Internal Battery Action Patents (Class 205/745)
  • Patent number: 8926804
    Abstract: A fluid container with an output of drinkable activated and vitalized fluids, preferably activated and vitalized water, preferably for fluid intake, includes a hollow body with an opening for filling fitted with a connector connecting an openable cap. An outlet for the bottle is provided for dispensing the fluid. The outlet is fitted with a galvanic processing device for galvanic fluid treatment of the fluid and to produce a swirling motion of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventors: Franti{hacek over (s)}ek Pancurák, Ladislav Jurec
  • Patent number: 8715469
    Abstract: An improved galvanic processing device includes disk shaped electrodes made from a metal which have circumferential segments aligned at an angle ? relative to the plane of the circumference of the electrode. The circumferential segments may have portions aligned at a different angle ? relative to the plane of the circumference of the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventors: Franti{hacek over (s)}ek Pancurák, Ladislav Jurec
  • Patent number: 8691059
    Abstract: A galvanic processing device includes a flow container having an inlet, an outlet and a longitudinal axis. Anodes are made from a first metal. Cathodes are made from a second, different metal. The electrodes may be disk-shaped. The cathodes and anodes are alternately placed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. Dielectric spacer rings separate the anodes and the cathodes. The electrodes may have circumferential segments aligned at an angle ? to impart a swirl to a flow of liquid through the container. A portion of the anodes and cathodes may have the circumferential segments aligned at an angle ?? a to reverse the direction of the swirl of the flow through the flow container. Portions of the circumferential segments may be aligned at an angle ? and other portions are aligned at an angle ? so that the swirl of the flow through the flow container has components with different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Inventors: Franti{hacek over (s )}ek Pancurák, Ladislav Jurec
  • Patent number: 8540855
    Abstract: The water battery device has a sterilizing unit composed of a non-noble metal body and a noble metal body that are overlapped coaxially via an interval keeping member. The sterilizing unit is disposed in a passing water or flowing water or immersed in a stored water. Then, a battery action is generated via the water at a uniform clearance space between the non-noble metal body and the noble metal body. Thereby, metal ions are dissolved in a complete ionization state from the non-noble metal body, thereby giving sterilization effect to the water. A container has a container structure that generates an electric current in the water between the non-noble metal body and the noble metal body and that maintains an oxygen concentration in the water required to continually produce the battery action water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Youji Hayakawa
    Inventors: Youji Hayakawa, Akihiro Hayakawa, Shinji Hayakawa
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7914662
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for treating polluted water by electrocoagulation. The apparatus comprising at least two electrodes (1,2). The apparatus also includes a housing (4), electrically isolated from the at least two electrodes (1,2), to which the at least two electrodes (1,2) are fixed spaced apart from one another. When the at least two second electrodes (1,2) are at least partly submerged in the polluted water and provided with an electrical potential, one of the at least two electrodes (2) is sacrificial so as to provide ions to the polluted water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventor: Vivian Noel Edward Robinson
  • Publication number: 20110042235
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an oxidation process for organic matter and the kit for carrying out said process, in particular for the treatment of waste, effluent and sewage sludge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventors: Alain Bergel, Luc Etcheverry, Benjamin Erable
  • Patent number: 7867367
    Abstract: A fluid treatment apparatus capable of maximizing contact area between a fluid and electrodes in the apparatus to improve corrosion resistance or combustion efficiency includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port for the water at both ends of the housing, and a plurality of first electrodes installed in the housing for generating a potential difference through delivery of electrons at a contact surface between the fluid and the electrodes. The first electrodes are disc shaped and have a water passing hole formed in a center portion. The first electrodes being arranged in parallel in a direction perpendicular to a main flow direction of the fluid, so as to form a channel between the first electrodes to branch and guide a main flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Sang Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 7815779
    Abstract: The invention relates to a water treatment device comprising a metallic sleeve inside which at least one metallic sacrificial anode is disposed, said sacrificial anode being connected to the sleeve in an electrically conducting manner. At least one metallic swirling member which generates eddies within the water flow is arranged upstream of a sacrificial anode in the sleeve, particularly in order to cause the sacrificial anode to be cleaned by means of the turbulent water flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Marc Flettner
  • Publication number: 20100133114
    Abstract: Means and methods for deterring biofilm in water supply systems, comprising at least one insoluble proton sink or source (PSS). The means and methods for deterring biofilm is provided useful for killing living target cells (LTCs), or otherwise disrupting vital intracellular processes and/or intercellular interactions of the LTC upon contact. The PSS comprises, inter alia, (i) proton source or sink providing a buffering capacity; and (ii) means providing proton conductivity and/or electrical potential. The PSS is effectively disrupting the pH homeostasis and/or electrical balance within the confined volume of the LTC and/or disrupting vital intercellular interactions of the LTCs while efficiently preserving the pH of the LTCs' environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: OPLON B.V.
    Inventors: Shmuel Bukshpan, Gleb Zilberstein
  • Publication number: 20080258080
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for altering the physical characteristics of liquids and gases. The fluid is pumped into an elongated cylindrical chamber whose elongated wall contains a multiplicity of spaced apart cylindrical holes under sufficient pressure to cause the fluid to exit from the cylindrical holes as jets having an exit velocity of at least 0.025 feet (0.0076 m) per second. The jets of fluid exit from the cylindrical holes into an annular chamber surrounding the elongated cylindrical chamber and having a common axis as the elongated cylindrical chamber with a copper wire wound around the outside of the interior pipe to form a helix. The entire inner surface of the annular chamber is coated with titanium oxide and subjected to an ultraviolet light source creating a photocatalyst effect. The jets of fluid bombard the surfaces of the annular chamber to induce the titanium oxide to oxidize substances or to otherwise give up electrons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Bill Rippe Toe
  • Patent number: 7070685
    Abstract: The invention relates to an efficient process and device for the decontamination of waters polluted with heavy metals, semimetals and/or radionuclides by cation exchange and electrochemical deposition of the anions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignees: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, ATC Dr. Mann
    Inventors: Manfred Kühn, Herwig Brunner, Andreas Wolf, Günther Mann
  • Patent number: 6878268
    Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for purification of water in which impurities in contaminated water can be removed with a reduced amount of flocculant and with high efficiency. The apparatus comprises, in the order from the side where contaminated water is introduced, an electrolysis tank (1) for electrolyzing the contaminated water, a gas mixing tank (2) for mixing carbon dioxide into the contaminated water electrolyzed, a coagulation tank (3) for mixing Fe3+ supplied from a flocculant producing device (7) to coagulate impurities in the contaminated water, and a floatation tank (4) for floating and separating the impurities coagulated. The electrolysis tank (1) electrolyzes the contaminated water to lower zeta potential of colloid particles in the contaminated water, and then the contaminated water is mixed with Fe3+ in the coagulation tank (3), thereby reducing the amount of positively charged Fe3+ to be added for neutralizing the colloid particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Sawada
  • Patent number: 6797179
    Abstract: A system is provided for removing dissolved metals from industrial wastewater by electrocoagulation. The system includes an electrocoagulation reactor with a DC power supply having an insulation support enclosure with positive and negative electrode plates disposed thereon. The electrode plates are insulated for each other but remain in direct contact with the wastewater as it flows between the electrodes. The DC power supply induces opposite charges on alternate electrodes thereby generating an electric field between adjacent electrodes to cause the electrodes to ionize and go into solution for interaction with the contaminants in the wastewater as it flows through the reactor. The reactor is housed in a pressure vessel container so the exterior pressure on the reactor is higher than its internal pressure preventing leakage of fluids and oxygen and hydrogen gases produced in the reactor by decomposition of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Hydrotreat, Inc.
    Inventor: Johnny Arnaud
  • Publication number: 20040026264
    Abstract: A device for killing bacteria and algae in the water reservoir of an evaporative cooler. The water conditioner kills bacteria and limits algae growth by inducing a DC current on the water itself. The interaction of a zinc disk and a copper ring encircling it produces a small voltage (approximately 4-6 volts and a current in the milliamp range). The zinc acts as an anode, and the copper ring acts as a cathode. Assembly posts and end pieces act as supports and also as an insulator between the two metals of the assembly and the metal parts of the evaporative cooler. By killing bacteria present in the water and limiting the growth of algae, the water conditioner eliminates foul odors, controls rust and corrosion, and maintains the freshness of the water over long periods of time, thereby ensuring greater indoor air quality when the evaporative cooler is operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: James L. Boden
  • Patent number: 6689270
    Abstract: Water having dissolved salts therein causing scaling is treated by flowing through a passage in an elongate tubular member. The tubular member has a first metal inside surface exposed to the water. A second metal surface is positioned therein and the two surfaces have areas of 1:1 up to about 125% with the second metal being different from the first metal. The metal surfaces are electrically insulated from each other so that current flow between the two is through the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Inventor: Lynn Evert
  • Patent number: 6562243
    Abstract: A water purification system and method suitable for use in swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, water storage tanks, wells and water cooling towers adds (i) an oxidizing agent, preferably granulated or caked chlorine, (ii) metal ions, preferably silver from a galvanic cell having a silver anode electrically connected to a cathode made from a metal of still higher electrochemical potential, normally platinum, and, optionally (iii) an algaecide, preferably chelated copper and/or phosphate-removing compound, and/or (iv) a phosphate-reducing compound, all in synergistic combination. The galvanic cell is preferably some tens of square centimeters in size and some tens of grams in weight, thereby liberating sufficient silver or copper ions so as to aid in treating a multi-thousand liter body of water, such as a swimming pool, for, typically under normal contamination, some weeks to months until the anode is consumed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Jonathan Sherman
  • Patent number: 6533942
    Abstract: A cooling tower water purification system uses an electrical cleaning method by passing water over or through an anode and a cathode. The pH of the water is monitored and adjusted using injected CO2 gas. The water can also be mechanically filter to remove the now dead biofilm and biomass as well as any scale or other debris. An additional embodiment can use an additional device such as a water jet to “stir” the bottom of the cooling tower to increase the efficiency of the filter in removing any built up or remaining biomass, scale or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: TLC Envirotech, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale E. Steffens, James H. Joyner, Boyd R. Waddle
  • Publication number: 20020185446
    Abstract: A system is provided for removing dissolved metals from industrial wastewater by electrocoagulation. The system includes an electrocoagulation reactor with a DC power supply having an insulation support enclosure with positive and negative electrode plates disposed thereon. The electrode plates are insulated for each other but remain in direct contact with the wastewater as it flows between the electrodes. The DC power supply induces opposite charges on alternate electrodes thereby generating an electric field between adjacent electrodes to cause the electrodes to ionize and go into solution for interaction with the contaminants in the wastewater as it flows through the reactor. The reactor is housed in a pressure vessel container so the exterior pressure on the reactor is higher than its internal pressure preventing leakage of fluids and oxygen and hydrogen gases produced in the reactor by decomposition of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Arnaud Johnny
  • Publication number: 20020130030
    Abstract: A method for decomposing halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds or aromatic compounds characterized by contacting the compound to be decomposed with functional water under light irradiation, wherein the functional water is characterized by a hydrogen ion concentration (pH) of 1-4, an oxidation-reduction potential of 800-1500 mV (working electrode: platinum, reference electrode: silver-silver chloride) and a chlorine concentration of 5-150 mg/l, and the irradiation is carried out with light of a wavelength of 300 nm or more, with an intensity of 10 mW/cm2 or less. This method is carried out at room temperature under the atmospheric pressure. An apparatus for the method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: KINYA KATO, YASUTSUGU YAMADA, ETSUKO SUGAWA, MASANORI SAKURANAGA, AKIRA KURIYAMA, TAKESHI IMAMURA, YUJI KAWABATA
  • Patent number: 6325944
    Abstract: A liquid purification system comprises a flow cell housing electrodes capable of introducing ions into a liquid passing through the flow cell when a current supplied by a controller is applied across the electrodes. The controller is capable of supplying current between zero and ten amps, and at zero to one hundred volts direct current (DC) across the electrodes. The liquid purification system is easily plumbed into the pipework carrying the liquid to be purified. A by pass line is typically installed around the liquid purification system for easing of operation and maintenance. An upstream and downstream adapters are installed on the pipe and separated by a distance approximating the length of the flow cell. The flow cell is positioned between the two adapters and quick connect clamps are used to maintain a seal between the adapters and the flow cell. Removal of the flow cell can occur by stopping the liquid flow on the upstream end of the pipe or opening the by pass line around the flow cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Liquitech, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark R. DeSanto
  • Patent number: 6322701
    Abstract: A process for the treatment of waste waters containing chemically reducible dissolved organic and inorganic pollutants and suspended mater in particulate or colloidal form. The process comprises of contacting the water with metallic iron or ferrous ions (Fe2+), or mixtures thereof, in the presence of promoter metals, such as Cu, Pd, Pt, Au, Ag, and Ni, or oxides, sulfides and other insoluble compounds of these meals, which catalyze the redox reductions carried out by the iron or ferrous reagents. The production of ferric ions (Fe3+) as a final iron oxidation product allows for the simultaneous coagulation and precipitation of suspended colloidal and particulate solids out of the aqueous phase. In addition to the main reductive reaction scheme, the system performs a multitude of secondary reactions involving the ferrous and ferric ions produced in-situ which allows for the simultaneous removal of specific target pollutants, such as phosphate and hydrogen sulfide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Thocar Ltd.
    Inventor: Andreas Th Delighiannis
  • Patent number: 6309533
    Abstract: For alleviating acid mine drainage arising from oxygenated water passing through pyrite, the water is de-oxygenated in an intercepting protective layer, which comprises a mixture of grains of pyrite and grains of iron. The grain sizes, concentrations, etc are selected to create an ensemble of galvanic cells at the points of contact between the iron grains and the pyrite grains. The pyrite cathode material becomes cathode-protected, and the water becomes de-oxygenated, by the electrolytic action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: ENPAR Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Gene Sidney Shelp, Ward Chesworth
  • Patent number: 6287450
    Abstract: A water purification system and method suitable for use in swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, water storage tanks, wells and water cooling towers employs a galvanic cell having a silver or copper or zinc anode electrically connected to a cathode made from a metal of still higher electrochemical potential, normally a platinum group metal and preferably palladium. A galvanic cell of some tens of square centimeters in size and some hundreds of grams in weight liberates sufficient silver or copper ions so as to treat a multi-thousand liter body of water, such as a swimming pool, for, typically under normal contamination, some months until the anode is consumed. Copper and/or silver ions liberated from the galvanic cell suppress bacterial, fungal and/or algae growth, thus, significantly reducing the amount of chlorine, bromine or other chemicals needed to maintain water quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: George Hradil
  • Patent number: 6214203
    Abstract: Corrosible metallic elements of pipe are protected by an anodic encasement sleeve. The anodic encasement sleeve employs an inner sacrificial anodic layer and an outer environmental barrier layer to provide both cathodic and barrier protection against corrosion. Following application of the sleeve, typically by drawing or wrapping, the anodic encasement sleeve remains substantially unbonded from the pipe, though it is electrically connected by conductive means. Because of the substantially unbonded relationship between the sacrificial anodic layer and the metallic elements of the pipe, if electrolyte is present under the environmental barrier (due to breaches, installation error, condensation, etc.), the electrolyte may enter the unbonded area between the pipe and the anodic material. This increases the ratio of anodic material to pipe available, which makes the cathodic protection more efficient and effective for an extended duration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: United States Pipe Foundry
    Inventor: A. Michael Horton
  • Patent number: 6207060
    Abstract: The inventive method assures the retention of calcium in drinking water provided to an animal by suppling water to a water feed line which is connected to a drinking device, oxidizing the water to retain calcium in the water in solution, ionizing the water using copper/zinc electrodes, the ionization sanitizing the water and providing residual copper and zinc ions which act as an algicide and a biocide, and providing the ionized oxidized drinking water which retains calcium in solution to the animal for drinking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Enproamerica, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott McKay
  • Patent number: 6174444
    Abstract: A method of treating an effluent such as acid mine drainage wherein the pH of the effluent is increased by dissolving metallic ions e.g. of zinc into the effluent, and the metallic ions are allowed to react with contaminants, such as sulphates or phosphates in the effluent, to form a metal-contaminant complex which is then precipitated from the effluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: Jochemus Johannes Smit
  • Patent number: 6165339
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for treating a liquid by controlling molecular clusters in liquid in which a very narrow electric or magnetic energy field produced by at least two electrodes or magnetic poles spaced apart by less than 1 mm is applied to a liquid with the length of the spaced apart electrodes or magnetic poles set transversely to the flow direction of the liquid passing through the pipe. The overall thickness of the electrodes or magnetic poles is less than 10 millimeters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Makiko Yoshida
    Inventor: Jack Kenneth Ibbott
  • Patent number: 6106787
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for altering the physical characteristics of liquids and gases. The fluid is pumped into an elongated cylindrical chamber whose elongated wall contains a multiplicity of spaced apart cylindrical holes under sufficient pressure to cause the fluid to exit from the cylindrical holes as jets having an exit velocity of at least 0.025 feet (0.0076 m) per second. The jets of fluid exit from the cylindrical holes into an annular chamber surrounding the elongated cylindrical chamber and having a common axis as the elongated cylindrical chamber. The entire inner surface of the annular chamber is coated with an alloy of copper and nickel. The jets of fluid bombard the surfaces of the annular chamber to induce the copper-nickel alloy to give up electrons. The freed electrons combine with a significant number of molecules of the fluid to thereby alter the physical characteristics of the entire body of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Universal Environmental Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William W. Rippetoe, David N. Shroff
  • Patent number: 6096222
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing hydrocarbon contaminants and heavy metal ion contaminants from wastewater stream comprising the introduction of iron ions into the stream. In one embodiment, the ions are introduced by applying an electrical current through a bed of iron particulates in the form of steel wool and iron nodules. In another embodiment, the iron salts are added to the waste stream and the iron ions are reduced to a more reactive lower valence state by electric current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventors: Stephen R. Wurzburger, James Michael Overton
  • Patent number: 6083377
    Abstract: Waters contaminated by nitrogenous compounds such as nitrate, ammonium, etc., are treated by electrochemical transformation of the contaminant to nitrogen gas. Electrodes are placed in the contaminated water to form a cell, in which the voltage of one of the electrodes is set to the Eh voltage at which nitrogen gas is thermodynamically favored. The cell may be electrolytic or galvanic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: ENPAR Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Mei Lin, Gene S Shelp, Ward Chesworth
  • Patent number: 6017461
    Abstract: An ion supply unit for a water system which is to have its contents purified includes a tank fed from a main water supply and an electrolytic ion generator including silver alloy electrodes. A pump circulates water from the tank through the ion generator and back into the tank at a rate of at least 1 L/s to gradually ionize the contents of the tank and generate a concentrate of silver-ion-laden water. An injector feeds the concentrate into the water system as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Inventors: Ernest Sydney Garvey, Randolph Euan Irvine Reid
  • Patent number: 5980727
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to at least extensively remove organic halogen compounds from water or an aqueous solution, at least one magnesium or aluminum anode (1) and at least one associated electrode (2) operating as the cathode dipping into the water. The present invention also concerns equipment with which to implement the method of the invention. Both the method of the invention and the equipment of the invention are preferentially used when disinfecting water with chlorine and in particular in swimming pools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventors: Leo Putz, Christian Putz, Reinhard Witt
  • Patent number: 5965007
    Abstract: Water having small clusters and exhibiting far infrared effect. By virtue of this, when radiation of far infrared is applied thereto, molecules of the water resonate because of their oscillation frequencies having been changed to those of the oscillations of the far infrared wavelengths. In other words, the water is brought to such a condition that far infrared is efficiently absorbed and readily converted into heat. As a result, specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity are improved. By virtue of this, when the water is ingested in a human body, it is easily absorbed and exhibits superior metabolic function in the human body. In addition, the water can be applied to any types of liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Techno Science Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masakazu Uzawa
  • Patent number: 5954854
    Abstract: Method for recovering etchant from etching waste liquid 11 containing iron chloride is disclosed, wherein iron powder is mixed with iron chloride waste solution containing metal ions having a lesser ionization tendency than iron ion in an mixing vessel so as to cause a reaction between the iron powder and the metal ions and remove the precipitated metal from the iron chloride waste solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Astec Irie Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Inoshita, Tadao Kitazawa, Hiroyuki Matsumoto, Masaki Nagashima, Hiroshi Yoshino, Yonejiro Nagaoka, Katsumasa Mito
  • Patent number: 5935412
    Abstract: A scrubber and method for precipitating a sulfide in water which contains hydrogen sulfide or a mercaptan. The scrubber includes a sacrificial first metal anode and a second metal cathode which are in physical and electrical contact and suspended into the water to form an electrolysis cell of the anode, cathode and the water. The second metal is more noble than the first metal. Preferably the anode is iron and the cathode is stainless steel. When so constituted, the anode forms iron oxide which reacts with sulfur from the hydrogen sulfide or the mercaptan to form an iron sulfide precipitate. The anode and cathode may be coplanar and suspended in the water with a free-moving float which facilitates contact of the water with the anode, or may be rods which are tethered and twisted to form a twisted wire pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Atlantis Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Edward C. Brainard, II
  • Patent number: 5876575
    Abstract: There is disclosed a method, and the apparatus useful in the method, for the treatment of water in which the treatment unit is formed of a vessel having a treatment chamber with interior surfaces formed entirely of a nonferrous metal, preferably of copper and/or brass. Within the treatment chamber is suspended an electrode subassembly of copper cathodes and a sacrificial magnesium anode, formed of copper and magnesium plates which are oriented in substantially parallel array, spaced apart by a plurality of electrically conductive spacing elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph A. Kump
  • Patent number: 5868941
    Abstract: Treatment of halogenated hydrocarbon contaminants in groundwater is accomplished by passing the water through a bed of granular iron (43). An electrical circuit (47) is promoted for providing electrons for reducing the contaminant. The circuit may be made using a DC supply, by configuring an electrolytic circuit, or by providing a layer of a second metal such as zinc placed next to the iron bed, thereby creating a galvenic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Assignee: University of Waterloo
    Inventors: Robert W Gillham, Robert M Focht, Pascale M Bonin, Mark D Pritzker
  • Patent number: 5861091
    Abstract: An improved electrochemical dissolution process for electrochemically dissolving a first metal by simultaneously creating hydrogen evolution at a second metal. The second metal is a metal that has a larger current exchange density for hydrogen evolution than the first metal, and both metals are immersed in an aqueous electrolyte system, wherein the first metal and the second metal are galvanically coupled. By taking measures to reduce inhibition of the hydrogen evolution at the second metal, the rate of dissolution of the first metal is enhanced. The measures to reduce the inhibition comprise selecting suitable temperatures and concentrations of the electrolyte, dividing the electrolyte into two fluids coupled by a selectively permeable device and selecting suitable resistance value for a connecting means electrically connecting the first and the second metal. The invention is particularly useful for removing Zn or Sn from Zn- or Sn-containing steel scrap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Hoogovens Staal BV
    Inventors: Joop Nicolaas Mooij, Jacques Hubert Olga Joseph Wijenberg
  • Patent number: 5744045
    Abstract: A method of treating fluid to reduce the concentration of undesirable materials such as metals, halogens and bacteria through the use of alloys of three or more inorganic elements which will give rise to three or more different redox potentials so as to cause simultaneously the removal of plural contaminants in a single operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Po S. Yuen
  • Patent number: 5728288
    Abstract: Production of air containing minus alkali ion. As shown in FIG. 2, there is shown an electric stone fine powder 20 having the grain size of 0.3 to 3 microns on the average, an electric stone carrier having the electric stone fine powder 20 uniformly mixed therewith, which is in the form of clothes having a volume intrinsic DC electric resistance of 10.sup.7 to 10.sup.10 .OMEGA..cm. This constitutes a vent contact reaction portion 2 as shown in FIG. 3. This portion 2 is located above an air intake 1a at the lower part of a box 1 and extended over the whole internal surface of the box 1. Ventilation means 3 formed from an electric fan causes the electric stone carrier 30 to subject to direct forced ventilation into contact with air, and minus alkali ion is prepared from water molecules which are moisture in air. The air containing the minus alkali ion is delivered from an air port 1b provided at the upper part of the box 1 to an installation spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: Yugenkaisha Kubo Technical Office
    Inventor: Tetsujiro Kubo
  • Patent number: 5718819
    Abstract: In order to improve a process for the electrolysis of a fluid electrolyte containing cations and anions in an electrolytic cell with a cathode and an anode located opposite the cathode such that primary energy not present in an electrical form, in particular thermal energy from reservoirs having a moderately high temperature, can be used for the electrolysis with lower losses, it is suggested that a current path between the cathode and the anode be closed, that a magnetic field be applied to the electrolytic cell and that a relative movement between the magnetic field and the electrolyte be generated so that on account of the effect of Lorentz forces the cations migrate to the cathode and the anions to the anode and products of electrolysis be formed on the cathode and on the anode in electrolytic reactions, wherein the charge equalization necessary for the electrolytic reactions be carried out by the current path closed between the cathode and the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Deutsche Forschungsanstalt fuer Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.
    Inventors: Walter Peschka, Gottfried Schneider
  • Patent number: 5665221
    Abstract: A device is placed in a container containing flowing fluid to neutralize fluid contaminants and prevent their deposition on the walls of the container. The device includes a weak electrical current generator having an electric half-cell that forms an electric circuit with the earth-grounded container via the liquid and generates electrons to neutralize the charged contaminants. The generator includes one or more cupriferous tubes containing a mixture of vegetable oil, and powders of copper, zinc, manganese, cellulose and predominantly iron. Preferably, each tube contains:vegetable oil--5.0-20.0%iron powder--50.0-80.0%copper powder--2.0-10.0%zinc powder--2.0-10.0%manganese powder--2.0-10.0%cellulose powder--2.0-15.0%trace minerals--.ltoreq.0.50%.This device may be placed in the line of flow of a deep oil well to prevent deposition of paraffin and other contaminants onto the walls of the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: A Rx Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce W. Owen
  • Patent number: 5658450
    Abstract: Waste water is purified by passing through a vessel in which small particles of insoluble cathodes interact with anodes to form galvanic couples. During this process, chemical reduction of ions of heavy metals in the water occurs by ions and hydroxides formed during electrochemical dissolution of anodes. The hydroxides are an excellent coagulating agent which absorbs impurities contained in the water. Pressurized air can saturate the waste water simultaneously with passing through the vessel with anodes in order to produce process floatation using hydroxides as coagulant. The temperature of the waste water can be increased in order to intensity the process of treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: Semyon Tamarkin
  • Patent number: 5630934
    Abstract: Treatment is described for acidity caused by water seeping down through a seam of acid-generating mineral such as pyrite. The pyrite oxidises through exposure to the atmosphere (as a result of mine workings). The treatment system creates an galvanic cell, using the submerged portion of the pyrite seam as the cathode, the water in the aquifer as the electrolyte, and a body of scrap iron immersed in the water as the (sacrificial) anode. Contact rods are inserted into the pyrite seam, and are connected, via a cable, to the body of scrap iron, which is placed in a nearby pond. Hydrogen ions migrate to the cathode and bubble off as hydrogen gas, raising the pH. The acid generating reactions in the pyrite seam are inhibited, and acid concentrations in the already contaminated water in the pond and in the aquifer are reduced. In an alternative, the exposed beaches of pyrite in a tailings pond are provided with grids of metal mesh or graphite in place of the inserted rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Enpar Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Ward Chesworth, Gene S. Shelp, Barry J. Shelp