Patents by Inventor Kenneth M. Flaherty

Kenneth M. Flaherty 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).

  • PRESSURE RELIEF SYSTEM FOR A FUEL CELL SYSTEM HAVING A PRESSURIZED FUEL FLOW
    Publication number: 20110117468
    Abstract: A fuel cell-based system includes an electromechanical pressure relief system to prevent an overpressure condition from damaging the anode circuit of a fuel cell stack or creating a hazardous environment. Upon detection of a fuel flow pressure in a fuel path between a fuel source and the fuel cell stack, the pressure relief system isolates the anode circuit from the fuel path, vents the fuel flow, and shuts down the fuel cell system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Kratschmar, Rasvan C. Mihai, David A. Leboe, Kenneth M. Flaherty, Adrian J. Corless
  • Pressure relief control system for a fuel cell system having a pressurized fuel flow
    Patent number: 7892689
    Abstract: A fuel cell-based system includes an electromechanical pressure relief system to prevent an overpressure condition from damaging the anode circuit of a fuel cell stack or creating a hazardous environment. Upon detection of a fuel flow pressure in a fuel path between a fuel source and the fuel cell stack, the pressure relief system isolates the anode circuit from the fuel path, vents the fuel flow, and shuts down the fuel cell system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Plug Power Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Kratschmar, Rasvan C. Mihai, David A. Leboe, Kenneth M. Flaherty, Adrian J. Corless
  • Anode humidification
    Patent number: 7479335
    Abstract: A technique includes providing fuel and oxidant flows to a fuel cell. The technique includes humidifying the anode of the fuel cell, including saturating the oxidant flow and maintaining a temperature of the oxidant flow above a temperature of the fuel cell such that excess water propagates from a cathode of the fuel cell to the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Plug Power Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Leboe, Kenneth M. Flaherty, Adrian J. Corless, Kenneth W. Kratschmar, John D. Usborne