Allan B McPherson

Title: Innovations of Allan B McPherson

Introduction

Allan B McPherson is a notable inventor based in North Adams, MA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of capacitor technology, holding a total of three patents. His work focuses on enhancing the performance and usability of aluminum capacitor foils.

Latest Patents

One of McPherson's latest patents is titled "Preparation of capacitor electrodes." This invention involves a two-stage anodization process for aluminum capacitor foil, which allows low-voltage etched foil to be used in intermediate to high-voltage capacitors. The first stage utilizes an adipate electrolyte, followed by a higher voltage stage in a borate electrolyte. This method ensures that the fine etch structure from the low-voltage stage remains intact, making the foil suitable for higher voltage applications.

Another significant patent is "AC Etching of aluminum capacitor foil." In this process, aluminum foil is etched in a hydrochloric acid electrolyte that contains sulfate additives. The presence of 200 to 500 ppm sulfate enables the etching of thicker foil for higher voltage applications, which is not achievable without the sulfate. The chosen additives include phosphoric, nitric, and tartaric acids or salts. This innovation results in a foil with higher capacitance and allows for lower temperatures and frequencies during the etching process.

Career Highlights

Allan B McPherson is associated with Sprague Electric Company, where he applies his expertise in capacitor technology. His work has contributed to advancements in the field, particularly in the development of high-performance capacitor materials.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, McPherson has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Trung H Nguyen and John J Randall, Jr. These partnerships have fostered innovation and have been instrumental in the development of his patented technologies.

Conclusion

Allan B McPherson's contributions to capacitor technology through his patents demonstrate his innovative spirit and dedication to advancing the field. His work continues to influence the design and functionality of capacitors in various applications.