Patents by Inventor Steven J. Hamrock
Steven J. Hamrock 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: 9160021Abstract: Materials are provided that may be useful as ionomers or polymer ionomers, including compounds including bis sulfonyl imide groups which may be highly fluorinated and may be polymers.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2015Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Steven J. Hamrock, Mark S. Schaberg, Neeraj Sharma, John E. Abulu
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Publication number: 20150221968Abstract: A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane comprising a first polymer electrolyte and at least one manganese compound; and one or more electrode layers comprising a catalyst and at least one cerium compound. The membrane electrode assembly demonstrates an unexpected combination of durability and performance.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2015Publication date: August 6, 2015Inventors: Daniel M. Pierpont, Steven J. Hamrock, Matthew H. Frey
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Patent number: 9034538Abstract: Fuel cell membrane electrode assemblies and fuel cell polymer electrolyte membranes are provided comprising bound anionic functional groups and polyvalent cations, such as Mn or Ru cations, which demonstrate increased durability. Methods of making same are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2010Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Matthew H. Frey, Steven J. Hamrock, Gregory M. Haugen, Phat T. Pham
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Patent number: 9023496Abstract: A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane comprising a first polymer electrolyte and at least one manganese compound; and one or more electrode layers comprising a catalyst and at least one cerium compound. The membrane electrode assembly demonstrates an unexpected combination of durability and performance.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2012Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Daniel M. Pierpont, Steven J. Hamrock, Matthew H. Frey
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Patent number: 8962214Abstract: Shaped microporous articles are produced from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and nucleating agents using thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) processes. The shaped microporous article is oriented in at least one direction at a stretch ratio of at least approximately 1.1 to 1.0. The shaped article may also comprise a diluent, glyceryl triacetate. The shaped microporous article may also have the micropores filled with a sufficient quantity of ion conducting electrolyte to allow the membrane to function as an ion conductive membrane. The method of making a microporous article comprises the steps of melt blending polyvinylidene fluoride, nucleating agent and glyceryl triacetate; forming a shaped article of the mixture; cooling the shaped article to cause crystallization of the polyvinylidene fluoride and phase separation of the polyvinylidene fluoride and glyceryl triacetate; and stretching the shaped article in at least one direction at a stretch ratio of at least approximately 1.1 to 1.0.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2014Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Samantha D. Smith, Gene H. Shipman, Robert M. Floyd, Harold Todd Freemyer, Steven J. Hamrock, Michael A. Yandrasits, David G. S. Walton
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Publication number: 20140329165Abstract: A fuel cell electrode layer may include a catalyst, an electronic conductor, and an ionic conductor. Within the electrode layer are a plurality of electronic conductor rich networks and a plurality of ionic conductor rich networks that are interspersed with the electronic conductor rich networks. A volume ratio of the ionic conductor to the electronic conductor is greater in the ionic conductor rich networks than in the electronic conductor rich networks. During operation of a fuel cell that includes the electrode layer, conduction of electrons occurs predominantly within the electronic conductor rich networks and conduction of ions occurs predominantly within the ionic conductor rich networks.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2014Publication date: November 6, 2014Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Andrew T. Haug, Steven J. Hamrock, Gregory M. Haugen, Mark A. Schonewill
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Patent number: 8802793Abstract: A method is provided for obtaining crosslinked polymers having pendent sulfonic acid groups by crosslinking through the sulfonic acid groups or their precursors with aromatic crosslinkers or aromatic pendent crosslinking groups to form aromatic sulfones. Such crosslinked polymers may be used to make polymer electrolyte membranes (PEM's) that may be used in electrolytic cells such as fuel cells.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2010Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Naiyong Jing, Michael A. Yandrasits, Steven J. Hamrock
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Patent number: 8765327Abstract: A fuel cell electrode layer may include a catalyst, an electronic conductor, and an ionic conductor. Within the electrode layer are a plurality of electronic conductor rich networks and a plurality of ionic conductor rich networks that are interspersed with the electronic conductor rich networks. A volume ratio of the ionic conductor to the electronic conductor is greater in the ionic conductor rich networks than in the electronic conductor rich networks. During operation of a fuel cell that includes the electrode layer, conduction of electrons occurs predominantly within the electronic conductor rich networks and conduction of ions occurs predominantly within the ionic conductor rich networks.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2010Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Andrew T. Haug, Steven J. Hamrock, Gregory M. Haugen, Mark A. Schonewill
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Publication number: 20140141357Abstract: Described herein is a composition comprising: a polymer derived from (a) a fluorinated olefin monomer; (b) a highly fluorinated sulfur-containing monomer of the formula: CX1X2?CX3[(CX4X5)w—O—R1—SO2Y] where X1, X2, X3, X4, and X5 are independently selected from H, Cl, or F; w is 0 or 1; R1 is a non-fluorinated or fluorinated alkylene group; and Y is selected from F, Cl, Br, I, or OM, where M is a cation; and (c) a poly-functional monomer comprising at least two functional groups, wherein the functional groups are selected from the group consisting of: (i) a fluorovinyl ether group, (ii) a fluoroallyl ether group, (iii) a fluorinated olefinic group, and (iv) combinations thereof; articles thereof; and a method of making such polymers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Inventors: Kai H. Lochhaas, Steven J. Hamrock, Klaus Hintzer
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Publication number: 20140134518Abstract: Shaped microporous articles are produced from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and nucleating agents using thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) processes. The shaped microporous article is oriented in at least one direction at a stretch ratio of at least approximately 1.1 to 1.0. The shaped article may also comprise a diluent, glyceryl triacetate. The shaped microporous article may also have the micropores filled with a sufficient quantity of ion conducting electrolyte to allow the membrane to function as an ion conductive membrane. The method of making a microporous article comprises the steps of melt blending polyvinylidene fluoride, nucleating agent and glyceryl triacetate; forming a shaped article of the mixture; cooling the shaped article to cause crystallization of the polyvinylidene fluoride and phase separation of the polyvinylidene fluoride and glyceryl triacetate; and stretching the shaped article in at least one direction at a stretch ratio of at least approximately 1.1 to 1.0.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2014Publication date: May 15, 2014Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Samantha D. Smith, Gene H. Shipman, Robert M. Floyd, Harold Todd Freemyer, Steven J. Hamrock, Michael A. Yandrasits, David G. S. Walton
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Publication number: 20140093808Abstract: A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane which comprises a polymer that comprises bound anionic functional groups, wherein the polymer electrolyte membrane additionally comprises cerium cations. In another aspect, a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane which comprises a polymer that comprises bound anionic functional groups, wherein at least a portion of the anionic functional groups are in acid form and at least a portion of the anionic functional groups are neutralized by cerium cations. In another aspect, a polymer electrolyte membrane is provided which comprises a polymer that comprises bound anionic functional groups, wherein the polymer electrolyte membrane additionally comprises cerium cations, and wherein the amount of cerium cations present is between 0.001 and 0.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 5, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Matthew H. Frey, Daniel M. Pierpont, Steven J. Hamrock
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Publication number: 20140093807Abstract: A fuel cell roll good subassembly is described that includes a plurality of individual electrolyte membranes. One or more first subgaskets are attached to the individual electrolyte membranes. Each of the first subgaskets has at least one aperture and the first subgaskets are arranged so the center regions of the individual electrolyte membranes are exposed through the apertures of the first subgaskets. A second subgasket comprises a web having a plurality of apertures. The second subgasket web is attached to the one or more first subgaskets so the center regions of the individual electrolyte membranes are exposed through the apertures of the second subgasket web. The second subgasket web may have little or no adhesive on the subgasket surface facing the electrolyte membrane.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Eric J. Iverson, Daniel M. Pierpont, Michael A. Yandrasits, Steven J. Hamrock, Stephan J. Obradovich, Donald G. Peterson
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Patent number: 8663868Abstract: Shaped microporous articles are produced from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and nucleating agents using thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) processes. The shaped microporous article is oriented in at least one direction at a stretch ratio of at least approximately 1.1 to 1.0. The shaped article may also comprise a diluent, glyceryl triacetate. The shaped microporous article may also have the micropores filled with a sufficient quantity of ion conducting electrolyte to allow the membrane to function as an ion conductive membrane. The method of making a microporous article comprises the steps of melt blending polyvinylidene fluoride, nucleating agent and glyceryl triacetate; forming a shaped article of the mixture; cooling the shaped article to cause crystallization of the polyvinylidene fluoride and phase separation of the polyvinylidene fluoride and glyceryl triacetate; and stretching the shaped article in at least one direction at a stretch ratio of at least approximately 1.1 to 1.0.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2008Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Samantha D. Smith, Gene H. Shipman, Robert M. Floyd, Harold Todd Freemyer, Steven J. Hamrock, Michael A. Yandrasits, David G. S. Walton
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Patent number: 8637205Abstract: A fuel cell roll good subassembly is described that includes a plurality of individual electrolyte membranes. One or more first subgaskets are attached to the individual electrolyte membranes. Each of the first subgaskets has at least one aperture and the first subgaskets are arranged so the center regions of the individual electrolyte membranes are exposed through the apertures of the first subgaskets. A second subgasket comprises a web having a plurality of apertures. The second subgasket web is attached to the one or more first subgaskets so the center regions of the individual electrolyte membranes are exposed through the apertures of the second subgasket web. The second subgasket web may have little or no adhesive on the subgasket surface facing the electrolyte membrane.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2010Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Eric J. Iverson, Daniel M. Pierpont, Michael A. Yandrasits, Steven J. Hamrock, Stephan J. Obradovich, Donald G. Peterson
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Patent number: 8628871Abstract: A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane which comprises a polymer that comprises bound anionic functional groups, wherein the polymer electrolyte membrane additionally comprises cerium cations. In another aspect, a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane which comprises a polymer that comprises bound anionic functional groups, wherein at least a portion of the anionic functional groups are in acid form and at least a portion of the anionic functional groups are neutralized by cerium cations. In another aspect, a polymer electrolyte membrane is provided which comprises a polymer that comprises bound anionic functional groups, wherein the polymer electrolyte membrane additionally comprises cerium cations, and wherein the amount of cerium cations present is between 0.001 and 0.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Matthew H. Frey, Daniel M. Pierpont, Steven J. Hamrock
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Publication number: 20130273457Abstract: Materials are provided that may be useful as ionomers or polymer ionomers, including compounds including bis sulfonyl imide groups which may be highly fluorinated and may be polymers.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2013Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventors: Steven J. Hamrock, Mark S. Schaberg, Neeraj Sharma, John E. Abulu
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Patent number: 8481227Abstract: Materials are provided that may be useful as ionomers or polymer ionomers, including compounds including bis sulfonyl imide groups which may be highly fluorinated and may be polymers.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2012Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Steven J. Hamrock, Mark S. Schaberg, Neeraj Sharma, John E. Abulu
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Publication number: 20130101918Abstract: An electrolyte membrane having a proton conducting polymer reinforced with a nanofiber mat made from a nanofiber comprising a fiber material selected from polymers and polymer blends; wherein the fiber material has a fiber material proton conductivity; wherein the proton conducting polymer has a proton conducting polymer conductivity; and wherein the fiber material proton conductivity is less than the proton conducting polymer conductivity, and methods of making. In some embodiments, the nanofiber further comprises a proton conducting polymer.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2011Publication date: April 25, 2013Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANYInventors: Michael A. Yandrasits, Ji-Hwa Lee, Youngdon Yi, Daniel M. Pierpont, Steven J. Hamrock, Mark A. Schonewill
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Patent number: 8367267Abstract: A fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising a polymer electrolyte membrane which comprises a highly fluorinated polymer electrolyte and at least one cerium oxide compound dispersed therein. In addition, a method of making a fuel cell polymer electrolyte membrane is provided comprising the steps of: a) providing a highly fluorinated polymer electrolyte comprising acidic functional groups; b) dispersing therein at least one cerium oxide in an amount so as to provide between 0.01 and 5 percent of the total weight of the polymer electrolyte membrane; and c) thereafter forming a polymer electrolyte membrane comprising said polymer electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2005Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Matthew H. Frey, Daniel M. Pierpont, Steven J. Hamrock
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Patent number: 8323809Abstract: The present invention is an electrolyte membrane comprising an acid and a basic polymer, where the acid is a low-volatile acid that is fluorinated and is either oligomeric or non-polymeric, and where the basic polymer is protonated by the acid and is stable to hydrolysis.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2010Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: James M. Larson, Phat T. Pham, Matthew H. Frey, Steven J. Hamrock, Gregory M. Haugen, William M. Lamanna