Patents by Inventor Lawrence C. Moulthrop

Lawrence C. Moulthrop 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: 6117287
    Abstract: A cell frame is for use in an electrochemical cell wherein the cell frame includes fluid communicating inserts for providing process water to the electrochemical cell and to transport waste water and product from the cell. The cell frame comprises inserts positioned about the periphery of the frame to facilitate a uniform fluid field and membrane hydration. The cell frame further comprises a protective plate comprising sealing features and lip extensions to prevent fluid leakage and membrane damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Trent M. Molter, Lawrence C. Moulthrop, Jr., Robert J. Friedland, Mark E. Dristy
  • Patent number: 6099716
    Abstract: A cell frame is for use in an electrochemical cell wherein the cell frame includes fluid communicating inserts for providing process water to the electrochemical cell and to transport waste water and product from the cell. The cell frame comprises inserts positioned about the periphery of the frame to facilitate a uniform fluid field and membrane hydration. The cell frame further comprises a protective plate comprising sealing features and lip extensions to prevent fluid leakage and membrane damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Trent M. Molter, Lawrence C. Moulthrop, Jr., Robert J. Friedland
  • Patent number: 5980726
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a unique, compact hydrogen electrochemical system which eliminates the need for explosion-proof equipment. This system merely separates the electrical equipment from the hydrogen source with a wall, but employs a positive pressure, of about 0.1 inches water column, air purge throughout the system to prevent the introduction of hydrogen gas to the electrical equipment and to recover and use waste heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Proton Energy Systems
    Inventors: Lawrence C. Moulthrop, Jr., A. John Speranza, Robert H. Byron, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5466354
    Abstract: Accumulated dimensional variations in fuel cells and electrolysis cell assemblies can reduce the efficiency of the assembly and provide leakage paths for fuel and oxidant. A metal compression pad comprised of a metal having an elastic strain of about 3% to about 40% at about 2,500 psig can compensate for component dimensional variations and improve inter-cell conductivity at pressures up to and exceeding about 10,000 psig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Andrei Leonida, Lawrence C. Moulthrop, Kurt M. Critz
  • Patent number: 5366823
    Abstract: Accumulated dimensional variations in fuel cells and electrolysis cell assemblies can reduce the efficiency of the assembly and provide leakage paths for fuel and oxidant. A metal compression pad comprised of a metal having an elastic strain of about 3% to about 40% at about 2,500 psig can compensate for component dimensional variations and improve inter-cell conductivity at pressures up to and exceeding about 10,000 psig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Andrei Leonida, Lawrence C. Moulthrop, Kurt M. Critz
  • Patent number: 5324565
    Abstract: Accumulated dimensional variations in fuel cells and electrolysis cell assemblies can reduce the efficiency of the assembly and provide leakage paths for fuel and oxidant. An elastomeric compression pad comprised of an oil adsorbent sheet surrounding an elastomeric material with expansion pathways and electrical pathways, that utilize a conductive powder and elastomeric binder compensates for component dimensional variations, improves inter-cell conductivity, and allows high pressure operation up to about 3,000 psig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Andrei Leonida, Lawrence C. Moulthrop
  • Patent number: 4533455
    Abstract: Shunt currents which flow between the electrodes of adjacent cells through the moving conductive fluid and the fluid pool in the manifold of a bipolar cell assembly are minimized by introducing the conductive fluid at the top of an elongated outlet manifold. This results in cascaded flow which interrupts the current path. Shunt currents between the fluid manifold walls of the conductive bipolar elements in the series connected electrochemical cell assemblies are minimized by insulating the manifold walls with insulating, elastomeric sealing grommets. This prevents current flow between the manifold walls through the electrically conductive fluid in the manifold and provides an edgeseal between bipolar plates.The instant invention relates to a process and apparatus for electrochemical cell assemblies and more particularly, for reducing shunt current in series connected bipolar assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1985
    Assignee: Oronzio de Nora Impianti Elettrochimici S.p.A.
    Inventors: Edward N. Balko, Lawrence C. Moulthrop
  • Patent number: 4371433
    Abstract: Shunt currents which flow between the electrodes of adjacent cells through the moving conductive fluid and the fluid pool in the manifold of a bipolar cell assembly are minimized by introducing the conductive fluid at the top of an elongated outlet manifold. This results in cascaded flow which interrupts the current path. Shunt currents between the fluid manifold walls of the conductive bipolar elements in the series connected electrochemical cell assemblies are minimized by insulating the manifold walls with insulating, elastomeric sealing grommets. This prevents current flow between the manifold walls through the electrically conductive fluid in the manifold and provides an edgeseal between bipolar plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1983
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Edward N. Balko, Lawrence C. Moulthrop