Patents by Inventor Gerhard Maier

Gerhard Maier 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).

  • Publication number: 20120128960
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electro-switchable polymer film assembly having a first and a second surface side, comprising at least one pair of electrodes (3, 4) and a polymer matrix (2), wherein structuring particles (5) can be embedded in the polymer matrix and the polymer matrix or the structuring particles consist of an electro-active polymer, wherein furthermore, the first and/or the second surface sides can be transferred from a plane condition into a structured condition by electric switching of the electro-active polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Bayer MaterialScience AG
    Inventors: Thomas Büsgen, Werner Jenninger, Joachim Wagner, Evelyn Peiffer, Gerhard Maier, Robert Gärtner
  • Publication number: 20110262838
    Abstract: Triblock copolymers useful for forming ion conductive membranes are provided. The triblock copolymers are characterized by having either a hydrophobic-hydrophilic-hydrophobic or a hydrophilic-hydrophobic-hydrophilic polymer sequence that induces a microphase separated morphology. Variations in which the hydrophilic polymer sequence component includes either acid groups or salts of acid groups are also disclosed. Methods for forming an ion conductive membrane from the triblock copolymers are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Gerhard Maier, Markus Gross, Hans-Georg Herz
  • Patent number: 7993792
    Abstract: Block copolymer that can be formed into an ion—Conductive membrane are provided. The block copolymer of the invention includes a first polymer block and a second polymer block attached to the first polymer block. The second polymer block has a main polymer chain and one or more side chains extending from the main polymer chain. The one or more side chains include at least one substitutent for proton transfer. Block copolymers utilizing phosphoric acid groups are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gerhard Maier, Markus Gross
  • Patent number: 7977394
    Abstract: Triblock copolymers useful for forming ion conductive membranes are provided. The triblock copolymers are characterized by having either a hydrophobic-hydrophilic-hydrophobic or a hydrophilic-hydrophobic-hydrophilic polymer sequence that induces a microphase separated morphology. Variations in which the hydrophilic polymer sequence component includes either acid groups or salts of acid groups are also disclosed. Methods for forming an ion conductive membrane from the triblock copolymers are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gerhard Maier, Markus Gross, Hans-Georg Herz
  • Patent number: 7863402
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention contemplates a proton exchange membrane for use in a variety of fuel cells. The proton exchange membrane may comprise a solid phase organic based copolymer material in which a first structural unit is derived from a polymerizable organic super acid. The organic super acid may comprise an acid group such as a sulfonic acid group or a carboxylic acid group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Tenneille Weston Capehart, Gail Capehart, legal representative, Gerhard Maier, Claude Spino, Thomas J. Chapaton, Markus Gross, Armand Soldera
  • Publication number: 20100222441
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention contemplates a proton exchange membrane for use in a variety of fuel cells. The proton exchange membrane may comprise a solid phase organic based copolymer material in which a first structural unit is derived from a polymerizable organic super acid. The organic super acid may comprise an acid group such as a sulfonic acid group or a carboxylic acid group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Tenneille Weston Capehart, Gail Capehart, Gerhard Maier, Claude Spino, Thomas J. Chapaton, Markus Gross, Armand Soldera
  • Patent number: 7718753
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention contemplates a proton exchange membrane for use in a variety of fuel cells. The proton exchange membrane may comprise a solid phase organic based copolymer material in which a first structural unit is derived from a polymerizable organic super acid. The organic super acid may comprise an acid group such as a sulfonic acid group or a carboxylic acid group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Tenneille Weston Capehart, Gail Capehart, legal representative, Gerhard Maier, Claude Spino, Thomas J. Chapaton, Markus Gross, Armand Soldera
  • Publication number: 20100070324
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for implementing a software architecture design for a software application implementing plan-driven procurement. The application is structured as multiple process components interacting with each other through service interfaces, and multiple service operations, each being implemented for a respective process component. The process components include an Inbound Delivery Processing process component, a Site Logistics Processing process component, an Inventory Processing process component, a Purchase Request Processing process component, a Purchase Order Processing process component, a Purchasing Contract process component, a Supplier Invoice Processing process component, a Demand Forecast Processing process component, a Supply and Demand Matching process component, an External Procurement Trigger and Response process component, and a Logistics Execution Control process component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Daniel Bock, Achim Heger, Andre Wachholz-Prill, Andrea Sudbrack, Andreas Poth, Christian Ihrig, Christoph Engler, Cordula Ude, Dietmar Nowotny, Georg Podhajsky, Gerhard Maier, Gunther Liebich, Holger Herrmann, Imme Henningsen, Ingo Pfitzner, Jens Freund, Joachim Kenntner, Jochen Hirth, Jochen Steinbach, Jochen Wickel, Karina Herrmann, Katja Kasteleiner, Martin Wunsch, Martina Lahr, Michael Picht, Paola Sala, Peer Marschall, Rainer Heun, Ralf Reinke, Reiner Bildmayer, Stefan Adelmann, Stephan Hetzer, Tao Yu, Thomas Bach, Thomas Nitschke, Uwe Mayer, Volkmar Stegmann, Wilfried Merkel, Wilhelm Zwerger, Martin Von Der Emde
  • Publication number: 20090043068
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention contemplates a proton exchange membrane for use in a variety of fuel cells. The proton exchange membrane may comprise a solid phase organic based copolymer material in which a first structural unit is derived from a polymerizable organic super acid. The organic super acid may comprise an acid group such as a sulfonic acid group or a carboxylic acid group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Tenneille Weston Capehart, Gail Capehart, Gerhard Maier, Claude Spino, Thomas J. Chapaton, Markus Gross, Armand Soldera
  • Publication number: 20090029250
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer electrolyte having a lithium salt component and a polymer component, wherein the polymer component comprises at least one polymer compound, the repetitive units of which have at least partially groups which interact with the anions of the lithium salt component such that the dissociation of the lithium salt is enhanced. Thereby, a high ion conductivity of the polymer electrolyte is ensured by the interaction of the polymer component with the anions of the lithium salt component without a liquid component, i.e. without plasticizer and solvent. The polymer electrolyte according to the present invention is particularly suitable for the use in an electrochemical device, in particular in a battery and a secondary battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: POLYMATERIALS AG
    Inventors: Jurgen Stebani, Robert Gartner, Gerhard Maier
  • Patent number: 7459505
    Abstract: Block copolymer that can be formed into an ion-conductive membrane are provided. The block copolymer of the invention includes a first polymer block and a second polymer block attached to the first polymer block. The first polymer block has a main polymer chain and one or more side chains extending from the main polymer chain. The one or more side chains include at least one substituent for proton transfer. Block copolymers utilizing phosphoric acid groups are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Gerhard Maier, Markus Gross, Hans-Georg Herz
  • Patent number: 7351775
    Abstract: A block copolymer for use as a solid polymer electrolyte, said block copolymer having at least first and second segments, the first segments being hydrophilic segments provided with acidic substituents for proton transport and the second segments being hydrophobic segments having substantially no acidic substituents and serving for the mechanical integrity of the solid polymer electrolyte. Also described and claimed are an ion-conductive membrane made from block copolymers of the aforementioned kind as well as methods of preparing such block copolymers and membranes based thereon. The membranes have improved proton conductivity and improved mechanical properties in the presence of water making them particularly suitable for use in fuel cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Gerhard Maier, Günther G. Scherer, Chong-Kyu Shin
  • Publication number: 20080067720
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a formulation for the preparation of a biocompatible, optionally biodegradable open-cell polyurethane foam having open pores also at its surface without a mechanical post-treatment, i.e., having no skin, such a polyurethane foam as well as a method for the preparation thereof and the use thereof. The present invention further relates to a method for the preparation of a scaffold for cell cultures, tissue cultures as well as for tissue engineering which uses the formulation for the manufacture of the open-cell polyurethane foam, as well as a scaffold obtained by this method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Inventors: Hinrich Wiese, Gerhard Maier
  • Publication number: 20080027152
    Abstract: A fluorine-containing polymer segment includes at least one substituent for proton transfer that has one or more fluorine atoms. The fluorine-containing polymer segment is useful for forming hydrophilic polymer blocks that are used in block copolymers. Block copolymers useful for fuel cell applications incorporate the hydrophilic polymer blocks formed from the fluorine containing polymer segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Gerhard Maier, Markus Gross
  • Publication number: 20080027151
    Abstract: Block copolymer that can be formed into an ion-conductive membrane are provided. The block copolymer of the invention includes a first polymer block and a second polymer block attached to the first polymer block. The second polymer block has a main polymer chain and one or more side chains extending from the main polymer chain. The one or more side chains include at least one substitutent for proton transfer. Block copolymers utilizing phosphoric acid groups are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Gerhard Maier, Markus Gross
  • Publication number: 20070004900
    Abstract: Triblock copolymers useful for forming ion conductive membranes are provided. The triblock copolymers are characterized by having either a hydrophobic-hydrophilic-hydrophobic or a hydrophilic-hydrophobic-hydrophilic polymer sequence that induces a microphase separated morphology. Variations in which the hydrophilic polymer sequence component includes either acid groups or salts of acid groups are also disclosed. Methods for forming an ion conductive membrane from the triblock copolymers are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Gerhard Maier, Markus Gross, Hans-Georg Herz
  • Publication number: 20060251969
    Abstract: Block copolymer that can be formed into an ion-conductive membrane are provided. The block copolymer of the invention includes a first polymer block and a second polymer block attached to the first polymer block. The first polymer block has a main polymer chain and one or more side chains extending from the main polymer chain. The one or more side chains include at least one substituent for proton transfer. Block copolymers utilizing phosphoric acid groups are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Gerhard Maier, Markus Gross, Hans-Georg Herz
  • Publication number: 20060249444
    Abstract: Triblock copolymers useful for forming ion conductive membranes are provided. The triblock copolymers are characterized by having either a hydrophobic-hydrophilic-hydrophobic or a hydrophilic-hydrophobic-hydrophilic polymer sequence that induces a microphase separated morphology. Variations in which the hydrophilic polymer sequence component includes either acid groups or salts of acid groups are also disclosed. Methods for forming an ion conductive membrane from the triblock copolymers are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Publication date: November 9, 2006
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Gerhard Maier, Markus Gross, Hans-Georg Herz
  • Publication number: 20050215744
    Abstract: The present invention relates to combinations of a building material and a bath fluid for methods for directly printing visual-aid models or elements, in particular, for the use in the office or at home. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the polymers obtained by the reaction of the building material and the bath fluid and to elements or models produced from the combinations according to the present invention. The use of the combinations according to the present invention in rapid prototyping methods enables the production of elements having varying mechanical properties. Coloured elements can be obtained by adding colourants. The elements made from the building materials according to the present invention exhibit mechanical properties, a thermostability and accuracy in every detail, thus rendering them suitable as visual-aid models and discussion models for design, architectural, constructional and other blueprints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 29, 2005
    Applicant: PolyMaterials AG
    Inventors: Hinrich Wiese, Gerhard Maier
  • Publication number: 20050017412
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for the rapid preparation of homogenous mixtures of multi component systems, e.g. plastics mixtures, and for the production and testing of mouldings made therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Publication date: January 27, 2005
    Inventors: Gerhard Maier, Roland Rehmet, Jurgen Stebani, Christian Schneider