Patents by Inventor Kurt Rath
Kurt Rath 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: 9711809Abstract: The disclosure teaches controlling the fluid flow and pressure, including adjustable pressure regulators, pressure regulators with an inlet restrictor, semi-automatic valve and pressure regulator with a by-pass valve which use one or more of movable shuttle, shuttle housing, a high pressure diaphragm, a low pressure diaphragm and a fluidic conduit connecting the inlet to the outlet. One or more of these implementations adjust to modify the outlet pressure of the regulator. The inlet restrictor allows incoming fluid to enter the pressure regulators when the pressure of the incoming fluid is higher than a threshold level. The semi-automatic valve is opened manually but closes automatically when fluid flowing through the valve is insufficient to keep the valve open. The semi-automatic valve can also be a semi-automatic electrical switch. The by-pass valve directs the flow to bypass the pressure regulator, when the flow is slow or has low pressure.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2016Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: Intelligent Energy LimitedInventors: Andrew J. Curello, Paul Spahr, Kurt Rath
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Publication number: 20160190612Abstract: The disclosure teaches controlling the fluid flow and pressure, including adjustable pressure regulators, pressure regulators with an inlet restrictor, semi-automatic valve and pressure regulator with a by-pass valve which use one or more of movable shuttle, shuttle housing, a high pressure diaphragm, a low pressure diaphragm and a fluidic conduit connecting the inlet to the outlet. One or more of these implementations adjust to modify the outlet pressure of the regulator. The inlet restrictor allows incoming fluid to enter the pressure regulators when the pressure of the incoming fluid is higher than a threshold level. The semi-automatic valve is opened manually but closes automatically when fluid flowing through the valve is insufficient to keep the valve open. The semi-automatic valve can also be a semi-automatic electrical switch. The by-pass valve directs the flow to bypass the pressure regulator, when the flow is slow or has low pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2016Publication date: June 30, 2016Applicant: Intelligent Energy LimitedInventors: Andrew J. Curello, Paul Spahr, Kurt Rath
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Publication number: 20160156047Abstract: A fuel cell system (10) with a toggle switch (32) between an ON or OFF position is provided. In the OFF position, gas is purged from the fuel cell. The fuel cell (12) may surround the fuel source (14) with the cathode side of the fuel cell facing the fuel source. Additionally, both the fuel cell (12) and the fuel source (14) may have similar form factor to maximize the available space. Preferably the form factor is substantially an oval shape. The fuel cell system may also have a pressure regulator (26).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2016Publication date: June 2, 2016Applicants: The Commissariat a L'energie Atomique et Aux Energies Alternatives, Intelligent Energy LimitedInventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Kurt Rath, Andrew J. Curello
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Patent number: 9312550Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices for controlling the fluid flow and pressure, including adjustable pressure regulators, pressure regulators with an inlet restrictor, semi-automatic valve and pressure regulator with a by-pass valve. The adjustable pressure regulators have a movable shuttle, shuttle housing, a high pressure diaphragm, a low pressure diaphragm and a fluidic conduit connecting the inlet to the outlet. One or more of these components are adjusted to modify the outlet pressure of the regulator. The inlet restrictor allows incoming fluid to enter the pressure regulators when the pressure of the incoming fluid is higher than a threshold level. The positioning the inlet restrictor can be used to prevent a partial vacuum from forming inside a pressure regulator. The semi-automatic valve is opened manually but closes automatically when fluid flowing through the valve is insufficient to keep the valve open. The semi-automatic valve can also be a semi-automatic electrical switch.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: Intelligent Energy LimitedInventors: Andrew J. Curello, Paul Spahr, Kurt Rath
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Patent number: 9276271Abstract: A fuel cell system (10) with a toggle switch (32) between an ON or OFF position is provided. In the OFF position, gas is purged from the fuel cell. The fuel cell (12) may surround the fuel source (14) with the cathode side of the fuel cell facing the fuel source. Additionally, both the fuel cell (12) and the fuel source (14) may have similar form factor to maximize the available space. Preferably the form factor is substantially an oval shape. The fuel cell system may also have a pressure regulator (26).Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2011Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignees: Intelligent Energy Limited, The Commissariat a L'energie Atomique et Aux Energies Alternatives (CEA)Inventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Kurt Rath, Andrew Curello
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Patent number: 8951310Abstract: Disclosed herein are multiple embodiments of a hydrogen generator (10) that measures, transports or stores a single dose of a viscous fuel component from first fuel chamber (12) in storage area (38) when the internal hydrogen pressure (44, 44?) of the hydrogen generator is high, and transports this single dose to a metal hydride fuel component in second fuel chamber (14) when the internal pressure is low, so that the viscous liquid and metal hydride fuel components react together to generate more hydrogen and to restart the cycle. The viscous fuel component can be water or alcohol, such as methanol, in liquid or gel form, and the metal hydride fuel component can be sodium borohydride or other metal hydride that chemically reacts with the viscous fuel to produce hydrogen. The metal hydride fuel component can be in solid or viscous form, e.g., aqueous form.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2008Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Societe BICInventors: Andrew J. Curello, Constance R. Stepan, Anthony Sgroi, Paul Spahr, Michael Curello, Alain Rosenzweig, Kurt Rath
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Patent number: 8915979Abstract: The present application is directed to a gas-generating apparatus. Hydrogen is generated within the gas-generating apparatus and is transported to a fuel cell. The first fuel component is introduced into the second fuel component through a conduit which punctures a septum separating the reaction chamber and the first fuel component reservoir, and the fuel conduit introduces the first fuel component to different portions of the second fuel component to produce hydrogen.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Societe BICInventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Kurt Rath
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Publication number: 20140272658Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices for controlling the fluid flow and pressure, including adjustable pressure regulators, pressure regulators with an inlet restrictor, semi-automatic valve and pressure regulator with a by-pass valve. The adjustable pressure regulators have a movable shuttle, shuttle housing, a high pressure diaphragm, a low pressure diaphragm and a fluidic conduit connecting the inlet to the outlet. One or more of these components are adjusted to modify the outlet pressure of the regulator. The inlet restrictor allows incoming fluid to enter the pressure regulators when the pressure of the incoming fluid is higher than a threshold level. The positioning the inlet restrictor can be used to prevent a partial vacuum from forming inside a pressure regulator. The semi-automatic valve is opened manually but closes automatically when fluid flowing through the valve is insufficient to keep the valve open. The semi-automatic valve can also be a semi-automatic electrical switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: SOCIETE BICInventors: Andrew J. Curello, Paul Spahr, Kurt Rath
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Publication number: 20130316259Abstract: A fuel cell system (10) with a toggle switch (32) between an ON or OFF position is provided. In the OFF position, gas is purged from the fuel cell. The fuel cell (12) may surround the fuel source (14) with the cathode side of the fuel cell facing the fuel source. Additionally, both the fuel cell (12) and the fuel source (14) may have similar form factor to maximize the available space. Preferably the form factor is substantially an oval shape. The fuel cell system may also have a pressure regulator (26).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2011Publication date: November 28, 2013Inventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Kurt Rath, Andrew Curello
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Patent number: 8481228Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fuel cell assembly that arranges a plurality of individual fuel cells into an array. The fuel cells are set into openings formed in a frame. The openings are arranged into the array, such as in columns and rows. A rear cover is sealingly attached to the frame, thereby defining a chamber between the frame and a base of the rear cover, where the chamber serves as a manifold. Optional supports extend from the base to the fuel cells. The void forms a fluid manifold for dispersing fuel for the fuel cells from a fuel reservoir to the fuel cells. Alternatively, the rear cover separates the interstitial space between the rear cover and the frame into compartments, which are fluidly interconnected by channels. The array may also include a functional element electrically connected to the fuel cells configured to transfer power an electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2007Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Societe BicInventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Kurt Rath, Jean Yves Laurent, Bruno Vallon, Andrew J. Curello
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Patent number: 8172475Abstract: A liquid droplet ejecting device suitable for ejecting a droplet from a substrate onto a support at a distance greater than usual. A liquid droplet ejecting head that includes a plurality of actuating chambers is linked to a single common ejection nozzle through which a droplet is to be ejected from the head.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2005Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Societe BicInventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Kurt Rath, Colin Philip Brooks, Andy Hills
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Patent number: 7997719Abstract: A liquid droplet ejecting head designed to be mounted in a liquid ejecting instrument that includes ejection nozzles through which droplets are to be ejected from the head, and actuating chambers, each actuating chamber having at least one inlet to be in fluidic connection with a liquid reservoir for providing liquid to the actuating chamber. The ejecting head also includes at least one actuating unit suitable for creating a pulse wave in the liquid contained when activated by energy received from a control device and at least one outlet portion in fluidic connection with at least one ejection nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2005Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Societe BICInventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Kurt Rath, Colin Brooks, Andy Hills
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Publication number: 20110176973Abstract: The present application is directed to a gas-generating apparatus. Hydrogen is generated within the gas-generating apparatus and is transported to a fuel cell. The first fuel component is introduced into the second fuel component through a conduit which punctures a septum separating the reaction chamber and the first fuel component reservoir, and the fuel conduit introduces the first fuel component to different portions of the second fuel component to produce hydrogen.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2009Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Kurt Rath
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Publication number: 20100104481Abstract: Disclosed herein are multiple embodiments of a hydrogen generator (10) that measures, transports or stores a single dose of a viscous fuel component from first fuel chamber (12) in storage area (38) when the internal hydrogen pressure (44, 44?) of the hydrogen generator is high, and transports this single dose to a metal hydride fuel component in second fuel chamber (14) when the internal pressure is low, so that the viscous liquid and metal hydride fuel components react together to generate more hydrogen and to restart the cycle. The viscous fuel component can be water or alcohol, such as methanol, in liquid or gel form, and the metal hydride fuel component can be sodium borohydride or other metal hydride that chemically reacts with the viscous fuel to produce hydrogen. The metal hydride fuel component can be in solid or viscous form, e.g., aqueous form.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2008Publication date: April 29, 2010Applicant: Societe BICInventors: Andrew J. Curello, Constance R. Stepan, Anthony Sgroi, Paul Spahr, Michael Curello, Alain Rosenzweig, Kurt Rath
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Publication number: 20090311561Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fuel cell assembly that arranges a plurality of individual fuel cells into an array. The fuel cells are set into openings formed in a frame. The openings are arranged into the array, such as in columns and rows. A rear cover is sealingly attached to the frame, thereby defining a chamber between the frame and a base of the rear cover, where the chamber serves as a manifold. Optional supports extend from the base to the fuel cells. The void forms a fluid manifold for dispersing fuel for the fuel cells from a fuel reservoir to the fuel cells. Alternatively, the rear cover separates the interstitial space between the rear cover and the frame into compartments, which are fluidly interconnected by channels. The array may also include a functional element electrically connected to the fuel cells configured to transfer power an electronic device.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 10, 2007Publication date: December 17, 2009Inventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Kurt Rath, Jean Yves Laurent, Bruno Vallon, Andrew J. Curello
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Patent number: 7485842Abstract: An optical proximity sensor adapted to be mounted in a liquid-jet instrument having a spray head for spraying a jet of liquid. The optical sensor evaluates a distance between the sensor and a surface onto which the liquid is to be sprayed.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2005Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Societe BICInventors: Xavier Bich, Alain Rosenzweig, Kurt Rath
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Publication number: 20080204517Abstract: A liquid droplet ejecting head designed to be mounted in a liquid ejecting instrument that includes ejection nozzles through which droplets are to be ejected from the head, and actuating chambers, each actuating chamber having at least one inlet to be in fluidic connection with a liquid reservoir for providing liquid to the actuating chamber. The ejecting head also includes at least one actuating unit suitable for creating a pulse wave in the liquid contained when activated by energy received from a control device and at least one outlet portion in fluidic connection with at least one ejection nozzle.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2005Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: Societe BICInventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Kurt Rath, Colin Brooks, Andy Hills
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Publication number: 20080170105Abstract: A liquid droplet ejecting device suitable for ejecting a droplet from a substrate onto a support at a distance greater than usual. A liquid droplet ejecting head that includes a plurality of actuating chambers is linked to a single common ejection nozzle through which a droplet is to be ejected from the head.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2005Publication date: July 17, 2008Applicant: Societe BICInventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Kurt Rath, Colin Philip Brooks, Andy Hills
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Patent number: 7393098Abstract: A writing instrument comprising a liquid spray head and a processor unit serving to activate the spray head. The instrument further comprises measurement means for measuring the distance between the spray head and the medium, and movement detector means, the processor unit being adapted to activate the liquid spray head when at least the measurement means determine that the distance between the spray head and the medium is less than a predetermined maximum value, the processor unit also being adapted to manage activation of the spray head as a function of the movement detected by the movement detector means.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2004Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Société BICInventors: Xavier Bich, Alain Rosenzweig, Kurt Rath
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Patent number: D650324Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2010Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Assignee: Societe BICInventors: Alain Rosenzweig, Kurt Rath