Electrodes Patents (Class 204/280)
  • Patent number: 8795477
    Abstract: The subject invention provides conductive stripes, suitable for use as electrodes, and methods of making conductive stripes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventors: Yi Wang, Timothy P. Henning, Edmund T. Marciniec
  • Patent number: 8795484
    Abstract: A printed gas sensor is disclosed. The sensor may include a porous substrate, an electrode layer, a liquid or gel electrolyte layer, and an encapsulation layer. The electrode layer comprises two or more electrodes that are formed on one side of the porous substrate. The liquid or gel electrolyte layer is in electrolytic contact with the two or more electrodes. The encapsulation layer encapsulates the electrode layer and electrolyte layer thereby forming an integrated structure with the porous substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: KWJ Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph R. Stetter, Edward F. Stetter, Daniel D. Ebeling, Melvin Findlay, Vinay Patel
  • Patent number: 8795485
    Abstract: Microelectrode comprising a body formed from electrically non-conducting material and including at least one region of electrically conducting material and at least one passage extending through the body of non-conducting material and the region of conducting material, the electrically conducting region presenting an area of electrically conducting material to a fluid flowing through the passage in use. An electrochemical cell which includes such a microelectrode is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Element Six Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Andrew John Whitehead, Geoffrey Alan Scarsbrook, Julie Victoria Macpherson, Mark Newton, Patrick Robert Unwin, William Joseph Yost, III
  • Publication number: 20140190835
    Abstract: A plating apparatus includes a plating bath, an insoluble anode located in the plating bath, a plating electric power supply being capable of applying a voltage between the insoluble anode and the member to be plated, an anode-displacement mechanism being capable of moving the insoluble anode in the plating bath and of holding the insoluble anode at a predetermined position in the plating bath, and a controller having an anode-position controller being capable of generating a control signal for controlling an action of the anode-displacement mechanism and of outputting the control signal to the anode-displacement mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: YUKEN INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Norikazu KOJIMA, Yoshiharu KIKUCHI
  • Patent number: 8758590
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of treating the surface of an electrically conducting substrate surface wherein a tool comprising an ion-conducting solid material is brought into contact at least in some areas with the substrate surface. The tool conducts the metal ions of the substrate and an electric potential is applied so that an electrical potential gradient is applied between the substrate surface and the tool in such a manner that metal ions are drawn from the substrate surface or deposited onto the substrate surface by means of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Quenzer, Gerfried Zwicker
  • Patent number: 8753490
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolyzer for producing sodium hypochlorite by electrolyzing brine such as salt water or seawater and the like, and more specifically to a horizontal non-membrane type electrolyzer of a new structure which can maintain a constant interval among electrode plates without using a welding means or an adhering means on the inside of a housing by including a separator for dividing an inner space of a hollow type housing into a plurality of electrode chambers; the electrode plates which are arranged in parallel to each other in the constant interval within a rectangular space part of the separator; and a fixing bar for fixing the separator to an inner wall of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Unitech Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Ki-Ha Shin, Il-Kyung Seo, Yoon-Seok Shin
  • Patent number: 8748324
    Abstract: Systems and methods for separating components of a multilayer stack of electronic components. The multilayer stack includes an electronic assembly, a substrate, and a sacrificial anode portion that is located between the electronic assembly and the substrate and that operatively attaches the electronic assembly to the substrate. The systems and methods may include locating the multilayer stack within an electrically conductive fluid to form an electrochemical cell. The systems and methods further may include generating a potential difference between a cathode portion of the electronic assembly and the sacrificial anode portion such that the cathode portion forms a cathode of the electrochemical cell and the sacrificial anode portion forms an anode of the electrochemical cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Robyn L. Woo, Xiaobo Zhang, Christopher M. Fetzer, Eric M. Rehder
  • Patent number: 8740600
    Abstract: An apparatus for charging particles in non-conductive liquids, so they agglomerate and can be removed by filtering, is comprised of a housing which contains a non-conductive insert having a multiplicity of channels. The incoming stream is divided into two halves, each of which is flowed through a set of charging channels which contain electrodes, preferably metal brush-like electrodes. One set of electrodes is charged to a high positive voltage; the other set is charged to a high negative voltage. The liquid streams are then merged and flowed trough a set of mixing channels, along the path of which are one or more reversals in flow direction. The mixing channel path length is substantially longer than the charging channel path length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Isopur Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond K. Gomes
  • Publication number: 20140110251
    Abstract: An electrolysis cell, in particular for producing aluminum, contains a cathode, a layer made up of liquid aluminum arranged on an upper side of the cathode, a melt layer, thereupon and an anode above the melt layer. The cathode has at least one opening extending vertically through the cathode, in which opening at least one current supply extending vertically through the opening and electrically connected to the anode and/or to the cathode is provided. The electrolysis cell contains at least one further current supply arranged outside of the opening of the cathode, which current supply extends in the vertical direction at least in certain sections and which current supply is electrically connected to the cathode and/or to the anode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: SGL CARBON SE
    Inventors: Thomas Frommelt, Christian Bruch
  • Publication number: 20140069807
    Abstract: A structural plate is provided for an electrolyser module. The structural plate defines at least one degassing chamber and a half cell chamber opening. The structural plate is reinforced with at least one internal reinforcing means mounted to the structural plate for mitigating outward displacement of the structural plate in response to fluid pressure within the structural plate. The structural plate defines holding features for locating and holding the internal reinforcing means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: NEXT HYDROGEN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chris WILSON, Michael STEMP, James HINATSU
  • Patent number: 8641884
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a motheye mold according to the present invention includes the steps of: (a) anodizing a surface of an aluminum film (10a) via an electrode (32a) that is in contact with the surface, thereby forming a porous alumina layer which has a plurality of very small recessed portions; (b) after step (a), allowing the porous alumina layer to be in contact with an etchant, thereby enlarging the very small recessed portions of the porous alumina layer; and (c) after step (b), further anodizing the surface to grow the plurality of very small recessed portions. The aluminum film is made of aluminum with a purity of 99.99 mass % or higher. The electrode includes a first electrode portion (32a1) which is made of aluminum with a purity of 99.50 mass % or lower and a second electrode portion (32a2) which is made of aluminum with a higher purity than the aluminum of the first electrode portion and which is interposed between the surface and the first electrode portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hidekazu Hayashi, Tokio Taguchi, Kazuhiko Tsuda
  • Patent number: 8628646
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is an anode block (13, 13a-13e) made of carbon for a pre-baked anode (4) for use in a metal electrolysis cell (1) comprising a higher face (24), a lower face (23), designed to be laid out opposite a higher face of a cathode (9), and four side faces (21,22,34), and including at least one first groove (31a-31e) leading onto at least one of the side faces, in which the first groove has a maximum length Lmax in a plane parallel to the lower face, and characterized in that the first groove does not lead onto said lower or higher faces, or leads onto said lower or higher faces over a length L0 less than half the maximum length Lmax.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Rio Tinto Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: Geoffrey Berlin, Jean Camire, Daran Emmett, Yvan Foster, Guillaume Servant, Christian Jonville, Malcolm Manwaring
  • Publication number: 20130327638
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell comprising, a housing having a channel extending there through and an opening formed in the housing for receiving an electrode cartridge, an inlet allowing water to pass into the channel, an outlet allowing water to pass from the channel, and a removable electrode cartridge comprising, a support member, having a outer side an inner side, the support member being adapted to close off the opening in the housing when the electrode cartridge is received in the opening, and a series of separate spaced electrode plates supported by the support member, each electrode plate having a terminal which extends through the support member from the inner side to project from the outer side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: POOLRITE RESEARCH PTY LTD
    Inventors: Ross Leslie Palmer, Aaron Kelly, Alexander Babych
  • Patent number: 8595921
    Abstract: An electrode is formed using a sanding mechanism to condition the surface of the electrode for electrochemical purposes. Hazardous particles emitted during sanding are captured using jetted liquid, and may be recycled for later use. The sanded surface provides increased electrode lifespan and lead oxide adherence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: RSR Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy W. Ellis, Matthew Burr
  • Patent number: 8585999
    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: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: ProChemTech International, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy Edward Keister
  • Publication number: 20130277209
    Abstract: The present invention provides: an oxidation reaction electrode that generates oxygen by oxidizing water; and a reduction reaction electrode that synthesizes a carbon compound by reducing carbon dioxide. The two electrodes are electrically connected. Also, the reduction reaction electrode (1) synthesizes a carbon compound by reducing carbon dioxide in a water-containing liquid using radiated light energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA CHUO KENKYUSHO
    Inventors: Shunsuke Sato, Takeo Arai, Takeshi Morikawa, Keiko Uemura, Tsutomu Kajino, Tomiko Mori
  • Patent number: 8551303
    Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of an electroplating system and an associated electroplating method that allow for depositing of metal alloys with a uniform plate thickness and with the means to alter dynamically the alloy composition. Specifically, by using multiple anodes, each with different types of soluble metals, the system and method avoid the need for periodic plating bath replacement and also allow the ratio of metals within the deposited alloy to be selectively varied by applying different voltages to the different metals. The system and method further avoids the uneven current density and potential distribution and, thus, the non-uniform plating thicknesses exhibited by prior art methods by selectively varying the shape and placement of the anodes within the plating bath. Additionally, the system and method allows for fine tuning of the plating thickness by using electrically insulating selectively placed prescribed baffles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Charles L. Arvin, Raschid J. Bezama, Harry D. Cox, Krystyna W. Semkow
  • Publication number: 20130213799
    Abstract: The invention describes an electrode and an electrode coating which are based on a catalyst containing finely divided carbon modifications and noble metal (oxide)s.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Bayer MaterialScience AG
    Inventor: Bayer MaterialScience AG
  • Publication number: 20130196441
    Abstract: Provided herein are the concept that “singularity-based configuration” electrodes design and method can produce in an ionic substance local high electric fields with low potential differences between electrodes. The singularity-based configuration described here includes: an anode electrode; a cathode electrode; and an insulator disposed between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode. The singularity-based electrode design concept refers to electrodes in which the anode and cathode are adjacent to each other, placed essentially co-planar and are separated by an insulator. The essentially co-planar anode/insulator/cathode configuration bound one surface of the volume of interest and produce desired electric fields locally, i.e., in the vicinity of the interface between the anode and cathode. In an ideal configuration, the interface dimension between the anode and the cathode tends to zero and becomes a point of singularity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Boris Rubinsky, Gregory D. Troszak
  • Patent number: 8491765
    Abstract: A microlectrode comprising a diamond layer formed from electrically non-conducting diamond and containing one or more pins or projections of electrically conducting diamond extending at least partially through the layer of non-conducting diamond presenting areas of electrically conducting diamond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Element Six Limited
    Inventors: Charles Simon James Pickles, Clive Edward Hall, Li Jiang, Neil Perkins, Richard Antonius Kleijhorst
  • Patent number: 8486238
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a surface renewable iridium oxide-glass or ceramic composite hydrogen ion electrode and, more particularly, a surface renewable iridium oxide-glass or ceramic composite hydrogen ion electrode, which has a long life due to its excellent physical strength, pH dependency approximate to a theoretical value (59 mV/pH unit), and high surface renewability, and a method of manufacturing the same. The iridium oxide composite hydrogen ion electrode according to the present invention is effective in that, when the electrode is contaminated or inactivated, the surface of the electrode can be regenerated through a simple grinding process because the electrode has high surface renewability, unlike conventional electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Konkuk University Industrial Cooperation Corp.
    Inventors: Jong Man Park, Ji Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20130161198
    Abstract: Embodiments include a cathode power distribution system and/or method of using the same for power distribution. The cathode power distribution system includes a plurality of cathode assemblies. Each cathode assembly of the plurality of cathode assemblies includes a plurality of cathode rods. The system also includes a plurality of bus bars configured to distribute current to each of the plurality of cathode assemblies. The plurality of bus bars include a first bus bar configured to distribute the current to first ends of the plurality of cathode assemblies and a second bus bar configured to distribute the current to second ends of the plurality of cathode assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Williamson, Stanley G. Wiedmeyer, Eugene R. Koehl, James L. Bailey, James L. Willit, Laurel A. Barnes, Robert J. Blaskovitz
  • Patent number: 8465633
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for activating a diamond-based electrode, which includes a step consisting in subjecting, in the presence of an aqueous solution containing an ionic electrolyte, said electrode to an alternately cathodic and anodic polarization potential, of increasing amplitude so as to obtain an anodic and cathodic current density of between 10 ?A/cm2 and 1 mA/cm2. The present invention also relates to a diamond-based electrode activated by said process and to the uses thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Jacques De Sanoit, Emilie Vanhove
  • Publication number: 20130134053
    Abstract: Electrodes for transferring a charge, the electrodes have a plurality of members for making electrical contact. The electrodes are suitable for treating aqueous, substantially aqueous and nonaqueous fluids including wastewater, solvents and gases. Water may be treated using the electrodes to provide higher dissolved oxygen or lower levels of contaminants after treatment. The electrodes may be useful in precipitation reactions such as electrowinning methods. The electrodes may also be capable of altering biological characteristics of organisms such as algae and bacteria.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: IOGENYX PTY LTD
    Inventor: Andrew Peter Musson
  • Publication number: 20130118916
    Abstract: A single anode system used in multiple electrochemical treatments to control steel corrosion in concrete comprises a sacrificial metal that is capable fo supporting high impressed anode current densities with an impressed current anode connection detail and a porous embedding material containing an electrolyte. Initially current is driven fromt eh sacrificial metal [1] to the steel [10] using a power source [5] converting oxygen and water [14] into hydroxyl ions [15] on the steel and drawing chloride ions [16] into the porous material [2] around the anode such that corroding sites are moved from the steel to the anode restoring steel passivity and activating the anode. Cathodic prevention is them applied. This is preferably sacrificial cathodic prevention that is applied by disconnecting the power source and connecting the activated sacrificial node directly to the steel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventors: Gareth GLASS, Adrian Roberts, Nigel Davison
  • Patent number: 8425754
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cathode for diaphragm chlor-alkali cells delimited by a conductive foraminous surface and having an internal volume containing two juxtaposed elements aimed at improving the fluid and electrical current distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Industrie de Nora S.p.A.
    Inventors: Dario Oldani, Salvatore Peragine, Luciano Iacopetti
  • Patent number: 8394245
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a production apparatus for electro-deposited metal foil or the like that can reduce thickness fluctuation of electro-deposited metal foil. To achieve the object, a production apparatus for electro-deposited metal foil or the like in which a cathode and an insoluble anode apart from each other, supplying an electrolytic solution through a gap between the cathode and the anode, making the cathode move along to the insoluble anode, electrodepositing a metal component on an electro-deposition surface of the moving cathode is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Permelec Electrode Ltd.
    Inventors: Yusuke Ozaki, Akira Kunimatsu
  • Publication number: 20130056365
    Abstract: A method for electrochemically processing a workpiece surface using an electrode, which has at least one effective surface for processing the workpiece surface, and using an electrolyte, wherein the electrolyte is suctioned away from the effective surface. The invention further relates to an electrode, which has at least one electrolyte feed for supplying the electrolyte to the effective area and an electrolyte suctioning system for suctioning the electrolyte away from the effective area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Bayer, Roland Huttner
  • Publication number: 20130056351
    Abstract: This invention prevents leakage of an internal liquid and breakage of a reference electrode resulting from volume expansion of the internal liquid due to the congelation of the internal liquid, and comprises a vessel that forms a sealed space, an internal liquid that is contained in the vessel, an internal electrode that is immersed in the internal liquid, an ion conduction part that is arranged on a wall of the vessel and that electrically connects the internal liquid and a measurement sample, and a volume expansion absorption mechanism 6 at least a part of which is immersed in the internal liquid and that absorbs volume expansion of the internal liquid due to congelation of the internal liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: HORIBA, LTD.
    Inventor: Makoto KATO
  • Publication number: 20130037405
    Abstract: The embodiments describe a system for combinatorial processing of a substrate. In one embodiment, electrodeposition processing techniques are combinatorially evaluated. The system is capable of providing a localized electrical connection to each region of a substrate being combinatorially processed. The localized electrical contacts allow for varying a voltage delivered to each region of a substrate whether processing the regions in serial or parallel. Accordingly, from a single substrate, a variety of materials, process conditions, and process sequences may be evaluated for desired electrodeposition results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: INTERMOLECULAR INC.
    Inventor: INTERMOLECULAR INC.
  • Patent number: 8372253
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, patterns of protrusions and recesses includes a substrate including a conductive region on at least one major surface, and a projecting pattern layer formed on the conductive region on the major surface, and made of a microcrystalline material, a polycrystalline material, an amorphous material, or an oxide of the microcrystalline, polycrystalline, or amorphous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Satoshi Shirotori, Yoshiyuki Kamata, Takuya Shimada, Masatoshi Sakurai
  • Publication number: 20130020193
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for electroplating an inside wall of a transfer mold, the transfer mold being suitable for use in semiconductor device encapsulation. Specifically, the apparatus comprises a fixture, as well as a through-hole in the fixture for receiving an electrode to electroplate the inside wall of the transfer mold. In particular, the through-hole is configured to receive the electrode in a slide-fit to form a mutual interference fit for securing the electrode to the fixture. Upon fitting the electrode into the through-hole, the apparatus can then be used to electroplate the inside wall of the transfer mold by introducing the electrode into the space adjacent to the inside wall of the transfer mold. A device for use as an electrode in the apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventors: Shu Chuen HO, Kai Fat YIP, Eng Cheng CHNG, Yew Lan NGO, Saravana Ranganathan DAMODARAN
  • Patent number: 8349154
    Abstract: The invention relates to modified electrodes for ER fluids prepared by adding a rough, wear-resisting, and low conductive modified layer on the surface of metallic electrodes. The material for the modified layer can be at least one from diamond, alumina, titanium dioxide, carborundum, titanium nitride, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, adhesive, and adhesive film. Through the addition of the modified layer, the adhesion of the ER fluid to electrodes is increased so that the shear stress measured near the plates is close to the intrinsic value, which makes the ER fluid applicable, while reducing the leakage current and increasing the breakdown voltage of the ER fluid equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Kunquan Lu, Rong Shen, Xuezhao Wang
  • Patent number: 8349148
    Abstract: An electrolytic mortar for fabricating galvanic anode panels is strengthened with fibers to improve green strength and resistance to cracking. Elongated reinforcing fibers are introduced into a flowing stream of mortar and deposited in multiple layers upon a platen or mold. A sacrificial zinc anode of open construction is embedded between the multiple layers to allow for electrolytic conduction between the layers and over all surfaces of the zinc anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Jarden Zinc Products, LLC
    Inventors: Derek Tarrant, Michael T. Mather
  • Patent number: 8349604
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a nano-based sensing device (a sensor) comprising a nano-scale working electrode that can be used for the ultra-sensitive detection of blood analytes, disease biomarkers, and other target molecules. The present invention also pertains to a method for detecting target molecules using the sensor as the sensor element of a microfluidic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Shyam S. Mohapatra, Arun Kumar
  • Patent number: 8337679
    Abstract: The present invention relates to electrolytic cathode assemblies typically used in the refining or winning of metals and to methods of manufacturing and using same. The cathode assembly comprises an electrically conductive hanger bar and a deposition plate attached along an upper end to the hanger bar to define a joint. The cathode assembly further comprises a protective covering having lateral edges and surrounding the hanger bar and a portion of the upper end of the deposition plate so as to substantially enclose the joint and to leave end portions of the hanger bar exposed outside of the lateral edges of the protective covering. Each end of the protective covering includes a corrosion resistant material positioned to form a substantially continuous seal between the protective covering and the hanger bar, thereby to at least hinder fluid flow into the protective covering. Methods of manufacturing and using the electrolytic cathode assemblies are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: EPCM Services Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Stanley Jickling, Gordon Steven Iverson
  • Publication number: 20120312682
    Abstract: The present invention provides a solid diamond electrode, a reactor, in particular a reactor comprising an anode, a cathode and at least one bipolar electrode having first and second major working surfaces positioned therebetween wherein the at least one bipolar electrode consists essentially of diamond, and methods in which the reactors are used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Jonathan James Wilman, Patrick Simon Bray, Timothy Peter Mollart
  • Patent number: 8327460
    Abstract: The present invention allows simple and sensitive detection of microimpurities, microdefects, and corrosion starting points which may be present in a material. A probe microscope has a function to sense ions diffused from a specimen in a liquid. A probe is caused to scan over a predetermined range on a specimen. Then, the probe is fixed to a particular position in a liquid so as to set the distance between the specimen and the probe to a given value at which the microstructure of the specimen surface cannot be observed. Thereafter, one of the current between the probe and a counter electrode and the potential between the probe and a reference electrode is controlled, and the other of the current and potential which varies in accordance with the control is measured. Thus, ions diffused from the specimen are sensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoko Honbo, Katsumi Mabuchi, Motoko Harada
  • Patent number: 8308914
    Abstract: An electrolytic ozone cell anode spring fastening board structure includes a solid polymer electrolyte membrane (1), an anode electrocatalyst layer (2), a diffusion layer (3), frame body and support parts (5). A diffusion layer counterpiece (4) has one side attached to the diffusion layer (3), the other side of the diffusion layer counterpiece (4) equipped with a centered elevated step, which contacts the center of the convex side of a spherical spring board (6). In addition, the solid polymer electrolyte membrane (1), frame body and support parts (5), diffusion layer (3), diffusion layer counterpiece (4) and spring board (6) are held together by mechanical fastening means. It prevents a decrease in ozone generation rate in electrolytic ozone cell that can occur from the metal board deformation and thinning of the anode electrocatalyst layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Mingyung Hsu
  • Publication number: 20120267240
    Abstract: A photoelectrode including at least one polymer layer is provided. The at least one polymer layer defines the surface of the photoelectrode, or it defines an interlayer within the photoelectrode. The polymer layer can be made of a non-conductive polymer and have a thickness of 100 nm or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Agency for Science Technology and Research
    Inventors: Lin Ke, Surani Bin Dolmanan, Szu Cheng Lai
  • Publication number: 20120255872
    Abstract: A method is provided of treating liquid tailings using electro-kinetics by creating a variable voltage between two electrodes in the tailings. Flocculation and water release from the tailings is induced by establishing an electrical field between the two electrodes. The electrodes are connected to an electrical power source having the variable voltage to create a cathode and an anode. Compacting the flocculation solids and removing further water released from the compacting solids allows for the creation of a compacted material having a desired load bearing capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Gregory J. Smith, Bruce S. Beattie, Robert C. Parrott, James Micak, Paul Garcia, Doug Kimzey, Thomas M. Kroll, JR.
  • Patent number: 8282811
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for generating hydrogen gas at pressures high enough to fill a hydrogen storage cylinder for stationary and transportation applications. The hydrogen output of an electrochemical hydrogen gas generating device, a hydrogen-producing reactor, or a diluted hydrogen stream is integrated with an electrochemical hydrogen compressor operating in a high-differential-pressure mode. The compressor brings the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen generating device to the high pressure required to fill the storage cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Giner Electrochemical Systems, LLC
    Inventors: John A. Kosek, José Giner, Anthony B. LaConti
  • Patent number: 8277622
    Abstract: The present invention relates to diamond material comprising a boron doped single crystal diamond substrate layer having a first surface and a boron doped single crystal diamond conductive layer on said first surface, wherein the distribution of boron in the conductive layer is more uniform than the distribution of boron in the substrate layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Element Six Ltd.
    Inventor: Geoffrey Alan Scarsbrook
  • Publication number: 20120222970
    Abstract: Nanoscale probes for forming stable, non-destructive seals with cell membranes. The probes, systems including these probes, and methods of fabricating and using the probes described herein may be used to sense from, stimulate, modify, or otherwise effect individual cells or groups of cells. In particular, described herein are nanoscale cellular probes that may be used to span the lipid membrane of a cell to provide stable and long lasting access to the internal cellular structures. Thus, the probes described herein may be used as part of a system, method or device that would benefit from stable, non-destructive access across a cell membrane. In some variations the nanoscale probe devices or systems described herein may be used as part of a drug screening procedure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Nicholas Alexander Melosh, Piyush Verma, Benjamin David Almquist
  • Patent number: 8252157
    Abstract: An electrolytic copper plating method characterized in employing a phosphorous copper anode having a crystal grain size of 1,500 ?m (or more) to 20,000 ?m in an electrolytic copper plating method employing a phosphorous copper anode. Upon performing electrolytic copper plating, an object is to provide an electrolytic copper plating method of a semiconductor wafer for preventing the adhesion of particles, which arise at the anode side in the plating bath, to the plating object such as a semiconductor wafer, a phosphorous copper anode for electrolytic copper plating, and a semiconductor wafer having low particle adhesion plated with such method and anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: JX Nippon Mining & Metals Corporation
    Inventors: Akihiro Aiba, Takeo Okabe
  • Patent number: 8241471
    Abstract: An electrolytic system for generating hydrogen gas includes a pair of electrodes and an electrolyte. The electrolyte includes colloidal silver, colloidal magnesium, and a nano-metal comprising nano-nickel, nano-iron or a nano-nickel-iron alloy. The electrodes include a first electrode of a non-magnetic material. A second electrode includes an electrode precursor of a magnetic material or an electro-magnet. When in its magnetic state, the electrode precursor exerts a magnetic force of sufficient strength to pull the nano-metal of the electrolyte onto at least a portion of its surfaces, to form the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Linnard Gene Griffin
  • Patent number: 8192606
    Abstract: A device and a method for metallic electrolytic coating of an object of electrically conductive material, wherein the object has at least two surface portions that are desired to be coated with layers of different thicknesses. The device includes an anode. The device is designed to receive the object in such a way that the object constitutes a cathode and that, upon receipt of the object, a space is formed for receiving a liquid-absorbing material and an electrolyte for coating the object. The body of the anode includes at least two surface portions) that have different electrical conductivity and that are arranged opposite to the surface portions of the received object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: ABB Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Jan Haglund
  • Publication number: 20120118758
    Abstract: An electrode is formed using a sanding mechanism to condition the surface of the electrode for electrochemical purposes. Hazardous particles emitted during sanding are captured using jetted liquid, and may be recycled for later use. The sanded surface provides increased electrode lifespan and lead oxide adherence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: RSR Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: TIMOTHY W. ELLIS, Matthew Burr
  • Patent number: 8177949
    Abstract: A microelectrode comprising a diamond layer formed from electrically non-conducting diamond and containing one or more pins or projections of electrically conducting diamond extending at least partially through the layer of non-conducting diamond and presenting areas of electrically conducting diamond.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Element Six Limited
    Inventors: Charles Simon James Pickles, Clive Edward Hall, Li Jiang, Neil Perkins, Richard Antonius Kleijhorst
  • Patent number: 8163146
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter relates to the stabilization of 1,2-quinone mediators, especially those containing 1,10-phenanthroline quinone (PQ) and more especially transition metal complexes of PQ, in the presence of enzymes when contained in dry reagent layers for biosensor electrodes, through the use of various metal salts, particularly those of lithium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Abbott Diabetes Care Inc.
    Inventor: Nigel J. Forrow