Patents by Inventor Kerry D. Meinhardt
Kerry D. Meinhardt 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: 8394544Abstract: The present invention is a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Reforming Power System that utilizes adiabatic reforming of reformate within this system. By utilizing adiabatic reforming of reformate within the system the system operates at a significantly higher efficiency than other Solid Oxide Reforming Power Systems that exist in the prior art. This is because energy is not lost while materials are cooled and reheated, instead the device operates at a higher temperature. This allows efficiencies higher than 65%.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2008Date of Patent: March 12, 2013Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Lawrence A. Chick, Vincent L. Sprenkle, Michael R. Powell, Kerry D. Meinhardt, Greg A. Whyatt
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Patent number: 8293426Abstract: Solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack assembly designs are consistently investigated to develop an assembly that provides optimal performance, and durability, within desired cost parameters. A new design includes a repeat unit having a SOFC cassette and being characterized by a three-component construct. The three components include an oxidation-resistant, metal window frame hermetically joined to an electrolyte layer of a multi-layer, anode-supported ceramic cell and a pre-cassette including a separator plate having a plurality of vias that provide electrical contact between an anode-side collector within the pre-cassette and a cathode-side current collector of an adjacent cell. The third component is a cathode-side seal, which includes a standoff that supports a cathode channel spacing between each of the cassettes in a stack. Cassettes are formed by joining the pre-cassette and the window frame.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: K. Scott Weil, Kerry D. Meinhardt, Vincent L. Sprenkle
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Publication number: 20120240391Abstract: The approaches and apparatuses for fabricating cathodes can be adapted to improve control over cathode composition and to better accommodate batteries of any shape and their assembly. For example, a first solid having an alkali metal halide, a second solid having a transition metal, and a third solid having an alkali metal aluminum halide are combined into a mixture. The mixture can be heated in a vacuum to a temperature that is greater than or equal to the melting point of the third solid. When the third solid is substantially molten liquid, the mixture is compressed into a desired cathode shape and then cooled to solidify the mixture in the desired cathode shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2011Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Kerry D. Meinhardt, Vincent L. Sprenkle, Gregory W. Coffey
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Patent number: 8182965Abstract: Lanthanum strontium cobalt iron oxides (La(1-x)SrxCoyFe1-yO3-f; (LSCF) have excellent power density (>500 mW/cm2 at 750° C.). When covered with a metallization layer, LSCF cathodes have demonstrated increased durability and stability. Other modifications, such as the thickening of the cathode, the preparation of the device by utilizing a firing temperature in a designated range, and the use of a pore former paste having designated characteristics and combinations of these features provide a device with enhanced capabilities.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Jin Yong Kim, Vincent L. Sprenkle, Nathan L. Canfield, Kerry D. Meinhardt, Lawrence A. Chick
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Patent number: 8166777Abstract: A glass foaming material and method are disclosed for filling void spaces in electrochemical devices. The glass material includes a reagent that foams at a temperature above the softening point of the glass. Expansion of the glass fills void spaces including by-pass and tolerance channels of electrochemical devices. In addition, cassette to cassette seals can also be formed while channels and other void spaces are filled, reducing the number of processing steps needed.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2010Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Kerry D. Meinhardt, Brent W. Kirby
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Publication number: 20120088133Abstract: A method of making a molten sodium battery is disclosed. A first metallic interconnect frame having a first interconnect vent hole is provided. A second metallic interconnect frame having a second interconnect vent hole is also provided. An electrolyte plate having a cathode vent hole and an anode vent hole is interposed between the metallic interconnect frames. The metallic interconnect frames and the electrolyte plate are sealed thereby forming gaseous communication between an anode chamber through the anode vent hole and gaseous communication between a cathode chamber through the cathode vent hole.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTEInventors: John P. Lemmon, Kerry D. Meinhardt
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Publication number: 20110226017Abstract: A glass foaming material and method are disclosed for filling void spaces in electrochemical devices. The glass material includes a reagent that foams at a temperature above the softening point of the glass. Expansion of the glass fills void spaces including by-pass and tolerance channels of electrochemical devices. In addition, cassette to cassette seals can also be formed while channels and other void spaces are filled, reducing the number of processing steps needed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2010Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTEInventors: Kerry D. Meinhardt, Brent W. Kirby
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Publication number: 20110092361Abstract: Methods for improving the sulfur-tolerance of nickel-based catalyst systems, as well as the improved catalyst systems, are disclosed. The methods can include adding praseodymium alone, or in combination with ruthenium and/or cerium, to a nickel-based catalyst system, thereby inhibiting sulfur poisoning of the catalyst system. Improved catalyst systems can have an added amount of praseodymium alone, or in combination with ruthenium and/or cerium, sufficient to inhibit poisoning of the system by sulfur.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2010Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Vincent L. Sprenkle, Kerry D. Meinhardt, Lawrence A. Chick, Jin Yong Kim
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Patent number: 7879754Abstract: Methods for improving the sulfur-tolerance of nickel-based catalyst systems, as well as the improved catalyst systems, are disclosed. The methods can include adding praseodymium alone, or in combination with ruthenium and/or cerium, to a nickel-based catalyst system, thereby inhibiting sulfur poisoning of the catalyst system. Improved catalyst systems can have an added amount of praseodymium alone, or in combination with ruthenium and/or cerium, sufficient to inhibit poisoning of the system by sulfur.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Vincent L. Sprenkle, Kerry D. Meinhardt, Lawrence A. Chick, Jin Yong Kim
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Patent number: 7832737Abstract: Multi-layer seals are provided that find advantageous use for reducing leakage of gases between adjacent components of electrochemical devices. Multi-layer seals of the invention include a gasket body defining first and second opposing surfaces and a compliant interlayer positioned adjacent each of the first and second surfaces. Also provided are methods for making and using the multi-layer seals, and electrochemical devices including said seals.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2005Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Yeong-Shyung Chou, Kerry D. Meinhardt, Jeffry W. Stevenson
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Patent number: 7794894Abstract: Multi-layer seals are provided that find advantageous use for reducing leakage of gases between adjacent components of electrochemical devices. Multi-layer seals of the invention include a gasket body defining first and second opposing surfaces and a compliant interlayer positioned adjacent each of the first and second surfaces. Also provided are methods for making and using the multi-layer seals, and electrochemical devices including said seals.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2007Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Yeong-Shyung Chou, Kerry D. Meinhardt, Jeffry W. Stevenson
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Patent number: 7754367Abstract: An interconnect system including: a separator plate to provide an anode gas flow space; a first metal interconnect disposed between the separator plate and an anode surface; a nickel oxide paste applied in a pattern over the surface of the anode and adjacent surface of the separator plate which when sintered results in a first conductive layer bonded to the anode and the first interconnect, and a second conductive layer bonded to the first interconnect and the separator plate; a second metal interconnect disposed between a cathode surface of the cell and the separator plate of an adjacent cell cassette; and a silver-containing paste applied over the surface of the cathode and the separator plate which when sintered results in a third conductive layer bonded to the cathode and the second interconnect, and a fourth conductive layer bonded to the second interconnect and the separator plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignees: Delphi Technologies, Inc., Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Karl J. Haltiner, Jr., Subhasish Mukerjee, Lawrence A. Chick, Kerry D. Meinhardt, Vincent L. Sprenkle, Kenneth Scott Weil, Jin Yong Kim
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Publication number: 20100159300Abstract: A cassette less SOFC assembly and a method for creating such an assembly. The SOFC stack is characterized by an electrically isolated stack current path which allows welded interconnection between frame portions of the stack. In one embodiment electrically isolating a current path comprises the step of sealing a interconnect plate to a interconnect plate frame with an insulating seal. This enables the current path portion to be isolated from the structural frame an enables the cell frame to be welded together.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2009Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTEInventor: Kerry D. Meinhardt
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Publication number: 20100081035Abstract: Lanthanum strontium cobalt iron oxides (La(1-x)SrxCoyFe1-yO3-f; (LSCF) have excellent power density (>500 mW/cm2 at 750° C.). When covered with a metallization layer, LSCF cathodes have demonstrated increased durability and stability. Other modifications, such as the thickening of the cathode, the preparation of the device by utilizing a firing temperature in a designated range, and the use of a pore former paste having designated characteristics and combinations of these features provide a device with enhanced capabilities.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2008Publication date: April 1, 2010Inventors: Jin Yong Kim, Vincent L. Sprenkle, Nathan L. Canfield, Kerry D. Meinhardt, Lawrence A. Chick
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Publication number: 20100081026Abstract: Solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack assembly designs are consistently investigated to develop an assembly that provides optimal performance, and durability, within desired cost parameters. A new design includes a repeat unit having a SOFC cassette and being characterized by a three-component construct. The three components include an oxidation-resistant, metal window frame hermetically joined to an electrolyte layer of a multi-layer, anode-supported ceramic cell and a pre-cassette including a separator plate having a plurality of vias that provide electrical contact between an anode-side collector within the pre-cassette and a cathode-side current collector of an adjacent cell. The third component is a cathode-side seal, which includes a standoff that supports a cathode channel spacing between each of the cassettes in a stack. Cassettes are formed by joining the pre-cassette and the window frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2008Publication date: April 1, 2010Inventors: K. Scott Weil, Kerry D. Meinhardt, Vincent L. Sprenkle
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Publication number: 20090280369Abstract: The present invention is a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Reforming Power System that utilizes adiabatic reforming of reformate within this system. By utilizing adiabatic reforming of reformate within the system the system operates at a significantly higher efficiency than other Solid Oxide Reforming Power Systems that exist in the prior art. This is because energy is not lost while materials are cooled and reheated, instead the device operates at a higher temperature. This allows efficiencies higher than 65%.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2008Publication date: November 12, 2009Inventors: Lawrence A. Chick, Vincent L. Sprenkle, Michael R. Powell, Kerry D. Meinhardt, Greg A. Whyatt
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Publication number: 20090264284Abstract: Methods for improving the sulfur-tolerance of nickel-based catalyst systems, as well as the improved catalyst systems, are disclosed. The methods can include adding praseodymium alone, or in combination with ruthenium and/or cerium, to a nickel-based catalyst system, thereby inhibiting sulfur poisoning of the catalyst system. Improved catalyst systems can have an added amount of praseodymium alone, or in combination with ruthenium and/or cerium, sufficient to inhibit poisoning of the system by sulfur.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2008Publication date: October 22, 2009Inventors: Vincent L. Sprenkle, Kerry D. Meinhardt, Lawrence A. Chick, Jin Yong Kim
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Patent number: 7595085Abstract: In one embodiment, the method of producing a ceramic assembly includes: disposing an electrode precursor on an electrolyte precursor having an electrolyte sintering shrinkage, disposing a stabilizer precursor having a stabilizer sintering shrinkage on the electrode precursor on a side opposite the electrolyte precursor to form a precursor assembly, and sintering the precursor assembly to form the ceramic assembly comprising a stabilizer layer, electrode, and electrolyte. The difference between the electrolyte sintering shrinkage and the stabilizer sintering shrinkage is less than or equal to ±1% and a surface of the ceramic assembly has less than or equal to about 5.0 degrees camber, as measured from the horizontal plane.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2004Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignees: Delphi Technologies, Inc., Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Robert J. Svoboda, Haskell Simpkins, Joseph M. Keller, Vincent L. Sprenkle, Kerry D. Meinhardt, Nathan L. Canfield
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Publication number: 20090130458Abstract: A seal formed between a metal part and a second part that will remain gas tight in high temperature operating environments which experience frequent thermal cycling, which is particularly useful as an insulating joint in solid oxide fuel cells. A first metal part is attached to a reinforcing material. A glass forming material in the positioned in between the first metal part and the second part, and a seal is formed between the first metal part and the second part by heating the glass to a temperature suitable to melt the glass forming materials. The glass encapsulates and bonds at least a portion of the reinforcing material, thereby adding tremendous strength to the overall seal. A ceramic material may be added to the glass forming materials, to assist in forming an insulating barrier between the first metal part and the second part and to regulating the viscosity of the glass during the heating step.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2009Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventors: K. Scott Weil, Lawrence A. Chick, Christopher A. Coyle, John S. Hardy, Guanguang Xia, Kerry D. Meinhardt, Vincent L. Sprenkle, Dean M. Paxton
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Publication number: 20090004545Abstract: An interconnect system for connecting adjacent fuel cells in a fuel cell stack. The system comprises five elements: a separator plate to provide an anode gas flow space when joined to a mating cell frame; a first metal interconnect disposed between the separator plate and the anode surface; a nickel oxide paste applied in a pattern over the surface of the anode and adjacent surface of the separator plate which when sintered results in a conductive layer bonded to the anode and to the separator plate; a second metal interconnect disposed between the cathode surface of the cell and the separator plate of the adjacent cell cassette; and a silver-containing paste applied over the surface of the cathode and the separator plate which when sintered results in a conductive layer bonded to the cathode and to the separator plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2007Publication date: January 1, 2009Inventors: Karl J. Haltiner, JR., Subhasish Mukerjee, Lawrence A. Chick, Kerry D. Meinhardt, Vincent L. Sprenkle, Kenneth Scott Weil, Jin Yong Kim