Patents by Inventor Thomas I. Valdez

Thomas I. Valdez 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).

  • Patent number: 6533919
    Abstract: A method for electrolysis of an aqueous solution of an organic fuel. The electrolyte is a solid-state polymer membrane with anode and cathode catalysts on both surfaces for electro-oxidation and electro-reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Sekharipuram R. Narayanan, William Chun, Barbara Jeffries-Nakamura, Thomas I. Valdez
  • Patent number: 6485851
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an encapsulated fuel cell including a methanol source that feeds liquid methanol (CH3OH) to an anode. The anode is electrical communication with a load that provides electrical power. The fuel cell also includes a hydrogen peroxide source that feeds liquid hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to the cathode. The cathode is also in communication with the electrical load. The anode and cathode are in contact with and separated by a proton-conducting polymer electrolyte membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Sekharipuram R. Narayanan, Thomas I. Valdez, William Chun
  • Patent number: 6440594
    Abstract: Improvements to fuel cells include introduction of the fuel as an aerosol of liquid fuel droplets suspended in a gas. The particle size of the liquid fuel droplets may be controlled for optimal fuel cell performance by selection of different aerosol generators or by separating droplets based upon size using a particle size conditioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Andrew Kindler, Sekharipuram R. Narayanan, Thomas I. Valdez
  • Patent number: 6432284
    Abstract: A device for electrolysis of an aqueous solution of an organic fuel. The electrolyte is a solid-state polymer membrane with anode and cathode catalysts on both surfaces for electro-oxidization and electro-reduction. A low-cost and portable hydrogen generator can be made based on the device with organic fuels such as methanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Sekharipuram R. Narayanan, William Chun, Barbara Jeffries-Nakamura, Thomas I. Valdez
  • Publication number: 20020102449
    Abstract: An improved system for interconnects in a fuel cell. In one embodiment, the membranes are located in parallel with one another, and current flow between them is facilitated by interconnects. In another embodiment, all of the current flow is through the interconnects which are located on the membranes. The interconnects are located between two electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Sekharipuram R. Narayanan, Thomas I. Valdez, Filiberto Clara
  • Patent number: 6368492
    Abstract: A device for electrolysis of an aqueous solution of an organic fuel. The electrolyte is a solid-state polymer membrane with anode and cathode catalysts on both surfaces for electro-oxidization and electro-reduction. A low-cost and portable hydrogen generator can be made based on the device with organic fuels such as methanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Sekharipuram R. Narayanan, William Chun, Barbara Jeffries-Nakamura, Thomas I. Valdez
  • Publication number: 20010052389
    Abstract: An improved direct liquid-feed fuel cell having a solid membrane electrolyte for electrochemical reactions of an organic fuel. Catalyst utilization and catalyst/membrane interface improvements are disclosed. Specifically, the catalyst layer is applied directly onto the membrane electrolyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Applicant: California Institute of Technology, California corporation
    Inventors: William Chun, Sekharipuram R. Narayanan, Barbara Jeffries-Nakamura, Thomas I. Valdez, Juergen Linke
  • Publication number: 20010051293
    Abstract: A flat pack type fuel cell includes a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies. Each membrane electrode assembly is formed of an anode, an electrolyte, and an cathode with appropriate catalysts thereon. The anode is directly into contact with fuel via a wicking element. The fuel reservoir may extend along the same axis as the membrane electrode assemblies, so that fuel can be applied to each of the anodes. Each of the fuel cell elements is interconnected together to provide the voltage outputs in series.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2001
    Publication date: December 13, 2001
    Inventors: Sekharipuram R. Narayanan, Thomas I. Valdez, Filiberto Clara, Harvey A. Frank
  • Patent number: 6306285
    Abstract: An analyte concentration sensor that is capable of fast and reliable sensing of analyte concentration in aqueous environments with high concentrations of the analyte. Preferably, the present invention is a methanol concentration sensor device coupled to a fuel metering control system for use in a liquid direct-feed fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Sekharipuram R. Narayanan, William Chun, Thomas I. Valdez
  • Patent number: 6299744
    Abstract: A device for electrolysis of an aqueous solution of an organic fuel. The electrolyte is a solid-state polymer membrane with anode and cathode catalysts on both surfaces for electro-oxidization and electro-reduction. A low-cost and portable hydrogen generator can be made based on the device with organic fuels such as methanol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Sekharipuram R. Narayanan, William Chun, Barbara Jeffries-Nakamura, Thomas I. Valdez
  • Patent number: 6277447
    Abstract: An improved direct liquid-feed fuel cell having a solid membrane electrolyte for electrochemical reactions of an organic fuel. Catalyst utilization and catalyst/membrane interface improvements are disclosed. Specifically, the catalyst layer is applied directly onto the membrane electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: William Chun, Sekharipuram R. Narayanan, Barbara Jeffries-Nakamura, Thomas I. Valdez, Juergen Linke
  • Patent number: 6221523
    Abstract: An improved direct liquid-feed fuel cell having a solid membrane electrolyte for electrochemical reactions of an organic fuel. Catalyst utilization and catalyst/membrane interface improvements are disclosed. Specifically, the catalyst layer is applied directly onto the membrane electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: William Chun, Sekharipuram R. Narayanan, Barbara Jeffries-Nakamura, Thomas I. Valdez, Juergen Linke
  • Patent number: 6171721
    Abstract: A method for preparing a membrane for use in a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly includes the steps of providing an electrolyte membrane, and sputter-depositing a catalyst onto the electrolyte membrane. The sputter-deposited catalyst may be applied to multiple sides of the electrolyte membrane. A method for forming an electrode for use in a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly includes the steps of obtaining a catalyst, obtaining a backing, and sputter-depositing the catalyst onto the backing. The membranes and electrodes are useful for assembling fuel cells that include an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, a fuel supply, and an electrolyte membrane, wherein the electrolyte membrane includes a sputter-deposited catalyst, and the sputter-deposited catalyst is effective for sustaining a voltage across a membrane electrode assembly in the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Sekharipuram R. Narayanan, Barbara Jeffries-Nakamura, William Chun, Ron P. Ruiz, Thomas I. Valdez