Patents Examined by Jeremiah Smith
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Patent number: 8338057Abstract: A gasket for sealing internal surfaces of a fuel cell and formed of compressible material, the gasket comprising a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface for providing a fluid seal against opposing faces of a first fluid flow field plate and a second fluid flow field plate respectively, the gasket further comprising a third sealing surface for sealing against an outer perimeter region of a first surface of a membrane electrode assembly, the third sealing surface being entirely enclosed within a boundary defined by an inner perimeter of the second sealing surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2007Date of Patent: December 25, 2012Assignee: Intelligent Energy LimitedInventors: Peter David Hood, Simon Edward Foster
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Patent number: 8333915Abstract: A fine-structure transfer method in which a fine-featured pattern formed on one of the two surfaces of a stamper is pressed against a coating of a resist on one of the two surfaces of a transfer element so as to transfer the fine-featured pattern to the resist coating, wherein the atmosphere in the space between the stamper and the transfer element is replaced by the vapor of the resist before the stamper is pressed against the transfer element.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2011Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Kyoichi Mori, Naoaki Yamashita, Noritake Shizawa, Koji Tsushima
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Patent number: 8309274Abstract: A separator plate for a fuel cell is provided, including a substrate having a radiation-cured first flow field layer disposed thereon. A method for fabricating the separator plate is also provided. The method includes the steps of providing a substrate; applying a first radiation-sensitive material to the substrate; placing a first mask between a first radiation source and the first radiation-sensitive material, the first mask having a plurality of substantially radiation-transparent apertures; and exposing the first radiation-sensitive material to a plurality of first radiation beams to form a radiation-cured first flow field layer adjacent the substrate. A fuel cell having the separator plate is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2009Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jeffrey A. Rock, Yeh-Hung Lai, Keith E. Newman, Gerald W. Fly, Alan J. Jacobsen, Peter D. Brewer, William B. Carter
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Patent number: 8309000Abstract: A method for manufacturing a microlens includes forming a microlens by pressing a microlens mold having a reverse shape of a microlens formed therein on a microlens-forming film formed on a substrate to transfer the reverse shape of the microlens to the microlens-forming film. The microlens mold is formed by irradiating an inorganic resist film which is formed on a mold substrate with exposure light by relative two-dimensional scanning, and etching an exposed region of the inorganic resist film to form the reverse shape of the microlens. The irradiation intensity of the exposure light is adjusted to correspond to the depth of the reverse shape of the microlens from the surface of the inorganic resist film on the basis of profile data of the reverse shape of the microlens.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Goro Fujita, Seiji Kobayashi, Kimihiro Saito, Shingo Imanishi
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Patent number: 8303886Abstract: A method of manufacturing a three-dimensional object is disclosed, in which the object is solidified layer by layer by solidifying a building material by means of a beam of a gas laser at locations in each layer corresponding to the cross section of the object, wherein the power of the laser is measured and the power of the laser is controlled according to the measured value. The power measurement takes place in a time window, in which a change of the power occurs, and an input control signal of the laser is controlled according to the measured values.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2008Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: EOS GmbH Electro Optical SystemsInventor: Jochen Philippi
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Patent number: 8298697Abstract: In an MEA member constituted by a polymer electrolyte membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) and a frame and in a polymer electrolyte fuel cell including this MEA member, the MEA and the frame can be easily separated from each other without using any special tool. An MEA member 7 includes an MEA 5 and a plate-shaped resin frame 6, and a separating portion for separating the MEA 5 from the frame 6 is formed in the MEA member 7. The MEA 5 includes a polymer electrolyte membrane 2 and a pair of electrodes 3 and 4 respectively disposed on both main surfaces of the polymer electrolyte membrane 2. The frame 6 sandwiches and holds a peripheral portion of main surfaces of the MEA 5 such that the MEA 5 is located inside the frame. The separating portion is a broken-line cutoff line 50 formed on the frame 6 to divide the frame 6 into two or more parts or a partial sandwiching portion 55 located at an inner peripheral portion of the frame 6 to partially sandwich the peripheral portion of the MEA 5.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2009Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Shigeyuki Unoki, Takashi Nakagawa, Takashi Morimoto, Mitsuo Yoshimura
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Patent number: 8293393Abstract: An apparatus for simplifying battery pack encapsulation is provided. The battery pack includes a pair of complementary housing members with each housing member including a plurality of cell constraints into which the ends of corresponding battery cells are inserted during assembly. One or both housing members also include at least one, and preferably a plurality, of raised encapsulant injection ports. The raised encapsulant injection ports are designed to extend above the surface of the respective housing members and beyond the injected encapsulation material, thus ensuring that the ports remain open after encapsulation material injection.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Noel Jason Mendez, Ernest Matthew Villanueva, Alexander Thomas Jacobs, Peng Zhou
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Patent number: 8268221Abstract: Disclosed is a process for production of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sheet, which is superior in productivity compared to conventional processes and can reduce the cost of production. Also disclosed is a process for production of a PTFE seal tape. The processes comprise the following steps (i) to (iii): (i) applying a force to a PTFE particle suspension comprising PTFE particles, a surfactant and water (a dispersion medium) so that the particles can come close to each other or contact with each other, thereby forming a PTFE-containing solid material having the water and the surfactant included therein; (ii) shaping the solid material into a sheet-like form; and (iii) reducing the water content in the sheet-like solid material.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2007Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Nitto Denko CorporationInventors: Takashi Wano, Yozo Nagai, Yuri Horie, Atsushi Tanaka, Osamu Tabei
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Patent number: 8241798Abstract: A method and an apparatus is provided for increasing biofilm formation and power output in microbial fuel cells. An anode material in a microbial fuel cell has a three-dimensional and ordered structure. The anode material fills an entire anode compartment, and it is arranged to allow fluid flow within the anode compartment. The power output of microbial fuel cells is enhanced, primarily by increasing the formation and viability of electrogenic biofilms on the anodes of the microbial fuel cells. The anode material in a microbial fuel cell allows for the growth of a microbial biofilm to its natural thickness. In the instance of members of the Geobacteraceae family, the biofilm is able grow to a depth of about 40 microns.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2011Date of Patent: August 14, 2012Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLCInventors: Tina T. Salguero, Jocelyn Hicks-Garner, Souren Soukiazian
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Patent number: 8234986Abstract: An apparatus for processing fly ash comprising a heated refractory-lined vessel having a series of spaced angled rows of swirl-inducing nozzles which cause cyclonic and/or turbulent air flow of the fly ash when introduced in the vessel, thus increasing the residence time of airborne particles. Also disclosed is a method of fly ash beneficiation using the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2006Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: The Sefa Group, Inc.Inventors: Jimmy C. Knowles, Richard F. Storm
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Patent number: 8231819Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a laminate with the formation of underpressure between a mold (103) and a vacuum foil (105) and supply of resin from injection areas to the layers of the laminate situated in the mold. The novel aspect according to the invention comprises movement of the injection areas while the resin is supplied, This is accomplished by use of a movable suction unit (200) which is arranged on top of the vacuum foil and which, by means of an underpressure between the suction unit and the vacuum foil, forms injection areas for supply of the resin, which can be moved by moving the suction unit. The invention further relates to such movable suction unit and the use thereof in the manufacture of laminates.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2012Date of Patent: July 31, 2012Assignee: LM Glasfiber A/SInventor: Torben Krogsdal Jacobsen
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Patent number: 8226864Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) product offering better productivity and a higher degree of flexibility in form of the product to be obtained than the conventional methods of manufacturing a PTFE product, and a method of manufacturing PTFE particle aggregate obtained as an intermediate while manufacturing a PTFE product. According to the manufacturing methods, aggregate of PTFE particles including water and a surfactant is obtained by applying force to a dispersion of PTFE particles containing PTFE particles, a surfactant and water as a dispersion medium, where the force makes the PTFE particles approach or contact with each other. Such a manufacturing method may be carried out, for example, with a chamber (1) shown in FIG. 1.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2011Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Nitto Denko CorporationInventors: Takashi Wano, Yuri Horie, Atsushi Tanaka, Osamu Tabei, Yozo Nagai
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Patent number: 8226877Abstract: The invention discloses jewelry made of pulverized and recombined primary human teeth, or baby teeth. The human deciduous dentin are partially pulverized and bonded with a chemical bonding agent in a frame configured to receive the pulverized dentin mold or pre-formed frame to create designs personalized to the family members.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2010Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: Shawdon, LPInventor: John G. Fischer
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Patent number: 8216502Abstract: A method and apparatus for simplifying battery pack encapsulation is provided. The battery pack includes a pair of complementary housing members with each housing member including a plurality of cell constraints into which the ends of corresponding battery cells are inserted during assembly. One or both housing members also include at least one, and preferably a plurality, of raised encapsulant injection ports. The raised encapsulant injection ports are designed to extend above the surface of the respective housing members and beyond the injected encapsulation material, thus ensuring that the ports remain open after encapsulation material injection.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2008Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventors: Weston Arthur Hermann, Scott Ira Kohn, Noel Jason Mendez, Ernest Matthew Villanueva, Alexander Thomas Jacobs, Peng Zhou
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Patent number: 8192669Abstract: This invention relates to the fabrication of large area nanoimprint molds having complex patterns with minimal or no use of direct-writing, such as electron beam lithography, ion, laser beam, or mechanical beam lithography. This can be accomplished by forming a pattern of simple nanoscale features and converting the simple features into more complex nanoscale features by a process comprising shadow deposition. The process may also include steps of uniform deposition, etching and smoothing depending on the shape of the complex features.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2009Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Inventors: Stephen Y. Chou, Can Peng, Wendi Li, Shufeng Bai
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Patent number: 8187512Abstract: A method and apparatus for the pelletization of plastics and/or polymers, in which a melt coming from a melt generator is supplied via a diverter valve having different operating positions to a plurality of pelletizing heads through which the melt is pelletized. The plurality of pelletizing heads have different throughput capacities and are used sequentially for the start-up of the pelletizing process, with the melt first being supplied to a first pelletizing head having a smaller throughput capacity and then the melt volume flow being increased and the diverter valve being switched over such that the melt is diverted by the diverter valve to a second pelletizing head having a larger throughput capacity.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2006Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Gala Industries, Inc.Inventors: Michael Eloo, Juergen Heinz Veltel
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Patent number: 8137609Abstract: A part cake defining a build produced by laser sintering and the surrounding unfused powder is contained in an enclosure, and the enclosure includes displaceable wall portions for compressing the part cake to support the build against distortion during rapid cooling from a cooling fluid. The enclosure enables the part cake to be quickly and reliably cooled either within the laser sintering system or outside the laser sintering system. A source of cooling fluid connects to the enclosure and a lid holds the part cake in place as cooling fluid is forced through the pore volume of the cake. An inert gas blanket apparatus is also provided to reduce or prevent oxidation of the part cake and/or to cool the part cake. Once the part cake is cooled, the build produced by laser sintering may be removed from the part cake.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2011Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Patrick McAlea, Thomas Hsing Pang, Praveen Tummala
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Patent number: 8137599Abstract: Disclosed is a conduit expansion method, including: inserting a liner conduit formed from a polyvinyl chloride material at least partially within a host conduit; circulating fluid within an inner area of the liner conduit; and injecting fluid into the inner area of the liner conduit; wherein the liner conduit at least partially expands within the host conduit.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Underground Solutions Technologies Group, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Smith, Thomas Marti, Bryan St. Onge, Henri St. Onge
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Patent number: 8128853Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for use in a fusion process for conduit. The method includes the steps of: removably positioning a first terminal edge of a first conduit portion with a first terminal edge of a second conduit portion; facing the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; aligning the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; melting at least a portion of the terminal edges of the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion; engaging the melted terminal edge of the first conduit portion with the melted terminal edge of the second conduit portion; maintaining pressure between the engaged terminal edges, thereby creating a fused joint area; and removing at least a portion of the resultant external bead extending around the fused joint area. A fusion apparatus for employing this method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Underground Solutions Technologies Group, Inc.Inventors: Bryan St. Onge, Henri St. Onge, Thomas Marti
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Patent number: 8113256Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a laminate with the formation of underpressure between a mold and a vacuum foil and supply of resin from injection areas to the layers of the laminate situated in the mold. The novel aspect according to the invention comprises movement of the injection areas while the resin is supplied. This is accomplished by use of a movable suction unit which is arranged on top of the vacuum foil and which, by means of an underpressure between the suction unit and the vacuum foil, forms injection areas for supply of the resin, which can be moved by moving the suction unit. The invention further relates to such movable suction unit and the use thereof in the manufacture of laminates.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2006Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: LM Glasfiber A/SInventor: Torben Krogsdal Jacobsen