Patents by Inventor Maria G. Medeiros

Maria G. Medeiros 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: 9340889
    Abstract: A bipolar electrode fabricated with a combination of materials that will physically separate the catholyte from the metal anode of the electrode while providing high electrical conductivity between the metal anode and the catalyst cathode. This is accomplished by layering the catalyst cathode over a composite of conductive adhesive and conductive foil that is then affixed to the metal anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Charles J. Patrissi, Maria G. Medeiros, Louis G. Carreiro, Steven P. Tucker, Russell R. Bessette, Craig M. Deschenes
  • Publication number: 20090266716
    Abstract: A bipolar electrode fabricated with a combination of materials that will physically separate the catholyte from the metal anode of the electrode while providing high electrical conductivity between the metal anode and the catalyst cathode. This is accomplished by layering the catalyst cathode over a composite of conductive adhesive and conductive foil that is then affixed to the metal anode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Charles J. Patrissi, Maria G. Medeiros, Louis G. Carreiro, Steven P. Tucker, Russell R. Bessette, Craig M. Deschenes
  • Patent number: 7585580
    Abstract: A fuel cell and a method for using the fuel cell to make electricity, in which the fuel cell has an anode half-cell having an electrocatalytic anode and a liquid anolyte that is substantially isopropanol dissolved in seawater. The fuel cell has a cathode half-cell having an electrocatalytic cathode and a liquid catholyte that is substantially hydrogen peroxide dissolved in slightly acidic seawater. The half-cells share a common proton exchange membrane. When the anode and cathode are in electrical connection the isopropanol is oxidized to carbon dioxide, which is fugitive, and the hydrogen peroxide is reduced to water. In the method, the anolyte and the catholyte, which are in effect the fuel of the fuel cell, are metered and re-circulated as needed to produce the necessary electrical power. The electrocatalytic electrodes are typically comprised of palladium and iridium alloys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Maria G. Medeiros, Eric G. Dow, Steven P. Tucker, Russel R. Bessette
  • Patent number: 7572324
    Abstract: The present invention uses titanate compounds to replace chromates in metal primer paints used for corrosion protection on metal substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Wayne C. Tucker, Maria G. Medeiros, Richard Brown
  • Patent number: 7521149
    Abstract: A new semi-fuel cell design that incorporates ion exchange membranes to create separate compartments for the anolyte and catholyte to flow through the semi-fuel cell thereby isolating the metal anode of the bipolar electrode from the catholyte while still allowing the necessary ion transfer to affect the necessary electrochemical balance for the reaction to take place in the semi-fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventors: Maria G. Medeiros, Eric G. Dow, Russell R. Bessette, Susan G. Yan, Dwayne W. Dischert
  • Patent number: 7513968
    Abstract: Using a ¼ inch end mill a grid pattern of one inch squares or lands separated by concave troughs or grooves 0.025 inches deep is milled on to the surface of a one quarter inch thick magnesium plate. A conductive barrier such as a titanium foil is then laid over the magnesium plate, and is then pressed into the pattern with a one inch thick 80 durometer rubber sheet. Pressure of 250 pounds per square inch is then applied to the rubber to create indentations in the foil creating the same pattern as the one on the magnesium plate. The foil is then removed. An electrically conductive adhesive is then screen printed on the magnesium lands only, avoiding the grooves. The titanium foil is oriented to the pattern on the magnesium plate and mated to the magnesium plate by applying 200 pounds per square inch of pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Earl S. Nickerson, Maria G. Medeiros, Wayne C. Tucker, Russell R. Bessette
  • Patent number: 7195841
    Abstract: A system and a method of storage and dissolution of solid catholyte are provided. The system and the method employ a solid medium having a controlled surface from which solid catholyte particles suspended within a matrix of encapsulating species are dissolved and hydrolyzed producing hydrogen peroxide to be used in semi fuel cells of undersea vehicles. Encapsulating species are also dissolved and hydrolyzed rendering products completely usable in the semi fuel cell. Sodium peroxide is preferably used as the solid catholyte and potassium superoxide and/or sodium hydroxide are preferably used as encapsulating species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Steven P. Tucker, Maria G. Medeiros, Eric G. Dow
  • Patent number: 7101808
    Abstract: Non-chromate solutions for treating and/or etching metals, particularly, aluminum, aluminum alloys, steel and titanium, and method of applying same wherein the solutions include either a titanate or titanium dioxide as a “drop-in replacement” for a chromium-containing compound in a metal surface etching solution that otherwise would contain chromium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Wayne C. Tucker, Maria G. Medeiros, Richard Brown
  • Patent number: 7052741
    Abstract: A method is provided for the fabrication of a fibrous structure. Fibers are deposited in a hopper connected to an electrode. A mesh covers the hopper opening and the hopper is inverted and suspended over an adhesive coated substrate. An electric field is generated between the hopper and the substrate while the hopper is simultaneously shaken. As a result, fibers fall through the mesh, aligned along the electric field lines, travel through the electric field, and are coupled on one end thereof to the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Maria G. Medeiros, Eric G. Dow, Russell R. Bessette, Craig M. Deschenes, Christopher N. Lafratta, Armand F. Lewis, Yong K. Kim
  • Patent number: 7022254
    Abstract: Non-chromate solutions for treating and/or etching metals, particularly, aluminum, aluminum alloys, steel and titanium, and method of applying same wherein the solutions include either a titanate or titanium dioxide as a “drop-in replacement” for a chromium-containing compound in a metal surface etching solution that otherwise would contain chromium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Wayne C. Tucker, Maria G. Medeiros, Richard Brown
  • Patent number: 7001533
    Abstract: Non-chromate solutions for treating and/or etching metals, particularly, aluminum, aluminum alloys, steel and titanium, and method of applying same wherein the solutions include either a titanate or titanium dioxide as a “drop-in replacement” for a chromium-containing compound in a metal surface etching solution that otherwise would contain chromium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Wayne C. Tucker, Maria G. Medeiros, Richard Brown
  • Patent number: 6849356
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved semi-fuel cell and an improved cathode used therein. The semi-fuel cell stack comprises a housing, an anode within the housing, a porous cathode within the housing, an aqueous catholyte within the housing, an aqueous anolyte stream flowing in the housing, and a membrane for preventing migration of the catholyte through the porous cathode and into the anolyte stream. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the catholyte comprises an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, the anolyte comprises a NaOH/seawater solution, and the membrane permits passage of OH? ions while inhibiting the passage of hydrogen peroxide. The membrane is attached to a surface of the cathode or alternatively, impregnated into the cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Eric G. Dow, Susan G. Yan, Maria G. Medeiros, Russell R. Bessette
  • Publication number: 20040180799
    Abstract: Non-chromate solutions for treating and/or etching metals, particularly, aluminum, aluminum alloys, steel and titanium, and method of applying same wherein the solutions include either a titanate or titanium dioxide as a “drop-in replacement” for a chromium-containing compound in a metal surface etching solution that otherwise would contain chromium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Wayne C. Tucker, Maria G. Medeiros, Richard Brown
  • Patent number: 6740220
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing an electrocatalytic cathode for use in an electrochemical cell system comprising the steps of providing a carbon substrate and simultaneously depositing palladium and iridium on the carbon substrate by cyclic voltammetry or by controlled potential coulometry. The simultaneous deposition of the palladium and iridium is preferably carried out using a solution containing 1.0 mM palladium chloride, 2.0 mM sodium hexachloroiridate, 0.2M potassium chloride, and 0.1M hydrochloric acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Maria G. Medeiros, Eric G. Dow, Russell R. Bessette, James M. Cichon
  • Publication number: 20040065863
    Abstract: Non-chromate solutions for treating and/or etching metals, particularly, aluminum,.aluminum alloys, steel and titanium, and method of applying same wherein the solutions include either a titanate or titanium dioxide as a “drop-in replacement” for a chromium-containing compound in a metal surface etching solution that otherwise would contain chromium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Wayne C. Tucker, Maria G. Medeiros, Richard Brown
  • Publication number: 20040067651
    Abstract: Non-chromate solutions for treating and/or etching metals, particularly, aluminum, aluminum alloys, steel and titanium, and method of applying same wherein the solutions include either a titanate or titanium dioxide as a “drop-in replacement” for a chromium-containing compound in a metal surface etching solution that otherwise would contain chromium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Wayne C. Tucker, Maria G. Medeiros, Richard Brown
  • Patent number: 6706207
    Abstract: Non-chromate solutions for treating and/or etching metals, particularly, aluminum, aluminum alloys, steel and titanium, and method of applying same wherein the solutions include either a titanate or titanium dioxide as a “drop-in replacement” for a chromium-containing compound in a metal surface etching solution that otherwise would contain chromium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Wayne C. Tucker, Maria G. Medeiros, Richard Brown
  • Publication number: 20030209521
    Abstract: Non-chromate solutions for treating and/or etching metals, particularly, aluminum, aluminum alloys, steel and titanium, and method of applying same wherein the solutions include either a titanate or titanium dioxide as a “drop-in replacement” for a chromium-containing compound in a metal surface etching solution that otherwise would contain chromium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Wayne C. Tucker, Maria G. Medeiros, Richard Brown
  • Publication number: 20030209292
    Abstract: A non-chromate conversion coating and method of applying same wherein the coating comprises a titanate, such as potassium titanate or sodium metatitanate, as a “drop-in replacement” for a chromate in an otherwise chromate-containing conversion coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Inventors: Wayne C. Tucker, Maria G. Medeiros, Richard Brown
  • Patent number: 6638369
    Abstract: A non-chromate conversion coating and method of applying same wherein the coating comprises a titanate, such as potassium titanate or sodium metatitanate, as a “drop-in replacement” for a chromate in an otherwise chromate-containing conversion coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Wayne C. Tucker, Maria G. Medeiros, Richard Brown