Patents by Inventor Constance R. Stepan

Constance R. Stepan 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: 9722268
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignees: Intelligent Energy Limited, The Commissariat a L'energie Atomique et Aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Andrew J. Curello, Constance R. Stepan, Michael Curello, Paul Spahr
  • Patent number: 9539558
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignees: Intelligent Energy Limited, The Commissariat a L'Energie Atomique et Aux Energies Alternatives (CEA)
    Inventors: Andrew J. Curello, Michael Curello, Constance R. Stepan
  • Patent number: 9490491
    Abstract: A fuel supply (10) is attachable to a fuel cell system (12). The fuel supply includes a fuel supply connector (14) configured to be attached to the fuel cell system. A fuel supply connector automatically separates the fuel supply from the fuel cell system in a predetermined manner if exposed to a separation load. Valves (24, 26) or filler material (23a-d) are used to automatically stop the flow of fuel through the fuel supply connector. Alternatively, the fuel supply connector includes a flexible tube (114) and a valve disposed within the connector. The flexibility of the tube prevents the connector from breaking in case of a separation load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Intelligent Energy Limited
    Inventors: Paul Adams, Andrew J. Curello, Constance R. Stepan, Hung T. Than
  • Publication number: 20150200410
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Publication date: July 16, 2015
    Inventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Andrew J. Curello, Constance R. Stepan, Michael Curello, Paul Spahr
  • Patent number: 9005344
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignees: Societe Bic, The Commissariat a L'energie Atomique et Aux Energies Alternatives (CEA)
    Inventors: Andrew J. Curello, Michael Curello, Constance R. Stepan
  • Patent number: 8986404
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignees: Societe BIC, The Commissariat a l'energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA)
    Inventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Andrew J. Curello, Constance R. Stepan, Michael Curello, Paul Spahr
  • Publication number: 20150047506
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew J. Curello, Michael Curello, Constance R. Stepan
  • Patent number: 8951310
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventors: Andrew J. Curello, Constance R. Stepan, Anthony Sgroi, Paul Spahr, Michael Curello, Alain Rosenzweig, Kurt Rath
  • Patent number: 8764859
    Abstract: A gas-generating apparatus includes a reaction chamber having a first reactant, a reservoir having an optional second reactant, and a self-regulated flow control device. The self-regulated flow control device stops the flow of reactant from the reservoir to the reaction chamber when the pressure of the reaction chamber reaches a predetermined level. Methods of operating the gas-generated apparatus and the self-regulated flow control device, including the cycling of a shut-off valve of the gas-generated apparatus and the cycling of the self-regulated flow control device are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Paul Adams, Andrew J. Curello, Floyd Fairbanks, Anthony Sgroi, Jr., Constance R. Stepan
  • Publication number: 20140120006
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: Societe BIC
    Inventors: Andrew J. Curello, Michael Curello, Constance R. Stepan
  • Patent number: 8636961
    Abstract: The present invention increases the amount of hydrogen produced or released from reactions between a metal hydride fuel and liquid reactant. The present invention also decreases the volume of a hydrogen generating cartridge by reducing the pH of the liquid reactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventors: Anthony Sgroi, Jr., Constance R. Stepan, Andrew J. Curello, Michael Curello
  • Patent number: 8636826
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventors: Andrew J. Curello, Michael Curello, Constance R. Stepan
  • Patent number: 8317884
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Societe Bic
    Inventors: Andrew Curello, Floyd Fairbanks, Constance R. Stepan, Anthony Sgroi, Jr., Michael Curello
  • Publication number: 20120148453
    Abstract: A gas-generating apparatus includes a reaction chamber having a first reactant, a reservoir having an optional second reactant, and a self-regulated flow control device. The self-regulated flow control device stops the flow of reactant from the reservoir to the reaction chamber when the pressure of the reaction chamber reaches a predetermined level. Methods of operating the gas-generated apparatus and the self-regulated flow control device, including the cycling of a shut-off valve of the gas-generated apparatus and the cycling of the self-regulated flow control device are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: Societe BIC
    Inventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Paul Adams, Andrew J. Curello, Floyd Fairbanks, Anthony Sgroi, JR., Constance R. Stepan
  • Patent number: 8118893
    Abstract: A gas-generating apparatus includes a reaction chamber having a first reactant, a reservoir having an optional second reactant, and a self-regulated flow control device. The self-regulated flow control device stops the flow of reactant from the reservoir to the reaction chamber when the pressure of the reaction chamber reaches a predetermined level. Methods of operating the gas-generated apparatus and the self-regulated flow control device, including the cycling of a shut-off valve of the gas-generated apparatus and the cycling of the self-regulated flow control device are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Societe Bic
    Inventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Paul Adams, Andrew J. Curello, Floyd Fairbanks, Anthony Sgroi, Jr., Constance R. Stepan
  • Publication number: 20110244372
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: Societe BIC
    Inventors: Paul Adams, Andrew J. Curello, Constance R. Stepan, Paul Spahr
  • Patent number: 8002853
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Societe Bic
    Inventors: Andrew J. Curello, Alain Rosenzweig, Anthony Sgroi, Jr., Paul Spahr, Constance R. Stepan
  • Publication number: 20110120008
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: Societe BIC
    Inventors: Andrew Curello, Floyd Fairbanks, Constance R. Stepan, Anthony Sgroi, JR., Michael Curello
  • Patent number: D673497
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Andrew J. Curello, Constance R. Stepan
  • Patent number: D680059
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Andrew J. Curello, Constance R. Stepan