With Feeding And/or Withdrawal Means Patents (Class 204/263)
  • Patent number: 7875163
    Abstract: A low-voltage, low-energy electrochemical system and method of producing hydroxide ions and/or bicarbonate ions and/or carbonate ions utilizing significantly less than the typical 3V used across the conventional anode and cathode to produce the ions; consequently, carbon dioxide emissions attributable to the present system and method are significantly reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Calera Corporation
    Inventors: Ryan J. Gilliam, Thomas A. Albrecht, Nikhil Jalani, Nigel Antony Knott, Valentin Decker, Michael Kostowskyj, Bryan Boggs, Kasra Farsad
  • Publication number: 20110011736
    Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are directed to a cartridge for use with an electrolytic cell having an interface. The cartridge includes a reservoir for containing a catholyte solution. The reservoir is removably coupleable with the cell. The cartridge also includes at least one cartridge port that is removably coupleable to an interface on the electrolytic cell. The port of the cartridge is also configured to cycle a catholyte solution between the reservoir and the electrolytic cell when the cartridge port is coupled to the interface of the electrolytic cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: ELECTROLYTIC OZONE INC.
    Inventors: William J. Yost, III, Carl David Lutz, Robert M. Genco
  • Publication number: 20110005938
    Abstract: Apparatus for hydrogen chloride electrolysis, comprising a cathode that has a layer of nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes having functional groups containing nitrogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Bayer Technology Services GmbH
    Inventors: Aurel Wolf, Leslaw Mleczko, Volker Michele, Jens Assmann, Jürgen Kintrup, Rainer Weber
  • Patent number: 7857953
    Abstract: The present invention provides an oxygen-reduction gas diffusion cathode having: a porous conductive substrate; diamond particle having a hydrophobic surface; and catalyst particle, the diamond particle and the catalyst particle being disposed on the porous conductive substrate, and a method of sodium chloride electrolysis using the cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Permelec Electrode Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Yamada, Yuki Izawa, Masaharu Uno, Yoshinori Nishiki, Tsuneto Furuta
  • Patent number: 7838138
    Abstract: The present invention is an electrolyte membrane comprising an acid and a basic polymer, where the acid is a low-volatile acid that is fluorinated and is either oligomeric or non-polymeric, and where the basic polymer is protonated by the acid and is stable to hydrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James M. Larson, Phat T. Pham, Matthew H. Frey, Steven J. Hamrock, Gregory M. Haugen, William M. Lamanna
  • Patent number: 7833391
    Abstract: An apparatus for splitting water to produce hydrogen having at least one photoelectrochemical cell. The photoelectrochemical cell includes at least one water permeable photoelectrode having a light sensitive, nano-crystalline catalytic material layer, a polymer electrolyte membrane, a metallic substrate disposed between the light sensitive nano-crystalline catalytic material layer and the polymer electrolyte membrane adjacent to the polymer electrolyte membrane layer, and at least one photovoltaic device connected in series to the light sensitive nano-crystalline material layer and disposed between the light sensitive nano-crystalline catalytic material layer and the metallic substrate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventors: Qinbai Fan, William E. Liss
  • Patent number: 7828941
    Abstract: A distributing element for an electrolyte percolating-type electrochemical cell comprises an external feeding manifold and an assembly formed by a gas diffusion electrode, a percolator and optionally an on-exchange membrane. The element is particularly suitable for chlor-alkali electrolysis cells and alkaline fuel cells. It is also disclosed a method for retrofitting membrane electrochemical cells by inserting the distributing element of the invention therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Industrie de Nora S.p.A.
    Inventors: Dario Oldani, Antonio Pasquinucci
  • Patent number: 7828942
    Abstract: A device (10) for producing a biocidal solution has a sealed and replaceable reservoir (16) with a low volume capacity which contains pre-prepared aqueous salt solution (18) with a pre-determined concentration, an electrolytic cell (20) for electrochemically treating the salt solution (18), a pump (28) for delivering a flow of accurately measured volumes of the salt solution (18) to the electrolytic cell (20), a restrictor valve (36) for controlling further the flow rate of the salt solution (18) to a cathode chamber (24) of the electrolytic cell (20), an electrical circuit (46) for connecting the pump (28) and the electrolytic cell (20) to a mains supply source (48) and including a power pack (50) for providing a substantially constant direct current of (7) to (12) amps to the electrolytic cell (20) and an operator-controlled switch (52) for completing the electrical circuit (46) when the switch (52) is operated to produce a biocidal solution (12) having a predetermined level of available free chlorine and p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: PuriCore, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles A. B. Cocking
  • Patent number: 7820314
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel proton-conducting polymer membrane based on polyazole block polymers which, owing to their outstanding chemical and thermal properties, can be used widely and are suitable in particular as polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) for producing membrane electrode units or so-called PEM fuel cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: BASF Fuel Cell Research GmbH
    Inventors: Gordon Calundann, Oemer Uensal, Brian Benicewicz, Eugene Scanlon
  • Publication number: 20100266748
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for preparing a deposition on a substrate and to a method for manufacturing an electronic or optoelectronic device. The method of the invention comprises —providing an anode comprising electrolytically ionisable material and a cathode both in contact with an electrically conductive liquid, comprising anions capable of forming a molecule with the electrolytically ionised material; —electrolytically oxidising the ionisable material under formation of cations that dissolve in the liquid; —evaporating the molecules formed from the cations and the anions from the liquid; and —depositing the molecules on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: NEDERLANDSE ORGANISATIE VOOR TOEGEPASTNATUURWETENSCHAPPELIJK
    Inventors: Petrus Marinus Martinus Cornelus Bressers, Cornelis Petrus Marcus Roelands, Huibert Blokland, Johannes Fransiscus Maria Velthuis
  • Publication number: 20100243474
    Abstract: The invention provides an improved method for creating at least two flows of water from a reactor, derived from substantially pH 7 water, for various applications and having widely divergent pH readings between 2 and 14 without need for chemicals. In addition, the reactor generates said divergent flows without need of an RF or A/C generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Aqua Technology Systems LLC
    Inventor: Craig A. Mortensen
  • Patent number: 7803259
    Abstract: The invention describes an electrochemical cell for the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride, comprising at least an anode half-cell with an anode, a cathode half-cell with a gas diffusion electrode as cathode and an ion exchange membrane arranged between the anode half-cell and the cathode half-cell, the membrane consisting of at least a perfluorosulfonic acid polymer, wherein the gas diffusion electrode and the ion exchange membrane are adjacent to each other, characterised in that the gas diffusion electrode and the ion exchange membrane, under a pressure of 250 g/cm2 and at a temperature of 60° C., have a contact area of at least 50%, with respect to the geometric area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Bayer MaterialScience AG
    Inventors: Fritz Gestermann, Hans-Dieter Pinter, Rainer Weber, Gerd Speer, Andreas Bulan
  • Publication number: 20100236939
    Abstract: A hydrogen generating vessel wherein a reduction plate generates hydrogen by electrolysis of sea water. The hydrogen generating vessel operates at deep ocean levels to provide unexpected advantages. The operating depth is not limited because the hydrogen generating vessel includes openings at or near the bottom, and no pressure differential exists across the vessel walls. Pressure inside and outside are the same, and are determined by the depth at which the hydrogen generating vessel is installed. Electrolysis, collection, and temporary storage take place in the same container. Since the hydrogen pressure is the same as the water pressure at the same depth, the hydrogen is pumped by simply opening a release valve. Operation within recommended guidelines provides a self-cleaning mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: John E. Menear
  • Patent number: 7799452
    Abstract: An object is to provide a solid polymer electrolyte membrane for solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell, which has high durability, as well as a membrane electrode assembly and a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell, each containing the same. The solid polymer electrolyte membrane is produced using polymer electrolyte-containing solution preparation step of dissolving a perfluorocarbonsulfonic acid resin (component A) having an ion-exchange capacity of 0.5 to 3.0 meq/g, a polyazole-based compound (component B) and an alkali metal hydroxide in a protic solvent to prepare a polymer electrolyte-containing solution in which a weight ratio of the component A to component B, (A/B), is from 2.3 to 199 and a total weight of the component A and the component B is from 0.5 to 30% by weight. In a membrane formation step, a membrane is formed from the polymer electrolyte-containing solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Yanagita, Kohei Kita, Naoki Sakamoto, Takehiro Koga
  • Patent number: 7799186
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technology for enabling a diaphragm to be arranged in a more facilitated manner in a plating tank of a plating apparatus having a diaphragm for separating an object to be plated from an anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Electroplating Engineers of Japan Limited
    Inventor: Yuji Uchiumi
  • Publication number: 20100230278
    Abstract: A water electrolysis system has a water electrolysis apparatus for electrolyzing pure water, thereby producing hydrogen, a water storage apparatus for separating between oxygen and residual water discharged from the water electrolysis apparatus, thereby storing the water, a water circulation apparatus for circulating the water stored in the water storage apparatus through the water electrolysis apparatus, and a water supply apparatus for supplying the pure water prepared from city water to the water storage apparatus. An inlet is formed at one end of a return pipe to introduce the oxygen and the residual water discharged from the water electrolysis apparatus into a tank, and the position of the inlet is determined such that the inlet is constantly opened in the water stored in the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenji TARUYA, Masanori OKABE, Eiji HARYU, Hisashi NAGAOKA, Koji NAKAZAWA
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7790012
    Abstract: A low-energy method and system of forming hydroxide ions in an electrochemical cell. On applying a low voltage across the anode and cathode, hydroxide ions form in the electrolyte containing the cathode, protons form at the anode but a gas e.g. chlorine or oxygen does not form at the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Calera Corporation
    Inventors: Donald W. Kirk, J. Douglas Way, Allen J. Bard, Ryan J. Gilliam, Kasra Farsad, Valentin Decker
  • Publication number: 20100219068
    Abstract: A harmful gas treatment apparatus and a water treatment apparatus uses an electrochemical device provided with a solid electrolyte membrane having ion conductivity. A first electrochemical device provided with an anode on one surface of a hydrogen ion conductive electrolyte membrane and a cathode on the other surface thereof is combined with a second electrochemical device provided with an anode on one surface of a hydroxyl ion conductive electrolyte membrane and a cathode on the other surface thereof. Both cathodes are disposed so as to face each other within an electrochemical reaction tank. Each of the cathodes is provided with TiO2 as a metal oxide and Pt as a platinum group supported on a porous body having functions to occlude, concentrate and reduce harmful substances as a reducing catalyst. Thus, a water vapor partial pressure and an oxygen partial pressure on the both cathodes is reduced, making it possible to enhance hydrogen generation efficiency at the normal temperature and constant current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicants: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Kumamoto University
    Inventors: Shiro Yamauchi, Minoru Kimura, Shigeru Yamaji, Masato Machida
  • Patent number: 7785451
    Abstract: The fast and convenient usage of clean and pure oxygen supply devices will meet the requirements of medical application and special environment safety issues. The electrochemical oxygen concentration is a device by using an electrochemical reactor of one electrode of oxygen reduction and another electrode of oxygen generation. The operation of electrochemical reactor can achieve the easy control of air oxygen from one side to another side of this thin mask structure and the materials, design and engineering of this electrochemical oxygen concentration is workable for medical application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Chang Gung University
    Inventors: Shioujenq Andrew Lin, Yingjeng James Li
  • Patent number: 7785453
    Abstract: An electrode for electrochemical processes for gas production, which in the installed state is located parallel and opposite to an ion exchange membrane and consists of a multitude of horizontal lamellar elements which are structured and three-dimensionally shaped and are in contact with only one surface with the membrane, wherein the lamellar elements have grooves and holes, the major part of the holes being placed in the grooves and the surfaces of such holes or part thereof are located in the grooves or extend into the grooves whereby the holes are ideally placed in the contact area of the respective lamellar element with the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Uhdenora S.p.A.
    Inventors: Karl Heinz Dulle, Roland Beckmann, Randolf Kiefer, Peter Woltering
  • Patent number: 7785450
    Abstract: Systems are described for the “on-site” production of substantial amounts of carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The systems include a stack of multiple electrochemical cells, which decompose organic carboxylated compounds into CO2 and H2 without leaving any residue. From a bench-top small generator, producing about 1 lb of CO2 per day to a large-scale generator producing 1 ton of CO2 per day, the process is essentially identical. Oxalic acid, either anhydrous or in its dihydrate form, is used to efficiently generate the gases. The energy required is less than 0.3 Kilowatt-hours per lb of CO2 generated. Individual cells operate at less than 1.2 volts at current densities in excess of 0.75 amps/cm2. CO2 production rates can be controlled either through voltage or current regulation. Metering is not required since the current sets the gas production rate. These systems can competitively replace conventional compressed CO2 gas cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Med-E-Cell
    Inventor: Henri J. R. Maget
  • Patent number: 7776204
    Abstract: The invention provides an ion exchange membrane electrolytic process unlikely to undergo any current density drop even when brine having a concentration lower than usual. Electrolysis occurs while the concentration of an aqueous solution of an alkaline metal chloride in an anode chamber partitioned by a cation exchange membrane is set at 2.7 mol/l to 3.3 mol/l, and a gap is provided between the cation exchange membrane and the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Chlorine Engineers Corp., Ltd.
    Inventors: Terumi Hashimoto, Takamichi Kishi
  • Publication number: 20100200397
    Abstract: Provided are a substrate plating apparatus and a substrate plating method. In the substrate plating apparatus, a substrate support member supports a substrate to allow a plating surface to look up. A plating solution containing positive ions dissolved from a positive electrode is supplied from a plating solution supply member onto the substrate at an upper side of the substrate support member. A plating bath surrounds the substrate support member. The substrate support member is rotated in a state where it is immersed into the plating solution and an additive. The substrate can be supported by the substrate support member without reversing the substrate. Also, a pattern defect due to bubbles generated during a plating process can be prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Yijung Kim, Eun Su Rho, Jeong Yong Bae
  • Publication number: 20100196767
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for optimising the conductivity provided by the displacement of H+ protons and/or OH? ions in a conductive membrane made of a material permitting the insertion of steam into said membrane, wherein said method comprises the step of inserting under pressure gaseous flow containing the steam into said membrane in order to force said steam into said membrane under a certain partial pressure so as to obtained the desired conductivity at a given temperature, said partial pressure being higher than or equal to 1 bar, a drop in the operational temperature being compensated by an increase in said partial pressure in order to obtain the same desired conductivity. The invention can be used in particularly interesting applications in the fields of high-temperature water electrolysis for producing hydrogen, of the manufacture of fuel cells using hydrogen fuel, and of hydrogen separation and purification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Béatrice Sala, Olivier Lacroix, Stéphanie Willemin, Kamal Rahmouni, Hisasi Takenouti, Arie Van Der Lee, Philippe Colomban, Patrice Goeuriot, Baroudi Benjeriou-Sedjerari
  • Patent number: 7767360
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell apparatus is disclosed. The electrochemical cell apparatus includes a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) having a membrane with a first side and a second side opposite the first side, a first electrode in contact with the first side, and a second electrode in contact with the second side. The apparatus further includes a flow field member and a protector member having a boundary partially defined by a first surface facing toward a center of the MEA. The second electrode has a boundary partially defined by a second surface facing away from the center of the MEA. A first distance from the center of the MEA to the first surface is greater than a correspondingly oriented second distance from the center of the MEA to the second surface, thereby defining a gap between the first surface and the second surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob Friedman
  • Publication number: 20100189805
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochemically treated water, obtainable by means of a method that is characterized by the following steps: a) electrolyzing water and b) reducing the concentrations of the oxidants created in step a). The electrochemically treated water obtained in this manner is characterized by a disinfecting effect on bacteria, bacterial spores, fungi, fungal spores, viruses, prions, or mixtures thereof. The invention further relates to water, characterized in that the same has a disinfecting effect on bacteria, bacterial spores, fungi, fungal spores, viruses, algae, prions, or mixtures thereof, that it is substantially free of disinfection agents with the exception of the oxidants related to the disinfection agents, and that it has a total concentration of oxidants of less than 20 ppm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Saefkow, André Philipps, Manuel Czech
  • Publication number: 20100187102
    Abstract: Universal cell frame generic for use as an anode frame and as a cathode frame in a water electrolyzer. According to one embodiment, the universal cell frame includes a unitary annular member having a central opening. Four trios of transverse openings are provided in the annular member, each trio being spaced apart by about 90 degrees. A plurality of internal radial passageways fluidly interconnect the central opening and each of the transverse openings of two diametrically-opposed trios of openings, the other two trios of openings lacking corresponding radial passageways. Sealing ribs are provided on the top and bottom surfaces of the annular member. The present invention is also directed at a water electrolyzer that includes two such cell frames, one being used as the anode frame and the other being used as the cathode frame, the cathode frame being rotated 90 degrees relative to the anode frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Edwin W. Schmitt, Timothy J. Norman
  • Patent number: 7763152
    Abstract: There is provided an ion exchange membrane electrolyzer, wherein at least one electrode is energized by coming into contact with plate spring bodies formed on the electrode side of an electrode holding member forming a space with an electrode chamber partition bonded to a plate-like electrode chamber partition by a strip-like bonded portion, the electrode has a connected portion extending from a plane parallel to the ion exchange membrane toward the electrode holding member side in a direction perpendicular to the electrode plane, the connected portion is provided with an engaging opening extending in a direction perpendicular to the electrode plane, and the engaging opening engages with an engaging member, permitting the electrode to move in a direction perpendicular to the electrode plane within the displacement range of the plate spring bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignees: Chlorine Engineers Corp., Ltd., Tosoh Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Suzuki, Masakazu Kameda
  • Publication number: 20100181189
    Abstract: A scaffold holding one or more ion-conductive ceramic membranes for use in an electrochemical cell is described. Generally, the scaffold includes a thermoplastic plate defining one or more orifices. Each orifice is typically defined by a first, second, and third aperture, wherein the second aperture is disposed between the first and third apertures. The diameter of the second aperture can be larger than the diameters of the first and third apertures. While at an operating temperature the diameter of the ceramic membrane is larger than the diameters of the first and third apertures, heating the scaffold to a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient time causes the third aperture's diameter to become larger than the membrane's diameter. Thus, heating the scaffold may allow the membrane to be inserted into the orifice. Cooling the scaffold can then cause the third aperture's diameter to shrink and trap the membrane within the orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Scott R. SUAREZ, Steven Matthew Quist
  • Publication number: 20100181208
    Abstract: A washing system and method comprising forming a charged activated liquid, and operating a washing system with the charged activated liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: TENNANT COMPANY
    Inventors: Thomas R. Denison, Bruce F. Field, Jonathan A. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7754057
    Abstract: A chlorine dioxide solution generator, which injects a chlorine dioxide solution into a pressurized fluid system, including an absorption loop for effecting the dissolution of chlorine dioxide into a liquid stream. The chlorine dioxide gas source can include an anolyte loop and a catholyte loop. The generator avoids or eliminates the introduction of air or other gases that can cause corrosion in the process distribution system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Pureline Treatment Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. O'Leary, Jerry J. Kaczur, Chenniah Nanjundiah
  • Patent number: 7750234
    Abstract: An integrated photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell generates hydrogen and oxygen from water while being illuminated with radiation. The PEC cell employs a liquid electrolyte, a multi-junction photovoltaic electrode, and a thin ion-exchange membrane. A PEC system and a method of making such PEC cell and PEC system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: The University Of Toledo
    Inventors: Xunming Deng, Liwei Xu
  • Patent number: 7744733
    Abstract: A system to vent a moist gas stream is disclosed. The system includes an enclosure and an electrochemical cell disposed within the enclosure, the electrochemical cell productive of the moist gas stream. A first vent is in fluid communication with the electrochemical cell for venting the moist gas stream to an exterior of the enclosure, and a second vent is in fluid communication with an interior of the enclosure and in thermal communication with the first vent for discharging heated air to the exterior of the enclosure. At least a portion of the discharging heated air is for preventing freezing of the moist gas stream within the first vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Amjad Khan, Ken Wayne Dreier, Lawrence Clinton Moulthrop, Erik James White
  • Publication number: 20100133115
    Abstract: Electrochemical devices and methods for acid and base generation are disclosed. A source of purified water is fluidly connected to at least one compartment of the device. A source of an ionic species, such as an acid or base precursor, is also provided to at least one compartment of the device. An applied electrical field promotes ion transport across selective membranes which at least partially define the compartments. The purified water may be dissociated into hydronium and hydroxyl ions in an electrolyzing compartment of the device. Acid and/or base product streams may be recovered as desired at outlets of the various compartments. In some embodiments, a bipolar membrane may be used to split water in place of the electrolyzing compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: SIEMENS WATER TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventor: Joseph D. Gifford
  • Patent number: 7713403
    Abstract: In a water treatment method, a first embodiment of the treatment method comprises the steps of producing electrolyzed acid water by electrolysis of raw water in an anode chamber of an electrolytic cell with an ion permeable partition membrane; removing volatile component in an acid property of the electrolyzed water; and producing electrolyzed neutral water without the volatile component by electrolysis of the electrolyzed acid water in a cathode chamber of the electrolytic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Hoshizaki Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshinori Kamitani
  • Patent number: 7709113
    Abstract: Systems and processes for producing hydrogen using bacteria are described. One detailed process for producing hydrogen uses a system for producing hydrogen as described herein, the system including a reactor. Anodophilic bacteria are disposed within the interior of the reactor and an organic material oxidizable by an oxidizing activity of the anodophilic bacteria is introduced and incubated under oxidizing reactions conditions such that electrons are produced and transferred to the anode. A power source is activated to increase a potential between the anode and the cathode, such that electrons and protons combine to produce hydrogen gas. In one system for producing hydrogen is provided which includes a reaction chamber having a wall defining an interior of the reactor and an exterior of the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignees: The Penn State Research Foundation, Ion Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce Logan, Stephen Grot, Thomas E. Mallouk, Hong Liu
  • Publication number: 20100101941
    Abstract: A device for electrolytic production of hydrogen and oxygen, comprising: process lines for feed of water and electrolyte and withdrawal of the electrolysis products, an electrolyser, comprising a body with upper and lower covers made of electrically conducting material, short-circuited electrodes, one of which is located centrally in the electrolyser, and the other is formed by the inside surface of the body, and an electromagnetic system, comprising magnets, mounted above the upper and under the lower covers of the body, the electrolyser being rotatable relative to the magnets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: OM ENERGY LIMITED
    Inventors: Aleksandr Konstantinovich SURIKOV, Evgeny Mikhailovich OVSYANNIKOV
  • Patent number: 7704353
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode assembly for the electrochemical treatment of liquids with a low conductivity. Said assembly comprises electrodes (1, 2), between which a polymer solid electrolyte (3) is situated. The electrodes are pressed against one another by means of a compression device (9, 10; 91) and are configured in such a way that the assembly can be traversed by the liquid. To produce said assembly simply and to ensure that it is flexible and easy to use, the compression device (9, 10; 91) is supported on the electrodes (1, 2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Condias GmbH
    Inventors: Manuela Stadelmann, Manfred Blaschke, Maja Wuensche, Helmut Petzer, Alexander Kraft, Thorsten Matthee, Matthias Fryda
  • Patent number: 7704355
    Abstract: The invention describes an improved anode suitable for being installed in chlor-alkali electrolysis cells intercalated to cathode elements provided with a diaphragm. In operation, the anode of the invention is in direct contact with the diaphragm so as to form mutually equivalent vertical channels defined by the surfaces of the plates, of the supporting sheets and of the diaphragm, allowing a predefined and controlled upward motion of the chlorine-brine biphasic mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Industrie De Nora S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Meneghini
  • Patent number: 7704627
    Abstract: Electrolysis cell comprises, in one embodiment, a proton exchange membrane (PEM), an anode positioned along one face of the PEM, and a cathode positioned along the other face of the PEM. An electrically-conductive, compressible, spring-like, porous pad for defining a fluid cavity is placed in contact with the outer face of the cathode. The porous pad comprises a mat of carbon fibers bound together with one or more, preferably thermoplastic, resins, the mat having a density of about 0.2-1.5 g/cm3. Cell frames are placed in peripheral contact with the metal screen and the compression pad for peripherally containing fluids present therewithin. Electrically-conductive separators are placed in contact with the metal screen and the compression pad for axially containing fluids present therewithin. A plurality of the cells may be arranged in series in a bipolar configuration without requiring a separate compression pad between cells (for gas pressure differentials up to about 400 psi or greater).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Giner Electrochemical Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony B. LaConti, William A. Titterington, Larry L. Swette, Ricardo Leon, Kwang S. Kim
  • Publication number: 20100065421
    Abstract: The membrane electrolytic-reactors with four chambers and the elements to regulate degassing, is designed for the production of active pH-neutral disinfectant solutions. These solutions are electrolytically activated by weak brine and are intended for disinfection of drinking water and surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Ralph Bohnstedt
  • Patent number: 7641868
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell for generating sterilized water in which lead wires having cathode and anode are alternately wound on a body in the horizontal direction, the cell is disposed in plural in the vertical direction to the flow of water by a given distance so that a plasma reaction is generated between both lead wires wound on the cell in the linear direction along the lead wires thereby increasing reaction efficiency per surface area of the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Gwang Woo Jang
  • Publication number: 20090321252
    Abstract: In a sulfuric acid electrolytic cell to electrolyze sulfuric acid supplied to an anode compartment and a cathode compartment comprising a diaphragm, said anode compartment and said cathode compartment separated by said diaphragm, a cathode provided in said cathode compartment and a conductive diamond anode provided in said anode compartment, as said conductive diamond anode, a conductive diamond film is formed on the surface of said conductive substrate, the rear face of said conductive substrate is pasted, with conductive paste, on an current collector comprising a rigid body with size equal to, or larger than, said conductive substrate, an anode compartment frame constituting said anode compartment is contacted via gasket with the periphery on the side of the conductive diamond film of said diamond anode, said diaphragm is contacted with the front face of said anode compartment, further, with the front face of said diaphragm, the cathode compartment frame constituting said cathode compartment, a gasket, and
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicants: Chlorine Engineers Corp., Ltd., Toshiba Corp., Ltd., Shibaura Mechatronics Corp., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Kato, Yoshiyuki Seya, Naoya Hayamizu, Makiko Tange, Yoshiaki Kurokawa, Nobuo Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7638021
    Abstract: Apparatus for generating gas by electrolysis of a liquid comprises an electrolysis cell, and first, second and third chambers. Liquid for supply to the electrolysis cell is stored in the first chamber. The second chamber contains liquid which is a product of the electrolysis reaction and is enriched with a first gaseous product of the electrolysis reaction, and has an outlet for controlled release of the first gaseous product. The third chamber contains liquid which is a product of the electrolysis reaction and is enriched with a second gaseous product of the electrolysis reaction, and has an outlet for controlled release of the third gaseous product. A first channel which connects the first and second chambers, and a second channel which connects the second and third chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Domnick Hunter Limited
    Inventors: Craig Stuart Blenkiron, David John Ian Rowntree, Keith James Blundy
  • Publication number: 20090314652
    Abstract: Provided are various methods, systems and reactors for producing peroxycarboxylic acid compositions, such as non-equilibrium compositions of peracetic acid, for example. The methods and systems relate to electrolytic generation of hydrogen peroxide or peroxide ions in a reactor, wherein the generated materials are reacted with an acetyl donor to form peracetic acid. In an embodiment, a source of alkali metal ions is provided to an anode chamber such that the ratio of concentrations of the alkali metal ions to protons in the anode chamber of a reactor is greater than 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Wayne E. BUSCHMANN, Andrew S. DEL NEGRO
  • Publication number: 20090314658
    Abstract: A hand-held spray bottle is provided, which includes a liquid reservoir, a liquid outlet, an electrolysis cell, a power source and a DC-to-DC converter. The electrolysis cell is carried by the spray bottle and is fluidically coupled between the reservoir and the liquid outlet. The power source is carried by the spray bottle and has a voltage output. The DC-to-DC converter is coupled between the voltage output and the electrolysis cell and provides a stepped-up voltage, which is greater than the voltage output of the power source, to energize the electrolysis cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: TENNANT COMPANY
    Inventor: Bruce F. Field
  • Patent number: 7628898
    Abstract: Methods and systems for electrochemically processing microfeature workpieces are described herein. In one embodiment, a process for electrochemically treating a surface of a plurality of microfeature workpieces in an electrochemical treating chamber that includes a processing unit separated from an electrode unit by an ion-permeable barrier is described. The process involves an idle stage wherein during the idle stage, processing fluid components are prevented from transferring between the first processing fluid and the second processing fluid. The described system includes a flow control system for controlling the flow of processing fluid to achieve separation of a processing fluid from the barrier during the idle stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: John Klocke, Kyle M. Hanson, Rajesh Baskaran
  • Patent number: 7619183
    Abstract: A cooking appliance comprising an electrolyzer which produces a combustible fuel, a burner downstream from the electrolyzer, and, an electrically heatable cooking surface on which food is receivable for cooking, the electrically heatable cooking surface being operable simultaneously with the electrolyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Cropley Holdings Ltd.
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20090272644
    Abstract: A plating apparatus with direct electrolyte distribution system, including one or more of the following: an electrolyte tank; an electrolyte distribution compartment within the electrolyte tank, the electrolyte distribution compartment for containing electrolyte, the electrolyte distribution compartment having a first side and a second side; a pump having a fluid connection to the electrolyte distribution compartment for applying pressure to the electrolyte; a plurality of nozzles connected to the first side of the electrolyte distribution compartment, the electrolyte being forced through the plurality of the nozzles from the electrolyte distribution compartment to a part to be plated when the pump applies pressure to the electrolyte in the electrolyte distribution compartment; an electrolyte collection compartment within the electrolyte tank, the electrolyte collection compartment being in fluid communication with the electrolyte distribution compartment; and a removable screen between the electrolyte collec
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: ALCATEL LUCENT
    Inventors: Teppo M. Lukkarila, Sergey Y. Yesilevich