Patents by Inventor Louis Ernst, JR.

Louis Ernst, JR. 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).

  • Fuel cell system manifold seal
    Patent number: 8871404
    Abstract: A manifold seal for a fuel cell system includes a sealing area defined by a peripheral portion of a fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system and a portion of an end plate positioned on the fuel cell stack. The manifold seal includes a manifold frame defining a mating surface which sealingly engages the sealing area. The mating surface has a slot formed therein which opens towards the sealing area. The manifold seal includes a bracket defining a base portion and having a lip projecting from an edge thereof. The base portion is moveably secured to a face of the end plate so that the edge is positioned on the sealing area. The base portion is positioned inwardly from the sealing area and the manifold frame. The lip is moveably engaged in and cooperates with the slot to seal a gap between the mating surface and the sealing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: FuelCell Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn DiCostanzo, Dana Kelley, Louis Ernst, Jr.
  • FUEL CELL SYSTEM MANIFOLD SEAL
    Publication number: 20130295490
    Abstract: A manifold seal for a fuel cell system includes a sealing area defined by a peripheral portion of a fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system and a portion of an end plate positioned on the fuel cell stack. The manifold seal includes a manifold frame defining a mating surface which sealingly engages the sealing area. The mating surface has a slot formed therein which opens towards the sealing area. The manifold seal includes a bracket defining a base portion and having a lip projecting from an edge thereof. The base portion is moveably secured to a face of the end plate so that the edge is positioned on the sealing area. The base portion is positioned inwardly from the sealing area and the manifold frame. The lip is moveably engaged in and cooperates with the slot to seal a gap between the mating surface and the sealing area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Glenn DiCostanzo, Dana Kelley, Louis Ernst, JR.
  • Fuel cell system manifold seal
    Patent number: 8541144
    Abstract: A manifold seal for a fuel cell system includes a sealing area defined by a peripheral portion of a fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system and a portion of an end plate positioned on the fuel cell stack. The manifold seal includes a manifold frame defining a mating surface which sealingly engages the sealing area. The manifold seal also includes a bracket defining a base portion and having a lip projecting from an edge thereof. The base portion is moveably secured to a face of the end plate so that the edge is positioned on the sealing area. The lip is moveably engaged in and cooperates with a slot formed in the mating surface to seal a gap between the mating surface and the sealing area caused by movement of the fuel cell stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: FuelCell Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn DiCostanzo, Dana Kelley, Louis Ernst, Jr.
  • FUEL CELL SYSTEM MANIFOLD SEAL
    Publication number: 20110104585
    Abstract: A manifold seal for a fuel cell system includes a sealing area defined by a peripheral portion of a fuel cell stack of the fuel cell system and a portion of an end plate positioned on the fuel cell stack. The manifold seal includes a manifold frame defining a mating surface which sealingly engages the sealing area. The manifold seal also includes a bracket defining a base portion and having a lip projecting from an edge thereof. The base portion is moveably secured to a face of the end plate so that the edge is positioned on the sealing area. The lip is moveably engaged in and cooperates with a slot formed in the mating surface to seal a gap between the mating surface and the sealing area caused by movement of the fuel cell stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Glenn DiCostanzo, Dana Kelley, Louis Ernst, JR.