US4369102A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas
Assignee: FOUNTAIN H ALBERT 701 MCCULLOH STREET BALTIMORE MD 21201 AN INDIVIDUAL
•
Filing: 1980-11-25
•
Granted: 1983-01-18
•
Expires: 2000-11-25
Abstract
Abstract An electrolysis apparatus decomposes water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. The apparatus comprises a housing for the water to be decomposed, a plurality of symmetrically folded and edged unipolar electrodes for decomposing the water held in the housing, microporous membranes for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrodes from one another, and an arrangement for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrodes in parallel. The apparatus also comprises separate outlets, collectors, and consumers for each gas. There is also a water supply, a water feed regulator, and a water inlet. A power source supplies electrical wattage to the parallel wiring arrangement. An electrolytic solution containing only about 2.2% or less KOH concentration by weight is used to help decompose the water. Invertible plates may be used either for diverting the free upward flow of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas laterally to separate gas outlets or for diverting the free downward fall of minerals laterally to a collection chamber.
Inventors
- 👤 Daniel T. Galluzzo
- 👤 Charles L. Dumler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 12:10
CPC Classifications
C; C25; C25B; C25B11/00; C25B11/02; C25B1/00; C25B1/01; C25B1/02; C25B1/04; C25B9/00; C25B9/17; C25B9/19; C25B9/21; C25B9/60; C25B9/65; C25B9/70
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 58
Claim 1
Independent Claim
70 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of symmetrically folded and sharply edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of a unipolar electrode means from one another; and means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
70 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of symmetrically folded and sharply edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of a unipolar electrode means from one another; and means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The electrolysis apparatus, according to claim 1, further comprising power means for supplying electrical wattage through the wiring means to the plurality of unipolar electrode means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
102 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; and further comprising power means for supplying electrical wattage through the wiring means to the plurality of unipolar electrode means; wherein said electrical wattage supplied by the power means is approximately eight watts per electrical field.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
102 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; and further comprising power means for supplying electrical wattage through the wiring means to the plurality of unipolar electrode means; wherein said electrical wattage supplied by the power means is approximately eight watts per electrical field.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The electrolysis apparatus, according to claim 3, further comprising outlet means for allowing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas to separately leave the housing means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The electrolysis apparatus, according to claim 4, further comprising means for collecting the hydrogen gas and the oxygen gas separately from the outlet means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The electrolysis apparatus, according to claims 4 or 5, further comprising means for consuming the hydrogen gas and the oxygen gas separately.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The electrolysis apparatus, according to claim 3, further comprising means for connecting the wiring means to the plurality of unipolar electrode means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The electrolysis apparatus, according to claim 3, further comprising inlet means for allowing water to enter the housing means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The electrolysis apparatus, according to claim 3, further comprising means for supplying water to the housing means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The electrolysis apparatus, according to claim 3, further comprising means for supplying an electrolytic solution to the housing means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The electrolysis apparatus, according to claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means are folded and edged symmetrically.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
The electrolysis apparatus, according to claim 3, wherein said water to be decomposed contains minerals.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
The electrolysis apparatus, according to claim 3, wherein said wiring means includes a bus bar.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
The electrolysis apparatus, according to claim 3, wherein said wiring means is connected at both ends of each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
92 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; further comprising inlet means for allowing water to enter the housing means; and further comprising means for regulating the feed of water to the inlet means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
92 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; further comprising inlet means for allowing water to enter the housing means; and further comprising means for regulating the feed of water to the inlet means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
92 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; further comprising means for supplying an electrolytic solution to the housing means; and wherein said electrolytic solution contains about 2.2% or less KOH concentration by weight.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
92 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; further comprising means for supplying an electrolytic solution to the housing means; and wherein said electrolytic solution contains about 2.2% or less KOH concentration by weight.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
112 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; wherein each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means are folded and edged symmetrically; and wherein each of the plurality of separating means are folded and edged symmetrically in an evenly spaced, intermeshed, parallel arrangement with the plurality of symmetrically folded and edged unipolar electrode means.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
112 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; wherein each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means are folded and edged symmetrically; and wherein each of the plurality of separating means are folded and edged symmetrically in an evenly spaced, intermeshed, parallel arrangement with the plurality of symmetrically folded and edged unipolar electrode means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
30 words
The electrolysis apparatus, according to claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of separating means is interspaced about one-half millimeter between a pair of the plurality of unipolar electrode means.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
79 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; and wherein each of the plurality of separating means is a microporous membrane.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
79 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; and wherein each of the plurality of separating means is a microporous membrane.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
84 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; and wherein said plurality of unipolar electrode means is arranged in groups of at least three electrode plates.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
84 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; and wherein said plurality of unipolar electrode means is arranged in groups of at least three electrode plates.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
105 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; further comprising outlet means for allowing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas to separately leave the housing means; and further comprising means for diverting free upward flow of the hydrogen gas and the oxygen gas laterally to the outlet means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
105 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; further comprising outlet means for allowing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas to separately leave the housing means; and further comprising means for diverting free upward flow of the hydrogen gas and the oxygen gas laterally to the outlet means.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
16 words
The electrolysis apparatus, according to claim 21, wherein said diverting means has an upwardly sloped ramp.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
82 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; wherein said water to be decomposed contains minerals; and further comprising means for collecting the minerals.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
82 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; wherein said water to be decomposed contains minerals; and further comprising means for collecting the minerals.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
The electrolysis apparatus, according to claim 23, wherein said collecting means is arranged adjacent to the housing means.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electrolysis apparatus, according to claim 24, further comprising means for diverting free downward fall of the minerals laterally to the collecting means.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
16 words
The electrolysis apparatus, according to claim 25, wherein said diverting means has a downwardly sloped ramp.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
32 words
The electrolysis apparatus, according to claims 21 or 23, wherein said gas diverting means and said mineral diverting means are invertible to a mineral diverting means and a gas diverting means, respectively.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
80 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; and wherein said housing means is made of nonconductive and relatively highly insulative material.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
80 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; and wherein said housing means is made of nonconductive and relatively highly insulative material.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
84 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; and further comprising means for detecting a defect in any one of the plurality of unipolar electrode means.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
84 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; and further comprising means for detecting a defect in any one of the plurality of unipolar electrode means.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
16 words
The electrolysis apparatus, according to claim 29, wherein said detecting means is an ohmic volt-amp meter.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
19 words
The electrolysis apparatus, according to claims 29 or 30, wherein said detecting means is connected to the wiring means.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
81 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; and wherein the interior atmosphere of said housing means is maintained at approximately atmospheric pressure.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
81 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; and wherein the interior atmosphere of said housing means is maintained at approximately atmospheric pressure.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
90 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; further comprising means for supplying an electrolytic solution to the housing means; and further comprising means for maintaining said electrolytic solution at approximately room temperature.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
90 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; further comprising means for supplying an electrolytic solution to the housing means; and further comprising means for maintaining said electrolytic solution at approximately room temperature.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
81 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; and wherein each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means is a relatively thin plate.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
81 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; and wherein each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means is a relatively thin plate.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
92 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; further comprising means for connecting the wiring means to the plurality of unipolar electrode means; and wherein said connecting means is a plurality of male-female connectors.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
92 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; further comprising means for connecting the wiring means to the plurality of unipolar electrode means; and wherein said connecting means is a plurality of male-female connectors.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
112 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; further comprising means for connecting the wiring means to the plurality of unipolar electrode means; and wherein said connecting means includes two pairs of connector rods, each pair having a single positively charged connector rod and a single negatively charged connector rod offset from each other.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
112 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; further comprising means for connecting the wiring means to the plurality of unipolar electrode means; and wherein said connecting means includes two pairs of connector rods, each pair having a single positively charged connector rod and a single negatively charged connector rod offset from each other.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
101 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; further comprising means for connecting the wiring means to the plurality of unipolar electrode means; and wherein said connecting means contacts tabs extending from each of the plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
101 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; further comprising means for connecting the wiring means to the plurality of unipolar electrode means; and wherein said connecting means contacts tabs extending from each of the plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
92 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; further comprising outlet means for allowing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas to separately leave the housing means; and wherein said outlet means is a plurality of tubes.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
92 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; further comprising outlet means for allowing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas to separately leave the housing means; and wherein said outlet means is a plurality of tubes.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
107 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; further comprising outlet means for allowing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas to separately leave the housing means; and wherein said outlet means is a plurality of aligned bore means for carrying pipes containing the hydrogen gas and the oxygen gas separately.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
107 words
An electrolysis apparatus for decomposing water into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, comprising: means for housing water to be decomposed; a plurality of folded and edged unipolar electrode means for decomposing the water held in the housing means; a plurality of means for separating each of the plurality of unipolar electrode means from one another; means for wiring the plurality of unipolar electrode means in parallel; further comprising outlet means for allowing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas to separately leave the housing means; and wherein said outlet means is a plurality of aligned bore means for carrying pipes containing the hydrogen gas and the oxygen gas separately.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US1446736A
Cited
US1941816A
Cited
FR987879A
Cited
US3214362A
Cited
US3384568A
Cited
US3374158A
Cited
US3394062A
Cited
US3477937A
Cited
GB1151145A
Cited
US3532550A
Cited
US3652431A
Cited
US3969214A
Cited
US4160711A
Cited
US4056452A
Cited
US4057479A
Cited
DE2650217C2
Cited
DE2906821A1
Cited
US4236989A
Cited
US4256554A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-01-17 | 1986-07-19 | 1987-01-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-01-17 | 1990-07-19 | 1991-01-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-01-17 | 1994-07-19 | 1995-01-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |