Patents by Inventor Andrew J. Curello
Andrew J. Curello has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20110240159Abstract: The present application is directed to a gas-generating apparatus and various pressure regulators or pressure-regulating valves. Hydrogen is generated within the gas-generating apparatus and is transported to a fuel cell. The transportation of a first fuel component to a second fuel component to generate of hydrogen occurs automatically depending on the pressure of a reaction chamber within the gas-generating apparatus. The pressure regulators and flow orifices are provided to regulate the hydrogen pressure and to minimize the fluctuation in pressure of the hydrogen received by the fuel cell. Connecting valves to connect the gas-generating apparatus to the fuel cell are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: Societe BICInventors: Andrew J. Curello, Paul Spahr
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Publication number: 20110244372Abstract: Disclosed herein are connecting valves (12, 14) with an interchangeability feature (18, 20) to ensure that the fuel cell fuel matches the fuel cell. Also disclosed are retainer mechanisms (28, 30, 32, 36) capable of releasably connecting the fuel supply to the fuel cell or to the electronic device equipped with a fuel cell. An improvement to the connecting valves to decrease the amount of residual fuel left in the fuel supply is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2011Publication date: October 6, 2011Applicant: Societe BICInventors: Paul Adams, Andrew J. Curello, Constance R. Stepan, Paul Spahr
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Publication number: 20110212374Abstract: The present application is directed to a gas-generating apparatus (10). Hydrogen is generated within the gas-generating apparatus and is transported to a fuel cell. The generation of hydrogen is regulated automatically by the selective exposure of a catalyst (48) to the fuel mixture depending on the pressure inside the reaction chamber (28) of the gas-generating apparatus. Catalyst sealing mechanisms (40, 42) are provided at least partially within the reaction chamber to regulate the hydrogen pressure and to minimize the fluctuations in pressure of the hydrogen received by the fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2009Publication date: September 1, 2011Applicant: SOCIETE BICInventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Andrew J. Curello, Paul Spahr, Michael R. Curello
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Patent number: 8002853Abstract: The present application is directed to a gas-generating apparatus and various pressure regulators or pressure-regulating valves. Hydrogen is generated within the gas-generating apparatus and is transported to a fuel cell. The transportation of a first fuel component to a second fuel component to generate of hydrogen occurs automatically depending on the pressure of a reaction chamber within the gas-generating apparatus. The pressure regulators and flow orifices are provided to regulate the hydrogen pressure and to minimize the fluctuation in pressure of the hydrogen received by the fuel cell. Connecting valves to connect the gas-generating apparatus to the fuel cell are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2006Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Societe BicInventors: Andrew J. Curello, Alain Rosenzweig, Anthony Sgroi, Jr., Paul Spahr, Constance R. Stepan
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Publication number: 20110189574Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fuel supply comprising a compressed gas chamber and liquid fuel chamber. A pressure regulator connects the compressed gas chamber to the liquid fuel chamber. The pressure regulator is capable of taking a high pressure input from the compressed gas chamber and providing a substantially constant lower output pressure to the liquid fuel chamber. The pressure of the compressed gas chamber can decrease over time, but the pressure that urges liquid fuel out of the liquid fuel chamber remains substantially at the same level.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2008Publication date: August 4, 2011Applicant: SOCIÉTÉ BICInventors: Andrew J. Curello, Paul Spahr
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Publication number: 20110121220Abstract: A non-interchangeable two-component connecting valve capable of connecting a fuel supply to a fuel cell or other device is disclosed. One component of the connecting valve comprises at least one center post and one internal elastomeric seal, which opens when moved or compressed by a correctly sized and dimensioned mating tube from the other component. In one embodiment, only one valve component has one or more internal seals. In alternate embodiments, both valve components have one or more internal seals, which can open simultaneously or sequentially.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2008Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventors: Andrew J. Curello, Paul Spahr
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Publication number: 20110123889Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fuel cell system with various features for optimal operations of an electronic device, a battery charger or a fuel refilling device. The fuel cell system includes an information storage device associated with the fuel supply, pump and/or refitting device. The information storage device can be any electronic storage device including, but not limited to, an EEPROM or a PLA. The information storage device can include encrypted information. The information storage device can include software code for confirming the identification of the cartridge before operation of the electronic device and/or refilling device. The information storage device can include instructions for a hot swap operation to shut down property when the fuel supply is ejected while the electronic device is in operation. The present invention is also directed to system architecture for a fuel cell system that utilizes information storage devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2011Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: SOCIETE BICInventors: Paul Adams, Andrew J. Curello, Flyod Fairbanks
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Publication number: 20110104021Abstract: The present application is directed to a hydrophobic membrane assembly (28) used within a gas-generating apparatus. Hydrogen is separated from the reaction solution by passing through a hydrophobic membrane assembly (28) having a hydrophobic lattice like member (36) disposed within a hydrogen output composite (32) further enhancing the ability of the hydrogen output composite's ability to separate out hydrogen gas and prolonging its useful life.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2010Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: Societe BICInventors: Andrew J. Curello, Michael Curello, Constance R. Stepan
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Publication number: 20110099904Abstract: The present application is directed to gas generators comprising a fuel mixture and a catalyst. The catalyst is contained in a self-regulated reactor or buoy, and selectively opens and closes to produce a gas in accordance with the demand for gas. This fuel mixture is generally a solution formed by dissolving a solid fuel component in a liquid fuel component. The mixing preferably occurs before the first use, and more preferably occurs immediately prior to the first use. The inventive gas generators preferably further comprises a starting mechanism that isolates the solid fuel from the liquid fuel or vice versa before the first use. In one embodiment, the starting mechanism further comprises a catalyst shield mechanism that isolates the catalyst in the reactor or buoy from the liquid and/or the solid fuel prior to the first use.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2010Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: Societe BICInventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Andrew J. Curello, Constance R. Stepan, Michael Curello, Paul Spahr
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Patent number: 7901834Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fuel cell system with various features for optimal operations of an electronic device, a battery charger or a fuel refilling device. The fuel cell system includes an information storage device associated with the fuel supply, pump and/or refilling device. The information storage device can be any electronic storage device including, but not limited to, an EEPROM or a PLA. The information storage device can include encrypted information. The information storage device can include software code for confirming the identification of the cartridge before operation of the electronic device and/or refilling device. The information storage device can include instructions for a hot swap operation to shut down properly when the fuel supply is ejected while the electronic device is in operation. The present invention is also directed to system architecture for a fuel cell system that utilizes information storage devices.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2010Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Societe BICInventors: Paul Adams, Andrew J. Curello, Floyd Fairbanks
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Patent number: 7896934Abstract: A gas-generating apparatus (10) includes a reaction chamber (18) containing a solid fuel component (24) and a liquid fuel component (22) that is introduced into the reaction chamber by a fluid path, such as a tube, nozzle, or valve. The flow of the liquid fuel to the solid fuel is self-regulated. Other embodiments of the gas-generating apparatus are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2006Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Societe BicInventors: Andrew J. Curello, Floyd Fairbanks, Constance R. Stepan, Anthony Sgroi, Jr., Michael Curello
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Patent number: 7832433Abstract: A gas-generating apparatus includes a fuel storage chamber having a fuel gas stored within a plurality of microspheres. A releasing mechanism releases the gas from the microspheres, such as by fracturing the spheres or diffusing the gas through the spheres. A ratcheting mechanism controls the release of the gas, such as hydrogen, from the microspheres. The ratcheting mechanism is controlled by either the pressure within the fuel storage chamber or an electronic controller. Additionally, the gas-generating apparatus of the present invention includes a fuel introducing system that has a fuel transporting system that is pressure regulated.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Societe BicInventors: Andrew J. Curello, Floyd Fairbanks
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Patent number: 7794886Abstract: Fuel supplies for fuel cells are disclosed. The fuel supplies can be a pressurized or non-pressurized cartridge that can be used with any fuel cells, including but not limited to, direct methanol fuel cell or reformer fuel cell. In one aspect, a fuel supply may contain a reaction chamber to convert fuel to hydrogen. The fuel supplies may also contain a pump. The fuel supply may have a valve connecting the fuel to the fuel cell, and a vent to vent gas from the fuel supply. Methods for forming various fuel supplies are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2010Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Societe BICInventors: Paul Adams, Andrew J. Curello
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Patent number: 7779856Abstract: A fuel supply connectable to a fuel cell is disclosed. The fuel supply comprises an outer casing and a fuel liner and an effective amount of fuel in the space between the outer casing and the fuel liner to control the pressure inside the fuel liner. In one example, the fuel inside the fuel liner is methanol, and the fuel between the outer casing and the fuel liner is methanol or methanol gel.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2005Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Societe BICInventors: Paul Adams, Andrew J. Curello, Floyd Fairbanks, Constance R. Stepan
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Patent number: 7779873Abstract: A filling device for use to manually or automatically refill a fuel cartridge using a separate fuel container or a second fuel cartridge is disclosed. The filling device provides for the sharing or fuel among numerous fuel containers and fuel cartridges in various consumer electronic devices. Fuel cartridges can be filled in-situ using an adapter for connecting the fuel container to the fuel cartridge. The adapter includes an input connector and an output connector arranged to adapt various fuel containers and fuel cartridges together. The adapter can be arranged as a passive device or as an active device and can include pumps, valves, power sources and control units as desired.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2006Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Societe BICInventors: Paul Adams, Andrew J. Curello
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Patent number: 7762278Abstract: Valves for connecting fuel supplies are disclosed. The fuel supplies can be a pressurized or non-pressurized cartridge that can be used with any fuel cells. The valves may include valves that vent gas from the cartridge and allow byproducts produced by the fuel cell to be transported to the fuel cartridge, and valves that connect the fuel supplies to the fuel cells.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2004Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Societe BICInventors: Paul Adams, Floyd Fairbanks, Andrew J. Curello, Anthony Sgroi, Jr.
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Publication number: 20100151361Abstract: Fuel supplies for fuel cells are disclosed. The fuel supplies can be a pressurized or non-pressurized cartridge that can be used with any fuel cells, including but not limited to, direct methanol fuel cell or reformer fuel cell. In one aspect, a fuel supply may contain a reaction chamber to convert fuel to hydrogen. The fuel supplies may also contain a pump. The fuel supply may have a valve connecting the fuel to the fuel cell, and a vent to vent gas from the fuel supply. Methods for forming various fuel supplies are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2010Publication date: June 17, 2010Inventors: Paul Adams, Andrew J. Curello, Floyd Fairbanks, Guy Lefebvre, Yann Lefebvre, Rene Frigiere, Michel Doucet
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Publication number: 20100112400Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fuel cell system with various features for optimal operations of an electronic device, a battery charger or a fuel refilling device. The fuel cell system includes an information storage device associated with the fuel supply, pump and/or refilling device. The information storage device can be any electronic storage device including, but not limited to, an EEPROM or a PLA. The information storage device can include encrypted information. The information storage device can include software code for confirming the identification of the cartridge before operation of the electronic device and/or refilling device. The information storage device can include instructions for a hot swap operation to shut down properly when the fuel supply is ejected while the electronic device is in operation. The present invention is also directed to system architecture for a fuel cell system that utilizes information storage devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2010Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: SOCIETE BICInventors: Paul Adams, Andrew J. Curello, Floyd Fairbanks
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Publication number: 20100104481Abstract: Disclosed herein are multiple embodiments of a hydrogen generator (10) that measures, transports or stores a single dose of a viscous fuel component from first fuel chamber (12) in storage area (38) when the internal hydrogen pressure (44, 44?) of the hydrogen generator is high, and transports this single dose to a metal hydride fuel component in second fuel chamber (14) when the internal pressure is low, so that the viscous liquid and metal hydride fuel components react together to generate more hydrogen and to restart the cycle. The viscous fuel component can be water or alcohol, such as methanol, in liquid or gel form, and the metal hydride fuel component can be sodium borohydride or other metal hydride that chemically reacts with the viscous fuel to produce hydrogen. The metal hydride fuel component can be in solid or viscous form, e.g., aqueous form.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2008Publication date: April 29, 2010Applicant: Societe BICInventors: Andrew J. Curello, Constance R. Stepan, Anthony Sgroi, Paul Spahr, Michael Curello, Alain Rosenzweig, Kurt Rath
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Publication number: 20100099009Abstract: Valves for connecting fuel supplies are disclosed. The fuel supplies can be a pressurized or non-pressurized cartridge that can be used with any fuel cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2004Publication date: April 22, 2010Inventors: Paul Adams, Floyd Fairbanks, Andrew J. Curello, Anthony Sgroi, JR.