Electrodes With Lateral Extensions Patents (Class 204/288)
  • Publication number: 20040231978
    Abstract: The invention relates to electroplating. In particular, the invention relates to an improved anode for electroplating metals onto substrates, and to a method of electroplating metals onto substrates utilizing the anode. The anode has a solid metal portion, and a metal electrode shaft having one or more barbs projecting outwardly from a periphery of the shaft at one end of the shaft. The barbs are fixed through the body extend a distance therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Tamara L White
  • Patent number: 6761808
    Abstract: An electrode structure for use, for example, in a bipolar electrolyser comprising (i) a pan with a dished recess and a flange around the periphery thereof for supporting gasket means for sealing a separator between the flanges in adjacent electrode structures, which separator is disposed between the surface of the anode of a first electrode structure and the cathode of a second electrode structure such that the anode surface is substantially parallel to and faces but is insulated and spaced apart from the cathode surface by the separator and is hermetically-sealed to the separator, (ii) an electrically conductive plate spaced from the pan, (iii) a plurality of electrically-conductive members to which the electrically conductive plate is electroconductively attached and which provide electrically-conductive pathways between the pan and the electrically conductive plate, (iv) inlet for electrolyte and (v) outlets for liquids and gases wherein where the electrode structure is an anode structure the dished recess
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Ineos Chlor Limited
    Inventors: Brian K Revill, Michael F Dutton, Keith A Stanley, Alan R Naylor
  • Patent number: 6713308
    Abstract: The analytical process utilized in the system of this invention comprises three (3) step distinct steps wherein an analyte of interest in a test sample is initially labeled and subsequently isolated within a porous medium of a test device. Once isolated within the medium, the label is displaced from the analyte, or from the complex with the analyte, and converted, under electrolytic condition, to a metallic species which is caused test to deposit upon a working electrode of the test device. This working electrode is part of an electrode array that is positioned coincident with the porous medium, yet maintained physically remote therefrom. This deposit is then stripped from the working electrode, under anodic stripping conditions, and the current generated within the electrode array monitored. The characteristic response curve that is produced thereby can be correlated with the identity and concentration of the analyte(s) with the test sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventors: Fang Lu, Frank N. W. Lu, Kai Hua Wang
  • Publication number: 20040026239
    Abstract: An electrode according to the present invention employs the metal plate having the specified structure as the electrode substrate. The metal plate 51 has a plurality of protuberances 54 that are alternately protruded on both front and back sides thereof. Each of the protuberances 54 is formed in a pyramid shape in which an area of upper bottom 52 (a protruded part) thereof is smaller than that of a lower bottom 53. The upper bottom 52 in each of the protuberances 54 is formed with an aperture 56 having blanking burr 55 blinked in a substantially pyramid shape along a direction from the upper bottom 52 to the lower bottom 53 so that an opening 52a of the upper bottom part is formed in a polygon shape. Further, the size of each portions is set in accordance with c>s≧0.1 mm2 and 0.2≦h/d≦0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Mitsuhiro Kishimi, Hiroshi Fukunaga
  • Patent number: 6663762
    Abstract: A semiconductor workpiece holder used in electroplating systems for plating metal layers onto a semiconductor workpieces, and is of particular advantage in connection with plating copper onto semiconductor materials. The workpiece holder includes electrode assemblies which have a contact part which connects to a distal end of an electrode shaft and bears against the workpiece and conducts current therebetween. The contact part is preferably made from a corrosion resistant material, such as platinum. The electrode assembly also preferably includes a dielectric layer which covers the distal end of the electrode shaft and seals against the contact part to prevent plating liquid from corroding the joint between these parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin C. Bleck, Lyndon W. Graham, Kyle M. Hanson
  • Patent number: 6613202
    Abstract: A water treatment tank for treating waste water using an electrochemical treatment process. The electrochemical process removes both suspended and dissolved solids in the water and allows the treated water to be removed from the tank for reuse or discharge. The tank includes a tank housing with first and second waste water receiving compartments. The two compartments are identical and are used alternately when treating the waste water. A waste water inlet line is attached to the top of the first compartment for filling the compartment with waste water. A side of the first compartment includes an annular opening for receiving an electrode assembly with a plurality of electrodes extending inside the compartment for treating the waste water electrochemically. The electrodes are attached to the power supply via electrode cables with the polarity of a current cycle reversed periodically depending on the types of water contaminates being treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Current Water Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Lori B. Herbst, Robert Herbst, Keith Wilkerson
  • Patent number: 6613201
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treating water by means of an electric field. An Anode and a cathode are arranged in a treatment chamber. The cathode has a plurality of parallel pins. Seed crystals are deposited on these pins. There are means for separating these seed crystals from the pins. The apparatus is to be of simple design and is to have high efficiency with regard to the formation of seed crystals. The cathode is to be kept free from lime depositions. To this end, the seed crystals are separated or stripped from the pins by means of a perforated disc. The pins extend through the holes of this perforated disc. The perforated disc is guided over the pins. The perforated disc can be moved by water pressure or by an electric motor. The electric motor has as second function the actuation of a safety valve controlled by a monitoring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Hans Sasserath & Co KG
    Inventor: Willi Hecking
  • Patent number: 6576098
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal cathode sheet as component of cathode equipment for an electrolysis tank for the electrolytic recovery of pure metals, especially copper. The cathode sheet is provided, at its side edges which come into contact with the electrolyte and are vertically aligned in the electrolysis tank, with an edge protector, made of a ceramic material. The edge protector is electrically insulating, of dense porosity and resistant to electrolyte. Sharp-edged breakthroughs and the outer cathode cutting edges are completely coated by edge protector. In this manner flux line concentrations at these locations are forestalled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: KM Europa Metal AG
    Inventor: Gunter Knies
  • Patent number: 6572760
    Abstract: Cathodic protection of a structure including a steel member at least partly buried in a covering layer, such as steel rebar in a concrete structure, is provided by embedding sacrificial anodes into the concrete layer at spaced positions over the layer and connecting the anodes to the rebar. Each anode is inserted into a drilled hole in the layer and is electrically attached to the rebar in the same or an adjacent hole by a steel pin which is attached to the reinforcement by arc welding or by impact. In the arrangement where the anode and the attachment are in the same hole, the pin passes into or through the anode so as to hold the anode rigidly within the hole. The hole is filled by a settable filler material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Inventor: David Whitmore
  • Patent number: 6562226
    Abstract: An electrochemical machining process gives a workpiece such as a honeycomb panel a 3-dimensional profile form having a varying cross-section perpendicular to an axis of the profile form. In the process an electrode is maintained in a constant position relative to the axis and the surface of the profile form is exposed differentially to the action of the electrode in the axial direction to vary the amount of material removal and so vary the cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Anglia Polytechnic University
    Inventor: Hassan Shirvani
  • Patent number: 6527923
    Abstract: An electrode of use in electrolytic cells, particularly water electrolyser cells for the production of hydrogen, and comprising an electrically conductive first metal sheet having an electrochemically active gas-evolving planar surface; an electrically conductive second metal electrochemically active gas-evolving screen intimately adjacent and parallel to the planar surface to define an electrolyte and gas-evolving chamber between the sheet and the screen having a narrow width. The electrode provides improvements in voltage and efficiency, longer-term electrode stability and opportunity for periodic depolarization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventors: Donald W. Kirk, John W Graydon
  • Patent number: 6524453
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrochemical apparatus comprising of an electrode assembly, an internal reservoir and an internal dryer. The internal dryer consists of a chamber filled with a multitude of balls to create mechanical obstacles removing moisture from gasses present inside, reducing the volume of accumulated gasses and acting as anti-splash for the electrolyte. The invention is also directed to an electrode assembly of monopolar electrodes for use in electrical apparatus. The bipolar electrode assembly comprises a pair of electrodes (12, 14), each of the electrodes having a plurality of electrode plates (16, 18) connected in series together. The electrode plates of each of the electrodes are connected to the next electrode plate in the series by a bridging member (20) contiguous with each of the interconnected electrode plates. The invention is also directed to an electrode for use in an electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: FatPower Inc.
    Inventors: Mario De Souza, Gabi Balan
  • Patent number: 6485983
    Abstract: System, method, and test strip for solid phase, electrochemical, quantitative analysis of analytes contained in biological fluid samples. Preliminary to analysis, a test sample solution can be applied to a sample collection pad associated with the solid phase test environment of the test strip. The test sample solution and a test kit reagent are thereby initially contacted, under assay conditions, within this solid phase test environment, and caused to migrate along a fluid pathway therein. Irrespective of the assay format (competitive assay, sandwich assay, etc.), a test kit reagent (e.g. labeled substance) and the analyte of interest (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Intec Science, Inc.
    Inventors: Fang Lu, Frank N. W. Lu, Kai Hua Wang
  • Patent number: 6471835
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode assemblage clamping device for an electrode comprising two parallel, essentially flat and rectangular electrode members, and at least one current supply rod/conductor bar, arranged between and in conductive contact with said electrode members. The device comprises a clamping means provided along at least a part of the vertical peripheral edges of said electrode elements, said clamping means comprising a resilient member and an abutment member. The latter are configured such that each electrode member is clamped between one respective part each of the abutment member and of the resilient member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Permascand AB
    Inventors: Maria Sjöberg, Anders Ullman, Karl Axel Hugosson, Mikael Tenfält, Martin Kroon, Jostein Per Saetre, Tor Haakon Groesle
  • Publication number: 20020060149
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal cathode sheet assembly for use in the electrolytic recovery of pure metals, especially copper, in an electrolysis tank. The metal cathode sheet is provided at its side edges with an edge protector formed by a grooved profile strip. The edge protector is secured to the side edge by engaging at least one trapezoidal holding wedge that has back surfaces facing away from the narrow sides. The wedge is able to be secured in a cutout on the edge. The edge protector grips behind the back surface with counter-support surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Inventor: Gunter Knies
  • Patent number: 6391268
    Abstract: A treater for electrostatically separating emulsified water from oil during longitudinal flow through a horizontally elongated coalescing section has a number of baffles with adjacent electrostatic wing grids therein. The electrostatic wing grids are externally connected to two or more transformers so that a higher voltage may be applied to subsequent grids along the coalescing section. Each of the electrostatic wing grids includes a front face and perpendicular side edges and a perpendicular bottom edge to extend the electrostatic field out beyond the front face, so as to enhance the electrostatic action and more efficiently remove water from the emulsion. The baffles preferably extend downwardly to a water/oil interface, so as to increase the efficiency of the emulsion flowing through the coalescing section and ensure that the electrostatic field is applied to the emulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Kvaerner Process Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Patrick Berry, Mark N. Smithdorf, Stewart J. Mulvey
  • Patent number: 6352622
    Abstract: A compound electrode incorporating a lead substrate utilizes the lead as a support structure. This support structure provides a surface that engages a valve metal expanded metal mesh. The mesh member has a front and back surface with the back surface facing the lead support structure. At least the front surface of the mesh member is an active surface. Securing of the mesh member to the lead support structure in electrical connection permits the lead support structure to serve as a current distributor for the mesh member. The mesh member may engage the surface of the lead support structure by pressing or rolling the mesh onto the lead. Other engagement means can include the use of fasteners, or welding and the like. The resulting structure can be particularly useful as an electrode assembly for use in an electrolytic cell that serves for the electrowinning of a metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Carl W. Brown, Jeries I. Bishara, Lynne M. Ernes, Andy W. Getsy, Kenneth L. Hardee, Barry L. Martin, Gerald R. Pohto, Thomas J. Schue, Thomas R. Turk
  • Patent number: 6342136
    Abstract: This invention applies to an electrolytic cell busbar construction for the purpose of the electrolytic recovery of metals. The construction is formed so that the gap between the electrodes can be changed easily. All parts of the construction are in the form of an integral profile longitudinally to the cell and the support lugs of the electrodes in the cell are unnotched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Outokumpu Oyj
    Inventors: Henri Virtanen, Ismo Virtanen, Tuomo Kivistö, Tom Marttila
  • Publication number: 20010050226
    Abstract: A target and magnetron for a plasma sputter reactor. The target has an annular vault facing the wafer to be sputter coated. Various types of magnetic means positioned around the vault create a magnetic field supporting a plasma extending over a large volume of the vault. An integrated copper via filling process includes a first step of highly ionized sputter deposition of copper, a second step of more neutral, lower-energy sputter deposition of copper to complete the seed layer, and electroplating copper into the hole to complete the metallization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventors: Praburam Gopalraja, Jianming Fu, Fusen Chen, Girish Dixit, Zheng Xu, Sankaram Athreya, Wei D. Wang, Ashok K. Sinha
  • Patent number: 6284109
    Abstract: A spacer mechanism which is used to separate electrodes within an electrowinning process. The spacers have a central body portion which defines the distancing between the electrodes and at least four sloping arms extending from the central body. The arms are used to move the electrodes to the top of the central body of the spacer, as the electrodes are being placed next to each other. Each of the arms is ideally narrow so that the “footprint” of the spacer is minimized. The small “footprint” causes minimal disruption of the electrical flow between the electrodes so that the electro-deposition process proceeds in a uniform manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: William Ebert
  • Patent number: 6224722
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell comprised of a tank for holding electrolytic solution, and a drum rotatable about a horizontal axis having a non-conductive cylindrical outer surface disposed within the tank, and a plurality of elongated, like anodes arranged about the outer surface of the drum. The anodes together form a generally continuous cylindrical surface spaced from, and generally conforming to, the outer surface of the drum. Each of the anodes has at least one end projecting through the tank. A plurality of power sources is provided together with connection means for connecting groups of one or more of the projecting ends of the anodes to each power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Gould Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Ameen, Robert D. DeWitt, Peter Peckham, Ronald K. Haines, Adam G. Bay
  • Patent number: 6210549
    Abstract: A fluorine generating cell apparatus, system, and method for the production of fluorine gas having an electrolyte melt flow circulation, a corrosion resistant anode connection, a separation skirt aiding in the circulation of the electrolyte melt, having a controlled gas recombination fail-safe, and a cathode arrangement enhancing efficiency and anode life by providing enhanced effective surface area for each anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Larry A. Tharp
  • Patent number: 6187156
    Abstract: The invention relates to an anode used in the electrolytic refining of copper, said anode (1) comprising two support parts (2), whereby the anode (1) is suspended during the electrolytic process against the electrolytic tank walls. According to the invention, in the anode support parts (2) there are formed brackets (3) for gripping the anode (1) and for supporting the anode (1) when it is being transferred from one position to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Outokumpu OYJ
    Inventors: Henri Virtanen, Ismo Virtanen, Tuomo Kivistö, Tom Marttila
  • Patent number: 6159745
    Abstract: A test device for detecting or quantifying determining an analyte in a test solution includes an absorbent material having contact, liposome lysing and electrochemical measurement portions. The contact portion is positioned for contact with and uptake of the test solution. The liposome lysing portion is segregated from the contact portion and has a liposome lysing agent bound thereto. The liposome lysing portion is further either positioned between the contact portion and the electrochemical measurement portion, or partially or completely coincides with the electrochemical measurement portion. The electrochemical measurement portion comprises a first conductor comprising a plurality of fingers disposed on the absorbent material, and a second conductor similarly comprising a plurality of fingers disposed on the absorbent material, where the fingers of the first and second conductors are interdigitated to form an array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignees: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc., Innovative Biotechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A. Roberts, Richard Allen Durst, Richard A. Montagna, Geoffrey S. Rule
  • Patent number: 6139705
    Abstract: A compound electrode incorporating a lead substrate utilizes the lead as a support structure. This support structure provides a surface that engages a mesh member, e.g., a valve metal expanded metal mesh. The mesh member has a front and back surface with the back surface facing the lead support structure. At least the front surface of the mesh member is an active surface. Securing of the mesh member to the lead support structure in electrical connection permits the lead support structure to serve as a current distributor for the mesh member. The mesh member may engage the surface of the lead support structure as by pressing or rolling the mesh onto the lead. Other engagement means can include the use of fasteners, or welding and the like. The resulting structure can be particularly useful as an electrode assembly for use in an electrolytic cell that serves for the electrowinning of a metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Carl W. Brown, Jr., Jeries I. Bishara, Lynne M. Ernes, Andy W. Getsy, Kenneth L. Hardee, Barry L. Martin, Gerald R. Pohto, Thomas J. Schue, Thomas R. Turk
  • Patent number: 6129822
    Abstract: An insoluble anode for use in electrowinning metals and electrolytic manganese dioxide production wherein the anodes are composed of, generally, titanium or lead (including titanium or lead alloys). The anode includes a titanium-lead active layer, or a titanium-lead active layer covering and a core being made from titanium and lead and is produced by infiltration of porous titanium with lead, either by consolidation of the mixture of titanium and lead powders. The anode formed of the active layer, or of the active layer covering and a sheet core is fabricated in the shape of a plate. The anode formed of the active layer covering and a rod or tube core is fabricated in the shape of a lattice, wherein the covering is made from a plurality of bushings, which are strung on the core. The titanium-lead active layer is optionally dispersion-strengthened by zirconium carbide or titanium carbide particles, and the active layer surface is released of a portion of lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventor: Alla Ferdman
  • Patent number: 6106680
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating electrochemical copper interconnections between the component parts of an integrated circuit on a semiconductor device. A cathodic platter is provided that includes contact pins that contact the surface of a semiconductor wafer at predetermined locations during the electrochemical deposition process. The contact pins are arranged on the cathodic platter so that when placed on the surface of the semiconductor wafer the contact pins surround the perimetrical edges of each respective semiconductor device on the semiconductor wafer. Once the semiconductor wafer is properly positioned on the cathodic platter, a copper conductive layer can be electrochemically and uniformly deposited on the surface of the semiconductor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: AMD
    Inventors: Takeshi Nogami, Axel Preusse, Valery Dubin
  • Patent number: 6103076
    Abstract: A flexible auxiliary anode element for electroplating a tubular workpiece while the workpiece and an anode element are immersed in a plating liquid contained in a plating both. The flexible auxiliary anode element can be inserted into a hollow interior of the workpiece so that a metal wire of the auxiliary anode element is insulated from an inner peripheral surface of the workpiece by an insulating spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Daiwa Excel Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chikanori Mizuno
  • Patent number: 6017429
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved cathode element for the production of electrolytic copper, and more particularly to an improved cathode element of the reusable type which includes a cathode plate. With the intention of preventing a sleeve-like copper build-up around the cathode plate, the cathode element is provided with electrically insulating edge strips along at least those side edges of the cathode element which, in an active position, are located in the electrolyte bath, wherein the electrically insulating edge strips are chemically bonded to the cathode plate, preferably by vulcanization or by gluing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Svedala Skega AB
    Inventor: Sture V. Persson
  • Patent number: 5993620
    Abstract: The invention discloses a novel structure for an expandable anode to be used in diaphragm cells. This new structure comprises a conductor bar in the form of a copper core provided with a titanium layer having a first and a second pair of flexible expanders fixed thereto. The welding points of the second pair of expanders are positioned orthogonally with respect to the welding points of the first pair of expanders along the circumference of the conductor bar. Also the anode surfaces are connected by welding points to the pairs of expanders. The anode of the invention may be both a new anode and a conventional existing anode having only a first pair of expanders whereto the second pair of expanders is attached. With the device of the present invention the ohmic drop between the conductor bar and the anode surface is substantially decreased and further there is no risk of damaging the interface between the copper core and the titanium coating by an excessive thermal stress, due to the welding procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: De Nora S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giovanni Meneghini, Takashi Oishi
  • Patent number: 5985113
    Abstract: A ceramic element is provided which can be injection molded from an electrolyte and a binder. The ceramic element includes a tube support portion and a plurality of tubes extending from the tube support portion. The plurality of tubes are arranged in rows and columns. A plurality of vias extend from one surface of the tube support portion to an opposite surface of the tube support portion. The ceramic element is coated with an electrically conductive coating and a current collector coating. The vias are coated with the electrically conductive coating and plugged. After the coatings are removed in selected areas of the ceramic element, the tubes of the ceramic element form a series-parallel array because tubes in the same column are connected in parallel electrically and tubes in adjacent rows are connected in series electrically. Two ceramic elements are sealed together to form a modular electrochemical device. The electrochemical device can be either an oxygen generator or a fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Paul Crome, Russell Frank Hart, Scott Richard Sehlin
  • Patent number: 5958791
    Abstract: A test device for detecting or determining an analyte in a test solution includes an absorbent material having contact, liposome lysing and electrochemical measurement portions. The contact portion is positioned for contact with and uptake of the test solution. The liposome lysing portion is segregated from the contact portion and has a liposome lysing agent bound thereto. The liposome lysing portion is further either positioned between the contact portion and the electrochemical measurement portion, or partially or completely coincides with the electrochemical measurement portion. The electrochemical measurement portion comprises a first conductor comprising a plurality of fingers disposed on the absorbent material, and a second conductor similarly comprising a plurality of fingers disposed on the absorbent material, where the fingers of the first and second conductors are interdigitated to form an array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Innovative Biotechnologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew A Roberts, Richard Allen Durst, Richard A. Montagna, Geoffrey S. Rule
  • Patent number: 5911859
    Abstract: The invention provides a working electrode for use in an undivided electrochemical cell that is composed of at least one three dimensional accordion pleated sheet member having an open surface area of from zero to 50%. Typically suitable materials include metal mesh and woven fibers. The invention also includes an undivided electrochemical cell, containing the novel working electrode. Finally, the invention includes a method for electrochemically treating a metals-containing hydrocarbon stream in an undivided electrochemical cell by contacting a metals containing hydrocarbon stream with the novel pleated electrode. The invention has broad applicability for treating starting materials that produce electrochemically reversible (redox active) intermediates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Exxon Research and Engineering Co.
    Inventors: Mark Alan Greaney, Paul James Polini
  • Patent number: 5871624
    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 for 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 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Victor P. Crome
  • Patent number: 5865967
    Abstract: Metal is electrolytically precipitated on a cathode plate except for a portion thereof. The non-precipitated portion enables easy peeling of the precipitated metal from the cathode plate. The ceramic coating film is formed on the non-precipitated portion and prevents intrusion of electrolytic acid between the ceramic coating film and the cathode plate. The life of the coating is prolonged. The polishing of the cathode plate can be automatized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Nippon Mining & Metals Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Hiai, Akira Ikeda, Toshinori Ishii
  • Patent number: 5849164
    Abstract: A cell, particularly a membrane cell, that will generally be oriented in an at least substantially vertical positioning, is provided with an array of blade electrodes. The blade electrodes are Delta shape in cross-section, having a flat back face and forwardly sloping sides meeting at a forward edge. Such electrodes can be secured to a current distributor bar, typically on a flat front face of the bar. The forward edge of an electrode blade may be placed opposite a counter electrode of the same or different structure, with a membrane separator usually interposed therebetween. Electrical connection can be made to the electrode blades from the distributor bar, and to the distributor bar through boss electrical connectors. Baffles, which may also be secured to the distributor bar, help establish a front chamber, containing the electrode blades, in front of the baffles, and a back chamber behind the baffles. Electrolyte circulates through the front chamber and recirculates through the back chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Gerald R. Pohto
  • Patent number: 5824201
    Abstract: The invention concerns an improved electrode particularly useful for electrochemical processes forming gaseous products. The electrode is made of a composite structure comprising a shaped sheet having a profile of the "venetian blind" type, which provides for ensuring the necessary stiffness and improved local fluodynamics, and a mesh having the same "venetian blind" profile, provided with an electrocatalytic coating. The mesh is fixed by spot welding to the sheet in order to have the two profiles substantially coincident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: De Nora S.p.A.
    Inventors: Peter Fabian, Emilio Zioni
  • Patent number: 5824202
    Abstract: The invention concerns an improved electrode particularly useful for electrochemical processes forming gaseous products. The electrode is made of a composite structure comprising a shaped sheet having a profile of the "venetian blind" type, which provides for ensuring the necessary stiffness and improved local fluodynamics, and a mesh having the same "venetian blind" profile, provided with an electrocatalytic coating. The mesh is fixed by spot welding to the sheet in order to have the two profiles substantially coincident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: De Nora S.p.A.
    Inventors: Peter Fabian, Emilio Zioni
  • Patent number: 5770024
    Abstract: The invention concerns an improved electrode particularly useful for electrochemical processes forming gaseous products. The electrode is made of a composite structure comprising a shaped sheet having a profile of the "venetian blind" type, which provides for ensuring the necessary stiffness and improved local fluodynamics, and a mesh having the same "venetian blind" profile, provided with an electrocatalytic coating. The mesh is fixed by spot welding to the sheet in order to have the two profiles substantially coincident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: De Nora S.p.A.
    Inventors: Peter Fabian, Emilio Zioni
  • Patent number: 5753519
    Abstract: A test device for detecting or quantifying an analyte in a test sample includes an absorbent material having separate contact and measurement portions. The contact portion is positioned at or proximate to a first end of the absorbent material. The measurement portion has a receptor for a conjugate of an analyte analog and marker-encapsulating liposomes. In a method for using the test device, a binding material specific for the analyte is combined with the liposome-analyte analog conjugate and the test sample to form a test mixture. The mixture is incubated for a time sufficient to permit competition between any analyte present and the conjugate for the binding material. Following incubating, the mixture is allowed to traverse the absorbent material from the contact portion through the measurement portion of the absorbent material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Allen Durst, Matthew A. Roberts
  • Patent number: 5733424
    Abstract: An electrode for an electrochemical cell used in strip coating systems for continuous metal sheets has a plate-shaped electrode carrier, to which activated electrode components are connected mechanically in a detachable manner. The electrode carrier contains a metal core of material with good electrical conductivity, which, with the exception of the points where the activated electrode parts are connected, is surrounded by a jacketing of valve metal; on the side of the electrode carrier facing the cell wall, a corrosion- resistant plastic body in attached, against which the support means, the spring elements, the positioning elements, or the flow guide elements extending from the cell wall rest, these supports or elements thus being unable to cause any damage to the valve-metal jacketing of the electrode carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Heraeus Elektrochemie GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Dehm, Martin Pfannschmidt, Wilfried Schug, Heinrich Simon, Edgar Glueck
  • Patent number: 5660698
    Abstract: An electrode plate of planar structure contains lamellar electrode elements, with adjacent electrode elements being separated from one another by a gap. For a better escape of the gas from the electrode/membrane area, the lamellar electrode elements are provided with an expanded-metal structure, the openings of which serve to improve the passage of gas. The electrode elements are provided with angled upper edge strips in order to facilitate the escape of gas in the vertical direction. The electrode configuration is particularly suitable as an anodically connected electrode in direct contact with an ion exchanger membrane, but can also be used as a cathode at a distance from the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Heraeus Elektrochemie GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Scannell, Bernd Busse
  • Patent number: 5653857
    Abstract: A filter press electrolyzer, such as for use in a chlor-alkali cell, has electrode assemblies which include a pan-shaped structure. The pan members have a planar floor and an upright side around the peripheral edge of the floor. The upright side terminates upwardly in a rim. The pan members are elongate, thereby providing long, at least substantially parallel sides at long pan edges as well as short sides at the top and bottom of the pan. On the pan floor are a series of parallel, rigid stand-offs, which project upwardly from the floor. These hold electrodes away from the back of the pan. These electrodes are typically large, somewhat flexible and at least substantially planar members, usually made of metal mesh. The stand-offs can include principal stand-offs located at the central area of the pan, plus additional stand-offs, typically one each at the top and bottom of the pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Oxteh Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Andy W. Getsy, Gregory J. Manning, Robert B. Kubinski, Kevin B. Garland
  • Patent number: 5649355
    Abstract: A welding electrode for providing a significant improvement in the detrimental tensile residual stress condition on the root side of welds, especially on the inside wall of piping welds. The electrode has a tungsten alloy blade. The blade is made from sheets of tungsten alloy by cutting or stamping. The preferred shape of the blade is an isosceles triangle. The base of the flat triangular blade is secured in a slot formed in an electrode holder. The electrode holder is preferably T-shaped, with the shank of the holder being connected to a conventional welding torch. The holder is made of electrically conductive material, whereby the blade is coupled to the torch for producing an electric arc at the blade tip for welding. The blade is optionally covered with a ceramic coating to prevent arcing to the side walls of the groove formed between the parts being welded. A further option is to incorporate insulating stand-offs which protrude from both flat sides of the electrode blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Henry Peter Offer
  • Patent number: 5584975
    Abstract: An electrode assembly which will find use such as in electroplating, is made from a hollow and thin walled, elongate and deflectable outer metal electrode member. This member is usually rounded, e.g., typically circular, in cross-section and has major inner and outer faces. Representative of this outer member would be a titanium tube. The electrode assembly also has a removable and elongate, inner metal electrical current distributor member. This inner current distributor member will typically be rectangular in cross-section. Representative of this inner member is a rectangular copper bar. As assembled, this typical assembly can have the edges on the outer face of the copper bar engage the inner face of the titanium tube. In putting together this particular assembly, the hollow tube is compressed, such as from circular to elliptical shape. The copper bar current distributor is inserted into this misshapen tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Gerald R. Pohto, Andy W. Getsy
  • Patent number: 5497091
    Abstract: A surface-mounted pH sensor provides continuous pH profiling with depth during standard cone penetration testing (CPT). The pH sensor includes at least two electrodes, one being an antimony electrode and the other being a ceramic electrode. The electrodes are mounted to the shaft of a cone penetration device, and make contact with underground fluids during CPT. The antimony electrode, which functions as a measurement electrode, creates an exchange equilibrium between the hydrogen ions in the underground fluids and the ions of the antimony. This equilibrium creates a potential in the antimony electrode which is measured against the stable reference potential of the ceramic electrode. The resulting potential difference is indicative of the pH level of the underground fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Applied Research Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Wesley L. Bratton, J. Christopher Bianchi
  • Patent number: 5492609
    Abstract: An improved method of manufacture for electrolytic cathode devices that include a copper hanger-bar with a rounded underside that ensures the automatic vertical positioning of the cathode's blank starter sheet with respect to horizontal supporting bus-bars irrespective of warpage or construction defects. The mechanical connection between the hanger bar and the starter sheet is achieved by inserting the latter's upper edge into a receiving groove in the underside of the hanger bar and by welding the entire length of connection, thereby establishing a large boundary surface for good electrical conductance. One embodiment of the invention also features notched lateral edges that increase the rigidity of the starter sheet and allow the ready installation and removal of conforming insulating strips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: T. A. Caid Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William Assenmacher
  • Patent number: 5470445
    Abstract: In a tank confined electrolysis process, such as electrowinning or electrorefining, having circulated electroplating solution containing sulfuric acid, a multi-element cover system is applied below the electrode conductor connections and above the surface of the electrolyte bath. This cover is evacuated in the interstices below the cover and above the bath at a rate exceeding the stoichiometric ratio causing any leakage to occur into the volume overlying the bath thereby preventing acid aerosol from escape. The rate of evacuation is restricted so that humidity is maintain under the cover and over the surface of the bath to prevent the formation of crystals formed from aerosol droplets which become supersaturated. In a preferred embodiment, a circular weir in combination with gas discharge over the weir to a downcomer is disclosed. Entrainment of air over the weir and into the downcomer is disclosed to provide sufficient pumping for evacuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Bechtel Group, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Murray, Michael R. Nees, William P. Imrie, Christopher C. Rayner, Chris L. Pfalzgraff, Robert K. Bates, Valmer H. Ness, Terrance J. Cox
  • Patent number: 5401369
    Abstract: A pen structure arranged to effect electroplating of various plating solutions is available, having a removable anode, including a felt covering sheath extending thereover to enhance ease of use, speed, and accuracy in employment of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: Mircea-Mike Gershin
  • Patent number: 5372692
    Abstract: A bipolar electrolytic cell includes an anode-side partition having protrusions on the anode side which are electrically connected to the anode through conductive members, or recesses formed by causing the anode-side partition to protrude on the cathode side.Use of this bipolar electrolytic cell enables the conductor resistance on the anode side to be small, allows the anode to be easily replaced when its activity as a catalyst has been deteriorated, and makes it possible to effect easy and economic repairs even when trouble has occurred during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: Tosoh Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Sakamoto, Akira Hironaga