Patents by Inventor Joe Fodor

Joe Fodor 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: 10900928
    Abstract: Fuel cell gas sensors using an aperture in a fuel cell gas sensor that allows for determination of a gas proportion in a sample that includes more gas than could otherwise be safely sampled. The aperture is adjustable between an open and a closed state. The amount of the gas of interest exposed to the fuel cell may be adjusted by adjusting the amount of time that the aperture is in the open state. Alternatively, the amount of the gas of interest exposed to the fuel cell may be adjusted by adjusting the size of the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Alcotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl R. Wolf, Joe Fodor
  • Patent number: 10468697
    Abstract: A new method of manufacturing a fuel cell, particularly for use in a breath alcohol detector, and the fuel cell created by the method. The fuel cell is constructed in two pieces, a mounting chip comprising a porous uncompressed substrate and an active element designed to fit within the mounting chip. Constructed in this way, electrolyte can flow from the mounting chip into the active element via near perfect capillary action to keep the electrode substrate full of electrolyte for long periods of time, increasing its useful life, especially under harsh conditions. Further, the capillary action need not work through a layer of electrode. Wire connections and arrangements are generally of no concern in this design as the reservoirs for electrolyte connect directly to the substrate and electrolyte does not need to pass through an electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: Alcotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl R. Wolf, Joe Fodor
  • Publication number: 20190036136
    Abstract: A new method of manufacturing a fuel cell, particularly for use in a breath alcohol detector, and the fuel cell created by the method. The fuel cell is constructed in two pieces, a mounting chip comprising a porous uncompressed substrate and an active element designed to fit within the mounting chip. Constructed in this way, electrolyte can flow from the mounting chip into the active element via near perfect capillary action to keep the electrode substrate full of electrolyte for long periods of time, increasing its useful life, especially under harsh conditions. Further, the capillary action need not work through a layer of electrode. Wire connections and arrangements are generally of no concern in this design as the reservoirs for electrolyte connect directly to the substrate and electrolyte does not need to pass through an electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Karl R. Wolf, JR., Joe Fodor
  • Patent number: 10090542
    Abstract: An electrode element and fuel cell and a new method of manufacturing a fuel cell, particularly for use in a breath alcohol detector. This new element includes a reservoir for extra electrolyte that can allow near perfect capillary action to keep the electrode substrate full of electrolyte for long periods of time, increasing its useful life, especially under harsh conditions. Further, the capillary action need not work through a layer of electrode and can be integrally formed with the electrode element to eliminate or reduce loss due to connective surfaces. Wire connections and arrangements are generally of no concern in this design as the reservoirs for electrolyte connect directly to the substrate and electrolyte does not need to pass through an electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Alcotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl R. Wolf, Jr., Joe Fodor
  • Patent number: 9945805
    Abstract: An improved alcohol fuel cell sensor and alcohol breath tester assembly where wires for connection to the electrodes are bent to have a generally planar base portion which may be positioned toward the center of the electrodes and an upright that then extends to the outside of the case. The uprights are generally perpendicular to the base allowing the wires to exit the housing toward the center, as opposed to toward an edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Alcotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe Fodor, Karl R. Wolf, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20170269025
    Abstract: Fuel cell gas sensors using an aperture in a fuel cell gas sensor that allows for determination of a gas proportion in a sample that includes more gas than could otherwise be safely sampled. The aperture is adjustable between an open and a closed state. The amount of the gas of interest exposed to the fuel cell may be adjusted by adjusting the amount of time that the aperture is in the open state. Alternatively, the amount of the gas of interest exposed to the fuel cell may be adjusted by adjusting the size of the aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Karl R. Wolf, Joe Fodor
  • Publication number: 20160372769
    Abstract: An electrode element and fuel cell and a new method of manufacturing a fuel cell, particularly for use in a breath alcohol detector. This new element includes a reservoir for extra electrolyte that can allow near perfect capillary action to keep the electrode substrate full of electrolyte for long periods of time, increasing its useful life, especially under harsh conditions. Further, the capillary action need not work through a layer of electrode and can be integrally formed with the electrode element to eliminate or reduce loss due to connective surfaces. Wire connections and arrangements are generally of no concern in this design as the reservoirs for electrolyte connect directly to the substrate and electrolyte does not need to pass through an electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Publication date: December 22, 2016
    Inventors: Karl R. Wolf, JR., Joe Fodor
  • Patent number: 9453834
    Abstract: An electrode element and fuel cell and a new method of manufacturing a fuel cell, particularly for use in a breath alcohol detector. This new element includes a reservoir for extra electrolyte that can allow near perfect capillary action to keep the electrode substrate full of electrolyte for long periods of time, increasing its useful life, especially under harsh conditions. Further, the capillary action need not work through a layer of electrode and can be integrally formed with the electrode element to eliminate or reduce loss due to connective surfaces. Wire connections and arrangements are generally of no concern in this design as the reservoirs for electrolyte connect directly to the substrate and electrolyte does not need to pass through an electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Alcotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl R. Wolf, Jr., Joe Fodor
  • Publication number: 20150241381
    Abstract: An improved alcohol fuel cell sensor and alcohol breath tester assembly where wires for connection to the electrodes are bent to have a generally planar base portion which may be positioned toward the center of the electrodes and an upright that then extends to the outside of the case. The uprights are generally perpendicular to the base allowing the wires to exit the housing toward the center, as opposed to toward an edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Joe Fodor, Karl R. Wolf, JR.
  • Patent number: 9057691
    Abstract: An alcohol fuel cell sensor and the resultant alcohol breath tester assembly. The disclosed housing creates an alcohol breath tester assembly that protects the electrode sensor from liquid ingress, maximizes the sample contact with the platinum electrode surface, and provides a smooth path facilitating laminar flow of the sample through the sensor. This, in turn, provides good flushing of the volume without creating eddies or other turbulence. Additionally, the housing can utilize a vapor barrier layer in the assembly and restricts the layer from touching the electrode surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Alcotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe Fodor, Karl R. Wolf, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9038436
    Abstract: An improved alcohol fuel cell sensor and alcohol breath tester assembly where wires for connection to the electrodes are bent to have a generally planar base portion which may be positioned toward the center of the electrodes and an upright that then extends to the outside of the case. The uprights are generally perpendicular to the base allowing the wires to exit the housing toward the center, as opposed to toward an edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Alcotek, Inc.
    Inventors: Joe Fodor, Karl R. Wolf, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150027884
    Abstract: An electrode element and fuel cell and a new method of manufacturing a fuel cell, particularly for use in a breath alcohol detector. This new element includes a reservoir for extra electrolyte that can allow near perfect capillary action to keep the electrode substrate full of electrolyte for long periods of time, increasing its useful life, especially under harsh conditions. Further, the capillary action need not work through a layer of electrode and can be integrally formed with the electrode element to eliminate or reduce loss due to connective surfaces. Wire connections and arrangements are generally of no concern in this design as the reservoirs for electrolyte connect directly to the substrate and electrolyte does not need to pass through an electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Karl R. Wolf, JR., Joe Fodor
  • Publication number: 20140034492
    Abstract: An alcohol fuel cell sensor and the resultant alcohol breath tester assembly. The disclosed housing creates an alcohol breath tester assembly that protects the electrode sensor from liquid ingress, maximizes the sample contact with the platinum electrode surface, and provides a smooth path facilitating laminar flow of the sample through the sensor. This, in turn, provides good flushing of the volume without creating eddies or other turbulence. Additionally, the housing can utilize a vapor barrier layer in the assembly and restricts the layer from touching the electrode surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: ALCOTEK, INC.
    Inventors: Joe Fodor, Karl R. Wolf, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140027281
    Abstract: An improved alcohol fuel cell sensor and alcohol breath tester assembly where wires for connection to the electrodes are bent to have a generally planar base portion which may be positioned toward the center of the electrodes and an upright that then extends to the outside of the case. The uprights are generally perpendicular to the base allowing the wires to exit the housing toward the center, as opposed to toward an edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: ALCOTEK, INC.
    Inventors: Joe Fodor, Karl R. Wolf, JR.