Hydrogen Or Compound Thereof Patents (Class 423/644)
  • Patent number: 5460745
    Abstract: A composition for use in storing hydrogen, and a method for making the composition. The composition comprises a mixture of two or more hydrides, each hydride having a different series of hydrogen sorption isotherms that contribute to the overall isotherms of the mixture. The hydrides are chosen so that the isotherms of the mixture have regions wherein the hydrogen equilibrium pressure increases with increasing hydrogen, preferably linearly. The isotherms of the mixture can be adjusted by selecting hydrides with different isotherms and by varying the amounts of the individual hydrides, or both. Preferably, the mixture is made up of hydrides that have isotherms with substantially flat plateaus and in nearly equimolar amounts. The composition is activated by degassing, exposing to hydrogen and then heating at a temperature below the softening temperature of any of the. constituents so that their chemical and structural integrity is preserved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Myung W. Lee
  • Patent number: 5330709
    Abstract: The specification describes novel zirconium-based hydrogen storage materials useful as negative electrodes for rechargeable batteries. The materials according to the present invention are represented by the following empirical formula:Zr-based metal hydrides+Mx (I)wherein M is a light rare earth metal selected from the group consisting of La, Nd, and Mm; 0<x<0.1; and the Zr-base metal hydrides means mainly that the metal hydrides are mainly in Zr-based Laves phase such as ZrCrNi, Zr (V.sub.0.33 Ni.sub.0.67).sub.2.4. Another group of the materials is represented by the following formula:ZrCr.sub.1+y Ni.sub.1+z (II)wherein, 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.2, and 0.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.2, provided that y and z cannot denote 0 concurrently. The negative electrodes made of these alloys need only a small number of activation cycles and thus, exhibit an improved activation behavior without any pretreatments for the activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Jai Y. Lee, Soo R. Kim
  • Patent number: 5326729
    Abstract: Quartz glass obtained by flame-hydrolyzing a glass-forming raw material to obtain fine particles of quartz glass, having the fine particles of quartz glass deposited and grown on a substrate to obtain a porous quartz glass product and heating the porous quartz glass product to obtain a transparent quartz glass product, which has an OH content of not more than 10 ppm and a halogen content of at least 400 ppm and which contains hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Susumu Yaba, Shinya Kikugawa
  • Patent number: 5314676
    Abstract: Intermetallic compounds and hydrides thereof, characterized in that they have been prepared by reacting hydrides of the elements of the main groups I, II, III and IV of the Periodic Table, magnesium hydridehalides or magnesium dialkyls having the general formula MgR.sub.2 (R=alkyl) in a solvent with bisallyl metal compounds of the metals of the subgroup VIII of the Periodic Table or of zinc or with the homologues of the bisallyl compounds of said metals, and processes for preparing said compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Studiengesellschaft Kohle MBH
    Inventors: Borislav Bogdanovic, Ursula Wilczok
  • Patent number: 5298037
    Abstract: Metals useful in the formation of hydrides for applications such as batteries are advantageously activated by a low temperature low pressure process. This process which is useful at room temperature and atmospheric pressure involves treating the metal such as LaNi.sub.5 with boron reducing agents such as NaBH.sub.4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: AT&T Bell Laboratories
    Inventors: Donald W. Murphy, Brijesh Vyas
  • Patent number: 5290532
    Abstract: Non-solvated hydridomagnesium chloride is prepared in high yield under moderate conditions by reacting magnesium hydride and magnesium chloride in a hydrocarbon solvent and in the presence of a trialkylaluminum catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Ethyl Corporation
    Inventor: Won S. Park
  • Patent number: 5273686
    Abstract: Organic-solvent soluble magnesium hydrides or formulas ##STR1## are prepared by catalytically hydrogenating finely powdered magnesium, optionally in the presence of a magnesium halide, in an organic solvent in the presence of their MgH.sub.2 -free counterparts in whichQ is an alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, dialkylamino, aralkyl, aryl or diarylamino group, each with up to 18 carbon atoms,R is an alkenyl, aralkyl or aryl group, each with up to 18 carbon atoms,X is chlorine, bromine, or iodine, ##STR2## is a chelating ligand, E is --CH.sub.2, --N(R)-- or --O--,is an alkylene radical of the formula --(CH.sub.2).sub.p,D is a dialkylamino, diarylamino or alkoxy group, each with up to 18 carbon atoms,M is aluminum or boron,m is 1, 2, or 3, and1<n.ltoreq.50.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Studiengesellschaft Kohle mbH
    Inventors: Borislav Bogdanovic, Manfred Schwickardi
  • Patent number: 5211921
    Abstract: A process for making metal oxides including niobium or tantalum oxides from ferro and nickel alloys containing these metals involving the multiple steps of hydriding the ferro or nickel alloy selected, under conditions of suitable temperature and pressure to render the alloys friable, subdividing the hydrided product into selected particle sizes, then nitriding with a nitrogen-containing gas at elevated temperatures above 500.degree. C. to form the alloy constituent nitrides, thereafter leaching the nitrides formed with aqueous acid to separate the formed ferro or nickel nitride from the acid soluble nitrides from the acid insoluble nitrides, calcining the acid insoluble nitrides with oxygen-containing gas under conditions suitable for the formation of the metal oxide of the acid soluble nitride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Sommers, Verlin Q. Perkins
  • Patent number: 5211923
    Abstract: A process for generating hydrogen and elemental sulfur from hydrogen sulfide waste in which the hydrogen sulfide is associated under plasma conditions and a portion of the hydrogen output is used in a catalytic reduction unit to convert sulfur-containing impurities to hydrogen sulfide for recycle, the process also including the addition of an ionizing gas such as argon to initiate the plasma reaction at lower energy, a preheater for the input to the reactor and an internal adjustable choke in the reactor for enhanced coupling with the microwave energy input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: University of Chicago
    Inventors: John B. L. Harkness, Anthony J. Gorski, Edward J. Daniels
  • Patent number: 5188810
    Abstract: A process for preparing metal oxides from ferrometal and nickel metal alloys is disclosed comprising first providing a ferrometal or nickel metal alloy containing an oxide forming metal, hydriding the alloy to an effective temperature and pressure with hydrogen containing gas, subdividing then carbiding the hydrided product at a temperature above about 500.degree. C. to form carbides, then employing an aqueous acid leach to dissolve the iron or nickel carbide and separating the acid soluble from the acid insoluble carbides. The acid insoluble carbides are reacted with oxygen at an elevated temperature for a time sufficient to form the metal oxides of said carbides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Sommers
  • Patent number: 5156827
    Abstract: A system for generating a gaseous polyhydridic Group IV-VI compound, comprising a vessel containing a solid precursor metal compound for the polyhydridic Group IV-VI compound, and a source of a fluid-phase protonic activator compound reactive with the precursor compound to yield as reaction product (a) the polyhydridic compound and (b) a solid reaction product compound containing the metal moiety, e.g., a non-volatile metal salt, together with means for flowing the activator compound from the source thereof to the vessel containing the solid precursor compound. The precursor compound may suitably comprise a metal moiety such as lithium, sodium, magnesium, zinc, potassium, aluminum, and intermetallic complexes and alloys thereof. In a preferred aspect, wherein arsine is generated, the precursor compound may suitably comprise a metal arsenide, and the protonic activator compound is water or an acid such as hydrogen chloride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn M. Tom, James V. McManus
  • Patent number: 5141676
    Abstract: Organic-solvent soluble magnesium hydrides of the formulas(MgH.sub.2).sub.n. MgQ.sub.2 (II)(MgH.sub.2).sub.n. RMgX (III) ##STR1## are prepared by catalytically hydrogenating finely powdered magnesium, optionally in the presence of a magnesium halide, in an organic solvent in the presence of their MgH.sub.2 -free counterparts in whichQ is an alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, dialkylamino, aralkyl, aryl or diarylamino group, each with up to 18 carbon atoms,R is an alkenyl, aralkyl or aryl group, each with up to 18 carbon atoms,X is chlorine, bromine, or iodine,--E D.fwdarw. is a chelating ligand,E is --CH.sub.2, --N(R)-- or --O--,is an alkylene radical of the formula --(CH.sub.2).sub.p,D is a dialkylamino, diarylamino or alkoxy group, each with up to 19 carbon atoms,M is aluminum or boron,m is 1, 2, or 3, and1<n.ltoreq.50.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1992
    Assignee: Studiengesellschaft Kohle mbH
    Inventors: Borislav Bogdanovic, Manfred Schwickardi
  • Patent number: 5133929
    Abstract: Intermetallic compounds and hydrides thereof, characterized in that they have been prepared by reacting hydrides of the elements of the main groups I, II, III and IV of the Periodic Table, magnesium hydridehalides or magnesium dialkyls having the general formula MgR.sub.2 (R=alkyl) in a solvent with bisallyl metal compounds of the metals of the subgroup VIII of the Periodic Table or of zinc or with the homologues of the bisallyl compounds of said metals, and processes for preparing said compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Studiengesellschaft Kohle mbH
    Inventors: Borislav Bogdanovic, Ursula Wilczok
  • Patent number: 5102649
    Abstract: A process for producing a peroxoniobic acid sol which comprises: adding a strong acid, hydrogen peroxide and water to at least one niobium compound selected from the group consisting of niobium hydroxide, niobium oxide and niobium pentachloride to provide an aqueous solution of peroxoniobic acid; and then maintaining the aqueous solution at a temperature of 5.degree.-50.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignees: Sakai Chemical Industry Co., National Institute for Research in Inorganic Materials
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Terada, Kazunobu Abe, Hajime Uno, Shinichi Shirasaki
  • Patent number: 5102516
    Abstract: An electron beam is directed into a first region containing gaseous molecules which capture electrons from the beam and then dissociate to produce negative ions. The ions are accelerated to the desired energy electrostatically and drawn to a second region where they are exposed to an intra-cavity laser beam which traverses their path. The laser is chosen to have a wevelength which will cause photodetachment of electrons to form neutral atoms. Simultaneously with the above, the electron beam and ions are collimated with a magnetic field. The neutral atoms are separated from any remaining ions or electrons by a repelling electrical potential provided by a repeller plate or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Raymond D. Rempt
  • Patent number: 5100615
    Abstract: An alloy for occluding hydrogen is represented by the formula TiCr.sub.x Cu.sub.y (wherein x and y stand for numerical values satisfying the expressions, 0.01.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.4 and 1.3.ltoreq.x+y.ltoreq.2.0) and has an ability to occlude hydrogen at a lower temperature than the temperatures required by the conventional countertypes for occluding hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1992
    Assignees: Agency of Industrial Science and Technology, Ministry of International Trade and Industry
    Inventors: Keisuke Oguro, Mutsuo Tanaka, Hiroshi Miyamura
  • Patent number: 5096665
    Abstract: Alloys having the composition Zr(Mn.sub.1-x Co.sub.x).sub.y Al.sub.z A.sub.w are formed by adding rare-earth metals such as La, Ce, and Mm and the like or V to a Zr-Mn-Co-Al quaternary alloy, where A is at least one of rare-earth metals such as La, Ce, Mm and the like or V, and the amount x of Co substituent is the range 0<x<0.5; stoichiometric ratio y for (Mn+Co)/Zr, in 1.7<y<2.3; the amount z of Al added, in 0<z<0.15; and the amount w of A added, in 0<w<0.4. The alloys thus formed turn out to be hydrogen absorbing alloys having small absorption-disorption heat difference and long lives, yet maintaining the properties of the quaternary alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1992
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shin Fujitani, Ikuo Yonezu, Toshihiko Saito
  • Patent number: 5085944
    Abstract: A rare-earth metal series alloy for storage of hydrogen is represented by a general formula of Rem.sub.1 Ni.sub.w Al.sub.x Fe.sub.y M.sub.z as an atomic ratio (wherein Rem is at least one rare earth element such as Mischmetal, M is at least one of Cu, Nb, Si and Zr, and 2.5<w<5.5, 0<x<2.0, 0<y<2.0, 0<z<2.0 and 4.0.ltoreq.w+x+y+z.ltoreq.6.0). Further, the alloy is coated with a film of at least one of Pd, Cu and Ni having a thickness of 100-1000 .ANG..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: Nippon Yakin Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Ebato, Keiji Tamura
  • Patent number: 5028389
    Abstract: Quarternary alloys of the formula: Zr.sub.1-x Ti.sub.x Cr.sub.1-y Fe.sub.1+y are provided, which are characterized as having C14 hexagonal Laves phase wherein "x" has a value between 0.05 and 0.1 and "y" has a value of 0 to 0.4. These alloys, have P-C-T relations with low hysteresis and flat plateaux, are suitable for various applications such as hydrogen storage and hydride heat pump system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Jai Young Lee, Jong Man Park
  • Patent number: 5006328
    Abstract: A method for providing a multicomponent alloy for hydrogen storage and for a hydride electrode. The steps involved in the method include: providing a quantity of elements A, B, C, . . . , where said elements are selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Al, Y, Zr, Nb, Pd, Mo, Ca, Si, C, Cu, Ta, and rare earth elements, the quantity of the elements including nickel and at least two other elements from said group; apportioning the quantity of the elements in order to form a composition A.sub.a B.sub.b C.sub.c . . . such that the composition A.sub.a B.sub.b C.sub.c . . . contains 5 to 65 mole percent of nickel and further such that the composition A.sub.a B.sub.b C.sub.c . . . has, when in the form of a multicomponent alloy, a heat of hydride formation that is in a range of between -3.5 and -9.0 kcal/mold H; and, finally, melting the composition A.sub.a B.sub.b C.sub.c . . . in order to form the desired multicomponent alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Inventor: Kuochih Hong
  • Patent number: 4996002
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing high-zirconium getters that involves hydrogen pulverization of an entire alloy ingot or ingot pieces. The method offers distinct advantages over techniques that use mechanical means of powder production. The method is useful especially in the manufacture of tough porous getters, of high Zr-content Zr-V alloys that have minor additions of elements such as Fe, Ni, Mn and/or Al.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Assignee: Ergenics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary D. Sandrock, Winfred L. Woodard, III
  • Patent number: 4976938
    Abstract: Tritium and deuterium are separated from a gaseous mixture thereof, derived from a nuclear fusion reactor or some other source, by providing a casing with a bulk getter therein for absorbing the gaseous mixture to produce an initial loading of the getter, partially desorbing the getter to produce a desorbed mixture which is tritium-enriched, pumping the desorbed mixture into a separate container, the remaining gaseous loading in the getter being deuterium-enriched, desorbing the getter to a substantially greater extent to produce a deuterium-enriched gaseous mixture, and removing the deuterium-enriched mixture into another container. The bulk getter may comprise a zirconium-aluminum alloy, or a zirconium-vanadium-iron alloy. The partial desorption may reduce the loading by approximately fifty percent. The basic procedure may be extended to produce a multistage isotope separator, including at least one additional bulk getter into which the tritium-enriched mixture is absorbed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Randall J. Knize, Joseph L. Cecchi
  • Patent number: 4975572
    Abstract: An electron beam is directed into a first region containing gaseous molecules which capture electrons from the beam and then dissociate to produce negative ions. The ions are accelerated to the desired energy electrostatically and drawn to a second region where they are exposed to an intra-cavity laser beam which traverses their path. The laser is chosen to have a wavelength which will cause photodetachment of electrons to form neutral atoms. Simultaneously with the above, the electron beam and ions are collimated with a magnetic field. The neutral atoms are separated from any remaining ions or electrons by a repelling electrical potential provided by a repeller plate or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Raymond D. Rempt
  • Patent number: 4973227
    Abstract: A method of producing a vacuum in a volume of a hollow body which has at least one outlet opening for the gaseous atmosphere present therein, the method includes the following steps: introducing at least about 3 g/dm.sup.3 of evacuation volume of a metal hydride into the hollow body so as to take up less than about 5% of the volume 3. The metal hydride comprises a hydride forming alloy of the formulaTi(V.sub.1-a-b Fe.sub.a Al.sub.b).sub.xy Mn.sub.z,wherein1<x.ltoreq.20<y.ltoreq.0.2x+y.ltoreq.20<a.ltoreq.0.40<b.ltoreq.0.2a+b.ltoreq.0.5(1-a-b) x.gtoreq.10<z.ltoreq.2-x-y.The metal hydride is heated to a temperature so that a substantial amount of the gaseous hydrogen is released from the hydride, the heating step is performed so that heating of the hollow body will not exceed a temperature of about 500.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: HWT Gesellschaft fur Hydrid-und Wasserstofftechnik m.b.H.
    Inventors: Otto Bernauer, Clemens Halene, Manfred Keller
  • Patent number: 4957726
    Abstract: Lithium aluminum hydride reacts with a tertiary amine to produce an amine alane and Li.sub.3 AlH.sub.6. Lithium values are recycled by reacting Li.sub.3 AlH.sub.6 with aluminum and hydrogen to produce LiAlH.sub.4. Since no metal halide by-product is produced in the first step, it has an advantage over other routes. The amine alane can react with SiF.sub.4 to produce silane and AlF.sub.3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: Ethyl Corporation
    Inventors: Everett M. Marlett, Arcelio J. Malcolm, Won S. Park
  • Patent number: 4946646
    Abstract: A hydrogen storage electrode comprising a body of an alloy of the general formula, AB.sub.a, or a hydride thereof, in which A represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Zr, Ti, Hf, Ta, Y, Ca, Mg, La, Ce, Pr, Mm, Nb, Nd, Mo, Al and Si, B represents at least one element selected from Ni, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Al, Si, Nb, Mo, W, Mg, Ca, Y, Ta, Pd, Ag, Au, Cd, In, Sn, Bi, La, Ce, Mm where Mm is a mixture of rare earth elements, Pr, Nd, Th and Sm provided that A and B are different from each other, and a is a value of from 1.0 to 2.5. The alloy has an alloy phase which is substantially a Laves phase of an intermetallic compound of A and B, and has a crystal structure of a hexegonally symmetric C14 type having crystal lattice constants, a and c, of from 4.8 to 5.2 angstroms and from 7.9 to 8.3 angstroms, respectively, and/or a cubically symmetric C15 type having a crystal lattice constant of from 6.92 to 7.70 angstroms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1990
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaharu Gamo, Yoshio Moriwaki, Tsutomu Iwaki
  • Patent number: 4913879
    Abstract: Hydrogen absorbing ZrMn2 alloys having MgZn2-type Laves phase structure with its Mn partially substituted by Co and containing Al as an additive and having the composition Zr(Mn1-=xCox)y Alz;Hydrogen absorbing ZrMn2 alloys having MgZn2-type Laves-phase structure with its Mn partially substituted by Co and Zr partially substituted Zr1-wTiw(Mn1-xCox)y Alz; andHydrogen absorbing alloys formed from ZrMn2 alloy having MgZn2-type Laves-phase structure or from a multicomponent alloy made therefrom by partially substituting the Zr and Mn with some other element, by further adding thereto at least one element or rare earth, Ca, and Mg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naojiro Honda, Nobuhiro Furukawa, Shin Fujitani, Ikuo Yonezu
  • Patent number: 4902579
    Abstract: Novel materials having the ability to reversibly store hydrogen are amorphous metal alloys of the formulaA.sub.a M.sub.b M'.sub.cwhereinA is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Ag, Au, Hg, Pd and Pt;M is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Pb, Ru, Cu, Cr, Mo, Si, W, Ni, Al, Sn, Co, Fe, Zn, Cd, Ga and Mn; andM' is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Ca, Mg, Ti, Y, Zr, Hf, Nb, V, Ta and the rare earths; andwhereina ranges from greater than zero to about 0.80;b ranges from zero to about 0.70; andc ranges from about 0.08 to about 0.95;characterized in that (1) a substantial portion of A is disposed on the surface of said material and/or (2) that said material functions as an active surface layer for adsorbing/desorbing hydrogen in conjunction with a bulk storage material comprising a reversible hydrogen storage material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: The Standard Oil Company
    Inventors: Robert K. Grasselli, Michael A. Tenhover, Jonathan H. Harris
  • Patent number: 4882093
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an installation for the treatment of tritium-contaminated, solid organic waste. The waste is contacted with the steam in enclosure (1) for extracting the tritium in the steam and the steam is then condensed at (11 and 13) to recover the tritium from the waste in the form of tritiated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Pierre Giroux, Dominique Ochem, Jean-Claude Durand
  • Patent number: 4849205
    Abstract: Four groups of advanced hydrogen hydride storage and hydride electrode materials, consisting of two common elements, titanium and nickel. In the first group of materials, zirconium and chromium are added with the common elements. The second group of materials contain three additional elements in addition to the common elements, namely, chromium, zirconium and vanadium. The third group of materials contain also, in addition to the common elements, zirconium and vanadium. The fourth group of materials adds manganese and vanadium with the common elements. The preparation methods of the materials, as well as their hydride electrode are disclosed. Electrochemical studies indicate that these materials have high capacity, long cycle life and high rate capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Inventor: Kuochih Hong
  • Patent number: 4839085
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing high-zirconium getters that involves hydrogen pulverization of an entire alloy ingot or ingot pieces. The method offers distinct advantages over techniques that use mechanical means of powder production. The method is useful expecially in the manufacture of tough porous getters, of high Zr-content Zr-V alloys that have minor additions of elements such as Fe, Ni, Mn and/or Al.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1989
    Assignee: Ergenics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary D. Sandrock, Winfred L. Woodward, III
  • Patent number: 4832934
    Abstract: The present invention relates to [Mg.sub.2 X.sub.3 (Ether)y].sup.+ [AlH.sub.4 ].sup.- in whichX is halogen,ether is an aliphatic or cyclic ether, andy is from 0 to 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Studiengesellschaft Kohle mbH
    Inventors: Borislav Bogdanovic, Manfred Schwickardi
  • Patent number: 4832913
    Abstract: Disclosed is a class of multicomponent, high capacity hydrogen storage materials suitable for use in a heat pump comprising titanium, vanadium, manganese and iron. The hydrogen storage materials are disordered, multiphase, polycrystalline materials which are predominately vanadium and comprise at least a major crystalline phase substantially surrounded by an intergranular phase, with one or more inclusion phases. The materials are characterized by a Bragg x-ray diffraction pattern with a major peak occurring 43 degrees 2 theta. Also disclosed are processes for making the class of materials and a heat pump system utilizing at least one such material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1989
    Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Kuochih C. Hong, Krishna Sapru
  • Patent number: 4790985
    Abstract: In the direct synthesis process for producing NaAlH.sub.4 (pressure hydrogenation of Na and Al in a liquid phase reaction medium at an elevated temperature) advantages are realized by insuring that the initial reaction mixture contains a small amount of water and/or an alcohol. In particular, the induction period is shortened. And, the time, trouble and expense of purifying and pre-drying the reaction medium are avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: Ethyl Corporation
    Inventor: Gunner E. Nelson
  • Patent number: 4783329
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the reaction of hydrogen gas with alloys having body-centered cubic phase structure at a temperature of less than 100.degree. C. which comprise titanium and a second metal selected from the group consisting of zirconium, rhenium, manganese, and iron, and further comprising when the second metal is zirconium or rhenium, at least about 1 atom percent of a third metal selected from the group of aluminum, cobalt, chromium, iron, manganese, nickel, copper, silicon, germanium, gallium and mixtures thereof. The alloys of this invention react with hydrogen at a reaction rate much faster than prior art materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: Allied-Signal Inc.
    Inventors: Arnulf J. Maeland, George G. Libowitz, George Rak
  • Patent number: 4777023
    Abstract: A method for preparing a hydride containing at least two different Group 4A atoms wherein at least one of the Group 4A atoms is silicon or germanium. The method includes the steps of reacting an alkali metal and a macrocyclic compound with a silicon or germanium hydride to form a salt. The salt is then reacted with a Group 4A halide. The resulting hydrides are useful as deposition feedstock material for use in the formation of hydrogenated amorphous silicon alloy in the fabrication of photovoltaic devices and other semiconductor devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Solarex Corporation
    Inventor: Benjamin F. Fieselmann
  • Patent number: 4769225
    Abstract: The reversible reaction M+x/2 H.sub.2 .rarw..fwdarw.MH.sub.x, wherein M is a reversible metal hydride former that forms a hydride MH.sub.x in the presence of H.sub.2, generally used to store and recall H.sub.2, is found to proceed under an inert liquid, thereby reducing contamination, providing better temperature control, providing in situ mobility of the reactants, and increasing flexibility in process design. Thus, a slurry of particles of a metal hydride former with an inert solvent is subjected to a temperature and pressure controlled atmosphere containing H.sub.2, to store hydrogen and to release previously stored hydrogen. The direction of the flow of the H.sub.2 through the liquid is dependent upon the H.sub.2 pressure in the gas phase at a given temperature. When the actual H.sub.2 pressure is above the equilibrium absorption pressure of the respective hydride the reaction proceeds to the right, i.e., the metal hydride is formed and hydrogen is stored in the solid particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: James J. Reilly, Edward W. Grohse, John R. Johnson, Warren E. Winsche, deceased
  • Patent number: 4744946
    Abstract: A material for storage of hydrogen, consisting essentially of an alloy represented by the following general formula:LmNiawhere Lm signifies rare earth metals which contain 40 to 70% by weight of lanthanum, 0.1 to 20% by weight of cerium and other metals such as neodymium, praseodymium, and/or samarium; and a signifies a range of 4.8<a<5.5. Thus, improved hydrogen absorption under relatively low pressure at room temperatures and also improved hydrogen absorption pressure and release equilibrium pressure can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: Japan Metals and Chemicals Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Sasai, Hisao Konno, Noboru Hayami, Kenichi Kobayashi, Susumu Uoya, Koichi Oku
  • Patent number: 4741156
    Abstract: A process for the ignition of a regenerative soot filter adapted to be ignited in which the temperature, respectively, heat quantity necessary for the ignition of the filter is produced by charging a storage container located ahead of the soot filter or in connection with the soot filter which contains a hydride-forming alloy or a hydride-forming material. The necessary hydrogen is taken from a second storage container with a different alloy storing hydrogen, which is brought to a temperature by the exhaust gases so that a sufficient hydrogen pressure results therefrom. After the ignition, the second storage container is cooled off and the hydrogen is again conducted from the first storage container heated by the exhaust gases back into the second storage container so that the ignition operation can be repeated with renewed heating of the second storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1988
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Helmut Buchner
  • Patent number: 4732821
    Abstract: Nickel material comprising controlled amounts of hydrogen has low electrical contact resistance even after prolonged exposure to an oxidizing ambient. When used as a surface layer on an electrically conducting member, such material is suitable as a contact material and represents an inexpensive alternative to gold. And, when prepared in the form of microscopic flakes, such material is suitable for use in electrically conductive inks and adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1988
    Assignee: American Telephone and Telegraph Company, AT&T Bell Laboratories
    Inventors: Joachim J. Hauser, Andreas Leiberich, John T. Plewes, Murray Robbins
  • Patent number: 4728580
    Abstract: Novel materials having the ability to reversibly store hydrogen are amorphous metal alloys of the formulaA.sub.a M.sub.b M'.sub.cwhereinA is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Ag, Au, Hg, Pd and Pt;M is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Pb, Ru, Cu, Cr, Mo, Si, W, Ni, Al, Sn, Co. Fe, Zn, Cd, Ga and Mn; andM' is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Ca, Mg, Ti, Y, Zr, Hf, Nb, V, Ta and the rare earths; andwhereina ranges from greater than zero to about 0.80;b ranges from zero to about 0.70; andc ranges from about 0.08 to about 0.95;characterized in that (1) a substantial portion of A is disposed on the surface of said material and/or (2) that said material functions as an active surface layer for adsorbing/desorbing hydrogen in conjunction with a bulk storage material comprising a reversible hydrogen storage material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: The Standard Oil Company
    Inventors: Robert K. Grasselli, Michael A. Tenhover, Jonathan H. Harris
  • Patent number: 4717629
    Abstract: This invention discloses a compact of hydrogen adsorption alloy principally composed of a metal hydride in which all surfaces of fine particles of hydrogen adsorption alloy are completely coated with a dissimilar metal by plating, without effecting reactivity and a porous material of high thermal conductivity is infiltrated with the fine particles of alloy to be formed into a compact by compression molding.By this construction, it is possible to improve decline in the thermal conductivity or dropping of the fine particles out of cells of the porous material caused by micronization as a result of repeated uses of the hydrogen adsorption alloy are avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignees: Agency of Industrial Science & Technology, Kurimoto Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ishikawa, Keisuke Oguro, Hiroshi Suzuki, Akihiko Kato, Teruya Okada, Shizuo Sakamoto, Iwao Nishimura, Keizo Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 4716736
    Abstract: Hydrogen is stored at cold temperatures (room temperature to liquid nitrogen temperature) by sorption in a high unit surface area activated carbon storage medium. A minor amount of a transition metal is dispersed in the carbon, and this significantly increases the hydrogen occupancy of the available storage sites on the carbon. In a favorable embodiment, the storage medium is activated so as to maintain a quantity of water, which acts as a co-catalyst to further enhance the quantity of hydrogen that can be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: Syracuse University
    Inventor: James A. Schwarz
  • Patent number: 4716088
    Abstract: Activated rechargeable hydrogen storage electrodes that are especially suitable for sealed, starved electrochemical cells and methods for making them are provided. The activated electrode includes a body of hydrogen storage active material that is composed of an agglomeration of particles of active hydrogen storage material. The body contains a residual amount of hydrogen and may have a modified surface, the residual amount of hydrogen generally being equivalent to a potential of about -0.7 volts versus a Hg/HgO reference electrode when discharged at a rate of about 5 mA/gram to 25 mA/gram of active material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1987
    Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Reichman, Srini Venkatesan, Michael A. Fetcenko, Kenneth Jeffries, Sharon Stahl, Clifford Bennett
  • Patent number: 4663143
    Abstract: A ternary alloy comprised of cerium, nickel and manganese is characterized in having CaCu.sub.5 hexagonal crystal structure and stoichiometry. Members of a preferred class of compounds, represented by the empirical formula CeNi.sub.5-x Mn.sub.x wherein "x" has a value between 0.1 and about 1.0. These alloys react with hydrogen readily and can absorb a large amount of hydrogen at moderate pressure and temperature and are particularly suitable for use as hydrogen storage materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Assignee: Koppers Company, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Wallace, Faiz Pourarian
  • Patent number: 4656023
    Abstract: Hydrogen storage materials are provided by a quaternary alloy of the formula:Zr.sub.1-x Ti.sub.x CrFe.sub.ywherein x has a value in a range from 0.1 to 0.3, and y has a value in a range from 1.2 to 1.4, and their hydrides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1987
    Assignee: Koppers Company, Inc.
    Inventors: William E. Wallace, Gui-Yu Yu
  • Patent number: 4639363
    Abstract: Amorphous phases are prepared by heat treatment of intermetallic compounds of Zr-Al alloys in hydrogen-containing gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1987
    Assignee: Osaka University
    Inventors: Masao Komatsu, Hiroshi Fujita
  • Patent number: 4637927
    Abstract: Amorphization of intermetallic compounds of Zr-Al alloys is accelerated by arranging previously and artificially the lattice defects at given positions in the crystals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1987
    Assignee: Osaka University
    Inventors: Masao Komatsu, Hiroshi Fujita
  • Patent number: 4631170
    Abstract: A calcium-nickel-misch metal-aluminum quaternary alloy for hydrogen storage having an enhanced hydrogen absorbing/releasing capability which allows for the selection of equilibrium pressures for metal hydride formation and dissociation over a broad temperature range. The alloy has the formula:CaNi.sub.a Mm.sub.b Al.sub.c,wherein Mm is a misch metal; a, b and c are, respectively, atomic ratios of Ni, Mm and Al, with Ca taken as unity; and 5-(b+c)<a.ltoreq.8, 0<b.ltoreq.0.4, and 0<c.ltoreq.0.6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1986
    Assignee: The Japan Steel Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Keizo Ohnishi, Takatoshi Ogawa
  • Patent number: RE34588
    Abstract: Four groups of advanced hydrogen hydride storage and hydride electrode materials, consisting of two common elements, titanium and nickel. In the first group of materials, zirconium and chromium are added with the common elements. The second group of materials contain three additional elements in addition to the common elements, namely, chromium, zirconium and vanadium. The third group of materials contain also, in addition to the common elements, zirconium and vanadium. The fourth group of materials adds manganese and vanadium with the common elements. The preparation methods of the materials, as well as their hydride electrode are disclosed. Electrochemical studies indicate that these materials have high capacity, long cycle life and high rate capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Inventor: Kuochih Hong