Patents by Inventor Vernon Wade Popham
Vernon Wade Popham 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: 10476093Abstract: Membrane modules for hydrogen separation and fuel processors and fuel cell systems including the same are disclosed herein. The membrane modules include a plurality of membrane packs. Each membrane pack includes a first hydrogen-selective membrane, a second hydrogen-selective membrane, and a fluid-permeable support structure positioned between the first hydrogen-selective membrane and the second hydrogen-selective membrane. In some embodiments, the membrane modules also include a permeate-side frame member and a mixed gas-side frame member, and a thickness of the permeate-side frame member may be less than a thickness of the mixed gas-side frame member. In some embodiments, the support structure includes a screen structure that includes two fine mesh screens. The two fine mesh screens may include a plain weave fine mesh screen and/or a Dutch weave fine mesh screen. The fine mesh screens may be selected to provide at most 100 micrometers of undulation in the hydrogen-selective membranes.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2017Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: Chung-Hsin Electric & Machinery Mfg. Corp.Inventors: Charles R. Hill, Vernon Wade Popham
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Publication number: 20170301940Abstract: Membrane modules for hydrogen separation and fuel processors and fuel cell systems including the same are disclosed herein. The membrane modules include a plurality of membrane packs. Each membrane pack includes a first hydrogen-selective membrane, a second hydrogen-selective membrane, and a fluid-permeable support structure positioned between the first hydrogen-selective membrane and the second hydrogen-selective membrane. In some embodiments, the membrane modules also include a permeate-side frame member and a mixed gas-side frame member, and a thickness of the permeate-side frame member may be less than a thickness of the mixed gas-side frame member. In some embodiments, the support structure includes a screen structure that includes two fine mesh screens. The two fine mesh screens may include a plain weave fine mesh screen and/or a Dutch weave fine mesh screen. The fine mesh screens may be selected to provide at most 100 micrometers of undulation in the hydrogen-selective membranes.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2017Publication date: October 19, 2017Inventors: Charles R. Hill, Vernon Wade Popham
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Patent number: 8608814Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies and methods for delivering feedstock to a hydrogen-producing region of a hydrogen-producing fuel processing assembly. In some embodiments, the fuel processing assemblies include a feedstock delivery system that includes a pump assembly and a stall prevention mechanism that is adapted to reduce pressure in an outlet conduit during periods in which the pump assembly is not emitting a liquid outlet stream within or above a hydrogen-producing pressure range. In some embodiments, pressure in the outlet conduit is isolated from pressure in the hydrogen-producing region of the fuel processing assembly and is reduced during periods in which a liquid stream is not being pumped within or above a hydrogen-producing pressure range.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: DCNS SAInventor: Vernon Wade Popham
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Publication number: 20130133747Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies and methods for delivering feedstock to a hydrogen-producing region of a hydrogen-producing fuel processing assembly. In some embodiments, the fuel processing assemblies include a feedstock delivery system that includes a pump assembly and a stall prevention mechanism that is adapted to reduce pressure in an outlet conduit during periods in which the pump assembly is not emitting a liquid outlet stream within or above a hydrogen-producing pressure range. In some embodiments, pressure in the outlet conduit is isolated from pressure in the hydrogen-producing region of the fuel processing assembly and is reduced during periods in which a liquid stream is not being pumped within or above a hydrogen-producing pressure range.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2012Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: IDATECH, LLCInventor: Vernon Wade Popham
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Patent number: 8438907Abstract: Liquid leak detection systems, and fuel cell systems and hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems containing the same. The liquid leak detection systems are adapted to detect liquid leaks from the fuel cell and/or fuel processing systems and to respond thereto, such as by interrupting the delivery of liquid reactants, by generating an alert, by transitioning the fuel processing system to a different operating state, and/or by shutting down the fuel processing and/or fuel cell system. The liquid leak detection systems may include a controller and at least one liquid detector, and in some embodiments may include a cover. In some embodiments, the liquid detector includes a signal emitter and a signal detector. In some embodiments, the liquid detector includes at least a pair of spaced-apart conductive members that nominally define an open circuit. In some embodiments, the cover is adapted to repel water and/or includes conductive particulate.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2009Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: Idatech, LLCInventors: Clint A. Beliveau, Scott C. Elliot, Vernon Wade Popham
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Patent number: 8262752Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies and methods for delivering feedstock to a hydrogen-producing region of a hydrogen-producing fuel processing assembly. In some embodiments, the fuel processing assemblies include a feedstock delivery system that includes a pump assembly and a stall prevention mechanism that is adapted to reduce pressure in an outlet conduit during periods in which the pump assembly is not emitting a liquid outlet stream within or above a hydrogen-producing pressure range. In some embodiments, pressure in the outlet conduit is isolated from pressure in the hydrogen-producing region of the fuel processing assembly and is reduced during periods in which a liquid stream is not being pumped within or above a hydrogen-producing pressure range.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2008Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Idatech, LLCInventor: Vernon Wade Popham
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Patent number: 8157900Abstract: Hydrogen-processing assemblies, components of hydrogen-processing assemblies, and fuel-processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen-processing assemblies. The hydrogen-processing assemblies include a hydrogen-separation assembly positioned within the internal volume of an enclosure in a spaced relation to at least a portion of the internal perimeter of the body of the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2011Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Idatech, LLCInventors: William A. Pledger, Vernon Wade Popham, R. Todd Studebaker, Kyle Taylor
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Publication number: 20110232491Abstract: Hydrogen-processing assemblies, components of hydrogen-processing assemblies, and fuel-processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen-processing assemblies. The hydrogen-processing assemblies include a hydrogen-separation assembly positioned within the internal volume of an enclosure in a spaced relation to at least a portion of the internal perimeter of the body of the enclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2011Publication date: September 29, 2011Applicant: IDATECH, LLCInventors: William A. Pledger, Vernon Wade Popham, R. Todd Studebaker, Kyle Taylor
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Patent number: 8021446Abstract: Feedstock delivery systems and hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies and fuel cell systems containing the same. The feedstock delivery systems include a liquid pump that draws at least one liquid feedstock from a supply and delivers at least one feed stream containing the feedstock(s) to a fuel processor, such as to the hydrogen-producing region thereof. The feedstock delivery system further includes a recycle conduit that establishes a fluid flow path for the liquid feedstock(s) from a location downstream of the pump back to a location upstream of the pump. In some embodiments, the feedstock delivery system further includes a flow restrictor associated with the recycle conduit and a pressure-actuated valve that selectively permits the recycled feedstock to bypass the flow restrictor. In some embodiments, the pump is configured to draw a greater flow rate of the feed stream from the supply than is delivered to the fuel processor.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2006Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Idatech, LLCInventors: Patton M. Adams, David J. Edlund, Vernon Wade Popham, Mesa Scharf, R. Todd Studebaker
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Patent number: 8021447Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies for producing hydrogen gas. The assemblies include a catalyst chamber, a heat source adapted to heat the catalyst chamber, a hydrogen-producing region within the catalyst chamber adapted to produce hydrogen gas from a feed stream, and a conductive guide structure within the catalyst chamber adapted to conduct and distribute heat from the heat source within the hydrogen-producing region and to direct fluid through the hydrogen-producing region. In some embodiments, the conductive guide structure includes a helical member. In some embodiments, the assembly further includes a vaporization region within the catalyst chamber. In some embodiments, the fuel processing assembly is adapted to produce hydrogen gas via a steam reforming or other endothermic reaction.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2008Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Assignee: Idatech, LLCInventors: Vernon Wade Popham, Robert A. Sorensen, Kyle Taylor
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Patent number: 7972420Abstract: Hydrogen-processing assemblies, components of hydrogen-processing assemblies, and fuel-processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen-processing assemblies. The hydrogen-processing assemblies include a hydrogen-separation assembly positioned within the internal volume of an enclosure in a spaced relation to at least a portion of the internal perimeter of the body of the enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Idatech, LLCInventors: William A. Pledger, Vernon Wade Popham, R. Todd Studebaker, Kyle Taylor
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Hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies, heating assemblies, and methods of operating the same
Patent number: 7939051Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies, including steam reforming fuel processing assemblies, startup assemblies for use therein, and methods of operating the same. In some embodiments, the startup assemblies include a startup reforming region that is upstream from a primary, or second, hydrogen-producing reforming region. In some embodiments, the startup reforming region and primary reforming regions are both steam reforming regions. In some embodiments, the startup assembly further includes at least one of a vaporization region and a startup heating assembly. In some embodiments, the startup heating assembly is an electrically powered heating assembly, and the fuel processing assembly further includes a (primary) heating assembly that combusts a byproduct stream from the fuel processing assembly to produce a combustion exhaust stream.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2007Date of Patent: May 10, 2011Assignee: Idatech, LLCInventors: Vernon Wade Popham, Curtiss Renn, Mesa Scharf, Kyle Taylor -
Publication number: 20100081023Abstract: Liquid leak detection systems, and fuel cell systems and hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems containing the same. The liquid leak detection systems are adapted to detect liquid leaks from the fuel cell and/or fuel processing systems and to respond thereto, such as by interrupting the delivery of liquid reactants, by generating an alert, by transitioning the fuel processing system to a different operating state, and/or by shutting down the fuel processing and/or fuel cell system. The liquid leak detection systems may include a controller and at least one liquid detector, and in some embodiments may include a cover. In some embodiments, the liquid detector includes a signal emitter and a signal detector. In some embodiments, the liquid detector includes at least a pair of spaced-apart conductive members that nominally define an open circuit. In some embodiments, the cover is adapted to repel water and/or includes conductive particulate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2009Publication date: April 1, 2010Applicant: IDATECH, LLCInventors: Clint A. Beliveau, Scott C. Elliot, Vernon Wade Popham
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Publication number: 20100028223Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies for producing hydrogen gas. The assemblies include a catalyst chamber, a heat source adapted to heat the catalyst chamber, a hydrogen-producing region within the catalyst chamber adapted to produce hydrogen gas from a feed stream, and a conductive guide structure within the catalyst chamber adapted to conduct and distribute heat from the heat source within the hydrogen-producing region and to direct fluid through the hydrogen-producing region. In some embodiments, the conductive guide structure includes a helical member. In some embodiments, the assembly further includes a vaporization region within the catalyst chamber. In some embodiments, the fuel processing assembly is adapted to produce hydrogen gas via a steam reforming or other endothermic reaction.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2008Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicant: IDATECH, LLCInventors: Vernon Wade Popham, Robert A. Sorensen, Kyle Taylor
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Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems and fuel cell systems with a liquid leak detection system
Patent number: 7629067Abstract: Liquid leak detection systems, and fuel cell systems and hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems containing the same. The liquid leak detection systems are adapted to detect liquid leaks from the fuel cell and/or fuel processing systems and to respond thereto, such as by interrupting the delivery of liquid reactants, by generating an alert, by transitioning the fuel processing system to a different operating state, and/or by shutting down the fuel processing and/or fuel cell system. The liquid leak detection systems may include a controller and at least one liquid detector, and in some embodiments may include a cover. In some embodiments, the liquid detector includes a signal emitter and a signal detector. In some embodiments, the liquid detector includes at least a pair of spaced-apart conductive members that nominally define an open circuit. In some embodiments, the cover is adapted to repel water and/or includes conductive particulate.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2007Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Idatech, LLCInventors: Clint A. Beliveau, Scott C. Elliot, Vernon Wade Popham -
Publication number: 20090155642Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies and methods for delivering feedstock to a hydrogen-producing region of a hydrogen-producing fuel processing assembly. In some embodiments, the fuel processing assemblies include a feedstock delivery system that includes a pump assembly and a stall prevention mechanism that is adapted to reduce pressure in an outlet conduit during periods in which the pump assembly is not emitting a liquid outlet stream within or above a hydrogen-producing pressure range. In some embodiments, pressure in the outlet conduit is isolated from pressure in the hydrogen-producing region of the fuel processing assembly and is reduced during periods in which a liquid stream is not being pumped within or above a hydrogen-producing pressure range.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2008Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: IdaTech, LLCInventor: Vernon Wade Popham
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Publication number: 20080222954Abstract: Feedstock delivery systems and hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies and fuel cell systems containing the same. The feedstock delivery systems include a liquid pump that draws at least one liquid feedstock from a supply and delivers at least one feed stream containing the feedstock(s) to a fuel processor, such as to the hydrogen-producing region thereof. The feedstock delivery system further includes a recycle conduit that establishes a fluid flow path for the liquid feedstock(s) from a location downstream of the pump back to a location upstream of the pump. In some embodiments, the feedstock delivery system further includes a flow restrictor associated with the recycle conduit and a pressure-actuated valve that selectively permits the recycled feedstock to bypass the flow restrictor. In some embodiments, the pump is configured to draw a greater flow rate of the feed stream from the supply than is delivered to the fuel processor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2006Publication date: September 18, 2008Applicant: IDATECH, LLCInventors: Patton M. Adams, David J. Edlund, Vernon Wade Popham, Mesa Scharf, R. Todd Studebaker
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HYDROGEN-PRODUCING FUEL PROCESSING ASSEMBLIES, HEATING ASSEMBLIES, AND METHODS OF OPERATING THE SAME
Publication number: 20070274904Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing assemblies, including steam reforming fuel processing assemblies, startup assemblies for use therein, and methods of operating the same. In some embodiments, the startup assemblies include a startup reforming region that is upstream from a primary, or second, hydrogen-producing reforming region. In some embodiments, the startup reforming region and primary reforming regions are both steam reforming regions. In some embodiments, the startup assembly further includes at least one of a vaporization region and a startup heating assembly. In some embodiments, the startup heating assembly is an electrically powered heating assembly, and the fuel processing assembly further includes a (primary) heating assembly that combusts a byproduct stream from the fuel processing assembly to produce a combustion exhaust stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2007Publication date: November 29, 2007Inventors: Vernon Wade Popham, Curtiss Renn, Mesa Scharf, Kyle Taylor -
Publication number: 20070266631Abstract: Hydrogen-processing assemblies, components of hydrogen-processing assemblies, and fuel-processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen-processing assemblies. The hydrogen-processing assemblies include a hydrogen-separation assembly positioned within the internal volume of an enclosure in a spaced relation to at least a portion of the internal perimeter of the body of the enclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2007Publication date: November 22, 2007Inventors: William A. Pledger, Vernon Wade Popham, R. Todd Studebaker, Kyle Taylor
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Patent number: 6514047Abstract: A pump and methods for compressing a fluid are provided that comprise a pump head comprising a flexible metal diaphragm attached to a rigid compression chamber. Fluid compression is provided within the rigid compression chamber when the flexible diaphragm is mechanically oscillated back and forth by a linear motor operated at a drive frequency that is at or below the mechanical resonance of the moving parts, mechanical springs and gas springs. Tuned ports and valves allow low-pressure fluid to enter and high-pressure fluid to exit the compression chamber in response to the cyclic compressions. The linear resonance pump provides high frequency operation, small diaphragm displacements, and high compression ratios for gases.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2001Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Macrosonix CorporationInventors: Ronald Frederick Burr, Vernon Wade Popham, Christopher Charles Lawrenson, Franz Joseph Shelley