Oxygen And Hydrogen Produced Patents (Class 205/628)
  • Patent number: 8329007
    Abstract: A hearing aid dehumidifier and disinfectant chamber. The chamber comprises an enclosure, including a vapor permeable wall, adapted to removably enclose a hearing aid. In vapor transmitting relationship with the vapor permeable wall is an electrochemical ozone generator, which is designed to draw water vapor from inside the enclosure and electrolyze it into at least ozone, which is discharged into the enclosure. Drawing the water vapor from the enclosure dries the hearing aid. The electrochemical action ceases when all water vapor is removed. Bathing the hearing aid in ozone for at least until the ozone decomposes, sterilizes the hearing aid, inside and out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: MB Research & Development, LLC
    Inventors: Martin S. Silverman, Lance Pritikin
  • Patent number: 8329020
    Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes a water electrolysis apparatus for electrolyzing pure water supplied from a pure water supply apparatus to produce high-pressure hydrogen. A pressure releasing device is connected between a pipe of the water electrolysis apparatus and a check valve connected to the inlet port of a gas-liquid separator, for releasing the pressure of the high-pressure hydrogen from the water electrolysis apparatus independently from the gas-liquid separator. The pressure releasing device has a bleeder passage including a pressure reducing valve and a solenoid-operated valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Takeuchi, Masanori Okabe, Koji Nakazawa, Kenji Taruya
  • Patent number: 8308919
    Abstract: An electrolysis device to separate water into its more economically valuable constituent hydrogen and oxygen gases. A neutral plate is interleaved between every magnetically charged electrode in an electrode stack to provide a means of spark suppression, a physical barrier between the hydrogen gas created at the cathode and oxygen gas created at the cathode, and to reduce deterioration of electrode surfaces caused by alternating polarity from an anode state to a cathode state. Scale of electrolysis cell electrodes are partially cleaned through a cycling of system polarity through a neutral electrode period. A means is provided to isolate and segregate dissociated hydrogen and oxygen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy Fletcher
  • Patent number: 8308917
    Abstract: An electrolyser module comprising a plurality of structural plates each having a sidewall extending between opposite end faces with a half cell chamber opening and at least two degassing chamber openings extending through the structural plate between the opposite end faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Next Hydrogen Corporation
    Inventors: Jim Hinatsu, Michael Stemp
  • Patent number: 8303798
    Abstract: The invention is a unit that produces Hydrogen Gas (Browns Gas (HHO)) that can be used as an assist to diesel and gas engines. The gas is produced from distilled water, using our stainless steel plate design. The patent should apply to the internal plate placement and design. The internal design of the unit allows it to produce significantly more hydrogen, drawing significantly less current or electricity from its power source. The internal design is in the placement of positive, negative and neutral plates to produce the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventors: James D. Dees, Ken Colclesser, April R. Saldivar, legal representative
  • Patent number: 8293079
    Abstract: Systems and methods that employ a vertical multi junction (VMJ) photovoltaic cell, to provide electrolysis for water and generate hydrogen and oxygen. Electrical current generated by the VMJ flows through the electrolyte (e.g., salt water) for a decomposition thereof (e.g., hydrogen and oxygen)—whenever threshold voltage of electrolysis operation is reached (e.g., 1.6 volts for water electrolysis).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: MH Solar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bernard L. Sater
  • Patent number: 8287716
    Abstract: The desalination system and method places water from the sea under electrolysis to produce hydrogen and oxygen gas. The system has a chamber that is filled with the hydrogen gas displacing other gases. Once the chamber is filled with only hydrogen gas, the oxygen is introduced to form water vapor within the chamber. Liquid water collects on the lower surface of the chamber, and water vapor condenses on the sidewalls. The condensation creates a partial vacuum in the chamber, causing further water to evaporate from the liquid water on the lower end of the chamber. The condensate is desalinated water, which may be collected. Condensation may be assisted through cooling the wall. The hydrogen and oxygen mix in the chamber undergoes a reaction through electrical spark generation from a spark plug to create the water vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
    Inventor: Jihad Hassan Al-Sadah
  • Publication number: 20120255867
    Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes a water electrolysis apparatus, a gas-liquid separating apparatus, a hydrogen supply line, a water level detector, and a current regulator. The water electrolysis apparatus is to electrolyze water to generate oxygen and high-pressure hydrogen having a higher pressure than a pressure of the oxygen. The gas-liquid separating apparatus is disposed upstream of the water electrolysis apparatus in a gravitational direction to separate moisture contained in the high-pressure hydrogen. The hydrogen supply line is to supply the high-pressure hydrogen discharged from the water electrolysis apparatus to the gas-liquid separating apparatus. The water level detector is configured to detect a water level in the gas-liquid separating apparatus. The current regulator is configured to regulate a current to be applied to the water electrolysis apparatus based on the water level detected by the water level detector in the gas-liquid separating apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun TAKEUCHI, Eiji HARYU, Masanori OKABE
  • Publication number: 20120255868
    Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes a water electrolysis apparatus for electrically decomposing water to generate oxygen and high-pressure hydrogen having a pressure higher than the oxygen, a gas-liquid separator connected to a hydrogen pipe which discharges the high-pressure hydrogen from the water electrolysis apparatus, for separating water contained in the high-pressure hydrogen, a high-pressure hydrogen outlet pipe for delivering the high-pressure hydrogen separated from water from the gas-liquid separator, a water drainage line for discharging the water from the gas-liquid separator, and a gas depressurizing line connected to the gas-liquid separator, for degassing the gas-liquid separator before the water is discharged from the water drainage line into the water drainage line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jun TAKEUCHI, Koji NAKAZAWA, Hisashi NAGAOKA, Tetsuya YOSHIDA, Masanori OKABE, Daisuke KURASHINA, Aoi MIYAKE
  • Patent number: 8282811
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for generating hydrogen gas at pressures high enough to fill a hydrogen storage cylinder for stationary and transportation applications. The hydrogen output of an electrochemical hydrogen gas generating device, a hydrogen-producing reactor, or a diluted hydrogen stream is integrated with an electrochemical hydrogen compressor operating in a high-differential-pressure mode. The compressor brings the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen generating device to the high pressure required to fill the storage cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Giner Electrochemical Systems, LLC
    Inventors: John A. Kosek, José Giner, Anthony B. LaConti
  • Patent number: 8273236
    Abstract: A first aqueous solution filled in an electrolytic cell (2) is electrolyzed by applying DC voltage between the electrodes 7a and 7b in said electrolytic cell 2, to form an oxidation field short of electrons in said aqueous solution; and then, a second aqueous solution with carboxylic acid dissolved in it is mixed into the first aqueous solution in oxidation field state, so that the first aqueous solution in oxidation field state obtains electrons and is deoxidized, and the carboxylic acid is oxidized, to produce carbonic acid gas in said aqueous solution. Therefore, the present invention can be used to produce carbonic acid gas solution at a low cost easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Omsi Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoh Sano, Masahiko Asano, Hitoshi Yagi
  • Patent number: 8262896
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing hydrogen comprising: contacting steam 20 with a proton conducting membrane 7 supported on a porous redox stable substrate 8, through said substrate 8. The membrane 7 is non-permeable to molecular gas and to oxide ions. A DC voltage is applied across an anode 15 coupled to the substrate side of the membrane and a cathode 9,11 coupled to its other side so as to dissociate at least part of the steam 20, into protonic hydrogen and oxygen at said anode 15. The protonic hydrogen passes through the membrane and forms molecular hydrogen 23 at the cathode 9, 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: The University Court of the University of St. Andrews
    Inventors: John Thomas Sirr Irvine, Angela Kruth, Cristian Daniel Savaniu, Shanwen Tao
  • Patent number: 8246796
    Abstract: An apparatus for recharging a fuel cell cartridge and methods for recharging a fuel cell cartridge are disclosed. An example recharging apparatus may include a housing having a fuel cell cartridge holder. A water reservoir may be disposed in the housing and may have water disposed therein. The recharging apparatus may also include an electrolysis chamber for converting water into hydrogen and oxygen. The electrolysis chamber may be in fluid communication with the water reservoir. The electrolysis chamber may include a hydrogen passage for passing hydrogen from the electrolysis chamber to the fuel cell cartridge holder. The recharging apparatus may further include a vacuum pump at least selectively in fluid communication with the fuel cell cartridge holder. In some instances, the vacuum pump may be used to evacuate residual hydrogen and/or other gases or materials from the fuel cell cartridge and/or determine if the fuel cell cartridge is leaky and requires replacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Eickhoff
  • Patent number: 8236149
    Abstract: A multi-cell or single-cell electrolysis type electrolyzer for the production of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas with a delivery system through tubes, bubbler and check valve to internal combustion engine, generator, turbine or similar combustion device for the enhancement of hydrocarbon fuels and/or gas combustion device is disclosed. This device comprises at least one or more chambers of sealed containers, distilled water, a variety of electrolytes, multi or single strand stainless steel, nickel or platinum wire, a plastic, glass, or ceramic insulator within a stainless steel, nickel, or platinum tube and an ultrasonic piezo crystal allowing water and or a weak electrolyte solution to decompose into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: David M. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8236150
    Abstract: An application for a recycler includes a pressure and temperature resistant metal vessel that is filled with a liquid. Within the vessel is at least one submerged electric arc between a pair of carbon base electrodes powered by either a DC or AC current. The vessel has mechanical systems that maintain and optimize the electric arc. The electric arc produces a combustible gas. The liquid is pumped through a bore in one or more of the electrodes, delivering the liquid directly to the location of the arc, thereby reducing or eliminating any ignition of the gas by the arc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Magnegas Corporation
    Inventor: Ruggero Maria Santilli
  • Patent number: 8236146
    Abstract: A photoelectrochemical cell (100) includes: a semiconductor electrode (120) including a conductor (121) and an n-type semiconductor layer (122); a counter electrode (130) connected electrically to the conductor (121); an electrolyte (140) in contact with the surfaces of the n-type semiconductor layer (122) and the counter electrode (130); and a container (110) accommodating the semiconductor electrode (120), the counter electrode (130) and the electrolyte (140). The photoelectrochemical cell (100) generates hydrogen by irradiation of the n-type semiconductor layer (122) with light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takaiki Nomura, Takahiro Suzuki, Kenichi Tokuhiro, Tomohiro Kuroha, Noboru Taniguchi, Kazuhito Hatoh, Shuzo Tokumitsu
  • Publication number: 20120186991
    Abstract: This invention is a method for using electricity to break water down to its gaseous components of hydrogen and oxygen for use as a replacement fuel for the gasoline engines currently used in automobiles. The gas produced by this invention is known as HHO, but is also referred to as Brown's Gas and hydroxy. This invention is capable of producing HHO gas in sufficient quantities to be the sole fuel for the gasoline engine. This invention is designed to be installed in the automobile so that the HHO is generated as needed. The invention is scalable to meet the differing fuel demands of various engines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey Gootblatt
  • Patent number: 8227127
    Abstract: A carbon dioxide negative method of manufacturing renewable hydrogen and trapping carbon dioxide from the air or gas streams is described. Direct current renewable electricity is provided to a water electrolysis apparatus with sufficient voltage to generate hydrogen and hydroxide ions at the cathode, and protons and oxygen at the anode. These products are separated and sequestered and the base is used to trap carbon dioxide from the air or gas streams as bicarbonate or carbonate salts. These carbonate salts, hydrogen, and trapped carbon dioxide in turn can be combined in a variety of chemical and electrochemical processes to create valuable carbon-based materials made from atmospheric carbon dioxide. The net effect of all processes is the generation of renewable hydrogen from water and a reduction of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere or in gas destined to enter the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: New Sky Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Deane Little, Timothy C. Heffernan, Joseph V. Kosmoski, C. Gordon Little
  • Patent number: 8221599
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include an anode, devices and systems including the anode (e.g., electrochemical devices and photo-electrochemical devices), methods of using the anode, methods of producing H2 and O2 from H2O, Cl2, oxidixed organic feedstocks, oxidation for the detection and quantification of chemical species, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Christopher E. D. Chidsey, Paul C. McIntyre
  • Publication number: 20120145560
    Abstract: An electrolytic cell including: a containment vessel; a first electrode; a second electrode; a source of electrical current; an electrolyte; a first gas; a second gas; a separator; a first gas collection vessel; and a second gas collection vessel. The separator includes a first and a second inclined surface to direct flow of the electrolyte and the first or the second gas due to a difference between density of the electrolyte and combined density of the electrolyte and the first or the second gas such that the gas substantially flows in a direction distal the second or the first electrode and towards the first or the second gas collection vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy E. McAlister
  • Publication number: 20120149789
    Abstract: An apparatus for the electrolytic splitting of water into hydrogen and/or oxygen, the apparatus comprising: (i) at least one lithographically-patternable substrate having a surface; (ii) a plurality of microscaled catalytic electrodes embedded in said surface; (iii) at least one counter electrode in proximity to but not on said surface; (iv) means for collecting evolved hydrogen and/or oxygen gas; (v) electrical powering means for applying a voltage across said plurality of microscaled catalytic electrodes and said at least one counter electrode; and (vi) a container for holding an aqueous electrolyte and housing said plurality of microscaled catalytic electrodes and said at least one counter electrode. Electrolytic processes using the above electrolytic apparatus or functional mimics thereof are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventor: Elias Greenbaum
  • Patent number: 8197666
    Abstract: A method serves the production of one or more gases, in particular of oxyhydrogen. A liquid, preferably water (9), is electrolytically treated in the method. To improve the efficiency of a method of this type, a substance is present in the liquid (9) to which the or one of the gases to be produced adheres, in particular an ion exchanger (10) (single FIGURE).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Franz Roiner
  • Publication number: 20120137950
    Abstract: An underwater vehicle includes systems for harvesting ambient hydrostatic pressure and storing the same as a gas pressure in a compressed gas system and as a water pressure in a pressurized electrolysis system. The gas pressure is used to perform mechanical work or to generate electrical power via a prime mover. The water pressure is used to release pressurized hydrogen and oxygen gases via electrolysis. The pressurized hydrogen and oxygen gases are used in a combustion chamber to generate propulsion power for the underwater vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: John W. Rapp, Louis J. Larkin
  • Patent number: 8172990
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention an electrolytic cell is provided comprising: a containment vessel; a first electrode; a second electrode; a source of electrical current in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; an electrolyte in fluid communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; a gas, wherein the gas is formed during electrolysis at or near the first electrode; and a separator; wherein the first electrode is configured to control the location of nucleation of the gas by substantially separating the location of electron transfer and nucleation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy E. McAlister
  • Publication number: 20120097550
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods dissociate water into hydrogen and oxygen gases on a more efficient basis. By modifying the environmental conditions of the water through increased covalent and hydrogen bond movement, increasing the rate of self ionization, and with enhanced induced magnetic susceptibility, water electrolysis is achieved with reduced energy input. In the preferred embodiments, electrolysis is performed by the individual and balanced cumulative application of acoustic cavitation, a high-energy magnetic field to support enhanced magnetic susceptibility, and specific wavelength infrared energy to increase bond vibrational modes of water molecules. It has been discovered that the combination of acoustic cavitation, vibrational enhancement, and increased magnetic susceptibility significantly enhances proton-hopping and electric field fluctuations leading to an enhanced return on energy invested water electrolysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Michael D. Lockhart
  • Patent number: 8163158
    Abstract: An electrolysis cell is controlled for operation under varying electrical power supply conditions. A flow of feed stock to the cell includes an electrolysis reactant at a controlled concentration. A varying amount of electrical power is supplied to the cell to produce an electrolysis reaction that generates a first reaction product at a first side of the cell and a second reaction product at a second side of the cell. The reactant concentration is adjusted as the electrical power varies to substantially maintain the cell at its thermal neutral voltage during cell operation. The cell may be used in an electrolysis system powered by a renewable energy source with varying power output (e.g., wind, solar, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: ENRG, Inc.
    Inventor: James S. Newkirk
  • Patent number: 8163142
    Abstract: A hydrogen system for internal combustion engines, comprising a housing assembly having at least three internal chambers divided by at least two dividing plates. The two dividing plates include a lower dividing plate and an upper dividing plate. Each comprises a plurality of through holes to allow aqueous solution to flow and circulate through the three internal chambers. A hydrogen generator is mounted onto the housing assembly at a predetermined angle. The hydrogen generator comprises a first predetermined number of negative charged plates, a second predetermined number of neutral plates, and a third predetermined number of positive charged plates. The hydrogen generator generates oxygen and hydrogen gas for use in an internal combustion engine to improve combustion efficiency and to decrease emissions. The hydrogen generator serves as an electrolysis cell to generate the oxygen and hydrogen gas with electric current from a power source being passed through the aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Giulio Stama
  • Patent number: 8123915
    Abstract: An Alkaline Electrolyzer Cell Configuration (AECC) has a hydrogen half cell; an oxygen half cell; a GSM (Gas Separation Membrane); two inner hydrogen half cell spacer screens; an outer hydrogen half cell spacer screen; a hydrogen electrode; two inner oxygen half cell spacer screens; an outer oxygen half cell spacer screen; and an oxygen electrode. The hydrogen half cell includes the hydrogen electrode which is located between said two inner hydrogen half cell spacer screens and said outer hydrogen half cell spacer screen. The oxygen half cell includes the oxygen electrode which is located between said two inner oxygen half cell spacer screens and said outer oxygen half cell spacer screen. The GSM is provided between said two inner hydrogen half cell spacer screens of the hydrogen half cell and said two inner oxygen half cell spacer screens of the oxygen half cell to from the electrolyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventors: William R. Richards, Alan L. Volker
  • Publication number: 20120024242
    Abstract: A series of control circuits and the use of a stable Hydrogen/Oxygen Generator Cell to protect passengers and automobile from fire or destruction of the engine under malfunction conditions. Improper electrolyte concentration, cell running at very low or very high electrolyte level, or water reaching the motor intake, may cause serious hazard conditions or damage to the vehicle and the occupants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: Maurizio Mario Gramigni
  • Patent number: 8101053
    Abstract: An axial flow electrolytic cell includes an outer layer made of a polyolefin material and formed as a tube. An outer layer liner lines an inside surface of the outer layer. The outer layer liner is formed as a metal tube. A middle layer is mounted inside the outer layer. The middle layer further includes a middle flow inlet and a middle flow outlet. The middle layer is formed as a metal tube. An inside layer is mounted inside the middle layer. The inside layer has an inside flow inlet and an inside flow outlet. The inside layer is formed as a middle tube. The first electrical connector is mounted to the middle layer at a middle layer connection. The first electrical connector passes through the outer layer and outer layer liner at an outer layer opening. A second electrical connector mounts to the outer layer liner and the inside layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Pete Adams
  • Patent number: 8101051
    Abstract: A large amount of a gas mixture of hydrogen and oxygen can be effectively generated over a long time. A positive electrode and a negative electrode are immersed in an electrolytic cell filled with an electrolytic solution, and a DC or AC voltage is applied across the two electrodes. A plurality of intermediate electrodes are arranged between the two electrodes. The electrolytic cell is sealed by a sealing cover. The gas mixture of hydrogen and oxygen generated by electrolysis is taken out through a discharge opening provided in the sealing cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Binglin Yang
  • Patent number: 8075750
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention an electrolytic cell is provided comprising a containment vessel; a first electrode; a second electrode; a source of electrical current in electrical communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; an electrolyte in fluid communication with the first electrode and the second electrode; a gas, wherein the gas is formed during electrolysis at or near the first electrode; and a separator; wherein the separator includes an inclined surface to direct flow of the electrolyte and the gas due to a difference between density of the electrolyte and the combined density of the electrolyte and the gas such that the gas substantially flows in a direction distal to the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy E. McAlister
  • Patent number: 8062500
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrolytically producing oxidation reduction potential water from aqueous salt solutions for use in disinfection, sterilization, decontamination, wound cleansing. The apparatus includes an electrolysis unit having a three-compartment cell (22) comprising a cathode chamber (18), an anode chamber (16), and a saline solution chamber (20) interposed between the anode and cathode chambers. Two communicating (24, 26) membranes separate the three chambers. The center chamber includes a fluid flow inlet (21a) and outlet (21b) and contains insulative material that ensures direct voltage potential does not travel through the chamber. A supply of water flows through the cathode and anode chambers at the respective sides of the saline chamber. Saline solution flows through the center chamber, either by circulating a pre-prepared aqueous solution containing ionic species, or, alternatively, by circulating pure water or an aqueous solution of, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc.
    Inventor: Osao Sumita
  • Patent number: 8057646
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to cell plates for an electrolyser module and to an electrolyser module incorporating the plates. The plates comprise an electrolysis chamber opening, at least one degassing chamber opening, and at least one gas-liquid conduit opening. The plates further comprise a channel connecting the electrolysis chamber opening and the gas-liquid conduit opening. The present invention is directed further to a process and apparatus for separating a gas-liquid mixture generated at an electrolysis cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Hydrogenics Corporation
    Inventors: James T. Hinatsu, Michael C. Stemp
  • Patent number: 8048276
    Abstract: Solid oxide stacks used as fuel cells generate electricity from hydrogen or other sources. By an electrolysis process such standard fuel cells can be operated in order to create hydrogen or other electro chemical by-products. Unfortunately stacks generally operate at relatively high temperatures which will be difficult to sustain purely on economic grounds. In such circumstances less efficient operation can be achieved at lower temperatures where the air-specific resistance is higher by balancing with the electrical power input in order to cause the disassociation required. In such circumstances by provision of an incident heat source, whether that be through a heat exchanger heating the compressed air flow, or recycling of a proportion of exhaust from the stack, or combustion of a product from stack disassociation the result will be a sustaining electrolysis operation reducing the amount of expensive electrical supply required to achieve dissociation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventors: Cristiano Balestrino, Gerard D. Agnew, Michele Bozzolo
  • Publication number: 20110259757
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process and an apparatus for generating hydrogen and oxygen gas by electrolysis of water. The process involves forming an electrolyte including alkaline ions and the water and generating plasma between electrodes immersed in the electrolyte by applying an electrical potential between the electrodes. The plasma ionises the electrolyte, thereby generating hydrogen and oxygen gas. The process further involves controlling the process by relocating the generated plasma between two or more further electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: HOPE CELL TECHNOLOGIES PTY LTD
    Inventor: Robert Vancina
  • Patent number: 8043485
    Abstract: An electrolysis system (100) and method of using same is provided. In addition to an electrolysis tank (101) and a membrane (105) separating the tank into two regions, the system includes at least one pair of low voltage electrodes (115/116) of a first type, at least one pair of low voltage electrodes (117/118) of a second type, and at least one pair of high voltage electrodes (121/122). The low voltage applied to the low voltage electrodes (115/116/117/118) and the high voltage applied to the high voltage electrodes (121/122) is pulsed with the pulses occurring simultaneously with the same pulse duration. Low voltage is also applied to the low voltage electrodes (115/116/117/118) during part, or all, of the period of each cycle occurring between pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Nehemia Davidson
    Inventor: Nehemia Davidson
  • Patent number: 8021525
    Abstract: A PEM based water electrolysis stack consists of a number of cells connected in series by using interconnects. Water and electrical power (power supply) are the external inputs to the stack. Water supplied to the oxygen electrodes through flow fields in interconnects is dissociated into oxygen and protons. The protons are transported through the polymer membrane to the hydrogen electrodes, where they combine with electrons to form hydrogen gas. If the electrolysis stack is required to be used exclusively as an oxygen generator, the hydrogen gas generated would have to be disposed off safely. The disposal of hydrogen would lead to a number of system and safety related issues, resulting in the limited application of the device as an oxygen generator. Hydrogen can be combusted to produce heat or better disposed off in a separate fuel cell unit which will supply electricity generated, to the electrolysis stack to reduce power input requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
    Inventors: Sarbjit Singh Giddey, Fabio T. Ciacchi, Sukhvinder P. S. Badwal
  • Patent number: 8021526
    Abstract: A household appliance incorporating an electrolyzer for electrolysis of water to H2 and O2 and an electrolyzer therefor. The appliance may include a burner for the hydrogen produced and an electric conductive member to provide household current to the electrolyzer. The electrolyzer comprises an outer housing defining a chamber which houses at least one cathode and at least one anode. The electrolyzer may comprise a plurality of field electrodes and the field electrodes may comprise first and second field electrodes which are electrically connected together and spaced apart to define an intra cell gap. Field electrodes may then be spaced apart to define an inter cell gap between electrodes of adjacent field electrodes. At least one of the anode and cathode may be connected to an electrically conductive member that is molded in situ in the housing and at least some of the electrodes may be configured to dimensionally stabilize the electrodes during operation of the electrolyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: G.B.D. Corp
    Inventor: Wayne Ernest Conrad
  • Publication number: 20110220516
    Abstract: A hydrogen/oxygen generation system includes an electrolyzer cell, a servo integrated controller, a power control module, a voltage/current feedback device and a temperature feedback device. Servo closed loop control is used to efficiently and effectively produce hydrogen and oxygen gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Timm J. Finfrock, James D. Hill, David A. Bateman, JR.
  • Publication number: 20110219773
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing hydrogen from cellulosic and/or grain feedstocks for use as a vehicle fuel, use in the production of anhydrous ammonia, and to generate electricity. In at least one exemplary embodiment of a system for producing ammonia, the system comprises a fuel source containing fuel, a burn chamber coupled to the fuel source for burning the fuel to create energy, an electricity generator coupled to the burn chamber to generate electricity from the energy from the burn chamber, an electrolysis tank coupled to the electricity generator wherein electricity from the electricity generator facilitates the electrolysis of water present within the electrolysis tank to form hydrogen and oxygen, an ammonia reaction chamber coupled to the electrolysis tank, and a compressed air source coupled to the ammonia reaction chamber, wherein the hydrogen and nitrogen from the compressed air source react within the ammonia reaction chamber to generate ammonia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Steven R. Gerrish
  • Publication number: 20110198232
    Abstract: An electrolysis cell includes an anode, a cathode and a high-differential-pressure water electrolysis bilayer membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode. The high-differential-pressure bilayer membrane includes a platinum-impregnated ion-exchange membrane layer and an untreated ion-exchange membrane layer. The untreated ion-exchange membrane layer is disposed between the anode and the platinum-impregnated ion-exchange membrane layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ned E. Cipollini, Robert J. Roy, Christopher Eldridge
  • Publication number: 20110192938
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a lighter than air platform, a reversible propulsive/wind turbine, a deployable anchor to constrain movement of the lighter than air platform with respect to an anchor point allowing wind to drive the turbine, and a generator/motor coupled to the turbine to produce electrical power when movement of the lighter than air platform is constrained. A method performed by the apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Donald DiMarzio, Theodore W. Hilgeman, Alice DeBiasio, Thomas J. Hunt, Douglas R. Frei, Roy A. Charletta, Michael Melnyk
  • Publication number: 20110185990
    Abstract: A system for improving combustion including electrolysis means for producing and storing hydrogen and oxygen gases operatively connected to injection means for injecting the hydrogen and oxygen gas into a combustion device. A hydrogen enrichment system. A method of improving combustion by producing and storing hydrogen and oxygen gases, injecting the hydrogen and oxygen gases into a combustion device, and performing combustion. A method of distributing current in an electrolysis system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: David Inwald
  • Publication number: 20110180416
    Abstract: A method for operating a water electrolysis system includes determining whether or not a water electrolysis apparatus is shut down. The water electrolysis system includes the water electrolysis apparatus, a water circulation apparatus, and a gas-liquid separation apparatus. The water electrolysis apparatus includes power feeders provided on an anode side and a cathode side of an electrolyte membrane. The water electrolysis apparatus generates oxygen on the anode side and generates hydrogen on the cathode side at a higher pressure than a pressure of the oxygen by electrolysis of water. Pressure on the cathode side is released when it is determined that the water electrolysis apparatus is shut down. The water circulation apparatus is operated until a concentration of hydrogen remaining on the anode side is a specified value or less under a condition in which a release of pressure on the cathode side is completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Daisuke Kurashina, Kenji Taruya, Jun Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20110139630
    Abstract: A liquid material comprising hydrogen and oxygen is produced by electrolyzing an electrolysis solution containing 5 to 30% by weight of an electrolyte in an electrolysis tank using a group of electrodes disposed, within the electrolysis tank, while maintaining a spacing of 3 to 10 mm between adjacent electrodes under conditions of a current density of 5 to 20 A/dm2, a bath temperature of 20 to 70° C., and pH 14 or more (strongly alkaline) while applying vibration stirring, bringing the pressure of the resultant gas comprising hydrogen and oxygen to 0.1 to 0.5 MPa, and cooling the gas to ?190 to ?250° C. to liquefy the gas. The liquid material is stored, is returned to room temperature, and is gasified to produce a regasified gas comprising hydrogen and oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Ryushin Omasa
  • Patent number: 7959790
    Abstract: An improved method for the electro-coagulation c treatment of water and waste water includes an electrolytic cell having an anode and a helical cathode mounted longitudinally within a duct for receiving the contaminated water or waste water at one end and for discharging the treated water and electro-coagulated precipitates at the other end. The electro-coagulated precipitates can be subsequently separated by conventional flocculation, settlement and filtration systems. The anode forms a central longitudinal sacrificial rod defining a cylindrical outer surface and the helical cathode comprises an elongate wire coiled helically around and along the anode so as form a plurality of turns of the wire which turns are wrapped around the anode surface in the form of a constant helix of constant diameter with the turns spaced each from the next and spaced from the anode surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventors: David Lorne Woytowich, Daniel Robert Oger, Ronald Bruce Oger, Christopher Paul Marino Davie
  • Publication number: 20110127170
    Abstract: Disclosed are electrolysis catalysts formed from cobalt, oxygen and fluorine. They can be formed as a coating on an anode by conducting an electrolysis reaction using an electrolyte containing cobalt and fluoride. The catalysts will facilitate the conversion of water to hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, even at pH neutral/room temperature reaction conditions. The resulting hydrogen gas is a means of storing renewable energy for use in hydrogen powered vehicles or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: James B. Gerken, Shannon S. Stahl
  • Patent number: 7951283
    Abstract: Syngas components hydrogen and carbon monoxide may be formed by the decomposition of carbon dioxide and water or steam by a solid-oxide electrolysis cell to form carbon monoxide and hydrogen, a portion of which may be reacted with carbon dioxide to form carbon monoxide. One or more of the components for the process, such as steam, energy, or electricity, may be provided using a nuclear power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC
    Inventors: Carl M. Stoots, James E. O'Brien, James Stephen Herring, Paul A. Lessing, Grant L. Hawkes, Joseph J. Hartvigsen
  • Publication number: 20110108435
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system comprising a heat source to provide heat at the desired temperature and energy field (e.g. a solar concentrator); an electron source configured and operable to emit electrons; an electric field generator generating an electric field adapted to supply energy sufficient to dissociate gas molecules; and a reaction gas chamber configured and operable to cause interaction between the electrons with the molecules, such that the electrons dissociate the molecules to product compound and ions via dissociative electrons attachment (DEA) within the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: YEDA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Jacob KARNI, Gidon FERDIMAN, Yury ALIOSHIN