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:
Jan. 23, 2007
Filed:
Sep. 10, 2003
Stephen R. Des Jardins, Encinitas, CA (US);
Stuart I. Smedley, Escondido, CA (US);
Stephen R. Des Jardins, Encinitas, CA (US);
Stuart I. Smedley, Escondido, CA (US);
Teck Cominco Metals Ltd., Vancouver, CA;
Abstract
A system for maintaining a concentration range of an electroreducible metal species undergoing electrolysis within a predetermined concentration range comprises a first container containing a body of an electrolyte solution in which a metal is partially dissolved, a second container in fluid communication with the first container, the second container containing a second body of the solution, and a means for exchanging solution between the containers. The second container is configured with a means for electrolyzing, and a means for sensing the concentration of, the dissolved metal in the second body. During electrolysis, if the sensed concentration is within a predetermined range, the second body is circulated through the electrolyzing means; if the sensed concentration is outside or nearly outside the range, the solution is exchanged to maintain the concentration within the range. Optionally, the system includes a means for sensing temperature of the second body, and a means for maintaining the temperature within a predetermined range responsive to the sensed temperature by exchanging, cooling, or heating the solution comprising the second body. A method comprising these steps is also described.