Parallel Plate Type Electrodes Patents (Class 204/278.5)
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Publication number: 20100089746Abstract: A hydrogen-oxygen electrolyzing device for generating hydrogen and oxygen with electrolytic solution comprises a first container providing a receiving trough for containing the electrolyte, and at least an electrolyzing structure; the electrolyzing structure further comprises: at least a serial cell being disposed in the receiving trough and further comprising a plurality of electrodes with a gap between every two neighboring electrodes, a first conductor and a second conductor; the first and second conductors electrically connect with the two outermost electrodes; characterized in that each of the electrodes is a carbon paper electrode with both outer surfaces thereof being changed in material; the carbon paper electrode further comprises: a carbon paper substrate having a first surface and a second surface, a first metal layer being joined to the first surface, and a second metal layer being joined to the second surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Applicants: TROIKA INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.Inventor: CHAO CHANG
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Patent number: 7695607Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 5, 2006Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: ARS USA LLCInventors: Andrew Polnicki, V. Gerald Grafe, Frank Huang
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Patent number: 7674358Abstract: A method for configuring a solar hydrogen generation system and the system optimization are disclosed. The system utilizes photovoltaic modules and an electrolyte solution to efficiently split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The efficiency of solar powered electrolysis of water is optimized by matching the most efficient voltage generated by photovoltaic cells to the most efficient input voltage required by the electrolysis cell(s). Optimizing PV-electrolysis systems makes solar powered hydrogen generation cheaper and more practical for use as an environmentally clean alternative fuel.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2009Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Inventors: Thomas L. Gibson, Nelson A. Kelly
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Publication number: 20090321251Abstract: Contaminants are removed from raw water or discharge water from plants, such as sewerage and industrial plants, by applying direct current through an array of spaced, alternately charged electrodes to eliminate or minimize clogging of the electrodes with precipitated contaminants. Polarity may be switched periodically to assist in eliminating or minimizing clogging. In illustrated embodiments, electrode arrays are contained in housings of dielectric material to form modules, To increase processing capacity, the modules are arranged in parallel arrays. Alternatively, a single module is scaled up for large or industrial applications or scaled down for personal use. Instead of housing the electrode arrays in modules through which liquid passes, the electrode arrays for some batch applications are dipped in the water or aqueous solutions.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2009Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventor: David Rigby
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Patent number: 7625470Abstract: A chemical generator device is arranged in association with an appliance having a cleaning zone where objects are cleaned. The chemical generator device includes an inlet to allow the introduction of at least one chemical composition, an operative area where a desired chemical composition is generated by utilizing the at least one chemical composition, an outlet communicating with the cleaning zone of the appliance, and a dispensing apparatus arranged to dispense the generated chemical composition to the cleaning zone from the operative area through the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2004Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Tremitchell L. Wright, Dennis Kehl, Robert J. Rolek, Joel A. Luckman
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Patent number: 7622025Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 21, 2008Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: ARS USA LLCInventors: Andrew Polnicki, Giselher Klose
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Patent number: 7611611Abstract: There is disclosed a structure of an electrode for use as an anode and/or a cathode in an electrolytic cell. The electrode structure is characterised by a conductive frame (10) having a number of liquid through flow openings (18) and including means (20) for connection to current a supply, in that one or both plane sides of the frame is covered with a conductive perforated foil or a wire mesh, and the wire mesh includes spacer means (18) being adapted to cover the surface structure of the frame (10). A method for preparing said electrode and use of the anode and cathode are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2003Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: ORO, ASInventor: Jarle Belt
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Patent number: 7597786Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer and insulation device (1) for electrically insulating electrodes, particularly anodes (2) and cathodes (3), used in the electrolytic cleaning of metals, from each other in an electrolytic tank (4), for distributing the electrodes as they are hanging in the electrolytic tank and for enabling the electrodes to be transferred, said transfer and insulation device (1) being made of one single piece.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2003Date of Patent: October 6, 2009Assignee: Outotec OyjInventors: Tuomo Kivistö, Tom Marttila
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Patent number: 7591934Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for producing a metal powder product using either conventional electrowinning or alternative anode reaction chemistries in a flow-through electrowinning cell. A new design for a flow-through electrowinning cell that employs both flow-through anodes and flow-through cathodes is described. 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 chemistry.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2008Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Freeport-McMoran CorporationInventors: John O Marsden, Scot P Sandoval, Antonioni C Stevens, Timothy G Robinson, Stanley R Gilbert
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Patent number: 7569304Abstract: A solid electrolyte fuel cell component is formed by tape casting an electrolyte layer and electrode layers to form a green tape which can be manipulated. The green tape is coiled into a form having an S-shaped central portion having oppositely-directed loops, so as to provide a first longitudinal channel presenting an anode surface and a second longitudinal channel presenting a cathode surface. After coiling, the assembly is fired to produce a solid, sintered product.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2002Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: The University Court of The University of St. AndrewsInventors: John Thomas Sirr Irvine, Frances Gwyneth Elaine Jones, Paul Alexander Connor
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Publication number: 20090090638Abstract: Electrochemical processes and apparatus for obtaining metals from metal salts, including for separating alkali metal and alcohols from alkali metal alkoxide compounds, are disclosed. Aqueous solutions of metal alkoxides or metal carbonates are converted to metals by electrochemical processes which may also be integrated into processes for the production of borohydrides, such as sodium borohydride.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2007Publication date: April 9, 2009Inventors: Michael T. Kelly, Oscar A. Moreno, Jeffrey V. Ortega, Ying Wu
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Patent number: 7510640Abstract: A method for configuring a solar hydrogen generation system and the system optimization are disclosed. The system utilizes photovoltaic modules and an electrolyte solution to efficiently split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The efficiency of solar powered electrolysis of water is optimized by matching the most efficient voltage generated by photovoltaic cells to the most efficient input voltage required by the electrolysis cell(s). Optimizing PV-electrolysis systems makes solar powered hydrogen generation cheaper and more practical for use as an environmentally clean alternative fuel.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2005Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventors: Thomas L Gibson, Nelson A Kelly
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Patent number: 7494576Abstract: Apparatus for electroplating a workpiece includes an unassembled electroplating anode assembly having weldable first and second structural anode members. The first structural anode member includes a positioning slot. The second structural anode member includes a positioning tab disposable in the positioning slot. A method for making an electroplating anode assembly includes obtaining an electroplating-anode-assembly first structural anode member having a positioning slot and obtaining an electroplating-anode-assembly second structural anode member having a positioning tab. The method also includes locating the positioning tab in the positioning slot and welding together the first and second structural anode members.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2004Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Mark Alan Rosenzweig, Robert George Zimmerman, Jr., John D. Evans, Sr.
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Patent number: 7470356Abstract: A system, device, and method include a cell-powered first electronic device for monitoring two or more electrolytic cells is powered using electrical potential imposed across the electrolytic cells. The potential is voltage-boosted to accomplish this task. If the electrical potential imposed across the cells is insufficient, the device can also be battery-powered. In any event, this device is in communication with one or more sensors in the electrolytic cells, as well as a second electronic device, and the first and second electronic devices wirelessly communicate. More specifically, the first electronic device wireless transmits data signals to the second electronic device, which receives the same. The first and second electronic devices are physically remote from one another, and they communicate over a private or public network, preferably using spread spectrum technology.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Kennecott Utah Copper CorporationInventors: Eugene Yanjun You, Daniel Kang Kim
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Patent number: 7459071Abstract: A hydrogen-oxygen gas generator comprising an electrolytic cell, an electrode group formed from an anode and a cathode mutually installed in that electrolytic cell, a power supply for applying a voltage across the anode and cathode, a gas trapping means for collecting the hydrogen-oxygen gas generated by electrolyzing the electrolyte fluid and a vibration-stirring means. The gas trapping means is comprised of a lid member installed on the electrolytic cell, a hydrogen-gas extraction tube connecting to the hydrogen-oxygen gas extraction outlet of that lid member. A vibration-stirring means for stirring and agitating the electrolytic fluid is supported by support tables. The distance between the adjacent positive electrode and negative electrode within the electrode group is set within a range of 1 to 20 millimeters.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Japan Techno Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ryushin Omasa
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Patent number: 7452451Abstract: An electrode plate for electrolysis is composed of a plate-form porous ceramic body for electrolyzing a hydrogen-comprising-compound solution, and a conductive portion provided at a part of the ceramic body, wherein particles for composing the ceramic body are comprised of any of fluoride carbon and an element difficult to react to oxygen, and wherein an outmost-nucleus-orbit electron number of the element is even, and porosity having an energy concentration field is provided between the particles in the ceramic body.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masayoshi Kitada, Kosuke Niki
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Patent number: 7442283Abstract: A device and process is presented for producing hydrogen peroxide on an as needed basis is disclosed. The process and device produces hydrogen peroxide on a small scale without the addition of chemicals and disposal of waste streams.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2005Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: UOP LLCInventors: Sanjay N. Gandhi, Robert T. Sprague, Lin Li, Massimo Sangalli, Kurt M. Vanden Bussche, Richard A. Janicki, Anil R. Oroskar, Laszlo T. Nemeth, Kerry S. Crosby, Pat Palmese
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Patent number: 7431810Abstract: An electrowinning cell, having a tank with an opened upper end defined by a tank edge, electrolyte within the tank and a plurality of flat, metallic electrode plates disposed within the tank in side-by-side, spaced-apart, parallel relationship. Adjacent electrode plates define an electrode gap therebetween. An injector manifold is disposed at the bottom of the tank for feeding electrolyte into the tank at locations below the electrode plates. A collector grid, comprised of a plurality of collectors having ports, define an upper level of electrolyte by collecting the electrolyte from the tank. The ports are disposed in spaced-apart relationship within the open upper end defined by the tank edge. The collector grid and the injector creating a flow of electrolyte upward between the plates as the electrolyte flows from the manifold locations below the plates to the ports.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2004Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Phelps Dodge CorporationInventors: Jean-Louis Huens, Peter Peckham
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Patent number: 7425257Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of obtaining a good current contact on the support bar of a cathode used in electrolysis. In this method a highly electroconductive layer is formed on the contact piece on the end of the support bar of the cathode, especially at the point that comes into contact with the electrolysis cell busbar. The electroconductive layer forms a metallic bond with the contact piece of the support bar. The disclosure also relates to the cathode support bar, wherein a highly electroconductive layer is formed to the contact piece on the end of said bar, in particular the area that touches the electrolysis cell busbar.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2003Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: Outotec OyjInventors: Karri Osara, Veikko Polvi
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Patent number: 7393438Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for producing a metal powder product using either conventional electrowinning or alternative anode reaction chemistries in a flow-through electrowinning cell. A new design for a flow-through electrowinning cell that employs both flow-through anodes and flow-through cathodes is described. 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 chemistry.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2005Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Phelps Dodge CorporationInventors: John O Marsden, Scot P Sandoval, Antonioni C Stevens, Timothy G Robinson, Stanley R Gilbert
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Patent number: 7393440Abstract: The present invention provides a system for generating hydrogen gas in an aqueous solution based electrolytic or galvanic cell wherein the cathode is made from aluminum or an aluminum alloy. In a preferred arrangement the cell is a galvanic cell and cathode is made from aluminum or aluminum alloy and the anode is made from magnesium or magnesium alloy.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2005Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: National Research Council of CanadaInventors: Debabrata Ghosh, Asoke Chandra Das Chaklader, Zhaolin Tang, Zhong Xie
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Patent number: 7368043Abstract: A soil remediation system includes an electrochemical cell that is configured to provide increased mass transfer and a decreased diffusion layer between the electrodes to thereby allow formation of a homogenous lead deposit that is substantially free of dendrite formation and easily removed.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2004Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Applied Intellectual CapitalInventors: Samaresh Mohanta, Brian J. Dougherty, Scott Stevenson
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Patent number: 7335284Abstract: A modular electrochemical cell having two interchangeable assemblies each with a support structure defining a cylindrical recess and having a fitting for connecting a pipe to the assembly. A disc-shaped electrode is arranged inside each recess and the assemblies are arranged relative to each other so that their respective electrodes face each other. A modular insert is inserted between the assemblies to define an open space between the electrodes and to distribute fluid to a plurality of openings spaced from each other along an edge of this open space. Securing members secure together the two assemblies and the modular insert, and passages in the support structures convey fluid between the fittings and the modular insert.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2002Date of Patent: February 26, 2008Assignee: Adamant Technologies SAInventors: Werner Haenni, Cédric Faure, Philippe Rychen
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Patent number: 7318885Abstract: A hydrogen-oxygen gas generator comprises an electrolytic bath (10A), a pair of electrodes composed of an anode member (2x) and cathode member (2y) both disposed in the bath, a power supply (34) for applying voltage between the anode and cathode members, vibratory mixing means (16) for vibratively mixing the electrolyte (14) in the bath, and gas collecting means for collecting the hydrogen-oxygen gas generated by the electrolysis using the electrolyte. The gas collecting means includes a lid member (10B) annexed to the electrolytic bath (10A) and a hydrogen-oxygen gas collecting pipe (10B?) connected to the hydrogen-oxygen gas output port (10B?). The vibratory mixing means (16) includes a vibrating motor (16d) vibrating at 10 Hz to 500 Hz and vibrating blades (16f) attached to a vibrating rod (16e) not rotatably but vibrating in the electrolytic bath interlockingly with the vibrating motor.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2002Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Assignee: Japan Techno Co. Ltd.Inventor: Ryushin Omasa
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Patent number: 7303661Abstract: A metal coil or an elastic cushion formed by winding the metal coil around a corrosion-resistant frame is sandwiched between an electrode and an electrode collector or a cell wall or is used as an electrode. The elasticity of the metal coil or the elastic cushion enables the easy handling and the uniform contact between the electrode and another electrolysis element. The metal coil or the elastic cushion can be also used as an elastic cathode. The elasticity of the elastic cathode also enables the easy handling of the electrode itself and the uniform contact between the ion exchange membrane and the current collector.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2004Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Chlorine Engineers Corp., Ltd.Inventors: Shinji Katayama, Kiyohito Asaumi
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Patent number: 7258779Abstract: A method and means for producing a combustible mixture of hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis of water using a pulsed application of water onto electrodes while applying an electrical potential between electrodes and where the electrodes are not immersed in the water which flows between the electrodes while undergoing electrolysis.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2002Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Inventors: Alan Patrick Casey, Stewart Smith
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Patent number: 7232507Abstract: An electrochemical cell design is disclosed for the particular application of the electrochemical treatment of contaminants in water. The cell is designed to allow the treatment of low concentrations of contaminants in low conductivity water efficiently, and to be simple to fabricate. The design incorporates tapered inlet and outlet fluid flow manifolds so that the cell pressure drop will be almost entirely due to fluid contacting the electrodes, thus maximising the effective use of the system pump power. A short anode to cathode distance and thin working electrodes are used to minimise resistive electrical power losses. The parallel slacked arrangement of the electrodes and the smooth inlet and outlet designs leads to relatively even distributions of current density and mass transfer resulting in maximal utilisation of the entire active electrode surface area.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2003Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: National Research Council of CanadaInventors: Michael Gattrell, Thierry Guena, Barry MacDougall
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Patent number: 7223324Abstract: Disclosed in a capping board for use to support hanging legs of anodes and cathodes within adjacent electrolytic cells. This capping board has a main body having a bottom surface shaped to fit onto upper edges of the adjacent cells, and a top surface. A first set of spaced part insulating blocks project from the top surface. This first set of blocks extends in line all over the length of the capping board on one side of the main body. A second set of spaced part insulating blocks also projects from the top surface. This second set of blocks also extends in line all over the length of the capping board at a given lateral distance from the first set of blocks. Thus, the two sets of blocks form two rows that together define a central path on the top surface. Each of the blocks has a recess forming an upwardly and laterally opening compartment to receive and support one of the hanging legs of the anodes and cathodes.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2004Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Pultrusion Technique Inc.Inventor: Robert P. Dufresne
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Patent number: 7211176Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for electrolytic purification, comprising: (a) a pressure vessel having at least one access opening, at least one fluid flow inlet, and at least one fluid flow outlet, wherein the fluid flow inlet and fluid flow outlet are in fluid communication with a chamber inside the pressure vessel; (b) an removable electrode assembly, at least a portion of which is disposed within the chamber inside the pressure vessel, comprising: a plurality of substantially parallel spaced planar electrodes, an electrical coupling between the electrode plates and a voltage source, and a radially extending circumferential sealing plate substantially normal to the planes of the electrodes, disposed near the electrical coupling, adapted to prevent fluid flow from the chamber to the electrical coupling; (c) a removable locking ring, comprising: a proximal portion adapted to removably attach to the access opening of the pressure vessel and retain the radially extending circumferential sealing pType: GrantFiled: November 2, 2004Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care, Inc.Inventors: Raymond Albert Hin, Peter Baden Farrer, Gary Andrew Kennedy, Richard T. Coffey
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Patent number: 7204919Abstract: Disclosed is a capping board for use to support anodes and cathodes within adjacent electrolytic cells, which has a plurality of individual seats positioned in spaced apart relationship all along its length to receive and support hanging legs projecting from these anodes and cathodes. This capping board is improved in that it has at least one sheet or wire of electrically conductive material embedded therein. This sheet or wire extends over the length of the board and is shaped and positioned so that part of its extends externally within at least some of the seats so as to allow electrical contact of the legs of either the anodes or the cathodes and to allow fast dissipation of heat in the case of a short circuit.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Pultrusion Technique Inc.Inventor: Robert P. Dufresne
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Patent number: 7144493Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 15, 2003Date of Patent: December 5, 2006Assignee: H.C. Starck GmbHInventors: Armin Olbrich, Juliane Meese-Marktscheffel, Gerhard Gille, Viktor Stoller, Wolfgang Mathy
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Patent number: 7077945Abstract: A method of producing aluminum in an electrolytic cell containing alumina dissolved in an electrolyte, the method comprising the steps of providing a molten salt electrolyte at a temperature of less than 900° C. having alumina dissolved therein in an electrolytic cell having a liner for containing the electrolyte, the liner having a bottom and walls extending upwardly from said bottom. A plurality of non-consumable Cu—Ni—Fe anodes and cathodes are disposed in a vertical direction in the electrolyte, the cathodes having a plate configuration and the anodes having a flat configuration to compliment the cathodes. The anodes contain apertures therethrough to permit flow of electrolyte through the apertures to provide alumina-enriched electrolyte between the anodes and the cathodes. Electrical current is passed through the anodes and through the electrolyte to the cathodes, depositing aluminum at the cathodes and producing gas at the anodes.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2003Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Assignee: Northwest Aluminum TechnologiesInventors: S. Craig Bergsma, Craig W. Brown, Donald R Bradford, Robert J. Barnett, Michael B. Mezner
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Patent number: 7048838Abstract: The invention provides an ion exchange membrane electrolyzer ensuring a satisfactory circulation of electrolyte, high electrolytic efficiency and great ridigity. An anode chamber partition in a flat sheet form is joined to a cathode chamber partition in a flat sheet form. An electrode retainer member in a sheet form is joined to at least one partition at a belt-like junction. A projecting strip with an electrode joined thereto is located between adjacent junctions. A space on an electrode surface side of the electrode retainer member defines a path through which a fluid goes up in the electrode chamber, and a space that spaces away from the space defines a path through which an electrolyte separated from a gas at a top portion of the electrode goes down.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Chlorine Engineers Corp., Ltd.Inventors: Shinji Katayama, Masaru Mori, Masakazu Kameda
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Patent number: 7014740Abstract: Disclosed is a Brown gas mass production apparatus having a line style electrolytic cell in which an electrolytic cell case having an electrolyte distribution and discharging pipe mounted on the inside bottom surface thereof is coated with insulation material on the inner surface thereof, electrode units are disposed by two or three groups in a side-by-side arrangement in the electrolytic cell case, an electrolytic cell upper plate having gas outlet nipples mounted thereon is sealingly coupled to the top surface of the cell case to form a secured sealing between edges of the upper plate and the cell case.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2002Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Inventor: Sang-Nam Kim
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Patent number: 7008529Abstract: A water treating device includes a water container for containing water; an electrolyzing chamber for sterilizing water; a water treatment line which couples the electrolyzing chamber with the water container; a sensor for measuring residual chlorine concentration; and a device for controlling the amount of the water to be electrochemically decomposed in the electrolyzing chamber on the basis of the residual chlorine concentration measured by the sensor to keep the residual chlorine concentration of the water to be fed back into the water container within a predetermined range. A bypass line is provided which is branched from the water treatment line upstream of the electrolyzing chamber for sampling the water, introducing the sampled water into the sensor for the measurement of the residual chlorine concentration thereof, and discharging the sampled water into the electrolyzing chamber after the measurement.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2002Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Minoru Nakanishi, Minoru Kishi, Yoshihiro Inamoto, Tatsuya Hirota, Tamotsu Kawamura, Yozo Kawamura, Fumitake Kondo
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Patent number: 6998029Abstract: Various systems and methods for protecting electrowinning anodes having electrocatalytically active coatings in a bank of electrolytic cells from being damaged by reverse currents. In the first embodiment, one or more auxiliary power sources are provided that, when triggered by one or more predetermined conditions being met, keep the bank of electrolytic cells in an electrical state that is relatively harmless to the anodes having electrocatalytically active coatings. In a second embodiment, the invention is directed to a method of maintaining the polarization of anodes in an electrowinning cell positive of the cathodes (i.e. in a potential region where the anode coating is not susceptible to significant damage). In a final embodiment, the invention is directed to various methods for the installation of replacement anodes and maintenance of electrowinning cells.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2002Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: Eltech Systems CorporationInventors: Kenneth L. Hardee, Michael S. Moats, Carl W. Brown, Jr., Robert L. Wilhelm, Edward M. Halko, Zane A. Wade
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Patent number: 6972077Abstract: An apparatus for treating wastewater comprising an electrocoagulation cell 100 including holding and isolating members 7, a top cell cover 17, a plurality of electrode plates E1 through E8 inserted within a sleeve 18 made of non-conductive material, thereby the electrode plate sets 11 and 12 offer minimum resistance to the incoming liquid. Such an electrocoagulation cell 100 including a member to break the laminar liquid flow and to maintain a turbulent state all along said cell 100. A set of electrode plates 11 and 12 connected in parallel or in series, wherein said electrode plate sets 11 and 12 have connections arranged such that it allows the electrical current be indistinctively interrupted and reversed. Such an electrode plate set 11 and 12 connected in parallel or in series, wherein a combination of non-similar metals may be made in order to have electrical connections that allow disinfection of the treated liquid.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2003Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Inventors: Gary A. Tipton, Harry M. Slack
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Patent number: 6913684Abstract: A method for removal of solid deposits from surfaces of electrodes of a DC electrolytic cell for disinfecting of water in a closed system, especially in a swimming pool, SPA or hot tub, includes simultaneous spinning the water over the electrode surfaces and electrolytic release of the deposits from the surfaces without interruption of the disinfecting process. The method further includes a) changing the polarity of the electrodes of the cell at predetermined frequency for electrochemically releasing the deposited scale from the electrode surfaces; b) circulating the water through a hydrocyclone containing a DC electrolytic cell for disinfecting of the water so that the deposits are washed off the electrodes of the cell; c) periodically removing the scale particles from a drained chamber located at the bottom of the hydrocyclone.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2000Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: B.H. .Technologies 1998 Ltd.Inventors: Yaakov Barak, Haim Haziza
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Patent number: 6911128Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the decontamination of water, particularly of heavy metals and/or arsenic and/or their compounds, by means of electrolysis, wherein the water to be purified is fed through a receptacle and passes by electrodes of different polarities. According to the invention, a combination of electrodes made from iron, aluminium, and graphite, or from aluminium and graphite, is used. Facing the direction of the receptacle bottom, the undersides of the electrodes are contained in groove-like, electrically insulated recesses that are spaced apart and separated from one another on their opposite side by single electrically insulating spacers, wherein the spacers are attached to the electrodes, and the electrodes, which can be unfolded, are arranged in the groove-like recesses (FIG. 5).Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2002Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: ARS USA LLCInventor: Giselher Klose
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Patent number: 6872288Abstract: An electrowinning cell, having a tank with an opened upper end defined by a tank edge, electrolyte within the tank and a plurality of flat, metallic electrode plates disposed within the tank in side-by-side, spaced-apart, parallel relationship. Adjacent electrode plates define an electrode gap therebetween. An injector manifold is disposed at the bottom of the tank for feeding electrolyte into the tank at locations below the electrode plates. A collector grid, comprised of a plurality of collectors having ports, define an upper level of electrolyte by collecting the electrolyte from the tank. The ports are disposed in spaced-apart relationship within the open upper end defined by the tank edge. The collector grid and the injector creating a flow of electrolyte upward between the plates as the electrolyte flows from the manifold locations below the plates to the ports.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2002Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Phelps Dodge CorporationInventors: Jean-Louis Huens, Peter Peckham
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Patent number: 6869714Abstract: An electrode-membrane assembly comprising a pair of electrodes at least one of which is porous, and a thermoplastic resin membrane having a functional group capable of being modified to a free ion exchange group upon hydrolysis, which is interposed between the two electrodes and partly penetrates into the pores of the electrode. In this arrangement, the ion exchange membrane can be mechanically integrated to the anode and cathode to compensate for the insufficiency of mechanical strength of the ion exchange membrane. Thus, an electrode-membrane assembly which can be used in an industrial electrolytic cell or fuel cell is provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2002Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Permelec Electrode Ltd.Inventors: Yoshinori Nishiki, Takayuki Shimamune, Tsuneto Furuta, Kyoji Kimoto
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Patent number: 6866756Abstract: The present invention discloses an electrolyzer for electrolyzing water into a gaseous mixture comprising hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The electrolyzer is adapted to deliver this gaseous mixture to the fuel system of an internal combustion engine. The electrolyzer of the present invention comprises one or more supplemental electrode at least partially immersed in an aqueous electrolyte solution interposed between two principle electrodes. The gaseous mixture is generated by applying an electrical potential between the two principal electrodes. The electrolyzer further includes a gas reservoir region for collecting the generated gaseous mixture. The present invention further discloses a method of utilizing the electrolyzer in conjunction with the fuel system of an internal combustion engine to improve the efficiency of said internal combustion engine.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2002Date of Patent: March 15, 2005Inventor: Dennis Klein
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Patent number: 6852205Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an electrode plate for a water electrolysis device, which is formed from a metal plate having such a thickness as to be capable of being press-formed, and which comprises a flat plate portion, and a peripheral edge portion positioned on the outer side of the flat plate portion and bent so that recesses and protrusions are alternately arrayed along an outer peripheral edge thereof.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2000Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Shinko-Pantec Co., Ltd.Inventors: Manabu Toyoshima, Masaru Yonezawa, Kiyoshi Hirai, Akiko Miyake, Yutaka Ishii, Tsutomu Oi, Shingo Toriu
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Patent number: 6821398Abstract: 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 copper, 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: GrantFiled: June 17, 2002Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: Chlorking, Inc.Inventor: David Von Broembsen
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Patent number: 6790324Abstract: An apparatus for producing orthohydrogen and/or parahydrogen. The apparatus includes a container holding water and at least one pair of closely-spaced electrodes arranged within the container and submerged in the water. A first power supply provides a particular first pulsed signal to the electrodes. A coil may also be arranged within the container and submerged in the water if the production of parahydrogen is also required. A second power supply provides a second pulsed signal to the coil through a switch to apply energy to the water. When the second power supply is disconnected from the coil by the switch and only the electrodes receive a pulsed signal, then orthohydrogen can be produced. When the second power supply is connected to the coil and both the electrodes and coil receive pulsed signals, then the first and second pulsed signals can be controlled to produce parahydrogen.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Xogen Power Inc.Inventor: Stephen Barrie Chambers
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Patent number: 6780292Abstract: An electrolytic treatment apparatus includes a substantially hollow tubular outer vessel housing closed at its bottom end and provided with a liquid inlet and liquid outlet adjacent its bottom and top ends. A self-contained reactor cartridge unit integrates the vessel cap, electrodes, electrode supports, any electrode wiring connections and any liquid dispersion members into a single removable unit for installation into and removal from the vessel housing so that, when maintenance is required, complete reactor cartridges may be exchanged in a matter of seconds, thereby virtually eliminating downtime of the treatment system for maintenance and other electrode replacement needs.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2002Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignee: Raintech International, Inc.Inventors: Greg W. Hermann, David L. Winburn
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Publication number: 20040149571Abstract: A method for making chlorine dioxide, by passing an aqueous feed solution comprising sodium chlorite into a non-membrane electrolysis cell comprising an anode and a cathode, adjacent to the anode, while flowing electrical current between the anode and the cathode to electrolyze the aqueous feed solution and convert the halogen dioxide salt to halogen dioxide. The anode is preferably a porous anode through which the aqueous feed solution passes to maximize the conversion of chlorite to chlorine dioxide.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2003Publication date: August 5, 2004Applicant: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Mario Elmen Tremblay, Craig Merillat Rasmussen, Dimitris Ioannis Collias, Michael Donovan Mitchell, Daniel Frederick Nesbitt
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Patent number: 6764787Abstract: A stack of plates (121) (such as fuel cells, electrochemical cells, or enthalpy exchange plates) is surrounded by a sleeve manifold (119) which is shaped to provide manifold chambers (34-39; 146-149; 151-153; 156-158; 161-163; 180-187), and including surfaces (142) for seals (143) to isolate the manifold chambers from each other. Sleeve manifolds (119a, 119b, 119c) may be formed of material of varying thickness, by machining, casting, or extrusion, or may be formed of material (119d) of uniform thickness by bending, casting or extrusion. Sleeve manifolds may be formed of metal, graphite, plastic or reinforced plastic.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: UTC Fuel Cells, LLCInventors: Albert P. Grasso, Henry G. Johnson
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Patent number: 6733913Abstract: This invention is an improved fuel cell design for use at low pressure. The invention has a reduced number of component parts to reduce fabrication costs, as well as a simpler design that permits the size of the system to be reduced at the same time as performance is being improved. In the present design, an adjacent anode and cathode pair are fabricated using a common conductive element, with that conductive element serving to conduct the current from one cell to the adjacent one. This produces a small and simple system suitable for operating with gas fuels or alternatively directly with liquid fuels, such as methanol, dimethoxymethane, or trimethoxymethane. The use of these liquid fuels permits the storage of more energy in less volume while at the same time eliminating the need for handling compressed gases which further simplifies the fuel cell system.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2002Date of Patent: May 11, 2004Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: Alan J. Cisar, Dacong Weng, Oliver J. Murphy
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Publication number: 20040079650Abstract: An electrocoagulation reactor is provided for treating waste water and removing contaminants therefrom. The reactor is typically a six sided rectangular water tight housing which has an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. There are a multiplicity of charged plates located parallel to one another within the housing. Adjacent plates are typically oppositely charged and water will pass between the plates as it flows through the reactor. The electric field between the plates will help encourage coagulation of waste matter which then may be removed from the waste water downstream of the electrocoagulation reactor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2002Publication date: April 29, 2004Inventors: Paul E. Morkovsky, Douglas D. Kaspar