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).
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Patent number: 10900928Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 30, 2017Date of Patent: January 26, 2021Assignee: Alcotek, Inc.Inventors: Karl R. Wolf, Joe Fodor
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Patent number: 10468697Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 2, 2018Date of Patent: November 5, 2019Assignee: Alcotek, Inc.Inventors: Karl R. Wolf, Joe Fodor
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Publication number: 20190036136Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2018Publication date: January 31, 2019Inventors: Karl R. Wolf, JR., Joe Fodor
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Patent number: 10090542Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 1, 2016Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: Alcotek, Inc.Inventors: Karl R. Wolf, Jr., Joe Fodor
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Patent number: 9945805Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 28, 2015Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: Alcotek, Inc.Inventors: Joe Fodor, Karl R. Wolf, Jr.
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Publication number: 20170269025Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2017Publication date: September 21, 2017Inventors: Karl R. Wolf, Joe Fodor
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Publication number: 20160372769Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2016Publication date: December 22, 2016Inventors: Karl R. Wolf, JR., Joe Fodor
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Patent number: 9453834Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 28, 2014Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Assignee: Alcotek, Inc.Inventors: Karl R. Wolf, Jr., Joe Fodor
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Publication number: 20150241381Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2015Publication date: August 27, 2015Inventors: Joe Fodor, Karl R. Wolf, JR.
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Patent number: 9057691Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 27, 2013Date of Patent: June 16, 2015Assignee: Alcotek, Inc.Inventors: Joe Fodor, Karl R. Wolf, Jr.
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Patent number: 9038436Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Alcotek, Inc.Inventors: Joe Fodor, Karl R. Wolf, Jr.
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Publication number: 20150027884Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Karl R. Wolf, JR., Joe Fodor
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Publication number: 20140034492Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: ALCOTEK, INC.Inventors: Joe Fodor, Karl R. Wolf, JR.
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Publication number: 20140027281Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2013Publication date: January 30, 2014Applicant: ALCOTEK, INC.Inventors: Joe Fodor, Karl R. Wolf, JR.