Electrodes Patents (Class 204/280)
  • Patent number: 7374645
    Abstract: A compression sealable electrolysis cell that is easily and reliably manufactured, maintained and repaired comprises two insulating end pieces which can position and seal two electrode tubes with electrical contacts separated by a ceramic membrane tube where fluid can be introduced at one end piece and removed at the other end piece in the spaces between the electrode tubes and the ceramic membrane tube. The design permits the compression of the entire assembly via the fixing of nuts on one or more threaded rods extending through both end pieces without the use of an adhesive or cement and without the imposition of torque or compressive stress on the ceramic membrane tube. The water or other fluid to be electrolyzed can be introduced tangentially to spaces between the electrode tubes and the ceramic membrane tube at a angle of 0 to 15 degrees to optimize flow and contact with the electrode tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Clenox, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James E. Davis, Michel van Schaik
  • Publication number: 20080105540
    Abstract: It is described a bipolar plate consisting of a single wall and a perimetrical sealing frame obtained by folding and provided with a planar abutment surface for the frame-to-wall welding. The wall is further provided with projections on one face thereof preferably obtained by moulding, and with supports on the other face consisting of sheet strips housed in the recesses formed by the concave part of the projections. The projections substantially extend along the entire length of the bipolar plate. The projections and supports are connected to electrodes or current distributors. The projections, the supports, the single wall and the perimetrical frame are made of the same metal or alloy. The electrode or current distributor supported by the projections, the same projections and the supports are welded together by a single pass of arc-welding or preferably laser-welding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventors: Fulvio Federico, Leonello Carrettin, Dario Oldani, Corrado Mojana
  • Patent number: 7361256
    Abstract: An electrolytic reactor including a conical recess of removable slices through which the electrolyte circulates towards a part to be coated under the action of a pump setting up forced circulation. The part is polarized to act as a cathode, facing a coaxial anode in the recess. This configuration leads to good electrolyte flow in front of the part, allowing accelerated deposit with a uniform thickness of the coating material, and dimensions of the chamber may be added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: David Henry, Christel Dieppedale, Thierry Terrier, Gerard Barrois
  • Publication number: 20080057398
    Abstract: A non-Faraday ionic species removal process and system is described. The system includes a power supply, a pump for transporting a liquid through the system, and a plurality of porous electrodes. The electrodes, each include an electrically conductive porous portion. The electrodes may also include a substrate contiguous with the porous portion. The porous electrode can be utilized in electrodialysis and electrodialysis reversal systems. A method for forming a porous electrode is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Chang Wei, Yu Du, Wei Cai, Rihua Xiong, Lei Cao
  • Publication number: 20080047830
    Abstract: A hydrolytic cell consists of upper and lower chambers sealed from each other by a divider, with one or more openings in the divider for the passage of gas into the upper chamber. Liquid is prevented from entering the upper chamber by gas-permeable filters such as Hastelloy™ metal filters. Also disclosed is an electrode consisting either of a generally vertical stack of spaced apart perforated disks or porous metal filters such as Hastelloy filters, mounted to a conductive rod. A level sensing system us disclosed, consisting of a light source and detector which directs light into the lower chamber which is reflected off of a reflector within the chamber, such that the liquid level is detected at the level of the detector by a reduced light intensity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas A. Fairfull, Mohamed Ali Mohamed Ahmed Soliman
  • Publication number: 20080038151
    Abstract: A preserving apparatus has a multiple surface electrode structure that can keep an object disposed in a preserving apparatus fresh by disrupting an electrochemical balance in a microorganism and controlling a flow of ions in the microorganism from multiple surfaces. The preserving apparatus has a multiple surface electrode structure that includes a multiple surface electrode unit having at least one anode and cathode facing each other and located in a housing member of a preserving unit that stores an object disposed in the preserving apparatus; and a power supply unit that forms an electric field between the anode and the cathode by supplying a voltage to the anode and the cathode; wherein the power supply unit sequentially or randomly supplies the voltage to the at least one anode and cathode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Min Sun KIM, Seong Gu KIM
  • Publication number: 20080035482
    Abstract: The conventional method of purifying and concentrating nucleic acids, because of dangerous chemicals, requires elaborate chemical equipment to result in restriction of environment available. Further, time-consuming operation is inevitable and high-speed centrifugation, etc. are needed to cause automation to be difficult and to cause high purification degree to be unattainable. Still further, in the purification method using a column/filter, application of dusty samples tends to invite clogging to lead to a drop of purification efficiency, and centrifugation or suction operation is needed to cause automation to be difficult. In this invention, surfactants (3,4) are adsorbed on impurity (2) contained in a sample, so that the impurity (2) conducts behavior different from that of nucleic acid (1) to thereby attain separation of the impurity (2) from the nucleic acid (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: Arkray Inc.
    Inventors: Satoshi Hashiguchi, Ken Inose
  • Publication number: 20080029395
    Abstract: A water purification system having a porous anode electrode (20) and a porous cathode electrode (21), each of which is made of graphite, at least one metal oxide, and an ion-exchange, cross-linked, polarizable polymer. Disposed between the electrodes is an electrically non-conductive, fluid permeable separator element (22), whereby wastewater is able to flow from one electrode to the other electrode. The electrodes and separator may be disposed within a housing (23) having a wastewater inlet opening (24), and exhaust waste outlet opening (26) and a purified water outlet opening (25). In this way, components of the system are easily replaced should the need arise.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: GAS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE
    Inventor: Qinbai Fan
  • Patent number: 7325292
    Abstract: A method for reusing a conductive (carbon) core/glass or sapphire cylinder test electrode comprising expelling spent core material from the tip of the electrode and refinishing the electrode tip for use in further tests and refinished test electrodes produced in accordance with the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Lara J. Minor
  • Publication number: 20080017505
    Abstract: An anode holder is used to hold an anode in a plating tank. The anode holder includes a bar having a conductive portion connected to a power source, a conductive anode shaft attached to the bar, and an anode connected to the conductive anode shaft. The conductive anode shaft includes an external thread portion provided at an end of the conductive anode shaft, an O-ring, and a step portion provided between the O-ring and the external thread portion. The step portion has a diameter larger than a diameter of the external thread portion but smaller than a diameter of the O-ring. The anode includes an internal thread hole to which the external thread portion of the conductive anode shaft is screwed. The anode also includes a receiving portion for receiving the step portion of the conductive anode shaft in a state such that the O-ring of the conductive anode shaft is brought into contact with an inner surface of the receiving portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2006
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Fumio Kuriyama, Masaaki Kimura
  • Patent number: 7316577
    Abstract: An electrode assembly useful in manufacturing aluminum, contains a hollow inert electrode (12) containing a metal conductor (14) surrounded and held in place by at least one seal (16) and a mass of metal foam (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Alcoa, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Dean Latvaitis, Ronald M. Dunlap, Kenneth Butcher
  • Publication number: 20070289868
    Abstract: A system electroplates the interior or exterior cylindrical surfaces of an elongated workpiece, such as a pipe or shaft. The workpiece is continuously electroplated with metallic solutions via a traveling anode that gradually plates along the axial length of the workpiece instead of plating the entire part or large portions of the part at one time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventors: Fife B. Ellis, Charles E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 7309407
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for plating a surface of a semiconductor workpiece (wafer, flat panel, magnetic films, etc.) using a liquid conductor that makes contact with the outer surface of the workpiece. The liquid conductor is stored in a reservoir and pump through an inlet channel to the liquid chamber. The liquid conductor is injected into a liquid chamber such that the liquid conductor makes contact with the outer surface of the workpiece. An inflatable tube is also provided to prevent the liquid conductor from reaching the back face of the workpiece. A plating solution can be applied to the front face of the workpiece where a retaining ring/seal further prevents the plating solution and the liquid conductor from making contact with each other. In an alternative embodiment, electrical contacts may be formed using an inflatable tube that has either been coated with a conductive material or contains a conductive object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Homayoun Talieh, Bulent Basol
  • Publication number: 20070284245
    Abstract: A system for the treatment of water to remove metals and undesirable substances from well and groundwater so as to render the water potable is disclosed. The system employs microbubbles of oxygen, which remain suspended in water at a concentration above 100% of the calculated saturated concentration at a particular temperature and pressure. These microbubbles oxidize undesirable substances in the water, which substances include iron manganese, arsenic, antimony, chrome, aluminum, reduced sulfur compounds, pesticide residues, drug metabolites and/or bacteria. Microbubbles are produced by electrolysis or by sparging through a microorifice. A control system for the electrolytic system is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventors: Rudolph R. Hegel, Robert K. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 7306721
    Abstract: A fluid treatment system for reducing odor, bacteria, and biological oxygen demand from a fluid having at least one tube, a control box, and a pump. The at least one tube has a plurality of conductors in electrical communication with the control box. The control box controls the level of electrical communication to the plurality of conductors and the flow rate of the pump. The principle use is for biomass material derived from animals, however other fluids will benefit from this invention. For example, fluids derived from plants and humans will benefit from this application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Elm Technologies, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jamel Bourazak, Larry Coleman
  • Publication number: 20070278105
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method of producing metal foam is provided which involves optimizing the natural convection of electrolyte through a foam being electroplated by inclining the foam during plating. A diagonal flow of electrolyte though the foam enhances electrolyte turnover within the foam while increasing electroplating efficiency. Further increases in plating efficiency are provided by shifting current density from higher plating zones to lower plating zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicant: Inco Limited
    Inventor: Victor Alexander Ettel
  • Publication number: 20070272557
    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: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventor: MEHLIN DEAN MATTHEWS
  • Patent number: 7300560
    Abstract: A cathode block for aluminum refining containing a calcined coke in a proportion of 15 to 100 wt %, characterized in that the calcined coke is prepared by mixing a heavy oil having a content of quinoline insoluble components of 10 to 25 wt % with 3 to 20 wt % of carbon black, and subjecting the resultant mixture to coking and then calcination. The cathode block for aluminum refining is excellent in resistance to abrasion and thus has a prolonged life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Nippon Electrode Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Yamamura, Yoshihiro Fujii, Tsutomu Wakasa, Shinjiro Toda
  • Patent number: 7294243
    Abstract: Contact assemblies for electrochemical processing of microelectronic workpieces. The contact assembly (400) can comprise a support member (410) that includes an inner wall (412) which defines an opening (414) configured to receive the workpiece and a plurality of contacts (420). The individual contacts (420) include a conductor (440) and a cover (430). The conductor (440) can comprise a proximal section (435) projecting inwardly into the opening (414) relative to the support member (410), a distal section (436) extending from the proximal section (435), and an inert exterior (444) at least at the distal section (436). The cover (430) comprises a dielectric element that covers at least the proximal section of the conductor, but does not cover at least a portion of the distal section of the core. The exposed portion of the distal section of the core, accordingly, defines a conductive contact site for contacting a conductive layer (e.g., a seed layer) on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: Nolan Zimmerman, Gregory J. Wilson, Steve L. Eudy
  • Patent number: 7273536
    Abstract: A conductive diamond electrode including an electrode substrate comprising a material selected from the group consisting of a valve metal and an alloy based on the valve metal, at least a surface of the metal or alloy having been subjected to plasticization processing, or heat treatment in vacuum or inert atmosphere; and a conductive diamond film formed on the plasticization processed surface of the electrode substrate. When the electrode substrate is subjected to plasticization processing and heat treatment, peeling resistance of the conductive diamond film is improved, thereby an electrode life is prolonged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Permelec Electrode Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoyasu Shibata, Masashi Hosonuma, Tsuneto Furuta
  • Patent number: 7214296
    Abstract: Object of the invention is an anodic structure for mercury cathode cells for the industrial electrolysis of sodium chloride. The new structure is constituted by a grid array comprising a multiplicity of vertically disposed and mutually parallel titanium blades, covered by an electrocatalytic coating specific for the discharge of chlorine. The ratio between the thickness and the height of the blades is comprised between 1:16 and 1:100 and the ratio between the surface of free passage between the blades and the projected surface is comprised between 15:17 and 25:30. The new grid array is perpendicularly fixed to new or existing frames having the function of mechanical support and current conduction to the grid array. Scope of the invention is simultaneously reducing the energetic consumption of the cell and the costs for restoring the exhausted electrocatalytic coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: De Nora Elettrodi, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giovanni Meneghini
  • Patent number: 7201830
    Abstract: The invention concerns an anode for gas evolution in electrochemical applications comprising a titanium or other valve metal substrate characterized by a surface with a low average roughness, having a profile typical of a localized attack on the crystal grain boundary. The invention further describes a method for preparing the anodic substrate of the invention comprising a controlled etching in a sulfuric acid solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: De Nora Elletrodi S.p.A.
    Inventors: Corrado Mojana, Ulderico Nevosi
  • Patent number: 7192508
    Abstract: Device (1) to conduct current to or from the electrodes of an electrolysis cell, which device in the direction towards the electrolysis cell comprises three types of segments; at least one outer segment (2) joined with at least one intermediate segment (3) which again is joined with at least one inner segment (4); where the outer segment (2) has at least one end (5) which is to/shall extend out from an electrode body (6) towards an outer current circuit, and the outer segment is coupled to at least one intermediate segment (3) which again is coupled to at least one inner segment with at least one section (4) or end (7) in the electrode body; where the inner segment (4) is manufactured from steel, the intermediate segment is manufactured with a steel lining (8) over an inner core of a material (9) with better electrical and thermal conductivity than steel, and the outer segment is manufactured from a material (9) with better electrical and thermal conductivity than steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Servico A.S.
    Inventor: Johnny Torvund
  • Patent number: 7186324
    Abstract: A hard film for cutting tools which is composed of (Ti1?a?b?c?d, Ala, Crb, Sic, Bd)(C1?eNe) 0.5?a?0.8, 0.06?b, 0?c?0.1, 0?d?0.1, 0?c+d?0.1, a+b+c+d<1, 0.5?e?1 (where a, b, c, and d denote respectively the atomic ratios of Al, Cr, Si, and B, and e denotes the atomic ratio of N).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho
    Inventors: Kenji Yamamoto, Toshiki Satou, Yasuomi Morikawa, Koji Hanaguri, Kazuki Takahara
  • Patent number: 7186320
    Abstract: An anode for a cathodic protection system comprises a base portion or support structure which is shaped to receive a conductive element, or insert, within a cavity of the support structure. The conductive element is made of a polymer material, such as vinyl ester, with a conductive filler, such as graphite powder. The base is attachable to a marine vessel or other submersible component that is being protected by a cathodic protection system. The anode allows the use of a relatively inexpensive resin material with a graphite filler in place of a much more expensive platinum coated titanium element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Richard E. Staerzl, Christopher J. Misorski
  • Patent number: 7179353
    Abstract: An electrolysis cell (10) contains a number of carbon anodes (12) having top, bottom and side surfaces, operating in molten electrolyte (17) in an aluminum electrolysis cell (10), where gas bubbles (28) are generated at the anode surfaces and where alumina particles (20) are added to the top of the molten electrolyte, where the carbon anodes (12) have at least two inward slots (21) passing through the carbon anode (12) along the longitudinal axis 40 of the carbon anode and also passing through only one front surface (25) of the carbon anode, where the height (32) of the slots (21) is from about 45% to 80% of the anodes thickness and the slotted front surfaces (25) are disposed toward the center of the electrolysis cell so that generated gas bubbles (28) are directed to the alumina particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Ron D. Barclay, Gary P. Tarcy, Robert B. Hosler, Xiangwen Wang, Jay N. Bruggeman
  • Patent number: 7169270
    Abstract: An improved electrical connection between an inert anode and a conductor rod is disclosed. The conductor rod has a smaller diameter than a hole in the anode such that a gap is provided between the conductor rod and the anode. The gap is filled with an electrically conductive particulate material, such as Cu, Ni and/or Ag. The particulate conductor material is at least partially sintered before or during operation of the anode. To ensure a good connection between the conductor rod and the anode, the particle size distribution of the particulate connector material may be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Alcoa, Inc.
    Inventors: LeRoy E. D'Astolfo, Jr., R. Lee Troup
  • Patent number: 7153400
    Abstract: An electroplating apparatus for depositing a metallic layer on a surface of a wafer is provided. In one example, a proximity head capable of being electrically charged as an anode is placed in close proximity to the surface of the wafer. A plating fluid is provided between the wafer and the proximity head to create localized metallic plating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Mike Ravkin, John Boyd, Yezdi N. Dordi, Fred C. Redeker, John M. de Larios
  • Patent number: 7144488
    Abstract: A counter electrode for use in an electrochemical cell suitable for analysis of an electroplating composition, the counter electrode comprising a conductor; a sheath disposed about the conductor; an electrolyte disposed within the sheath; and an optionally porous element on the sheath, the porous element providing signal communication between the electrolyte and an analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Shipley Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert A. Binstead, Osnat Younes-Metzler, David A. Valeri, Robert D. Mikkola
  • Patent number: 7144482
    Abstract: An apparatus, method and means is provided for electrochemical machining of hydrodynamic bearing assemblies in spindle motors. In an aspect, a cartridge is provided that receives and accurately positions an electrode in three dimensions in a near frictionless manner. The electrode reaches and maintains an equilibrium position in response to a first and second predetermined force, the equilibrium position being a predetermined three dimensional orientation relative to the work piece and defining a critical orifice with the work piece. In an aspect, a hydrostatic bearing is employed within the electrode for radially adjusting the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Mark Greg Steele, Dustin Alan Cochran, Alexander Gredinberg
  • Patent number: 7122101
    Abstract: A sensor including at least one electrode (3, 4) which is made of electrically conductive plastic and is connected to one end of an electrical conductor (5, 6). The electrode (3, 4) and conductor (5, 6) are surrounded by an insulating housing (2, 22), except that the electrode has an exposed surface (7, 8) for contacting an aggressive or corrosive medium inside the housing. The other end (11, 12) of the electrical conductor protrudes from the housing (2, 22). The housing (2, 22) is made of an electrically insulating plastic material which is joined to the electrode (3, 4) in a sealed manner. In a preferred embodiment, the housing (2, 22) forms a valve seat and seal for a bottom drain valve of a fluid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Xomox International GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Wolfgang Gonsior
  • Patent number: 7118728
    Abstract: A method for making ferrite powder may include providing ferrite feed materials in a form of particles having different sizes and irregular shapes, and exposing the ferrite feed materials to a plasma to provide a more spherical shape to irregularly shaped particles to thereby make the ferrite powder. An apparatus for making ferrite powder may include a feeder for ferrite feed materials and a plasma generator for exposing the ferrite feed materials to a plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Steward Advanced Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry G. Paris, Danny R. Smith
  • Patent number: 7094326
    Abstract: An electrode device for high pressure applications. These electrodes, designed to withstand pressure of greater than 10,000 psi, are adapted for use in microfluidic devices that employ electrokinetic or electrophoretic flow. The electrode is composed, generally, of an outer electrically insulating tubular body having a porous ceramic frit material disposed in one end of the outer body. The pores of the porous ceramic material are filled with an ion conductive polymer resin. A conductive material situated on the upper surface of the porous ceramic frit material and, thus isolated from direct contact with the electrolyte, forms a gas diffusion electrode. A metal current collector, in contact with the gas diffusion electrode, provides connection to a voltage source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Sandia National Laboratories
    Inventors: Robert W. Crocker, Cindy K. Harnett, Judith L. Rognlien
  • Patent number: 7090760
    Abstract: Disclosed are a method of reducing spent oxides nuclear fuel to nuclear-fuel metal, in which metal oxides are reduced to metals using an electrochemical reduction device with LiCl—Li2O salt as an electrolyte, a cathode electrode assembly used in the method, and a reduction device including the cathode electrode assembly. The method is advantageous in that the process of reducing the spent oxide nuclear fuel to the nuclear-fuel metal and another process of recovering Li are united to simplify the whole processes, direct use of high oxidative Li metals is excluded to secure safety, and conversion efficiency of the spent oxide nuclear fuel is 99% or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignees: Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung Seok Seo, Jin Mok Hur, In Kyu Choi, Seong Won Park, Hyun Soo Park
  • Patent number: 7077937
    Abstract: A large surface area electrode well-suited to electrochemical applications is produced by winding many turns of a metallic fiber tow on to a sheet metal rectangle. In the preferred embodiment, an anode that can be used to purify water by electrochemical production of hydroxyl free radical is made by winding titanium fiber tow on to a rectangular substrate made of titanium sheet, and applying a suitable multilayered electrocatalytic coating. Made of other metals, an electrode of this description can also serve as the cathode of an electrochemical cell, or as a battery plaque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventors: Oleh Weres, Henry Edward O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 7070878
    Abstract: A layered oxygen electrode incorporating a peroxide decomposition catalyst. The design of the oxygen electrode promotes oxygen dissociation and absorption within the oxygen electrode. The oxygen electrode has differing layers of hydrophobicity which allow chemical impregnation of the active catalyst material into the oxygen electrode where the active catalyst material is needed most.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Ovonic Fuel Cell Company LLC
    Inventors: Srinivasan Venkatesan, Hong Wang, Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Boyko Aladjov, Subhash Dhar
  • Patent number: 7033479
    Abstract: The invention is relative to an electrolytic cell comprising electrodes spaced apart from the back-wall by means of ribs, wherein a portion of the contact surface between the electrodes and the ribs is free from constraints in order to permit the complete removal of the electrodes once they have to be replaced by removing only partially the original contact surface, so that positioning of the substitute electrodes is allowed on the residual portion. A method for substituting the electrodes of the cell which leaves the distance between the electrode surface and the back-wall unvaried is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: De Nora Elettrodi S.p.A.
    Inventors: Dario Oldani, Antonio Pasquinucci
  • Patent number: 7022212
    Abstract: A microstructured electrode coupled with an analytical method designed to simulate the actual conditions on the wafer and to measure critical parameters such as mass transfer of the active plating components, deposition rates of the copper in the plating bath solutions, and/or additive concentration is disclosed. Thus, an offline method for process control is provided. Additionally, the electrode and method can be incorporated into a copper interconnect bath tool or copper interconnect bath distribution system for online control of the process chemistry. The microstructured electrode design consists of a patterned electrode surface that simulates the dimensions of the interconnects and vias. The analytical method can be any type of method that allows diffusion or kinetic information to be obtained, such as electrochemical impedance, electrochemical noise, and other voltammetric or galvanostatic methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: American Air Liquide, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan D. Zdunek
  • Patent number: 7017251
    Abstract: Apparatus and method of incorporating a resistive interface between an anode rod and a water heater tank connector. The resistive interface can include a conductive polymer material or coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Apcom, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Allan Murphy
  • Patent number: 7014941
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anode catalyst for use in the electrochemical oxidation of H2S to elemental sulfur and water, specifically in a fuel cell having an ion-conducting membrane. The catalyst comprises a material prepared from two or more metal sulfides of the formula MSx, wherein M is selected from the group consisting of Co, Ni, Fe, Mo, Cu, Cr, W and Mn, and x is between about 1.0 and about 2.5; a conductive material suitable for fuel cell operation; and a porous material. The invention further provides methods of preparing the catalyst, fuel cells comprising the catalyst and methods of electrochemically oxidizing H2S using the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: The Governors of the University of Alberta
    Inventors: Karl T. Chuang, Jingli Luo, Guolin Wei, Alan R. Sanger
  • Patent number: 7014739
    Abstract: An electroplating anode including a substantially convex oxidizing surface for oxidation of metal atoms in a semiconductor wafer electroplating process. The electroplating anode of the present invention substantially prolongs the lifetime of the anode and contributes to the prevention of wafer contamination due to generation of potential wafer-contaminating precipitate particles during a wafer electroplating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tro-Hsu Lin, Tien-Chen Hu, Hong-Jin Pu, Zhi-Zan Zhuang
  • Patent number: 6998031
    Abstract: An electrode comprises an elongate hollow tube made of porous titanium suboxide the inside wall of which is contacted at spaced apart locations by an electrical conductor so that the current is substantially uniformly distributed along the length of the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Atraverda Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Hill
  • Patent number: 6977031
    Abstract: An anode assembly for conducting electrical energy to an electrolytic smelting cell including an anode of high electrically conductive material connected to a yoke, the ends of the yoke being receivable within anodes, the yoke including a core of highly electrically conductive material and an outer structural sheath extending substantially the length of the yoke, the anode rod being in electrical contact with the core of the yoke and provided with a protective structural collar secured to the outer structural sheath of the yoke. In order for the electrical and thermal contact between the core and sheath to be maintained, the differential coefficient of thermal expansion over the operating temperature range of the assembly is preferably substantially the same or within 4×10?6 m/mk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: SRA Technologies Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Vjekoslav Jakovac, Vladimir Kanovnik, Drago Juric
  • Patent number: 6962649
    Abstract: Contact assemblies for electrochemical processing of microelectronic workpieces. The contact assemblies can comprise a support member that includes an inner wall which defines an opening configured to receive the workpiece and a plurality of contacts. The individual contacts include a conductor and a cover. The conductor can comprise a proximal section projecting inwardly into the opening relative to the support member, a distal section extending from the proximal section, and an inert exterior at least at the distal section. The cover comprises a dielectric element that covers at least the proximal section of the conductor, but does not cover at least a portion of the distal section of the core. The exposed portion of the distal section of the core, accordingly, defines a conductive contact site for contacting a conductive layer (e.g., a seed layer) on the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Wilson, John M. Pedersen, Steve L. Eudy
  • Patent number: 6942767
    Abstract: A reactor comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a conically spiraling fluid flow channel coupled between the inlet and the outlet. The reactor may be an electrochemical reactor comprising a fluid flow channel that spirals about an axis, the fluid flow channel comprising an anode, a cathode across from the anode, and a membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode. The reactor may have a number of design parameters that are based upon one or more reaction species and that favor the occurrence of a reaction associated with the species. The reactor may be used for the electrolysis of water or for the production of other chemical products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: T-Graphic, LLC
    Inventors: David Fazzina, Jack Matthews, Steve Taracevicz
  • Patent number: 6939448
    Abstract: Contact assemblies, electroplating machines with contact assemblies, and methods for making contact assemblies that are used in the fabrication of microelectronic workpieces. The contact assemblies can be wet-contact assemblies or dry-contact assemblies. A contact assembly for use in an electroplating system can comprise a support member and a contact system coupled to the support member. The support member, for example, can be a ring or another structure that has an inner wall defining an opening configured to allow the workpiece to move through the support member along an access path. In one embodiment, the support member is a conductive ring having a plurality of posts depending from the ring that are spaced apart from one another by gaps. The contact system can be coupled to the posts of the support member. The contact system can have a plurality of contact members projecting inwardly into the opening relative to the support member and transversely with respect to the access path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Batz, Jr., John M. Pedersen, John L. Klocke, LinLin Chen
  • Patent number: 6932891
    Abstract: An apparatus for indicating when a predetermined portion of a sacrificial anode has been corroded comprises a detector embedded within the interior of the sacrificial anode initially at a predetermined distance from an exposed exterior surface of the sacrificial anode. The detector detects the absence of sacrificial anode material when the predetermined portion has corroded and generates a detection signal. A monitoring system communicates with the detector for receiving detection signals and generates an indicator signal when a detection signal is received. An indicator in communication with the monitoring system receives indicator signals and generates an alarm when an indicator signal is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Performance Metals, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Wigg, Henry Leipert, James Elder, Kelvin P. Dixon
  • Patent number: 6921469
    Abstract: Described are preferred electrode structures which desirably include multiple thin conductive layers stably bonded to an electrode substrate through a bonding layer. Also described are preferred electrode structures which include reinforcing carbon layers, which include an embrittlement-sensitive material and a protective oxygen-free copper layer, and which include at least one thin metal layer including a bamboo grain pattern. Additional embodiments of the invention include electric cells incorporating such electrode structures, and methods for their operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Lattice Energy LLC
    Inventor: Lewis G. Larsen
  • Patent number: 6919010
    Abstract: A substantially uniform layer of a metal is electroplated onto a work piece having a seed layer thereon. The current of a plating cell is provided from an azimuthally asymmetric anode, which is rotated with respect to the work piece (i.e., either or both of the work piece and the anode may be rotating). The azimuthal asymmetry provides a time-of-exposure correction to the current distribution reaching the work piece, whereby peripheral regions of the work piece see less current than central regions over the period of rotation. In some embodiments, the total current is distributed among a plurality of anodes in the plating cell in order to tailor the current distribution in the plating electrolyte over time. Focusing elements may be used to create “virtual anodes” in proximity to the plating surface of the work piece to further control the current distribution in the electrolyte during plating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven T. Mayer
  • Patent number: RE40035
    Abstract: A ceramic oxygen generator is described which is capable of modular construction to permit the oxygen generation capacity to be expanded. An ionically conducted ceramic electrolyte is formed into a series of rows and columns of tubes on a tube support member and like electrolyte bodies can be connected together to form a manifold therebetween of oxygen produced in the interiors of the rubes. An electrical connection between tubes is formed such that the anodes and cathodes of tubes in a column are connected in parallel while the tubes in the row are, respectively, connected anode to cathode to form a series connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Carleton Life Support Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Victor P. Crome