Parallel Plate Type Electrodes Patents (Class 204/278.5)
  • Patent number: 8277619
    Abstract: An electroplating apparatus for depositing a conductive material on a semiconductor wafer includes a vessel for holding an electroplating bath, a support for holding a semiconductor wafer within the vessel and beneath a surface of the bath; first and second electrodes within the vessel, between which an electrical current may flow causing conductive material to be electrolytically deposited onto the wafer, a third electrode disposed outside of the bath for applying a static electric charge to the wafer, and an electrical power supply coupled with the third electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Liang Chang, Shau-Lin Shue
  • Publication number: 20120228149
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for electrochemical generation of quaternary ammonium hypohalite salts, which may be combined with the capabilities of free chlorine to form a novel biocidal system. An aqueous solution preferably comprising dissolved quaternary ammonium halide salts is electrolyzed, which converts the halide component of the quaternary ammonium salt to the corresponding halogen. The halogen dissolves in the aqueous solution producing hypohalous acid and hypohalite anion. A combination of one or more quaternary ammonium compounds and a halide salt, surfactant, and/or germicide may be electrolyzed. The solution may be incorporated into a delivery system for example, a spray bottle or hand sanitizer, or as part of a dispensing system whereby quaternary ammonium halide salts absorbed onto wipes can be dispensed as quaternary ammonium hypohalite salts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: MIOX Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew K. Boal, Susan Rivera, Justin Sanchez
  • Patent number: 8252154
    Abstract: An electroplating apparatus includes an electroplating tank, a first supporting bar, a first holding element, two second supporting bars, a number of spaced crossbars, a number of second holding elements, and a power supply. The first holding element is suspended in the tank from the first supporting bar, and the first holding element is configured for holding a plate-shaped workpiece in a manner that the workpiece is oriented along the first supporting bar. The second holding elements are suspended from the corresponding crossbars, each of the second holding elements arranged between the first and one of the second supporting bars and configured for holding a metal block. The power supply includes a cathode for electrical connection to the workpiece through the first supporting bar and the first holding element and an anode for electrically connection to the metal blocks through the second supporting bars and the second holding elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Zhen Ding Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chien-Pang Cheng
  • Patent number: 8252155
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Heavy Gain Limited
    Inventor: Wing-kin Hui
  • Patent number: 8236148
    Abstract: An electrolysis device for preparation of hypochlorous water is provided, comprising an electrolytic cell, and cathodic and anodic electrolytic sheets arranged in the electrolytic cell, wherein the electrolytic cell is separated to form an inner tank for containing hydrochloric acid and an outer tank for circulating tap water, a central portion of the inner tank is sealed and separated relative to the outer tank, and a chlorine discharge outlet connected to the outer tank is provided at the upper end of the inner tank; the cathodic and anodic electrolytic sheets are located on both sides of the inner tank. The electrolysis device without a membrane utilizes tap water and hydrochloric acid as raw materials, having an inner tank for containing hydrochloric acid and an outer tank for circulating tap water. Chlorine generated through electrolysis of hydrochloric acid is discharged from the chlorine discharge outlet and combined with tap water in the outer tank to generate hypochlorous acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventors: Yu Wen Kuan, Tze Kei Choi
  • Patent number: 8226805
    Abstract: An insoluble anode for metal wire electroplating capable of simultaneously electroplating a plurality of metal wires and uniformalizing the electroplating amounts of the metal wires stably for a long time. For realizing these, a plurality of insoluble electrode plates are disposed in a parallel alignment to be placed sandwiching a plurality of wire travel paths from both sides. A plurality of the insoluble electrode plates are tightened and fixed by through-bolts at a plurality of places along the travel path direction. A conductive spacer is interposed in each gap between the insoluble electrode plates at a tightening part by the through-bolt and also a conductive member is provided so as to contact all the electrode plates and the conductive spacers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignees: Daiso Co., Ltd., Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Kawaguchi, Ryuichi Otogawa, Kenichi Murakami, Yuji Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20120168303
    Abstract: A salt water activated emergency lighting device has a body, an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, a water supply module, a draining module and a light board. The body has a first compartment and a second compartment with a through hole therebetween. The anode electrode is mounted in the second compartment. The cathode electrode is mounted through a periphery of the second compartment. When the mains power is down, the water supply module unblocks the through hole, and salt water in the first compartment enters the second compartment. Salt water further reacts with the anode electrode and the cathode electrode in generation of power supplied to the light board for emergency lighting. When the mains power comes back, the through hole is blocked, and the draining module pumps the salt water in the second compartment back to the first compartment. Such cycling fulfills environmental protection without consuming electrode plates unnecessarily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Sueng-Nien KAO
  • Publication number: 20120103797
    Abstract: An electrolytic reactor consisting of a substantially hollow rectangular plastic housing for supporting a plurality of electrode plates using embedded metal fasteners and metal cap brackets for releasably fastening and sealing end cap members to the end of the reactor housing for sealed and pressurized operation in addition to providing a method for sealing and concentric alignment of electrode connectors within the reactor housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: GLOBALSEP CORPORATION
    Inventor: Greg William Hermann
  • Patent number: 8168047
    Abstract: A HHO electrolysis cell mounted in a vehicle for creating hydrogen The hydrogen is mixed with a vehicle's fuel supply for increased fuel mileage. The electrolysis cell includes a cell housing for holding water. A plurality of positive electrode plates are mounted inside the cell housing and attached to a positive pole mounted on top of the cell housing. The positive pole is adapted for connection to a vehicle's electrical source. A plurality of negative electrode plates are mounted inside the housing and indexed in a spaced relationship between each of the positive electrode plates. The negative electrode plates are attached to a negative pole mounted on top of the cell housing. The negative pole is also adapted for connection to a vehicle's electrical source. The negative electrode plates are attached to a moveable plate rod mounted inside the cell housing. One end of the moveable rod is adapted for attachment to a linkage assembly connected to a vehicle's fuel system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventor: Jerry Smith
  • Publication number: 20120097549
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochemical cell and a method for separating carrier-free radionuclides from a solution on an electrode. 18F? is precipitated in an electrochemical cell from an aqueous solution on an anode, which is diamond-coated. Subsequently, the electrochemical cell is dried and supplied with a liquid containing a transfer catalyst, the anode is preferably switched to serve as the cathode, and 18F? is transferred to the liquid phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: Forschungszentrum Juelich GmbH
    Inventor: Kurt Hamacher
  • Patent number: 8163142
    Abstract: A hydrogen system for internal combustion engines, comprising a housing assembly having at least three internal chambers divided by at least two dividing plates. The two dividing plates include a lower dividing plate and an upper dividing plate. Each comprises a plurality of through holes to allow aqueous solution to flow and circulate through the three internal chambers. A hydrogen generator is mounted onto the housing assembly at a predetermined angle. The hydrogen generator comprises a first predetermined number of negative charged plates, a second predetermined number of neutral plates, and a third predetermined number of positive charged plates. The hydrogen generator generates oxygen and hydrogen gas for use in an internal combustion engine to improve combustion efficiency and to decrease emissions. The hydrogen generator serves as an electrolysis cell to generate the oxygen and hydrogen gas with electric current from a power source being passed through the aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Giulio Stama
  • Patent number: 8163141
    Abstract: An improved chlorination system for pools, spas, potable water supplies, and the like, provides a vertically oriented electrolytic cell connected between a pump and a lightly salinated pool. The cell preferably contains a metallic electrode, such as titanium, and a precious metal coated titanium electrode, and has means for passing an electric current through the cell. The present invention further provides a novel electrode stack design, conducive for forming an efficient chlorinator comprising a plurality of interconnecting electrode stacks of separate electrical cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Chlorking, Inc.
    Inventor: David Von Broembsen
  • Patent number: 8147662
    Abstract: The invention concerns a capping board assembly and its multiple connectable sections. Each pair of sections is connected with an interlocking joint, each of which comprises at least one projection and at least one recess that cooperate and prevent the longitudinal and lateral movement of the sections. Each interlocking joint is reinforced by a rod embedded within the section and extending within the projection. The rod has a tip that anchors the projection. The interlocking joints allow precision assembly of the sections of the capping board which greatly benefits strength, installation, replacement and transportation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Pultrusion Technique Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Dufresne
  • Patent number: 8147661
    Abstract: The invention discloses a unit for the electrolysis of water. The unit includes a plurality of stacked conductive plates which are separated from each other by a non conductive sealing ring. At least one of the stacked conductive plates functions as an anode. A plurality of the conductive plates functions as a cathode, wherein the number of cathodes is double the number of anodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Green on Demand GmbH
    Inventors: Joseph Michael Moon, Joseph E. Leiato, Timothy Iinug Mark Yataman Leiato
  • Patent number: 8147663
    Abstract: A scaffold holding one or more ion-conductive ceramic membranes for use in an electrochemical cell is described. Generally, the scaffold includes a thermoplastic plate defining one or more orifices. Each orifice is typically defined by a first, second, and third aperture, wherein the second aperture is disposed between the first and third apertures. The diameter of the second aperture can be larger than the diameters of the first and third apertures. While at an operating temperature the diameter of the ceramic membrane is larger than the diameters of the first and third apertures, heating the scaffold to a sufficient temperature and for a sufficient time causes the third aperture's diameter to become larger than the membrane's diameter. Thus, heating the scaffold may allow the membrane to be inserted into the orifice. Cooling the scaffold can then cause the third aperture's diameter to shrink and trap the membrane within the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Cekamatec, Inc
    Inventors: Scott Suarez, Steven Matthew Quist
  • Publication number: 20120067732
    Abstract: A plating apparatus includes a plating bath configured to perform plating processing of a substrate with a plating solution including an inorganic constituent and an organic constituent introduced into the plating bath, a chemical supplying unit configured to supply each chemical of the inorganic constituent and the organic constituent, an electrode configured to dispose in the plating solution and the electrode configured to selectively adsorb a by-product produced from the organic constituent, and an electric current applying unit configured to apply a predetermined electric current to the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Fumito Shoji, Hiroshi Ota
  • Patent number: 8137514
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing sterilized water, spraying apparatus thereof and capsule containing salt using therein, more particularly, comprises a container having a water receiver for accommodating water; at least one negative electrode having at least one negative electrode projection formed thereon in the water receiver; at least one positive electrode having at least one positive electrode projection formed thereon arranged to face the negative electrode projection in the water receiver; and a power supply for supplying electric current to the negative electrode and the positive electrode, thereby promptly manufacturing a large amount of sterilized water within a short time, and thus, enabling users to use for disinfecting and sterilization the fresh sterilized water immediately after directly manufacturing the sterilized water without having aseptic to injured area or the inside of a nose for rhinitis' patients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Chil-Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20120031754
    Abstract: Electrolytic equipment in the form of radiation mode that is provided with pluralities of baffles (13) in the form of radiation mode on the top surface of the seat (10) and acidic water passage (131) is formed between the baffles (13). The top surface of the seat (10) has through holes (14) used to make anode conduction portions (33) of anode plate (30) through. In the center of the seat (10), there is a socket joint portion (11) that is provided with an inlet and outlet interval tube (15) in the center of it. There are plurality of equidistributed baffles (151, 157) on the inside wall and the outside wall of the inlet and outlet interval tube (15) to form raw water inlet passage (152) and acidic water outlet passage (153).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Wen-Shing Shyu
  • Publication number: 20120018299
    Abstract: An electroplating apparatus includes an electroplating tank, a first anode plate, a first cathode plate, a second cathode plate, a number of first and second elastic elements, a number of pairs of clamping assemblies, a first drive member, and a second drive member. The electroplating tank holds an electrolyte solution. The first elastic elements are interconnected between the first anode plate and the first cathode plate. The second elastic elements are interconnected between the first anode plate and the second cathode plate. Each pair of clamping assemblies are used to clamp opposite ends of a plated-shaped workpiece. The first drive member and the second drive member are used to cooperatively move the clamping assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: FOXCONN ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventor: CHIEN-PANG CHENG
  • Patent number: 8097145
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for the decontamination of fluid, particularly the removal of heavy metals and/or arsenic and/or their compounds from water, by means of electrolysis, wherein the water to be purified subjected to electrodes of different polarities. The invention can include means for control of the pH of the fluid. The invention can also include control systems that allow self-cleaning of electrodes, self-cleaning of filters, and automatic monitoring of maintenance conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: ARS USA LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Polnicki, Giselher Klose
  • Patent number: 8097130
    Abstract: An integrated water treatment system for sanitizing the water in a water system and reducing scaling includes an electrolytic cell through which water is passed. An electronic control system is coupled to the electrolytic cell, to provide a drive current to the cell to generate a sanitizer by electrolysis. The control system applies a variable frequency alternating voltage drive to said cell to reduce scaling build-up in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Balboa Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Cline, Gregory G. Koerber
  • 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: 20110272277
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell includes a plate stack including a plurality of plates spaced apart to define a plurality of channels extending therebetween, a housing arranged around the plurality of plates, and a plurality of terminals connected to the plate stack for placing an electrical potential thereacross. The cell can also include a plurality of adhesive strips arranged between the plurality of plates and further defining the plurality of channels. A method of making an electrolytic cell includes arranging a manifold section mold having a plurality of openings therein over a plurality of pins, arranging a first end of a plate stack in the mold such that the plurality of pins extend into the plurality of channels, and molding a first manifold section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: THE CELL, INC.
    Inventors: Robert T. Potchen, Thomas H. Kaylor
  • Patent number: 8016983
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for producing a metal powder product using conventional electrowinning chemistry (i.e., oxygen evolution at an anode) in a flow-through electrowinning cell. The present invention enables the production of high quality metal powders, including copper powder, from metal-containing solutions using conventional electrowinning processes and/or direct electrowinning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Freeport-McMoran Corporation
    Inventors: Antonioni C. Stevens, Stanley R. Gilbert, Scot P. Sandoval, Timothy G. Robinson, John O. Marsden
  • Patent number: 8012320
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supporting electrodes in an electrolysis installation, said support comprising a busbar having electrodes fastened thereto, said electrodes being disposed on either side of the busbar and extending vertically below said busbar, the busbar and said electrodes being designed to be immersed at least in part in an electrolyte that gives off one or more gaseous species of a corrosive nature. The device further comprises a protective element of carbon/carbon material placed under the busbar, the protective element being of length and width that are not less than the length and the width of the busbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Snecma Propulsion Solide
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Maumus
  • Publication number: 20110203917
    Abstract: A system for producing hydrogen gas fuel used in powering an internal combustion engine of a vehicle comprising a hydrogen reactor which includes at least one set of electrode plates comprising a plurality of neutral, positively charged and negatively charged plates disposed in a predetermined sequence or position relative to one another to define a predetermined stacked array submerged within water maintained in the hydrogen reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Yehuda Shmueli, Eitan Shmueli, Doron Shmueli
  • Publication number: 20110198300
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical filed of electrochemical elimination or reduction of microbial impurities of liquids. The liquids treated may inter alia include wastewater, industrial process water and water intended for human consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: ADEPT WATER TECHNOLOGIES A/S
    Inventors: Jannik Sadolin, Karim Lindberg, Poul Fogh
  • Patent number: 7993501
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the present invention provides an electrolytic cell contact bar having a first pole and a pair of second poles. The second poles are opposite in charge to the first pole and each of the pair of second poles are adjacent to and parallel to the first pole. In various embodiments, the contact bar may include an electrode holder capable of holding at least one electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Freeport-McMoran Corporation
    Inventors: Bret Ashford, William A Ebert, Fernando D Mollo Vega, Samuel Rasmussen, Timothy G Robinson, Scot P Sandoval
  • Patent number: 7938939
    Abstract: A hydrogen generating apparatus and a fuel cell power generation system having the hydrogen generating apparatus are disclosed. The hydrogen generating apparatus can include an electrolyte bath configured to contain an electrolyte solution, an anode placed inside the electrolyte bath and configured to generate electrons, a cathode placed inside the electrolyte bath and configured to receive the electrons from the anode to generate hydrogen, a condensation plate disposed on a transfer path of the hydrogen such that moisture carried in the hydrogen is condensed and the hydrogen is separated, and a heat exchanger configured to cool down the condensation plate heated by the moisture carried in the hydrogen. The hydrogen generating apparatus of the present invention can increase the efficiency of hydrogen generation by removing the moisture carried in the hydrogen while generating the hydrogen and reusing the moisture circulated through the electrolyte solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eon Soo Lee, Jae-Hyoung Gil, Craig Miesse, Jae-Hyuk Jang, Kyoung-Soo Chae
  • Publication number: 20110100840
    Abstract: A flowcell 2 is constituted of insulating substrates 2a and 2b. The two substrates 2a and 2b have been directly bonded to each other by a bonding method for attaining tenacious bonding, for example, anodic bonding or hydrofluoric acid bonding. A channel 6 has been formed at the interface between the substrates 2a and 2b. Part of the substrate 2a which faces the channel 6 has a carbon electrode 4a formed thereon by sintering a pasty carbon material, the electrode 4a extending along the channel 6. On the other hand, the substrate 2b has a groove 6a serving as the channel 6, and has an electrode 4b made of a metal film formed on a bottom surface of the groove 6a.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Hiroaki Nakanishi, Satoshi Konishi, Keisuke Naka
  • Patent number: 7927470
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell is provided that can include: a first electrode plate including a first surface that can include a graphite material; a second electrode plate including a second surface that can include a graphite material opposing the first surface; an electrolytic reaction zone between the first surface and the second surface; and an inlet to and an outlet from the electrolytic reaction zone. The first electrode plate and the second electrode plate can include resin-impregnated monolithic graphite plates. The first electrode plate and the second electrode plate can form opposite internal walls of a chamber for the electrolytic reaction and thus can be provided without a container for containing the electrode plates. Methods are also provided for flow-through-resin-impregnating porous, monolithic graphite plates to form electrode plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: ProChemTech International, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Edward Keister
  • Publication number: 20110079510
    Abstract: A cell for direct treatment of liquid using electrolysis uses a modular construction of electrode plates and spacer assemblies positioned between end plates. Changes in the liquid flow capacity of the cell may be made by changing the number of module housing sections and electrode plate assemblies. The design includes electrode plates that lock into a mating module housing section to resist the pressure of the fluid being treated. The design further provides for multiple fluid flow paths and for automatic cleaning of the cell using standard clean-in-place methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: James A. Tretheway, Myron F. Miller, Karl W. Marschke, Brian R. Hale, Ajit K. Chowdhury, Jeremy J. Vogel
  • Patent number: 7914651
    Abstract: A cathode plate and method for electro-refining or electro-winning of metal. The cathode includes a cathode blade and hanger bar. A quantity of electrically conductive material is wrapped around the hanger bar and along the cathode blade to a position, in use, proximate the level of electrolyte in the electrolytic bath. The provision of a deeper and preferably thicker coating of electrically conductive material, as compared with conventional cathode plates, reduces power consumption in the electrolytic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Mount Isa Mines Limited
    Inventors: Nigel James Aslin, Wayne Keith Webb, Reville Wayne Armstrong, Tim Robinson
  • Patent number: 7897024
    Abstract: A conducting belt is used with an anode holder for supplying an electric current to an anode for plating a surface of a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer. The anode and the substrate are vertically disposed so as to face each other in a plating tank of a plating apparatus. The conducting belt includes a belt capable of contacting an outer circumferential edge of the anode and holding the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsutoshi Yahagi, Kenichi Abe, Yuji Araki, Yoshio Minami, Tomoyasu Nagayumi
  • Publication number: 20110042206
    Abstract: The portable device of the present invention for regulating the hardness of drinking water includes a collapsible electrode group (20) including ion-adsorbing electrodes (21) and (22) and a power supply (13) for applying a voltage between the ion-adsorbing electrode (21) and the ion-adsorbing electrode (22). The first ion-adsorbing electrode (21) includes a first electrically conductive material capable of adsorbing ions. The second ion-adsorbing electrode includes a second electrically conductive material capable of adsorbing ions. In an example, a voltage is applied between the first ion-adsorbing electrode (21) and the second ion-adsorbing electrode (22), with the first and second ion-adsorbing electrodes (21) and (22) being immersed in the drinking water (25). The applied voltage regulates the amount of ions adsorbed on the first and second electrically conductive materials, and thereby the hardness of the drinking water is regulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: TANAH PROCESS LTD.
    Inventors: Seiji Tanahashi, Masakazu Tanahashi, Takanori Nakano
  • Publication number: 20110024303
    Abstract: An electrolyser comprising a stack of electrolysis plates, the plates being maintained in substantial alignment to comprise an electrolysis cell, and a press for applying a compressive force to opposed ends of the cell whereby the press maintains the electrolysis plates in substantial alignment when the electrolyser is in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Zdenek Cerny, Francis Michael Burke
  • Patent number: 7879208
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Yicun Wu, Greg Cwik, Randy Tan
  • Patent number: 7879216
    Abstract: An anode and cathode for an electrolytic cell configured as a low inductance transmission line to enable control of an interphase at an electrode surface. The anode and cathode are coupled to a switched current source by a low inductance path that includes a parallel plate transmission line, a coaxial transmission line, or both. The switched current source provides fast switching between current sources to provide fast charging and discharging of the double-layer capacitance associated with the electrode surface so that an isotope may be selectively transported to the electrode surface for oxidation or reduction. A photon source may be used to create a population of isotope containing species within the electrolyte. An additional static magnetic field and/or an alternating current magnetic excitation source may be used to modify the composition of the population of species containing the isotope to be separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Inventor: Mehlin Dean Matthews
  • Publication number: 20110017607
    Abstract: The invention discloses an on demand hydrogen production unit and a method for the production of hydrogen from water by electrolysis. A container, defining a first portion for holding a plurality of parallel and plate like anodes and a second portion for holding a plurality of parallel and plate like cathodes. A cover is provided with an outlet and an attached duct for oxygen, wherein the duct for oxygen leads to the environment. The cover for the second portion is provided with an outlet and an attached duct for hydrogen, wherein the duct for hydrogen leads to an energy user or an internal combustion engine. An inlet to the container provides water from a reservoir, so that the level of water is maintained at a constant level within the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: Green On Demand, LLP (G.O.D.)
    Inventors: Joseph Michael Moon, Joseph E. Leiato, Timothy Iinug Mark Yataman Leiato
  • Patent number: 7867367
    Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus capable of maximizing contact area between a fluid and electrodes in the apparatus to improve corrosion resistance or combustion efficiency includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port for the water at both ends of the housing, and a plurality of first electrodes installed in the housing for generating a potential difference through delivery of electrons at a contact surface between the fluid and the electrodes. The first electrodes are disc shaped and have a water passing hole formed in a center portion. The first electrodes being arranged in parallel in a direction perpendicular to a main flow direction of the fluid, so as to form a channel between the first electrodes to branch and guide a main flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Sang Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 7854825
    Abstract: A symmetrical double-double contact mechanism for an electro-deposition mechanism. Using a base insulator, a cap block insulator is formed to support four series of electrodes of two different types (anode and cathode). Because of the contact mechanism employed, redundant contacts are provided so that should a short occur, alternative electrical pathways are available to maintain operation of the affected cathode or anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Inventor: William Ebert
  • Publication number: 20100276279
    Abstract: A hydrogen generating system includes a housing defining an interior chamber, an electrolyte solution contained within the interior chamber of the housing, and an electrode plate assembly disposed in the interior chamber of the housing and at least in part submerged in the electrolyte solution. The electrode plate assembly comprises a cathode plate, an anode plate separate from the cathode plate and disposed in spaced relationship therewith, and at least one neutral plate separate from both the anode plate and the cathode plate and disposed therebetween in spaced relationship with the anode plate and the cathode plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: Etorus, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie Paul Arnett, Scott Alan DeHart, Robert E. Yelin, James Leo Icenbice
  • Publication number: 20100258450
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing hydrogen from salt water by electrolysis. The apparatus includes a cathode plate and an anode plate spaced apart from the cathode plate. The apparatus also includes a cathode end connector for electrically connecting the cathode plate to a negative terminal of a direct current electrical power supply, and an anode end connector for electrically connecting the anode plate to a positive terminal of the direct current electrical power supply. The cathode plate is made from aluminum, and the anode plate is made from zinc. The aluminum cathode plate may have a multiplicity of apertures therein. It has been determined that the aluminum cathode plate and the zinc anode plate tend to provide an effective combination for salt water electrolysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: John Christopher BURTCH
  • Patent number: 7799184
    Abstract: Process for the electrochemical decomposition of precursors in powder form by introducing a powder batch between two electrodes of an electrolysis cell, electrodes being designed to be liquid-permeable, and the electrolyte flowing through the powder batch perpendicularly to the electrode surfaces, and electrolysis cell suitable therefor, which is essentially characterized in that at least one electrode has a structure which consists of a supporting pierced plate (5), an electrode plate (3) provided with perforations, and a filter cloth (4) arranged between the supporting pierced plate (5) and the electrode plate (3), and in that the cathode (6) is shielded from the cell by means of a liquid-permeable separator (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: H.C. Starck GmbH
    Inventors: Armin Olbrich, Juliane Meese-Marktscheffel, Gerhard Gille, Viktor Stoller, Wolfgang Mathy
  • Publication number: 20100224483
    Abstract: Disclosed is a unit for producing sterilized water. The unit comprises an electrode module, a pair of electrode rods and a frame. The electrode module includes a pair of electrode plates and a hollow electrode separator positioned between the electrode plates to separate the electrode plates from each other. Each of the electrode plates has a plurality of elongated slots formed therein. The electrode rods apply different voltages to the respective electrode plates. The frame is positioned at one side of the electrode module and has portions for receiving the respective electrode rods. Each of the electrode plates has a pair of holes formed at the circumference thereof. The electrode rods penetrate through the respective holes. The holes have different sizes. The electrode plates are stacked in such a manner that the holes having different sizes overlap each other. This stack enables the application of different voltages to the electrode plates through the respective electrode rods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Keum-il Cho
  • Patent number: 7767065
    Abstract: A problem during electrolytic treatment of printed circuit boards having a very thin basic metallization is that the treatment yields irregular results in various regions on the surface of the printed circuit board. In overcoming this problem the invention provides a device for electrolytically treating an at least superficially electrically conducting work piece having at least two substantially opposing side edges. The device comprises current supply devices for the work piece, said current supply devices each comprising contact strips located on the opposing side edges which are capable of electrically contacting the work piece at the substantially opposing side edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Atotech Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Schneider, Stephan Kenny, Torsten Küssner, Wolfgang Plöse, Bert Reents, Heribert Streup
  • Patent number: 7736476
    Abstract: This invention relates to a system and method for producing a metal powder product using either conventional electrowinning or alternative anode reaction chemistries in a flow-through electrowinning cell. The present invention enables the production of high quality metal powders, including copper powder, from metal-containing solutions using conventional electrowinning processes, direct electrowinning, or alternative anode reaction chemistries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Freeport-McMoran Corporation
    Inventors: Stanley R Gilbert, Scot P Sandoval, Antonioni C Stevens, Timothy G Robinson, John O Marsden
  • Patent number: 7736475
    Abstract: The present invention relates, generally, to a method for electrowinning copper powder, and more particularly to a method for electrowinning copper powder from a copper-containing solution using the ferrous/ferric anode reaction. In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, a process for producing copper powder by electrowinning employs alternative anode reaction technology, namely, the ferrous/ferric anode reaction, and enables the efficient and cost-effective production of copper powder at a total cell voltage of less than about 1.5 V and at current densities of greater than 50 A/ft2. A copper powder electrowinning process in accordance with the present invention also reduces or eliminates acid mist generation that is characteristic of electrowinning operations utilizing conventional electrowinning chemistry (e.g., oxygen evolution at the anode), which is advantageous.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Freeport-McMoran Corporation
    Inventors: Scot P Sandoval, Antonioni C Stevens, Timothy G Robinson, John O Marsden, Stanley R Gilbert
  • Patent number: 7708896
    Abstract: An ion elution unit generates metal ions by applying a voltage between electrodes. Terminals are formed integrally to the electrodes. An interval between the electrodes becomes narrower from an upstream side to a downstream side with respect to a water current flowing through an inside of a casing of the ion elution unit. Terminals that are so laid as to run from the electrodes out of a casing of the ion elution unit are disposed on an upstream side with respect to a water current flowing through an inside of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hirokazu Ooe, Minoru Tadano, Mugihei Ikemizu, Hirofumi Yoshikawa
  • Publication number: 20100101943
    Abstract: A radioactive fluoride anion concentrating device capable of concentrating 18F? ions speedily and efficiently. A flow cell (11) is composed of a metal plate electrode (21), an insulating sheet (23) and a carbon plate electrode (25) located so that the sides of electrodes may be opposed to each other with the insulating sheet (23) inserted between them. An example of the plate metal plate electrode (21) is obtained by forming a film of metallic material on an insulation plate, and an example of the insulating sheet (23) is a PDMS from which a groove being a channel (26) having a thickness of ?500 ?m is cut out. The thickness of the sheet is desirably about 100 ?m. The upper and lower sides of the flow cell (11) are fixed by fixing jigs (27) and (29).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Inventors: Ren Iwata, Eiichi Ozeki, Hiroaki Nakanishi, Katsumasa Sakamoto, Ryo Yamahara