Patents Represented by Attorney, Agent or Law Firm Marvin S. Siskind
  • Patent number: 6746645
    Abstract: Hydrogen propelled vehicles and fundamentally new magnesium-based hydrogen storage alloy materials which for the first time make it feasible and practical to use solid state storage and delivery of hydrogen to power internal combustion engine or fuel cell vehicles. These exceptional alloys have remarkable hydrogen storage capacity of well over 6 weight % coupled with extraordinary absorption kinetics such that the alloy powder absorbs 80% of its total capacity within 10 minutes at 300° C. and a cycle life of at least 500 cycles without loss of capacity or kinetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Rosa T. Young
  • Patent number: 6740446
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell having electrodes that are arranged in a zigzag configuration with folds and creases. Additional electrodes may be inserted within the folds of the zigzag configuration. Preferably, the electrochemical cell is a prismatic cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Ovonic Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis A. Corrigan, Lin Higley, Arthur Holland, Marshall Muller, John A. Smaga
  • Patent number: 6740448
    Abstract: A modified Ti—V—Zr—Ni—Mn—Cr electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy which has at least one of the following characteristics: 1) an increased charge/discharge rate capability over that the base Ti—V—Zr—Ni—Mn—Cr electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy; 2) a formation cycling requirement which is reduced to one tenth that of the base Ti—V—Zr—Ni—Mn—Cr electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy; or 3) an oxide surface layer having a higher electrochemical hydrogen storage catalytic activity than the base Ti—V—Zr—Ni—Mn—Cr electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy. The electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy includes an oxide surface having metallic particles dispersed therein, wherein the particles are from 10-40 Angstroms in size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: Ovonic Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Fetcenko, Kwo Young, Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Benjamin Reichman, John Koch, William Mays
  • Patent number: 6737194
    Abstract: A low temperature hydrogen storage alloy which is not pyrophoric upon exposure to ambient atmosphere, particularly even after hydrogen charge/discharge cycling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Rosa T. Young, Baoquan Huang
  • Patent number: 6733956
    Abstract: A programmable resistance memory element using a conductive sidewall layer as the bottom electrode. The programmable resistance memory material deposited over the top edge of the bottom electrode in a slot-like opening formed in a dielectric material. A method of making the opening using a silylated photoresist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Ovonyx, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Maimon, Andrew Pomerene
  • Patent number: 6726783
    Abstract: A fundamentally new magnesium-based hydrogen storage alloy material which makes it feasible and practical to use solid state storage and delivery of hydrogen to power internal combustion engine or fuel cell vehicles. These alloys have remarkable hydrogen storage capacity of well over 6 weight percent. The alloys also have extraordinary absorption kinetics such that the alloy absorbs 80 percent of its total capacity within five minutes. The alloys are in particle form where the particles have a size ranging from 30 to 70 microns. The alloys also have a dual phase structure (formed by cooling from the melt at a cooling rate of 103-104° C.). The dual phase structure is such that an intergranular region surrounds a major hydrogen storage phase thus providing the alloys with resistance to sintering during high temperature hydriding/dehydriding cycling thereof. As a result of the dual phase structure, the alloys have an extended cycle life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Rosa Young, Benjamin Chao, Stanford R. Ovshinsky
  • Patent number: 6723421
    Abstract: A non-single crystalline semiconductor material includes coordinatively irregular structures characterized by distorted chemical bonding, reduced dimensionality and novel electronic properties. A process for forming the material permits variation of the size, concentration and spatial distribution of coordinatively irregular structures. The electronic properties of the material can be changed by controlling the characteristics of the coordinatively irregular structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Boil Pashmakov, David V. Tsu
  • Patent number: 6722154
    Abstract: The present invention utilizes the hydrogen storage capabilities of hydrogen storage material to dehumidify and cool air flowing into an enclosed area, such as a residential home. The invention provides an apparatus and method that incorporates a hydrogen storage module having a low pressure, the heat retriever module, and a hydrogen storage module having a high pressure, the cooling module, wherein the modules are connected by a pipe or tube that guides the flow of hydrogen gas back and forth between the modules. The heat retriever module is heated to increase the temperature of the heat retriever module and hydrogen gas is desorbed from the hydrogen storage material contained therein, then a valve in the tube or pipe is opened and the hydrogen gas flows to the cooling module. The valve is closed, after the hydrogen gas is absorbed by the hydrogen storage material of the cooling module. The absorption of hydrogen gas causes an increase in temperature of the cooling module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhaosheng Tan, Krishna Sapru
  • Patent number: 6714954
    Abstract: A method of factoring numbers in a non-binary computation scheme and more particularly, a method of factoring numbers utilizing a digital multistate phase change material. The method includes providing energy in an amount characteristic of the number to be factored to a phase change material programmed according to a potential factor of the number. The programming strategy provides for the setting of the phase change material once for each time a multiple of a potential factor is present in the number to be factored. By counting the number of multiples and assessing the state of the phase change material upon execution of the method, a determination of whether a potential factor is indeed a factor may be made. A given volume of phase change material may be reprogrammed for different factors or separate volumes of phase change material may be employed for different factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Boil Pashmakov
  • Patent number: 6708546
    Abstract: Heat transfer management/compartmentalization system for a metal hydride hydrogen storage containment unit. The hydrogen storage alloy is preferably divided into compartments having a honeycomb configuration. Heat exchanger tubing is placed through the compartments to promote heat transfer between the hydrogen storage alloy and the exterior environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Texaco Ovonic Hydrogen Systems LLC
    Inventors: Vitaliy Myasnikov, Baoquan Huang, Rosa Young, Stanford R. Ovshinsky
  • Patent number: 6709497
    Abstract: Heat transfer management/compartmentalization system for a metal hydride hydrogen storage containment unit. The hydrogen storage alloy is preferably divided into compartments having a honeycomb configuration. Heat exchanger tubing is placed through the compartments to promote heat transfer between the hydrogen storage alloy and the exterior environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Texaco Ovonic Hydrogen Systems LLC
    Inventors: Vitaliy Myasnikov, Baoquan Huang, Rosa Young, Stanford R. Ovshinsky
  • Patent number: 6703156
    Abstract: Fuel cell oxygen electrode and instant startup fuel cells employing such oxygen electrode. The oxygen electrode operates through the mechanism of redox couples which uniquely provide multiple degrees of freedom in selecting the operating voltages available for such fuel cells. Such oxygen electrodes provide the fuel cells in which they are used a “buffer” or “charge” of oxidizer available within the oxygen electrode at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Texaco Ovonic Fuel Cell, LLC
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Srinivasan Venkatesan, Boyko Aladjov, Subhash K. Dhar, Kevin Fok, Thomas Hopper
  • Patent number: 6689510
    Abstract: A multi-cell monoblock battery in which a plurality of electrochemical cells are disposed in a battery case. The battery case includes one or more cell partitions which divide the interior of the case into a plurality of cell compartments that house the electrochemical cells. Preferably, one or more coolant channels are integrally formed with at least one of the cell partitions. The coolant channels may have inlets and outlets disposed in the walls of the battery case so as to provide a cross-flow cooling design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Ovonic Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Philippe Gow, Anthony Osgood, Dennis A. Corrigan, Lin R. Higley, Marshall D. Muller, Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Rajeev Puttaiah
  • Patent number: 6672078
    Abstract: A combine bulk storage/single stage metal hydride compressor, a hydrogen storage alloy therefore and a hydrogen transportation/distribution infrastructure which incorporates the combine bulk storage/single stage metal hydride compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Rosa T. Young, Baoquan Huang, Farshad Bavarian, Gene Nemanich
  • Patent number: 6671710
    Abstract: Non-binary methods of computing utilizing a digital multistate phase change material. Addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are accomplished with the controlled application of energy to a phase change material. In one embodiment, energy in an amount insufficient to set the reset state of a phase change material is provided to store one or more numbers and further energy characteristic of the performance of a mathematical operation is provided to effect a computation. The set energy of the reset state of a phase change material provides an interval of energy that may be used to define programming states along the high resistance portion of the electrical resistance response curve of a phase change material. By sub-dividing this interval of energy, a plurality of programming states can be defined which are distinguishable in energy relative to the reset state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Alastair K. Livesey
  • Patent number: 6627148
    Abstract: A magnesium hydrogen storage alloy that has been hydrided and compacted into highly dense pellets for shipment and use, a method for making said magnesium alloy and a method for the safe, economical shipment of said hydrided magnesium hydrogen storage material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Rosa T. Young, Ned T. Stetson, Vitaliy Myasnikov
  • Patent number: 6626323
    Abstract: A hydrogen storage unit which uses hydrogen storage alloys to store hydrogen, and more particularly a heat transfer management/compartmentalization system for use in such system. The hydrogen storage alloy may be divided into compartments, separated by discs, further divided into sub-compartments by a flapper wheel. The discs and flapper wheel provide for optimal heat transfer throughout the system. The compartmentalization of the vessel may prevent compaction of the hydrogen storage alloys, which could lead to excessive strain on the vessel causing damage, deformation, or rupture of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Ned T. Stetson, Michael Marchio, Arthur Holland, Daniel Alper, David Gorman, Jun Yang
  • Patent number: 6627340
    Abstract: Hydrogen propelled fuel cell vehicle system designs that reduce the relative cost of releasing hydrogen from hydrogen storage alloys by providing and/or utilizing secondary sources of heat to supply the heat of desorption of stored hydrogen. The secondary source can include combusting conventional secondary (non-hydrogen) fuels. The fuel supply system uses fundamentally new magnesium-based hydrogen storage alloy materials which for the first time make it feasible and practical to use solid state storage and delivery of hydrogen to power fuel cell vehicles. These exceptional alloys have remarkable hydrogen storage capacity of over 7 weight % coupled with extraordinary absorption kinetics such that the alloy powder absorbs 80% of its total capacity within 1.5 minutes at 300° C. and a cycle life of at least 2000 cycles without loss of capacity or kinetics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Rosa T. Young
  • Patent number: 6623562
    Abstract: A slurry loading apparatus for automatically loading a slurry into a substrate. The apparatus includes a pasting head. The pasting head includes a cavity that fills with slurry creating a pressure that forces the slurry onto the surface of the substrate and into the voids of the substrate. The slurry loading apparatus may include a feedback control loop that controls the rate in which slurry is delivered to the pasting head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Ovonic Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward F. Wood, Eric Willison, Jeffrey Key
  • Patent number: 6620539
    Abstract: Fuel cell cathodes and instant startup fuel cells employing the cathode. The cathodes operate through the mechanism of redox couples which uniquely provide multiple degrees of freedom in selecting the operating voltages available for such fuel cells. Such cathodes provide the fuel cells in which they are used a “buffer” or “charge” of oxidizer available within the cathode at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Boyko Aladjov, Srinivasan Venkatesan, Subhash Dhar