| Conversion circuit, system and method of executing an electrochemical process -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
  Conversion circuit, system and method of executing an electrochemical processUSPTO Application #: 20060076240Title: Conversion circuit, system and method of executing an electrochemical process Abstract: A conversion circuit for converting an alternating current into a feed current for an electrochemical process is provided with at least one supply terminal for supplying an alternating feed current, a rectifier circuit for rectifying a supplied alternating feed current, and an output stage for supplying the rectified current to a device in which the electrochemical process is taking place. The conversion circuit is further provided with an input stage connected between the supply terminals and rectifier circuit, which input stage, when in use, confers upon the conversion circuit a substantially reactive input impedance. (end of abstract)
Agent: Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP - Chicago, IL, US Inventor: Taco Wijnand Neeb USPTO Applicaton #: 20060076240 - Class: 205102000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Electrolysis: Processes, Compositions Used Therein, And Methods Of Preparing The Compositions, Electrolytic Coating (process, Composition And Method Of Preparing Composition), Depositing Predominantly Single Metal Or Alloy Coating On Single Metal Or Alloy Using Specified Waveform Other Than Pure Dc The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060076240. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation application of PCT/NL2004/000142 filed Feb. 25, 2004, which claims priority to Netherlands application No. 1022786 filed Feb. 26, 2003. BACKGROUND [0002] 1. Technical Field [0003] A conversion circuit for converting an alternating current into a feed current for an electrochemical process is disclosed. The conversion circuit comprises at least one supply terminal for supplying an alternating feed current, a rectifier circuit for rectifying a supplied alternating feed current, and an output stage for supplying the rectified current to a device in which the electrochemical process is taking place. A system for carrying out an electrochemical process is disclosed that is suitable for placing a device in which an electrochemical process is running and which comprises a disclosed conversion circuit. A method of carrying out an electrochemical process is also disclosed which use a disclosed conversion circuit. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Examples of conversion circuits, systems and methods using conversion circuits are illustrated in GB 2 197 551. In said publication, a battery charger is described. This battery charger may be used for charging miniature batteries. When powered by the mains, the input impedance of the known battery charger is substantially resistive in nature. The known battery charger has an input stage having a capacitor connected in series between the rectifier circuit and the power supply terminals. In the known battery charger, the capacitor serves to bring about a voltage drop, so that the voltage across the terminals of the battery doesn't become too high. [0006] A disadvantage of this apparatus is that the performance of the electrochemical process that takes place during charging the battery is slow. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE [0007] Therefore, a conversion circuit, a system for carrying out an electrochemical process and a method of carrying out a electrochemical process are disclosed that accelerate the electrochemical process thereby providing a relatively high level of efficiency. [0008] This is achieved by a conversion circuit provided with an input stage connected between the supply terminals and rectifier circuit. The input stage, when in use, confers upon the conversion circuit a substantially reactive input impedance. [0009] The conversion circuit, when in use, has an input impedance of which the reactive component is higher than the resistive component. By using such an input stage, it is possible to supply more power to the electrochemical process, without the apparent power uptake increasing appreciably. By using a reactive input impedance in combination with power supply from an alternating feed current, a pulsating power is supplied to the electrochemical process, because the electrical and magnetic component of the electromagnetic waves propagating through conductors in the conversion circuit are out of phase. The disclosed conversion circuit is based on the concept that by thus separating the two components, the charge carriers which are involved in the electrochemical process acquire a higher mobility. In this way, the efficiency of the electrochemical process, and thus its speed, increases. [0010] Preferably, the input stage comprises at least one capacitor connected in series between the supply terminals and the rectifier circuit. Also, the input stage is preferably comprised of a capacitor bank, which comprises one or more capacitors connected in parallel. [0011] In this manner, an almost purely reactive input impedance may be obtained, as a result of which the advantageous effects of the disclosed conversion circuit manifest themselves in an enhanced manner. [0012] The supply terminals are suitable for connection of the conversion circuit to the mains network, amongst others. [0013] If the disclosed conversion circuit is connected directly to the mains network, it is simple to use in many places. Therefore, no separate alternating current power source is needed. [0014] According to another embodiment, a system for carrying out an electrochemical process is disclosed, which is suitable for placing a device in which an electrochemical process is running and which comprises a disclosed conversion circuit. [0015] This system has the same advantageous effects as the conversion circuit disclosed above. [0016] Preferably, the disclosed system is suitable for use of a device in which the electrochemical process is taking place that comprises a container for an electrolyte solution, wherein the system is provided with means for generating pressure waves in the electrolyte solution present in the container of a device placed in the system. [0017] The pressure waves improve the transport of the charge carriers that are involved in the electrochemical process. Additionally, they ensure a rapid removal of gasses released in the electrochemical process, so that the concentration thereof in the electrolyte solution is lower. This enhances the operation of the disclosed conversion circuit, so that the electrochemical process executes faster. An additional effect is that any crystallised electrolyte dissolves again more rapidly. Thus, a regenerative effect is obtained that is particularly advantageous if the electrochemical process is taking place in a relatively cold environment or has previously run in the opposite direction, because crystallisation of the electrolyte occurs most often in those cases. [0018] In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises a fluid bath, in which the container can be placed and is provided with a means for generating pressure waves in the fluid bath when filled with fluid. [0019] This is a highly effective manner of transmitting pressure waves, as the impedance of the fluid and electrolyte solution are in the same range, so that more power is transmitted. Furthermore, the system is usable in combination with various containers, which may thus be adapted to the type of electrochemical process without detracting from their suitability for use in the disclosed system. [0020] According to yet another embodiment a method of carrying out an electrochemical process is disclosed, wherein use is made of a disclosed conversion circuit. This method has the advantage of being of relatively short duration. [0021] In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises having the electrochemical process take place in a container filled with an electrolyte solution, and generating pressure waves in the electrolyte solution present in the container. Continue reading... Full patent description for Conversion circuit, system and method of executing an electrochemical process Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Conversion circuit, system and method of executing an electrochemical process patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Conversion circuit, system and method of executing an electrochemical process or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Electrophoresis apparatus Next Patent Application: Device and method for electrolytically treating an at least superficially electrically conducting work piece Industry Class: Electrolysis: processes, compositions used therein, and methods of preparing the compositions ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Conversion circuit, system and method of executing an electrochemical process patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 2.07004 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Electronics: Semiconductor , Audio , Illumination , Connectors , Crypto , |
||
