Patents Examined by Jacob Marks
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Patent number: 8785059Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 14, 2009Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Smith & Nephew PLCInventor: Edward Yerbury Hartwell
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Patent number: 8785060Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Nak Hyun Kwon
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Patent number: 8778545Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 31, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Matthew Alexander Lehar, Andrew Philip Shapiro, Bruce Philip Biederman, Vitali Victor Lissianski, Andrew Maxwell Peter, Matthew Joseph Alinger, Laura Michele Hudy, Roger Allen Shisler
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Patent number: 8778546Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 12, 2010Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC.Inventor: Joseph C. Farmer
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Patent number: 8771894Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 9, 2007Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jae-young Shin, Jie Peng, Seung-jae Lee, Tae-won Song
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Patent number: 8771891Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 15, 2006Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Oliver Maier, Bernd Peter Elgas, Ulrich Dumke, Peter Willimowski
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Patent number: 8771867Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 25, 2013Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kwan Sic Chun
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Patent number: 8753782Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 28, 2011Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tomotaka Ishikawa
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Patent number: 8753764Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 22, 2011Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Energy Control LimitedInventor: Donald P. H. Wu
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Patent number: 8735011Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 26, 2006Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Mitsuru Kimata
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Patent number: 8722241Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 9, 2008Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: NEC CorporationInventors: Masatomo Mizuta, Kazuaki Utsumi, Makihiro Otohata, Hiroshi Yageta
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Patent number: 8722248Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 26, 2008Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Biotronik CRM Patent AGInventors: Juergen Drews, Tim Traulsen, Gerd Fehrmann, Thomas Hucke, Roland Staub
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Patent number: 8691417Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 3, 2012Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Norio Takami, Hiroki Inagaki, Takashi Kuboki
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Patent number: 8691448Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 26, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Su-Jin Yoon, Sung-Hoon Yu, Jong-Ho Jeon
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Patent number: 8685563Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 5, 2013Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Atieva, Inc.Inventor: Sheau-Pyng Lin
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Patent number: 8673489Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 13, 2012Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Tokuda, Hiroaki Yoshida, Atsushi Watarai
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Patent number: 8669007Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 9, 2009Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Eaglepicher Technologies, LLC.Inventors: Jeremy Chi-Han Chang, Ernest Ndzebet, Viet Vu, Min Qi Yang, Umamaheswari Janakiraman, Ramanathan Thillaiyan, Dong Zhang, Mario Destephen
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Patent number: 8663854Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 7, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Florian Wahl, Sebastian Maass, Uwe Limbeck
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Patent number: 8642219Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 11, 2006Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tomotaka Ishikawa
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Patent number: 8637184Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 6, 2006Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Quallion LLCInventors: Hisashi Tsukamoto, Clay Kishiyama, Mikito Nagata, Hiroshi Nakahara, Tiehua Piao