Gas Withdrawal Patents (Class 204/266)
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Patent number: 11322767Abstract: A fuel cell system includes at least one of plural electrochemical pump separators to separate carbon dioxide from a fuel exhaust stream or a combination of a gas separator and a fuel exhaust cooler located outside a hotbox.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2020Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY CORPORATIONInventors: David Weingaertner, Matthias Gottmann, Jayakumar Krishnadass, Chockkalingam Karuppaiah, Arne Ballantine, Swaminathan Venkataraman, Martin Perry, John Fisher, Greg Young
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Patent number: 11306402Abstract: Device for obtaining electrolysis products from an alkali metal chloride solution where a cathode circuit contains a circulation pump with an overflow device for the return flow of pump liquid, which continuously secures the forced circulation of the catholyte via a heat exchanger, a cathode compartment and a capacitive separator for separating the hydrogen from the catholyte. In the discharge of the hydrogen from the capacitive separator for separation of the hydrogen from the catholyte, a cooled humidity separator is installed, the condensate collection container of which is connected via a dosage pump with the freshwater feed to the mixing device of the freshwater flow with the gaseous oxidant mixture.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2018Date of Patent: April 19, 2022Assignee: BLUE SAFETY GMBHInventor: Vitold Bakhir
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Patent number: 11228039Abstract: The disclosure relates to solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anode materials that comprise various compositions of chromate based oxide materials. These materials offer high conductivity achievable at intermediate and low temperatures and can be used to prepare the anode layer of a SOFC. A method of making a low- or intermediate-temperature SOFC having an anode layer comprising a chromate based oxide material is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2018Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: University of Maryland, College ParkInventors: Mohammed Hussain Abdul Jabbar, Eric D. Wachsman, Ke-Ji Pan
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Patent number: 11114085Abstract: A text-to-speech engine creates audio output that includes synthesized speech and one or more media content item snippets. The input text is obtained and partitioned into text sets. A track having lyrics that match a part of one of the text sets is identified. The location of the track's audio that contains the lyric is extracted based on forced alignment data. The extracted audio is combined with synthesized speech corresponding to the remainder of the input text to form audio output.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2018Date of Patent: September 7, 2021Assignee: Spotify ABInventors: Rohit Kumar, Henrik Lindström, Henriette Cramer, Sarah Mennicken, Sravana Reddy, Jennifer Thom-Santelli
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Patent number: 10777267Abstract: A battery article of manufacture comprises a plurality of components operatively associated with one another, the plurality of components comprising an electrode comprised of a material that can take up ions and discharge ions in a charging and discharging process, an electrolyte comprised of the ions, the article of manufacture also including a component comprising at least one barrier positioned between the electrolyte and the electrode, the barrier comprised of a material that substantially prevents the ions from combining with the electrode and having a structure that substantially prevents the ions from combining with the electrode, but allows the ions to travel toward or away from the electrode in the charging or discharging process.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2018Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Ning Li, Devendra Sadana
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Patent number: 10777201Abstract: A server is provided, including a processor configured to execute a bot server program. The bot server program may receive from a computing device an input with an input type that includes one or more of speech and text. The bot server program may programmatically generate an output, wherein the output is generated based on the input. The bot server program may detect one or more output types capable of being output by the computing device and select an output type from a plurality of output types that may include speech and text. The selected output type may be an output type capable of being output by the computing device. The bot server program may modify the programmatically generated output to produce a modified output with the selected output type, and may convey the modified output to the computing device for output on a display and/or speaker.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2017Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Adina Magdalena Trufinescu, Khuram Shahid, Daniel J. Driscoll, Adarsh Sridhar
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Patent number: 10708423Abstract: A method and an apparatus for processing voice information are provided by the present application. The method comprises: obtaining the voice data of a user; performing an emotion analysis on the voice data which comprises multiplying volume and pacing of the voice data to help determine the priority of the voice data; and connecting the user to a corresponding service channel according to the priority of the voice data. The present application can improve the service quality of IVR.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2015Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: Alibaba Group Holding LimitedInventor: Qing Ling
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Patent number: 10622007Abstract: Methods, systems, and related products that provide emotion-sensitive responses to user's commands and other utterances received at an utterance-based user interface. Acknowledgements of user's utterances are adapted to the user and/or the user device, and emotions detected in the user's utterance that have been mapped from one or more emotion features extracted from the utterance. In some examples, extraction of a user's changing emotion during a sequence of interactions is used to generate a response to a user's uttered command. In some examples, emotion processing and command processing of natural utterances are performed asynchronously.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2018Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: SPOTIFY ABInventors: Daniel Bromand, David Gustafsson, Richard Mitic, Sarah Mennicken
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Patent number: 10621983Abstract: Methods, systems, and related products that provide emotion-sensitive responses to user's commands and other utterances received at an utterance-based user interface. Acknowledgements of user's utterances are adapted to the user and/or the user device, and emotions detected in the user's utterance that have been mapped from one or more emotion features extracted from the utterance. In some examples, extraction of a user's changing emotion during a sequence of interactions is used to generate a response to a user's uttered command. In some examples, emotion processing and command processing of natural utterances are performed asynchronously.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2018Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: SPOTIFY ABInventors: Daniel Bromand, David Gustafsson, Richard Mitic, Sarah Mennicken
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Patent number: 10535335Abstract: According to one embodiment, a voice synthesizing device includes a first operation receiving unit, a score transforming unit, and a voice synthesizing unit. The first operation receiving unit configured to receive a first operation specifying voice quality of a desired voice based on one or more upper level expressions indicating the voice quality. The score transforming unit configured to transform, based on a score transformation model that transforms a score of the upper level expression into a score of a lower level expression which is less abstract than the upper level expression, the score of the upper level expression corresponding to the first operation into a score of one or more lower level expressions. The voice synthesizing unit configured to generate a synthetic sound corresponding to a certain text based on the score of the lower level expression.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2016Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Digital Solutions CorporationInventors: Kouichirou Mori, Yamato Ohtani
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Patent number: 10525224Abstract: Embodiments relate to systems and methods for therapeutic gas delivery for personal medical consumption. A hydrogen delivery system herein can include one or more electrolytic cores which use source water to carry out electrolysis-based reactions, and obtain free hydrogen (H2) gas which can be separated using a proton exchange membrane (PEM) or other filter for collection and delivery to a user. In aspects, the electrolytic core or cores can be constructed or scaled to produce a sufficient amount of hydrogen (H2) gas so that the user can ingest that gas directly, immediately, and/or in real-time or near real-time, without a need for storage of the gas. In aspects, the system can be portable, and configured with a vent port to eliminate oxygen (O2) gas that may accumulate during electrolytic reactions, and also a coalescer unit to reduce or eliminate water or water vapor from the output hydrogen (H2) gas.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2017Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Inventor: Philip Hsueh
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Patent number: 10424288Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to the text-to-speech synthesis and more particularly to a system and method for rendering textual messages using customized natural voice. In one embodiment, a system for rendering textual messages using customized natural voice, is disclosed, comprising a processor and a memory communicatively coupled to the processor. The memory stores processor instructions, which, on execution, causes the processor to receive present textual messages and at least one of previous textual messages, response to the previous textual messages or receiver's context. The processor further predicts final emotional state of sender's customized natural voice based on an intermediate emotional state and the receiver's context. The processor further synthesizes the sender's customized natural voice based on the predicted final emotional state of the sender's customized natural voice, voice samples and voice parameters associated with the at least one sender.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2017Date of Patent: September 24, 2019Assignee: Wipro LimitedInventors: Adrita Barari, Ghulam Mohiuddin Khan, Manjunath Ramachandra Iyer
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Patent number: 10399872Abstract: An apparatus to remove ions including a plurality of capacitive electrode stacks. Each capacitive electrode stack may have: a plurality of first electrodes including a plurality of first current collectors; a plurality of second electrodes including a plurality of second current collectors; and a spacer between the first and second electrodes to allow water to flow in between the electrodes. The second current collectors of a first of the plurality of capacitive electrode stacks may be connected to the first current collectors of a second of the plurality of capacitive electrode stacks.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2012Date of Patent: September 3, 2019Assignee: VOLTEA B.V.Inventors: Albert Van Der Wal, Hank Robert Reinhoudt, Bart Van Limpt, Thomas Richard Bednar, George Shoemaker Ellis, David Jeffrey Averbeck
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Patent number: 10297848Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of controlling a rate of hydrogen release from a decomposition reaction of a hydrogen carrier includes: relating the rate to a temperature and a composition of the metastable hydrogen carrier; determining the composition of the metastable hydrogen carrier; and adjusting the temperature according to the relating of the rate and the determining of the composition.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2017Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLCInventors: Jason A. Graetz, John J. Vajo
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Patent number: 10162594Abstract: There is provided an information processing device technology that enables the user to know intuitively the situation in which the speech recognition processing is performed, the information processing device including: an information acquisition unit configured to acquire a parameter related to speech recognition processing on sound information based on sound collection; and an output unit configured to output display information used to display a speech recognition processing result for the sound information on the basis of a display mode specified depending on the parameter.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2016Date of Patent: December 25, 2018Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Yuhei Taki, Shinichi Kawano, Kunihito Sawai
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Patent number: 10131554Abstract: Water supply vehicle comprising a water reservoir, a flow through descaling device having a water inlet, a water outlet, a detecting device for detecting a water characteristic in a water flow from the water inlet to the water outlet, a controllable water descaling device, and a controlling device being designed for controlling the water descaling device based on a water characteristic detected by the detection device, wherein the water reservoir is connected to the water inlet, wherein the water outlet is connectable to a water hose for supplying water to a water consumer.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2015Date of Patent: November 20, 2018Assignee: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBHInventors: Matthias Reiss, Sebastian Flashaar, Ole Becker
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Patent number: 10053786Abstract: A differential pressure water electrolysis system includes high-pressure water electrolysis cells, first and second end plates, and a high pressure hydrogen manifold. The high pressure hydrogen manifold is provided to distribute hydrogen in a stacking direction. Each of the high-pressure water electrolysis cells includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode current collector, a cathode current collector, an anode separator, a cathode separator, an elastic member, a manifold member, and a cylindrical porous member. The manifold member is disposed between the anode separator and the electrolyte membrane to surround the high pressure hydrogen manifold and includes a seal chamber in which a sealing member is disposed to encircle and seal the high pressure hydrogen manifold. The cylindrical porous member is disposed in the manifold member between the seal chamber and the high pressure hydrogen manifold.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2015Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroyuki Ishikawa, Eiji Haryu, Hayato Daimon
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Patent number: 10011912Abstract: Provided is a hydrogen refining pressure-boosting device which is durable even in a high-pressure environment. This hydrogen refining pressure-boosting device produces, from a hydrogen-containing gas, a refined hydrogen gas having higher pressure and higher purity than the hydrogen-containing gas. The hydrogen refining pressure-boosting device is equipped with multiple stacked cell structures, and a pressing structure that applies tightening stress in the direction in which the cell structures are stacked. In this hydrogen refining pressure-boosting device the flow path surface of a cathode-side separator is sized so as to be contained on the inside of the flow path surface of an anode-side separator, in the direction of a plane parallel to a solid polymer electrolyte membrane.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2014Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF YAMANASHIInventor: Masahiro Watanabe
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Patent number: 9847439Abstract: Titania is a semiconductor and photocatalyst that is also chemically inert. With its bandgap of 3.0, to activate the photocatalytic property of titania requires light of about 390 nm wavelength, which is in the ultra-violet, where sunlight is very low in intensity. A method and devices are disclosed wherein stress is induced and managed in a thin film of titania in order to shift and lower the bandgap energy into the longer wavelengths that are more abundant in sunlight. Applications of this stress-induced bandgap-shifted titania photocatalytic surface include photoelectrolysis for production of hydrogen gas from water, photovoltaics for production of electricity, and photocatalysis for detoxification and disinfection.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2016Date of Patent: December 19, 2017Inventor: John M. Guerra
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Patent number: 9828684Abstract: Provided is a cell for ion exchange membrane electrolysis obtained by improving the performance in electrolysis of an existing bipolar cell for ion exchange membrane electrolysis, in which a cathode partition wall and a rigid cathode being connected together by a plurality of intermediating V-shaped springs, by a simple method. It is a cell for ion exchange membrane electrolysis which is separated by an ion exchange membrane (7) into an anode chamber (1) having a rigid anode (1a) and an anode partition wall (1b) and a cathode chamber (2) having a rigid cathode (2a) and a cathode partition wall (2b), the rigid cathode (2a) and the cathode partition wall (2b) being connected together by a plurality of intermediating V-shaped springs (3).Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2013Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: thyssenkrupp Uhde Chlorine Engineers (Japan) Ltd.Inventors: Kiyohito Asaumi, Koichi Hirashima, Zhengkan Huang, Mitsumasa Okamoto, Koji Yoshimura
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Patent number: 9806365Abstract: Methods for purifying a hydrogen gas stream are provided that can include: introducing the hydrogen gas stream into the hydrogen pumping cell, and collecting a purified hydrogen gas from the hydrogen pumping cell. The hydrogen gas stream can include hydrogen sulfide in an amount of about 10 ppm to about 1,000 ppm, and can have a relative humidity of about 0.1% or more at the operational temperature and pressure of the hydrogen pumping cell.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2014Date of Patent: October 31, 2017Assignee: University of South CarolinaInventors: Brian Benicewicz, Guoqing Qian
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Patent number: 9546428Abstract: An electrolyzer device comprises a container configured to receive liquid to be electrolyzed; a separator arranged in the container so as to define a first chamber and a second chamber positioned lower in a vertical direction than the first chamber; a cathode arranged in the first chamber and operatively connected to a power supply; and an anode arranged in the second chamber and operatively connected to the power supply.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: OSAKA ELECTRO-COMMUNICATION UNIVERSITYInventors: Koichi Umimoto, Shunji Nagata
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Patent number: 9546786Abstract: A system for operating a damper comprises a flue pipe assembly, and a damper movable between an open position and a closed position within the flue pipe assembly. At least one thermoelectric generator is coupled to a surface of the flue pipe assembly. Operation of the damper is achieved by the thermoelectric generator harvesting thermal energy from the flue pipe assembly and converting it into usable electrical energy for actuation of the damper.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: FIELD CONTROLS, LLCInventor: Eric A. Hokanson
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Patent number: 9518077Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for producing chitosan derivatives and the derivatives formed by these methods. The processes of the present disclosure utilize electrochemical methods to functionalize and/or modify amine and/or hydroxyl groups present on chitosan, to form new derivatives. In embodiments, a chloro-chitosan derivative may be prepared. The altered cationic affinity of these derivatives make them excellent candidates for biomedical applications, including pharmaceuticals, as well as food applications.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2013Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Assignee: The Research Foundation for the State University of New YorkInventors: Gary P. Halada, Prashant Kumar Jha
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Patent number: 9382138Abstract: An advanced on-site water sanitization system is taught having integrated chlorine generation and copper/silver ionization in the same unit. The system includes a manifold loop connectable to a water supply line for supplying water to be sanitized from a body of water, and connectable to a water return line for returning sanitized water to the body of water. It also includes a copper/silver ionizer, capable of receiving a flow of water to be sanitized, adding copper and silver ions to the flow of water so as to provide a copper/silver ionized flow of water. A chlorinator is also included, capable of receiving a flow of ionized water, and a flow of chlorine, and allowing the flow of chlorine to mix with the flow of ionized water so as to provide a chlorinated flow of ionized water to the manifold loop to return as sanitized water to the body of water.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2013Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Inventor: Daniel Moroni Tucker
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Patent number: 9368102Abstract: A method and system are provided for text-to-speech synthesis with personalized voice. The method includes receiving an incidental audio input (403) of speech in the form of an audio communication from an input speaker (401) and generating a voice dataset (404) for the input speaker (401). The method includes receiving a text input (411) at the same device as the audio input (403) and synthesizing (312) the text from the text input (411) to synthesized speech including using the voice dataset (404) to personalize the synthesized speech to sound like the input speaker (401). In addition, the method includes analyzing (316) the text for expression and adding the expression (315) to the synthesized speech. The audio communication may be part of a video communication (453) and the audio input (403) may have an associated visual input (455) of an image of the input speaker.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2014Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: Nuance Communications, Inc.Inventors: Itzhack Goldberg, Ron Hoory, Boaz Mizrachi, Zvi Kons
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Patent number: 9340881Abstract: A system for improving efficiency in which water or aqueous solution is broken into its core molecules of hydrogen and oxygen using a 12 volt power source, and of which this gas vapor can improve the efficiency of an engine of a vehicle in a catalytic fashion once combining with a fossil fuel, and includes a reactor housing containing at least one reactor unit having electrodes slotted in an insulated container, a solution supply system that regulates the aqueous solution in the system; and an air handling system that regulates the decomposed hydrogen and oxygen gas in the system. The reactor unit being immersed in an liquid or aqueous solution produces hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2012Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Inventor: David Packer
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Patent number: 9273402Abstract: A system for the manufacture, storage and transportation of hydrogen and oxygen gas wherein deep sealed production chambers (10) capable of withstanding high pressures are provided and water is fed by gravity from a water source to the bottom of the deep sealed production chamber (10) thereby producing water(16) in the bottom of the production chamber (10) under substantial pressure. Hydrogen and oxygen gas are produced in the water at the bottom of the production chamber (10) with electrolysis and the produced oxygen is captured in an oxygen escape pipe (18) extending from the bottom of the production chamber (10) to the exterior (19) of the production chamber (10), the oxygen escape pipe (18) containing a positive anode electrode (25) for the electrolysis in the bottom end of the oxygen pipe. The hydrogen gas is collected under pressure at the upper storage area (22) of the production chamber (10).Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2014Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Inventor: Joseph P. Bower
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Patent number: 9157155Abstract: A photoelectrochemical cell (100) includes: a semiconductor electrode (120) including a conductor (121) and semiconductor layers (122, 123) disposed on the conductor (121); a counter electrode (130) connected electrically to the conductor (121); an electrolyte (140) in contact with surfaces of the semiconductor layer (123) and the counter electrode (130); and a container (110) accommodating the semiconductor electrode (120), the counter electrode (130) and the electrolyte (140). A band edge level ECS of a conduction band, a band edge level EVS of a valence band, and a Fermi level EFS in a surface near-field region of the semiconductor layer, and a band edge level ECJ of a conduction band, a band edge level EVJ of a valence band, and a Fermi level EFJ in a junction plane near-field region of the semiconductor layer with the conductor satisfy, relative to a vacuum level, ECS?EFS>ECJ?EFJ, EFS?EVS<EFJ?EVJ, ECJ>?4.44 eV, and EVS<?5.67 eV.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2011Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.Inventors: Noboru Taniguchi, Kenichi Tokuhiro, Takahiro Suzuki, Tomohiro Kuroha, Takaiki Nomura, Kazuhito Hato, Satoru Tamura
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Patent number: 9062383Abstract: An electrolysis cell provided with a separator, suitable for chlor-alkali electrolysis, has a planar flexible cathode kept in contact with the separator by an elastic conductive element pressed by a current distributor and an anode consisting of a punched sheet or mesh supporting the separator suitable for being individually pre-assembled and used as elementary unit of a modular arrangement to form an electrolyzer whose terminal cells only are connected to the electric power supply; the electrical continuity between adjacent cells being assured by conductive contact strips secured to the external anodic walls of the shells delimiting each cell with the stiffness of the cathode current distributor and of the anodic structure and the elasticity of the conductive element cooperate in maintaining a uniform cathode to separator contact with a homogeneous pressure distribution meanwhile ensuring a suitable mechanical load on the contact strips.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2009Date of Patent: June 23, 2015Assignee: UHDENORA S.P.A.Inventors: Angelo Ottaviani, Fulvio Federico, Antonio Pasquinucci, Dario Oldani, Michele Perego
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Publication number: 20150114843Abstract: A method for the photoelectrocatalytic production of hydrogen and oxygen from water, is carried out by: (a) providing a photohydride proton reduction catalyst and a photoanode having water oxidation catalyst operatively associated therewith, both in an aquous electrolyte solution,wherein the photohydride proton reduction catalyst comprises a single-component light absorbing catalytic metal complex of the formula AXB, wherein A is a coordinated aromatic group, X is a metal, and B is a bidentate organic ligand; and (b) illuminating the photoanode and the photohydride proton reduction catalyst with visible light to generate O2 by the action of the water oxidation catalyst and H2 by the action of the photohydride proton reduction catalyst. Constructs and apparatus useful for carrying out the method are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Inventors: Catherine L. Pitman, Alexander J. Miller
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Publication number: 20150075977Abstract: A hydrogen/oxygen, gas separator and purification method used to retrieve and separate molecules of hydrogen and oxygen from water. A nonconductive device installed within the hydrogen generator: Kasprzak et al. U.S. Pat. No. 8,535,493 entitled “Miami Max Hydro” The Ultimate Hydrogen Cell. Presented here is a separator composed of a nonconductive disc and nonconductive sleeves constructed as one unit allowing charged atoms (ions) to pass through and between electrodes. Sleeves are aligned with multiple anode and cathode generator rods, where-in a micro-channel exists between those two. When energized, the hydrogen and oxygen gas is introduced to the micro-channels located inside the generator. The sleeves are composed of thin film plastic tubes installed around the cathode or anode electrodes causing the hydrogen to separate from the oxygen in a highly efficient manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2013Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventors: Stefan Kasprzak Adam, Rima Kasprzak, Adam Kasprzak Shennan, Jenneka Sophia Kasprzak, Chris Kruszelnicki
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Patent number: 8974646Abstract: Disclosed herein is a portable hydrogen-rich water generator that includes a separable drinking cup, an electrolytic cell which includes an anode, a cathode, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, etc. and is disposed at the bottom of the drinking cup, a reservoir base on which the drinking cup is mounted and in which an anode reaction of the electrolytic cell is generated, a float valve which allows water to be continuously supplied at a certain water level from a water tank, and a power supply to apply direct current power to the electrolytic cell.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Inventors: Inchol Park, Ilbong Kim
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Publication number: 20150041327Abstract: Disclosed herein are electroplating systems for electroplating nickel onto a semiconductor substrate having an electroplating cell for holding an electrolyte solution during electroplating which includes a cathode chamber and an anode chamber configured to hold a nickel anode, and having an oxygen removal device arranged to reduce oxygen concentration in the electrolyte solution as it is flowed to the anode chamber during electroplating and during idle times when the system is not electroplating. Also disclosed herein are methods of electroplating nickel onto a substrate in an electroplating cell having anode and cathode chambers, which include reducing the oxygen concentration in an electrolyte solution, flowing the electrolyte solution into the anode chamber and contacting a nickel anode therein, and electroplating nickel from the electrolyte solution onto a substrate in the cathode chamber, wherein the electrolyte solution in the cathode chamber is maintained at a pH of between about 3.5 and 4.5.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2013Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventors: Bryan L. Buckalew, Thomas A. Ponnuswamy, Ben Foley, Steven T. Mayer
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Publication number: 20150014153Abstract: Apparatus for producing chlorine dioxide comprises an electrolysis cell having an anode and a cathode which receives sodium chlorite solution as an anolyte flow and water as a catholyte flow, a chlorine dioxide gas separator which releases chlorine dioxide gas from the anolyte flow which leaves the cell and a separator which releases hydrogen gas from the catholyte flow which leaves the cell. The anolyte and catholyte flows are recirculated from the separators to the cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2013Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventor: Kenneth Roland Varcoe
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Patent number: 8906218Abstract: This disclosure enables high-productivity controlled fabrication of uniform porous semiconductor layers (made of single layer or multi-layer porous semiconductors such as porous silicon, comprising single porosity or multi-porosity layers). Some applications include fabrication of MEMS separation and sacrificial layers for die detachment and MEMS device fabrication, membrane formation and shallow trench isolation (STI) porous silicon (using porous silicon formation with an optimal porosity and its subsequent oxidation). Further, this disclosure is applicable to the general fields of photovoltaics, MEMS, including sensors and actuators, stand-alone, or integrated with integrated semiconductor microelectronics, semiconductor microelectronics chips and optoelectronics.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2011Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Solexel, Inc.Inventors: Karl-Josef Kramer, Mehrdad M. Moslehi, Subramanian Tamilmani, George Kamian, Jay Ashjaee, Takao Yonehara
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Publication number: 20140238869Abstract: An electrochemical cell for the continuous acidification of alkaline water sources and recovery of carbon dioxide with simultaneous continuous hydrogen gas production having a center compartment, an electrolyte-free anode compartment having a mesh anode in direct contact with an ion permeable membrane, an endblock in direct contact with the anode where the endblock provides a gas escape route behind the anode, an electrolyte-free cathode compartment having a mesh cathode in direct contact with an ion permeable membrane, and an endblock in direct contact with the cathode where the endblock provides a gas escape route behind the cathode. Current applied to the electrochemical cell for generating hydrogen gas also lowers the pH of the alkaline water to produce carbon dioxide with no additional current or power. Also disclosed is the related method for continuously acidifying alkaline water sources and recovering carbon dioxide with continuous hydrogen gas production.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2014Publication date: August 28, 2014Inventors: Felice DiMascio, Heather D. Willauer, Dennis R. Hardy, Frederick Williams, M. Kathleen Lewis
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Patent number: 8808528Abstract: Electrolyte supply tanks and bubbler tanks for oxyhydrogen gas generation systems are provided which eliminate the introduction of electrolyte and water into the induction systems of internal combustion engines. Both types of tanks are equipped with porous polyethylene gas diffusers which break up incoming gas into microscopic bubbles, thereby facilitating the absorption of electrolyte mist and droplets returning to the electrolyte supply tank and minimizing splashing of incoming gas in bubbler tanks. Air diffusers having an average pore diameter of about 70 ?m are installed near the bottom of the electrolyte supply tanks, while air diffusers having an average pore diameter of about 35 ?m are installed near the bottom of the bubbler tanks.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Inventor: David Thomas Richardson
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Patent number: 8808512Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 22, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: GTA, Inc.Inventor: Elias Greenbaum
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Publication number: 20140202877Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2013Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: HYDROGEN PRODUCTION ASSOCIATES, INC.Inventor: Elias Greenbaum
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Patent number: 8769972Abstract: A refrigeration system defines a closed loop that contains a working fluid, at least part of the working fluid being circulated through the closed loop. The refrigeration system includes a first heat transfer device that transfers heat from the first heat reservoir to the working fluid, a second heat transfer device that transfers heat from the working fluid to the second heat reservoir, and an electrochemical compressor between the first and second heat transfer devices. The electrochemical compressor includes one or more electrochemical cells electrically connected to each other through a power supply, each electrochemical cell including a gas pervious anode, a gas pervious cathode, and an electrolytic membrane disposed between and in intimate electrical contact with the cathode and the anode.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2009Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Xergy IncInventor: Bamdad Bahar
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Publication number: 20140183054Abstract: An efficient method and system for the electrochemical treatment of waste water comprising organic and/or inorganic pollutants is disclosed. The system comprises an electrolytic cell comprising a solid polymer, proton exchange membrane electrolyte operating without catholyte or other supporting electrolyte. The cell design and operating conditions chosen provide for significantly greater operating efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2012Publication date: July 3, 2014Applicant: AXINE WATER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: Colleen Legzdins
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Patent number: 8764953Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 23, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Yeda Research and Development Company Ltd.Inventors: Jacob Karni, Gidon Ferdiman, Yury Alioshin
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Patent number: 8747647Abstract: In a process for chlorine-alkali electrolysis, use is made of an oxygen depletion cathode. The process is run with a high excess of oxygen. The oxygen needed for this is provided for a device of the gas separation, for example a VPSA plant or an air fractionation plant. The large quantities of oxygen produced lead to considerable costs of the process. According to the invention, the oxygen-rich atmosphere remaining after passing through the process is fed back into the device for gas separation as input gas. The device the gas separation is therefore operated with an oxygen-rich input gas and therefore produces a larger quantity of oxygen-rich gas, which in turn is fed to the oxygen depletion cathode. As a result of the circulation of the gas, the economy of the overall process is increased considerably.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2010Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignees: Messer Group GmbH, Bayer Material Science AGInventors: Walter Bachleitner, Christoph Erdmann, Joachim Rohovec, Andreas Bulan, Mathias Weis
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Publication number: 20140151217Abstract: A high-pressure water electrolysis apparatus includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode side separator, a cathode side separator, an anode side element member, a cathode side element member, a high-pressure hydrogen communication hole, a first seal member, and a second seal member. The first seal member is provided between the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and an outer circumference edge portion of the anode side separator. The second seal member has a thickness same as a thickness of the anode side element member at a time of operation of the high-pressure water electrolysis apparatus. The second seal member is disposed in an anode chamber to shield between the anode chamber and the high-pressure hydrogen communication hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2013Publication date: June 5, 2014Applicant: Hond Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Koji NAKAZAWA
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Patent number: 8734632Abstract: Apparatus and operating methods are provided for controlled atmosphere furnace systems. In one possible embodiment, hydrogen is injected from a hydrogen source to an enclosure. The hydrogen is circulated within the enclosure from a gas inlet to a gas outlet. A temperature is raised within the enclosure to a predetermined threshold. Hydrogen is pumped from the gas outlet to the gas inlet with an electrochemical hydrogen pump. The electrochemical hydrogen pump has a first electrode in fluid communication with the gas outlet, and a second electrode in fluid communication with the gas inlet. An electrical potential is provided between the first and second electrodes, wherein the first electrode has a higher electrical potential with respect to zero than the second electrode. Various methods, features and system configurations are discussed.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2014Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: H2 Pump, LLCInventor: Glenn A. Eisman
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Patent number: 8702915Abstract: Small, autonomous, low cost electrochemical gas generators containing an electrochemical cell assembly, a commercially available battery and a current controlling mechanism. Current control, which defines the gas generation rate, is achieved either electronically by means of a resistor or through mass transfer control by means of a gas permeable film of known permeability. In either case, the gas generation rates are generally from 0.1 to 10 cc/day. The gas source must contain an electrochemically active gas such as oxygen or hydrogen. Air is the preferred source for oxygen. These miniature gas generators, generally are less than 1.5 cm in diameter and length, require novel, compact, electrochemical cell assemblies. Various cell assemblies, generally 1 cm in diameter and less than 0.5 mm thick, are described. These miniature gas generators are used for the controlled release of fluids such as pheromones, fragrances, insect repellents, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2009Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: M & R Consulting Services, Inc.Inventor: Henri Maget
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Patent number: 8679305Abstract: A high-pressure hydrogen producing apparatus includes a cell device and a piston member. The piston member is to apply a pressing force to the cell device from an end of the piston member in a stacking direction in which unit cells are stacked. The piston member is provided with a first hydrogen passage, at least one second hydrogen passage, and a hydrogen lead-out passage. The first hydrogen passage and the second hydrogen passage are spaced at substantially equal angular intervals on a virtual circle centered on a center of an end face of the piston member.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Koji Nakazawa, Hiroyuki Ishikawa, Yuji Yamakawa
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Publication number: 20140069807Abstract: A structural plate is provided for an electrolyser module. The structural plate defines at least one degassing chamber and a half cell chamber opening. The structural plate is reinforced with at least one internal reinforcing means mounted to the structural plate for mitigating outward displacement of the structural plate in response to fluid pressure within the structural plate. The structural plate defines holding features for locating and holding the internal reinforcing means.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: NEXT HYDROGEN CORPORATIONInventors: Chris WILSON, Michael STEMP, James HINATSU
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Publication number: 20140069808Abstract: A structural plate with external reinforcing means is provided for an electrolyser module. The structural plate defines at least one degassing chamber and a half cell chamber opening. The external reinforcing means contact the structural plate for mitigating outward displacement of the structural plate in response to fluid pressure within the structural plate. The structural plate and the external reinforcing means define interlocking features for achieving contact and corresponding mechanical reinforcement.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2013Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: NEXT HYDROGEN CORPORATIONInventors: Chris WILSON, Michael STEMP, James HINATSU