Patents Assigned to ITN Energy System, Inc.
  • Patent number: 7682494
    Abstract: Materials for use in proton transport characterized by several formulas are disclosed. Mixed ion and electron conductors may include metals and/or ceramic electron conductors and a proton conducting material. Hydrogen separation membranes may include porous layers and an electrolyte layer including a proton conducting material and an electron conductor. Hydrogen separation membranes may be formed by thermal spray techniques. Hydrogen separation membranes may include a catalyst layer. A method of separating hydrogen from a mixed gas stream includes passing the mixed gas through a first porous layer to an electrolyte layer, dissociating protons and electrons, diffusing the protons and electrons through the electrolyte layer, recombining them, and passing molecular hydrogen through a second porous layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: ITN Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian S. Berland, Sabina Gade, Ronald W. Schaller, Michael Schwartz
  • Patent number: 7176450
    Abstract: A near-field scanning optical microscope system exposes photoresist on a substrate. The system includes an NSOM probe, and translational stages capable of moving one of the probe and the substrate such that the probe traverses, in continuous motion, over the entire substrate. Another near-field scanning optical microscope system exposes photoresist on a substrate using an array of NSOM probes. Methods for exposing photoresist on a substrate include the steps of translating a surface of the substrate across an NSOM probe (or an array of NSOM probes) in continuous motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: ITN Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell E. Hollingsworth
  • Patent number: 6772501
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the design and manufacture of single cell units for planar, thin-film, ceramic electrochemical devices such as solid oxide fuel cells, electrochemical oxygen generators, gas separation membranes, and membrane modules and stacks and the fabrication of multi-cell stacks and modules of the single cell units. The design is based upon a single cell wherein manufacturing all layers of the device into an integral unit produces a monolithic structure. The design produces a gas-tight single cell that is easily assembled into multi-cell stacks and modules without external seals or sealing mechanisms. The design may use standard ceramic and metallurgical production techniques. The design of the present invention enhances device performance since the single cell units are inherently sealed for gas tightness and have reduced interfacial electrical resistances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: ITN Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Barker, Brian S. Berland, Michael Schwartz, Lin Simpson, Joseph Armstrong
  • Patent number: 6770176
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing an electrochemical device, are taught. The methods may be of particular use in the manufacture of thin-film, lightweight, flexible or conformable, electrochemical devices such as batteries, and arrays of such devices. The methods may provide many advantages including stunting fractures in a first electrochemical layer from propagating in a second electrochemical layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: ITN Energy Systems. Inc.
    Inventors: Martin H. Benson, Bernd J. Neudecker