Patents by Inventor Craig C. Andrews
Craig C. Andrews 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: 20030232233Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising a plurality of electrochemical cell components having at least one opening extending therethrough. At least one filament extends through the at least one opening and has two ends with first and second securing members coupled to the two ends. A biasing member is disposed to put the at least one filament in tension between the securing members and to put the plurality of electrochemical cell components in compression. The filament is preferably electronically insulating and preferably does not transmit torsional forces. The filament extends through the at least one opening at least one time and may loop around a securing member any number of times. The filament may have a finite cut length or may form a continuous filament loop.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2003Publication date: December 18, 2003Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, Rattaya Chow Yalamanchili, Oliver J. Murphy
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Publication number: 20030232234Abstract: A bipolar assembly for use in electrochemical cell stacks, especially stacks operated at low pressure. The bipolar assembly is lightweight and provides a “post-type” flow field that operates with a low pressure drop. The bipolar assembly comprises a gas barrier having an array of electronically conducting posts disposed approximately perpendicular to the gas barrier. Each end of the posts is in electrical communication with the surface of an electrode. Because the bipolar assembly separates a cathode from an anode, the posts contact an anode electrode on one end and a cathode electrode on the other end. The posts provide current conduction through the stack as well as provide the flow fields for the electrochemical reactants. Optionally, the bipolar assembly may contain cooling fluid channels formed by adding additional gas barriers to the bipolar assembly. The space between the gas barriers form a channel through which cooling fluids may be circulated.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2003Publication date: December 18, 2003Inventors: Alan J. Cisar, Craig C. Andrews, Charles J. Greenwald, Oliver J. Murphy, Chris Boyer, Rattaya Yalamanchili, Carlos E. Salinas
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Publication number: 20030209447Abstract: The present invention provides an ozone generation and delivery system that lends itself to small scale applications and requires very low maintenance. The system includes an anode reservoir and a cathode phase separator each having a hydrophobic membrane to allow phase separation of produced gases from water. The system may be configured to operate passively with no moving parts or in a self-pressurizing manner with the inclusion of a pressure controlling device or valve in the gas outlet of the anode reservoir. The hydrogen gas, ozone gas and water containing ozone may be delivered under pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 19, 2003Publication date: November 13, 2003Applicant: Lynntech International, Ltd.Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, Oliver J. Murphy
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Publication number: 20030145942Abstract: Assembling electrochemical cell components using a bonding agent comprising aligning components of the electrochemical cell, applying a bonding agent between the components to bond the components together, placing the components within a container that is essentially a pliable bag, and drawing a vacuum within the bag, wherein the bag conforms to the shape of the components from the pressure outside the bag, thereby holding the components securely in place. The vacuum is passively maintained until the adhesive has cured and the components are securely bonded. The bonding agent used to bond the components of the electrochemical cell may be distributed to the bonding surface from distribution channels in the components. To prevent contamination with bonding agent, some areas may be treated to produce regions of preferred adhesive distribution and protected regions. Treatments may include polishing, etching, coating and providing protective grooves between the bonding surfaces and the protected regions.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2002Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, Oliver J. Murphy
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Patent number: 6576096Abstract: The present invention provides an ozone generation and delivery system that lends itself to small scale applications and requires very low maintenance. The system preferably includes an anode reservoir and a cathode phase separator each having a hydrophobic membrane to allow phase separation of produced gases from water. The hydrogen gas, ozone gas and water containing ozone may be delivered under pressure.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 1998Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Lynntech International, Ltd.Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, Oliver J. Murphy
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Publication number: 20030085135Abstract: The present invention provides a self-replenishing liquid water source onboard an automobile for supplying liquid water to an electrolyzer, such as an on-board hydrogen generator useful for the suppression of unwanted emissions. While automobiles typically have water reservoirs resupplied by a person, the invention provides a passive means of water collection for reliable replenishment due to operations of the automobile itself. The invention provides condensate from the engine exhaust gas by cooling a region of the exhaust system using cooling fluid from the engine coolant system. The cooling fluid is circulated during a period following the engine cold start event when the heat load on the engine coolant system is low.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2002Publication date: May 8, 2003Applicant: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, Alan J. Cisar, Carlos Salinas, Oliver J. Murphy, A. John Appleby
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Publication number: 20030080467Abstract: The present invention provides for the electrochemical generation of ozone for use in “point-of-use” applications. The electrochemical ozone generators or systems of the present invention may be used to provide disinfected water, ozone-containing water, and/or ozone gas. Disinfected water may be produced by introducing ozone gas into a potable or purified water source for the purpose of disinfecting or controlling the microorganisms in the water source. Ozonated water or ozone gas may be produced and provided for various anti-microbial and cleansing applications of the consumer, such as washing food, clothing, dishes, countertops, toys, sinks, bathroom surfaces, and the like. Furthermore, the ozone generator may be used to deliver a stream of ozone-containing water for the purpose of commercial or residential point-of-use washing, disinfecting, and sterilizing medical instruments and medical equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, Oliver J. Murphy, G. Duncan Hitchens
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Patent number: 6551474Abstract: The present invention provides an ozone generation and delivery system that lends itself to small scale applications and requires very low maintenance. The system includes an anode reservoir and a cathode phase separator each having a hydrophobic membrane to allow phase separation of produced gases from water. The system may be configured to operate passively with no moving parts or in a self-pressurizing manner with the inclusion of a pressure controlling device or valve in the gas outlet of the anode reservoir. The hydrogen gas, ozone gas and water containing ozone may be delivered under pressure.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 1999Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Lynntech International Ltd.Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, Thomas D. Rogers, Oliver J. Murphy
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Patent number: 6551490Abstract: The present invention provides an ozone generation and delivery system that lends itself to small scale applications and requires very low maintenance. The system includes an anode reservoir and a cathode phase separator each having a hydrophobic membrane to allow phase separation of produced gases from water. The system may be configured to operate passively with no moving parts or in a self-pressurizing manner with the inclusion of a pressure controlling device or valve in the gas outlet of the anode reservoir. The hydrogen gas, ozone gas and water containing ozone may be delivered under pressure.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Lynntech International, Ltd.Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, Oliver J. Murphy
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Publication number: 20030029734Abstract: An ozone generator which operates at constant pressures to produce a continuous flow of ozone in an oxygen stream having from 10% to 18% by weight of ozone. The ozone generator includes one or more electrolytic cells comprising an anode/anode flowfield, a cathode/cathode flowfield, and a proton exchange medium for maintaining the separation of ozone and oxygen from hydrogen. The ozone generator also has an anode reservoir which vents oxygen and ozone and a cathode reservoir which vents hydrogen. The anode reservoir can be filled from the cathode reservoir while continuing to produce ozone. The ozone generator is readily configured for self-control using a system controller programmed to operate the anode reservoir at a constant pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2001Publication date: February 13, 2003Applicant: Lynntech International, Inc.Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, Oliver J. Murphy
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Publication number: 20020166546Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for chemically heating one or more components of, or intake air flowing to, an internal combustion engine by feeding hydrogen to a catalyst. In accordance with the invention, condensation of fuels on cold engine cylinder walls during and after cold start-ups is prevented, thereby reducing wear on the engine. The invention also provides a method and apparatus for reducing pollutants commonly occurring during cold start-up of combustion engines by heating components of, or intake air flowing to, a combustion engine, in order to quickly warm the engine and its catalytic converter to operating temperatures. Preferably, the hydrogen is supplied from an electrolyzer or other on-board source of hydrogen and the hydrogen and a source of oxygen are provided to the catalyst resulting in exothermic oxidation of hydrogen to heat the air intake or other components of the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2002Publication date: November 14, 2002Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, Oliver J. Murphy
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Patent number: 6464854Abstract: The present invention provides a self-replenishing liquid water source onboard an automobile for supplying liquid water to an electrolyzer, such as an on-board hydrogen generator useful for the suppression of unwanted emissions. While automobiles typically have water reservoirs resupplied by a person, the invention provides a passive means of water collection for reliable replenishment due to operations of the automobile itself. The invention provides condensate from the engine exhaust gas by cooling a region of the exhaust system using cooling fluid from the engine coolant system. The cooling fluid is circulated during a period following the engine cold start event when the heat load on the engine coolant system is low.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignees: Lynntech, Inc., The Texas A&M University SystemInventors: Craig C. Andrews, A. John Appleby, Alan J. Cisar, Carlos Salinas, Oliver J. Murphy
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Patent number: 6461487Abstract: The present invention provides an ozone generation and delivery system that lends itself to small scale applications and requires very low maintenance. The system preferably includes an anode reservoir and a cathode phase separator each having a hydrophobic membrane to allow phase separation of produced gases from water. The hydrogen gas, ozone gas and water containing ozone may be delivered under pressure.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 1999Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Lynntech International Ltd.Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, Oliver J. Murphy
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Patent number: 6458257Abstract: The present invention provides for the electrochemical generation of ozone for use in “point-of-use” applications. The electrochemical ozone generators or systems of the present invention may be used to provide disinfected water, ozone-containing water, and/or ozone gas. Disinfected water may be produced by introducing ozone gas into a potable or purified water source for the purpose of disinfecting or controlling the microorganisms in the water source. Ozonated water or ozone gas may be produced and provided for various anti-microbial and cleansing applications of the consumer, such as washing food, clothing, dishes, countertops, toys, sinks, bathroom surfaces, and the like. Furthermore, the ozone generator may be used to deliver a stream of ozone-containing water for the purpose of commercial or residential point-of-use washing, disinfecting, and sterilizing medical instruments and medical equipment.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1999Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Assignee: Lynntech International LTDInventors: Craig C. Andrews, Oliver J. Murphy, G. Duncan Hitchens
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Publication number: 20020134674Abstract: Electrochemical apparatus and methods that support periodic, non-steady state, or discontinuous operation without suffering degradation of materials or loss of efficiency. The invention provides a means for positioning one or more electrodes into contact with electrolyte and means for retracting the one or more electrodes out of contact with the electrolyte. The means for positioning and means for retracting may be the same device or different devices. The means for positioning and means for retracting may be designed to provide automatic, passive, or fail-safe retraction of the electrode upon a given shutdown condition, such as a voltage of less than one Volt being applied between the first and second electrodes, expiration of a time period, an ozone concentration greater than a setpoint ozone concentration, contact pressure of less than 5 psig, and combinations thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2001Publication date: September 26, 2002Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, Oliver J. Murphy, Brian Boyd
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Publication number: 20020130036Abstract: The present invention provides an ozone generating system that combines single-use elements or segments with an extended use fixture that is used to activate the single-use elements. One embodiment of the invention consists of a strip of proton exchange membrane (PEM) having the ozone producing catalyst applied directly onto one side of membrane. Optionally, the application of this catalyst may be divided into segments or patches, wherein each segment represents the limited-use portion of the ozone generator. Each segment may be advanced into a fixture that provides the balance of the electrochemical system required for operation of the ozone generator. This balance of system may include additional subsystems, with a power supply, water source, electrical contacts, electronic controllers, sensors and feedback components, being typical examples.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2002Publication date: September 19, 2002Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, Oliver J. Murphy
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Patent number: 6427639Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for chemically heating one or more components of, or intake air flowing to, an internal combustion engine by feeding hydrogen to a catalyst. In accordance with the invention, condensation of fuels on cold engine cylinder walls during and after cold start-ups is prevented, thereby reducing wear on the engine. The invention also provides a method and apparatus for reducing pollutants commonly occurring during cold start-up of combustion engines by heating components of, or intake air flowing to, a combustion engine, in order to quickly warm the engine and its catalytic converter to operating temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 1998Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, Oliver J. Murphy
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Publication number: 20020103550Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely controlling a laboratory process operated by a controller. The remote control signal may originate from any one or more sensor that detects information that is relevant to the operation and control of a given laboratory process. Examples of sensors that could originate remote control signals include, but are not limited to, building smoke alarms, toxic gas monitors, and handheld remotes carried by laboratory technicians. A receiver communicates the change of state commands to the laboratory process, preferably to a programmable controller operating the laboratory process, directly to the laboratory process, or a combination thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2001Publication date: August 1, 2002Inventor: Craig C. Andrews
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Publication number: 20020092775Abstract: The present invention provides an ozone generation and delivery system that lends itself to small scale applications and requires very low maintenance. The system includes an anode reservoir and a cathode phase separator each having a hydrophobic membrane to allow phase separation of produced gases from water. The system may be configured to operate passively with no moving parts or in a self-pressurizing manner with the inclusion of a pressure controlling device or valve in the gas outlet of the anode reservoir. The hydrogen gas, ozone gas and water containing ozone may be delivered under pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Applicant: Lynntech, Inc.Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, Oliver J. Murphy
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Publication number: 20020070123Abstract: The present invention provides an ozone generation and delivery system that lends itself to small scale applications and requires very low maintenance. The system preferably includes an anode reservoir and a cathode phase separator each having a hydrophobic membrane to allow phase separation of produced gases from water. The hydrogen gas, ozone gas and water containing ozone may be delivered under pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2001Publication date: June 13, 2002Applicant: Lynntech International, Ltd.Inventors: Craig C. Andrews, Oliver J. Murphy