Carbon Containing Patents (Class 204/294)
  • Patent number: 5753098
    Abstract: An electrolyzer assembly has an outer, cylindrical dielectric electrolyzer housing member having a top, bottom, and cylindrical side wall. In one embodiment, the housing member has a sealed top, an open bottom for electrolyte entry, and apertures through the side wall near the sealed top permitting flow of electrolyte through the apertures. A cylindrical anode and cathode pair is situated inside the housing member. The cathode is positioned concentrically within the anode. Electrolyte flows in the space between anode and cathode. The anode is spaced apart from the side wall, providing an electrolyte flow path through the resulting cylindrically-shaped space. Electrical connections through the top of the housing member extend downwardly therein to electrical connection elements projecting upwardly from the electrode pair. The assembly provides for ease of cleaning, as well as ease of refurbishing, and operates efficiently and economically in both forced and unforced flow conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Excel Technologies International Corp.
    Inventors: James W. Bess, Jr., Charles W. Clements, Sr., John F. Newman, III
  • Patent number: 5744014
    Abstract: An improved, gas-generating electrochemical cell utilizing a metal hydroxide containing cathode is disclosed. An electrolytic cell having an alkaline electrolyte, a metal hydroxide-containing cathode and a carbonaceous anode generator, a gas uniformly for use in a fluid delivery device. The cells and fluid delivery devices are sized to be particularly useful for delivery of small quantities of fluid over a prolonged period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventors: John H. Gordon, Ashok V. Joshi, John McEvoy
  • Patent number: 5739039
    Abstract: A photo-ablation technique is used to create apertures (4) in a layer (2) of electrically insulating material and allow electrically conducting material (3) exposed through the apertures to create a microelectrode. The microelectrode can be used for assay methods and in an assay unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Ecossensors Limited
    Inventors: Hubert Hugues Jacques Girault, Brian Jeffrey Seddon
  • Patent number: 5733423
    Abstract: A device for removing thimbles from the bottom ends of reprocessed anode bars. At least one externally toothed hollow shaft (12, 13) with a clamp ring is rotatably supported in a housing (10). Upon the hollow shaft being raised, a clamping ring engages a thimble. The external teeth of the hollow shaft are engaged by the teeth of a gear rack component of a double acting hydraulic piston whereby the thimble is twisted off the end of the anode bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Deutz, AG
    Inventor: Heinz Caspelherr
  • Patent number: 5728281
    Abstract: An implantable medical device for in vivo electrochemical measurements of blood properties, such as measurements of, inter alia, oxygen pressure, glucose and pH, avoids the problem with the reference electrodes currently in use which cause inflammatory reactions of tissue, by forming the reference electrode of carbon, preferably activated pyrolytic carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Pacesetter AB
    Inventors: Nils Holmstrom, Pia Hagel, Kenth Nilsson
  • Patent number: 5725743
    Abstract: An electrode composed of a current element and a fiber element suitable for operation at low voltage and high amperage is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1998
    Inventor: Daniel J. Vaughan
  • Patent number: 5723029
    Abstract: A photo-electric chemical apparatus comprising an electrolyte, a first electrode having an n-type semiconductor member disposed to be in touch with the electrolyte and a second electrode having a carbon cluster member disposed to be in touch with the electrolyte. The first and second electrodes are short-circuited and irradiated with a light beam to thereby generate oxygen and hydrogen. The first electrode is a laminated member consisting of a light transmitting glass, a transparent conducting layer and an n-type semiconductor layer. The second electrode is a laminated member consisting of a light transmitting glass, a transparent conducting layer and a carbon cluster thin film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Ebara Research Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Shimoyama
  • Patent number: 5711865
    Abstract: Electrolytic gas producer apparatus is provided wherein a water inlet has a pressure sensor and solenoid valve control passes water through a filter by pump to a reservoir. Cell chambers maintain electrolyte by supply pump and solenoid valve delivering to the cell via solenoid valves responsive to a level sensor. Gas outlet apertures extend into a polling manifold via solenoid valves and thence to a wash tank. The gas is removed from the tank via a manifold to a vacuum pump which draws the gas through a first filter including a drain line and a secondary filter for residual moisture removal. After the pump the gas passes under water in a flashback arrester filled with metal mesh. The gas then travels to a moisture removing filter and delivery pumps for delivery via intermediate solenoid valves, an outlet manifold, and final solenoid valves which control delivery to an electronically monitored outlet flashback arrester comprising infrared sensors to detect and signal a flashback condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignees: Rhyddings Pty Ltd, Renjean Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Mervyn Leonard Caesar
  • Patent number: 5702587
    Abstract: Method for the regeneration of active carbon having oxidizable, organic pollutants adsorbed thereon by electrochemical and chemical means and apparatus therefor. The method involves a desorption step prior to a decomposition step. Each step involves conducting electrolysis in a cell using the active carbon as a carbon bed electrode. It is advantageous to conduct the electrolysis in the presence of a transition metal or a chelate of a transition metal while feeding an oxygen containing gas to the electrolysis cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Huron Tech Canada, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur L. Clifford, Dennis F. Dong, Timothy A. Mumby, Derek J. Rogers
  • Patent number: 5700298
    Abstract: Increasing the percentage of the 3R phase present in graphite reduces the first capacity loss of anodes employing the so modified graphite. Conversion of 2H phase graphite to 3R phase graphite can be achieved by grinding graphite. Non-aqueous solid electrochemical cells with improved performance can be fabricated by employing intercalation based carbon anodes comprising graphite with high percentage of 3R. When employed in an electrochemical cell, the first cycle capacity loss of only about 10%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Valence Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Hang Shi, Jeremy Barker, Rene Koksbang
  • Patent number: 5695622
    Abstract: In the disclosed electrochemical cell for the production of an alkaline solution of peroxide, especially on-site production, the electrolyte is divided into an aqueous alkaline catholyte and an aqueous alkaline anolyte, and the cathode is a gas-diffusion electrode. The active material of the electrolyte side of the gas-diffusion cathode comprises a particulate catalyst support material having a surface area of about 50 to about 2000 m.sup.2 /g, and, deposited on the particles of this support material, 0.1 to 50 weight-%, based on the weight of the active layer, of gold or gold alloy particles having an average size >40 but less than about 200 .ANG.. These gold or gold alloy particles are substantially selectively catalytic for the reduction of oxygen to peroxide (e.g. HOO.sup..crclbar.). The electrolyte flow patterns are designed to avoid loss of peroxide resulting from oxidation at the anode. In the operation of the cell, a product with a hydroxyl:perhydroxyl ratio lees than 2:1 can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: PSI Tecnology Co.
    Inventors: Mark E. Fraser, Alan S. Woodman, Everett B. Anderson, E. Jennings Taylor
  • Patent number: 5690806
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided for removal of metals such as copper, lead, silver, tellurium, platinum, palladium or nickel from dilute solutions of the metal. The cell comprises a porous tubular support (18) which is provided with a cathode comprising a porous carbon fiber material (19), a current feeder (15) for the cathode, a tubular anode (12) spaced from said cathode, a current feeder (16) for the anode, the anode and the cathode being enclosed by a non-porous outer casing (11). In use the dilute solution from which the metal is to be removed is introduced into the cell through an inlet (13) and flows through the porous carbon fiber cathode to an outlet (14). The cell is useful for removing harmful metals from wastes so that they are environmentally acceptable for disposal and for recovery of valuable metals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: EA Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: John Garry Sunderland, Ian McCrady Dalrymple
  • Patent number: 5690901
    Abstract: A method for preparing an amorphous carbon material for use as an electrode, such as the anode of an electrochemical cell. The amorphous carbon is fabricated in a one heating step process from multi-functional organic monomers. Electrodes so fabricated may be incorporated into electrochemical cells (10) as the anode (20) thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Jinshan Zhang, Anaba A. Anani
  • Patent number: 5688385
    Abstract: A process is described for the production of chlorine directly at the site where it is intended to be used and at the required rate. Hazards associated with the transport and storage of large quantities of liquefied chlorine under pressure are thus eliminated. The chlorine is produced electrochemically from a chloride containing electrolyte which is maintained at a pH no higher than 6, where the chlorine compounds are present as chloride and hypochlorous acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Pepcon Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond C. Rhees, Ralph E. Behrens, Kathy J. Reid, Lowell B. Morgan
  • Patent number: 5688483
    Abstract: A method for preparing a carbon material for use as an electrode, such as the anode (30) of an electrochemical cell (10). The carbon is fabricated in a heating process from a plurality multifunctional organic monomers selected from first and second groups of monomers. Electrodes so fabricated may be incorporated into electrochemical cells (10) as the anode (20) thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Jinshan Zhang, Anaba A. Anani
  • Patent number: 5688384
    Abstract: An on-demand fluorine cell is described together with the construction of a suitable anode and a means of mounting the anode within the cell. The fluorine cell comprises a cell container having a cathode compartment and an anode compartment, the anode compartment having an anode therein, the cathode compartment and the anode compartment having separation means therebetween so as to separate fluorine gas and hydrogen gas generated during operation of said fluorine cell but said separation means allowing passage of electrolyte between said compartments; said anode extending below a lower end of the separation means and being continuously in contact with the electrolyte, control sensor means in at least one of said compartments to sense the level of electrolyte in said at least one compartment; electric current supply means responsive to signals from said control sensor means so as to either start or stop current supply in accordance with said signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: British Nuclear Fuels PLC
    Inventors: Graham Hodgson, Martin P. Hearne
  • Patent number: 5683559
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the electrowinning of aluminium from alumina dissolved in a halide-containing molten electrolyte, has a cathode cell bottom made of a series of carbon cathode blocks (10) connected side-by-side by glue or ramming paste, each one provided with steel or other conductive bars (11) for the delivery of current and a series of anodes (15) facing the cathode cell bottom. The tops of the carbon blocks (10) forming the cathode cell bottom are shaped in such a way as to provide in the cell bottom a series of parallel channels (25) or grooves preferably coated with an aluminium-wettable refractory coating (35) covered in use by a pool (40) of molten aluminium or a layer of molten aluminium forming a drained surface. Movement of the aluminium pool (40) is decreased, cell operation improved and cell life extended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Moltech Invent S.A.
    Inventor: Vittorio de Nora
  • Patent number: 5679224
    Abstract: Carbon or carbon-based cathodes and cell bottoms of electrolytic cells for the production of aluminium in particular by the electrolysis of alumina in a molten halide electrolyte such as cryolite, are treated to better resist intercalation of sodium in the cell operating conditions by impregnation and/or coating with colloidal alumina, ceria, cerium acetate, lithia, yttria, thoria, zirconia, magnesia or monoaluminium phosphate followed by drying and heat treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1997
    Assignee: Moltech Invent S.A.
    Inventor: Jainagesh A. Sekhar
  • Patent number: 5676807
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell for electrolysis of alumina for the production of aluminum, comprising at least two cell components joined by a ramming paste consisting essentially of a compact mixture of one or more particulate carbonaceous material(s) with a non-carbonaceous non-polluting colloidal binder and optionally with one or more non-carbonaceous fillers, the binder being a suspension of one or more colloids, or being derived from one or more colloid precursors or colloid reagents optionally with one or more chelating agents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Moltech Invent S.A.
    Inventors: Vittorio de Nora, Jainagesh A. Sekhar
  • Patent number: 5677085
    Abstract: A method for preparing a carbon material for use as an electrode, such as the anode (30) of an electrochemical cell (10). The carbon is fabricated in a heating process from a plurality multifunctional organic monomers selected from first and second groups of monomers. Electrodes so fabricated may be incorporated into electrochemical cells (10) as the anode (20) thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Jinshan Zhang, Anaba A. Anani
  • Patent number: 5665212
    Abstract: Conducting plastic electrodes and methods of preparing such electrodes are disclosed. The electrodes comprise a thermo-plastic polymer, an elastomeric polymer, and a conductive filler material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Unisearch Limited ACN 000 263 025
    Inventors: Shihuang Zhong, Michael Kazacos, Maria Skyllas Kazacos, Vahid Haddadi-Asl
  • Patent number: 5647963
    Abstract: A method for preparing a carbon material for use as an electrode, such as the anode (30) of an electrochemical cell (10). The carbon is fabricated in a heating process from a plurality multifunctional organic monomers selected from first and second groups of monomers. Electrodes so fabricated may be incorporated into electrochemical cells (10) as the anode (20) thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Jinshan Zhang, Anaba A. Anani
  • Patent number: 5645809
    Abstract: A method of producing glassy carbon containing metal particles includes two steps. The first step is providing a metal complexed to a molecule which can cross-link to form glassy carbon. The molecule is heated so that the molecule cross-links to form glassy carbon containing metal particles. The glassy carbon can be incorporated into an electrode for use in an electrochemical cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Ohio State University
    Inventors: Matthew R. Callstrom, Richard L. McCreery
  • Patent number: 5643426
    Abstract: An anode material consisting of non-graphitizable carbon material obtained by baking carbon precursor is disclosed. In this non-graphitizable carbon material, ratio by weight of carbon Ps in stacking structure determined from diffraction peak originating in (002) crystal lattice plane and X-ray diffraction spectrum components on the lower angle side with respect to the diffraction peak originating in the (002) crystal lattice plane of X-ray diffraction spectrum is smaller than 0.59, or stacking index SI thereof is smaller than 0.76. Moreover, average number of carbon layers n.sub.ave in stacking structure is smaller than 2.46. Alternatively, when baking temperature is T.degree. C. and half width at half maximum of peak appearing in the vicinity of 1340 cm.sup.-1 in Raman spectrum is HW, the condition expressed below is satisfied.HW>138-0.06.multidot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Imoto, Atsuo Omaru, Hideto Azuma, Yoshio Nishi, Yoshihisa Gonno, Masayuki Nagamine
  • Patent number: 5618403
    Abstract: A cell for the electrowinning of aluminium by the electrolysis of alumina dissolved in a molten fluoride-based electrolyte comprises a cathode composed of a carbon body having an aluminium resistant aluminium-wettable surface layer containing particulate titanium or other refractory hard metal boride and a bonding material providing a porous layer which contains cathodic molten aluminium. Molten cathodic aluminium external to the aluminium-resistant and aluminium-wettable surface contains refractory hard metal and boron in a total concentration sufficient or just below that sufficient to inhibit dissolution into the molten aluminium of the refractory hard metal boride. Alumina is fed to the cell whereby the required amount of titanium in the aluminium results from the alumina feed while, when boron is not present in a sufficient amount, boron is added to bring the total titanium and boron content to or just below the equilibrium solubility product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: Moltech Invent S.A.
    Inventors: Vittorio de Nora, Jean-Jacques Duruz
  • Patent number: 5616222
    Abstract: A solid state, multi-use electrochemical sensor having an electrically nonconductive substrate, a working electrode, and a semi-permeable membrane covering the working electrode. The working electrode includes an electrically conductive material adhered to a portion of the substrate. A first portion of the conductive material is covered with an electrically insulating dielectric coating, and a second portion of the conductive material is covered with an active layer. The active layer includes a catalytically active quantity of an enzyme carried by platinized carbon powder particles, which are distributed throughout the active layer. A sensor package for incorporating a sensor is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Chiron Diagnostics Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas C. Maley, Paul A. D'Orazio, Peter G. Edelman, John A. Zalenski
  • Patent number: 5609844
    Abstract: A method for preparing an amorphous carbon material for use as an electrode, such as the anode of an electrochemical cell. The amorphous carbon is fabricated in a one heating step process from multi-functional organic monomers. Electrodes so fabricated may be incorporated into electrochemical cells (10) as the anode (20) thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Jinshan Zhang, Anaba A. Anani
  • Patent number: 5607770
    Abstract: A unitary composite structure having improved flexural strength and a reduced coefficient of thermal expansion comprising a heterogeneous combination of a carbonaceous reinforcing material interbonded with a matrix material, wherein the said matrix material is a poorly graphitizing carbonaceous pitch containing polymerized and cross-linked aromatic components is disclosed. Graphite electrodes comprised of the poorly graphitized pitch matrix material acting as a binder and/or an impregnant are also disclosed. Processes for the preparation of the poorly graphitizing pitch, the composite structure, and particularly the graphite electrodes are disclosed as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: UCAR Carbon Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Irwin C. Lewis, Ronald A. Howard
  • Patent number: 5605611
    Abstract: The present invention provides a carbon dioxide-generating electrode apparatus made up of a carbon anode, the upper end part thereof being fixed to a terminal part, and a cathode disposed in a non-contacting relationship so as to face the carbon anode, characterized in that the distance between the carbon anode and the cathode is broadened relatively and continuously from the lower part toward the upper part. The distances between the carbon anode and the cathode are set to be an equal distance at positions on the same horizontal cross section, and the difference (W.sub.1 -W.sub.2) between a distance (W.sub.1) between the side face at the upper end part of the carbon anode and the inner face of the cathode from a distance (W.sub.2) between the side face at the lower end part of the carbon anode and the inner face of the cathode is preferably set to a range of 1.0 to 5.0 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignees: Oriental Sangyo Co., Ltd., Able Corporation
    Inventors: Sanji Ozawa, Chikara Yokose, Yoichi Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 5601694
    Abstract: A solid shale, multi-use electrochemical sensor having an electrically nonconductive substrate, a working electrode, and a semi-permeable membrane covering the working electrode. The working electrode includes an electrically conductive material adhered to a portion of the substrate. A first portion of the conductive material is covered with an electrically insulating dielectric coating, and a second portion of the conductive material is covered with an active layer. The active layer includes a catalytically active quantity of an enzyme carried by platinized carbon powder particles, which are distributed throughout the active layer. A sensor package for incorporating a sensor is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Ciba Corning Diagnostics Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Maley, Paul A. D'Orazio, Bonnie C. Dalzell, Peter G. Edelman, James E. Flaherty, Richard W. Mason, Robert R. McCaffrey
  • Patent number: 5589289
    Abstract: A method for preparing an amorphous carbon material for use as an electrode, such as the anode of an electrochemical cell. The amorphous carbon is fabricated in a one heating step process from multi-functional organic monomers. Electrodes so fabricated may be incorporated into electrochemical cells (10) as the anode (20) thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Jinshan Zhang, Anaba A. Anani
  • Patent number: 5581438
    Abstract: There is disclosed a double-layer capacitor having electrodes formed of a current collector positioned against a non-woven web of non-activated carbon fibers impregnated with carbon particles and positioned on either side of a porous layer within a container including a suitable electrolyte and having a conductor connected to each current collector of each electrode wherein the carbon fibers are of a surface area of less than 100 m.sup.2 /g, preferably less than 5 m.sup.2 /g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: Wojtek Halliop
  • Patent number: 5561000
    Abstract: Gas diffusion electrode with catalyst for an electrochemical cell with solid electrolyte, in particular for a fuel cell with solid electrolyte, which electrode contains a hydrophobic, porous back support (12), a non-catalytic intermediate layer (13) which contains electron conductive material and an active catalytic layer (14) which contains bound catalyst particles, characterized in that the intermediate layer (14) contains a mixture of electron conductive material and a proton conductive ionomer, and in that the active layer (14) forms the outside layer and the catalyst particles are bound by a proton conductive ionomer
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Vlaamse Instelling Voor Technologisch Onderzoek
    Inventors: Paul Dirven, Willy Engelen
  • Patent number: 5543021
    Abstract: The subject of the present invention is an electrode based on carbonaceous material for rechargeable electrochemical lithium generators. The carbonaceous material is a pitch coke with a mosaic texture subjected to a pre-lithiation treatment before the production of the electrode. The carbonaceous material is preferably a coal tar pitch coke with a mosaic texture. The specific reversible capacities are greater than 400 mAh/g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: Le Carbone Lorraine
    Inventors: Rachid Yazami, Michel Moreau
  • Patent number: 5540831
    Abstract: Hydrogen storage and generation is accomplished using an electrolytic cell which employs an inert gas electrode, a rechargeable battery electrode having an active material which stores hydrogen or is close to the potential of hydrogen, and a sealed housing which houses the electrodes, a separator and an aqueous electrolyte and has a port for extracting hydrogen generated in the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventor: Martin Klein
  • Patent number: 5538618
    Abstract: A process is described for the electrochemical preparation of organosilicon compounds having at least one SiC-bound organic radical, a solution which contains at least one halosilane being subjected to an electrochemical reaction, an anode which contains a noble metal or an alloy consisting essentially of one or more noble metals having a halogen scavenger flowing around said anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: Wacker-Chemie GmbH
    Inventors: Edwin Hengge, Christa Jammegg, Wilfried Kalchauer
  • Patent number: 5538604
    Abstract: Disclosed is an improved carbonaceous material suitable for use as a liner in an aluminum producing electrolytic cell, the cell using an electrolyte comprised of sodium containing compounds and the carbonaceous material penetrable by sodium or nitrogen and resistant to formation or accumulation of sodium cyanide during operation of the cell. The carbonaceous material is comprised of carbon and a reactive compound capable of reacting with one of sodium, nitrogen and sodium cyanide during operation of the cell to produce aluminum, the reactive compound present in an amount sufficient to suppress formation or accumulation of cyanide compounds in the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Assignee: EMEC Consultants
    Inventors: Rudolf Keller, C. Norman Cochran, David B. Stofesky
  • Patent number: 5535236
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrically operated preheater for dry material for the manufacture of green carbon-containing masses. The invention includes a preheater having a silo housing, a core, a top and a bottom electrode, a concentric feed pipe, an eccentric feed pipe, and a rotating feeding tool. The silo housing has a core located substantially within the silo housing extending substantially along its longitudinal axis. The top electrode is provided between the wall of the silo housing and the core, located proximate the top end of the silo housing, and the bottom electrode is provided between the wall of the silo housing and the core, located proximate the bottom end of the silo housing. The electrodes are connected to a power source. The rotating removal tool is located in the core proximate the eccentric feed pipe. The rotating feeding tool conveys the material for manufacture from the core into the eccentric feed pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Gustav Eirich
    Inventor: Werner Fischer
  • Patent number: 5527442
    Abstract: A carbonaceous, refractory or metal alloy substrate material coated with a refractory material, the refractory material including at least one of borides, silicides, nitrides, aluminides, carbides, phosphides, oxides, metal alloys, inter-metallic compounds and mixtures of one of titanium, chromium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, silicon, niobium, tantalum, nickel, molybdenum and iron and at least one refractory oxide of rare earth metals. An aluminum production cell including a component made up of a material coated with the coating described above is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Assignee: Moltech Invent S.A.
    Inventors: Jainagesh A. Sekhar, Vittorio de Nora
  • Patent number: 5525208
    Abstract: A method for electric protection of a metal object, in which a long-line grounding electrode is installed in an electrolytic medium at a preset distance from the metal object to be protected and the metal object and the long-line grounding electrode are electrically connected to a current source to form a protection circuit, the metal object is polarized, while the sections of the electric connection and the geometric dimensions and/or electric parameters of the grounding electrode are so selected that the value of the current propagation constant in the protection circuit is less than or equal to 10.sup.-3 m.sup.-1. The grounding electrode has an extended central flexible metal conductor (18), an adhesive layer (20) providing an electric contect, and an envelope (19) of a slightly soluble current-conductive material based on a composition including a carbon-containing filler in an amount of 40-80 wt. %, a rubber-base polymer in an amount of 10-49.8 wt. %, a plasticizer in an amount of 9-10 wt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: N. V. Raychem S.A.
    Inventors: Vsevolod V. Pritula, Rimma V. Kudinova, Igor D. Yagmur, Alexander V. Zuev, Alexander A. Delektorsky, Anatoly E. Kornev, Jury G. Nekljudov
  • Patent number: 5514495
    Abstract: A carbon-black-containing gas-consuming layer on the surface of a negative electrode is produced from a mixture of an aqueous carbon black dispersion and an aqueous PTFE dispersion, both of which contain a surfactant of the same type (either cationic, anionic or nonionic) for the purpose of stabilization. The stabilized particles in the final gas-consuming dispersion are formed by coating PTFE particles with smaller carbon particles, preferably with an interlayer or envelope of a surfactant film. Pores and cracks operate to increase the effective catalytic surface area for oxygen gas. Additions of polyacrylic acid esters are suitable for adjusting the viscosity of the dispersion. The dispersion is applied to the electrode by immersion or spraying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Varta Batterie Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Christoph Klaus
  • Patent number: 5512153
    Abstract: An impressed current corrosion protection system comprises a distributed anode in the form of a conductive core (4) covered with a conductive polymeric coating (6) and surrounded by packed coke (8) contained within a polymeric jacket (18). This outer jacket is typically a fabric having a specified resistance to acid conditions and chlorine conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Raychem Ltd.
    Inventors: Stephen Day, Frank J. Lowe, Christian Pierre
  • Patent number: 5507933
    Abstract: A cell component for use in particular as anodes, cathodes and cell linings of cells for the electrolysis of alumina for the production of aluminum, comprising a solidified carbon containing paste consisting essentially of a compact mixture of one or more particulate carbonaceous material(s) with a non-carbonaceous binder and optionally with one or more fillers to form a fluid paste, the binder being a suspension of one or more colloids or being derived from one or more colloid precursors or colloid reagents optionally with chelating agents. A method of producing the cell component is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Inventors: Vittorio de Nora, Jainagesh A. Sekhar
  • Patent number: 5503717
    Abstract: A ZnCl.sub.2 -graphite intercalation compound is synthesised by an electrochemical process in an aqueous solution. Flexible graphite is manufactured by exfoliating and then compressing the ZnCl.sub.2 -graphite intercalation compound into a sheet form. This processing is suitable for mass production. As no sulphuric acid is used in this method, the method reduces environmental pollution and corrosion during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Inventors: Feiyu Kang, Yang Leng, Tong-Yi Zhang, Yiu-Wing Mai
  • Patent number: 5503728
    Abstract: A carbon electrode is dipped in a solution containing a reactive substance, and the carbon electrode impregnated with the solution is covered with an insulating tubular member; or a solution containing a reactant is poured into an insulating tube, and a carbon electrode is inserted into the tube; whereby the reactant is made coexistent in the periphery of the carbon electrode. Alternatively, a reactive substance such as an active enzyme and graphite particles or activated carbon particles are mixed with a liquid and dispersed therein to prepare a thoroughly wetted paste. The paste is introduced by means of an extruding mechanism such as a syringe into an insulating tubular member in which a bundle of many thin carbon rods as a lead is inserted. Thus, a carbon sensor electrode is produced. Alternatively, a first carbon electrode that has been dipped in an active enzyme or an enzyme-like reactive substance solution is disposed in a wet condition in a cylindrical ion permeable membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1996
    Assignee: Agency of Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Hiroko Kaneko, Akira Negishi, Ken Nozaki
  • Patent number: 5501729
    Abstract: A pitch based impregnant for a carbon or graphite body and a method of impregnation. The method involves forming a liquid solution of a substantially solids free pitch having a Q.I. of less than 1% dissolved in furfural and containing an acid catalyst with the solution having a viscosity of less than 150 cps at room temperature and heating the impregnated body to between 150.degree.-200.degree. C. until the impregnant is cured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: UCAR Carbon Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Irwin C. Lewis, Terrence A. Pirro
  • Patent number: 5501922
    Abstract: An electrode for an energy storage device is made from an activated carbon support. The activated carbon has adsorbed onto it a protonated polymer, which has a polyoxometalate absorbed into the polymer. Preferably, the protonated polymer is poly(4-vinylpyridine), and the polyoxometalate is isopolymolybdate. An energy storage device, such as a capacitor, can be made from the modified carbon electrode. A pair of the coated carbon electrodes (13) are placed in contact with an electrolyte to form the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Changming Li, Lijun Bai, Keryn Ke Lian
  • Patent number: 5486278
    Abstract: A prebaked carbon-based anode of an electrolytic cell for the production of aluminium, in particular by the electrolysis of alumina in a molten fluoride electrolyte, is treated over its sides and top to improve the resistance thereof to erosion during operation of the cell by oxidising gases released at the anode, by immersing the anode in a boron-containing solution containing 5-60 weight % of H.sub.3 BO.sub.3 or B.sub.2 O.sub.3 in methanol, ethylene glycol, glycerin or water with a surface-active agent, e.g. at 80.degree. to 120.degree. C. After 2-60 minutes immersion, the boron-containing solution is impregnated to a depth of 1-10 cm, usually about 2-4 cm over the top and side surfaces of the anode to be protected, producing a concentration of boron in the impregnated surface from 200 ppm to 0.35%. The same treatment can be applied to cell sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Moltech Invent S.A.
    Inventors: Fausto Manganiello, Jean-Jacques Duruz, Vittorio Bello
  • Patent number: 5472578
    Abstract: A cell for the production of aluminium by the electrolysis of a molten electrolyte, in particular the electrolysis of alumina dissolved in a molten halide electrolyte such as cryolite, comprises anodes immersed in the molten electrolyte above a cell bottom whereon molten product aluminium is collected in a pool containing bodies of aluminium-resistant material. Under the anodes is at least one grid (10) of side-by-side upright or inclined walls (11,12) of aluminium-resistant material whose bottom ends stand on a ceramic-coated carbon cell bottom covered by the pool of molten aluminium. The bottom ends of the grid walls form a base which is large compared to the height of the walls, each grid (10) standing on the cell bottom and being removable from the cell. These grids reduce movements in the aluminium pool and their top parts may act as a drained cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Moltech Invent S.A.
    Inventor: Vittorio de Nora
  • Patent number: 5449447
    Abstract: Method and device for pickling, and possibly for degreasing, of elongate metal items, in particular wires, strips and steel section. These items are placed in an electrolyte solution through which an electric current is passed by means of electrodes, said items being moved preferably in a substantially continuous manner lengthwise through at least two successive separate baths of an aqueous hydrochloric acid solution and/or a chlorine mineral salt solution. At least one electrode is placed in each bath and an electric voltage is applied to these electrodes so that the sign of the voltage on the electrode of one of the baths is always different from the sign of the voltage on the electrode of the adjacent bath, the baths being substantially insulated from each other so that the electric current flows between two adjacent baths mainly via that part of the item being moved between said two adjacent baths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Le Four Industriel Belge S.A.
    Inventor: Rene Branders