With Feeding And/or Withdrawal Means Patents (Class 204/275.1)
  • Publication number: 20120000787
    Abstract: An application for a recycler includes a pressure and temperature resistant metal vessel that is filled with a liquid. Within the vessel is at least one submerged electric arc between a pair of carbon base electrodes powered by either a DC or AC current. The vessel has mechanical systems that maintain and optimize the electric arc. The electric arc produces a combustible gas. The liquid is pumped through a bore in one or more of the electrodes, delivering the liquid directly to the location of the arc, thereby reducing or eliminating any ignition of the gas by the arc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: MAGNEGAS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ruggero Maria Santilli
  • Publication number: 20120000786
    Abstract: Described are apparatus and methods for electroplating one or more metals onto a substrate. Embodiments include electroplating apparatus configured for, and methods including, efficient mass transfer during plating so that highly uniform plating layers are obtained. In specific embodiments, the mass transfer is achieved using a combination of impinging flow and shear flow at the wafer surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Steven T. Mayer, David W. Porter
  • Publication number: 20110315547
    Abstract: A plating device for plating a substrate includes a plating solution container for retaining a plating solution. The plating solution container has a sidewall and an opening portion surrounded with the sidewall. Further, the plating device includes a holding member for holding the substrate so that the substrate faces the opening portion of the solution container and is situated away from the plating solution container; a cathode electrode for contacting with an outer circumferential portion of the substrate; an anode electrode for contacting the plating solution in the plating solution container; a plating solution supply device for supplying the plating solution into the plating solution container so that the plating solution overflows through a space between the plating solution container and the substrate after the plating solution contacts with the substrate; and a through hole formed in the sidewall of the plating solution container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventor: Hidetoshi SUEMOTO
  • Patent number: 8080150
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of treating contaminated water containing microorganisms comprising feeding a contaminated water stream at a volumetric flow of about 1 to about 1000 m3/h through an electrolyser zone, said water stream having a conductivity from about 0.0001 to about 100 S/m, electrolysing said water stream in said electrolyser zone defined by at least one electrode pair enabling treatment of microorganisms, said at least one electrode pair comprising an anode and a cathode without separator means, said water stream being guided substantially perpendicularly through said at least one anode and cathode while imposing a voltage across said anode and cathode and supplying a direct current to said anode and cathode, withdrawing from the electrolyser zone a treated water stream. The invention also relates to an electrolytic cell in which said process can be performed, and to the use of the electrolytic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: RWO GmbH
    Inventors: Lars Nyman, Fredrik Herlitz, Jonas Echardt, Takayuki Shimamune, Helga Hakansson
  • Patent number: 8075751
    Abstract: A water chlorinator includes an aqueous chloride ion source; and a pair of dual functional electrodes configured to electrolyze the aqueous chloride ion source, each one of the pair of dual functional electrodes comprising a titanium substrate and a mixed metal oxide coating deposited thereon and consisting essentially of ruthenium oxide and titanium oxide having a molar ratio of 5:95 to 25:75, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Finnchem USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuanwu Xie, Dennis Frederick Dong
  • Publication number: 20110297552
    Abstract: An apparatus (20) for treating contaminated water has an electrocoagulation reactor (26) and a clarifier (30) to receive the effluent of the reactor. The reactor has a reaction vessel (48) having an inlet (58) and an outlet (62), a sacrificial anode (64), a rotatable cathode (68) and a non-sacrificial anode (66). A first gap (70) between the sacrificial anode and the cathode comprises a first water treatment zone. A second gap (74) between the cathode and the non-sacrificial anode comprises the second water treatment zone. The water flow path is from the inlet to the first treatment zone, then to the second treatment zone and then to the outlet. In the clarifier, the reactor effluent is separated into cleaned water and the contaminated sludge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: BOYDEL WASTEWATER TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Randall J. Boyle, Randall C. Deluca
  • Publication number: 20110290707
    Abstract: An automated self-propelled pool cleaner having a housing, a water pump for moving water through the housing, drive means for moving the pool cleaner over the surface of the salt water pool to be cleaned, and an integral electrochemical chlorine generator mounted in the housing, includes a processor/controller that is programmed to activate the chlorine generator, the pump and drive means in predetermined operational sequences that minimize wear and tear on the water pump and drive means, while at the same time distribute and maintain a safe level of sanitizing chlorine in the pool, to thereby obviate the need for an in-line chlorinator or other chemical additive treatments; an optional automated sensor device can be provided to activate a secondary maintenance program which enables the pool cleaner to operate over prolonged periods of time as the sole means for filtering and sanitizing the pool water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Joseph PORAT
  • Publication number: 20110290641
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to electrodeposition apparatus and methods. When depositing films via electrodeposition, where the substrate has an inherent resistivity, for example, sheet resistance in a thin film, methods and apparatus of the invention are used to electrodeposit materials onto the substrate by forming a plurality of ohmic contacts to the substrate surface and thereby overcome the inherent resistance and electrodeposit uniform films. Methods and apparatus of the invention find particular use in solar cell fabrication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: REEL SOLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Kurt H. Weiner, Gaurav Verma
  • Publication number: 20110284371
    Abstract: The leaching and precipitation of noble metals when circulating an electrolyte through a vertical cylindrical electrolytic cell comprising a fixed granular catalyst bed and a three-dimensional cathode filled with activated carbon granules are performed in the same step. Because the electrochemical leaching process and the electrochemical sorption process are performed simultaneously, the consumption of electric energy is reduced and the use of equipment becomes easy. An apparatus for extracting noble metals from inorganic granular waste catalysts comprises a vertical type electrolytic cell, conduit lines, an electrolyte circulating pump, a unit for automatically maintaining the required acidity of the electrolyte being circulated, a filter for filtering activated carbon particles from the electrolyte, control valves, and stop valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: In-Soo Jin, Vladimir Tychinin
  • Publication number: 20110284385
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrolytically treating a surface of a component includes a reaction chamber, a transport chamber and a fluid return path. The reaction chamber is adapted for placing at least a portion of the component therein, and holds a reaction fluid. Fluid enters the reaction chamber through a plurality of inlets. Each inlet directs the fluid toward the component at one or more non-zero vertical angles, and at one or more non-zero horizontal angles. The reaction chamber is a fixture having a cover with an underside shaped to direct the fluid to the surface of the component, such as by having a plurality of slopes. The inlets are through a material that is electrically non-conductive, such as ceramic, plastic, PVC, and fiber reinforced plastic, and/or the fixture further includes a titanium cathode ring that can be vertically adjacent the non-conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Pioneer Metal Finishing
    Inventors: Scott S. Turner, Karsten V. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 8062485
    Abstract: There is disclosed a water treatment device capable of improving the treatment efficiency of for-treatment water and passing the for-treatment water once to sufficiently treat the water without repeatedly circulating the water, and the water treatment device includes a water passing first electrode arranged in the channel of the for-treatment water, a conductive fiber positioned on the downstream side of this first electrode and energized by the first electrode, a water passing second electrode positioned on the downstream side of this conductive fiber and forming a pair with the first electrode, an insulating porous spacer interposed between this second electrode and the conductive fiber, and a supply section which supplies voltages to both of the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yui Ogawa, Hana Oe, Hiroyuki Umezawa
  • Publication number: 20110278178
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to novel methods and novel devices for the continuous manufacture of nanoparticles, microparticles and nanoparticle/liquid solution(s) (e.g., colloids). The nanoparticles (and/or micron-sized particles) comprise a variety of possible compositions, sizes and shapes. The particles (e.g., nanoparticles) are caused to be present (e.g., created and/or the liquid is predisposed to their presence (e.g., conditioned)) in a liquid (e.g., water) by, for example, preferably utilizing at least one adjustable plasma (e.g., created by at least one AC and/or DC power source), which plasma communicates with at least a portion of a surface of the liquid. At least one subsequent and/or substantially simultaneous adjustable electrochemical processing technique is also preferred. Multiple adjustable plasmas and/or adjustable electrochemical processing techniques are preferred. Processing enhancers can be utilized alone or with a plasma. Semicontinuous and batch processes can also be utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: David Kyle Pierce, Mark Gordon Mortenson, David Andrew Bryce, Adam Robert Dorfman, Mikhail Merzliakov, Arthur Maxwell Grace
  • Publication number: 20110278173
    Abstract: A reactor for production of a fluid reaction product includes a reaction chamber, a plurality of fluid connections to supply fluid reactants to the reaction chamber, a reception chamber located directly below the reaction chamber, a transfer device providing a fluid connection between the reaction chamber and the reception chamber so that the reception chamber receives a fluid reaction product produced in the reaction chamber, a control unit and a first device, arranged in the reaction chamber to be in direct contact with the supplied fluids to determine a filling level. The first device includes at least one switching point which is operatively coupled with the control unit such that the supply of the fluid reactants into the reaction chamber is controlled and carried out sequentially.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: Grundfos Alldos Dosing & Disinfection Alldos Eichler GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Gunzinam, Roland Strauch, Wolfgang Ress, Ulrich Stemick
  • Publication number: 20110272289
    Abstract: Boric acid is replenished in an electroplating bath via a replenishment solution comprising boric acid dissolved in pure water, in which the solubility at room temperature is comparable to that in the plating bath at operating temperature. The replenishment solution may be used to replace all or part of the water lost by evaporation. An automated device may be used to replenish boric acid in the electroplating bath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: ECI Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene Shalyt, Peter Bratin
  • Publication number: 20110259755
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1, 101, 201) for electrochemically coating a workpiece (22), including a coating reservoir (2, 102, 202) with a charge opening (5) and a supply reservoir (3, 103, 203), wherein the two reservoirs are in communication through a passage opening (4, 104, 204). The apparatus has at least one electrode (11) and one counter electrode (14). In order to prevent contamination of a coating liquid (20, 120, 220) during an electrochemical deposition process, the apparatus can be switched between a coating position and a rest position by rotating the supply and the coating reservoirs about at least one common axis (A, A?, A?) so that the center of gravity of the volume of the coating reservoir (2, 102, 202) in the coating position is lower in relation to the center of gravity of the volume of the supply reservoir (3, 103, 203) than in the rest position. The invention further relates to a method for coating workpieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Gerhard Reusmann, Werner Schauf, Martin Wiese
  • Publication number: 20110259751
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing solar cells, comprising the steps of—providing silicon containing vitreous substrates, each provided with an electrically conductive material on at least one side thereof, —successively transporting at least a portion of each substrate through an electrolytic solution that is present in an electrolytic bath, —connecting said electrically conductive material as the cathode during the transport of the substrates through the electrolytic bath for the purpose of electrodepositing material from the electrolytic solution onto the electrically conductive material during said transport, wherein the substrates are suspended from a conveyor element during transport and extend in the transport direction. The invention further provides a device for producing solar cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: MECO EQUIPMENT ENGINEERS B.V.
    Inventors: Ronald Langereis, Gregorius Johannes Bertens
  • Publication number: 20110253528
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved electrolytic cell. The cell includes at least one pair of electrodes, an anode and a cathode. In general the anode includes at least one dimension, which is substantially greater than the cathode. In an exemplary embodiment, the length and the width of the anode are greater than the length and width of the cathode. In a first embodiment of a multi-cell chlorine generator, unequal dimension electrodes are stacked together. In a second embodiment of such a generator, the electrodes are of equal dimensions. In another exemplary embodiment of the improved electrolytic cell in accordance with this invention, the cathode forms a U-shaped member and the anode of at least one dimension being greater is located there between. Another embodiment of the chlorine generator includes at least two cells having the U-shaped cathode. In a first exemplary of embodiment of such a chlorine generator, the electrode are parallel to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Wing-kin Hui
  • Patent number: 8038852
    Abstract: A fluorine gas generator for generating highly pure fluorine gas in a stable and safe manner by electrolyzing an electrolytic bath 2 comprising hydrogen fluoride in the form of a molten mixed gas is provided which comprises an electrolytic cell 1 divided, by a partition wall 16, into an anode chamber 3 in which an anode is disposed and a cathode chamber 4 in which a cathode is disposed, pressure maintenance means for maintaining the anode chamber 3 and cathode chamber 4 at atmospheric pressure, and liquid level sensing means 5, 6 capable of sensing the levels of the electrolytic bath 2 in the anode chamber 3 and in the cathode chamber 4, respectively, at three or more level stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Toyo Tanso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuro Tojo, Jiro Hiraiwa, Osamu Yoshimoto, Hitoshi Takebayashi, Yoshitomi Tada, Udai Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8034220
    Abstract: Electrochemical cells modules made up of couples of catalytic multilayer porous electrodes forming the anodes and the cathodes and delimitating external gaseous areas and internal areas containing the electrolyte wherein the pressure modulators, generating two pressure cycles independently synchronized but of opposite phase, act at the inlet and at the outlet of the electrolyte and the multilayer porous electrodes are weeping on the gas side. According to a preferred embodiment the multilayer porous electrodes are hydrophobic and conductive on the gas side, the conductive and catalytic middle layers are hydrophobic and hydrophilic, the non-conductive and non-catalytic layer on the electrolyte side is hydrophilic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignees: Annas S.R.L.
    Inventor: Mario Melosi
  • Publication number: 20110233054
    Abstract: A coupled electrochemical system for its use is disclosed, where a polyol feed, especially a biomass polyol containing feed is reduced in a reducing solution including HI and a metal ion capable of converting I2 to HI during polyol reduction to hydrocarbon or iodohydrocarbon products and where the metal ions are capable of electrochemical reduction so that the system can be run on a batch, semi-continuous or continuous basis. The system is capable of producing hydrocarbon solvent, fuels and lubricating oils.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: BOARD OF REGENTS, UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventor: J. Michael Robinson
  • Publication number: 20110233053
    Abstract: A partial surface treatment apparatus includes a first electrode member electrically connected to a treatment object having a circumferential groove at an outer circumferential surface thereof, a second electrode member having an annular-shaped inner circumferential surface facing the outer circumferential surface while keeping a distance therefrom, an elastic sealing member in an annular shape being sealable a clearance between the outer circumferential surface and the inner circumferential surface at portions on the outer circumferential surface above and below the circumferential groove, an attachment portion where the elastic sealing member is attached while keeping the distance from the outer circumferential surface, a pressure applying mechanism supplying a pressurized fluid into the elastic sealing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Daishi Kobayashi, Kazuhiro Tatsumoto
  • Patent number: 8012330
    Abstract: A plating method, employing a face-down manner of plating and using a resistor body between a substrate and an anode, can securely bring an entire surface to be plated of the substrate into contact with a plating solution without permitting intrusion of air bubbles to the surface to be plated. A resistor body is disposed above the anode and immersed in the plating solution, allowing the plating solution to flow along an upper surface of the resistor body from the periphery toward the center of the resistor body. Thus, a raised portion of the plating solution is created in the center of the upper surface of the resistor body. The substrate is then lowered with the surface facing downwardly so as to fill the space between the surface to be plated of the substrate and the upper surface of the resistor body with the plating solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Kawakami, Tsutomu Nakada
  • Patent number: 8012339
    Abstract: A hand-held spray apparatus is provided, which includes a tank for holding a supply of liquid to be treated and a functional generator carried by the hand-held spray apparatus. The functional generator receives the liquid from the tank and has an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by an ion exchange membrane and electrochemically activates the liquid that is passed through the functional generator. A spray output is coupled to an output of the functional generator and dispenses the electrochemically activated liquid as an output spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventor: Bruce F. Field
  • Publication number: 20110209991
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for establishing more uniform deposition across one or more faces of a workpiece in an electroplating process. The apparatus employs eductors in conjunction with a flow dampener member and other measures to provide a more uniform current distribution and a more uniform metal deposit distribution as reflected in a coefficient of variability that is lower than conventional processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Gebhart, E. Jennings Taylor
  • Publication number: 20110203940
    Abstract: An electrolyte solution, methods, and systems for selectively removing a conductive metal from a substrate are provided. The electrolyte solution comprising nanoparticles that are more noble than the conductive metal being removed, is applied to a substrate to remove the conductive metal selectively relative to a dielectric material without application of an external potential or contact of a processing pad with the surface of the substrate. The solutions and methods can be applied, for example, to remove a conductive metal layer (e.g., barrier metal) selectively relative to dielectric material and to a materially different conductive metal (e.g., copper interconnect) without application of an external potential or contact of a processing pad with the surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Rita J. Klein, Dale W. Collins, Paul Morgan, Joseph N. Greeley, Nishant Sinha
  • Publication number: 20110203918
    Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus is capable of generating hydrogen and oxygen gases from water containing little or no electrolyte. The apparatus includes a container and at least one electrolysis assembly comprising one or more permanent magnets which are covered with at least one pair of porous conductive electrodes separated by a non conductive insulator. The assembly is connected to the leads of a direct current power supply. After the container is filled with water to cover the electrodes, application of voltage from the power supply results in the generation of hydrogen and oxygen gases. This apparatus and method provides a means of producing and distributing hydrogen on-site, simply and inexpensively, since it uses very little energy and liquefaction, transportation, and delivery costs can be avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: Hydrox Energy Corp LLC
    Inventors: Sanford Brown, John D. Parkyn
  • Publication number: 20110203919
    Abstract: A modular array of containers placed in parallel for electrolytic solutions used in metals electrolysis processes, particularly for metals electrowinning and electrorefining processes, assemblable from joinable and sealable prefabricated panels with other equal or similar ones, comprising at least a pair of opposite end walls (1, 2), lateral walls (3, 4), a plurality of floor panels (5) and a plurality of intermediate transverse walls (6), the modular array of containers having a common wall between two adjacent containers, the common wall defined by said intermediate transverse walls (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Miguel Maldonado Ramirez Arellano
  • Patent number: 8003509
    Abstract: A plated film having a uniform film thickness is formed on a surface of a substrate. A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus includes: a holding mechanism for holding a substrate rotatably; a nozzle for supplying a processing solution for performing a plating process on a processing target surface of the substrate; a substrate rotating mechanism for rotating the substrate held by the holding mechanism in a direction along the processing target surface; a nozzle driving mechanism for moving the nozzle in a direction along the processing target surface at a position facing the processing target surface of the substrate held by the holding mechanism; and a control unit for controlling the supply of the processing solution by the nozzle and the movement of the nozzle by the nozzle driving mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Kenichi Hara, Mitsuaki Iwashita, Takashi Tanaka, Takayuki Toshima, Takehiko Orii
  • Publication number: 20110189302
    Abstract: There is provided an automated electrochemical device for generating a biocidal output solution, said device comprising: a flow-through electrochemical cell comprising an anodic chamber and a cathodic chamber for electrolysing an electrolyte to generate an anolyte solution and a catholyte solution; characterised in that the device further comprises: (i) a reservoir for storing catholyte; and (ii) a hydraulic circuit for recirculating catholyte from the reservoir to the anolyte on start-up of the cell, wherein input of catholyte of a compensating strength to the cell anodic chamber, is arranged so as to optimise the cell anolyte pH to produce a stable output solution at the start of the electrolysis process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: TRUSTWATER LTD.
    Inventors: David-Lee Van Niekerk, Edmond O'Reilly, Kevin Keane, Eoin Croke, Michael Campion, Brendan Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20110186494
    Abstract: A chlorine treatment apparatus includes a housing with a cavity containing a chlorine generator for chlorinating a liquid such as water and at least three openings to the cavity. The chlorine generator may be an electrolytic cell. Some embodiments may include one or more plugs for closing the openings. The plugs may be keyed to operate with only certain of the openings. Yet other embodiments may include sensors for monitoring various aspects of the liquid such as temperature, salinity, flow rate, and chlorine concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Yicun Wu, Greg Cwik, Randy Tan
  • Publication number: 20110180424
    Abstract: Process and apparatus to remove colloids and nitrogen compounds from contaminated water by coagulating the colloids and separating them from the water. The solids are floated by sparging and then the floating solids are swept from the surface of the water into an exit port using a conveyor from which downwardly depending flaps skim or near the surface, thus sweeping the floating floc into the exit port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: Potable Water Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Jorge MILLER, Luisa Kling MILLER
  • Publication number: 20110180395
    Abstract: A chlorine-generating apparatus is herein disclosed which uses softened household water and salt. The apparatus includes a freestanding brine tank to hold salt and softened household water. The brine tank includes a submerged chlorine-generating cell, an improved chlorine-generating cell container, and a cell-cleaning reservoir. The brine tank also includes a precipitation tank to help remove minerals from the incoming household water. The chlorine-generating apparatus generates sodium hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide, as well as other sanitizing chemicals. The chlorine-generating apparatus also incorporates an improved method for controlling pH. A water-cooled power supply independently delivers power to the chlorine-generating cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel Moroni Tucker
  • Publication number: 20110163017
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for separating particles and dissolved matter from a produced water fluid stream. Specifically, the present invention includes a first pressure source which transports untreated produced water or contaminated aqueous fluid into a separator annulus with a filter element disposed therein. The untreated fluid is placed under appropriate pressure sufficient to produce turbulent flow, increased particle kinetics and/or cavitation allowing the desired fluid to penetrate and pass into and through the, filter media. The treated fluid is then transported to a collection tank. The contaminant matter retained by the filter media may be removed by the nearly instantaneous reverse pressurization of the separator annulus by a second pressure source thereby removing the contaminant particles away from contact with the filter media, and which may then be transported to a waste collection tank or separator for further treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Raymond Ford Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110162961
    Abstract: A cylinder block plate processing apparatus in which one end side of an inner peripheral surface of a cylinder of a cylinder block is sealed to circulate a process liquid to perform pre-plating or plating processing of the cylinder inner peripheral surface. The apparatus includes: an apparatus body having a workpiece mount table on which the cylinder block is placed; a workpiece holding tool that is provided on the workpiece mount table so as to be vertically movable; an electrode support member including an electrode cylinder mounted to the apparatus body; a processing solution supply member that supplies a processing solution to the electrode support member; an electrode operated by the electrode cylinder; a sealing jig provided to one end of the electrode; a driving mechanism that drives the sealing jig; and a control circuit that controls operations of the processing solution supply member and the driving mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hitoshi Muramatsu, Seiya Kunioka, Naoyuki Suda, Akira Ishibashi, Tomohiro Asou, Manabu Suzuki, Masahiro Ogawa, Minoru Imai
  • Publication number: 20110162528
    Abstract: A reduced water mist generating device (1) is provided with a water acquiring section (3) that acquires water for generating reduced water, a reduced water generating unit (U) that generates the reduced water from the acquired water, a reduced water atomizing section (6) that atomizes the generated reduced water, and a spraying section (7) that sprays the atomized water. With such a configuration, the reduced water can be generated from water, drifted in the form of a mist in a space, and caused to arrive at an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC ELECTRIC WORKS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Yamaguchi, Junpei Ohe, Yukiko Mishima, Hiroshi Suda, Yukiyasu Asano, Yasuhiro Komura, Yoshinori Sainomoto
  • Patent number: 7972484
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas-diffusion electrode for chlor-alkali electrolysis cells integrated in a percolator of plastic porous material suitable for being vertically crossed by a downward flow of electrolyte. The electrode comprises a catalytic composition based on silver and/or nickel mixed to a polymeric binder, directly supported on the percolator without any interposed reticulated metal current collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Industrie De Nora S.p.A.
    Inventors: Christian Urgeghe, Fulvio Federico
  • Patent number: 7972485
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for electromechanically and/or electrochemically-mechanically removing conductive material from a microelectronic substrate. An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment includes a support member configured to releasably carry a microelectronic substrate and first and second electrodes spaced apart from each other and from the microelectronic substrate. A polishing medium is positioned between the electrodes and the support member and has a polishing surface positioned to contact the microelectronic substrate. At least a portion of the first and second electrodes can be recessed from the polishing surface. A liquid, such as an electrolytic liquid, can be provided in the recess, for example, through flow passages in the electrodes and/or the polishing medium. A variable electrical signal is passed from at least one of the electrodes, through the electrolyte and to the microelectronic substrate to remove material from the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventors: Whonchee Lee, Scott E. Moore, Scott G. Meikle
  • Publication number: 20110155564
    Abstract: System (10) for electrocoagulatively removing contaminants from contaminated water (13), electrocoagulation reactor unit (16), and sedimentation column (302). Electrocoagulation reactor unit (16) includes reactor housing assembly (102) having: lower pair of integrally configured, and complementary upper pair of removably and replaceably configured, electrode positioning, spacing, holding elements, and, two wall electrode or electrode wall electrocoagulatively unreactive zones, each having an interior face of a side wall configured flush against and directly contacting adjacent, nearest neighboring, electrode face, for preventing water flowing and making contact therebetween. Sedimentation column (302) includes first sediments-water separator assembly having a water/sediments distributor assembly, and second sediments water separator assembly having downward flow multi-conduit assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: P2W LTD.
    Inventor: Semyon Oifman
  • Patent number: 7967967
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for electrochemical modification of liquid streams employing an electrolytic cell which utilizes an oxidation site defined by an anode, an anode compartment comprising liquid electrolyte anolyte where oxidation is effected, a cathode compartment comprising liquid electrolyte catholyte where reduction is effected, a cathode comprising conducting cathode particulates forming a cathode particulates bed and a current feeder device in at least intermittent contact with said cathode particulates where the cathode particulates are in motion and the particulates motion is substantially independent of bulk electrolyte flow, a separator which confines the cathode particulates to the cathode compartment, constrains electrolyte flow through the cathode particulates bed and permits ionic conduction of current between the anode and cathode, a cathode particulates conveyance system that manipulates cathode particulates motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Inventors: Patrick Ismail James, George Stejic
  • Patent number: 7967960
    Abstract: The fluid-confining apparatus includes at least a substrate holder, at least a confining fluid supplying tube, at least a confining fluid recovering tube, at least a process fluid supplying tube, and at least a process fluid recovering tube. The process fluid supplying tube supplies at least a process fluid, and makes the process fluid contact with at least a treatment region of a wafer. The confining fluid supplying tube continuity supplies at least a confining fluid. The confining fluid does not dissolve the process fluid. The flowing confining fluid can contact with at least a non-treatment region of the wafer, and confines the process fluid into a predetermined space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Hui-Shen Shih, Yu-Fang Chien
  • Publication number: 20110139610
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a catalyst assembly includes a porous substrate material including a substrate bulk and an external surface, the substrate bulk including a network of pores for diffusing fluids there-through, and a two dimension (2-D) extensive catalyst supported on at least a portion of the network of pores to provide a substantially constant catalyst concentration profile along a thickness dimension of the substrate bulk. In certain instances, the network of pores includes an internal pore surface for supporting at least a portion of the 2-D extensive catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Alireza Pezhman Shirvanian
  • Publication number: 20110139609
    Abstract: A water body self-generating electrolytic reduction module is applied to a water body containing oxidizing substances. The water body self-generating electrolytic reduction module includes a self-generating unit and an electrolysis unit. The self-generating unit is coupled to the electrolysis unit. When circulating in a water transmission pipeline, the water body drives the self-generating unit to generate an electric power and deliver the electric power to the electrolysis unit. Upon receiving the electric power, the electrolysis unit performs electrolysis on the water body circulating to the electrolysis unit, so that a reduction reaction occurs to the oxidizing substances in the water body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Chen Pang Liu, Teh Ming Liang, Bor Yu Hu, Chih Chun Chen, Dong Yuan Lin, Wen Ping Lien, Bo Yin Chu
  • Publication number: 20110139629
    Abstract: An electrode material, an electrode and a process for hydrogen chloride electrolysis based on platinum metal as catalyst, in which the electrode material has a nanosize mixture of platinum particles and silver particles, is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: Bayer Material Science AG
    Inventors: Rainer Weber, Jürgen Kintrup, Wolfgang Schuhmann, Michael Bron, Artjom Maljusch, Chikka Nagaiah Tharamani
  • Patent number: 7959785
    Abstract: A hand-held spray apparatus is provided, which includes a tank for holding a supply of liquid to be treated and a functional generator carried by the hand-held spray apparatus. The functional generator receives the liquid from the tank and has an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by an ion exchange membrane and electrochemically activates the liquid that is passed through the functional generator. A spray output is coupled to an output of the functional generator and dispenses the electrochemically activated liquid as an output spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Tennant Company
    Inventor: Bruce F. Field
  • Patent number: 7955481
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling two phase flow in electrolytic cells. The present invention is directed to any electrolytic cell, including but not limited to upflow electrolytic cells that comprise parallel electrodes in a vertical orientation. Fluid control strips are preferably added between the anode and cathode electrodes to control flow of fluid and gas bubbles generated between the electrodes in order to avoid the detrimental effects of gas bubbles on the conductivity of the fluid solution, and thereby increase production and operational efficiency of the electrolytic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: MIOX Corporation
    Inventors: Justin Sanchez, Rodney E. Herrington
  • Publication number: 20110129388
    Abstract: Chlorine dioxide generation systems and methods are disclosed. One or more reactants, such as sodium hypochlorite, may be electrolytically generated on-site for delivery to a reaction column. Low concentration reactants may be used to generate chlorine dioxide as part of a mixed oxy-chloro product stream containing free available chlorine. In at least one embodiment, an optical analyzer may be positioned along a reactant feed line to measure a concentration of reactant supplied to a reaction column. A controller may adjust a flow rate of the reactant in response to information provided by the optical analyzer. The controller may also perform pH control within the system. In some embodiments, the chlorine dioxide generator may be incorporated in an all-liquid water disinfection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: SIEMENS WATER TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventors: Vince G. Alarid, Edward M. Martens, Bobby J. Owings, Glenn W. Holden
  • Publication number: 20110129758
    Abstract: A water electrolysis apparatus includes: a solid electrolyte film; an anode; a cathode; and a flow path. The solid electrolyte film includes a first surface and a second surface opposite side of the first surface. The anode is provided to contact with the first surface in a first surface side. The cathode is provided to be separated from the second surface in a second surface side. The flow path is provided between the second surface and the cathode. Water can flow through the anode. Electrolytic solution can flow through the flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: WATERWARE INC.
    Inventors: Kazunari NAYA, Kenji FUKUI
  • Publication number: 20110120885
    Abstract: A cooling tower water management system is disclosed. A water treatment module is positioned in a water circulation line in a cooling tower. The water treatment module comprises a treatment cell having a cathodic tube and an anodic rod within the tube. A controller and power supply create a pulsed electrical potential across water in the treatment cell from the cathode to the anode to perform electrolysis on the water. Suspended and dissolved solids in the water are built up on a surface within the treatment cell. The controller can initiate a regeneration cycle to remove the built up solids from the surface. The regeneration comprises switching the electrical contact from the anode to a portion of the cathodic tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: Earthwise Environmental Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Miller, Robert C. Warnecke
  • Publication number: 20110122543
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for anodizing a porous valve metal pellet in a flowing liquid electrolyte is described. The apparatus comprises an insulative container comprised of a lower region, a central region including a cavity for holding the pellet, an upper region, and a continuous passageway extending through the lower, central, and upper regions. Lower and upper screens serving as lower and upper electrodes are disposed in the passageway in the lower and upper container regions, respectively. During anodizing, the electrolyte flows through the lower container region including the lower screen, the porous pellet and then the upper container region including the upper screen. The lower and upper screens are at an opposite electrical polarity as the pellet so that a dielectric oxide is formed on the exposed valve metal including interior portions of the pellet that are exposed to the flowing electrolyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: David Goad, Neal Nesselbeck, Jason Hahl
  • Publication number: 20110120886
    Abstract: A water treatment system provides treated water to a point of use by removing at least a portion of any hardness-causing species contained in water from a water source, such as municipal water, well water, brackish water and water containing foulants. The water treatment system typically receives water from the water source or a point of entry and purifies the water containing at least some undesirable species before delivering the treated water to a point of use. The water treatment system has a pressurized reservoir system in line with an electrochemical device such as an electrodeionization device. The water treatment system can have a controller for adjusting or regulating at least one operating parameter of the treatment system or a component of the water treatment system. The electrochemical device can be operated at a low current and low flow rate to minimize water splitting or polarization, which minimizes scale formation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: SIEMENS WATER TECHNOLOGIES HOLDING CORP.
    Inventors: Anil D. Jha, Frederick Wilkins, Evgeniya Freydina, Aytac Sezgi, Reshma Madhusudan, Michael Reardon