesia and yttria dopants placed within a zirconia matrix, it has been found desirable to maintain the ratio of the mole percentages of the magnesia to the yttria in the range of from about 6.5:10 to about 9.5:10.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1992Date of Patent: April 12, 1994Assignee: Triox Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gary M. Renlund, Richard R. Mackerell, Mustafa A. Syammach
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Patent number: 5213671Abstract: A guard for a membrane electrode cell in an electrocoat paint system that separates the counter-electrode, the object being painted, from the membrane shell housing that surrounds the electrode, which is located inside the membrane. The guard is of a grid-like structure with openings that have rounded edges and allows for the flow of electricity between the electrode and the counter-electrode and for a substantially continuous flow of paint particles around the membrane electrode cell. The guard is made from a durable, flexible, non-conducting material that is impervious to the temperature conditions and acids, solvents and other compounds often found in electrocoating paint baths. Embodiments of the present invention include an externally affixed guard, an integral guard and a rigid membrane guard.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 1991Date of Patent: May 25, 1993Assignee: UFS CorporationInventors: H. Frederick Hess, Jr., H. Frederick Hess, III
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Patent number: 5186806Abstract: A solid state electrolyte cells apparatus and method of producing is disclosed. The apparatus can be used for separating oxygen from an oxygen-containing feedstock or as a fuel cell for reacting fluids. Cells can be stacked so that fluids can be introduced and removed from the apparatus through ceramic distribution members having ports designed for distributing the fluids in parallel flow to and from each cell. The distribution members can also serve as electrodes to membranes or as membrane members between electrodes. The distribution member design does not contain any horizontal internal ports which allows the member to be thin. A method of tape casting in combination with an embossing method allows intricate radial ribs and bosses to be formed on each distribution member. The bosses serve as seals for the ports and allow the distribution members to be made without any horizontal internal ports.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1990Date of Patent: February 16, 1993Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Douglas J. Clark, Leo M. Galica, Robert W. Losey, Jerry W. Suitor
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Patent number: 5183544Abstract: An apparatus and method for electrowinning metal from particulate waste metal material is provided whereby waste metal material is mixed with an electrolyte to form a suspension. The suspension is separated into portions. A first portion enters the anodic compartment and a second portion is filtered and enters the cathodic compartment where metal is electrowon onto a rotating cathode.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 1991Date of Patent: February 2, 1993Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Joseph R. Weber, Ronald E. Bilak
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Patent number: 5108563Abstract: A process for treating water comprises feeding water to be treated into an electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell comprises a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode at least partially encompasses the second electrode. The water to be treated is subjected to electrolysis in the presence of an electrolyte, and, preferably, in the presence of elemental carbon. An apparatus for conducting the process is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 1991Date of Patent: April 28, 1992Assignee: Environmental Systems (International) LimitedInventor: Brian G. Cook
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Patent number: 5064515Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously removing liquid from an aqueous suspension; the apparatus consists of a filter housing; an electrofilter disposed within the housing to provide a crossflow chamber and filtrate chamber within the housing; an inlet for supplying a suspension to the crossflow chamber and an outlet for removing a suspension reduced in liquid content from the crossflow chamber; both the inlet and the outlet may be disposed so as to provide a crossflow of the suspension across the surface of the elecltrofilter or disposed to provide a batch process with optional stirring; and an outlet for removing liquid from the filtrate chamber. The filter material of the electrofilter is conductive so that the filter material functions as the first electrode as well as a filter. A second electrode is disposed on the filtrate side of the electrofilter.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 1989Date of Patent: November 12, 1991Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventor: Muralidhara Harapanahalli
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Patent number: 5045169Abstract: An electrochemical device (10) capable of generating oxygen from air (23) upon application of an electrical current, is made containing a plurality of adjacent cells (12) and (12') electrically connected in series, where each cell contains optional support (22), inner, porous oxygen electrode (20), dense, solid oxide electrolyte (14) on top of the inner oxygen electrode, and outer, porous air electrode (16) on top of the electrolyte, where dense segments of interconnection material (18) are disposed between cells, the interconnection electrically connecting the outer air electrode from one cell to the inner oxygen electrode from an adjacent cell, where the device contains gas impermeable, dense, contacting segments of electrolyte (14) and interconnection material (18) and can contain two end portions at least one of which provides for oxygen delivery.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 1990Date of Patent: September 3, 1991Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: William Feduska, Arnold O. Isenberg, Jack T. Brown
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Patent number: 5009763Abstract: A apparatus and method for the reduction and oxidation of constituents of a fluid is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a honeycomb-like structure of oxygen ion conducting ceramic having at least one passage. The passage is lined with a porous bipolar electrode and porous electrodes are formed outside the passage on the ceramic structure, the electrode in the passage being between the outside electrodes. If a voltage is applied to the outside electrodes, reducible and oxidizable constituents in a fluid passing over the passage electrode are oxidized and reduced. The capacity of the apparatus may be increased by increasing the number of passages/electrodes located between the outside electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1989Date of Patent: April 23, 1991Assignee: Advanced Technologies Management, Inc.Inventor: Ralph E. Hise
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Patent number: 4973380Abstract: A process for etching copper or a copper base material with an aqueous solution consisting essentially of peroxydisulfuric acid, up to about 500 ppm of a halide addition and the balance water is described. The process includes off-line generation/regeneration of the etching solution. An electrochemical cell for generating/regenerating the etching solution is also described.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 1990Date of Patent: November 27, 1990Assignee: Olin CorporationInventors: Michael J. Pryor, Andrew J. Brock
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Patent number: 4948514Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for separating ions from a liquid through use of static fields generated by permanently polarized members which cooperate with membranes that act as mechanical inhibitors in encouraging positive ions to remain within a positive region of the apparatus and negative ions to remain within a negative region of the apparatus, thereby leaving a relatively ion-free effluent in a neutral region of the apparatus. The ions are separated through static electrical fields, which are permanently generated by the polarized material.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1988Date of Patent: August 14, 1990Assignee: Lion Capital, LtdInventors: Douglas MacGregor, Mark A. Smith
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Patent number: 4935116Abstract: A device for treating water within a swimming pool wherein a portion of such water is diverted to the device. The device utilizes a canister in which dissimilar metals preferably silver and copper are positioned such that the water passing between them acts as a conductor and establishes a voltaic cell whereby the metals are eroded so as to supply the water with an effective level of silver and copper ions. Such metal ions effectively act as germicides and algaecides.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1988Date of Patent: June 19, 1990Assignee: Mohawk Systems, Inc.Inventor: George J. LeMire
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Patent number: 4867856Abstract: In an electrolysis unit for forming electrolyzed water, in which electrodes of polarity different from each other are opposed to each other and both of said electrodes are partitioned with an electrolyzing diaphragm into a pair of electrode chambers to define an electrolysis vessel, and a raw water supply portion and a pair of electrolyzed water discharging portions are disposed on the respective ends of said electrolysis vessel, a pair of water supply ports in communication with a pair of electrodes chambers in the electrolysis cell respectively are disposed independently of each other in the raw water supply portion.Chemical additives can be supplied uniformly with no requirement for additional channels. Electrolyzing operation efficiency can be improved, and unit structure and assembling work can be simplified.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1988Date of Patent: September 19, 1989Assignee: OMCO Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tatsuo Okazaki
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Patent number: 4828644Abstract: Work pieces are immersed in an etchant in a spaced contact free relationship with the electrodes of the system. The two electrodes are separated by a filter which prevents charge carrying particles dispersed in the etchant surrounding the electrode closest to the work pieces and which assume the same charge, from migrating to and contacting the more remote one. The etchant containing the particles is physically agitated whereby the distribution of the particles which transfer electrical energy to the work pieces and induce electrochemical etching thereof is unified.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1987Date of Patent: May 9, 1989Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hidetoshi Nojiri, Masahi Nakamura
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Patent number: 4810344Abstract: An electrolytically ionized water forming apparatus including: a plurality of electrolysis devices, each comprising an electrolysis vessel having a cathode and an anode opposed to each other and an electrolysis diaphragm partitioning the space between both of the electrodes into a cathode chamber and an anode chamber; water supply channels each disposed on one side and two discharge systems of an ionized alkaline water discharge channel in communication with the cathode chamber and an acidic water discharge channel in communication with the cathode chamber each disposed on the other side of the plurality of electrolysis devices respectively; the plurality of electrolysis devices being connected in series in a plurality of stages such that only one of the two ionized water discharge channels of the electrolysis device at a certain preceeding stage constitutes a water supply channel to the electrolysis device at the succeeding stage.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1988Date of Patent: March 7, 1989Assignee: Omco Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tatsuo Okazaki
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Patent number: 4801369Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus which comprises a first enclosure for containing a first fluid, a second enclosure for containing a second fluid, a pathway between the first and second enclosures through which the first fluid can leak from the first enclosure into the second enclosure, and means for admitting into said pathway a third fluid under greater pressure than either the first fluid or the second fluid, whereby the third fluid leaks into the first and second enclosures and prevents the first and second fluids from intermixing.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1987Date of Patent: January 31, 1989Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.Inventors: Robert Draper, Stephen E. Veyo
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Patent number: 4790914Abstract: The invention is a method for operating a vertically disposed, electrolytic cell of the type having:a hydraulically permeable, hollow, cylindrically shaped cathode;a hydraulically permeable, hollow, cylindrically shaped anode concentric with and surrounding said cathode to define an annular space therebetween; anda hollow, cylindrically shaped, ion permeable membrane interposed between, and concentric with, said cathode and said anode, said membrane separating and defining an anode compartment containing the anode and a cathode compartment containing the cathode;wherein said process comprises:(a.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1985Date of Patent: December 13, 1988Assignee: The Dow Chemical CompanyInventor: Marius W. Sorenson
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Patent number: 4784735Abstract: The invention is a vertically disposed electrolytic cell comprising:a hollow, cylindrically shaped recycle tube;a hydraulically permeable, hollow, cylindrically shaped cathode concentric with and surrounding said recycle tube to define a first annular space therebetween;a hydraulically permeable, hollow, cylindrically shaped anode concentric with and surrounding said cathode to define a second annular space therebetween; anda hollow, cylindrically shaped, ion permeable membrane positioned in said second annular space concentric with said cathode and said anode, said membrane dividing the second annular space into an anode compartment containing the anode and a cathode compartment containing the cathode.The invention includes a method for operating the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 1986Date of Patent: November 15, 1988Assignee: The Dow Chemical CompanyInventor: Marius W. Sorenson