With Gas Storing Absorbent Or Solvent Patents (Class 206/.7)
  • Patent number: 7718239
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas tight storage and/or transport tank for low molecular filling media, in particular for hydrogen, with a tank wall which comprises a thermoplastic polymer and at least one diffusion barrier. The diffusion barrier comprises a metal hydride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: GKSS-Forschungszentrum Geesthacht GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Klassen, Martin Dornheim, Rudiger Bormann, Uz Baumgart
  • Patent number: 7712605
    Abstract: An elongate gas distributing tube, which extends in a longitudinal direction of a container, is accommodated within the container that constitutes a gas storage container. Discharge ports, through which the gas is discharged, are provided only on a side circumferential wall of the gas distributing tube. Therefore, the discharged gas advances while being directed toward the inner side wall of the container. The gas distributing tube is surrounded by a gas absorbing/adsorbing material. On the other hand, the gas absorbing/adsorbing material is surrounded by a mixture, which is prepared by mixing the gas absorbing/adsorbing material with a heat storage material, such that heat is absorbed by the heat storage material contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takanori Suzuki, Yusuke Sogawa, Terumi Furuta
  • Patent number: 7708815
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a composite hydrogen storage material comprising active material particles and a binder, wherein the binder immobilizes the active material particles sufficient to maintain relative spatial relationships between the active material particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Angstrom Power Incorporated
    Inventor: Joerg Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7651554
    Abstract: A system for the solid state storage of hydrogen in accordance with several exemplary embodiments is disclosed herein. The system includes a plurality of hydrogen storage containers. Each hydrogen storage container of the plurality of hydrogen storage containers has an inner chamber and an inlet. The inlet provides a pathway for introducing hydrogen gas into the inner chamber. The inner chamber having a solid hydrogen storage medium disposed therein. The system further includes an endplate manifold having a hydrogen receiving port, a plurality of hydrogen outlet ports, and a flow channel. The hydrogen flow channel is integrated into the endplate manifold. Each hydrogen outlet port is in fluid communication with the inlet of one of the plurality of hydrogen storage containers. The hydrogen flow channel provides fluid communication between the hydrogen receiving port and each hydrogen outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Ovonic Hydrogen Systems LLC
    Inventors: Zhaosheng Tan, Michael A. Fetcenko
  • Patent number: 7628284
    Abstract: A combination of a container body, an opening in said container body, an inner wall on said container body, a basket, a plurality of fingers on said basket engaging said inner wall, and a sorbent body in said basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Multisorb Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hurley, Thomas H. Powers
  • Patent number: 7611566
    Abstract: A cryogenic gas storage system for optimal desorption of adsorbed gases, wherein a gas storage material is subjected to enhanced, ample selected recirculation of gas of the same type as the adsorbed gas, at suitable temperature and pressure, so as to supply of heat energy to the material and thereby provide optimal desorption of the gas. Output gas is heated by ambient heat or dissipation heat utilizing at least one heat exchanger. A portion of the output gas goes to a gas consumer, the remainder is fed back to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerd Arnold, Ulrich Eberle, Dieter Hasenauer
  • Patent number: 7563305
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a fluid enclosure including a structural filler and an outer enclosure wall conformably coupled to the structural filler. Embodiments of the present invention further relate to a method of manufacturing a fluid enclosure. The method includes conformably coupling an outer enclosure wall to a structural filler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Angstrom Power Incorporated
    Inventor: Joerg Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 7534398
    Abstract: The instant application provides apparatus and methods for the generation of chlorine dioxide. The methods and apparatus of the invention use a water dissolvable membrane to allow the reaction of precursor chemicals, e.g., chlorite salt and an acid. The methods and compositions of the invention provide chlorine dioxide for a number of personal and commercial applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas J. Dee, Peter Mulcahy, legal representative, Charles O'Hara
  • Patent number: 7517396
    Abstract: An apparatus for selectively adsorbing gas during adsorption processes and desorbing gas during desorption processes. A tube has a porous sidewall, and at each end is an end-fitting sealingly connected thereto. A particulate porous gas storage material is located within the tube, wherein the porosity prevents the material, but allows gases, to pass therethrough. A selected gas from a porous inner tube, a heating coil, or a heat exchanger located within the tube may provide heat for the desorption processes, and the selected gas or heat exchanger may provide cooling during the adsorption processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerd Arnold, Ulrich Eberle, Dieter Hasenauer
  • Patent number: 7504171
    Abstract: System for feeding gaseous fuel, in particular hydrogen, for fuel cells which comprises a storage tank for the gaseous fuel of the type comprising a case containing a material absorbing the gaseous fuel, in particular a metal hydride, and means for applying an amount of heat to the material absorbing gaseous fuel and determining the flow of the gaseous fuel from the absorbing material towards an anode of one or more fuel cell. The storage tank and the one or more fuel cell are mutually arranged in such a way as to achieve a heat exchange relationship between the anode of one or more fuel cells and the gas absorbing material, the means for applying an amount of heat comprising the heat exchange between the anode of one or more fuel cells and the gas absorbing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Gianfranco Innocenti, Mauro Sgroi, Gianluca Bollito
  • Patent number: 7501010
    Abstract: A fluid storage and dispensing apparatus including a fluid storage and dispensing vessel having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and an integrated gas cabinet assembly including such fluid storage and dispensing apparatus and/or a point-of-use ventilation gas scrubber in the vented gas cabinet. By the use of physical adsorbent and chemical sorbent media, the gas cabinet can be enhanced in safety of operation, e.g., where the process gas supplied from the gas cabinet is of a toxic or otherwise hazardous character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Brestovansky, Michael J. Wodjenski, Jose I. Arno, J. Donald Carruthers, Judith A. Moroco, legal representative, Philip A. Moroco
  • Patent number: 7494530
    Abstract: A fluid storage and dispensing apparatus, including a cylindrical fluid storage and dispensing vessel having an interior volume, in which the interior volume contains a physical adsorbent for sorptively retaining a fluid thereon and from which the fluid is desorbable for dispensing from the vessel, and a valve head coupled to the vessel for dispensing desorbed fluid from the vessel. The physical adsorbent includes a monolithic carbon physical adsorbent that is characterized by at least one of the following characteristics: (a) a fill density measured for arsine gas at 25° C. and pressure of 650 torr that is greater than 400 grams arsine per liter of adsorbent; (b) at least 30% of overall porosity of the adsorbent including slit-shaped pores having a size in a range of from about 0.3 to about 0.72 nanometer, and at least 20% of the overall porosity including micropores of diameter <2 nanometers; and (c) having a bulk density of from about 0.80 to about 2.0 grams per cubic centimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Donald Carruthers
  • Patent number: 7491263
    Abstract: A gas storage assembly that has an enclosure within which are disposed at least about 100 inorganic tubules are present for each cubic micron of volume of the enclosure. The assembly has a storage capacity of at least 20 grams of hydrogen per liter of volume of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Technology Innovation, LLC
    Inventors: Xingwu Wang, Howard J. Greenwald
  • Patent number: 7479314
    Abstract: The invention comprehends a tank for storing fluid under pressure and a method for manufacturing the tank. The tank has an inner core of an open-celled foam that is characterized by open voids that are at least partially interconnected by passages and are surrounded by a fibrous or ligament structure/network (collectively, “ligaments”). Attached to the inner core is an outer skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Endres Machining Innovations LLC
    Inventor: William J. Endres
  • Patent number: 7455723
    Abstract: A hydrogen storage and release device (10) is provided for storing and releasing hydrogen from a metal hydride (30) contained in the device (10) based on heat transfer to or from a coolant flow provided through the device (10). The device (10) includes a housing (12) and a metal hydride containing a tube bundle located within the housing (12), with the exteriors (26) of the tubes (16) of the bundle (14) being reduced over a selected length to provide a free flow area for the coolant flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Modine Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Mark G. Voss, Joseph R. Stevenson, Gregory A. Mross
  • Patent number: 7431151
    Abstract: A hydrogen storage tank comprises a hydrogen adsorbent accommodated in a pressure-resistant container. The hydrogen adsorbent is capable of adsorbing and retaining hydrogen gas of a volume exceeding an occupation volume occupied by the hydrogen adsorbent itself. As for the hydrogen adsorbent, the amount of endothermic heat, which is generated when the adsorbed hydrogen gas is released, is not more than 16 kJ per mol of hydrogen molecules. The hydrogen adsorbent is prevented from leaking outside of the pressure-resistant container by a filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsuya Hosoe, Izuru Kanoya, Ryogo Sakamoto, Terumi Furuta, Hajime Goto
  • Patent number: 7431756
    Abstract: A modular metal hydride hydrogen storage unit utilizing compartmentalization to maintain a uniform metal hydride powder density thereby reducing strain on the vessel due to repeated cycling. The modular metal hydride hydrogen storage unit may be constructed using prefabricated pressure containment vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Ovonic Hydrogen Systems LLC
    Inventors: Vitaliy Myasnikov, Alexandr Gerasimov, Valeriy Sobolev
  • Patent number: 7429372
    Abstract: Processes are provided for the storage and release of hydrogen by means of a substantially reversible catalytic hydrogenation of extended pi-conjugated substrates which include large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with nitrogen heteroatoms, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with oxygen heteroatoms, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with alkyl, alkoxy, nitrile, ketone, ether or polyether substituents, pi-conjugated molecules comprising 5 membered rings, pi-conjugated molecules comprising six and five membered rings with nitrogen or oxygen hetero atoms, and extended pi-conjugated organic polymers. The hydrogen, contained in the at least partially hydrogenated form of the extended pi-conjugated system, can be facilely released for use by a catalytic dehydrogenation of the latter in the presence of a dehydrogenation catalyst which can be effected by lowering the hydrogen gas pressure, generally to pressures greater than 0.1 bar or raising the temperature to less than 250° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Guido Peter Pez, Aaron Raymond Scott, Alan Charles Cooper, Hansong Cheng
  • Patent number: 7425232
    Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is an apparatus for storing hydrogen which is comprised of molecular hydrogen, halloysite rods, and a supporting substrate wherein hydrogen is stored within the lumen of the halloysite rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: NaturalNano Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Xingwu Wang, Michael L. Weiner
  • Patent number: 7410054
    Abstract: Provided is a system, apparatus and methods of use for the safe and easy handling and disposing of light bulbs. The system provides a disposal tube comprising one or more layers of puncture resistant material and a means for absorbing metals or gasses that may be released when the light bulb is broken, such as by externally striking the disposal tube and the bulb contained therein. The invention also provides a method for using the disposal tube as a means to safely handle and store the light bulbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: MDS, Inc.
    Inventors: Will Shatford, Robert L. Czubiak
  • Patent number: 7399459
    Abstract: A mesoporous alumina molecular sieve and a method of manufacturing a mesoporous alumina mesoporous alumina molecular sieve of the invention is produced without using traditionally used additives. Also, because the size and distribution of the pores can be controlled, the molecular sieve can be produced simply and economically, producing molecular sieve with high surface area and thermal stability. Further, a method of manufacturing an alumina nanotube by using a surfactant and a use of the alumina nanotube as a hydrogen storage material are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Postech Foundation
    Inventors: Jae Sung Lee, Kyung Hee Lee, Hae Jin Kim, Hyun Chul Lee, Dae Hyun Choo
  • Patent number: 7383946
    Abstract: Compositions, methods, and devices are provided for use in containing and releasing a gas, particularly a reactive gas. The composition can include a reactive gas, reactive gas precursor, or combination thereof; a fluid in which the reactive gas, reactive gas precursor, or combination thereof is dissolved; and a solid material (e.g., particles or fibers) in which fluid is absorbed or adsorbed, wherein the solid material controls the formation or release of the reactive gas. The materials and methods allow rapid and safe generation, transfer, and application of high concentrations of chlorine dioxide gas in solid, liquid, and gas phase systems and are suitable for a variety of chlorine dioxide applications, such as disinfecting and sanitizing liquids, solid surfaces, and porous materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth D. Hughes
  • Patent number: 7351395
    Abstract: Processes are provided for the storage and release of hydrogen by means of a substantially reversible catalytic hydrogenation of extended pi-conjugated substrates which include large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with nitrogen heteroatoms, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with oxygen heteroatoms, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with alkyl, alkoxy, nitrile, ketone, ether or polyether substituents, pi-conjugated molecules comprising 5 membered rings, pi-conjugated molecules comprising six and five membered rings with nitrogen or oxygen hetero atoms, and extended pi-conjugated organic polymers. The hydrogen, contained in the at least partially hydrogenated form of the extended pi-conjugated system, can be facilely released for use by a catalytic dehydrogenation of the latter in the presence of a dehydrogenation catalyst which can be effected by lowering the hydrogen gas pressure, generally to pressures greater than 0.1 bar or raising the temperature to less than 250° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Guido Peter Pez, Aaron Raymond Scott, Alan Charles Cooper, Hansong Cheng, Frederick Carl Wilhelm, Atteye Houssein Abdourazak
  • Patent number: 7329399
    Abstract: A hydrogen-trapping compound is provided, along with a process for manufacturing the compound, and its uses, wherein the hydrogen-trapping compound is characterized in that it contains at least one metal salt of formula MX(OH), in which M represents a divalent transition element, for example Co or Ni; O represents an oxygen atom; X represents an atom of group 16 of the Periodic Table of the Elements, excluding O, for example a sulphur atom; and H represents a hydrogen atom, and wherein the hydrogen-trapping compound is effective for trapping hydrogen, hydrogen within a material and free hydrogen and is applicable in situations in which hydrogen is evolved and in which it has to be trapped, especially for safety reasons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignees: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique, Compagnie Generale des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: Sylvie Camaro, Quentin Ragetly, Chantal Riglet-Martial
  • Patent number: 7326281
    Abstract: A tank main body accommodates a heat exchanger including a heating medium pipe. A plurality of heat exchanger fins are coupled to the heating medium pipe to divide the interior of the tank main body into a plurality of spaces. A hydrogen storage alloy is provided in the spaces. An absorption portion is provided in the spaces. The absorption portion is deformed by a force generated by expansion of the hydrogen storage alloy, thereby absorbing the force. Therefore, the heat exchanger is prevented from being deformed or damaged even if the bulk density of the hydrogen storage alloy is reduced due to expansion and pulverization of the hydrogen storage alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Fujita, Hidehito Kubo, Masahiko Kimbara, Daigoro Mori
  • Patent number: 7323043
    Abstract: A container for storing hydrogen comprises an outer shell having an inlet for inputting hydrogen gas and an outlet for outputting hydrogen gas. A thermally conductive liner lines an interior of the outer shell. An inner hydride core is in communication with the inlet and the outlet for storing the hydrogen gas. Coolant lines are in thermal communication with the storage container. A thermal management controller determines whether the container is in a dispensing mode or a refueling mode. If the container is in the dispensing mode, the coolant lines may be routed to a first heat exchanger that is in thermal communication with a propulsion unit of a vehicle. However, if the container is in the refueling mode, the coolant lines may be routed to a second heat exchanger associated with a temperature that is less than or equal to the ambient temperature outside of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Peter Finamore
  • Patent number: 7320726
    Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen storage apparatus comprising a hydrogen storage canister defining a longitudinal axis, at least one first partition, and at least one second partition. The at least one first partition is adapted to divide the hydrogen storage canister into at least one compartment. The at least one second partition is adapted to divide the at least one compartments into a plurality of sub-compartments into which the hydrogen storage alloy is disposed. The at least one second partition comprises a plurality of cells having a cell wall arranged in a honeycomb configuration, and the cell wall of each of the cells is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The second partition has a rectangle-shaped or fan-shaped honeycomb configuration. Accordingly, the efficiency of heat transfer is better and the hydrogen storage apparatus is safer when the hydrogen is absorbed or released by the hydrogen storage apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Inventors: Chih-Kang Shih, George Huang, Vahan Beibutian
  • Patent number: 7318520
    Abstract: A container for use in hydrogen transfer includes structural tubular members and perforations for fluid communication with a central passage covered with a film that is selectively permeable to hydrogen, but not to other gases. The tubular member walls comprise a sturdy material to fix the hydride powder, preventing it from shifting within the container. The hydrogen flow, when being absorbed or desorbed by the metal hydride, will pass through the film both as it is absorbed in the hydride material and also after it is desorbed to pass into the central passage. Simultaneously, the tubular member material, acting as a flexible cover or support for the film, retains contaminant gases within the conduit passage, but permits hydrogen to flow therethrough. Alternatively, a flexible conduit may be interspersed within selected ones of the longitudinal structural members, and hydride material may be packed within the springs, which provide for expansion protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Ergenics Corp.
    Inventor: P. Mark Golben
  • Patent number: 7279088
    Abstract: A catalytic electrode, cell, system and process for absorbing and storing hydrogen (H2) and deuterium (D2) from the gaseous to the solid ionic form. The cell includes a non-conductive sealed housing and a conductive catalytic electrode positioned within the housing which absorbs H2 and/or D2 gas and stores it in a solid ionic form. These electrodes are formed of palladium (Pd), titanium (Ti), or zirconium (Zr). Each end of the electrode is plated with a layer of gold and encapsulated with a curable resin to form a confinement zone for H± and/or D± storage. The process includes connecting an external d.c. electric power source to each confinement zone during H2 and/or D2 gas loading of the electrode to cause a plasma-like reaction to occur which drives the H2 and/or D2 in the electrode to each encapsulated confinement to effect long-term storage of the ion form H± and D± in a solid form for later use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Inventor: James A. Patterson
  • Patent number: 7237428
    Abstract: A hydrogen gas storage container has a canister with at least one outlet opening for charging and discharging gas, the canister enclosing a metal hydride capable of absorbing and desorbing hydrogen gas and a gauge for measuring the capacity of hydrogen remaining within the hydride material. To further permit distribution of the hydrogen throughout the hydride material, a porous matrix may be disposed within said metal hydride material for providing efficient distribution of hydrogen gas to said metal hydride material. The fuel gauge may further comprise subassemblies for determining the hydrogen capacity, each of which depends for operation on a different property of the metal hydride material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Hera USA, Inc.
    Inventors: David H. DaCosta, P. Mark Golben, David C. Tragna
  • Patent number: 7172747
    Abstract: Spiral shaped fibers were utilized to prepare completely novel metal oxide nanotubes comprising solely metal oxides. The metal oxide nanotubes comprise solely a hollow cylinder shaped metal oxide which may contain hydroxyl groups constituting a double helix and having hole diameter distributions containing two peak hole diameters ranging from 1 to 2 nm and from 3 to 7 nm. The tubes may be obtained by forming spiral shaped fibers from a solution of compound 1 and compound 2 and using the fibers as a template for making the nanotubes. The hydrogen adsorption and storage capacity of the metal oxide nanotubes are extremely good.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignees: Japan Science and Technology Agency, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Toshimi Shimizu, John Hwa Jung
  • Patent number: 7101530
    Abstract: Processes are provided for the storage and release of hydrogen by means of a substantially reversible catalytic hydrogenation of extended pi-conjugated substrates which include large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with nitrogen heteroatoms, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with oxygen heteroatoms, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with alkyl, alkoxy, ketone, ether or polyether substituents, pi-conjugated molecules comprising 5 membered rings, pi-conjugated molecules comprising six and five membered rings with nitrogen or oxygen hetero atoms, and extended pi-conjugated organic polymers. The hydrogen, contained in the at least partially hydrogenated form of the extended pi-conjugated system, can be facilely released for use by a catalytic dehydrogenation of the latter in the presence of a dehydrogenation catalyst which can be effected by lowering the hydrogen gas pressure, generally to pressures greater than 0.1 bar or raising the temperature to less than 250° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Guido P. Pez, Aaron R. Scott, Alan C. Cooper, Hansong Cheng
  • Patent number: 7094276
    Abstract: The present invention involves a carbon-based hydrogen storage material which includes a carbon material, exhibiting a specific surface area, being 1,000 m2/g or more, and a bulk density, being from 0.4 g/cm3 or more to 1 g/cm3 or less. The carbon-based hydrogen storage material is such that the hydrogen storage capacity per unit volume is large. The invention also provides for a hydrogen storage apparatus whose hydrogen storage capacity per unit volume is large. The hydrogen storage apparatus is constituted so as to include a container and a hydrogen absorbing material accommodated in the container, and the hydrogen absorbing material is arranged to include a porous carbon material whose specific surface area is 1,000 m2/g or more, and a hydrogen absorbing alloy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Chuo Kenkyusho
    Inventors: Yoshitsugu Kojima, Yasuaki Kawai
  • Patent number: 7078130
    Abstract: This invention provides novel stable metallic mesoporous transition metal oxide molecular sieves and methods for their production. The sieves have high electrical conductivity and may be used as solid electrolyte devices, e.g., in fuel cells, as sorbents, e.g. for hydrogen storage, and as catalysts. The invention also provides room temperature activation of dinitrogen, using the sieves as a catalyst, which permits ammonia production at room temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: University of Windsor
    Inventor: David M. Antonelli
  • Patent number: 7066319
    Abstract: A transport unit includes a plurality of permanent magnets arranged to provide a magnetic holding field for protecting hyperpolarized gas during storage and/or transport. The permanent magnets are configured in a relatively light weight manner to project a substantially cylindrical magnetic holding field or spherical holding field in space. The magnet arrangements can include primary magnets and field shaping secondary magnets which act to enlarge the region of homogeneity. The permanent magnet arrangement can also be provided with a cylindrical shaped flex sheet magnetically activated to provide the magnetic holding field. The permanent magnet arrangements do not require disassembly to insert or remove one or more containers of hyperpolarized gas in or out of the transport unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Medi - Physics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenton C. Hasson, William Happer, Geri T. K. Zollinger
  • Patent number: 7045182
    Abstract: A sulphur dioxide generator (10) is disclosed which comprises two composite sheets (12, 14). First stage release of sulphur dioxide is from a coating (26) of the composite sheet (14). The coating (26) is between a paper sheet (22) and a weldable coating (24). The coating (26) incorporates a substance which, in the presence of moisture, generates sulphur dioxide. Second stage release is from sulphur dioxide generating powder which is in pockets (30). The composite sheet (12) comprises a paper layer (16) and a weldable layer (18). The layers (24, 18) are sealed together along a series of longitudinal and transverse lines to form the pockets (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Grapetek (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventors: Dennis Charles Clemes, Petrus Johannes Van Der Westhuyzen, Pieter Johannes Van Der Merwe
  • Patent number: 6993888
    Abstract: This invention is related to a metal hydride storage canister, comprising a storage canister body, a wafer baffle stacked on the body for containing metal hydride of a pre-determined amount, and a tubing having a porous surface for securing the wafer baffle in the body and for guiding hydrogen discharged from the metal hydride to an outlet of the body. This invention further discloses the manufacture of the storage canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Asia Pacific Fuel Cell Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jefferson Y S Yang, Mike Kao
  • Patent number: 6991773
    Abstract: A hydrogen storage medium is provided, where the medium is comprised of boron oxide and closely related compounds such as orthoboric acid, metaboric acid, hydrated boric acid, and disodium borohydrate. The medium is substantially an amorphous glassy network, albeit with local regions of order, pores, and networks that provide surface area. Hydrogen is adsorbed by the medium with a heat of adsorption of about 9 kJ/mol to about 13 kJ/mol, a value which is higher than that of the heat of adsorption of hydrogen on carbon. The value for the heat of adsorption of hydrogen on the inventive storage medium is provided by computation, and corroborated by experimental observation. The higher heat of adsorption of the medium provides for operation at temperatures higher temperatures higher than those provided by carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Nanomix, Inc.
    Inventors: Seung-Hoon Jhi, Young-Kyun Kwon, Keith Bradley, Jean-Christophe P. Gabriel
  • Patent number: 6929682
    Abstract: An adsorbent capsule including a core of pressed adsorbent material having a water-insoluble binder, and a water-vapor or permeable coating of water-based resin, namely, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Multisorb Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hurley, Keith W. Ware, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6929679
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the technical field of storing gas including methane and hydrogen, in particular to the fuel cell technology. In particulars it relates to a method of using a metallo-organic framework material comprising pores and at least one metal ion and at least one at least bidentate organic compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignees: BASF Aktiengesellschaft, The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Ulrich Müller, Klaus Harth, Markus Hölzle, Michael Hesse, Lisa Lobree, Wolfgang Harder, Omar M. Yaghi, Mohamed Eddaoudi
  • Patent number: 6860923
    Abstract: An onboard hydrogen storage unit with heat transfer system for a hydrogen powered vehicle. The system includes a hydrogen storage vessel containing a hydrogen storage alloy configured to receive a stream of hydrogen and provide hydrogen for use in powering a vehicle. During refueling a cooling/heating loop is used to remove the heat of hydride formation from the hydrogen storage alloy and during operation of the vehicle the heating/cooling loop is used to supply heat to the hydrogen storage alloy to aid in hydrogen desorption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Texaco Ovonic Hydrogen Systems LLC
    Inventors: Vitaliy Myasnikov, Rosa Young, Yang Li, Stanford R. Ovshinsky
  • Publication number: 20040209144
    Abstract: A storage medium for gas molecules has a nanowire core and a number of organic molecules attached to the exterior surface of the nanowire. The organic molecules attached to the exterior of the nanowire are adapted to releasably hold gas molecules. Methods for making and using the invention, including the use of a silicon nanowire, are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Pavel Kornilovich
  • Publication number: 20040200735
    Abstract: A hydrogen gas storage container has a canister with at least one outlet opening for charging and discharging gas, the canister enclosing a metal hydride capable of absorbing and desorbing hydrogen gas and a gauge for measuring the capacity of hydrogen remaining within the hydride material. To further permit distribution of the hydrogen throughout the hydride material, a porous matrix may be disposed within said metal hydride material for providing efficient distribution of hydrogen gas to said metal hydride material. The fuel gauge may further comprise subassemblies for determining the hydrogen capacity, each of which depends for operation on a different property of the metal hydride material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: David H. DaCosta, P. Mark Golben, David C Tragna
  • Patent number: 6796421
    Abstract: A flexible pressure vessel is constructed from at least one pair of upper and mating lower dome shaped cell portions. Upper and lower passageway portions extend outwardly from each cell portion to surrounding sheet material. The portions are joined to form a passageway for connection to a valve or another cell. Upper and lower reinforcing rings surround the cell portions. Blankets of fiber reinforced material are attached over the cell portions and stitched in place through the surrounding resilient material. Cell shaped sponges impregnated with absorbent materials are encased in impermeable plastic tubing and inserted into the cells. High-strength filaments are wound around the tubing to provide additional pressure handling capability. Heat-reflecting plastic film or metal foil is inserted between blankets and the cell portions. Reinforcing rings are attached over and fastened through the blankets around the cells. An apparatus and method are described for constructing the flexible pressure vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Stan A. Sanders
  • Publication number: 20040178083
    Abstract: This invention is related to a metal hydride storage canister, comprising a storage canister body, a wafer baffle stacked on the body for containing metal hydride of a pre-determined amount, and a tubing having a porous surface for securing the wafer baffle in the body and for guiding hydrogen discharged from the metal hydride to an outlet of the body. This invention further discloses the manufacture of the storage canister.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Jefferson Ys Yang, Mike Kao
  • Patent number: 6783576
    Abstract: Gas purifier system containing a preconditioned ultra-low emission (P-ULE) carbon for reducing trace impurities such as organic compounds and carbon monoxide in reactive fluids such as ammonia, hydrogen chloride, hydrogen bromide, and chlorine to sub-ppb levels. P-ULE is capable of removing impurities from a reactive fluid down to parts-per-billion (ppb) and sub-ppb levels without concurrently emitting other impurities such as moisture or carbon dioxide into the purified reactive fluid. The P-ULE carbon is prepared by heating a carbon material to temperatures between about 300° C. to 800° C. in an ultra-dry, inert gas stream, to produce an ultra-low emission (ULE) carbon material, subjecting the ULE carbon to a second activation process under a reactive gas atmosphere to produce a P-ULE carbon and storing the P-ULE carbon in an environment that minimizes contamination of the P-ULE prior to its use in a gas purifier system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Matheson Tri-Gas, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans H. Funke, Dan Fraenkel, Virginia H. Houlding
  • Patent number: 6770118
    Abstract: The capsule and method for its filling concern to engineering of storage of gases and may be used in medicine, in household chemistry, in fire engineering, in perfumery, as a source of gas for inflatables etc. The invention will allow to simplify and speed up processes of creation of superfluous pressure in aerosol and others inflatable products to raise safety of their operation. The capsule for storage of gas contains the gas proof body, inside which the sorbent material particles for gas sorbing are placed, and which is provided by the outlet sealed channel. According to the invention the body contains the sorbent free space, which volume is sufficient to place the preset amount of the gas to be sorbed in the solid phase, and is so made, that the gas to be sorbed can be brought into the body in the solid phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: World Laboratory Complex Technology and Energotechnological System Center
    Inventor: Anatoly Yakovlevich Stolyarevsky
  • Patent number: 6742650
    Abstract: This invention is related to a metal hydride storage canister, comprising a storage canister body, a wafer baffle stacked on the body for containing metal hydride of a pre-determined amount, and a tubing having a porous surface for securing the wafer baffle in the body and for guiding hydrogen discharged from the metal hydride to an outlet of the body. This invention further discloses the manufacture of the storage canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Asia Pacific Fuel Cell Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jefferson YS Yang, Mike Kao
  • Publication number: 20040065563
    Abstract: A transport unit includes a plurality of permanent magnets arranged to provide a magnetic holding field for protecting hyperpolarized gas during storage and/or transport. The permanent magnets are configured in a relatively light weight manner to project a substantially cylindrical magnetic holding field or spherical holding field in space. The magnet arrangements can include primary magnets and field shaping secondary magnets which act to enlarge the region of homogeneity. The permanent magnet arrangement can also be provided with a cylindrical shaped flex sheet magnetically activated to provide the magnetic holding field. The permanent magnet arrangements do not require disassembly to insert or remove one or more containers of hyperpolarized gas in or out of the transport unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Kenton C. Hasson, William Happer, Geri T.K. Zollinger
  • Patent number: 6708546
    Abstract: Heat transfer management/compartmentalization system for a metal hydride hydrogen storage containment unit. The hydrogen storage alloy is preferably divided into compartments having a honeycomb configuration. Heat exchanger tubing is placed through the compartments to promote heat transfer between the hydrogen storage alloy and the exterior environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Texaco Ovonic Hydrogen Systems LLC
    Inventors: Vitaliy Myasnikov, Baoquan Huang, Rosa Young, Stanford R. Ovshinsky