Patents by Inventor David Robert Mekala

David Robert Mekala 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: 9460830
    Abstract: A composite material includes a plurality of fibers embedded in a metal matrix. The composite material further includes a plurality of particles disposed in the metal matrix. At least 25% of the fibers contact or are spaced less than 0.2 micrometers from an adjacent fiber within the metal matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: David Robert Mekala, Mark A. Wright, Jung-Sheng Wu
  • Patent number: 9431150
    Abstract: A composite material includes a plurality of fibers embedded in a metal matrix. The composite material further includes a plurality of particles disposed in the metal matrix. At least 25% of the fibers contact or are spaced less than 0.2 micrometers from an adjacent fiber within the metal matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: David Robert Mekala, Mark A. Wright, Jung-Sheng Wu
  • Publication number: 20150318080
    Abstract: A composite material includes a plurality of fibers embedded in a metal matrix. The composite material further includes a plurality of particles disposed in the metal matrix. At least 25% of the fibers contact or are spaced less than 0.2 micrometers from an adjacent fiber within the metal matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: November 5, 2015
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: David Robert Mekala, Mark A. Wright, Jung-Sheng Wu
  • Patent number: 8828620
    Abstract: Fabricating roll-good fuel cell material involves laminating first and second bonding material webs having spaced apart windows to first and second surfaces of a fuel cell membrane web. First and second active regions of the membrane web are positioned within the respective bonding material windows. Third and fourth gasket material webs having spaced apart windows are respectively laminated to the bonding material on the first and second membrane web surfaces. The bonding material windows align with the respective gasket material windows so that at least some of the bonding material extends within the respective gasket material windows. Fluid transport layer (FTL) material portions cut from fifth and sixth FTL material webs are laminated to the respective first and second active regions. The FTL material portions are positioned within respective gasket material windows and contact the bonding material extending within the respective gasket material windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David Robert Mekala, Donald George Peterson, Dennis Earl Ferguson, Duane Douglas Fansler
  • Publication number: 20120321986
    Abstract: Fabricating roll-good fuel cell material involves laminating first and second bonding material webs having spaced apart windows to first and second surfaces of a fuel cell membrane web. First and second active regions of the membrane web are positioned within the respective bonding material windows. Third and fourth gasket material webs having spaced apart windows are respectively laminated to the bonding material on the first and second membrane web surfaces. The bonding material windows align with the respective gasket material windows so that at least some of the bonding material extends within the respective gasket material windows. Fluid transport layer (FTL) material portions cut from fifth and sixth FTL material webs are laminated to the respective first and second active regions. The FTL material portions are positioned within respective gasket material windows and contact the bonding material extending within the respective gasket material windows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventors: David Robert Mekala, Donald George Peterson, Dennis Earl Ferguson, Duane Douglas Fansler
  • Patent number: 8268511
    Abstract: Fabricating roll-good fuel cell material involves laminating first and second bonding material webs having spaced apart windows to first and second surfaces of a fuel cell membrane web. First and second active regions of the membrane web are positioned within the respective bonding material windows. Third and fourth gasket material webs having spaced apart windows are respectively laminated to the bonding material on the first and second membrane web surfaces. The bonding material windows align with the respective gasket material windows so that at least some of the bonding material extends within the respective gasket material windows. Fluid transport layer (FTL) material portions cut from fifth and sixth FTL material webs are laminated to the respective first and second active regions. The FTL material portions are positioned within respective gasket material windows and contact the bonding material extending within the respective gasket material windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David Robert Mekala, Donald George Peterson, Dennis Earl Ferguson, Duane Douglas Fansler
  • Patent number: 7855160
    Abstract: A catalyst ink is provided, comprising: 25-95% by weight water; 1-50% by weight of at least one solid catalyst, typically a highly dispersed platinum catalyst; 1-50% by weight of at least one polymer electrolyte in acid (H+) form; and 1-50% by weight of at least one polar aprotic organic solvent. The catalyst ink typically has a viscosity at 1 sec?1 of 10 Pa·sec or less. The catalyst ink typically does not ignite spontaneously when dried to completion in air at a temperature of 80° C. or greater. The catalyst ink may be used in the fabrication of membrane electrode assemblies for use in fuel cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Bhaskar V. Velamakanni, David Robert Mekala, Eric Joseph Hanson
  • Publication number: 20100285951
    Abstract: A catalyst ink is provided, comprising: 25-95% by weight water; 1-50% by weight of at least one solid catalyst, typically a highly dispersed platinum catalyst; 1-50% by weight of at least one polymer electrolyte in acid (H+) form; and 1-50% by weight of at least one polar aprotic organic solvent. The catalyst ink typically has a viscosity at 1 sec?1 of 10 Pa·sec or less. The catalyst ink typically does not ignite spontaneously when dried to completion in air at a temperature of 80° C. or greater. The catalyst ink may be used in the fabrication of membrane electrode assemblies for use in fuel cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Bhaskar V. Velamakanni, David Robert Mekala, Eric Joseph Hanson
  • Publication number: 20100196796
    Abstract: Fabricating roll-good fuel cell material involves laminating first and second bonding material webs having spaced apart windows to first and second surfaces of a fuel cell membrane web. First and second active regions of the membrane web are positioned within the respective bonding material windows. Third and fourth gasket material webs having spaced apart windows are respectively laminated to the bonding material on the first and second membrane web surfaces. The bonding material windows align with the respective gasket material windows so that at least some of the bonding material extends within the respective gasket material windows. Fluid transport layer (FTL) material portions cut from fifth and sixth FTL material webs are laminated to the respective first and second active regions. The FTL material portions are positioned within respective gasket material windows and contact the bonding material extending within the respective gasket material windows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: David Robert MEKALA, Donald George Peterson, Dennis Earl Ferguson, Duane Douglas Fansler
  • Patent number: 7722684
    Abstract: Fabricating roll-good fuel cell material involves laminating first and second bonding material webs having spaced apart windows to first and second surfaces of a fuel cell membrane web. First and second active regions of the membrane web are positioned within the respective bonding material windows. Third and fourth gasket material webs having spaced apart windows are respectively laminated to the bonding material on the first and second membrane web surfaces. The bonding material windows align with the respective gasket material windows so that at least some of the bonding material extends within the respective gasket material windows. Fluid transport layer (FTL) material portions cut from fifth and sixth FTL material webs are laminated to the respective first and second active regions. The FTL material portions are positioned within respective gasket material windows and contact the bonding material extending within the respective gasket material windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David Robert Mekala, Donald George Peterson, Dennis Earl Ferguson, Duane Douglas Fansler
  • Patent number: 7195690
    Abstract: Fabricating roll-good fuel cell material involves laminating first and second bonding material webs having spaced apart windows to first and second surfaces of a fuel cell membrane web. First and second active regions of the membrane web are positioned within the respective bonding material windows. Third and fourth gasket material webs having spaced apart windows are respectively laminated to the bonding material on the first and second membrane web surfaces. The bonding material windows align with the respective gasket material windows so that at least some of the bonding material extends within the respective gasket material windows. Fluid transport layer (FTL) material portions cut from fifth and sixth FTL material webs are laminated to the respective first and second active regions. The FTL material portions are positioned within respective gasket material windows and contact the bonding material extending within the respective gasket material windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David Robert Mekala, Donald George Peterson, Dennis Earl Ferguson, Duane Douglas Fansler
  • Publication number: 20040241525
    Abstract: Fabricating roll-good fuel cell material involves laminating first and second bonding material webs having spaced apart windows to first and second surfaces of a fuel cell membrane web. First and second active regions of the membrane web are positioned within the respective bonding material windows. Third and fourth gasket material webs having spaced apart windows are respectively laminated to the bonding material on the first and second membrane web surfaces. The bonding material windows align with the respective gasket material windows so that at least some of the bonding material extends within the respective gasket material windows. Fluid transport layer (FTL) material portions cut from fifth and sixth FTL material webs are laminated to the respective first and second active regions. The FTL material portions are positioned within respective gasket material windows and contact the bonding material extending within the respective gasket material windows.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: David Robert Mekala, Donald George Peterson, Dennis Earl Ferguson, Duane Douglas Fansler
  • Publication number: 20040107869
    Abstract: A catalyst ink is provided, comprising: 25-95% by weight water; 1-50% by weight of at least one solid catalyst, typically a highly dispersed platinum catalyst; 1-50% by weight of at least one polymer electrolyte in acid (H+) form; and 1-50% by weight of at least one polar aprotic organic solvent. The catalyst ink typically has a viscosity at 1 sec−1 of 10 Pa·sec or less. The catalyst ink typically does not ignite spontaneously when dried to completion in air at a temperature of 80° C. or greater. The catalyst ink may be used in the fabrication of membrane electrode assemblies for use in fuel cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Bhaskar V. Velamakanni, David Robert Mekala, Eric Joseph Hanson