Concentrically Arranged Electrodes Patents (Class 204/272)
  • Patent number: 4668369
    Abstract: A reciprocating electrode scrubber is provided which cleans the surfaces of an electrodic liquid treater having an elongated electrode mounted within a cylinderical container and having a second electrode attached to the interior surface thereof. The scrubber includes a ring-shaped body having a U-shaped cross section and includes first and second, spaced-apart, circumscribing wiping structures sized to fit in the space between the first and second electrodes; means coupled with the body for selectively, axially, and reciprocally moving the body; and means yieldably biasing the structures outwardly to hold them in contact with the electrode surfaces to be cleaned. In operation, the body reciprocates along the surfaces of the electrodes to keep them free of accumulated particles which may inhibit the electrodic action of the liquid cleaner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Inventor: Arthur S. King
  • Patent number: 4657738
    Abstract: A system is described for use in the stack or flue ducts of a fossil fueled combustion system to eliminate or substantially reduce SO.sub.x and NO.sub.x emissions. The system includes an electrically operated stable glow discharge maintained between separate resistively ballasted pins and opposing plane electrodes. The electrochemical reactor of this invention electronically activates, reacts and chemically modifies the selected pollutants to render a thermodynamically stable solid product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Ira E. Kanter, Richard L. Hundstad
  • Patent number: 4650549
    Abstract: A method of electroplating helical rotors provides uniform plating depth. A positive pole electrode having a bore with the same configuration as the rotor receives the rotor, which is the cathode. The bore is larger than the rotor, providing a uniform width clearance. Electrolyte solution is pumped through the clearance while electrical current flows to cause plating. The rotor is rotated and advanced during plating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1987
    Assignee: Hughes Tool Company
    Inventor: Arvid E. Morgan
  • Patent number: 4645580
    Abstract: A process and device for galvanic deposition of a dispersion coating on the cylindrical or slightly conical inner face of a cathode workpiece effect the continuous feed of a circulating electrolyte containing metal ions and suspended, fine-grained hard particles. The cathodically polarized workpiece or its inner face is employed at least as the upper part of the outer wall of the ring-shaped electrolyte container. This inner face is fed electrolyte in the form of a rising, spiral-shaped but vortex-free stream. The process is employed for all cylindrical or slightly conical metallic inner faces which are at least open on one side, in particular for coating brake drums made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Swiss Aluminium Ltd.
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Paulet, Heinz Steup
  • Patent number: 4643819
    Abstract: This invention relates to a device for the galvanic recovery of metals from a diluted solution by means of permeable electrodes through which the diluted solution is caused to flow, said electrodes being molten after having been coated with metal. The cathode (6) is made of a very fine metal lattice having no mechanical strength of its own which is stiffened by an inert support formed of plastic netting, said cathode being crossed perpendicularly by the diluted solution flowing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Inventor: Yves Heroguelle
  • Patent number: 4640758
    Abstract: For the electrodeposition of a metal coating onto a surface of an endless belt, such as a press belt for use in a double band press, an annular bath is formed by a pair of endless belts. The belts have different diameters and are arranged concentrically about a center point on a horizontal base plate. The belts extend vertically upwardly from the base plate so that one belt forms the radially inner surface of the bath and the other forms the radially outer surface, an aqueous electrolytic solution is filled into the annular bath. An anode is supported in the bath and one of the endless belts forms a cathode. The anode and cathode are connected to a constant voltage source and a metal coating can be deposited on the belt acting as the cathode. A mast extends vertically upwardly from the center point and is supported on the base plate. Horizontal arms extend outwardly in opposite directions from the mast and support the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Inventor: Kurt Held
  • Patent number: 4618409
    Abstract: A continuous flow electrophoretic separator 10 comprises a cylindrical stator 12 and a tubular rotor 14 defining an annular chamber 28 therebetween, through which a carrier liquid 44 is passed and in which electrophoresis of a migrant material injected into the carrier liquid 44 takes place. An inlet for the migrant material is defined within the stator 12 and comprises a supply duct 34, a first annular chamber 140, a second annular chamber 144, a peripheral slot 150, ducts 134 providing communication between the supply duct and the first chamber, and channels 142 providing communication between the first chamber and the second chamber. Migrant material flows from the second chamber through the slot to emerge uniformly into the carrier liquid as a well defined narrow layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1986
    Assignee: United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
    Inventor: Peter C. Lovegrove
  • Patent number: 4617103
    Abstract: A continuous flow electrophoretic separator (10) is provided, comprising a cylindrical stator (12) and a concentric tubular rotor (14), and electrode systems (24, 26) incorporated into the stator and the rotor defining between them an annular separation chamber (28). One or both electrode systems include a tubular semi-permeable membrane (56) supported by a support tube (58) of a rigid plastics material and grooved on its inner and outer surfaces. The grooves (64, 62) are deep enough to provide fluid communication between the two surfaces of the support tube, and those grooves (64) adjacent to the separation chamber are preferably less than 3 mm wide. If the membrane (56) is between the support tube (58) and the separation chamber (28), then the support tube (58) may have both longitudinal (60) and circumferential grooves (64) adjacent the membrane, and longitudinal grooves (62) on its other surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1986
    Assignee: United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
    Inventor: Peter C. Lovegrove
  • Patent number: 4612104
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell has an annular flow passage for electrolyte solution. The cell is designed such that, in an intermediate zone, the passage is of constant cross-section (to achieve high electrolytic activity) and, in end zones, the passage progressively increases in cross-section to a maximum value (to lower the current density in regions in which unwanted deposition of salts may preferentially occur). The cross-sectional shape of the passage along its length also assists in reducing turbulence in the flow thereby reducing the rate of deposition of salts. Owing to the low rate of deposition, it is possible to maintain the electrodes relatively clean by current reversal at relatively infrequent intervals. That enables the cell to be used for longer periods between cleaning operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Assignee: Cogent Ltd.
    Inventors: John P. Holmes, Roderick W. Froud
  • Patent number: 4612102
    Abstract: A silver recovery system includes a novel power supply and a novel structure for a cell used in the recovery system. The power supply monitors the conductivity of the electrolyte of the silver recovery system and automatically sets power to the operating or standby modes depending on the magnitude of the conductivity. Thus, the system is capable of unattended operation. The cell consists of a canister which is a hollow cylinder having an open top end and a closed bottom end. The anode is an elongated rod and extends into the canister centrally thereof, and the cathode is a partial cylinder which surrounds the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1986
    Assignee: Siltec Marketing International Ltd.
    Inventors: Rene J. Brimo, John Lariviere, James Riedl
  • Patent number: 4601802
    Abstract: An apparatus for internally electropolishing tubes in which a plurality of elongate tubes are horizontally supported and rotatably driven about their length axes. An outlet fitting including an end dam permits rotation of the tube outlet end therein, allows escape of gases from the upper portion of the tube, and permits overflow of electrolyte liquid thereover and fixedly supports the end of a cathode rod. The cathode rod is formed as two aligned, axially adjacent partial length sections. The positive terminal of an electric current supply connects at a plurality of points to the tube along its length and connects at its negative terminal individually to the outer ends of the two cathode sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1986
    Assignee: The Upjohn Company
    Inventors: Thomas L. Grimes, Robert Roeland, Frederic H. Schadewald
  • Patent number: 4599158
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a simple electrolysis apparatus utilizing no physical electrical connecting means to an array of electrodes. The apparatus comprises an array of electrode plates aligned radially from the axis of symmetry, a container housing the electrode plates or cells, a coil of wire around the periphery of the container and means to provide an appropriate variation in the coil current conducive to the occurrence of the electrolysis process between the electrode plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1986
    Inventor: Bernard G. F. Ofenloch
  • Patent number: 4584081
    Abstract: The apparatus is particularly intended for depositing chromium on the bearing surfaces of bearings and end stops of turbine rotors made of chromium steel in order to obtain a good coefficient of friction thereon. The apparatus comprises a vat (1) having a vertical axis 00' constituted by a cylindrical portion (2) terminated by a conical portion (3), said vat (1) being filled with electrolyte, first means (7, 8) disposed near the top of said vat (1) for feeding the vat (1) with electrolyte, second means (4) situated at the bottom of the vat (1) for emptying the electrolyte, third means (32, 33) situated between the second means (4) and the first means (7, 8) for regenerating and circulating the electroylte, fourth means (15) for supporting a curtain of anodes (17) made of the metal to be deposited and for rotating the electrolyte about the axis 00', and fifth means (29) for applying current of given polarity to the curtain of anodes (17 ).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1986
    Assignee: Alsthom-Atlantique
    Inventor: Andre Coulon
  • Patent number: 4581119
    Abstract: Apparatus for separating a dispersed liquid phase from a continuous liquid phase by electrostatic coalescence comprising an elongated vessel having an inlet and outlet. The vessel is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment with the compartments being in fluid communication with one another. Each compartment is provided with a plurality of substantially parallel cylindrical cathodic elements arranged in the main flow direction, and a plurality of rod-like anodic elements, each element being substantially concentrically arranged inside a cathodic element. The cathodic elements of the first compartment have cross-sectional areas substantially larger than the cross-sectional areas of the cathodic elements of each consecutive compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Jayantilal B. Rajani, Stephanus Paardekooper
  • Patent number: 4578168
    Abstract: A single wire electrode is supported at one end by a cylinder cap which has pins for guiding the electrode into an upwardly opening fusion chamber defined by a heavy metal cylinder. In a second embodiment, multiple secondary wire electrodes are spaced circumferentially about a central primary wire electrode. In a third embodiment, a laminate wire mesh electrode assembly is mounted within a rectangular cartridge fusion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1986
    Assignee: Biotronics
    Inventor: Gunter A. Hofmann
  • Patent number: 4543172
    Abstract: High speed plating apparatus in which a cylindrical electrode structure has fitted into it a metal tube. The metal tube has a higher melting point than the electrode, is corrosion resistant to plating liquid and protects the inner surface of the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1985
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Suzuki, Hiroshi Tsukakoshi
  • Patent number: 4533451
    Abstract: An electrolyzed water producing apparatus according to the invention is adapted to be directly connected to a faucet of a water service to continuously producing alkali ionic water and acid ionic water by electrolyzing operation and comprises an electronic control device including an automatic-manual operation changing circuit for changing the apparatus between automatic and manual operation modes, an electric current adjusting circuit for adjusting electrolytic current dependent upon variation in water quality, and a slow start circuit for automatically delaying the time when starting supply of the electrolytic current relative to the time when starting supply of water at a commencement of operation of said apparatus in the automatic operation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kogai Boshi Sogo Kenkyusho
    Inventor: Eiji Kumazawa
  • Patent number: 4533454
    Abstract: An important increase in the yield of 3,6-dichloropicolinic acid prepared by electrolytic reduction of tetrachloro-2-picolinic acid (in basic, aqueous solution, at a silver cathode) results when a stainless steel anode is used, rather than those (graphite, e.g.) taught in the prior art (U.S. Pat. No. 4,217,185).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Demetrios Kyriacou, Donald N. Brattesani
  • Patent number: 4525272
    Abstract: An improved water purification system. The system utilizes an electrolytic cell and maintains a generally constant current flow through the electrolytic cell when the electrical resistance of water being treated by the cell varies. The relationship between current flow through the electrolytic cell and the temperature of water moving through the cell can generally be represented in linear graphical form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1985
    Assignee: Swimaid, Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Henson
  • Patent number: 4519889
    Abstract: A novel process for the halogenation of water comprising passing an electrolysis current through a porous, permeable anode and a cathode forming an electrodic gap with water passing therethrough, passing an aqueous solution of an alkali metal halide containing at least 25 g/l of said halide through the porous, permeable anode into the electrodic gap and controlling the hydrodynamic flow through the said anode to maintain the weight ratio of active halogen to halide in the water leaving the electrodic gap of at least 0.2, preferably near 1, and a novel electrolytic apparatus for effecting the said electrolysis and more generally suited for releasing anodically oxidated chemical species into a supporting electrolyte flowing through the cell while restraining the release of the non-oxidated species into the supporting electrolyte, that is into the effluent solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Assignee: Oronzio deNora Impianti Elettrochimici S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alberto Pellegri, Placido M. Spaziante
  • Patent number: 4498967
    Abstract: The homogeneity of the electrolyte bath close to the surface to be coated is of great importance when depositing dispersion coatings by electrolyte co-precipitation of solid particles in suspension and at least one dissolved metal salt. Homogenous suspension electrolyte is made to flow continuously onto the surface (24) to be coated with the help of at least one feed pipe (42) which features outlets (43) directed at that surface (24) and which moves along adjacent to the said surface (24). The said feed pipe (42) is connected via a pipe (41) to a hollow axle (3) and such that these parts together form a rotor. The workpiece (2) to be coated can at the same time serve as the container for the electrolyte bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1985
    Assignee: Swiss Aluminium Ltd.
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Paulet, Othmar Eisenlohr
  • Patent number: 4443320
    Abstract: The treater is provided with oppositely charged electrodes which cause liquid passing through the treater to be exposed to an electric field. At least one of the electrodes includes a distribution of sharp projections which protrude outwardly therefrom toward the opposite electrode. Such projections are all provided with outermost, conical tips that serve to inject charge carriers into the liquid at an accelerated rate if the treater is electrolytic in nature and serve to focus or concentrate the electric field if the treater is electrostatic in nature as a result of the two electrodes of the treater being electrically insulated from one another across the liquid being treated. A number of treater variations are provided, including flat plate-type electrodes and cylindrical versions of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1984
    Inventor: Arthur S. King
  • Patent number: 4441976
    Abstract: A workpiece to be treated, for example, an engine cylinder, is held vertically with a liquid-tight seal in a treatment device including a head which is fixed in the working plane of a work bench, and a counterhead supported from the work bench by a bracket which can be raised hydraulically. The device is selectively connectible, through control valves and circulation pumps, to reservoirs containing different treatment liquids. The liquids enter the cylinder in an ascending flow through the head in such a way as to avoid swirling movements. Preferably, several treatment devices are arranged to work in synchronism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1984
    Assignee: Centro Ricerche Fiat S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giuliano Iemmi, Michele Raimondo, Luigi Mo
  • Patent number: 4440616
    Abstract: A device for collecting ionized metal from a liquid solution, such as silver from photographic or radiographic solutions, which is highly efficient in operation and convenient in use. Efficiency of the device results from a unique impeller/turbulator which, besides being adapted to pump liquid through the device, induces a relatively high state of turbulence in such flow that promotes electrolytic action. A cathode on which metal ions are deposited is formed of a flexible sheet of carbon-filled plastic that is low enough in cost to be conveniently disposable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1984
    Assignee: General Dental Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Houseman
  • Patent number: 4439295
    Abstract: A chlorine generating apparatus for chlorine treating of a body of water and comprising a pair of concentrically arranged tanks having concentrically arranged access ports, the inner tank being a salt tank and having a perforated portion at the bottom thereof in communication with an anode chamber, and the annulus between the two tanks being a cathode chamber. A salt plug-gas trap assembly is removably secured to the concentric ports of the two tanks, the assembly having a chlorine tube extending therein which is open to the interior of the salt tank for receiving the generated chlorine therefrom and being independently open to the cathode chamber for receiving circulating water therefrom. The chlorine is mixed with the water in the gas trap and the chlorinated water is returned to the body of water being treated by the chlorine generating apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Inventor: Joseph M. Richards
  • Patent number: 4439300
    Abstract: A device for collecting ionized metal from a liquid solution, such as silver from photographic or radiographic solutions, which is highly efficient in operation and convenient in use. Efficiency of the device results from a unique flow path which induces vortex currents that promote increased electrolytic action. A cathode on which metal ions are deposited is formed of a configuration and composition that is sufficiently inexpensive to be considered disposable. Disassembly and reassembly of the device is accomplished with a minimum of effort and manipulative steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1984
    Assignee: General Dental, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Houseman
  • Patent number: 4419206
    Abstract: An electronic water treating device comprising a brass body from which projects a graphite anode and to which is secured a stainless steel canister which functions as a cathode. The device includes an electronic power head connected to an external power supply. A 115 volt AC house current is transformed into two 6.3 volt circuits. The first anode powered circuit receives 6.3 volts which is rectified through a diode bridge and powers the anode through a biased resistance. The second 6.3 volt circuit is rectified through a diode and passes through a condenser and resistance through a transistor and resister to the anode. This latter circuit is a voltage measuring circuit interconnected through a relay to a warning light which is energized and lighted if substantial variation in the current being transmitted occurs. This usually arises when an accumulation of sludge-like calcium carbonate, calcium sulphate and magnesium collects in the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Inventor: James R. Frame
  • Patent number: 4406753
    Abstract: An electrolytic metal recovery cell is described in which a cylindrical cathode is mounted for rotation in a housing having an inlet and outlet for solution from which metal is to be recovered. The housing contains an anode and a cutter blade is mounted so as to be capable of removing metal deposited over the whole face of the cathode when the cell is in use. In order to control the operation of the cell, electrical means are provided for operating the cutter blade at predetermined intervals of time irrespective of the electrolysis conditions and for operating the cutter blade when a monitored cathode potential deviates a predetermined amount from a desired value.By this means the use of previously proposed scrapers and their attendant disadvantages are avoided and the cell can be easily controlled either under steady state electrolytic conditions or even when there are large variations in the concentration of the metal ions in solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1983
    Assignee: Ciba-Geigy AG
    Inventors: Colin C. Blake, Charles C. O. Goodall
  • Patent number: 4399019
    Abstract: The electroplating cell includes a reservoir of electroplating solution into which a workpiece supporting and locating structure is able to be lowered. The workpiece supporting structure supports and locates a plurality of semi-cylindrical bearing elements in a column around a cylindrical anode structure. A plating cavity is defined between the bearing elements and the anode structure. The anode structure includes a tubular anode basket having a plurality of apertures therein and a woven liner along its interior. A copper rod is attached to the anode basket and extends along its central axis for supplying electrical potential to pellets of the plating metal disposed within the anode basket and for rotating the anode basket. A plurality of vanes are attached to the exterior of the anode basket for rotation through the plating cavity to stir the plating solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1983
    Assignee: Imperial Clevite Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne A. Kruper, Ralph R. Green
  • Patent number: 4381982
    Abstract: Polypropylene plastic baskets for phosphorized or non-phosphorized copper anode nuggets are suspended, one on each side of a cylinder to be plated, in a bath of plating electrolyte. The tops of the baskets are disposed beneath the surface of the plating solution, the upper portion of the cylinder is above the surface of the electrolyte, lead anode conductor strips extend downwardly along the insides of the rear walls of the baskets, and the front walls of the baskets are perforate.After the cylinder is printed out, it is returned to the plating apparatus and reversely plated to remove the copper. In order to prevent the copper from building up through the perforations in the inner walls of the baskets and to keep reduced-size nuggets from protruding through the basket openings, a porous plastic sheet is disposed over the lower portion of the inner surface of the inner wall of each of the baskets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1983
    Assignee: Printing Machinery & Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Hubert Metzger
  • Patent number: 4379043
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for decomposing water and producing detonating gas by electrolysis. The apparatus includes a plurality of annular carbon electrodes which are concentrically arranged about a common vertical axis. The annular electrodes are perforated and have upper and lower ends, the lower ends being positioned adjacent to sealing and insulating elements in order to form a plurality of concentrically-arranged cells for containing electrolyte, e.g., water. A solid carbon electrode, preferably cylindrical, is positioned within the smallest concentric electrode and along the common axis. Apparatus is provided for supplying water to the cells, and for applying a direct current across the electrodes in order to evolve the detonating gas from the electrolyte in the cells by electrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1983
    Assignees: Robert G. Francisco, Loren V. Williams, Dan Hennigan, James R. Cornish, Charles R. Allen
    Inventor: Claude L. Chappelle
  • Patent number: 4372829
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing metal from a metal containing solution employing an electrolytic cell by introducing a plurality of streams of the metal containing solution into the bottom region of the cell at an acute angle to the radius of a right cylindrical cathode in the cell, and withdrawing solution from the bottom region of the cell approximately at the center of the cathode. The streams of metal containing solution flows in spiral paths along the cylindrical cathode from the bottom region of the cell upwardly toward the top region of the cell to create a vortex effect. The processing by electrolytic removal of the metal on the cathode is improved by the continuous replenishment of solution along the cathode. From the top region of the cell the processed solution moves inwardly and falls toward the bottom region of the cell where it is collected into a central pool and removed from the electrolytic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1983
    Inventor: Johnny C. Cox
  • Patent number: 4369101
    Abstract: Tubes, especially nuclear fuel element jacket tubes, in many cases must be polished internally as well as externally. Previously there was not a satisfactory process for doing this. An electropolishing process for the inner surface of tubes for achieving uniform polishing is desirable. This is accomplished with apparatus in which a metal lance is inserted into the tube being treated. Insulating spacers at the point of the lance and rearwardly thereof from a cathode therebetween spaced uniformly from the inner surface of the tube. Electrolyte flows through such space and preferably is supplied from the interior of the lance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1983
    Assignee: Nukem GmbH
    Inventors: Willi Wolff, Ottomar Pfahls, Reinhold Schumacher
  • Patent number: 4367127
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell for recovering from electrolytes metals, the ionic species of which are present at relatively low concentration. The cell comprises a container for the electrolyte, and and an electrode assembly in the container comprising (1) a tub-tubular sparger, having a central axial cavity bounded by an electrolyte-permeable cylindrical wall, and having an opening for receiving flow of the electrolyte into the central cavity and being otherwise closed, whereby the electrolyte flows radially from the sparger through the cylindrical wall; (2) a first electrolyte-permeable, high surface area electrode, coaxially surrounding the sparger to receive the flow therefrom; (3) an electrically insulating electrolyte-permeable spacer being coaxial with and surrounding the first electrode; and (4) a second electrolyte-permeable electrode being coaxial with the first electrode and contacting the insulating spacer at the side opposed to the first electrode, for receiving and passing the continuing radial flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1983
    Assignee: Vanguard Research Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert S. Messing, Thomas R. Stanford, Jean A. Lochet, Rajendra B. Patel
  • Patent number: 4352727
    Abstract: Polypropylene plastic baskets for phosphorized or non-phosphorized copper anode nuggets are suspended, one on each side of a cylinder to be plated, in a bath of plating electrolyte. The tops of the baskets are disposed beneath the surface of the plating solution, the upper portion of the cylinder is above the surface of the electrolyte, lead anode conductor strips extend downwardly along the insides of the rear walls of the baskets, and the front walls of the baskets are perforated.When the cylinder is printed out, it is returned to the plating apparatus and reversably plated so as to return the copper to the nuggets. In order to prevent the copper from building up through the perforations in the inner walls of the baskets, a porous plastic sheet is disposed over the inner surface of the inner walls of the baskets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1982
    Assignee: Printing Machinery & Electronics Corporation, Inc.
    Inventor: Hubert Metzger
  • Patent number: 4345977
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a metal on a large-diameter cylindrical bore which passes right through the central portion of a large part. The invention consists in placing and centering the large part (1) between an upper tank (4) and a lower tank (3), so as to define a chamber (8) inside which the bore (2) is disposed and outside which the peripheral portions (9) of the part (1) extend, said chamber being filled with electrolyte. The electrolyte is homogenized and regenerated continuously outside the chamber (8) before being injected in the chamber (8) and before being entrained in a spirally descending motion to the level of the bore (2). The metal deposit takes place under the effect of a direct current which circulates between metal anodes (14) disposed in the bore (2) and the part (1) which serves as a cathode.The invention is used for depositing nickel on the bores of turbine rotor wheels so as to adjust dimensions or prevent fretting corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1982
    Assignees: Alsthom-Atlantique, TSM. Traitements de Surface et Mecanique
    Inventors: Jacques Blanc, Andre Coulon, Gilbert Pellus
  • Patent number: 4341617
    Abstract: The treater is provided with oppositely charged electrodes which cause liquid passing through the treater to be exposed to an electric field. At least one of the electrodes includes a distribution of sharp projections which protrude outwardly therefrom toward the opposite electrode. Such projections are all provided with outermost, conical tips that serve to inject charge carriers into the liquid at an accelerated rate if the treater is electrolytic in nature and serve to focus or concentrate the electric field if the treater is electrostatic in nature as a result of the two electrodes of the treater being electrically insulated from one another across the liquid being treated. A number of treater variations are provided, including flat plate-type electrodes and cylindrical versions of the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1982
    Inventor: Arthur S. King
  • Patent number: 4331527
    Abstract: Polypropylene plastic baskets for phosphor copper anode nuggets are suspended, one on each side of a cylinder to be plated, in a bath of plating electrolyte. The tops of the baskets are disposed beneath the surface of the plating solution, the upper portion of the cylinder is above the surface of the electrolyte, and lead anode conductor strips extend downwardly along the insides of the rear walls of the baskets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1982
    Assignee: Printing Machinery & Electronics, Inc.
    Inventor: Hubert Metzger
  • Patent number: 4319971
    Abstract: The electrolysis device of the present invention comprises an elongated vertically disposed hollow housing having an upper end and an open lower end. The housing has at least one inlet opening spaced above the open lower end. An anode is placed within the hollow housing, and a cathode plate is detachably mounted to the lower end of the housing. An electrically operated impeller is mounted between the inlet opening and the open lower end of the housing, and it draws fluid within the inlet opening and drives it outwardly through the open lower end of the housing. The silver ions collect on the negatively charged cathode plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1982
    Assignee: Metal Extraction Processes Corporation
    Inventors: Dallis L. Good, David L. Good
  • Patent number: 4303481
    Abstract: The invention relates to the plating of conductive components by electrolytic deposition.An electroplating device in accordance with the invention comprises at least one electrolytic cell containing a tubular anode and having inlet and outlet connections for a bath of electrolyte flowing longitudinally through the anode. A removable component-holder of the device comprising means for gripping a component for plating, which component holder is electrically connected to a cathode-supply plate and is adapted to be mounted on the cell to close it and suspend the component along the axis of the anode.The device can be used inter alia for plating with hard chromium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1981
    Assignee: Centre Techniques des Industries Mecaniques
    Inventors: Francois Mortier, Jean-Jacques Sabatier
  • Patent number: 4302317
    Abstract: The invention contemplates recovery of silver (a precious metal) from waste photographic-fixer solution, the apparatus being so devised and controlled that high purity is achieved in the reclaimed metal without contamination of the remaining solution. As a result, the remaining solution may be recycled, and requirements for replenishment of fixer chemical are held to minimum quantities. In an automated employment of the invention, assurance is provided that electroplating action will be called for only when it can be safely performed, without impairment of quality in the reclaimed metal or in the recycled solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1981
    Inventor: Karl J. Mock
  • Patent number: 4302320
    Abstract: An electrolyzer device and apparatus for producing water gas at room temperature and pressures that is substantially free from impurities. An electrolyzer cell is described in which a body of carbon-containing material such as pure carbon, graphite, coal or coke is positioned in contact with water which has been rendered conductive by the addition of a solute such as sulphuric acid. A current is passed through the carbon-containing material and water thereby producing water gas as an output product. In one embodiment, the carbon-containing material is pulverized, immersed in conductive water, contacted on one side by a lining of hard carbon material such as graphite and on the other by a porous conductive electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1981
    Inventor: Arlin C. Lewis
  • Patent number: 4302318
    Abstract: The invention illustratively contemplates recovery of silver from waste photographic-fixer solution, the apparatus being so devised and controlled that high purity is achieved in the reclaimed metal without contamination of the remaining solution. As a result, the remaining solution may be recycled, and requirements for replenishment of fixer chemical are held to minimum quantities. In an automated employment of the invention, assurance is provided that electroplating action will be called for only when it can be safely performed, without impairment of quality in the reclaimed metal or in the recycled solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1981
    Inventor: Karl J. Mock
  • Patent number: 4293400
    Abstract: Solids precipitate out of an aqueous solution after it has passed through a negatively charged tubular steel electrode and then through the annular space between the negatively charged electrode and a positively charged tubular aluminum electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1981
    Inventor: James J. Liggett
  • Patent number: 4285794
    Abstract: Shunt currents can be eliminated in electrochemical devices by introducing nulling currents via auxilary electrodes. In electrochemical devices including those having a circulating electrolyte, such electrodes are designed to have a generally annular shape in order to provide a substantially uniform current density profile along a common electrolyte carrying manifold. The uniform current density profile allows for the elimination of these harmful shunt currents with a minimum of power consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1981
    Assignee: Exxon Research & Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Richard J. Bellows, Patrick G. Grimes, Chester W. Elspass
  • Patent number: 4280884
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovery of metallic silver from a silver containing aqueous solution employing an electrolytic cell by introducing such solution to a hollow central anode and jetting the solution from the anode through a plurality of apertures having outwardly flared exit sections in generally conically configured streams from the anode toward an outer circumscribing cathode of the cell. The solution issuing forth simultaneously from the several apertures is moved in a plurality of streams toward the cathode, each stream diffusing as it nears the cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1981
    Assignee: Demco, Inc.
    Inventors: James H. Babb, Johnny C. Cox
  • Patent number: 4280885
    Abstract: This disclosure involves the employment of novel assemblies of electrode structures deposited upon, for example, strongly hygroscopic insulators and activated by small voltages to effect active electrolysis of adsorbed water as an effective getter for semiconductor and similar devices, with the process of preparation of the same being adapted either to enable modification of existing devices, or for supplementation to existing device manufacturing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1981
    Inventor: James W. Savery
  • Patent number: 4279706
    Abstract: A method and assembly for depositing a metal on a cylindrical bore which passes through the central portion of a large part. The invention consists in placing and centering the large part (1) between an upper tank (4) and a lower tank (3), so as to define a chamber (8) inside which the bore (2) is disposed and outside which the peripheral portion (9) of the part (1) extends, said chamber being filled with electrolyte. The electrolyte is homogenized and regenerated continuously by a current which flows between metal anodes (14) in the bore (2) and the part (2) serving as a cathode.The invention is used for depositing nickel on the bores of turbine rotor wheels so as to adjust dimensions or prevent fretting corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1981
    Assignees: Alsthom-Atlantique, TSM Traitements de Surface et Mecanique
    Inventors: Jacques Blanc, Andre Coulon, Gilbert Pellus
  • Patent number: 4278527
    Abstract: Electrolytic apparatus is described for purifying an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide containing an impurity of a soluble heavy metal complex comprised of a heavy metal cation and a plurality of anions.For example, an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide containing a soluble heavy metal complex, such as mercuric polysulfide, [HgS].sup.+ S.sup.-, is charged to the electrolytic chamber of an electrolytic cell. An electric current is employed to reduce heavy metal cations to a separate phase in elemental form, and simultaneously to oxidize anions to a separate phase in elemental form, and to form a slurry of the separate phases in elemental forms in the aqueous solution.The slurry is removed from the electrolytic chamber and the phases of elemental forms are separated from the purified aqueous solution. The purified alkali metal hydroxide solution is sold commercially or otherwise utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1981
    Assignee: Olin Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald L. Dotson
  • Patent number: 4276147
    Abstract: A recovery cell placed directly into the tank holding the metal containing solution is used to recover the metal from solution. A cathode for use in recovery cells is formed of a cellular nonconductive base layer having an outer layer of conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1981
    Inventors: Randolph L. Epner, Ahmad Sam