Patents by Inventor John Speranza
John Speranza 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: 7888124Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for a system for maintaining hydrogen purity in an electrical power generator where the system monitors the health of the electrical generating system by calculating the time remaining until preventative maintenance is required based on hydrogen usage. The system also monitors the health of the system by detecting the occurrence of major leaks within the electrical power generator and adapting the operation of the system to maintain a desired operating environment.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2007Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Proton Energy SystemsInventor: A. John Speranza
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Patent number: 7879613Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for a system for maintaining hydrogen purity in an electrical power generator. The purity system includes: a generator, a hydrogen generator configured to provide hydrogen gas to the generator, a purity monitor for detecting the level of hydrogen purity in the generator and providing a signal when the purity drops below a predetermined threshold. The system automatically compensates for gas loss or contamination to maintain the desired level of efficiency in the electrical generator.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2009Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: A. John Speranza, Luisa Gudino
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Publication number: 20100108535Abstract: An electrochemical system having a plurality of discrete electrochemical cell stacks is described. The system includes a water-oxygen management system fluidly coupled to the plurality of electrochemical cell stacks and a hydrogen management system fluidly coupled to the plurality of electrochemical cells. A means for ventilating the system and a control system for monitoring and operating said electrochemical system, said control system including a means for detecting abnormal operating conditions and a means for degrading the performance of said electrochemical system in response to said abnormal condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: PROTON ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Justin Damien Baltrucki, A. John Speranza, Michael Aaron Spaner, Curt Copeland Ebner, Ken Wayne Dreier, Stephen Arthur Goyette, Lawrence Clinton Moulthrop, Matthew J. Christopher
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Publication number: 20100070198Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for monitoring and reporting the controlled and uncontrolled emissions of hydrogen gas from an end use application such as a hydrogen cooled electrical generator. The system first determines a quantity hydrogen produced by a hydrogen conversion device from a first operating parameter. The quantity of hydrogen released in a controlled manner is determined from a second operating parameter. The amount of uncontrolled hydrogen emissions may then be calculated from the produced hydrogen and controlled release values. A report detailing the type and amounts of hydrogen emissions may then be created.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2009Publication date: March 18, 2010Applicant: PROTON ENERGY SYSTEMSInventors: A. John Speranza, William Raymond Bailey, III, Angelo Alberto Morson, Lawrence Clinton Moulthrop
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Publication number: 20090211920Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for a system for maintaining hydrogen purity in an electrical power generator. The purity system includes: a generator, a hydrogen generator configured to provide hydrogen gas to the generator, a purity monitor for detecting the level of hydrogen purity in the generator and providing a signal when the purity drops below a predetermined threshold. The system automatically compensates for gas loss or contamination to maintain the desired level of efficiency in the electrical generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2009Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: A. John Speranza, Luisa Gudino
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Patent number: 7552622Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for a system for maintaining hydrogen purity in an electrical power generator where the system monitors the health of the electrical generating system by calculating the time remaining until preventative maintenance is required based on hydrogen usage. The system also monitors the health of the system by detecting the occurrence of major leaks within the electrical power generator and adapting the operation of the system to maintain a desired operating environment.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2007Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Proton Energy SystemsInventor: A. John Speranza
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Patent number: 7550113Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for an a system for maintaining hydrogen purity in an electrical power generator. The purity system includes: a generator, a hydrogen generator configured to provide hydrogen gas to the generator, a purity monitor for detecting the level of hydrogen purity in the generator and providing a signal when the purity drops below a predetermined threshold. The system automatically compensates for gas loss or contamination to maintain the desired level of efficiency in the electrical generator.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: A. John Speranza, Luisa Gudino
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Publication number: 20090095638Abstract: A system and process for remediation of a contaminated environment such as soil and groundwater is disclosed. The system includes a hydrogen generation device that produces hydrogen gas, oxygen gas and a hydrogen-water mixture. The hydrogen-water mixture is injected under pressure into the contaminated environment to stimulate anaerobic decomposition of the contaminating materials such as halogenated hydrocarbons. The oxygen gas is also injected into portions of the contaminated environment containing non-chlorinated hydrocarbons to promote aerobic decomposition.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2007Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: PROTON ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Thomas Skoczylas, A. John Speranza
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Publication number: 20080148818Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for a system for maintaining hydrogen purity in an electrical power generator where the system monitors the health of the electrical generating system by calculating the time remaining until preventative maintenance is required based on hydrogen usage. The system also monitors the health of the system by detecting the occurrence of major leaks within the electrical power generator and adapting the operation of the system to maintain a desired operating environment.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: PROTON ENERGY SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: A. JOHN SPERANZA
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Patent number: 7354675Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a proton exchange membrane disposed between and in intimate contact with the electrodes, and a pressure pad disposed in electrical communication with the first electrode. The pressure pad is an electrically conductive sheet and is of a structure that is conformable to pressure variations within the cell. Methods of forming the pressure pad include disposing dimples or corrugations at the electrically conductive member. A method of maintaining compression within the cell includes disposing the electrically conductive member and the compression member at the first electrode, applying a load at the cell to compress the cell components, and maintaining electrical communication through the electrically conductive member.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Trent M. Molter, Lawrence C. Moulthrop, Jr., Jason K. Shiepe, A. John Speranza, Robert H. Byron, Jr.
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Patent number: 7314509Abstract: A gas/liquid phase separator includes a fluid inlet, a vapor outlet, a liquid outlet, and first and second valves disposed in fluid communication with the liquid outlet. Both valves are controllable in response to a fluid level in the gas/liquid phase separator. Both valves are further disposed in parallel fluid communication with each other. A method of controlling a liquid level in the phase separator includes sensing an amount of liquid in the phase separator, sensing a system pressure, and selectively opening a valve disposed in fluid communication with the phase separator to drain the liquid.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2004Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Proton Energy System, Inc.Inventors: A. John Speranza, Andrzej E. Stanek, Angelo A. Morson, Justin D. Baltrucki
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Patent number: 7241522Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a regenerative electrochemical cell system, comprises: a fuel cell module, an electrolysis module, a heat exchange, and an inverted hydrogen storage device. The fuel cell module can comprise a fuel cell hydrogen inlet in fluid communication a hydrogen storage system, and a fuel cell oxygen inlet in fluid communication with a surrounding atmosphere and in fluid communication with a gaseous portion of an oxygen/water phase separation device. The electrolysis module can comprise an electrolysis water inlet in fluid communication with the water storage device via the fuel cell module, and an electrolysis water outlet in fluid communication with a second water storage device. The inverted hydrogen storage device can comprise a fluid inlet in fluid communication with an electrolysis hydrogen outlet, and a gas outlet in fluid communication with a fuel cell hydrogen inlet.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2005Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence C. Moulthrop, Jr., Trent M. Molter, A. John Speranza, Mark A. Lillis, William Smith, Jason Shiepe, Thomas M. Skoczylas
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Publication number: 20070031284Abstract: The present invention relates to an oxygen reduction system for a boiling water reactor. In the first embodiment, the system includes an oxygen content monitor having a sensor for measuring the content of oxygen in a water stream and a controller. The controller generating a signal indicative of the measured oxygen content. A hydrogen generator having a controller is electrically coupled to the oxygen content monitor. The generator controller changes the output of the hydrogen generator in response to a signal from the oxygen content monitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2005Publication date: February 8, 2007Inventor: A. John Speranza
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Patent number: 7083875Abstract: A modular power system having separately removable electrolysis and power modules, each with separate sets of connection ports, is disclosed. The connection port set of the electrolysis module is adapted for operable communication with a water supply, a hydrogen storage device, and the power module, and the connection port set of the power module is adapted for operable communication with the water supply, the hydrogen storage device, and the electrolysis module.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2003Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Mark Lillis, A. John Speranza, Dean Halter, Hermin Yi, Kim Summa, Phil Tombaugh, Matthew Christopher, Iris Shiroma, Spyros Nomikos
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Patent number: 7060379Abstract: A power system, comprising: a primary power source in electrical communication with a bus and a bridging power source, wherein the bridging power source comprises at least one of a capacitor, a battery, and an electrolysis cell, and the bridging power source is in electrical communication with the bus; and a secondary power source in electrical communication with the bus. A method for operating a power system, comprising: monitoring a primary power source; if the primary power source exhibits selected characteristics, directing power from a bridging power source to a bus and initiating a secondary power source, and the bridging power source comprises at least one of a capacitor, a battery, and an electrolysis cell; and unless the secondary power source exhibits the selected characteristics, powering the bus with the secondary power source and ceasing the directing power from the bridging power source.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: A. John Speranza, Michael Cardin, Lawrence Moulthrop, Mark Lillis, John Zagaja
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Patent number: 7014947Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a proton exchange membrane disposed between and in intimate contact with the electrodes. The proton exchange membrane is configured to be integral with a frame structure and includes a substrate disposed in contiguous contact with the frame structure and a proton exchange material disposed at the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2001Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: A. John Speranza, Mark E. Dristy
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Patent number: 6907735Abstract: A system and method are provided for generating electricity for use with liquid hydrogen storage facility. The system includes a liquid hydrogen storage tank with a pressure relief. An energy conversion device is connected to the pressure relief valve an converts the hydrogen into rotational energy to operate an electrical generator. Electricity created by the generator can be fed back to operate ancillary loads in the facility, or sold for use in a main electrical grid.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2002Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: David Wolff, Antonio John Speranza, Oscar Chow
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Patent number: 6887601Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the regenerative electrochemical cell system comprises: a fuel cell module comprising a fuel cell oxygen inlet in fluid communication a water storage device, and a fuel cell hydrogen inlet in fluid communication with both an oxygen source and with a gaseous portion of an water phase separation device; an electrolysis module comprising an electrolysis water inlet in fluid communication with the water storage device via a fuel cell oxygen outlet, and an electrolysis water outlet in fluid communication with the fuel cell hydrogen.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2001Date of Patent: May 3, 2005Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence C. Moulthrop, Jr., Trent M. Molter, A. John Speranza, Mark A. Lillis, William Smith, Jason Shiepe, Thomas M. Skoczylas
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Patent number: 6833205Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for an electrochemical cell system. The electrochemical cell system includes: an electrochemical cell; an energy source configured for providing a quantity of energy to the electrochemical cell; a sensing apparatus in operable communication with a gas output from the electrochemical cell, the sensing apparatus provides an output signal indicating a parameter of the gas output; and a computer in operable communication with the sensing apparatus. The computer includes a memory device configured to store a first operational parameter, and a processor configured to receive a digital representation of the output signal and the first operational parameter. The processor compares the digital representation of the output signal to the first operational parameter for regulating the quantity of energy provided to the electrochemical cell.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2001Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: A. John Speranza, Lawrence C. Moulthrop, Jr.
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Electrode catalyst composition, electrode, and membrane electrode assembly for electrochemical cells
Patent number: 6828056Abstract: An electrode composition comprises a support material that is non-oxidizable at anodic potentials less than about 4 volts, and a catalyst material comprising active electrocatalytic sites. In another embodiment, the electrode can further comprise a proton conductive material disposed on the support and catalyst materials.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2001Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.Inventors: Trent M. Molter, Jason K. Shiepe, A. John Speranza