Patents Represented by Attorney Jacques M. Heller, Ehrman, White & McAuliffe Dulin
  • Patent number: 6051331
    Abstract: Fuel cell stacks comprising stacked separator/membrane electrode assembly fuel cells in which the separators comprise a series of thin sheet platelets, having individually configured serpentine micro-channel reactant gas humidification active areas and cooling fields therein. The individual platelets are stacked with coordinate features aligned in contact with adjacent platelets and bonded to form a monolithic separator. Post-bonding processing includes passivation, such as nitriding. Preferred platelet material is 4-25 mil Ti, in which the features, serpentine channels, tabs, lands, vias, manifolds and holes, are formed by chemical and laser etching, cutting, pressing or embossing, with combinations of depth and through etching preferred. The platelet manufacturing process is continuous and fast. By employing CAD based platelet design and photolithography, rapid change in feature design can accommodate a wide range of thermal management and humidification techniques. One hundred H.sub.2 --O.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: H Power Corporation
    Inventors: Reginald G. Spear, Jr., H. Harry Mueggenburg, Rex Hodge
  • Patent number: 6026340
    Abstract: A system for sensing the presence, position and type classification of an occupant in a passenger seat of a vehicle, as well as for sensing the presence of a rear-facing child seat therein, for use in controlling a related air bag activator control system to enable, disable or control inflation rate or amount of inflation of an air bag. The sensor system employs sensor fusion, a process of combining information provided by two or more sensors (24, 26), each of which "sees" the world in a unique sense. In a preferred embodiment, infrared sensor inputs (78) and ultrasonic sensor inputs (79) are combined in a microprocessor by a sensor fusion algorithm (80) to produce an occupancy state output signal (85) to the air bag controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: The Robert Bosch Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony P. Corrado, Stephen W. Decker, Paul K. Benbow
  • Patent number: 5969070
    Abstract: Novel elastomeric alpha olefin polymers of homogeneous composition formed from linear or branched chain C.sub.3 -C.sub.10 monomers such as propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 1-hexene and mixtures thereof, comprising alternating isotactic and atactic disastereosequences in which all polymer fractions have similar molecular weight distributions, M.sub.W /M.sub.n, of less than 7, an isotactic Block Index greater than about 5, an isotactic pentad, mmmm, content of between 9 and 71%, an average molecular weight, Mw, from about 20,000 to about 1,350,000, a melting point of above 70.degree. C., and which polymers are elastomeric in exhibiting a positive power of recovery of elongation above 100%. Examples include thermoplastic elastomeric polypropylenes having melting points between 70-165.degree. C., which are highly regioregular and have low tensile set of below about 70.degree. at 300% elongation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Robert M. Waymouth, Elisabeth Hauptman, Geoffrey W. Coates
  • Patent number: 5956877
    Abstract: Collectible, rectangular ticket-type display device having a window in which is mounted a transparency type film frame or multi-frame clip for see-through type viewing. The display device preferably includes security and/or authentication indicia, and is fabricated from archival-quality materials. The ticket is formed from a single folded sheet of heavy paper or plastic material and scored along one edge for a fold to define a front and back panel. The film frame or clip is secured in an envelope or packet of non-bleed, non-yellowing transparent polyester plastic which is mounted to one inner face of the ticket panels. Preferably the ticket window is of sufficient size to exhibit the sprocket holes of the film frame or clip for authenticity. The transparency images may be of a motion picture or performance event such as a concert, sporting or historical event, and may be reproduced from a film positive or negative, or from video tape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Kenneth E Raasch
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Raasch, Suzanne J. Nason, Danny C. Bartlett, Philip M. Zavracky
  • Patent number: 5873597
    Abstract: Modular sensor console unit for automotive occupancy sensors comprising an exterior housing having a grille and warning light bezel therein, a sensor mounting plate, an electronics module and a back cover having tabs for mounting on the interior of a vehicle, preferably adjacent the junction of the headliner and front windshield. The housing has an attractive contoured shape that merges to the headliner. The mounting plate comprises a plate and a plurality of hollow cones formed therein, preferably base down with the distal ends of the cones truncated to form planar openings for receivingly engaging US or IR sensors. The mounting plate can be employed in a first base-down "mesa" orientation with exposed sensors, or a base-up "magaphone" orientation with recessed sensors. The console can be preassembled and is easily mountable in the vehicle during interior finishing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch Corporation
    Inventor: Vibora Sim
  • Patent number: 5836483
    Abstract: Unitary, self-regulating fluid dispensing cap for a dental unit water line treatment system having both a regulator valve and a relief valve located therein, and threads to receive a fluid bottle. The cap receives unregulated high pressure air of 50-80 psi and controls and reduces the pressure to about 30-35 psi with the adjustable regulator valve. The relief valve prevents the fluid bottle from bursting if over pressure of above about 35 psi, or other selected value, builds up in the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Aerotech Dental Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jimmy D. Disel
  • Patent number: 5806632
    Abstract: A wheelchair platform free fall control system comprising use of a tension means, such as at least one spring, biasing together the long and short arms of a lever arm assembly that keeps the lever arm slide block in contact with a lifting arm during gravity-down deployment of said platform from an over-vertical stowed position to a horizontal transfer position. A compression means may be used in conjunction with the lifting arm assembly to assist in overcoming the resting momentum of the lift platform mass from over-vertical outwardly until gravity takes over. The tension means may be one or more springs and the compression means may be a gas spring. The forces are preselected to provide lifting assembly over-vertical assist while keeping the sliding block in substantial contact with an arm of the lifting assembly. The springs can be used with a stud/slot interlock. Torsion springs are preferably eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignee: The Braun Corporation
    Inventors: Alfred L. Budd, James R. Pierrou, Barry E. Wolff
  • Patent number: 5799474
    Abstract: A baby greens harvester (10) for the harvesting of small salad vegetables known as baby greens (55). The baby greens harvester (10) has a chassis (12) with a packaging bed (18) thereon. A cutter/conveyor assembly (30) is affixed to the chassis such that the cutter/conveyor assembly (30) can rotate somewhat, relative to the chassis (12) about a longitudinal pivoting axis (102) and a generally horizontal cutter/conveyor assembly pivoting axis (62). The cutter/conveyor assembly (30) has a bottom belt (34) and an opposing, spaced, generally parallel top belt (36). The special top belt (36), called a Hula belt, has a plurality of highly flexible fingers (130) for gathering the baby greens (55) as they are cut by a cutting bar (32) and further for gently holding the baby greens (55) on the bottom belt (34) as they are conveyed rearwardly and upwardly for delivery through a chute (63) into a produce box (64).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Tanimura & Antle, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence L. Ingram