Patents Examined by Jacob Marks
  • Patent number: 8785059
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for generating electrical power during negative pressure therapy. The apparatus includes a fuel cell, comprising an anode element and a cathode element, arranged to collect biological fluid from a wound site to which a negative pressure is applied and electro-oxidize a component of the biological fluid at the anode element and/or electro-reduce a component of the biological fluid at the cathode element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLC
    Inventor: Edward Yerbury Hartwell
  • Patent number: 8785060
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a multilayer electrolyte reinforced composite membrane that is mechanically stable and cost-efficient and has superior hydrogen ion conductivity even when exposed to low humidity and high temperature conditions. The method of the invention involves a stretching process and a series of drying steps to provide a hydrogen ion exchange membrane of a three-layer structure comprising: a matrix layer of a hydrogen ion exchange membrane impregnated and stretched with a polymer electrolyte sandwiched between two electrolyte coated layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Nak Hyun Kwon
  • Patent number: 8778545
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for boosting overall performance of a fuel cell while simultaneously separating a nearly pure stream of CO2 for sequestration or for use in generating electrical power to further increase overall efficiency of the process. The system and method employ a heat exchanger system configured to generate a stream of fuel that is returned to the inlet of the fuel cell anode with a higher molar concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2) fuel than was initially present in the fuel cell anode outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Matthew Alexander Lehar, Andrew Philip Shapiro, Bruce Philip Biederman, Vitali Victor Lissianski, Andrew Maxwell Peter, Matthew Joseph Alinger, Laura Michele Hudy, Roger Allen Shisler
  • Patent number: 8778546
    Abstract: A cell suitable for use in a battery according to one embodiment includes a catalytic oxygen cathode; a stabilized zirconia electrolyte for selective oxygen anion transport; a molten salt electrolyte; and a lithium-based anode. A cell suitable for use in a battery according to another embodiment includes a catalytic oxygen cathode; an electrolyte; a membrane selective to molecular oxygen; and a lithium-based anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC.
    Inventor: Joseph C. Farmer
  • Patent number: 8771894
    Abstract: A cooling plate in which flow channels are modified to reduce temperature differences between portions of the cooling plate and provide for more uniform heat distribution within a heat generator. The flow channels of the cooling plate are formed such that a central portion of the flow channels has a greater volume than the end portions near an inlet and an outlet so that the amount of cooling water that is contained in the central portion at any one time is larger than either of the end portions near the inlet and the outlet. Likelihood of thermal deformation of the cooling plate due to thermal stress is decreased, and stability of performance of the fuel cell is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-young Shin, Jie Peng, Seung-jae Lee, Tae-won Song
  • Patent number: 8771891
    Abstract: A diagnostic system for determining whether a rotor shaft of a compressor is unbalanced. The compressor includes a displacement sensor that measures the displacement of the rotor shaft as it is rotating. The sensor dynamic frequency signal is sent to a bandpass filter that filters out an eigen-frequency frequency that is a function of shaft elasticity and rotor dynamics. The filtered frequency signal is then rectified by a rectifier to make the filtered frequency signal positive. The rectified signal is then passed through a low pass filter that converts the rectified signal to a DC signal. The DC signal is then sent to a controller that determines if the amplitude of the signal is above a predetermined threshold, which indicates a problem with the balance of the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Oliver Maier, Bernd Peter Elgas, Ulrich Dumke, Peter Willimowski
  • Patent number: 8771867
    Abstract: A battery including an electrode assembly having electrode plates, a can defining a space receiving the electrode assembly, and a cap plate covering the space, wherein the cap plate is configured to deform away from the space when predetermined sides of the can are deformed toward the space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwan Sic Chun
  • Patent number: 8753782
    Abstract: A cooling system of a fuel cell is provided with a main cooling flow passage and a bypass cooling flow passage which is arranged parallel with the main cooling flow passage and diverts the same coolant, as flow passages through which coolant flows. A radiator and a coolant circulation pump and the like are arranged in the main cooling flow passage. Coolant from the main cooling flow passage enters the bypass cooling flow passage and reaches a second heat exchanger via a case of a motor of an ACP and the like. At the second heat exchanger, heat exchange is also performed with a supply gas flow passage, after which the coolant returns to the main cooling flow passage. The manner in which the coolant is distributed can be changed depending on where the coolant is diverted from the main cooling flow passage and the arrangement of the circulation pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomotaka Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8753764
    Abstract: A safe battery assembly structure comprises a plurality of secondary battery cells mounted on one side of a rack, and a positive guiding strip, a negative guiding strip, and a plurality of fuses mounted on the other side of the rack in such a manner that the secondary battery cells is electrically connected to the positive and negative guiding strips by the fuses and the connecting members, and each of secondary battery cells has its own fuse, so that the secondary battery cells are mounted on one side of the rack while the fuses and positive and negative guiding strips are all mounted on the other side of the rack, thus making it easy for visual checking, assembling, replacement, and maintenance of the components of the battery assembly, and also allowing a plurality of such battery assemblies to be safely arranged side by side or stacked on one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Energy Control Limited
    Inventor: Donald P. H. Wu
  • Patent number: 8735011
    Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided including heating means for heating up heat medium that exchanges heat with a fuel cell, and in which the fuel cell is warmed up by the heat medium heated by the heating means. The system includes: flow rate detecting means for detecting a flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the heating means; and heat controlling means for controlling the heating means based on the flow rate of the heat medium detected by the flow rate detecting means. With this arrangement, it is possible to prevent overheating of the heat medium in the fuel cell system in which the heat medium is heated to warm up the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mitsuru Kimata
  • Patent number: 8722241
    Abstract: A packaged battery, an assembled battery, and a film-covered battery, which can prevent a dangerous state involving a high-pressure gas filled in the film-covered battery while ensuring a sealing reliability, are provided. The Packaged battery includes film-covered battery 1 including a battery element and exterior films forming a sealed space housing the battery element, and holding member 10 holding film-covered battery 1. The sealed space includes a housing section housing the battery element, and a pocket communicating with the housing section to expand when the pressure in the sealed space increases. The pocket includes a safety valve which activates when the pocket expands. Holding member 10 includes an opening and a cavity fitting the housing section therein. When the housing section is fitted into the cavity, at least part of the pocket and the safety valve protrude to the outside of the holding member from the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Masatomo Mizuta, Kazuaki Utsumi, Makihiro Otohata, Hiroshi Yageta
  • Patent number: 8722248
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an active element for a battery whose material contains copper oxyphosphate and an additive improving the conductivity. The proportion of the additive improving the conductivity in the material is between 3 and 7 wt. %, preferably between approximately 3 wt. % and approximately 5 wt. %, and the proportion of the copper oxyphosphate in the material adds up to 100 wt. %. The invention additionally relates to a battery having an active element of this type as well as a method for producing an active element of this type and a battery of this type. The battery according to the invention is suitable in particular for use in medical implants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Biotronik CRM Patent AG
    Inventors: Juergen Drews, Tim Traulsen, Gerd Fehrmann, Thomas Hucke, Roland Staub
  • Patent number: 8691417
    Abstract: A secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode containing a metal compound having a lithium ion absorption potential of 0.2V (vs. Li/Li+) or more, a separator and a nonaqueous electrolyte. The separator is provided between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The separator comprises cellulose fibers and pores having a specific surface area of 5 to 15 m2/g. The separator has a porosity of 55 to 80%, and a pore diameter distribution having a first peak in a pore diameter range of 0.2 ?m (inclusive) to 2 ?m (exclusive) and a second peak in a pore diameter range of 2 to 30 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Norio Takami, Hiroki Inagaki, Takashi Kuboki
  • Patent number: 8691448
    Abstract: Provided is a lithium secondary battery comprising an anode, a cathode and a non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein the anode includes an aqueous binder, and the non-aqueous electrolyte contains (a) a cyclic anhydride or a derivative thereof; and (b) any one anion receptor selected from the group consisting of a borane compound, a borate compound and mixtures thereof. According to the present invention, a stable SEI film is formed on the anode, and the life characteristics of the battery are improved by controlling the LiF content in the SEI film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Su-Jin Yoon, Sung-Hoon Yu, Jong-Ho Jeon
  • Patent number: 8685563
    Abstract: A battery pack that economically and reliably interconnects a large number of small form-factor battery cells. A conducting plate with a plurality of sets of tabs protruding from a flat surface of the conducting plate is used to connect electrical terminals of a plurality of battery cells. Each set of tabs is disposed about and exerts a spring force to a respective battery cell, thus mechanically securing and electrically connecting the conducting plate to the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Atieva, Inc.
    Inventor: Sheau-Pyng Lin
  • Patent number: 8673489
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a nonaqueous electrolytic solution which is capable of bringing about a nonaqueous-electrolyte secondary battery improved in initial charge capacity, input/output characteristics, and impedance characteristics. The invention relates to a nonaqueous electrolytic solution which comprises: a nonaqueous solvent; LiPF6; and a specific fluorosulfonic acid salt, and to a nonaqueous-electrolyte secondary battery containing the nonaqueous electrolytic solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Tokuda, Hiroaki Yoshida, Atsushi Watarai
  • Patent number: 8669007
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a high capacity cathode material suitable for use in a non-aqueous electrochemical cell that comprises copper manganese oxide, which may be in amorphous or semi-crystalline form, and optionally fluorinated carbon. The present disclosure additionally relates to a non-aqueous electrochemical cell comprising such a cathode material and, in particular, to such a non-aqueous electrochemical cell that can deliver a higher capacity than conventional cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Eaglepicher Technologies, LLC.
    Inventors: Jeremy Chi-Han Chang, Ernest Ndzebet, Viet Vu, Min Qi Yang, Umamaheswari Janakiraman, Ramanathan Thillaiyan, Dong Zhang, Mario Destephen
  • Patent number: 8663854
    Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a fuel cell system having at least one fuel cell which has an anode, a cathode, and a membrane element. Two electrode chambers are disposed in the fuel cell, and the electrode chambers are an anode chamber and a cathode chamber. An educt flows into the anode chamber and into the cathode chamber by means of a respective incoming stream. According to the invention, it is provided that at least one compensation region is disposed on the end of the membrane element and serves solely to moisten and/or temper at least one of the incoming streams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Florian Wahl, Sebastian Maass, Uwe Limbeck
  • Patent number: 8642219
    Abstract: A cooling system of a fuel cell is provided with a main cooling flow passage and a bypass cooling flow passage which is arranged parallel with the main cooling flow passage and diverts the same coolant, as flow passages through which coolant flows. A radiator and a coolant circulation pump (WP) and the like are arranged in the main cooling flow passage. Coolant from the main cooling flow passage enters the bypass cooling flow passage and reaches a second heat exchanger via a case of a motor of an ACP and the like. At the second heat exchanger, heat exchange is also performed with a supply gas flow passage, after which the coolant returns to the main cooling flow passage. The manner in which the coolant is distributed can be changed depending on where the coolant is diverted from the main cooling flow passage and the arrangement of the circulation pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tomotaka Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8637184
    Abstract: The battery includes a positive electrode having a first active material on a positive substrate. The first active material includes LiNixCo1-x-yMyO2 wherein M is chosen from the group consisting of Mn, Al, Mg, B, Ti, and Li, and wherein 0.5?x?1 and 0?y?0.3. The battery also includes a negative electrode having a second active material on a negative substrate. The second active material includes carbon. The negative electrode is susceptible to damage when a voltage exceeding a Damage Potential Threshold (DPT) is applied to the negative electrode. The DPT is lower than the maximum positive operating potential of the battery. The positive and negative electrodes define a Zero Volt Crossing Potential (ZCP) relative to a reference level when the voltage between the positive electrode and the negative electrode is zero. The positive electrode and the negative electrode are configured such that the value of the ZCP is less than the value of the DPT at a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Quallion LLC
    Inventors: Hisashi Tsukamoto, Clay Kishiyama, Mikito Nagata, Hiroshi Nakahara, Tiehua Piao