With Heater Or Cooler Patents (Class 204/262)
  • Patent number: 11000883
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a reservoir for an aqueous salt solution, at least two electrodes spaced apart from each other integrated into the reservoir, a control module electrically coupled to the at least two electrodes, wherein the control module controls application of electricity to cause a first one of the at least two electrodes to be positively charged and a second one of the at least two electrodes to be negatively charged, and an impeller disposed in the reservoir for mixing the aqueous salt solution in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: GenEon Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: John P. Shanahan, Remigio Benavides Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 10888211
    Abstract: A dishwashing method in which water having an oxidizing and disinfecting action is provided in a dishwasher and used as dishwashing water or added to a dishwashing water, wherein, to provide the water, a) a stream of untreated water is fed into a reverse osmosis device and separated into a concentrate stream and a permeate stream, b) ozone is produced by an ozone generator, and c) the ozone is introduced into the permeate stream emerging from the reverse osmosis device, wherein the reverse osmosis controls ozone production in that the ozone generator is configured such that ozone is only produced and mixed with the permeate stream when the reverse osmosis device is in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: BWT Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Juergen Johann, Andrea Pavan
  • Patent number: 9963791
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel reactor design, wherein the pressurized chamber contains both a high-temperature electrolysis (HTE) reactor with elementary electrolysis cell stacking for producing either hydrogen or a synthesis gas (“syngas” for a H2+CO mixture) from water vapor H2O and carbon dioxide CO2, and at least one catalyst arranged at a distance and downstream of the outlet of the electrolyzer for converting the previously produced synthesis gas into the desired combustible gas, by means of heterogeneous catalysis, the synthesis gas having being produced either directly from the electrolysis reactor or indirectly by mixing the hydrogen produced with carbon dioxide CO2 injected into the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT À L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Magali Reytier, Guilhem Roux
  • Patent number: 8986517
    Abstract: A method for concentrating an aqueous caustic alkali produced by a membrane cell process by using a single or multiple effect evaporator system in which the vapor flows in a counter direction to the aqueous caustic alkali flow and the heat recovered from the catholyte circulation line is used as part of the concentration process. In one embodiment, a catholyte heat recovery heat exchanger and flash evaporation chamber are located after the last effect of a multiple effect evaporator system. In another embodiment, the catholyte heat recovery heat exchanger and flash evaporation chamber are located prior to the single or multiple effect evaporator system. In yet another embodiment, the catholyte heat recovery process is used in conjunction with additional heat exchanger processes to further concentrate the final product as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Westlake Vinyl Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony B. Davis, Thomas H. Yohe, Russell F. Dunn
  • Publication number: 20150056303
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method, system and equipment for the elaboration of electrolytic chlorine oxidants, hypochlorous acid and sodium hypochlorite substances, using elements that result in an ecological process and confers a high efficiency in the production of these substances, permitting the generation of a product of very high performance and efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Miguel Angel Alcantara, Adan Tapia Duran
  • Publication number: 20150021170
    Abstract: An electrolysis device (7) includes a water circuit (6), in which an electrolyzer (5), a collection container (1) and at least one pump (2) are arranged. The water is pumped by way of the at least one pump (2) out of the collection container (1) to the electrolyzer (5). The water circuit (6) is branched into at least one first branch (8) and into a second branch (9) which is parallel to the first branch (8). The electrolyzer (5) is arranged in the first branch (8) and a heat exchanger (3), for cooling the water, is arranged in the second branch (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Applicant: H-TEC SYSTEMS GmbH
    Inventors: Dennis Wilken, Nils Mantai, Claus Würfel, Uwe Küter, Stefan Höller
  • Publication number: 20140360867
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the generation of a plasma field in an electrolyte that heats the electrolyte forms part of a closed-loop heat transfer device, the electrolytic cell fluidly connected to a heat exchanger. A plasma electrode and a second electrode form part of the flow path of electrolyte from the tank to the heat exchanger. The electrolyte must flow through or along the electrodes when flowing from the tank to the heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: David Michael Tierney, Richard A. Hoffman, SR., John E. Hoffman, JR., James J. Pagliaro, II
  • Publication number: 20140291162
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating CO2 by electrochemical hydrogenation, said method comprising: a step of transferring heat from a heating means (160) towards a proton-conductive electrolyser (110) such that said electrolyser (110) reaches an operating temperature suitable for electrolysing steam; a step of feeding the CO2 produced by said heating means (160) at the cathode of the electrolyser; a step of feeding the steam at the anode; a step of oxidising the steam at the anode; a step of generating protonated species in the membrane with proton conduction; a step of migrating said protonated species into said proton-conductive membrane; a step of reducing said protonated species on the surface of the cathode into reactive hydrogen atoms; and a step of hydrogenating the CO2 on the surface of the cathode of the electrolyser (110) by means of said reactive hydrogen atoms, said hydrogenation step enabling the formation of CxHyOz compounds, where x?1; 0<y?(2x+2) and 0?z?2x.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Béatrice Sala, Frédéric Grasset, Olivier Lacroix, Abdelkader Sirat, Elodie Tetard, Kamal Rahmouni, Joel Mazoyer
  • Patent number: 8834687
    Abstract: A layered construction for use in decontaminating a surface or enclosed space is described. The construction is an electrochemical cell which includes a cathode, an electrolyte layer, an anode and a protective surface layer. A precursor compound that can be electrically decomposed to release an oxidant, on demand and over an extended period of time, is included in the layered structure, preferably in the electrolyte layer. The oxidant compounds react with various different chemical or biological contaminants in contact the protective layer, thereby deactivating, destroying or devitalizing the contaminants. The layered construction is suitable for application to a device or substrate, or placement in an enclosed space, and can be used on sensitive surfaces such as electronic components and human skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Teledyne Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Martin W. Kendig, Young J. Chung, Alan B. Harker, Dennis R. Strauss, Walther Ellis, Linda S. Powers
  • Publication number: 20140242476
    Abstract: What is provided is an operating battery stack system (24) with interconnector plates (20) and in and out heat transfer fluids (22), where the fluids, which can be liquid or gaseous, function as heat transfer media, to pass between each interconnector plate (20) in countercurrent direction to extract heat from the battery system (24) permitting heat exchange (28) in a direction perpendicular to the fluid (22) flow and plate axis (26) resulting in lowered temperature gradients within the stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Kühne, Arun K. S. Iyengar
  • Publication number: 20140202877
    Abstract: An apparatus for the electrolytic splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen gases is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: (i) a first hemi-enclosure; (ii) a second hemi-enclosure; (iii) a diaphragm electrode array positioned between the first hemi-enclosure and the second hemi-enclosure comprising: (a) a diaphragm, that passes ions and impedes the passage of gases, comprising a first side and a second opposed side; (b) a first plurality of electrodes in a first vicinity of the first side of the diaphragm; and (c) a second plurality of electrodes in a second vicinity of the second opposed side of the diaphragm; (iv) a fastener, for leak-tight fastening of the first hemi-enclosure, the diaphragm electrode array, and the second hemi-enclosure, whereby a leak-tight enclosure is formed; (v) contacts, for electrically powering the first and second pluralities of electrodes, and; (vi) pathways, configured to remove hydrogen and oxygen gases from the enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: HYDROGEN PRODUCTION ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventor: Elias Greenbaum
  • Patent number: 8647482
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an electrochemical-catalytic converter, which can remove nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HCs) and particulate matter (PM) in exhaust gas. The electrochemical-catalytic converter comprises a cell module, wherein nitrogen oxides are decomposed to form nitrogen through electrochemical promotion, and wherein carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and particulate matter are catalyzed to form carbon dioxide and water by an oxidation catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: National Tsing Hua University
    Inventor: Ta-Jen Huang
  • Publication number: 20140027304
    Abstract: An electrochemical compressor includes one or more electrochemical cells through which a working fluid flows, and an external electrical energy source electrically connected to the electrochemical cell. Each electrochemical cell includes an anode connected to the electrical energy source; a cathode connected to the electrical energy source; an ion exchange membrane disposed between and in electrical contact with the cathode and the anode to pass an electrochemically motive material of the working fluid from the anode to the cathode, the ion exchange membrane comprising polar ionic groups attached to nonpolar chains; and a non-aqueous solvent comprising polar molecules, the polar molecules of the non-aqueous solvent being associated with and electrostatically attracted to the polar ionic groups of the ion exchange membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: XERGY INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Bamdad Bahar, Walther Grot, William Parmelee
  • Publication number: 20140008240
    Abstract: This invention is an apparatus and a method for continuously generating a hydride gas of M1 which is substantially free of oxygen in a divided electrochemical cell. An impermeable partition or a combination of an impermeable partition and a porous diaphragm can be used to divide the electrochemical cell. The divided electrochemical cell has an anode chamber and a cathode chamber, wherein the cathode chamber has a cathode comprising M1, the anode chamber has an anode comprising M2 and is capable of generating oxygen, an aqueous electrolyte solution comprising a hydroxide M3OH partially filling the divided electrochemical cell. Hydride gas generated in the cathode chamber and oxygen generated in the anode chamber are removed through independent outlets. M1 can be selenium, phosphorous, silicon, metal or metal alloy, M2 is metal or metal alloy suitable for anonic oxygen generation, and M3 is NH4 or an alkali or alkaline earth metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventor: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130334059
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus to produce oxidizing agent-rich sulfuric acid by electrolysis of sulfuric acid. More specifically, it relates to the apparatus by which dilute sulfuric acid of the specified temperature and concentration is formed within the electrolysis system and then, by electrolysis of the formed dilute sulfuric acid, electrolytic sulfuric acid containing richly oxidizing agent is formed at a high efficiency and safely under the temperature control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: CHLORINE ENGINEERS CORP., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroki Domon, Kouji Fujii, Junko Kosaka, Masaaki Kato
  • Publication number: 20130284591
    Abstract: A hydrogen-producing cell comprising a cell of a high temperature steam electrolyzer or HTSE comprising a porous cathode (404) and a porous anode (402) on either side of a dense and gases-impervious anion conducting electrolyte (403), wherein said cell of the high temperature steam electrolyzer is directly coupled, in series, with a cell of an electrochemical pump comprising a porous anode (406) and a porous cathode (408) on either side of a dense and gases-impervious proton conducting electrolyte (407), at the cathode (404) of the cell of the high temperature steam electrolyzer and at the anode (406) of the electrochemical pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Thibaud Delahaye, Pierre Baurens
  • Publication number: 20130257199
    Abstract: An example generator cooling arrangement includes an electrochemical hydrogen pump configured to receive and adjust a fluid containing hydrogen and to provide a refined supply of hydrogen. An electric power generator receives the supply of hydrogen. The refined supply of hydrogen is used to remove thermal energy from the electric power generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Michael L. Perry
  • Patent number: 8465630
    Abstract: An electrically driven oxygen separation assembly and method for applying an electrical potential in which the assembly has one or more tubular membrane elements. The potential is applied at two central spaced locations of a tubular membrane element and at least at opposite end locations thereof. As a result the electric current flow through the tubular membrane element is divided into two parts flowing between the two central spaced locations and the opposite end locations. Additionally, the present invention also provides an end seal to be used in connection with tubular membrane elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David M. Reed, David Frisbee Suggs, Michael J. Collins, Richard Martin Kelly, Gervase Maxwell Christie
  • Publication number: 20130105307
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator for producing hydrogen and oxygen gases comprising a housing having an electrolyte reservoir and an electrolysis cell, an electrical power source; a plurality of axially spaced-apart alternating positive and negative electrode plates mounted concentrically and separated from each other by a peripheral sealing ring in the electrolysis chamber; a pair of opposite tabs formed on the perimeter of the plates with openings for receiving an electrode support rod therein, positive electrode plates connected to a positive electrode support rod and negative electrode plates connected to a negative electrode support rod for electrically connecting the positive and the negative electrode plates to the power source, and fluid conduits for conveying liquid electrolyte from the reservoir to the electrolysis cell and for conveying hydrogen and oxygen gases from the electrolysis chamber; the electrode plates comprise a titanium plate having a 1-3 micron platinum coating, said plates preferably having a ci
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Dejan Pavlovic, Nenad Pavlovic
  • Publication number: 20130105332
    Abstract: A method for concentrating an aqueous caustic alkali produced by a membrane cell process by using a single or multiple effect evaporator system in which the vapor flows in a counter direction to the aqueous caustic alkali flow and the heat recovered from the catholyte circulation line is used as part of the concentration process. In one embodiment, a catholyte heat recovery heat exchanger and flash evaporation chamber are located after the last effect of a multiple effect evaporator system. In another embodiment, the catholyte heat recovery heat exchanger and flash evaporation chamber are located prior to the single or multiple effect evaporator system. In yet another embodiment, the catholyte heat recovery process is used in conjunction with additional heat exchanger processes to further concentrate the final product as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: WESTLAKE VINYL CORPORATION
    Inventor: WESTLAKE VINYL CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8431008
    Abstract: Provided is an electrolytic disinfection system and method for purifying water. The electrolytic disinfection system includes; an electrolytic disinfection device which includes; a chamber, a first electrode disposed in the chamber, a second electrode disposed in the chamber and spaced apart from the first electrode, a water inlet part connected to the chamber, wherein the water inlet part allows influent water to be introduced to the chamber therethrough, and a water outlet part connected to the chamber, wherein the water outlet part allows the influent water to be discharged from the chamber therethrough, and an influent water heating device which is disposed upstream of the water inlet part and heats the influent water introduced to the chamber through the water inlet part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-eun Kim, Joo-wook Lee, Chang-hyun Kim, Hyo-rang Kang, Mi-jeong Song, Jae-young Kim
  • Publication number: 20130089806
    Abstract: Provided is a gas decomposition component that employs an electrochemical reaction and can have high treatment performance, in particular, an ammonia decomposition component. The gas decomposition component includes a MEA 7 including a solid electrolyte 1 and an anode 2 and a cathode 5 that are disposed so as to sandwich the solid electrolyte; Celmets 11s electrically connected to the anode 2; a heater 41 that heats the MEA; and an inlet 17 through which a gaseous fluid containing a gas is introduced into the MEA, an outlet 19 through which the gaseous fluid having passed through the MEA is discharged, and a passage P extending between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the Celmets 11s are discontinuously disposed along the passage P and, with respect to a middle position 15 of the passage, the length of the Celmets disposed is larger on the side of the outlet than on the side of the inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Chihiro Hiraiwa, Masatoshi Majima, Tetsuya Kuwabara, Tomoyuki Awazu, Toshio Ueda, Toshiyuki Kuramoto
  • Publication number: 20130084514
    Abstract: Provided are a gas decomposition component in which an electrochemical reaction is used to reduce the running cost and high treatment performance can be achieved; and a method for producing the gas decomposition component. The gas decomposition component includes a cylindrical MEA 7 including an anode 2 on an inner-surface side, a cathode 5 on an outer-surface side, and a solid electrolyte 1 sandwiched between the anode and the cathode; a porous metal body 11s that is inserted on the inner-surface side of the cylindrical MEA and is in contact with the first electrode; and a central conductive rod 11k inserted so as to serve as an electrically conductive shaft of the porous metal body 11s.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Chihiro Hiraiwa, Masatoshi Majima, Tetsuya Kuwabara, Tomoyuki Awazu, Toshio Ueda, Toshiyuki Kuramoto
  • Publication number: 20130043138
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system comprising a heat source to provide heat at the desired temperature and energy field (e.g. a solar concentrator); an electron source configured and operable to emit electrons; an electric field generator generating an electric field adapted to supply energy sufficient to dissociate gas molecules; and a reaction gas chamber configured and operable to cause interaction between the electrons with the molecules, such that the electrons dissociate the molecules to product compound and ions via dissociative electrons attachment (DEA) within the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: Yeda Research and Development Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Jacob KARNI, Gidon Ferdiman, Yury Alioshin
  • Publication number: 20130032472
    Abstract: An apparatus for the electrical production of hydrogen from water includes an electrolyzer (1) of the PEM type. The electrolyzer (1) has an inlet (2) for the introduction of water and a first outlet (3) for the hydrogen which is enriched with water and/or water vapor and is produced in the electrolyzer (1) and also a second outlet (4) for oxygen. A water separation device (7) which has at least a thermal separation stage (10) adjoins the electrolyzer (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventors: Stefan Höller, Freimut Gädeke, Claus Würfel, Nils Mantal, Uwe Küter
  • Publication number: 20120241315
    Abstract: An electrolysis device of an embodiment includes: an anode, a cathode having a nitrogen-containing carbon alloy catalyst, and an electrolysis cell having a membrane electrode assembly composed of an electrolyte present between the anode and the cathode so that voltage is applied to the anode and the cathode, wherein the electrolyte is any one of acidic, neutral, or alkali, water is produced by the electrolysis device at the cathode, when the electrolyte is acidic, and hydroxide ion is produced by the electrolysis device at the anode, when the electrolyte is neutral or alkali.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventors: Norihiro Yoshinaga, Yoshihiko Nakano, Norihiro Tomimatsu, Yoshihiro Akasaka
  • Patent number: 8236161
    Abstract: An apparatus for electrolyzing sulfuric acid, the apparatus comprising an electrolytic cell comprising a cathode chamber having a cathode and an anode chamber having an anode, the cathode chamber and the anode chamber being separated by a diaphragm, a sulfuric acid tank configured to store the sulfuric acid, a supply pipe connecting the sulfuric acid tank to an inlet port of the anode chamber, a connection pipe connecting an outlet port of the cathode chamber to the inlet port of the anode chamber, a first supply pump provided on the supply pipe and configured to supply the sulfuric acid from the sulfuric acid tank to the cathode chamber through the supply pipe, and a drain pipe connected to an outlet port of the anode chamber and configured to supply to a solution tank a solution containing an oxidizing agent generated by electrolysis in the anode chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignees: Shibaura Mechatronics Corporation, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Chlorine Engineers Corp., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuo Kobayashi, Yukihiro Shibata, Naoya Hayamizu, Masaaki Kato
  • Publication number: 20110315546
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an altitude-adjustable apparatus comprising: a platform; a device for controllably raising the altitude of the platform; a water supply combined with said platform; a device for converting water into the components thereof through solar power; and means for liquefying and storing the resulting liquefied hydrogen in tanks, the latter being built into flying bodies that are designed to arrive at a target area and dispense the liquefied hydrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: ASTRIUM SAS
    Inventor: Jean-François Geneste
  • Publication number: 20110259736
    Abstract: Disclosed are electrolytic cells for making solutions of metal alcoholates in their corresponding alcohols using an electrolytic process. In one embodiment, sodium methylate in methanol is made from methanol and sodium hydroxide solution. The sodium hydroxide solution is placed in the anolyte compartment and the methanol is placed in the catholyte compartment, and the two compartments are separated by a ceramic membrane that selectively transports sodium under the influence of current. In preferred embodiments, the process is cost-effective and not environmentally harmful.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Shekar Balagopal, Vigod Matheda
  • Patent number: 8043485
    Abstract: An electrolysis system (100) and method of using same is provided. In addition to an electrolysis tank (101) and a membrane (105) separating the tank into two regions, the system includes at least one pair of low voltage electrodes (115/116) of a first type, at least one pair of low voltage electrodes (117/118) of a second type, and at least one pair of high voltage electrodes (121/122). The low voltage applied to the low voltage electrodes (115/116/117/118) and the high voltage applied to the high voltage electrodes (121/122) is pulsed with the pulses occurring simultaneously with the same pulse duration. Low voltage is also applied to the low voltage electrodes (115/116/117/118) during part, or all, of the period of each cycle occurring between pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Nehemia Davidson
    Inventor: Nehemia Davidson
  • Patent number: 7938939
    Abstract: A hydrogen generating apparatus and a fuel cell power generation system having the hydrogen generating apparatus are disclosed. The hydrogen generating apparatus can include an electrolyte bath configured to contain an electrolyte solution, an anode placed inside the electrolyte bath and configured to generate electrons, a cathode placed inside the electrolyte bath and configured to receive the electrons from the anode to generate hydrogen, a condensation plate disposed on a transfer path of the hydrogen such that moisture carried in the hydrogen is condensed and the hydrogen is separated, and a heat exchanger configured to cool down the condensation plate heated by the moisture carried in the hydrogen. The hydrogen generating apparatus of the present invention can increase the efficiency of hydrogen generation by removing the moisture carried in the hydrogen while generating the hydrogen and reusing the moisture circulated through the electrolyte solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eon Soo Lee, Jae-Hyoung Gil, Craig Miesse, Jae-Hyuk Jang, Kyoung-Soo Chae
  • Publication number: 20110083959
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell employs a plastic molded frame component with raised ridges on one surface to create seal with a proton exchange membrane and on the opposite surface a groove with an interlocking feature for accepting a tabbed elastomer gasket. The gasket and frame design when combined with a proton exchange membrane can be stacked in multiple layers using mechanical hardware. The frame captures the softer elastomeric sealing material preventing elastomeric creep and loss of positive seal caused by the relaxation of mechanical hardware under load and internal pressure fluctuations. The addition of the ridged sealing surface provides positive surface contact with the polymeric membrane to further prevent the loss of seal under mechanical load. The interlocking feature reduces assembly time and improves assembly accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: John J. Ronan
  • Patent number: 7906006
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing hydrogen comprising: contacting steam (20) with a proton conducting membrane (7) supported on a porous redox stable substrate (8), through said substrate (8). The membrane (7) is non-permeable to molecular gas and to oxide ions. A DC voltage is applied across an anode (15) coupled to the substrate side of the membrane and a cathode (9, 11) coupled to its other side so as to dissociate at least part of the steam (20), into protonic hydrogen and oxygen at said anode (15). The protonic hydrogen passes through the membrane and forms molecular hydrogen (23) at the cathode (9, 11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: The University Court of the University of St. Andrews
    Inventors: John Thomas Sirr Irvine, Angela Kruth, Cristian Daniel Savaniu, Shanwen Tao
  • Patent number: 7794573
    Abstract: Systems and methods for electrochemically processing microfeature workpieces are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system includes (a) a processing unit having a first flow system configured to convey a flow of a first processing fluid to a microfeature workpiece, (b) an electrode unit having an electrode and a second flow system configured to convey a flow of a second processing fluid at least proximate to the electrode, (c) a barrier between the processing unit and the electrode unit to separate the first and second processing fluids, and (d) a water balance unit for maintaining the concentration of water in the first processing fluid within a desired range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Klocke
  • Publication number: 20100187128
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for treating liquids, particularly ocean, brackish water, refuse liquid, and waste water, wherein a hot carrier gas flow charged with water vapor is present in a predetermined treatment step as a hot water vapor carrier gas flow, particularly from a device for the treatment of liquids. According to the invention, at least a partial flow of the hot water vapor carrier gas flow is subjected to water vapor electrolysis in a water vapor electrolysis device in which at least part of the hydrogen and oxygen is separated from the hot water vapor carrier gas flow, and a dried carrier gas flow is created.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Joachim Neubert, Karl Ferdinand Staab
  • Publication number: 20100089767
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for storing hydrogen and for producing hydrogen in which, for storing hydrogen, a unit (2) having: a cation donor, particularly of H? ions, an anode (20), a cathode capable of storing atomic and/or molecular (22) hydrogen, a wall (21) permeable to ions, having an electrical non conducting but ionic conducting material, between the cathode and the cation donor, is subjected to an electric field allowing the formation, at least at the cathode and electrical non conducting material interface, of atomic and/or molecular hydrogen and storing said hydrogen at least in the cathode, and in which, to restitute hydrogen gas, the cathode is heated and/or depressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Arash Mofakhami
  • Publication number: 20090301869
    Abstract: The present techniques provide a novel electrolyzer and methods for welding components of such electrolyzers. The techniques may use conductors, such as resistance wires, placed in paths around the internal structural features and edges of the components. The conductors may be incorporated into the components during manufacture by injection molding, or other molding techniques, or may be tacked or otherwise applied to the surface of the components after manufacture. When current, a field or other excitation is applied to the conductors, the plastic surrounding the wire is melted. If this plastic is in direct contact with an adjoining component, a strong, hermetic seal may be formed between the two components, including the internal structural features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Dana Ray Swalla, Richard Scott Bourgeois, Steven Paraszczak, Donald Joseph Buckley
  • Publication number: 20090260980
    Abstract: A kind of a card insertion type membrane electrolysis device comprising an enclosed and hollow main body, an anode plate in the main body, at least one membrane plate installed in main body, and at least one cathode plate in the main body; the main body includes a tank with opening at the top and a removable top cover for covering the tank; inner wall of the tank has multiple insertion slots, wherein the anode plate is a removable card inserting into one of the insertion slot and between the cathode plate and the membrane plate at least one cathode chamber is formed; through the insertion card design for the anode plate and the membrane plate, the plates can be pulled out for inspection of wear off condition and maintenance, and the unnecessary replacement and wastage can be avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Chuan-Lien Tseng
  • Publication number: 20090095640
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed that can adjust a hydration level in an electrochemical sensor or an instrument which includes such a sensor. The device can include a chamber which can, at least in part, surround an inflow port of the sensor. An adjacent reservoir of water can provide a source of water vapor which can be infused into the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventors: John Chapples, Martin Willett
  • Patent number: 7488409
    Abstract: Animal waste is contacted with an electrolyte containing the oxidized form of one or more reversible redox couples, produced electrochemically by anodic oxidation at the anode of an electrochemical cell. The oxidized forms of any other redox couples present are produced either by similar anodic oxidation or reaction with the oxidized form of other redox couples present and capable of affecting the required redox reaction. The oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the organic waste molecules and are themselves converted to their reduced form, whereupon they are reoxidized by either of the aforementioned mechanisms. The redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste species, including intermediate reaction products, have undergone the desired degree of oxidation. The entire process takes place between zero degrees centigrade and slightly below the boiling point of the electrolyte, avoiding formation of either dioxins or furans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Scimist, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Carson, Bruce W. Bremer
  • Publication number: 20080296168
    Abstract: An electrolysis system (100) and method of using same is provided. In addition to an electrolysis tank (101) and a membrane (105) separating the tank into two regions, the system includes at least one pair of low voltage electrodes (115/116) of a first type, at least one pair of low voltage electrodes (117/118) of a second type, and at least one pair of high voltage electrodes (121/122). The low voltage applied to the low voltage electrodes (115/116/117/118) and the high voltage applied to the high voltage electrodes (121/122) is pulsed with the pulses occurring simultaneously with the same pulse duration. Low voltage is also applied to the low voltage electrodes (115/116/117/118) during part, or all, of the period of each cycle occurring between pulses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Kuzo Holding Inc.
    Inventor: Nehemia Davidson
  • Patent number: 7427345
    Abstract: A method and device for regenerating an ion exchanger can regenerate an ion exchanger easily and quickly, and can minimize a load upon cleaning of the regenerated ion exchanger and disposal of waste liquid. A method for regenerating a contaminated ion exchanger includes: providing a pair of a regeneration electrode and a counter electrode, a partition disposed between the electrodes, and an ion exchanger to be regenerated disposed between the counter electrode and the partition; and applying a voltage between the regeneration electrode and the counter electrode while supplying a liquid between the partition and the regeneration electrode and also supplying a liquid between the partition and the counter electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Saito, Tsukuru Suzuki, Yuji Makita, Kaoru Yamada, Masayuki Kumekawa, Hozumi Yasuda, Osamu Nabeya, Kazuto Hirokawa, Mitsuhiko Shirakashi, Yasushi Toma, Itsuki Kobata
  • Publication number: 20080179185
    Abstract: According to the system by the present invention, multiple numbers of grooves 13 are formed on the internal surface of said anode compartment frame 6 and said cathode compartment frame 12, an anolyte gas-liquid separation tower 4 to separate anolyte from ozone-containing gas generated from said anode compartment 1, being connected to said anode compartment 1 and a catholyte gas-liquid separation tower 5 to separate catholyte from hydrogen gas generated from said cathode compartment 2, being connected to said cathode compartment 2 are installed outside of said electrolytic cell 3 for ozone producing; achieving enhanced cooling effect of anolyte and catholyte and producing ozone gas at a high efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: CHLORINE ENGINEERS CORP., LTD.
    Inventors: Terumi Hashimoto, Masaaki Kato, Akiyoshi Manabe
  • Patent number: 7387719
    Abstract: Mediated electrochemical oxidation to treats, oxidizes and destroys biological waste, medical, infectious, pathological, animal, sanitary, mortuary, ship, veterinary, pharmaceutical and combined waste. Electrolytes contain oxidized forms of reversible redox couples produced. Oxidized forms of redox couples are produced by anodic oxidation or reaction with oxidized forms of other redox couples. Oxidized species of the redox couples oxidize the biological waste molecules and are reduced and reoxidized. The redox cycle continues until all oxidizable waste and intermediate reaction products have undergone oxidation. Temperatures between ambient and 100° C. avoid formation of dioxins or furans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Scimist, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Carson, Bruce W. Bremer
  • Patent number: 7335291
    Abstract: There are provided a water treating method and water treating apparatus which can significantly improve an effect of eliminating microorganisms contained in water intended for drinking and cooking or waster water and a hydroponics system using the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhito Kondo, Yasuhiko Shimizu, Masahiro Iseki
  • Patent number: 6875335
    Abstract: An anode as a workpiece, and a cathode opposed to the anode with a predetermined spacing are placed in ultrapure water. A catalytic material promoting dissociation of the ultrapure water and having water permeability is disposed between the workpiece and the cathode. A flow of the ultrapure water is formed inside the catalytic material, with a voltage being applied between the workpiece and the cathode, to decompose water molecules in the ultrapure water into hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions, and supply the resulting hydroxide ions to a surface of the workpiece, thereby performing removal processing of or oxide film formation on the workpiece through a chemical dissolution reaction or an oxidation reaction mediated by the hydroxide ions. Thus, clean processing can be performed by use of hydroxide ions in ultrapure water, with no impurities left behind on the processed surface of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignees: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Yuzo Mori, Mitsuhiko Shirakashi, Takayuki Saito, Yasushi Toma, Akira Fukunaga, Itsuki Kobata
  • Patent number: 6841046
    Abstract: A system is for supplying a generator with hydrogen, in particular a generator of a power generating plant. The system offers a high level of safety while at the same time making handling easy. The system includes a closed system cycle for carrying water and/or gas and a hydrogen feed line, branching off from the system cycle, for the generator. The system cycle includes an electrolysis unit designed as a membrane electrolyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Anwer Puthawala, Peter Schönfeld
  • Patent number: 6638400
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell for separating oxygen from the ambient air can be manufactured in a simple manner and inexpensively and both the electrodes and the electrolyte can be manufactured as thin layers. The electrochemical cell has a metallic housing plate (7), a gas-permeable carrier plate (11) located on the housing plate (7), a system of layers on the carrier plate (11), including a first electrode (13), an electrolyte (15) and a second electrode (17) exposed to the ambient air, wherein the oxygen generated is drawn off via a discharge opening at the housing plate (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Drägerwerk Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Michael Riecke
  • Patent number: 6610193
    Abstract: This invention is directed to an integrated onboard hydrogen (H2) production and utilization system for all watercraft, which yields environmentally benign vessel power production without new infrastructure requirements. Water (H2O) is supplied to a vessel, whether ashore, docked or underway, and is systematically converted into hydrogen and oxygen. The energy required for this process may be provided by any renewable or non-renewable source. The H2 produced is either utilized at once or stored. Energy is released from the H2 by one or more power plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Have Blue, LLC
    Inventor: Craig H. Schmitman
  • Patent number: 6602396
    Abstract: An anode as a workpiece, and a cathode opposed to the anode with a predetermined spacing are placed in ultrapure water. A catalytic material promoting dissociation of the ultrapure water and having water permeability is disposed between the workpiece and the cathode. A flow of the ultrapure water is formed inside the catalytic material, with a voltage being applied between the workpiece and the cathode, to decompose water molecules in the ultrapure water into hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions, and supply the resulting hydroxide ions to a surface of the workpiece, thereby performing removal processing of or oxide film formation on the workpiece through a chemical dissolution reaction or an oxidation reaction mediated by the hydroxide ions. Thus, clean processing can be performed by use of hydroxide ions in ultrapure water, with no impurities left behind on the processed surface of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignees: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Yuzo Mori, Mitsuhiko Shirakashi, Takayuki Saito, Yasushi Toma, Akira Fukunaga, Itsuki Kobata