Patents by Inventor Kenneth Kratschmar

Kenneth Kratschmar 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).

  • Publication number: 20080081228
    Abstract: A system includes a fuel cell that has an anode chamber that is in a deadheaded configuration. A controller of the system controls a valve that is connected to the anode chamber pursuant to a modulation scheme to purge the anode chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Neil Fagan, John Usborne, David Leboe, Jeremy Lindstrom, Kenneth Kratschmar
  • Publication number: 20080032164
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, a reservoir, a water management circuit, a cooling circuit and a fan. The fuel cell stack communicates a reactant flow and communicates a water flow. The water management circuit is adapted to remove water from the reactant flow and store the water in the reservoir. The cooling circuit is adapted to generate the water flow that is communicated through the fuel cell stack from the water in the reservoir. The fan controls the amount of water that is removed from the reactant flow to regulate a water level of the reservoir and controls removal of thermal energy from the water flow regulate a temperature of the fuel cell stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Kenneth Kratschmar, Jeremy Lindstrom, Bob Korfman
  • Publication number: 20080032163
    Abstract: A technique includes preventing corrosion during one of start up and shut down of a fuel cell. The corrosion prevention includes controlling a load on the fuel cell during the start up/shut down to regulate a voltage of the fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: John Usborne, Kenneth Kratschmar, David Leboe, Neil Fagan
  • Publication number: 20080014475
    Abstract: A technique includes providing fuel and oxidant flows to a fuel cell. The technique includes humidifying the anode of the fuel cell, including saturating the oxidant flow and maintaining a temperature of the oxidant flow above a temperature of the fuel cell such that excess water propagates from a cathode of the fuel cell to the anode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: David Leboe, Kenneth Flaherty, Adrian Corless, Kenneth Kratschmar, John Usborne
  • Publication number: 20080014476
    Abstract: A fuel cell-based system includes an electromechanical pressure relief system to prevent an overpressure condition from damaging the anode circuit of a fuel cell stack or creating a hazardous environment. Upon detection of a fuel flow pressure in a fuel path between a fuel source and the fuel cell stack, the pressure relief system isolates the anode circuit from the fuel path, vents the fuel flow, and shuts down the fuel cell system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Kenneth Kratschmar, Rasvan Mihai, David Leboe, Kenneth Flaherty, Adrian Corless
  • Publication number: 20070199746
    Abstract: This application relates to a hybrid power supply apparatus comprising a fuel cell and an energy storage device for use in off-road electric vehicles, such as lift trucks. The apparatus is a substitute for conventional lead acid batteries and is sized to fit within a conventional lift truck battery receptacle tray. The fuel cell and fuel processor systems are designed to meet the average load requirements of the vehicle, while the batteries and power control hardware are capable of responding to very high instantaneous load demands. The invention has a similar electrical interface as conventional battery systems and does not require vehicle modification. The apparatus is air-cooled to ensure that the hybrid power components operate within a preferred temperature range and to maintain the external surfaces of the apparatus and exhaust gases within safe temperature limits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Applicant: Cellex Power Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Reid, Adrian Corless, David Leboe, Carolyn Lawrence, Kenneth Kratschmar
  • Publication number: 20050095500
    Abstract: This application relates to cast enclosures for battery replacement applications, such as enclosures configured to house power units comprising a fuel cell and an energy storage device. The enclosures function as protective enclosures and counterweights, provide mounting points and conduits for gases, fluids, plumbing and wiring, and serve as thermal energy storage/transfer devices. The enclosures are formed in a mold or die and comprise wall portions defining a plurality of internal subcompartments for receiving the various system components. In one embodiment of the invention channels may be formed in the wall portions of the enclosures for circulating a heat transfer fluid therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Publication date: May 5, 2005
    Inventors: Adrian Corless, David Leboe, Neil Fagan, Kenneth Kratschmar, Hamid Tamehi, Jeremy Lindstrom, Zebedee Lander, Christopher Reid