Composition Patents (Class 204/291)
  • Publication number: 20040094429
    Abstract: A material suitable for use as the active anode surface in the electrolytic reduction of alumina to aluminium metal defined by the formula: A1+xB1+&dgr;CdO4 where A is a divalent cation or a mixture of cations with a relative preference for octahedral coordination, B is a trivalent cation or mixture of cations with a relative preference for tetrahedral coordination, C is a trivalent cations with a relative preference for octahedral coordination or a four-valent cation with a relative preference for octahedral coordination, O is the element oxygen: When C is trivalent x=0, 0.8<d<1, &dgr;<0.2 and x+d+d is essentially equal to 1. When C is four-valent 0.4<x<0.6, 0.4<d<0.6, &dgr;<0.2 and x+d+&dgr; is essentially equal to 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Stein Julsrud, Turid Risdal
  • Publication number: 20040089558
    Abstract: Ceramic inert anodes useful for the electrolytic production of aluminum are disclosed. The inert anodes comprise oxides of Ni, Fe and Al. The Ni—Fe—Al oxide inert anode materials have sufficient electrical conductivity at operation temperatures of aluminum production cells, and also possess good mechanical stability. The Ni—Fe—Al oxide inert anodes may be used to produce commercial purity aluminum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventors: Douglas A. Weirauch, Joseph M. Dynys, Robert A. DiMilia, Siba P. Ray, Xinghua Liu, Frankie E. Phelps
  • Patent number: 6719889
    Abstract: A method of producing aluminum in an electrolytic cell comprising the steps of providing an anode in a cell, preferably a non-reactive anode, and also providing a cathode in the cell, the cathode comprised of a base material having low electrical conductivity reactive with molten aluminum to provide a highly electrically conductive layer on the base material. Electric current is passed from the anode to the cathode and alumina is reduced and aluminum is deposited at the cathode. The cathode base material is selected from boron carbide, and zirconium oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Northwest Aluminum Technologies
    Inventor: Craig W. Brown
  • Publication number: 20040045818
    Abstract: An electrochemical device for providing an electric energy by converting an electron transfer involved in an oxidation-reduction reaction into an electric energy comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolyte, wherein at least one of the positive and negative electrodes comprises a compound having a structure represented by the general formula (1): 1
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuu Inatomi, Mikinari Shimada, Nobuhiko Hojo
  • Patent number: 6689263
    Abstract: Dimensionally stable electrodes are fabricated from nitrides of metals in the groups IV B and V B. These electrodes are in the form of particulates for use in bipolar cells. The particulates of these nitrides, which are electrically conductive, are intimately mixed with non-conductive particulates and spaced between two electrical leads. Such bipolar cells have application in metal recover processes and water purification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: John E. Stauffer
  • Publication number: 20040020763
    Abstract: A slurry composition for a positive electrode for a lithium ion secondary battery, comprising a polymer A wherein a HOMO value by a semiempirical method molecular orbital calculation is −13.5 eV to −10 eV and a content of ethylene repeatingunits is 30 mol % to 95 mol %; apolymer B wherein a HOMO valueby a semi empirical method molecular orbital calculation is −13.5 eV to −10 eV, a glass transition temperature is −80° C. to 0° C., and a gel content is 50 wt % or more; an active material for a positive electrode; a conductivity adding agent; and a liquid medium C in which the polymer A dissolves but the polymer B does not dissolve. According to the composition, a lithium ion secondary battery having a large battery capacity, a good charge/discharge cycle characteristic and an improved rate characteristic can be realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: ZEON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Atsuhiro Kanzaki, Takao Suzuki, Katsuya Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6638716
    Abstract: Rapid electrochemical verification of the amplification of DNA by a polymerase chain reaction in a small sample of the PCR product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: TheraSense, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Heller, Thierry de Lumley-Woodyear, George Georgiou, Amihay Freeman
  • Publication number: 20030192780
    Abstract: Methods and insulator electrode devices for performing electrochemical reactions are disclosed. The devices consist of high specific surface area electrodes based on a channeled conducting base material that has been coated with an organic or inorganic insulating film or multiple layers of such films. The chemical reactions are exemplified by exciting one or several label compounds into an excited state which is spontaneously de-excited by emission of ultraviolet, visible or infrared light, in aqueous solution. This provides the basis for reproducible analytical applications in bioaffinity assays such as immunoassays and DNA-probing assays.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Timo Ala-Kleme, Philip Canty, Jarkko Eskola, Timo Korpela, Sakari Kulmala, Piia Vainio
  • Patent number: 6616826
    Abstract: The present invention includes uranium-bearing ceramic phase electrodes and electrolysis apparatus and electrolysis methods featuring same, including methods of metal production and the like by the electrolytic reduction of oxides or salts of the respective metals. More particularly, the invention relates to an inert type electrode composition, and methods for fabricating electrode compositions, useful in the electrolytic production of such metals. The present invention also includes an inert-type electrode composition, and methods for fabricating electrode compositions, used in processes for generating energy from fossil fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: The Ohio State University
    Inventors: Kenneth H. Sandhage, Robert L. Snyder
  • Patent number: 6599408
    Abstract: The invention is directed to polymer thick film conductor compositions comprising conductive metal particles selected from the group consisting of finely divided powders of platinum group metals and mixtures thereof or metallized graphite particles; in combination with a thermoplastic polymer and optionally, graphite conductive filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Man-Sheung Chan, Donald W. Kuty
  • Patent number: 6589406
    Abstract: The invention is relative to an electrode for gas evolution in electrolytic and electrometallurgical industrial applications, made of a metal substrate having a surface morphology characterized by a combination of micro-roughness and macro-roughness which favors high adherence of a superficial catalytic layer in order to prevent detachment of the same and passivation of the substrate even under critical operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: De Nora Elettrodi S.p.A.
    Inventors: Rubén Ornelas Jacobo, Giuseppe Faita, Lawrence Gestaut, Corrado Mojana
  • Patent number: 6585872
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a gas sensor having a small amount of lead oxide incorporated into an inner electrode and an outer electrode, and a method for depositing the lead oxide. The lead oxide is applied in an amount sufficient to effectuate consistent performance during sensor break-in. Lead oxide is transferred to the electrodes of the sensor element during the fabrication process by exposing the sensor element to glass having a known lead content during a heating step. Lead oxide from the glass is vaporized and deposited on the electrodes in the form of lead oxide. The deposited lead oxide is incorporated into the electrodes of the sensor element. The lead oxide reduces performance irregularities thereby improving performance during the initial use of the gas sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Donelon, Paul Kikuchi, Marsha E. Nottingham
  • Patent number: 6576099
    Abstract: Methods to at least partially reduce a niobium oxide are described wherein the process includes heat treating the niobium oxide in the presence of a getter material and in an atmosphere which permits the transfer of oxygen atoms from the niobium oxide to the getter material, and for a sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature to form an oxygen reduced niobium oxide. Niobium oxides and/or suboxides are also described as well as capacitors containing anodes made from the niobium oxides and suboxides. Anodes formed from niobium oxide powders using binders and/or lubricants are described as well as methods to form the anodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Cabot Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathon L. Kimmel, Ricky W. Kitchell
  • Patent number: 6572758
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell producing sodium chlorate uses an electrode, specifically an anode, having a surface or coating or treatment of a mixed metal oxide having ruthenium oxide as an electrocatalyst, a precious metal of the platinum group or its oxide as a stability enhancer, antimony oxide as an oxygen suppressant and a titanium oxide binder. The electrocatalytic coating is about 21 mole percent ruthenium oxide, about 2 mole percent iridium oxide, about 4 mole percent antimony oxide and the balance is titanium oxide. The coating is characterized by high durability and low oxygen content in an off-gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Vadim Zolotarsky, Irina A. Ivanter, Mark J. Geusic
  • Patent number: 6558525
    Abstract: A method of producing aluminum in an electrolytic cell containing alumina dissolved in an electrolyte, the method comprising the steps of providing a molten salt electrolyte at a temperature of less than 900° C. having alumina dissolved therein in an electrolytic cell having a liner for containing the electrolyte, the liner having a bottom and walls extending upwardly from said bottom. A plurality of non-consumable anodes and cathodes are disposed in a vertical direction in the electrolyte, the cathodes having a plate configuration and the anodes having a flat configuration to compliment the cathodes. The anodes contain apertures therethrough to permit flow of electrolyte through the apertures to provide alumina-enriched electrolyte between the anodes and the cathodes. Electrical current is passed through the anodes and through the electrolyte to the cathodes, depositing aluminum at the cathodes and producing gas at the anodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Northwest Aluminum Technologies
    Inventors: Donald R. Bradford, Robert J. Barnett, Michael B. Mezner
  • Publication number: 20030081432
    Abstract: A method to electrolytically polymerize aromatic hydrocarbons and oxidize cyclopentane structures within the hydrocarbons into cyclopentanone structures is disclosed including a method to electrolyse fluorene in the presence of an ester to produce poly(9-fluorenone). A method to electrolytically oxidize polymers having cyclopentane structures to polymers having cycloppentanone structures is also disclosed including a method to electrolyze poly(fluorene) to produce poly(9-fluorenone). In addition, a method to chemically oxidize polymers containing cyclopentane structures into polymers containing cyclopentanone structures is disclosed, including a method to oxidize poly(fluorene), with a chemically prepared oxidizing agent, to produce poly(9-fluorenone).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: IM&T Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Teruo Umemoto
  • Publication number: 20030079992
    Abstract: An electrodeionization apparatus and method of use includes an expanded conductive mesh electrode. The expanded conductive mesh electrode may be formed from any conductive material that is dimensionally stable and may be coated with conductive coating suitable for use in anode or cathode service. The expanded conductive mesh electrodes are formed by slitting a sheet of metal and pulling its sides in a direction perpendicular to the slits. The fabricated mesh may be flattened after stretching. The expanded conductive mesh electrodes typically have a diamond-shaped pattern of any size that provides support for an adjacent ion-permeable membrane while allowing an electrode or fluid stream to flow through. The mesh size typically has a long-wise dimension and a short-wise dimension. The conductive mesh electrode may also be placed against an endblock having fluid channels. These channels may be serpentine or parallel channels, which allow fluid flow to wash away any accumulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Frederick C. Wilkins, Li-Shiang Liang, Anthony Giuffrida
  • Publication number: 20030070921
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are electrodes, sensors, and methods for making and using the same. In one embodiment, the sensor comprises: a co-fired sensing electrode comprising the reaction product of about 50 wt % to about 95 wt % noble metal, about 0.5 wt % to about 15.0 wt % yttria-stabilized zirconia, and about 1 wt % to about 6 wt % yttria, based upon a total combined weight of the noble metal, yttria-stabilized zirconia, and yttria, a reference electrode, and a co-fired electrolyte disposed between and in ionic communication with the co-fired sensing electrode and the reference electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Eric P. Clyde, Kailash C. Jain, Paul C. Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 6524459
    Abstract: An electron-emitting device has a primary and a secondary coil wound on an I-core, an E-core combined with the I-core and a single output terminal extended from one end of the secondary coil. An electron-emitting electrode includes a stainless steel pipe, an insulator-coated conductor inserted in a pipe, and tourmaline powder filling the gap between the pipe and the conductor. The stainless steel pipe is enclosed in a polyethylene pipe, and the openings of the stainless steel pipe and polyethylene pipe are sealed by silicon resin. The electron-emitting electrode is connected to the output terminal of the electron-emitting device and is submerged in an object to be processed, which is in turn charged negatively and activated by high electrostatic potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Jem Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuyuki Niidome
  • Patent number: 6521115
    Abstract: An anode of a cell for the electrowinning of aluminium comprises an iron-nickel alloy body or layer whose surface is oxidised to form a coherent and adherent outer iron oxide-based layer, in particular hematite, the surface of which is electrochemically active for the oxidation of oxygen ions and which reduces diffusion of oxygen from the electrochemically active surface into the iron-nickel alloy body or layer. The anode may be kept dimensionally stable during cell operation by maintaining a sufficient amount of dissolved alumina and iron species in the electrolyte to prevent dissolution of the outer oxide layer of the or each anode and by reducing the electrolyte operating temperature to limit dissolution of iron and by reducing the electrolyte operating temperature to limit dissolution of iron species in the electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Moltech Invent S. A.
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Duruz, Vittorio de Nora, Olivier Crottaz
  • Patent number: 6517694
    Abstract: The present invention is an improved yttria-stabilized zirconia electrode having a ceramic tube (12). The electrode is improved by replacing the method of sealing the electrode with an epoxy seal (24) and filling the tube with a ceramic glue (42) without completely filling the tube. The ceramic glue is added in a small amount and the ceramic glue is heated in the tube before a next small amount of ceramic glue is added, until the final amount of ceramic glue is added and heated. Also, an area of cover on a wire (18) in an area between a top of the ceramic glue and a top of the tube is partially removed. A sealing glue above the top of the ceramic glue that adheres to the wire at the removed area of the cover, adheres to the tube and seals the top of the tube. Finally, an outside portion of the wire which extends beyond the top of the tube is gripped with a CONAX fitting (26), instead of the fitting gripping the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventors: Xiangyang Zhou, Serguei Lvov, Sergey M. Ulyanov
  • Publication number: 20030026756
    Abstract: Methods to at least partially reduce a niobium oxide are described wherein the process includes heat treating the niobium oxide in the presence of a getter material and in an atmosphere which permits the transfer of oxygen atoms from the niobium oxide to the getter material, and for a sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature to form an oxygen reduced niobium oxide. Niobium oxides and/or suboxides are also described as well as capacitors containing anodes made from the niobium oxides and suboxides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Jonathon L. Kimmel, Yongjian Qiu
  • Patent number: 6511590
    Abstract: This invention relates to the use of bubble-driven flow to enhance the dissolution and distribution of alumina in an aluminum electrolysis cell operating with inert anodes. By harnessing the driving force of bubbles rising along the sides of a sloped anode to induce circulation in a cell and by using a group of anodes to amplify the effect, alumina distribution can be maintained close to or at saturation without formation of muck/sludge. Alumina fed through point feeders at specific locations can be distributed throughout the entire cell rather than sinking to the bottom of the cell below the feed location. For a given circulation pattern, feeder locations can be optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: R. Lee Troup, Gerald E. Carkin, Don R. Careatti
  • Publication number: 20030010631
    Abstract: There is provided a non-aqueous electrolyte cell having a high capacity and superior in cyclic characteristics. Specifically, there is provided a non-aqueous electrolyte cell including a cathode 2 containing a cathode/positive active material, an anode 3 containing an anode/negative active material and a non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein the cathode/positive active material contains a lithium nickel composite oxide represented by the general formula LiANi1−ZMZO2, where A is such that 0.95≦A<1, Z is such that 0.01≦Z≦0.5 and M is at least one of Fe, Co, Mn, Cu, Zn, Al, Sn, B, Ga, Cr, V, Ti, Mg, Ca and Sr.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Masanori Anzai
  • Publication number: 20020195350
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for preheating a molten salt electrolysis cell having inert anodes (24) using recuperative gas heating by combusting a first gas outside the cell chamber (20) in a combustion chamber (2) and using to heat a second gas in recuperator (8) which second gas us passed to the cell chamber (20). The inert anode can be a cermet inert anode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Roy A. Christini
  • Publication number: 20020153627
    Abstract: A method of making cermet inert anodes for the electrolytic production of metals such as aluminum is disclosed. The method includes the step of spray drying a slurry comprising ceramic phase particles and metal phase particles. The resultant spray dried powder, which comprises agglomerates of both the ceramic phase and metal phase particles, may then be consolidated by techniques such as pressing and sintering to produce a cermet inert anode material. The ceramic phase may comprise oxides of Ni, Fe and at least one additional metal selected from Zn, Co, Al, Li, Cu, Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Ta, W, Mo, Hf and rare earths. The metal phase may comprise Cu, Ag, Pd, Pt, Au, Rh, Ru, Ir and/or Os. The consolidated cermet inert anode material exhibits improved properties such as reduced porosity. The cermet inert anodes may be used in electrolytic reduction cells for the production of commercial purity aluminum as well as other metals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Siba P. Ray, Xinghua Liu, Frankie E. Phelps, Joseph M. Dynys, Douglas A. Weirauch
  • Publication number: 20020125125
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved TiB2 cathode for use in aluminum production cells for the electrolysis of alumina dissolved in a cryolite-based molten electrolyte and an improved electrolytic cell for producing aluminum. The cathode is a monolithic, porous, TiB2 body having a continuous porosity and interconnected pores substantially throughout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Robert A. Rapp
  • Patent number: 6447667
    Abstract: A cermet anode of an electrolytic cell is protected from thermal shock during cell start-up by coating an outer surface portion of the anode with a coating composition comprising carbon or aluminum or a mixture thereof. A particularly preferred coating composition includes an aluminum underlayer adjacent the outer surface portion of the anode, and a carbon overlayer overlying the underlayer. A support structure assembly supporting the cermet anode includes a high alumina ceramic material. In a preferred embodiment, the high alumina ceramic material is protected from thermal shock and corrosion by the coating composition of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Calvin Bates, Patricia A. Stewart, Larry F. Wieserman
  • Patent number: 6440293
    Abstract: An electrode for electrolyzing an electrolyte comprising an ammonium fluoride (NH4F)-hydrogen fluoride (HF)-containing molten salt and having a composition ratio (HF/NH4F) of 1 to 3 to prepare a nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) gas and an electrolyte for use in the preparation of NF3 gas, and a preparation method of the NF3 gas by the use of the electrode and the electrolyte. The electrode comprises nickel having 0.07 wt % or less of Si content and containing a transition metal other than nickel. The electrolyte also contains a transition metal other than nickel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Tatsuma Morokuma, Hiromi Hayashida, Akio Kikkawa
  • Publication number: 20020112953
    Abstract: An anode for use in electroplating semiconductor wafers, comprising a metal plate formed from a generally continuous casting process that is essentially free of voids or cracks, the casting being thermo-mechanically worked until the anode has an average grain size of less than 100 &mgr;m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Stephen J. Kohut
  • Patent number: 6423209
    Abstract: A electrochemical sensor for the detection of traces of HF and/or other acid gases in air, comprising a measuring electrode of an electrochemically active metal oxide powder, a reference electrode for fixing the potential of the measuring electrode close to the equilibrium potential of the oxidation/reduction system of MeOn/Mem+, and a counter electrode. The electrodes are in communicative contact with a hygroscopic electrolyte. The measured gas component changes the pH of the electrolyte, and thus the electrochemical equilibrium of the measuring electrode, to produce a measurable electrical current that is proportional to the concentration of the detected acid gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Weber, Christoph Braden, Serguei Tsapakh
  • Patent number: 6423204
    Abstract: A cermet inert anode for the electrolytic production of metals such as aluminum is disclosed. The inert anode comprises a ceramic phase including an oxide of Ni, Fe and M, where M is at least one metal selected from Zn, Co, Al, Li, Cu, Ti, V, Cr, Zr, Nb, Ta, W, Mo, Hf and rare earths, preferably Zn and/or Co. Preferred ceramic compositions comprise Fe2O3, NiO and ZnO or CoO. The cermet inert anode also comprises a metal phase such as Cu, Ag, Pd, Pt, Au, Rh, Ru, Ir and/or Os. A preferred metal phase comprises Cu and Ag. The cermet inert anodes may be used in electrolytic reduction cells for the production of commercial purity aluminum as well as other metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Siba P. Ray, Xinghua Liu, Douglas A. Weirauch
  • Patent number: 6423195
    Abstract: An inert anode for the electrolytic production of metals such as aluminum is disclosed. The inert anode includes a ceramic oxide material preferably made from NiO, Fe2O3 and ZnO. The inert anode composition may comprise the following mole fractions of NiO, Fe2O3 and ZnO: 0.2 to 0.99 NiO; 0.0001 to 0.8 Fe2O3; and 0.0001 to 0.3 ZnO. The inert anode may optionally include other oxides and/or at least one metal phase, such as Cu, Ag, Pd, Pt, Au, Rh, Ru, Ir and/or Os. The Ni—Fe—Co—O ceramic material exhibits very low solubility in Hall cell baths used to produce aluminum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Siba P. Ray, Douglas A. Weirauch, Jr., Xinghua Liu
  • Patent number: 6413397
    Abstract: A nitrogen oxide gas sensor wherein an alloy electrode of platinum and rhodium or a cermet electrode of platinum, rhodium, and zirconia or of a rhodium alloy and zirconia is used as the gas sensing electrode. The electrode of the sensor is suitable for measuring nitrogen oxide such as NO and NO2 in an exhaust gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Riken
    Inventors: Masaharu Hasei, Yongtie Yan, Akira Kunimoto
  • Publication number: 20020056650
    Abstract: A method of producing commercial purity aluminum in an electrolytic reduction cell comprising ceramic inert anodes is disclosed. The method produces aluminum having acceptable levels of Fe, Cu and Ni impurities. The ceramic inert anodes used in the process may comprise oxides containing Fe and Ni, as well as other oxides, metals and/or dopants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventors: Siba P. Ray, Xinghua Liu, Douglas A. Weirauch, Robert A. DiMilia, Joseph M. Dynys, Frankie E. Phelps, Alfred F. LaCamera
  • Patent number: 6379512
    Abstract: An electrolytic bath for use during the electrolytic reduction of alumina to aluminum. The bath comprises molten electrolyte having the following ingredients: AlF3 and at least one salt selected from the group consisting of NaF, KF, and LiF; and about 0.004 wt. % to about 0.2 wt. %, based on total weight of the molten electrolyte, of at least one transition metal or at least one compound of the metal or both. The compound is, a fluoride; oxide, or carbonate. The metal is nickel, iron, copper, cobalt, or molybdenum. The bath is employed in a combination including a vessel for containing the bath and at least one non-consumable anode and at least one dimensionally stable cathode in the bath. Employing the instant bath during electrolytic reduction of alumina to aluminum improves the wetting of aluminum on a cathode by reducing or eliminating the formation of non-metallic deposits on the cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Northwest Aluminum Technology
    Inventors: Craig W. Brown, Richard J. Brooks, Patrick B. Frizzle, Drago D. Juric
  • Patent number: 6376977
    Abstract: There is disclosed a silicon electrode plate including silicon single crystal used as an upper electrode in a plasma etching apparatus wherein concentration of interstitial oxygen contained in the silicon electrode plate is not less than 5×1017 atoms/cm3 and not more than 1.5×1018 atoms/cm3, and the silicon electrode plate wherein nitrogen concentration in the silicon electrode plate is not less than 5×1013 atoms/cm3 and not more than 5×1015 atoms/cm3. There can be provided a silicon electrode plate consisting of silicon single crystal used as an upper electrode in a plasma etching apparatus wherein problems due to adhesion of impurities such as heavy metal or the like can be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Kawai, Keiichi Goto, Kazuyoshi Tamura, Yoshihiro Kubota, Toshimi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6372119
    Abstract: An inert anode for the electrolytic production of metals such as aluminum is disclosed. The inert anode includes a ceramic oxide material preferably made from NiO, Fe2O3 and CoO. The inert anode composition may comprise the following mole fractions of NiO, Fe2O3 and CoO: 0.15 to 0.99 NiO; 0.0001 to 0.85 Fe2O3; and 0.0001 to 0.45 CoO. The inert anode may optionally include other oxides and/or at least one metal phase, such as Cu, Ag, Pd, Pt, Au, Rh, Ru, Ir and/or Os. The Ni—Fe—Co—O ceramic material exhibits very low solubility in Hall cell baths used to produce aluminum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Siba P. Ray, Xinghua Liu, Douglas A. Weirauch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6358393
    Abstract: A cell for the production of aluminium by the electrolysis of an aluminium compound dissolved in a molten electrolyte, in which an outer mechanical structure forming an outer shell (21) houses therein one or more inner electrically-conductive cathode holder shells or plates (31) which contain a cathode mass (32) and is/are connected electrically to the busbar. The cathode mass (32) has an aluminium-wettable top surface (37), preferably at a slope forming a drained cathode. The inner cathode holder shell or shells (31) is/are separated from the outer shell (21) by an electric and thermic insulation (40), the cathode holder shell(s) (31) also serving to distribute current uniformly to the cathode mass (32). The or each cathode (30) formed by the cathode holder shell (31) and cathode mass (32) is removable from the cell as a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Moltech Invent S.A.
    Inventors: Georges Berclaz, Vittorio de Nora
  • Patent number: 6347246
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrically conductive adhesive hydrogel comprising from about 15 to about 60%, by weight of a cationic polymer prepared by the polymerization of a monomer having the formula: wherein m is an integer of from 1 to 3; R1, R2 and R3 are selected from the group consisting of H and hydrocarbyl radicals having from 1 to 15 carbon atoms and X− is an anion and from about 5 to less than about 40% water, by weight. This electrically conductive adhesive hydrogel is useful in the manufacture of medical devices, e.g. medical electrodes, and in particular, in iontophoretic medicament delivery devices wherein said polymer may function as a scavenger of hydroxyl ions generated during iontophoresis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Axelgaard Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: James J. Perrault, George S. Heard, Solomon E. Shenkute
  • Publication number: 20020014416
    Abstract: Magnesium metal is produced by electrolysis of magnesium chloride employing a high surface area anode, for example, a porous anode to which hydrogen gas is fed. Hydrogen chloride is formed from the chloride ions at the anode, rather than chlorine gas; the process also has the advantage of operating at a lower voltage with a lower energy requirement than the conventional process in which chlorine gas is generated at the anode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventor: Gezinus Van Weert
  • Publication number: 20020014417
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising a negative electrode, a solid electrolyte which conducts oxygen ions, and a positive electrode comprising zeolites, mordenites, silicates, phosphates or mixed-metal oxides having a pore size of less than 200 nm can be used in a process for partially oxidizing organic compounds, for example alkanes, olefins or aromatic compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: Adolf Kuehnle, Mark Duda, Guido Stochniol, Uwe Tanger, Horst-Werner Zanthoff
  • Publication number: 20020008038
    Abstract: An array of selectively addressible microelectrodes for combinatorial synthesis of complex polymers or alloys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Applicant: TheraSense, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Heller , Daren J. Caruana
  • Patent number: 6340418
    Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for insertion into slag for determining the activity of a metal oxide in the slag is disclosed. The sensor includes a reference electrode comprising a mixture of a metal alloy and a metal oxide, the metal alloy and the metal oxide each being exposed on a surface of the reference electrode. The sensor also includes at least one oxide electrode comprising a mixture of a metal alloy and a metal oxide different from the mixture of the reference electrode, the metal alloy and the metal oxide of the oxide electrode each being exposed on a surface of the oxide electrode. The sensor further includes a refractory housing holding the reference electrode and each oxide electrode. The reference electrode and each oxide electrode extend from the refractory housing such that the surface of the reference electrode and the surface of the oxide electrode are each in direct contact with the slag when the sensor is inserted into the slag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Inventor: Ethem T. Turkdogan
  • Patent number: 6332969
    Abstract: A cermet composite material is made by treating at an elevated temperature a mixture comprising a compound of iron and a compound of at least one other metal, together with an alloy or mixture of copper and a noble metal. The alloy or mixture preferably comprises particles having an interior portion containing more copper than noble metal and an exterior portion containing more noble metal than copper. The noble metal is preferably silver. The cermet composite material preferably includes alloy phase portions and a ceramic phase portion. At least part of the ceramic phase portion preferably has a spinel structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Alcoa Inc.
    Inventors: Siba P. Ray, Robert W. Woods, Robert K. Dawless, Robert B. Hosler
  • Publication number: 20010050234
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell system is disclosed, wherein a MEA is provided within a vessel. The MEA includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a membrane disposed between and in intimate contact with the first electrode and the second electrode. The vessel is disposed around the MEA, and defines a first storage area in fluid communication with the first electrode. The MEA defines a second storage region in fluid communication the second electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2000
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventor: Jason K. Shiepe
  • Patent number: 6312570
    Abstract: This invention relates to a new family of materials that exhibits improved stability to the chemical environment used in metal ore reduction, and thus provides an opportunity for improving the energy use and efficiency of such processes by their use. More specifically, the inventions relates to an electrode, used in the construction and/or operation of a reduction cell use to produce metal from ore, which is comprised of a compound or compounds described by the chemical formulas M3NX2 or M2NX, where M is a transition metal, N is a group 3a, 4a or 5a element, and X is carbon or nitrogen; or a composite containing in part, at least one of such compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Advanced Refractory Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Mroz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6306543
    Abstract: An electrode for electrochemical processes comprising an electrically conductive wire having a coating of a polymer having dispersed in it Magneli phase oxide particles, at least half the mass thereof being constituted by particles with diameters in the range 200 to 1000 &mgr;m. This results in a very substantial increase in conductance compared with the conventional use of particles in the approximate range 1-50 &mgr;m. To avoid breakdown of the rather fragile particles, the energy absorbed in mixing the oxide with the polymer should be restricted to at most 200J/g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Pirelli Cables (2000) Limited
    Inventor: John Reginald Vinson
  • Patent number: 6303015
    Abstract: Metallic glass/amorphous metal electrodes produced by rapid solidification (i) having a structure that is either amorphous or nanocrystalline, (ii) containing tile principal alloying element as Ni, (iii) containing alloying additions of Co and at least one member of group IVB, VB, VIB VIIB and/or VIIIB, preferably Cr and V, in the range of 0 to 20 at. %, and when combined with Ni, represent 0.75 to 0.85 of the atomic fraction of the alloy, and (iv) containing metalloid elements comprised preferably of one or more of the elements C, B, Si and P either singly or in combination to represent 0.15 to 0.25 atomic faction of the alloy. The electrodes have excellent thermal stability, improved stability in an aqueous electrolyte and can provide improved current efficiency—anodic overpotential performance. They are used in the electrolysis of aqueous electrolyte solutions such as mixtures of caustic and water in the production of oxygen and hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventors: Steven J. Thorpe, Donald W. Kirk
  • Patent number: 6287452
    Abstract: Nitric oxide-specific electrodes are useful for in situ detection of nitric oxide in biomedical applications and have at least a surface region thereof which is capable of forming complexes with nitric oxide, for example, nitrosyl complexes. The nitric oxide complexes formed at the surface of the electrodes apparently increase the concentration of nitric oxide available for detection, thereby leading to significantly improved relative responses as compared to other known nitric oxide electrode materials. Most preferably, the electrode has at least an exterior surface region which contains ruthenium and/or at least one oxide of ruthenium. The electrodes are advantageously conditioned in saline solution at +675 mV for about two hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Barry W. Allen, Louis A. Coury, Jr., Claude A. Piantadosi