Patents by Inventor Emily A. Ballinger

Emily A. Ballinger 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).

  • Method and apparatus for the operation of a cell stack assembly during subfreezing temperatures
    Patent number: 6596426
    Abstract: A coolant system is proposed for addressing temperature concerns during start-up and shut-down of a cell stack assembly. The coolant system comprises a coolant exhaust conduit in fluid communication with a coolant exhaust manifold and a coolant pump, the coolant exhaust conduit enabling transportation of exhausted coolant away from a coolant exhaust manifold. A coolant return conduit is provided to be in fluid communication with a coolant inlet manifold and a coolant pump, the coolant return conduit enabling transportation of the coolant to the coolant inlet manifold. The coolant system further includes a bypass conduit in fluid communication with the coolant exhaust conduit and the coolant return conduit, while a bleed valve is in fluid communication with the coolant exhaust conduit and a gaseous stream. Operation of the bleed valve enables venting of the coolant from the coolant channels, and through said bypass conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: UTC Fuel Cells, LLC
    Inventors: Deliang Yang, Emily A. Ballinger, David A. Condit
  • Method and apparatus for the operation of a cell stack assembly during subfreezing temperatures
    Publication number: 20020146608
    Abstract: A coolant system is proposed for addressing temperature concerns during start-up and shut-down of a cell stack assembly. The coolant system comprises a coolant exhaust conduit in fluid communication with a coolant exhaust manifold and a coolant pump, the coolant exhaust conduit enabling transportation of exhausted coolant away from a coolant exhaust manifold. A coolant return conduit is provided to be in fluid communication with a coolant inlet manifold and a coolant pump, the coolant return conduit enabling transportation of the coolant to the coolant inlet manifold. The coolant system further includes a bypass conduit in fluid communication with the coolant exhaust conduit and the coolant return conduit, while a bleed valve is in fluid communication with the coolant exhaust conduit and a gaseous stream. Operation of the bleed valve enables venting of the coolant from the coolant channels, and through said bypass conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventors: Deliang Yang, Emily A. Ballinger, David A. Condit