Patents Assigned to QuantumSphere, Inc.
  • Patent number: 9272920
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for synthesizing ammonia using nano-size metal or metal alloy catalyst particles. Hydrogen and nitrogen gases are passed through a system comprising, for example, a bed of magnetite supporting nano-size iron or iron alloy catalyst particles having an optional oxide layer that forms the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: QuantumSphere, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Douglas Carpenter, Kevin Maloney
  • Publication number: 20140242205
    Abstract: Nano-scale particles of materials can be produced by vaporizing material and allowing the material to flow in a non-violently turbulent manner into thermal communication with a cooling fluid, thereby forming small particles of the material that can be in the nano-scale size range. A raw material feeder can be configured to feed raw material toward a heater which vaporizes the raw material. The feeder can include a metering device for controlling the flow of raw material toward the heater. A gas source can also be used to cause gas to flow through a portion of the raw material feeder along with the raw material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: QuantumSphere, Inc.
    Inventor: Ray Douglas Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20140072499
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for synthesizing ammonia using nano-size metal or metal alloy catalyst particles. Hydrogen and nitrogen gases are passed through a system comprising, for example, a bed of magnetite supporting nano-size iron or iron alloy catalyst particles having an optional oxide layer that forms the catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: QuantumSphere, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Douglas Carpenter, Kevin Maloney
  • Patent number: 8500427
    Abstract: Nano-scale particles of materials can be produced by vaporizing material and allowing the material to flow in a non-violently turbulent manner into thermal communication with a cooling fluid, thereby forming small particles of the material that can be in the nano-scale size range. A raw material feeder can be configured to feed raw material toward a heater which vaporizes the raw material. The feeder can include a metering device for controlling the flow of raw material toward the heater. A gas source can also be used to cause gas to flow through a portion of the raw material feeder along with the raw material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Quantumsphere, Inc.
    Inventor: Ray Douglas Carpenter
  • Patent number: 8211594
    Abstract: A composition comprising an admixture of at least platinum particles and metal nanoparticles of metal that, when in admixture with the platinum particles, beneficially alters the characteristics of the platinum, including metals selected from one or more of the metals in groups 3-16, lanthanides, combinations thereof, and/or alloys thereof. The composition could be used to form an ink that further comprises an ionically conductive material, such as a polymer, capable of ionic networking throughout the ink composition so as to create a substantially structurally coherent mass without significantly impacting the reactivity of a substantial number of the nanoparticles. In one application, the ink may be used to form a catalyst whereby the ink is applied to an electrically conductive backing material, such as carbon paper or fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: QuantumSphere, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly McGrath, R. Douglas Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20120094216
    Abstract: A catalyst member comprising a blended mixture of nano-scale metal particles compressed with larger metal particles and sintered to form a structurally stable member of any desired shape. The catalyst member can be used in one of many different applications; for example, as an electrode in a fuel cell or in an electrolysis device to generate hydrogen and oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: QuantumSphere, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Douglas Carpenter, Robert Brian Dopp, Kimberly McGrath
  • Patent number: 7955755
    Abstract: Cathodes suitable for use in direct methanol fuel cells are disclosed. A cathode can comprise a composition supported on a conductive substrate, where the composition comprises: reactive nano-particles each consisting essentially of a core of metal and/or metal alloy and a shell of an oxide of the metal and/or metal alloy in the core; platinum and/or platinum alloy particles devoid of an oxide shell; and an ionomer. The metal nanoparticles can comprise one or more of palladium, chromium, manganese, nickel, iron, copper, gold, lanthanum, cerium, tin, sulfur, selenium, cobalt, silver, and alloys thereof. Direct methanol fuel cell incorporating these cathodes are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Quantumsphere, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly McGrath, R. Douglas Carpenter
  • Patent number: 7897294
    Abstract: A catalyst member can comprise nano-scale nickel particles. The catalyst member can be used for a plurality of different uses, for example, electrodes of a fuel cell or an electrolysis device. The nano-scale nickel particles can be sintered or combined in other manners to form the desired shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Quantumsphere, Inc.
    Inventor: Ray Douglas Carpenter
  • Patent number: 7803295
    Abstract: Nano-scale particles of materials can be produced by vaporizing material and allowing the material to flow in a non-violently turbulent manner into thermal communication with a cooling fluid, thereby forming small particles of the material that can be in the nano-scale size range. A raw material feeder can be configured to feed raw material toward a heater which vaporizes the raw material. The feeder can include a metering device for controlling the flow of raw material toward the heater. A gas source can also be used to cause gas to flow through a portion of the raw material feeder along with the raw material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Quantumsphere, Inc
    Inventor: Ray Douglas Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20100143821
    Abstract: A composition comprising an admixture of at least platinum particles and metal nanoparticles of metal that, when in admixture with the platinum particles, beneficially alters the characteristics of the platinum, including metals selected from one or more of the metals in groups 3-16, lanthanides, combinations thereof, and/or alloys thereof. The composition could be used to form an ink that further comprises an ionically conductive material, such as a polymer, capable of ionic networking throughout the ink composition so as to create a substantially structurally coherent mass without significantly impacting the reactivity of a substantial number of the nanoparticles. In one application, the ink may be used to form a catalyst whereby the ink is applied to an electrically conductive backing material, such as carbon paper or fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: QuantumSphere, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly McGrath, R. Douglas Carpenter
  • Patent number: 7713043
    Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of feeding powders to a subsequent processing step. In particular, the apparatus includes a first hopper, a first metering brush feed, an intermediate chamber, a second distribution brush, a level sensor, and a supply hopper to deliver powder to a pair of rollers. In one embodiment, the hopper is fitted to the roller diameter to produce a uniform, ribbon or free-standing sheets suitable for air-breathing battery and fuel cell electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Quantumsphere, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Brian Dopp, Allan Nettleton
  • Patent number: 7709127
    Abstract: A composition useful for the fueling and refueling of electrochemical devices is described. The composition comprises an ion-conducting medium such as an electrolyte, and catalyst nanoparticles. Unlike traditional electrodes, such as those typically used in electrolyzers and fuel cells, the inventive composition may be quickly drained from the device and refilled to maintain maximum cell performance. In addition, the electro-catalytic charging composition can be stored as a solid for safe handling; for example in a portable cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: QuantumSphere, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Maloney, Robert Dopp
  • Patent number: 7700214
    Abstract: A cartridge comprises a housing that can be easily attached and detached from an electrolyzer so that the hydrogen generated can be stored within the cartridge. The housing is further configured to easily attach and detach from a fuel cell so that the stored hydrogen can be released to the fuel cell for power generation. In preferred embodiments, the cartridge comprises a cathode that serves to generate hydrogen when joined to the electrolyzer, as well as to store hydrogen. With this arrangement, a single device (the fuel cell cartridge) can function to generate hydrogen when connected to form part of the electrolyzer, to store hydrogen (whether attached to either the fuel cell or electrolyzer or neither—in stand alone form), and/or to supply hydrogen to the fuel cell, when connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Quantumsphere, Inc.
    Inventors: Subramanian Iyer, Vito A. Canuso, III
  • Publication number: 20090148689
    Abstract: A device comprising a substrate with first and second layers is prepared by applying a cellulosic base layer on the substrate followed by a silver nanoparticle coating. The nanoparticle coating is durable and highly electrically conductive. This conductive substrate maybe used for the application of integrated circuitry components, and does not outgas upon application of reflow solder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: QuantumSphere, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Douglas Carpenter, Christopher William Winn
  • Publication number: 20090092887
    Abstract: An electrode comprising a primary and secondary metal nanoparticle coating on a metallic substrate is prepared by dispersing nanoparticles in a solvent and layering them onto the substrate, followed by heating. The enhanced surface area of the electrode due to the catalytic nanoparticles is dramatically enhanced, allowing for increased reaction efficiency. The electrode can be used in one of many different applications; for example, as an electrode in an electrolysis device to generate hydrogen and oxygen, or a fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: QuantumSphere, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly McGrath, Robert Dopp, R. Douglas Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20090026077
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for rapidly evaluating electrochemical components such as catalysts, electrodes, electrolyte, and membranes that delivers a high degree of accuracy and requires minimal materials costs. In one embodiment, the system may comprise a detachable electrochemical cell for housing an electrochemical reaction. The cell may comprise an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by an ion-diffusion membrane and an electrically conductive current collector in electrochemical communication with the cell. The reaction cell includes an outlet port in the cell to permit the removal of product gasses, and ports to permit the flow of electrolyte through said cell. The system further comprises means, for example, a reciprocating piston, for sealing the reaction cell to the system to prevent exposure of the electrochemical reaction to the ambient environment, where the cell and adjacent components may be sealed by, for example, gaskets, that permit rapid separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: QuantumSphere, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert B. Dopp
  • Publication number: 20090004549
    Abstract: A device for highly efficient fuel cell reactions is described. The device comprises a porous electrode and a plurality of suspended nanoparticles diffused within the void volume of the electrode when used within an electrolyte, wherein each chamber contains an electrode and electrolyte with suspended nanoparticles therein. When reactive metal particles are diffused into the electrode structure and suspended in electrolyte by gasses, a fluidized bed is established, allowing for improved power generation. Ideally, this device and system can be used to produce high power output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Quantumsphere, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Brian Dopp, Kimberly McGrath
  • Publication number: 20080280172
    Abstract: A composition useful for the fueling and refueling of electrochemical devices is described. The composition comprises an ion-conducting medium such as an electrolyte, and catalyst nanoparticles. Unlike traditional electrodes, such as those typically used in electrolyzers and fuel cells, the inventive composition may be quickly drained from the device and refilled to maintain maximum cell performance. In addition, the electro-catalytic charging composition can be stored as a solid for safe handling; for example in a portable cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: QuantumSphere, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Maloney, Robert Dopp
  • Patent number: 7282167
    Abstract: Nano-scale particles of materials can be produced by vaporizing the material and allowing the material to flow in a non-violently turbulent manner into thermal communication with a cooling fluid, thereby forming small particles of the material that can be in the nano-scale size range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: QuantumSphere, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Carpenter
  • Publication number: 20070227300
    Abstract: A composition of nanoparticles of metal or an alloy or having a metal and alloy core with an oxide shell in admixture with platinum particles is useful as a component for electrodes. More particularly, such composition is useful as an electrode ink for the reduction of oxygen as well as the oxidation of hydrocarbon or hydrogen fuel in a direct oxidation fuel cell, such as, but not limited to, the direct methanol fuel cell. These electrodes encompass a catalyst ink containing platinum, the nanoparticles, and a conducting ionomer which may be directly applied to a conductive support, such as woven carbon paper or cloth. This electrode may be directly adhered onto an ion exchange membrane. The nanoparticles comprise nanometer-sized transition metals such as cobalt, iron, nickel, ruthenium, chromium, palladium, silver, gold, and copper. In this invention, these catalytic powders substantially replace platinum as a catalyst in fuel cell electrooxidation and electroreduction reactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: QuantumSphere, Inc.
    Inventors: Kimberly McGrath, Douglas Carpenter