Patents by Inventor Carlos Salinas
Carlos Salinas has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 7608350Abstract: Protecting a membrane and electrode assembly in an electrochemical cell having one or more electrocatalysts in intimate contact with the membrane during storage or shipment of the cell. The membrane may be provided in either the non-proton form of a dry or hydrated cation exchange membrane, such as an alkali metal cation form or an ammonium cation form; the wet or dry precursor form of a cation exchange membrane, such as the non-ionically conducting sulfonyl-fluoride polymer membrane; or the dry proton form of a cation exchange membrane. These membrane surfaces are not acidic under open circuit conditions experienced during storage or shipment of the cell. Since some electrocatalysts are degraded during contact with the acidic surface of a hydrated membrane, the non-acidic surface of the membrane protects these electrocatalysts. The method may be used on newly assembled electrochemical cells, on cells being taken out of service, and on membrane and electrode assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2004Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: Oliver J. Murphy, Carlos Salinas
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Publication number: 20070001514Abstract: A method for controlling multiple voltages in a power supply includes providing a plurality of DC to DC power converters. Each power converter includes a pulse width modulator controller having a control pin. The method also includes when a voltage supply to the power controllers reads a particular level. After the particular level is met, the method includes providing a respective rising ramp control signal to each respective control pin of the pulse width modulator controller such that each respective power converter generates desired voltage level over time characteristics.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2006Publication date: January 4, 2007Applicant: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Robert Marshall, Carlos Salinas
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Publication number: 20060257313Abstract: A method for dissipating heat in a hydrogen generator, comprising the steps of (a) providing a first chamber containing a first material selected from the group consisting of hydrates, (b) providing a second chamber containing a second material selected from the group consisting of hydrides and borohydrides, (c) causing the first material to undergo an endothermic reaction to evolve water, and (d) transporting a portion of the evolved water from the first chamber into the second chamber such that the second material undergoes an exothermic reaction to evolve hydrogen gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2006Publication date: November 16, 2006Inventors: Alan Cisar, Carlos Salinas, Sandra Withers-Kirby, Brad Fiebig
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Patent number: 7105947Abstract: A method for controlling multiple voltages in a power supply includes providing a plurality of DC to DC power converters. Each power converter includes a pulse width modulator controller having a control pin. The method also includes when a voltage supply to the power controllers reads a particular level. After the particular level is met, the method includes providing a respective rising ramp control signal to each respective control pin of the pulse width modulator controller such that each respective power converter generates desired voltage level over time characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2003Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc.Inventors: Robert A. Marshall, Carlos A. Salinas
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Patent number: 6991869Abstract: A subassembly for a stack of electrochemical cells that includes a porous metal sheet having a first face and a second face with a hydrophobic, carbonaceous gas diffusion layer disposed within the pores along the first face of the porous metal sheet. The second face of the porous metal sheet defines a flow field while that portion of the porous metal sheet filled with the gas diffusion layer forms a current collector. The subassembly may further include a metal gas barrier metallurgically bonded to the second face of the porous metal sheet to act as a gas barrier between the porous metal sheet and a second porous metal sheet having a second gas diffusion layer disposed within the pores along a face of the second porous metal sheet. Preferably, the gas diffusion layers are applied as a paste to the porous metal sheet and then dried.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2002Date of Patent: January 31, 2006Assignee: Lynntech Power Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Alan J. Cisar, Oliver J. Murphy, King-Tsai Jeng, Carlos Salinas, Stan Simpson, Dacong Weng, Homayoun Moaddel
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Publication number: 20050014037Abstract: A hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell operates with greater safety if a leak develops between the anode and the cathode sides of the fuel cell allowing hydrogen and oxygen to become mixed on whichever side operates at the lower pressure. A recombination catalyst is disposed within the fuel cell to catalyze the recombination reaction of hydrogen and oxygen to form water and prevent the formation of an explosive mixture. The hydrogen-oxygen recombination catalyst is disposed in a hydrogen distribution system, an oxygen distribution system, or a combination thereof. Suitable recombination catalysts include platinum or alloys thereof, palladium, gold, tin, and combinations thereof, with or without platinum. Still other suitable recombination catalysts include, for example, noble metals, nickel-paladium, and nickel oxides.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2003Publication date: January 20, 2005Inventors: Chris Boyer, Charles Greenwald, Oliver Murphy, Craig Andrews, Carlos Salinas
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Publication number: 20050000799Abstract: Protecting a membrane and electrode assembly in an electrochemical cell having one or more electrocatalysts in intimate contact with the membrane during storage or shipment of the cell. The membrane may be provided in either the non-proton form of a dry or hydrated cation exchange membrane, such as an alkali metal cation form or an ammonium cation form; the wet or dry precursor form of a cation exchange membrane, such as the non-ionically conducting sulfonyl-fluoride polymer membrane; or the dry proton form of a cation exchange membrane. These membrane surfaces are not acidic under open circuit conditions experienced during storage or shipment of the cell. Since some electrocatalysts are degraded during contact with the acidic surface of a hydrated membrane, the non-acidic surface of the membrane protects these electrocatalysts. The method may be used on newly assembled electrochemical cells, on cells being taken out of service, and on membrane and electrode assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2004Publication date: January 6, 2005Inventors: Oliver Murphy, Carlos Salinas
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Patent number: 6804949Abstract: The present invention provides a self-replenishing liquid water source onboard an automobile for supplying liquid water to an electrolyzer, such as an on-board hydrogen generator useful for the suppression of unwanted emissions. While automobiles typically have water reservoirs resupplied by a person, the invention provides a passive means of water collection for reliable replenishment due to operations of the automobile itself. The invention provides condensate from the engine exhaust gas by cooling a region of the exhaust system using cooling fluid from the engine coolant system. The cooling fluid is circulated during a period following the engine cold start event when the heat load on the engine coolant system is low.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2002Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignees: Lynntech, Inc., The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Craig C. Andrews, Alan J. Cisar, Carlos Salinas, Oliver J. Murphy, A. John Appleby
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Patent number: 6805788Abstract: An apparatus for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy having a solid electrolyte is disclosed. The apparatus has a chamber made of an electronically insulating material, a solid electrolyte coupled to the chamber and an electrode disposed in the chamber. A biasing member is used to urge the electrode towards the solid electrolyte and urge the solid electrolyte toward the substrate. The solid electrolyte is designed to contact the surface to be tested directly with no corrosive or otherwise harmful effect to the surface. A method for the detection of corrosion in bare or coated metallic substrates is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1998Date of Patent: October 19, 2004Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: Anuncia Gonzalez-Martin, Jinseong Kim, Dalibor Hodko, Carlos Salinas
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Publication number: 20030124411Abstract: The invention provides for reducing the number of parts and the number of interfaces found in certain types of chemical reactors, particularly in electrochemical reactors, and especially in the type or reactor known as a fuel cell or fuel cell stack. This reduction comes from the use of a unified structure that combines the functions normally carried out by several components in the unit, particularly by combining the functions of the gas distribution structure and the gas diffusion structure, the gas distribution structure and the gas barrier structure, or all three structures into a single, unitary, metallic part. This offers the advantages of simplified design, better performance, and lighter weight.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2002Publication date: July 3, 2003Applicant: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: Alan J. Cisar, Oliver J. Murphy, King-Tsai Jeng, Carlos Salinas, Stan Simpson, Dacong Weng, Homayoun Moaddel
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Patent number: 6562507Abstract: The invention provides for reducing the number of parts and the number of interfaces found in certain types of chemical reactors, particularly in electrochemical reactors, and especially in the type or reactor known as a fuel cell or fuel cell stack This reduction comes from the use of a unified structure that combines the functions normally carried out by several components in the unit, particularly by combining the functions of the gas distribution structure and the gas diffusion structure, the gas distribution structure and the gas barrier structure, or all three structures into a single, unitary, metallic part. This offers the advantages of simplified design, better performance, and lighter weight.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2000Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Lynntech Power Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Alan J. Cisar, Oliver J. Murphy, King-Tsai Jeng, Carlos Salinas, Stan Simpson
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Publication number: 20030085135Abstract: The present invention provides a self-replenishing liquid water source onboard an automobile for supplying liquid water to an electrolyzer, such as an on-board hydrogen generator useful for the suppression of unwanted emissions. While automobiles typically have water reservoirs resupplied by a person, the invention provides a passive means of water collection for reliable replenishment due to operations of the automobile itself. The invention provides condensate from the engine exhaust gas by cooling a region of the exhaust system using cooling fluid from the engine coolant system. The cooling fluid is circulated during a period following the engine cold start event when the heat load on the engine coolant system is low.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2002Publication date: May 8, 2003Applicant: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, Alan J. Cisar, Carlos Salinas, Oliver J. Murphy, A. John Appleby
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Patent number: 6464854Abstract: The present invention provides a self-replenishing liquid water source onboard an automobile for supplying liquid water to an electrolyzer, such as an on-board hydrogen generator useful for the suppression of unwanted emissions. While automobiles typically have water reservoirs resupplied by a person, the invention provides a passive means of water collection for reliable replenishment due to operations of the automobile itself. The invention provides condensate from the engine exhaust gas by cooling a region of the exhaust system using cooling fluid from the engine coolant system. The cooling fluid is circulated during a period following the engine cold start event when the heat load on the engine coolant system is low.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignees: Lynntech, Inc., The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Craig C. Andrews, A. John Appleby, Alan J. Cisar, Carlos Salinas, Oliver J. Murphy
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Patent number: 6426161Abstract: Thin, light weight bipolar plates for use in electrochemical cells are rapidly, and inexpensively manufactured in mass production by die casting, stamping or other well known methods for fabricating magnesium or aluminum parts. The use of a light metal, such as magnesium or aluminum minimizes weight and simultaneously improves both electrical and thermal conductivity compared to conventional carbon parts. For service in electrochemical cells these components must be protected from corrosion. This is accomplished by plating the surface of the light weight metal parts with a layer of denser, but more noble metal. The protective metal layer is deposited in one of several ways. One of these is deposition from an aqueous solution by either electroless means, electrolytic means, or a combination of the two. Another is deposition by electrolytic means from a non-aqueous solution, such as a molten salt.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2000Date of Patent: July 30, 2002Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: Alan J. Cisar, Oliver J. Murphy, King-Tsai Jeng, Carlos Salinas, Stan Simpson, Dacong Weng
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Patent number: 6409928Abstract: A method and apparatus for mineralizing organic contaminants in water or air provides photochemical oxidation in a two-phase or three-phase boundary system formed in the pores of a TiO2 membrane in a photocatalytic reactor. In the three-phase system, gaseous (liquid) oxidant, liquid (gaseous) contaminant, and solid semiconductor photocatalyst meet and engage in an efficient oxidation reaction. The porous membrane has pores which have a region wherein the meniscus of the liquid varies from the molecular diameter of water to that of a capillary tube resulting in a diffusion layer that is several orders of magnitude smaller than the closest known reactors. The photocatalytic reactor operates effectively at ambient temperature and low pressures. A packed-bed photoreactor using photocatalyst coated particles is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2000Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: Anuncia Gonzalez, Oliver J. Murphy, Carlos Salinas
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Publication number: 20020070124Abstract: The present invention provides a self-replenishing liquid water source onboard an automobile for supplying liquid water to an electrolyzer, such as an on-board hydrogen generator useful for the suppression of unwanted emissions. While automobiles typically have water reservoirs resupplied by a person, the invention provides a passive means of water collection for reliable replenishment due to operations of the automobile itself. The invention provides condensate from the engine exhaust gas by cooling a region of the exhaust system using cooling fluid from the engine coolant system. The cooling fluid is circulated during a period following the engine cold start event when the heat load on the engine coolant system is low.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2000Publication date: June 13, 2002Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, A. John Appleby, Alan J. Cisar, Carlos Salinas, Oliver J. Murphy
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Patent number: 6232010Abstract: The invention provides for reducing the number of parts and the number of interfaces found in certain types of chemical reactors, particularly in electrochemical reactors, and especially in the type or reactor known as a fuel cell or fuel cell stack. This reduction comes from the use of a unified structure that combines the functions normally carried out by several components in the unit, particularly by combining the functions of the gas distribution structure and the gas diffusion structure, the gas distribution structure and the gas barrier structure, or all three structures into a single, unitary, metallic part. This offers the advantages of simplified design, better performance, and lighter weight.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 1999Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: Lynn Tech Power Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Alan J. Cisar, Oliver J. Murphy, King-Tsai Jeng, Carlos Salinas, Stan Simpson, Dacong Weng, Homayoun Moaddel
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Patent number: 6203936Abstract: Thin, light weight bipolar plates for use in electrochemical cells are rapidly, and inexpensively manufactured in mass production by die casting, stamping or other well known methods for fabricating magnesium or aluminum parts. The use of a light metal, such as magnesium or aluminum minimizes weight and simultaneously improves both electrical and thermal conductivity compared to conventional carbon parts. For service in electrochemical cells these components must be protected from corrosion. This is accomplished by plating the surface of the light weight metal parts with a layer of denser, but more noble metal. The protective metal layer is deposited in one of several ways. One of these is deposition from an aqueous solution by either electroless means, electrolytic means, or a combination of the two. Another is deposition by electrolytic means from a non-aqueous solution, such as a molten salt.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Assignee: Lynntech Inc.Inventors: Alan J. Cisar, Oliver J. Murphy, King-Tsai Jeng, Carlos Salinas, Stan Simpson, Dacong Weng
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Patent number: 6136186Abstract: A method and apparatus for mineralizing organic contaminants in water or air provides photochemical oxidation in a two-phase or three-phase boundary system formed in the pores of a TiO.sub.2 membrane in a photocatalytic reactor. In the three-phase system, gaseous (liquid) oxidant, liquid (gaseous) contaminant, and solid semiconductor photocatalyst meet and engage in an efficient oxidation reaction. The porous membrane has pores which have a region wherein the meniscus of the liquid varies from the molecular diameter of water to that of a capillary tube resulting in a diffusion layer that is several orders of magnitude smaller than the closest known reactors. The photocatalytic reactor operates effectively at ambient temperature and low pressures. A packed-bed photoreactor using photocatalyst coated particles is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 1998Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: Anuncia Gonzalez-Martin, Oliver J. Murphy, Carlos Salinas
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Patent number: 6117337Abstract: A method and apparatus for mineralizing organic contaminants in water or air provides photochemical oxidation in a unique two-phase or three-phase boundary system formed in each pore of a TiO.sub.2 membrane in a photocatalytic reactor. In the three-phase system, gaseous oxidant, liquid contaminant, and solid semiconductor photocatalyst having a metal catalyst disposed thereon meet and engage in an efficient oxidation reaction. The porous membrane has pores which have a region wherein the meniscus of the liquid varies from the molecular diameter of water to that of a capillary tube resulting in a diffusion layer that is several orders of magnitude smaller than the closest known reactors. The photocatalytic reactor operates effectively at ambient temperature and low pressures.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1998Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: Anuncia Gonzalez-Martin, Oliver J. Murphy, Dalibor Hodko, Carlos Salinas