With Programmed, Cyclic, Or Time Responsive Control Patents (Class 205/744)
  • Patent number: 11828082
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pool cleaning apparatus including: a cleaning unit (100), at least one hydraulic system for circulating a liquid between at least one liquid inlet (103) and at least one liquid outlet (104) and through a filtration device of the cleaning unit (100), a pump suitable for forcing the circulation of water between the liquid inlet (103) and the liquid outlet (104) and through the filtration device, drive and guide means for moving the cleaning unit, and means for controlling said drive and guide means. The pool cleaning apparatus includes at least one debris detection means placed in the hydraulic system of the cleaning unit (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: ZODIAC POOL CARE EUROPE
    Inventors: Thierry Michelon, Philippe Pichon
  • Patent number: 9347684
    Abstract: The invention provides a method of using a water heater arranged for heating an aqueous liquid wherein the water heater comprises a heating element to heat aqueous liquid in the water heater. The method comprising (a) heating aqueous liquid in the water heater with the heating element, wherein the heating element is in contact with the aqueous liquid; and (b) applying a first AC voltage between the heating element and a counter electrode and applying a second AC voltage between the heating element and the counter electrode, wherein the second AC voltage has a second AC frequency selected from the range of 0.02 Hz-5 Hz and wherein the ratio between the first AC frequency and the second AC frequency is 2 or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Ytsen Wielstra
  • Patent number: 9108871
    Abstract: A selective hydrogen adding equipment for living organism applicable fluid, comprising a hydrogen generating system and a hydrogen bubble forming implement, the hydrogen bubble forming implement having a gas/liquid separating section including an open-close type valve, wherein the hydrogen bubble forming implement is disposed in a closed container storing living organism applicable fluid and the hydrogen gas is supplied into the closed container storing living organism applicable fluid via the gas/liquid separating section thereby to provide living organism applicable hydrogen-contained fluid, and wherein the open-close type valve is opened by a gas pressure of hydrogen gas generated in an internal of the hydrogen bubble forming implement owing to a reaction between the hydrogen generating system and the generating-purpose water thereby to exhaust hydrogen gas into the closed container as an external of the hydrogen bubble forming implement while the open-close type valve is closed after the exhaust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: MIZ Co. LTD.
    Inventors: Fumitake Satoh, Tomoki Seo, Ryosuke Kurokawa, Bunpei Satoh, Tatsuya Naito, Tomoyuki Yanagihara, Yohei Satoh, Yoko Satoh
  • Publication number: 20150144499
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical cell, particularly useful in electrochemical processes carried out with periodic reversal of polarity. The cell is equipped with concentric pairs of electrodes arranged in such a way that, in each stage of the process, the cathodic area is equal to the anodic area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Mariachiara Benedetto
  • Publication number: 20150076002
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to devices and methods of treating aqueous solutions to help remove or otherwise reduce levels, concentrations or amounts of one or more contaminants. The present disclosure relates to a method of which includes the application of a constant current or a pulse width modulation duty cycle to at least one counterelectrode (e.g. cathode) and at least one photoelectrode (e.g. anode) provided or arranged around at least one UV light source in a housing adapted to also receive, contain and/or circulate fluid or aqueous solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Edward Andrews, Terence P. Barry, Ramsey Kropp, Alan Carlson, Grant Frank
  • Patent number: 8961770
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of operating a flow-through capacitor and a related controller for performing the method. The method includes establishing a summed-current capacity of the flow-through capacitor. In an operational cycle, the flow-through capacitor is operated to transfer ions between the pair of electrodes and water. A current is monitored during operation of the flow-through capacitor. This current is integrated over time to calculate a monitored-current value. To determine an end of the operational cycle, the monitored-current value is compared to the summed-current capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Pentair Residential Filtration, LLC
    Inventors: David J. Averbeck, Rebecca M. Tallon, Brett A. Boedeker
  • Patent number: 8958917
    Abstract: The present invention provides a remote monitoring system for monitoring the operation of a fluid treatment system and/or the qualities, characteristics, properties, etc., of the fluid being processed or treated by the fluid treatment system. The system includes a remote computer that may be associated with a database that accesses data transmitted from the fluid treatment system with the data collected, acquired, etc., from one or more sensors placed in the fluid treatment system for measuring fluid quality and/or equipment operation in a fluid treatment system. The remote computer may then analyze or manipulate the data to generate an analysis result or analysis report that may be sent or communicated along with the data and/or any historical or expected information or data to a remote viewing device for viewing by a user. A method is further provided for the operation of the remote monitoring system of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Hach Company
    Inventors: Thomas D. Wolfe, Charles Scholpp
  • Publication number: 20150041333
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment process by an electrochemical apparatus, said apparatus having at least an electrochemical electrode (30), and said electrochemical electrode (30) having suitable electrode plates comprises the following steps: passing high concentration wastewater containing undesirable solutes through at least one electrochemical electrode (30) to which a DC electrical current is applied to destroy the undesirable solutes in the water intake, so as to output water having a lower concentration of the undesirable solutes; the DC current applied to the electrochemical electrode (30) comprises at least a constant potential difference stage exerted on both ends of the electrochemical electrode (30), and followed by a constant current stage through the electrochemical electrode (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Yanbo LI
  • Publication number: 20150001094
    Abstract: There are provided processes for treating wastewater. The processes can comprise treating a mixture comprising the wastewater and an activated sludge, in a single reactor, with an electric current having a density of less than about 55 A/m2, by means of at least one anode and at least one cathode that define therebetween an electrical zone for treating the mixture; exposing the mixture to an intermittent ON/OFF electrical exposure mode to the electric current in which an OFF period of time is about 1 to about 10 times longer than an ON period of time; and maintaining an adequate oxidation-reduction potential in the single reactor. Such processes allow for substantial removal of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus from the wastewater in the single reactor of various forms and for obtaining another mixture comprising a treated wastewater and solids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Applicants: Valorbec Societe en Commandite, University of Manitoba
    Inventors: Sharif Ibeid, Maria Elektorowicz, Jan Oleszkiewicz
  • Publication number: 20140353167
    Abstract: There are provided an apparatus for water treatment using capacitive deionization and a method for controlling the same. The apparatus for water treatment using capacitive deionization includes a first filter unit and a second filter unit allowing dissolved solids included in an introduced fluid to be adsorbed on electrodes to generate purified water when a water purification voltage is applied to the electrodes, and allowing the dissolved solids adsorbed on the electrodes to be desorbed to generate regenerated water when a regeneration voltage is applied to the electrodes, respectively, and a controller iteratively alternatively applying the water purification voltage and the regeneration voltage to the first filter unit and the second filter unit to generate purified water having a pre-set target total dissolved solids (TDS) value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: COWAY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Young-Gun Cho
  • Patent number: 8808527
    Abstract: A method of sterilizing water that includes: immersing at least one electrode unit having a negative electrode within a container and a positive electrode within the container, the positive electrode separated from and facing the negative electrode, wherein the negative electrode has a plurality of negative electrode projections thereon, and the positive electrode has a plurality of positive electrode projections thereon, each positive electrode projection arranged to face and be aligned with each negative electrode projection one by one; and, supplying direct current by at least one power supply to the electrode unit immersed under the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Chil-Young Kim
  • Patent number: 8795510
    Abstract: An automated self-propelled robotic pool cleaner having a housing and drive means for moving the pool cleaner over at least the bottom wall of a pool, is provided with an integral on-board electrochemical chlorine generator for producing chlorine from a chlorine compound, e.g., sodium chloride, that is dissolved in the pool water, a source of electrical power operatively connected to the electrochemical chlorine generator, control means for initiating and terminating the operation of the chlorine generator, and an outlet for discharging water containing chlorine ions produced by the electrochemical generator to thereby distribute the chlorine into the water proximate the exterior of the pool cleaner housing as the pool cleaner follows a programmed operational mode across the bottom and/or side walls of the pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Aqua Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Porat
  • Patent number: 8709222
    Abstract: In an electrolytic apparatus for removing contaminants from water, a set (110) of spaced apart conductive electrodes (40) in a reaction chamber (54, 112, 114), is arranged in oppositely charged groups of first and second interleaved electrodes with flow paths between them. Non-conductive turbulence inducers (158, 168) on the faces of electrodes (40) are applied to water in the flow paths. One variety is modular elements (158) with stepped increases in width to present a narrow leading edge in the direction of flow. Another variety is a continuous set of wave guides (168) bordering the flow path. Electrodes (40) are selectively powered in patterns creating turbulence, with effective patterns including a first and last electrode powering pattern and a mini-cell electrode powering pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Latitutde Clean Tech Group, Inc.
    Inventors: F. William Gilmore, Russell Richard Renk
  • Patent number: 8663444
    Abstract: Prolongation of the lifetime for reduced water is attempted. Production water that presents alkalinity is produced by utilizing raw water with ionized metallic minerals being dissolved therein and hydrogen gas H2. When inpouring the hydrogen gas together with the raw water into an electromagnetic portion in the apparatus, the hydrogen gas is bubbled and ionized to produce ions. The gas bubbles of the ionized hydrogen-ions are miniaturized. By making a metallic mineral as a core, hydrides (H?), which are negative ions in the hydrogen ions, coordinate on the periphery of that core. The metallic minerals which are complex-ionized (complex-ionized metallic minerals) based on a fact that the hydrides coordinate are dissolved in the water stably for long period of time, so that production water which presents alkalinity, that is, reduced water can be obtained. The reduced water can be utilized as drinking water. A metal container is preferable for a refilling container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Kuki-Shoukou, Co., Ltd. and Panet Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashige Nabeshima
  • Patent number: 8658043
    Abstract: A water treatment system provides treated water to a point of use by removing at least a portion of any hardness-causing species contained in water from a water source, such as municipal water, well water, brackish water and water containing foulants. The water treatment system typically receives water from the water source or a point of entry and purifies the water containing at least some undesirable species before delivering the treated water to a point of use. The water treatment system has a pressurized reservoir system in line with an electrochemical device such as an electrodeionization device. The water treatment system can have a controller for adjusting or regulating at least one operating parameter of the treatment system or a component of the water treatment system. The electrochemical device can be operated at a low current and low flow rate to minimize water splitting or polarization, which minimizes scale formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Water Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Frederick Wilkins, Evgeniya Freydina, Aytac Sezgi, Reshma Madhusudan, Anil D. Jha
  • Patent number: 8647497
    Abstract: A system for hydrogen sulfide removal from a sour gas mixture including hydrogen sulfide. The sour gas mixture is reacted with a transition metal compound in a scrubber. Sulfide from the hydrogen sulfide is oxidized to form elemental sulfur and the transition metal is reduced to form a reduced state transition metal compound. An electrochemical redox reaction is performed including the reduced state transition metal compound to regenerate the transition metal compound in an electrolyzer including a power source. During the electrochemical redox reaction a voltage from the power source applied to the electrolyzer is controlled to regenerate the transition metal compound at a rate sufficient to match a flow rate of hydrogen sulfide into the scrubber or maintain a predetermined maximum hydrogen sulfide level out from the scrubber. The transition metal compound regenerated is returned to the scrubber for the reacting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Cunping Huang, Franklyn Smith, Clovis A. Linkous, Karthikeyan Ramasamy, Ali T. Raissi, Nazim Muradov
  • Publication number: 20130277230
    Abstract: Apparatus for sanitizing a water stream comprises a first electrolysis cell which produces ions with algaecidal and bactericidal properties and a second electrolysis cell which oxidizes water to produce hydrogen peroxide. The first cell has copper electrodes and the second cell has titanium electrodes and the polarity of the electrodes is periodically reversed at a frequency of from three to nine minutes. Air is introduced into the stream prior to entering the cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: PURAPOOL PTY LTD
    Inventors: Mark Knipe, Scott Sawyer
  • Patent number: 8540863
    Abstract: A method of improving electrocoagulation (“EC”) treatment processes for treating waste water and similar applications. The method includes providing a variable power supply that outputs an alternating current (“AC”) to one or more EC treatment cells. The alternating current from the variable power supply is rectified before delivery to the EC cell. As an intermediate step between the variable power supply and rectification, the method described and claimed here uses a variable step down transformer to modify the output delivered to the EC cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Water Tectonics, Inc.
    Inventors: James Mothersbaugh, Marvin Eugene Hancock
  • Publication number: 20130220829
    Abstract: Contaminants are removed from untreated raw water or discharge water by applying direct current through an array of spaced, alternately charged electrodes positioned within and electrically isolated from a housing to eliminate or minimize clogging of the electrodes with precipitated contaminants. The housing is surrounded with container structure that cooperates with the housing to define an inlet chamber positioned between the source of untreated water and the housing containing the spaced array of electrodes. The container structure further includes an outlet chamber defined between the housing and the container structure for accumulating and draining water treated by the spaced electrode array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: David J. RIGBY
  • Patent number: 8518233
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of medical sterilized normal saline, more specifically, to such a method for manufacturing sterilized normal saline for medical purpose with effective sterilizing efficacy comprising: a step of disposing at least one electrode set immersed in saline solution of pH 4.0 to pH 7.5 including a pair of electrodes with flat surface separated from each other by an interval between 1 mm and 3 mm, the flat surfaces of the electrodes facing each other; and a step of supplying 30 mA to 200 mA direct current to the electrodes by applying 2.4V to 3.3V DC power to the electrodes; wherein free chlorine is reliably and stably generated as having concentration range between 0.17 ppm and 6 ppm from electrolysis between electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Chil-Young Kim
  • Patent number: 8475645
    Abstract: A cooling water circulation apparatus is capable of limiting attachment of microorganisms and scale in an environmentally friendly manner. An electrolytic device 10 is provided on a cooling water circulation route R1. In the arrangement, mineral contents such as calcium ions and magnesium ions contained in cooling water W are deposited as scale S on an electrode 12A or 12B in an electrolytic step, thereby enabling the mineral contents to be removed from the cooling water W. Even if the hardness of the cooling water W is increased by evaporation of the water with elapse of time, the hardness can be reduced by the electrolytic processing. Thus, the deposition of the scale S in the circulation route R1 can be reduced. Further, the scale S deposited on the electrode 12A or 12B can be easily separated by operating while reversing the polarities of the electrodes 12A and 12B at predetermined time intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignees: Innovative Design & Technology Inc., Daiken Data L.T.D.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tanaka, Tatsuya Hibino
  • Publication number: 20130118918
    Abstract: Operating method of an apparatus for purifying a fluid by means of an apparatus provided with an even number of cells, each of which comprises at least one lead through condenser and is electrically connected to a direct current power supply. The method foresees cyclically repeating, for each cell, a charging step, in which the power supply charges the electrodes of the cell at different polarity; a service step, in which a flow of fluid to be treated is forced to pass through the electrodes of the lead through condenser of the cell with progressive build-up of the ionized particles of the fluid on the electrodes; and a regeneration step, in which the electrodes are discharged and a flow of washing fluid is forced to pass in the condenser of the cell with consequent removal of the ionized particles built up on the electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: IDROPAN DELL'ORTO DEPURATORI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Tullio Servida
  • Patent number: 8419925
    Abstract: A method for electrode renewal, for use in an electrolytic processing chamber for a liquid therein wherein the processing includes, for a pair of electrodes in the chamber, placing a positive voltage on one electrode in the chamber and placing a like negative voltage on another electrode in the chamber. It has been common practice to reverse the voltage between these electrodes in order to re-dissolve the buildup thereon. Now, the present inventor has observed that a voltage passing through or across an electrode will cause some minor cavitations on the electrode surface between the contact junctures of the voltage, and apparently the cavitations results in the buildup there-on detaching in bulk; which is much faster than the heretofore known re-dissolve processes of electrode renewal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: David Sherzer
  • Publication number: 20130048510
    Abstract: Apparatus for purifying a fluid through a through-flow condenser, which comprises a tank of solubilising product and means for inserting it into a momentarily interrupted supply conduit. After having inserted a measured dose of solubilising product received from a tank into the same supply conduit, a logic control unit controls its forward motion in the condenser through the passage of a fluid transportation flow rate measured to transport the dose of solubilising product up to the electrodes of the condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: IDROPAN DELL'ORTO DEPURATORI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Tullio SERVIDA
  • Patent number: 8323474
    Abstract: Provided is an electro-chemical water treatment apparatus and method for removing total nitrogen ingredients of ammonia nitrogen, nitrous acid nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen etc., organic materials of BOD and COD induction ingredients, and cyanogen included in wastewater and dirty water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: Chi-Jung Jeon, Jong-Sung Kim, Kwang-Su Kim, Sang-Ki Hong
  • Patent number: 8273249
    Abstract: A new method that integrates electrochemical oxidation and flocculation processes for removing ammonia nitrogen in coking wastewater is disclosed in this invention. It comprises steps as follow: first, adjusting the PH of coking wastewater and adding Fe2+ into the wastewater; then leading the wastewater containing Fe2+ through such 5 areas as pulsed high-voltage discharge oxidation area, pulsed high-frequency DC electrolytic oxidation area, microbubble oxidation area, flocculation area and precipitation area in succession. High-voltage pulse and high-frequency pulse are two different mechanisms for achieving strong oxidation. With help of both solid and liquid catalysts, these two oxidations can work synergistically. The recalcitrant organic chemicals are effectively destroyed and satisfactorily removed out of wastewater. The high-concentration coking waster pretreated with this method will meet Chinese highest discharge standard as long as the routine biochemical treatment is applied thereafter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Nanjing University
    Inventors: Hongqiang Ren, Yunjun Yang, Lili Ding, Xiaolei Shi
  • Publication number: 20120043224
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for scrubbing liquid effluents laden with dissolved or undissolved organic and/or inorganic substances and continuously fed at a flow rate Df. After a preliminary effluent-floating operation if required, the method comprises carrying out at least one treatment cycle, the treatment cycle including a first step in which the effluents are subjected to an electrolytic treatment by circulation in a first compartment while generating a very strong turbulence, followed by a second step in which the undissolved elements contained in the effluents are agglomerated by coagulation/flocculation before circulating the effluents in a second free surface compartment, with the scraping of the sludge carried out at the upper portion, while bubbling and maintaining a reduced turbulence in said second compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: OREGE
    Inventors: Michel Lopez, Patrice Capeau, Pascal Gendrot
  • Patent number: 8062501
    Abstract: A device and method are provided for producing neutral electrolytic water usable in a wide range of fields and stable over long periods of time. In this invention, neutral electrolytic water is produced by an electrolysis process that applies a voltage of 1 volt to 30 volts, and current density of 5 A/dm2 to 300 A/dm2, from a direct current or pulsed current, to a liquid for processing comprised of water and at least one type of salt selected from a group consisting of NaCl, KCl, and CaCl2 while vibrating that liquid at an amplitude from 0.01 to 15 millimeters at a period between 10 Hertz and 200 Hertz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Ube Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryushin Omasa
  • Patent number: 8038867
    Abstract: A device includes a first electrode and a second electrode spaced from the first electrode to define a volume. An anion exchange membrane and a cation exchange membrane are disposed within the volume. A controller controls a supply of electrical current from an electrical source to the first electrode and to the second electrode. The electrical current supply is controlled to switch from a first mode of operation to a second mode of operation providing electrical current having a reverse polarity during each cycle. The electrical current is supplied at a controlled cycle rate and for a controlled duration. The cycle rate is greater than about 100 hertz and less than about 10 kilohertz.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Yu Du, Yunfeng Liu, Saijun Mao, Xiaoming Yuan, Chao Yang, Rihua Xiong, Chun Cao, Shengxian Wang, Wei Cai, Chang Wei, Jiyang Xia
  • Publication number: 20110240486
    Abstract: A water electrolysis system includes a water electrolysis apparatus for producing high-pressure hydrogen by electrolyzing pure water and a casing. The casing defines therein an accommodating chamber accommodating the water electrolysis apparatus etc. therein, first electric component compartments separate from the accommodating chamber and housing a controller and an electrolysis power supply therein, the first electric component compartments having first fans for introducing external air, and a second electric component compartment separate from the accommodating chamber and housing a relay, the second electric component compartment being connected to the first electric component compartments by a pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nobuyoshi YOSHIDA, Koji NAKAZAWA, Masanori OKABE, Jun TAKEUCHI
  • Patent number: 8007653
    Abstract: An automated self-propelled pool cleaner having a housing, a water pump for moving water through the housing, drive means for moving the pool cleaner over the surface of the salt water pool to be cleaned, and an integral electrochemical chlorine generator mounted in the housing, includes a processor/controller that is programmed to activate the chlorine generator, the pump and drive means in predetermined operational sequences that minimize wear and tear on the water pump and drive means, while at the same time distribute and maintain a safe level of sanitizing chlorine in the pool, to thereby obviate the need for an in-line chlorinator or other chemical additive treatments; an optional automated sensor device can be provided to activate a secondary maintenance program which enables the pool cleaner to operate over prolonged periods of time as the sole means for filtering and sanitizing the pool water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Aquatron, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Porat
  • Publication number: 20110100839
    Abstract: The disclosure teaches an apparatus for circulating electrically conductive solutions between electro-chemical cells. The apparatus is able to decrease the size or surface area of the cells and operate the electro-chemical at reduced amperage. Movement of the solution over the plates also facilitates reduced build up of scale on the plates. The flow rate or treatment dwell time can be controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Dan Prokop
  • Publication number: 20110079520
    Abstract: An electrolytic method and apparatus for treating liquids using a flow cell with widely spaced electrodes and polarity reversing power designed to prevent electrode fouling and provide for long continuous liquid treatment running times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: James A. Tretheway, Brian R. Hale, Ajit K. Chowdhury, Jeremy J. Vogel, Dennis E. Bahr, Myron F. Miller, Karl W. Marschke
  • Publication number: 20110042234
    Abstract: Integrated electrolytic and chemical method for producing clean treated water having cyanide species concentration less than 1 mg/liter. (a) Electrolytically treating cyanide-containing water having initial cyanide species concentration less than about 500 mg/liter, via synchronized operation of units: input, electrolytic reactor, recycle, output, and, power supply and process control, forming recycled electrolytically treated cyanide-containing water. (b) Stopping electrolytic treatment when cyanide species concentration decreases to first concentration value of about 10 percent initial concentration, forming recycled electrolytically treated cyanide-containing water of first concentration value inside recycle tank of recycle unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: P2W CY Limited
    Inventor: Filip Magalnik
  • Publication number: 20100147704
    Abstract: An electrochemical device comprises an electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell comprises a composite cation-exchange member including a conductive base and a cation-exchange material in physical contact with the conductive base, a composite anion-exchange member including a conductive base and an anion-exchange material in physical contact with the conductive base; and a compartment between the composite cation-exchange and anion-exchange members. The compartment comprises an inlet for introducing a feed stream, and an outlet for exiting of an output stream out of the compartment. The electrochemical device comprises a control device configured to transmit an electrical current to the composite cation-exchange and anion-exchange members at a regeneration stage in a manner that the conductive base on the composite cation-exchange member loses electrons and the conductive base on the composite anion-exchange member gains electrons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rihua Xiong, Wei Cai, Liping Zheng, Hai Yang, Su Lu, Zhigang Deng, Lin Chen
  • Patent number: 7722746
    Abstract: A water treatment system includes a circulation pump and an electrolytic chamber in fluid communication with a main body of water. Electrolytic plates within the electrolytic chamber generate chlorine. When mineral deposits foul the electrolytic plates, water is isolated within the electrolytic chamber and a minimal amount of a pH-reducing agent is added to the electrolytic chamber to remove the mineral deposits. In a first embodiment, the pH-reducing agent is admitted on a periodic timed basis. In a second embodiment, the pH-reducing agent is added when the pH of the main body of water falls below a predetermined threshold. In both embodiments, cleaning is accomplished by adding the pH-reducing agent when the circulation pump is not operating so that the acid dwells within the electrolytic chamber for a sufficient amount of time. Activation of the circulation pump causes the pH-reducing agent to enter the main body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Maytal Tech, LLC
    Inventor: Omer C. Eyal
  • Publication number: 20100116689
    Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides systems and methods of controlling an ion concentration in water, for example, a silver ion concentration. The method of depositing ions in the water includes determining a conductivity level of the water using a reference probe. A power level based on the determined conductivity level is also determined. Power is applied to a deposition probe corresponding to the determined power level using a first electrical circuit, and a concentration of ions are deposited in the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: Tom Greene, Richard Moyers
  • Publication number: 20090321251
    Abstract: Contaminants are removed from raw water or discharge water from plants, such as sewerage and industrial plants, by applying direct current through an array of spaced, alternately charged electrodes to eliminate or minimize clogging of the electrodes with precipitated contaminants. Polarity may be switched periodically to assist in eliminating or minimizing clogging. In illustrated embodiments, electrode arrays are contained in housings of dielectric material to form modules, To increase processing capacity, the modules are arranged in parallel arrays. Alternatively, a single module is scaled up for large or industrial applications or scaled down for personal use. Instead of housing the electrode arrays in modules through which liquid passes, the electrode arrays for some batch applications are dipped in the water or aqueous solutions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: David Rigby
  • Publication number: 20090314655
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for passing water through an electrolysis cell having an anode and a cathode separated by an ion selective membrane. The cathode has a larger surface area than the anode. The method includes: applying an energization voltage at a first polarity to the anode and the cathode to produce an anolyte liquid and a catholyte liquid; temporarily reversing the energization voltage to a second polarity for a short time duration to reduce deposits on at least one of the anode or cathode and then returning the energization voltage to the first polarity; and dispensing a substantially constant supply of the anolyte liquid from the anode chamber and the catholyte liquid from the cathode chamber during the applying and reversing steps, the supply of catholyte being greater than the supply of anolyte per unit of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: Tennant Company
    Inventor: Bruce F. Field
  • Publication number: 20090288959
    Abstract: A method of softening water to be treated which requires the lowest maintenance and management cost without the need for a cumbersome cleaning operation for removing scale from an electrolytic vessel by taking out electrode plates from the electrolytic vessel, and an apparatus therefor are provided. In the method of softening water to be treated by applying a DC voltage across opposing electrode plates while flowing water to be treated therebetween, so that metal ions in the water to be treated are electrolytically precipitated on the surfaces of electrode plates on the negative pole side, thereby softening the water to be treated, the electrode plates comprise titanium, and increased voltage is applied to an anodically oxidized film formed on the surfaces of electrode plates on the positive pole side, to dielectrically break down the anodically oxidized film to thereby flow electric current in a desired amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventor: Takayuki Nakano
  • Publication number: 20090236235
    Abstract: A water treatment system provides treated or softened water to a point of use by removing a portion of any hardness-causing species contained in water from a point-of-entry coming from a water source, such as municipal water, well water, brackish water and water containing foulants. The water treatment system typically treats the water containing at least some undesirable species before delivering the treated water to a point of use. The water treatment system has a controller for adjusting or regulating at least one operating parameter of the treatment system or a component of the water treatment system to optimize the operation and performance of the system or components of the system. A flow regulator regulates a waste stream flow to drain and can be operated to recirculate fluid through electrode or concentrating compartments of an electrochemical device and can opened and closed intermittently according to a predetermined schedule or based on an operating parameter of the water treatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: SIEMENS WATER TECHNOLOGIES HOLDING CORP.
    Inventors: Frederick Wilkins, Evgeniya Freydina, Aytac Sezgi, Reshma Madhusudan, Anil D. Jha
  • Publication number: 20090200180
    Abstract: A waste treatment system processes waste upon the application of energy. The system includes a vessel that has an open space that receives waste feedstock. At least two plasma electrodes are mounted to the vessel. An electrode movement control system may position the plasma electrodes to facilitate a pryolysis process to treat the waste feedstock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Jose A. Capote, Deepak Shah, Parameswaran Venugopal, Hsien E. Wu, Daniel Ripes, Joseph A. Rosin
  • Patent number: 7507323
    Abstract: A water treatment system includes a circulation pump and an electrolytic chamber in fluid communication with a main body of water. Electrolytic plates within the electrolytic chamber generate chlorine. When mineral deposits foul the electrolytic plates, water is isolated within the electrolytic chamber and a minimal amount of a pH-reducing agent is added to the electrolytic chamber to remove the mineral deposits. In a first embodiment, the pH-reducing agent is admitted on a periodic timed basis. In a second embodiment, the pH-reducing agent is added when the pH of the main body of water falls below a predetermined threshold. In both embodiments, cleaning is accomplished by adding the pH-reducing agent when the circulation pump is not operating so that the acid dwells within the electrolytic chamber for a sufficient amount of time. Activation of the circulation pump causes the pH-reducing agent to enter the main body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Maytal Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Omer C. Eyal
  • Publication number: 20090008267
    Abstract: This invention describes a one step process for the removal of heavy metals, particularly arsenic, from water. The process consists in promoting the circulation of the water to be treated in an electrolytic cell equipped with iron, or iron alloy anodes and cathodes made of iron or iron alloy or other metals, while the contemporary insufflation into the cell of a gas, partially or totally composed of oxygen. In this way the iron of the anode electrodes dissolves as iron hydroxide. The ferrous hydroxide thus generated, under the action of the oxygen contained in the insufflated gas is converted to ferric hydroxide, which, through a complex mechanism, adsorbs and forms insoluble complexes with the arsenic ions. At the same time As(III) is subject to oxidation both at the anode and at the cathode. By this process both forms of arsenic, As(III) and As(V), are equally removed. The treated water is further processed by conventional clarifying and filtering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Giovanni Del Signore
  • Publication number: 20080237060
    Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for increasing dissolved oxygen levels in water to remove iron and/or manganese. A dissolved oxygen treatment system includes a control system having a power supply and an electrode placed within a water chamber. At the electrode, water is converted into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, wherein the oxygen gas remains in solution and increases the concentration of dissolved oxygen gas in the water. The dissolved oxygen treatment system can be manually configurable wherein the electrode is selectively wired to use either portions of or the whole electrode based upon testing of the water source with a dynamic electrode test system. Alternatively, the dissolved oxygen treatment system can include a smart controller, a variable power supply and a fixed size electrode, wherein the smart controller continually controls the power output to the fixed size electrode so as to control the amount of dissolved oxygen that is generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Rudolph R. Hegel, Robert K. Sorensen, Robert T. Ruminsky, Karl J. Fritze
  • Patent number: 7258779
    Abstract: A method and means for producing a combustible mixture of hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis of water using a pulsed application of water onto electrodes while applying an electrical potential between electrodes and where the electrodes are not immersed in the water which flows between the electrodes while undergoing electrolysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventors: Alan Patrick Casey, Stewart Smith
  • Patent number: 7238278
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for purifying water by forming in an electrolytic cell molecular halogen, hypohalic acid, hypohalite ions or combinations thereof, from halide ions dissolved in the water; and dissolving one or more soluble metal salts in the water to provide corresponding metal ions. The invention also relates to a system for purifying water, having an electrolytic cell comprising a plurality of electrodes sufficient to electrolytically convert halide ion in the water into molecular halogen, hypohalic acid, or hypohalite ions, or combinations thereof; and a metal generator, which provides concentrations of one or more metals to the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Zodiac Pool Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard T. Coffey, Alvin Costa, Raymond Albert Hin, Gary Andrew Kennedy, Christopher Kampf, Daniel Nelsen, Michael Pereira
  • Patent number: 7192513
    Abstract: A cathodic protection junction box current equalizer has a plurality of output terminals each being connectable through a variable resistors to an anode, the resistors being controlled such that the corresponding anode outputs a desired current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventor: Husain M. Al-Mahrous
  • Patent number: 7160434
    Abstract: An electrolysis device is provided. The electrolysis device includes an ionizer unit having first and second plate assemblies that each provide a different surface area that is contacted by water when the unit is in use. The plate assemblies may each provide a different surface area by providing a different number of plates. The plate assemblies are formed from integral pieces of material, to enhance the reliability of the device. The present invention further provides a control unit programmed to provide an output to the ionizer unit that varies in polarity over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Robert E. Moroney, LLC
    Inventors: Hans Becker, Robert E. Moroney
  • Patent number: 6887368
    Abstract: The basic principles of the method for heavy metals electroextraction from technological solutions and wastewater includes pretreating to remove Chromium-6 and high concentrations of heavy metals and periodically treating in a six-electrode bipolar cylindrical electroreactor made of non-conducting material to achieve lower accepted levels of impurities. Six cylindrical steel electrodes form two triode stacks and are fed with three-phase alternating current of commercial frequency (50-60 Hz), which can be pulsed. Each phase of the three-phase current is connected to three electrodes of one triode stack or in parallel to two triode stacks. The parallel connection of three-phase current to two triode stacks is performed so that the same phase of the three phase current is connected in parallel with each two opposite electrodes of six electrodes located along the periphery, or with two adjacent electrodes. A bipolar stationary aluminum electrode is situated in the inter-electrode space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Ural Process Engineering Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Aron Mikhailovich Khalemsky, Sergei Abramovich Payusov, Leonid Kelner, Jae Jo