Patents by Inventor Jie-Ren Ku

Jie-Ren Ku 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: 9520609
    Abstract: A hydrogen purification device including a container, a first opening structure and a second opening structure is provided. The container has at least a filter material inside. The first opening structure is disposed in the container, wherein hydrogen-rich gas mixture flows into the container via the first opening structure so that purified hydrogen gas is generated by conducting a reaction between the hydrogen-rich gas mixture and the filter material. Besides, a second opening structure is disposed in the container, wherein the purified hydrogen gas flows away from the container via the second opening structure. A fuel processor having the hydrogen purification device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: CORETRONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yu-Wen Lu, Jie-Ren Ku, Chung-Ping Wang, Yu-Hsiang Lin, Yi-Chun Lin
  • Publication number: 20150180062
    Abstract: A fuel cartridge includes an outer housing including a top wall, a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls; a storage container stored with a liquid reactant; a solid reactant including a top surface; a transmission device connected between the storage container and the solid reactant and for transmitting the liquid reactant to the solid reactant; a flexible thin film having gas permeability and water impermeability and disposed between the top and bottom walls and located above the top surface of the solid reactant; and an elastic waterproof membrane connected to the plurality of side walls of the outer housing and disposed between the storage container and the flexible thin film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Publication date: June 25, 2015
    Inventors: JIE-REN KU, CHUNG-PING WANG, YU-HSIANG LIN, YU-WEN LU
  • Publication number: 20150118128
    Abstract: A hydrogen purification device including a container, a first opening structure and a second opening structure is provided. The container has at least a filter material inside. The first opening structure is disposed in the container, wherein hydrogen-rich gas mixture flows into the container via the first opening structure so that purified hydrogen gas is generated by conducting a reaction between the hydrogen-rich gas mixture and the filter material. Besides, a second opening structure is disposed in the container, wherein the purified hydrogen gas flows away from the container via the second opening structure. A fuel processor having the hydrogen purification device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: YU-WEN LU, JIE-REN KU, CHUNG-PING WANG, YU-HSIANG LIN, YI-CHUN LIN
  • Patent number: 8906733
    Abstract: A method for creating a nanostructure according to one embodiment includes depositing material in a template for forming an array of nanocables; removing only a portion of the template such that the template forms an insulating layer between the nanocables; and forming at least one layer over the nanocables. A nanostructure according to one embodiment includes a nanocable having a roughened outer surface and a solid core. A nanostructure according to one embodiment includes an array of nanocables each having a roughened outer surface and a solid core, the roughened outer surface including reflective cavities; and at least one layer formed over the roughened outer surfaces of the nanocables, the at least one layer creating a photovoltaically active p-n junction. Additional systems and methods are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignees: Q1 Nanosystems, Inc., The Regents Of The University Of California
    Inventors: Ruxandra Vidu, Brian Argo, John Argo, Pieter Stroeve, Saif Islam, Jie-Ren Ku, Michael Chen
  • Patent number: 8895350
    Abstract: A method for forming a nanostructure according to one embodiment includes creating a hole in an insulating layer positioned over an electrically conductive layer; and forming a nanocable in the hole such that the nanocable extends through the hole in the insulating layer and protrudes therefrom, the nanocable being in communication with the electrically conductive layer. Additional systems and methods are also presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignees: Q1 Nanosystems, Inc, The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Brian Argo, Ruxandra Vidu, Pieter Stroeve, John Argo, Saif Islam, Jie-Ren Ku, Michael Chen
  • Patent number: 8877541
    Abstract: Nanostructures and photovoltaic structures are disclosed. A nanostructure according to one embodiment includes an array of nanocables extending from a substrate, the nanocables in the array being characterized as having a spacing and surface texture defined by inner surfaces of voids of a template; an electrically insulating layer extending along the substrate; and at least one layer overlaying the nanocables. A nanostructure according to another embodiment includes a substrate; a portion of a template extending along the substrate, the template being electrically insulative; an array of nanocables extending from the template, portions of the nanocables protruding from the template being characterized as having a spacing, shape, and surface texture defined by previously-present inner surface of voids of the template; and at least one layer overlaying the nanocables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignees: Q1 Nanosystems, Inc., The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Brian Argo, Ruxandra Vidu, Pieter Stroeve, John Argo, Jie-Ren Ku
  • Patent number: 8658055
    Abstract: Solid-state hydrogen fuel with a polymer matrix and fabrication methods thereof are presented. The solid-state hydrogen fuel includes a polymer matrix, and a crushed mixture of a solid chemical hydride and a solid-state catalyst uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix. The fabrication method for the solid-state hydrogen fuel includes crushing and mixing a solid chemical hydride and a solid-state catalyst in a crushing/mixing machine, and adding the polymer matrix into the mixture of the solid chemical hydride and the solid-state catalyst to process a flexible solid-state hydrogen fuel. Moreover, various geometric and/or other shapes may be formed and placed into suitable vessels to react with a particular liquid and provide a steady rate of hydrogen release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chan-Li Hsueh, Jie-Ren Ku, Shing-Fen Tsai, Ya-Yi Hsu, Cheng-Yen Chen, Reiko Ohara, Ming-Shan Jeng, Fanghei Tsau
  • Publication number: 20130337350
    Abstract: A power supply device is provided. The power supply device includes a fuel cell, a hydrogen generator, a check valve and an exhaust valve. The fuel cell has a hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen outlet. The hydrogen generator is connected to the hydrogen inlet and used for generating hydrogen. The check valve is disposed in the hydrogen inlet and used for preventing the hydrogen within the fuel cell from flowing to the hydrogen generator, and preventing exterior air from entering the fuel cell. The exhaust valve is disposed in the hydrogen outlet for exhausting the hydrogen within the fuel cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Jie-Ren Ku, Chan-Li Hsueh, Ya-Yi Hsu, Fang-Hei Tsau, Reiko Ohara, Shing-Fen Tsai, Chien-Chang Hung, Ming-Shan Jeng, Cheng-Yen Chen
  • Patent number: 8535838
    Abstract: A power supply device is provided. The power supply device includes a fuel cell, a hydrogen generator, a check valve and an exhaust valve. The fuel cell has a hydrogen inlet and a hydrogen outlet. The hydrogen generator is connected to the hydrogen inlet and used for generating hydrogen. The check valve is disposed in the hydrogen inlet and used for preventing the hydrogen within the fuel cell from flowing to the hydrogen generator, and preventing exterior air from entering the fuel cell. The exhaust valve is disposed in the hydrogen outlet for exhausting the hydrogen within the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Jie-Ren Ku, Chan-Li Hsueh, Ya-Yi Hsu, Fang-hei Tsau, Reiko Ohara, Shing-Fen Tsai, Chien-Chang Hung, Ming-Shan Jeng, Cheng-Yen Chen
  • Publication number: 20130129572
    Abstract: A hydrogen-generating equipment including a hydrogen-generating device and a hydrogen-purifying device is provided. The hydrogen-generating device is capable of generating a hydrogen-gas, a water-vapor mixed in the hydrogen-gas and a toxic-gas mixed in the hydrogen-gas. The hydrogen-purifying device includes a water-vapor filter unit and a toxic-gas filter unit. The hydrogen-gas passes through the water-vapor filter unit to remove the water-vapor mixed in the hydrogen-gas. The toxic-gas filter unit includes a filtering assembly. The surface of the filtering assembly has a plurality of hydroxyls. After the hydrogen-gas passes through the water-vapor filter unit, the hydrogen-gas passes through the toxic-gas filter unit, and the toxic-gas mixed in the hydrogen-gas reacts with a plurality of hydroxyls on a surface of the filtering assembly to remove the toxic-gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Yu-Wen Lu, Chan-Li Hsueh, Jie-Ren Ku, Po-Kuei Chou, Fang-Hei Tsau
  • Publication number: 20130014799
    Abstract: Nanostructures and photovoltaic structures are disclosed. A nanostructure according to one embodiment includes an array of nanocables extending from a substrate, the nanocables in the array being characterized as having a spacing and surface texture defined by inner surfaces of voids of a template; an electrically insulating layer extending along the substrate; and at least one layer overlaying the nanocables. A nanostructure according to another embodiment includes a substrate; a portion of a template extending along the substrate, the template being electrically insulative; an array of nanocables extending from the template, portions of the nanocables protruding from the template being characterized as having a spacing, shape and surface texture defined by previously-present inner surfaces of voids of the template; and at least one layer overlaying the nanocables.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Ruxandra Vidu, Brian Argo, John Argo, Pieter Stroeve, Jie-Ren Ku
  • Patent number: 8344241
    Abstract: Nanostructures and photovoltaic structures are disclosed. A nanostructure according to one embodiment includes an array of nanocables extending from a substrate, the nanocables in the array being characterized as having a spacing and surface texture defined by inner surfaces of voids of a template; an electrically insulating layer extending along the substrate; and at least one layer overlaying the nanocables. A nanostructure according to another embodiment includes a substrate; a portion of a template extending along the substrate, the template being electrically insulative; an array of nanocables extending from the template, portions of the nanocables protruding from the template being characterized as having a spacing, shape and surface texture defined by previously-present inner surfaces of voids of the template; and at least one layer overlaying the nanocables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignees: Q1 Nanosystems Corporation, The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Ruxandra Vidu, Brian Argo, John Argo, Pieter Stroeve, Jie-Ren Ku
  • Publication number: 20120309612
    Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic catalyst formed by a single or multiple nano metal shells wrapping a carrier, wherein at least one of the metal shells is iron, cobalt, or nickel. The magnetic catalyst with high catalyst efficiency can be applied in a hydrogen supply device, and the device can be connected to a fuel cell. Because the magnetic catalyst can be recycled by a magnet after generating hydrogen, the practicability of the noble metals such as Ru with high catalyst efficiency is dramatically enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Chan-Li HSUEH, Cheng-Hong LIU, Jie-Ren KU, Ya-Yi HSU, Cheng-Yen CHEN, Reiko OHARA, Shing-Fen TSAI, Chien-Chang HUNG, Ming-Shan JENG
  • Patent number: 8277904
    Abstract: A method for producing a thermoelectric material is provided. A semiconductor material powder is provided. An electroless plating process is preformed to deposit metal nano-particles on the surface of semiconductor material powder. An electrical current activated sintering process is performed to form a thermoelectric material having one and plurality grain boundaries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Wei-Sheng Su, Chia-Hung Kuo, Ya-Wen Chou, Jie-Ren Ku, Ming-Shan Jeng, Chii-Shyang Hwang, Zong-Hao Wu
  • Publication number: 20120240455
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a solid hydrogen fuel with an initial heating mechanism, including: a solid hydrogen fuel; and a heating promoter disposed on at least one surface of the solid hydrogen fuel, wherein the heating promoter proceeds with an exothermal reaction when contacted with water. Another embodiment of the invention provides: a solid hydrogen fuel with an initial heating mechanism, including a solid hydrogen fuel; and an electrical heating element in contact with the solid hydrogen fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Jie-Ren KU, Shing-Fen TSAI, Chan-Li HSUEH, Cheng-Yen CHEN, Yu-Wen LU, Fanghei TSAU, Chung-Ching TU, Chia-Cheng WU, Yih-Hang CHEN
  • Publication number: 20120244065
    Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic catalyst formed by a single or multiple nano metal shells wrapping a carrier, wherein at least one of the metal shells is iron, cobalt, or nickel. The magnetic catalyst with high catalyst efficiency can be applied in a hydrogen supply device, and the device can be connected to a fuel cell. Because the magnetic catalyst can be recycled by a magnet after generating hydrogen, the practicability of the noble metals such as Ru with high catalyst efficiency is dramatically enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Chan-Li HSUEH, Cheng-Hong LIU, Jie-Ren KU, Ya-Yi HSU, Cheng-Yen CHEN, Reiko OHARA, Shing-Fen TSAI, Chien-Chang HUNG, Ming-Shan JENG
  • Patent number: 8056840
    Abstract: The invention utilizes a carbon nano material to nanotize a magnesium-based hydrogen storage material, thereby forming single or multiple crystals to enhance the surface to volume ratio and hydrogen diffusion channel of the magnesium-based hydrogen storage material. Therefore, the hydrogen storage material has higher hydrogen storage capability, higher absorption/desorption rate, and lower absorption/desorption temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Pei-Shan Yen, Chun-Ju Huang, Jie-Ren Ku, Bin-Hao Chen, Ming-Shan Jeng, FangHei Tsau, Shen-Chuan Lo, Tu Chen
  • Publication number: 20110223350
    Abstract: A method for producing a thermoelectric material is provided. A semiconductor material powder is provided. An electroless plating process is preformed to deposit metal nano-particles on the surface of semiconductor material powder. An electrical current activated sintering process is performed to form a thermoelectric material having one and plurality grain boundaries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Wei-Sheng Su, Chia-Hung Kuo, Ya-Wen Chou, Jie-Ren Ku, Ming-Shan Jeng, Chii-Shyang Hwang, Zong-Hao Wu
  • Publication number: 20110217456
    Abstract: Disclosed is a magnetic catalyst formed by a single or multiple nano metal shells wrapping a carrier, wherein at least one of the metal shells is iron, cobalt, or nickel. The magnetic catalyst with high catalyst efficiency can be applied in a hydrogen supply device, and the device can be connected to a fuel cell. Because the magnetic catalyst can be recycled by a magnet after generating hydrogen, the practicability of the noble metals such as Ru with high catalyst efficiency is dramatically enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Chan-Li HSUEH, Cheng-Hong LIU, Jie-Ren KU, Ya-Yi HSU, Cheng-Yen CHEN, Reiko OHARA, Shing-Fen TSAI, Chien-Chang HUNG, Ming-Shan JENG
  • Patent number: 8003267
    Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible power supply including a hydrogen supply device connected to a flexible fuel cell, wherein the hydrogen supply device includes a moldable hydrogen fuel. In one embodiment, the flexible fuel cell is a sheet structure, and the hydrogen supply device is a flexible flat bag, wherein the fuel cell and the hydrogen supply device are adhered to complete a sheet of a flexible power supply. The sheet of flexible power supply can be put in the pocket of cloth or baggage, or directly sewn on the outside of cap or overcoat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Jie-Ren Ku, Chan-Li Hsueh, Ya-Yi Hsu, Cheng-Yen Chen, Shing-Fen Tsai, Reiko Ohara, FangHei Tsau, Chien-Chang Hung, Ming-Shan Jeng