Richard E Kunkle

US Patent:

6576905, Jun 10, 2003

Filed:

Jun 14, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/881644

Inventors:

Harold S. Lessure - Pittsburgh PA
Richard A. Evans - Pittsburgh PA
Richard P. Kunkle - Irwin PA
Dale M. Matuza - Murrysville PA

Assignee:

Gas Research Institute - Des Plaines IL

International Classification:

G01B 902

US Classification:

2503385, 25033907, 25033908, 356346, 356352

Abstract:

An assembly and method provide sensitive high speed spectroscopic gas detection via the use of a non-collimated convergent light path through a birefringent crystal in a birefringent filter design to allow improved light collection and a reduction in the number of optical elements required to produce a useful absorption signal for the detection of gases.

US Patent:

51835428, Feb 2, 1993

Filed:

Jan 5, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/461578

Inventors:

John F. Jackovitz - Monroeville Boro PA
Richard P. Kunkle - Irwin PA
Steven H. Peterson - Murrysville PA

Assignee:

Westinghouse Electric Corp. - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

B01D 5702
B01D 6142

US Classification:

2041801

Abstract:

Both a method and apparatus for separating zirconium isotopes by balanced ion migration in a counterflowing electrolyte are disclosed herein. In the method of the invention, zirconium chloride is dissolved in a solution of HCl, and a voltage of between 2 and 50 volts is applied across the electrolyte to create a flow of zirconium ions toward the cathode, and a counterflow of chlorine ions toward the anode which is balanced such that the lighter weight isotopes of zirconium migrate toward the cathode while the heavier weight zirconium isotopes stay in the vicinity of the anode. The apparatus of the invention includes a polarizing assembly formed from a bundle of small diameter glass tubes aligned between the anode and the cathode. The internal shape of the tubes impedes kinetic agitation movement of the zirconium ions in all directions except in the direction between the anode and the cathode, thereby expediting the separation process. Glass frits are used to partition off the electrolyte in the region of both the anode and the cathode so that the isotopes which eventually accumulate in these regions may be drawn off with a minimum of fluid agitation.

US Patent:

49024019, Feb 20, 1990

Filed:

Jan 25, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/301412

Inventors:

Ching-Yu Lin - Monroeville PA
Richard P. Kunkle - Irwin PA

Assignee:

Westinghouse Electric Corp. - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

G01N 2746

US Classification:

204427

Abstract:

A solid electrolyte dual gas sensor (10) is made, containing a container body of a first solid electrolyte (11), in contact with a monitor electrode (17) exposed to a monitored gas environment (13) containing selected gas components to be measured and in contact with a reference electrode (15) which is additionally isolated from the monitored gas environment by a second solid electrolyte section (16), and optionally section (14), where the solid electrolyte section (16) is disposed within a ceramic oxide matrix material (25) where the matrix contains interconnected pores filled with electrolyte, and where the second solid electrolyte, at the operating temperature of the gas sensor, is effective to dissociate to provide the sole source of self-generated reference gases at the reference electrode (15).

US Patent:

53804678, Jan 10, 1995

Filed:

Mar 19, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/856679

Inventors:

Ching-Yu Lin - Monroeville PA
Richard P. Kunkle - Irwin PA
William Feduska - Edgeworth PA

Assignee:

Westinghouse Electric Company - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

H01B 106
C04B 3548

US Classification:

252520

Abstract:

Methods of and apparatus for generating high purity oxygen. Employed for this purpose is a "membrane cell" comprised of a praseodymia-modified, yttria-stabilized zirconia film that is fabricated onto a porous support, typically a tube of calcia-stabilized zirconia. This cell has the capability of "pumping" oxygen. As a consequence, oxygen in a pressurized fluid stream on the outer face of the membrane can be extracted from that stream and pumped as oxygen ions through the membrane without parasitic electric power and then released on the opposite side of the porous support tube as pure (electrolytic grade) oxygen. Extraction of pure oxygen continues as long as an oxygen partial pressure differential is maintained across the mixed conduction, "shorted" membrane. Oxygen thus produced can be used in industrial processes--for example, in coal gasification--or for other purposes.

US Patent:

49024027, Feb 20, 1990

Filed:

Mar 30, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/330548

Inventors:

Alfred R. Pebler - Wilkinsburg PA
Ching-Yu Lin - Monroeville PA
Richard P. Kunkle - Irwin PA

Assignee:

Westinghouse Electric Corp. - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

G01N 2746

US Classification:

204427

Abstract:

A solid NaCl or KCl electrolyte electrochemical concentration cell assembly (20) for measuring monitored gases (38) containing oxygen or a chlorine containing component is divided into two identical alkali ion conductive half cells (22) and (24) where each half cell has solid electrolyte (23) and (25) that consists essentially of NaCl, KCl, or their mixture and is secured to opposite surfaces of the closed end of a solid membrane (36) exhibiting sodium or potassium ion conductivity. The membrane (36) effectively isolates the monitored gases (38) contacting one half cell from a reference gas environment (40) contacting the other half cell.

US Patent:

46394010, Jan 27, 1987

Filed:

Feb 26, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/832785

Inventors:

John F. Jackovitz - Monroeville PA
Richard P. Kunkle - Irwin PA

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the United States
Department of Energy - Washington DC

International Classification:

H01M 810

US Classification:

429 30

Abstract:

A phosphoric acid fuel cell having an improved electrolyte comprising concentrated H. sub. 3 PO. sub. 4 and at least 0. 5 wt. percent lauryl dimethyl amine.