The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 06, 1991
Filed:
Sep. 08, 1989
Stuart A Young, Elmhurst, IL (US);
Ronald A Zweifel, LaGrange, IL (US);
Daniel L Caldwell, Downers Grove, IL (US);
Packard Instrument Company, Downers Grove, IL (US);
Abstract
Apparatus for generating hydrogen by the electrolysis of water comprising an electrolytic cell having a cathode and an anode separated by a solid electrolyte, an electrical power supply connected to the cell for applying a voltage across the cathode and anode, a water reservoir connected to the cell for supplying water to the anode side, a hydrogen-water separator connected to the cell for receiving hydrogen and water from the cathode side and separating the hydrogen from the water, and a water return line connecting the hydrogen-water separator to the water reservoir for returning water to the water reservoir whereby the water is recycled to the anode side. A float valve in the upper region of the hydrogen-water separator closes the hydrogen outlet in response to an increase in the water level in the separator to the level of the hydrogen outlet, to prevent water from entering the hydrogen outlet in the event of a malfunction. A pressure relief valve in the hydrogen-water separator discharges hydrogen from the separator to the atmosphere in response to an increase in the gas pressure in the separator beyond a predetermined level. A sensor in the water reservoir producing an electrical signal in response to a drop in the water level in the reservoir to a predetermined level, or in response to a predetermined change in the electrical conductivity of the water, and control circuitry responds to the electrical signal for interrupting the supply of electrical power to the cell.