Patents by Inventor Benjamin Chao

Benjamin Chao 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).

  • Patent number: 10109855
    Abstract: Hydrogen storage alloys comprising a metal oxide containing ?60 at % oxygen; and/or comprising a metal region adjacent to a boundary region, which boundary region comprises at least one channel; and/or comprising a metal region adjacent to a boundary region, where the boundary region has a length and an average width, where the average width is from about 12 nm to about 1100 nm; and/or comprising a metal oxide zone comprising a metal oxide, which oxide zone is aligned with at least one channel; and/or comprising a Ni/Cr metal oxide have improved electrochemical properties, for instance improved low temperature electrochemical performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: Kwo Young, Diana Wong, Benjamin Chao, Michael A. Fetcenko
  • Patent number: 9531005
    Abstract: A hydrogen storage alloy material includes a primary phase having an ABx type structure and a secondary phase having a B2 structure that enhances the electrochemical properties of the alloy. The A component of the primary phase includes La and Ce, and the B component of the primary phase includes Ni, Co, Al, and Mn. The secondary phase may include Al, Mn, and Ni. Also disclosed are battery systems including the alloy material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Ovonic Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kwo-hsiung Young, Benjamin Chao
  • Publication number: 20160233496
    Abstract: Hydrogen storage alloys comprising a metal oxide containing?60 at % oxygen; and/or comprising metal regions separated by a boundary region, which boundary region comprises at least one channel; and/or comprising metal regions separated by a boundary region, where the boundary region has a length and an average width, where the average width is from about 12 nm to about 1100 nm; and/or comprising a metal oxide zone comprising a metal oxide, which oxide zone is aligned with at least one channel; and/or comprising a Ni/Cr metal oxide have improved electrochemical properties, for instance improved low temperature electrochemical performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Kwo Young, Diana Wong, Benjamin Chao, Michael A. Fetcenko
  • Publication number: 20160233499
    Abstract: Hydrogen storage alloys comprising a metal oxide containing ?60 at % oxygen; and/or comprising metal regions separated by a boundary region, which boundary region comprises at least one channel; and/or comprising metal regions separated by a boundary region, where the boundary region has a length and an average width, where the average width is from about 12 nm to about 1100 nm; and/or comprising a metal oxide zone comprising a metal oxide, which oxide zone is aligned with at least one channel; and/or comprising a Ni/Cr metal oxide have improved electrochemical properties, for instance improved low temperature electrochemical performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Kwo Young, Diana Wong, Benjamin Chao, Michael A. Fetcenko
  • Publication number: 20160233498
    Abstract: Hydrogen storage alloys comprising a metal oxide containing ?60 at % oxygen; and/or comprising metal regions separated by a boundary region, which boundary region comprises at least one channel; and/or comprising metal regions separated by a boundary region, where the boundary region has a length and an average width, where the average width is from about 12 nm to about 1100 nm; and/or comprising a metal oxide zone comprising a metal oxide, which oxide zone is aligned with at least one channel; and/or comprising a Ni/Cr metal oxide have improved electrochemical properties, for instance improved low temperature electrochemical performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Kwo Young, Diana Wong, Benjamin Chao, Michael A. Fetcenko
  • Publication number: 20160233497
    Abstract: Hydrogen storage alloys comprising a metal oxide containing ?60 at % oxygen; and/or comprising a metal region adjacent to a boundary region, which boundary region comprises at least one channel; and/or comprising a metal region adjacent to a boundary region, where the boundary region has a length and an average width, where the average width is from about 12 nm to about 1100 nm; and/or comprising a metal oxide zone comprising a metal oxide, which oxide zone is aligned with at least one channel; and/or comprising a Ni/Cr metal oxide have improved electrochemical properties, for instance improved low temperature electrochemical performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Kwo Young, Diana Wong, Benjamin Chao, Michael A. Fetcenko
  • Publication number: 20160233500
    Abstract: Hydrogen storage alloys comprising a metal oxide containing ?60 at % oxygen; and/or comprising metal regions separated by a boundary region, which boundary region comprises at least one channel; and/or comprising metal regions separated by a boundary region, where the boundary region has a length and an average width, where the average width is from about 12 nm to about 1100 nm; and/or comprising a metal oxide zone comprising a metal oxide, which oxide zone is aligned with at least one channel; and/or comprising a Ni/Cr metal oxide have improved electrochemical properties, for instance improved low temperature electrochemical performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Inventors: Kwo Young, Diana Wong, Benjamin Chao, Michael A. Fetcenko
  • Patent number: 9343735
    Abstract: A hybrid power cell is provided that combines a nickel-metal hydride battery, solid state hydrogen storage, and alkaline fuel cell technologies in a single cell operating within a targeted intermediate temperature range. A cell includes a cathode that is capable of using raw atmospheric air as an oxygen source and an anode that is capable of reversible electrochemical and gas phase hydrogen storage, where the anode and the cathode are highly functional at intermediate temperatures. The resulting hybrid power cell overcomes prior challenges of reliable high-capacity grid-tied energy storage necessary for greater renewable energy adoption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Ovonic Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kwo-hsiung Young, Diana Wong, Jean Nei, Benjamin Reichman, Benjamin Chao, William Mays
  • Publication number: 20150295290
    Abstract: A hybrid power cell is provided that combines a nickel-metal hydride battery, solid state hydrogen storage, and alkaline fuel cell technologies in a single cell operating within a targeted intermediate temperature range. A cell includes a cathode that is capable of using raw atmospheric air as an oxygen source and an anode that is capable of reversible electrochemical and gas phase hydrogen storage, where the anode and the cathode are highly functional at intermediate temperatures. The resulting hybrid power cell overcomes prior challenges of reliable high-capacity grid-tied energy storage necessary for greater renewable energy adoption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Applicant: Ovonic Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kwo-hsiung Young, Diana Wong, Jean Nei, Benjamin Reichman, Benjamin Chao, William Mays
  • Publication number: 20150295289
    Abstract: A hybrid power cell is provided that combines a nickel-metal hydride battery, solid state hydrogen storage, and alkaline fuel cell technologies in a single cell operating within a targeted intermediate temperature range. A cell includes a cathode that is capable of using raw atmospheric air as an oxygen source and an anode that is capable of reversible electrochemical and gas phase hydrogen storage, where the anode and the cathode are highly functional at intermediate temperatures. The resulting hybrid power cell overcomes prior challenges of reliable high-capacity grid-tied energy storage necessary for greater renewable energy adoption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Publication date: October 15, 2015
    Applicant: OVONIC BATTERY COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Kwo-hsiung Young, Diana Wong, Jean Nei, Benjamin Reichman, Benjamin Chao, William Mays
  • Publication number: 20140374652
    Abstract: A hydrogen storage alloy material includes a primary phase having an ABx type structure and a secondary phase having a B2 structure that enhances the electrochemical properties of the alloy. The A component of the primary phase includes La and Ce, and the B component of the primary phase includes Ni, Co, Al, and Mn. The secondary phase may include Al, Mn, and Ni. Also disclosed are battery systems including the alloy material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Ovonic Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kwo-hsiung Young, Benjamin Chao
  • Publication number: 20040206424
    Abstract: A modified Ti—Mn2 hydrogen storage alloy. The alloy generally is comprised of Ti and Mn. A generic formula for the alloy is: TiQ-XZrXMnZ-YAY, where A is generally one or more of V, Cr, Fe, Ni and Al. Most preferably A is one or more of V, Cr, and Fe. The subscript Q is preferably between 0.9 and 1.1, and most preferably Q is 1.0. The subscript X is between 0.0 and 0.35, more preferably X is between 0.1 and 0.2, and most preferably X is between 0.1 and 0.15. The subscript Y is preferably between 0.3 and 1.8, more preferably Y is between 0.6 and 1.2, and most preferably Y is between 0.6 and 1.0. The subscript Z is preferably between 1.8 and 2.1, and most preferably Z is between 1.8 and 2.0. The alloys are generally single phase materials, exhibiting a hexagonal C14 Laves phase crystalline structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Ned T. Stetson, Jun Yang, Benjamin Chao, Vitaliy Myasnikov, Zhaosheng Tan
  • Patent number: 6726783
    Abstract: A fundamentally new magnesium-based hydrogen storage alloy material which makes it feasible and practical to use solid state storage and delivery of hydrogen to power internal combustion engine or fuel cell vehicles. These alloys have remarkable hydrogen storage capacity of well over 6 weight percent. The alloys also have extraordinary absorption kinetics such that the alloy absorbs 80 percent of its total capacity within five minutes. The alloys are in particle form where the particles have a size ranging from 30 to 70 microns. The alloys also have a dual phase structure (formed by cooling from the melt at a cooling rate of 103-104° C.). The dual phase structure is such that an intergranular region surrounds a major hydrogen storage phase thus providing the alloys with resistance to sintering during high temperature hydriding/dehydriding cycling thereof. As a result of the dual phase structure, the alloys have an extended cycle life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Rosa Young, Benjamin Chao, Stanford R. Ovshinsky
  • Publication number: 20030103861
    Abstract: A modified Ti—Mn2 hydrogen storage alloy. The alloy generally is comprised of Ti and Mn. A generic formula for the alloy is: TiQ−XZrXMnZ−YAY, where A is generally one or more of V, Cr, Fe, Ni and Al. Most preferably A is one or more of V, Cr, and Fe. The subscript Q is preferably between 0.9 and 1.1, and most preferably Q is 1.0. The subscript X is between 0.0 and 0.35, more preferably X is between 0.1 and 0.2, and most preferably X is between 0.1 and 0.15. The subscript Y is preferably between 0.3 and 1.8, more preferably Y is between 0.6 and 1.2,and most preferably Y is between 0.6 and 1.0. The subscript Z is preferably between 1.8 and 2.1,and most preferably Z is between 1.8 and 2.0. The alloys are generally single phase materials, exhibiting a hexagonal C14 Laves phase crystalline structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: Ned T. Stetson, Jun Yang, Benjamin Chao, Vitaliy Myasnikov, Zhaosheng Tan
  • Patent number: 6500583
    Abstract: Practice of this invention provides, at least, a method of making a hydrogen storage material comprising the steps of: 1. forming a molten mixture comprising nickel and at least one other transition metal element, the combination of which will form a TiNi alloy and including in said molten mixture from about 0.1 at. % to about 10 at. % of one or more elements which will form an alloy which is immiscible in the TiNi-type alloy; and (b) cooling said molten mixture to form a solid alloy-system material by rapid solidification of said molten mixture at a cooling rate of at least 103° C. per second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignees: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc., Crucible Materials Corp.
    Inventors: Jason Ting, Ulrike Habel, Michael W. Peretti, William B. Eisen, Rosa Young, Benjamin Chao, Baoquan Huang
  • Patent number: 6210498
    Abstract: Reversible hydrogen storage alloys and methods and electrodes formed therefrom for nickel metal hydride batteries, in which the alloys are quenched from a melt at cooling rates selected to provide a high degree of disorder with an optimum local environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Rosa T. Young, Benjamin Chao
  • Patent number: 5616432
    Abstract: A disordered multicomponent MgNi based electrochemical hydrogen storage material having a microstructure including a substantial volume fraction characterized by intermediate range order and exhibiting extraordinarily high storage capacity and methods of fabricating same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Ovonic Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Michael A. Fetcenko, Benjamin Reichman, Kwo Young, Benjamin Chao, Jun Im
  • Patent number: 5554456
    Abstract: Non-uniform heterogeneous powder particles for electrochemical uses, and said powder particles comprising at least two separate and distinct hydrogen storage alloys selected from the group consisting of: Ovonic LaNi.sub.5 type alloys, Ovonic TiNi type alloys, and Ovonic MgNi based alloys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Ovonic Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Michael A. Fetcenko, Jun Im, Benjamin Chao, Benjamin Reichman, Kwo Young
  • Patent number: 4759993
    Abstract: A coated stainless steel article and a method of preparing the article are disclosed. The coating is a plasma chemical vapor deposited coating, formed from a plasma of nitrous oxide, a silane, and an energy transfer agent (such as He, Ar). The resulting coating is adherent, corrosion resistant, and has a thickness sufficient to mask and cover the features of the stainless steel substrate, and to provide a pitting potential (in 3.5% NaCl) of greater than 600 millivolts, a J.I.S. 8502 (1982) versus a saturated calomel electrode a salt spray test rating in 5% NaCl-0.02% hydrogen peroxide of at least B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Assignee: Ovonic Synthetic Materials Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Purnachandra Pai, Benjamin Chao, Keith Hart, Yasuo Takagi