Patents by Inventor Mark K. Debe
Mark K. Debe 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: 7311990Abstract: A fuel cell sub-assembly includes first and second flow field plates each comprising several fastener apertures defined at a number of fastening locations. A membrane electrode assembly is situated between the first and second flow field plates and includes several fastener apertures defined at a number of fastening locations, the respective fastener apertures aligned to define fastening holes. A form-in-place fastener formed of an elastomeric material is disposed in each of the fastening holes. The elastomeric material facilitates volumetric displacement of the form-in-place fasteners in response to placing the fuel cell sub-assembly in compression.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2004Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark K. Debe, Andrew J. L. Steinbach
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Patent number: 6770337Abstract: Articles having a component with a surface defining microstructured features can be formed using thermal transfer elements. One example of a suitable thermal transfer element includes a microstructured layer having a surface defining microstructured features imposed on the microstructured layer. The thermal transfer element is configured and arranged for the transfer of at least a portion of the microstructured layer to a receptor while substantially preserving the microstructured features of that portion.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2003Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark K. Debe, Martin B. Wolk
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Patent number: 6613106Abstract: Membrane electrode assemblies are described that include an ion conductive membrane a catalyst adjacent to the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane and a porous particle filled polymer membrane adjacent to the ion conductive membrane. The catalyst can be disposed on the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane. Preferably, the catalyst is disposed in nanostructures. The polymer film serving as the electrode backing layer preferably is processed by heating the particle loaded porous film to a temperature within about 20 degrees of the melting point of the polymer to decrease the Gurley value and the electrical resistivity. The MEAs can be produced in a continuous roll process. The MEAs can be used to produce fuel cells, electrolyzers and electrochemical reactors.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2000Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark K. Debe, James M. Larson, William V. Balsimo, Andrew J. Steinbach, Raymond J. Ziegler
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Publication number: 20030138555Abstract: Articles having a component with a surface defining microstructured features can be formed using thermal transfer elements. One example of a suitable thermal transfer element includes a microstructured layer having a surface defining microstructured features imposed on the microstructured layer. The thermal transfer element is configured and arranged for the transfer of at least a portion of the microstructured layer to a receptor while substantially preserving the microstructured features of that portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2003Publication date: July 24, 2003Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark K. Debe, Martin B. Wolk
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Publication number: 20030041444Abstract: Membrane electrode assemblies are described that include an ion conductive membrane a catalyst adjacent to the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane and a porous particle filled polymer membrane adjacent to the ion conductive membrane. The catalyst can be disposed on the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane. Preferably, the catalyst is disposed in nanostructures. The polymer film serving as the electrode backing layer preferably is processed by heating the particle loaded porous film to a temperature within about 20 degrees of the melting point of the polymer to decrease the Gurley value and the electrical resistivity. The MEAs can be produced in a continuous roll process. The MEAs can be used to produce fuel cells, electrolyzers and electrochemical reactors.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2002Publication date: March 6, 2003Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark K. Debe, James M. Larson, William V. Balsimo, Andrew J. Steinbach, Raymond J. Ziegler
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Patent number: 6521324Abstract: Articles having a component with a surface defining microstructured features can be formed using thermal transfer elements. One example of a suitable thermal transfer element includes a microstructured layer having a surface defining microstructured features imposed on the microstructured layer. The thermal transfer element is configured and arranged for the transfer of at least a portion of the microstructured layer to a receptor while substantially preserving the microstructured features of that portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1999Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark K. Debe, Martin B. Wolk
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Patent number: 6482763Abstract: The present invention provides fuel cell electrode catalysts comprising alternating platinum-containing layers and layers containing suboxides of a second metal, where the catalyst demonstrates an early onset of CO oxidation. Preferred second metals are selected from the group consisting of Group IIIb metals, Group IVb metals, Group Vb metals, Group VIb metals and Group VIIb metals, most preferably Ti, Ta, W and Mo. The present invention additionally provides methods of making such catalysts, preferably by alternate deposition of platinum and second metals in the presence of substoichiometric amounts of gaseous oxygen.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2000Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Gregory M. Haugen, Mark K. Debe, John H. Thomas, III, Krzysztof A. Lewinski, George D. Vernstrom
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Patent number: 6432571Abstract: Membrane electrode assemblies are described that include an ion conductive membrane a catalyst adjacent to the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane and a porous particle filled polymer membrane adjacent to the ion conductive membrane. The catalyst can be disposed on the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane. Preferably, the catalyst is disposed in nanostructures. The polymer film serving as the electrode backing layer preferably is processed by heating the particle loaded porous film to a temperature within about 20 degrees of the melting point of the polymer to decrease the Gurley value and the electrical resistivity. The MEAs can be produced in a continuous roll process. The MEAs can be used to produce fuel cells, electrolyzers and electrochemical reactors.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark K. Debe, James M. Larson, William V. Balsimo, Andrew J. Steinbach, Raymond J. Ziegler
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Patent number: 6428584Abstract: Membrane electrode assemblies are described that include an ion conductive membrane a catalyst adjacent to the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane and a porous particle filled polymer membrane adjacent to the ion conductive membrane. The catalyst can be disposed on the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane. Preferably, the catalyst is disposed in nanostructures. The polymer film serving as the electrode backing layer preferably is processed by heating the particle loaded porous film to a temperature within about 20 degrees of the melting point of the polymer to decrease the Gurley value and the electrical resistivity. The MEAs can be produced in a continuous roll process. The MEAs can be used to produce fuel cells, electrolyzers and electrochemical reactors.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark K. Debe, James M. Larson, William V. Balsimo, Andrew J. Steinbach, Raymond J. Ziegler
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Patent number: 6425993Abstract: A method is provided for making a membrane electrode that employs a composite membrane, which include both a porous membrane and an ion conducting electrolyte, by partially filling a porous membrane with an ion conducting electrolyte to form a partially filled membrane and then compressing the partially filled membrane with electrode particles so as to remove void volume from the partially filled membrane and embed the electrode particles in the partially filled membrane. The membrane electrode of this invention is suitable for use in electrochemical devices, including proton exchange membrane fuel cells, electrolyzers, chlor-alkali separation membranes, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2000Date of Patent: July 30, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark K. Debe, Thao Ngoc Pham, Andrew J. Steinbach
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Patent number: 6391578Abstract: A method for partitioning an aqueous biological liquid sample into discrete microvolumes for detection and enumeration of microorganisms is described. The method involves distributing microvolumes of a sample to a plurality of hydrophilic liquid-retaining zones of a culture device, where each liquid-retaining zone is surrounded by a portion of a hydrophobic “land” area. Also disclosed are devices for carrying out these methods.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2001Date of Patent: May 21, 2002Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Michael G. Williams, Kurt J. Halverson, Gary E. Krejcarek, Ai-Ping Wei, James G. Berg, Peter D. Wickert, Clyde D. Calhoun, Mark K. Debe, Jean Qiu
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Publication number: 20020004453Abstract: The present invention provides fuel cell electrode catalysts comprising alternating platinum-containing layers and layers containing suboxides of a second metal, where the catalyst demonstrates an early onset of CO oxidation. Preferred second metals are selected from the group consisting of Group IIIb metals, Group IVb metals, Group Vb metals, Group VIb metals and Group VIIb metals, most preferably Ti, Ta, W and Mo. The present invention additionally provides methods of making such catalysts, preferably by alternate deposition of platinum and second metals in the presence of substoichiometric amounts of gaseous oxygen.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2000Publication date: January 10, 2002Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Gregory M. Haugen, Mark K. Debe, John H. Thomas, Krzysztof A. Lewinski, George D. Vernstrom
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Patent number: 6319293Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly is provided comprising an ion conducting membrane and one or more electrode layers that comprise nanostructured elements, wherein the nanostructured elements are in incomplete contact with the ion conducting membrane. This invention also provides methods to make the membrane electrode assembly of the invention. The membrane electrode assembly of this invention is suitable for use in electrochemical devices, including proton exchange membrane fuel cells, electrolyzers, chlor-alkali separation membranes, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1998Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark K. Debe, Richard J. Poirier, Michael K. Wackerfuss, Raymond J. Ziegler
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Publication number: 20010024805Abstract: A method for partitioning an aqueous biological liquid sample into discrete microvolumes for detection and enumeration of microorganisms is described. The method involves distributing microvolumes of a sample to a plurality of hydrophilic liquid-retaining zones of a culture device, where each liquid-retaining zone is surrounded by a portion of a hydrophobic “land” area. Also disclosed are devices for carrying out these methods.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2001Publication date: September 27, 2001Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Michael G. Williams, Kurt J. Halverson, Gary E. Krejcarek, Ai-Ping Wei, James G. Berg, Peter D. Wickert, Clyde D. Calhoun, Mark K. Debe, Jean Qiu
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Patent number: 6183668Abstract: Membrane electrode assemblies are described that include an ion conductive membrane a catalyst adjacent to the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane and a porous particle filled polymer membrane adjacent to the ion conductive membrane. The catalyst can be disposed on the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane. Preferably, the catalyst is disposed in nanostructures. The polymer film serving as the electrode backing layer preferably is processed by heating the particle loaded porous film to a temperature within about 20 degrees of the melting point of the polymer to decrease the Gurley value and the electrical resistivity. The MEAs can be produced in a continuous roll process. The MEAs can be used to produce fuel cells, electrolyzers and electrochemical reactors.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1998Date of Patent: February 6, 2001Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark K. Debe, James M. Larson, William V. Balsimo, Andrew J. Steinbach, Raymond J. Ziegler
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Patent number: 6042959Abstract: A method is provided for making a membrane electrode that employs a composite membrane, which include both a porous membrane and an ion conducting electrolyte, by partially filling a porous membrane with an ion conducting electrolyte to form a partially filled membrane and then compressing the partially filled membrane with electrode particles so as to remove void volume from the partially filled membrane and embed the electrode particles in the partially filled membrane. The membrane electrode of this invention is suitable for use in electrochemical devices, including proton exchange membrane fuel cells, electrolyzers, chlor-alkali separation membranes, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1997Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark K. Debe, Thao Ngoc Pham, Andrew J. Steinbach
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Patent number: 6040077Abstract: Nanostructured elements are provided for use in the electrode of a membrane electrode assembly for use in fuel cells, sensors, electrochemical cells, and the like. The nanostructured elements comprise acicular microstructured support whiskers bearing acicular nanoscopic catalyst particles which may comprise alternating layers of catalyst materials, which may comprise a surface layer that differs in composition from the bulk composition of the catalyst particles, and which may demonstrate improved carbon monoxide tolerance.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 1999Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventors: Mark K. Debe, Gregory M. Haugen, Andrew J. Steinbach, John H. Thomas, III, Raymond J. Ziegler
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Patent number: 6004494Abstract: An electrically reactive composite article including a random or regular array of microstructures partially encapsulated within an encapsulating layer, microstructures each including a whisker-like structure, optionally having a conformal coating enveloping the whisker-like structure is described. The composite article is useful as an electrically conducting component of a circuit, antenna, microelectrode, reactive heater, and multimode sensor to detect the presence of vapors, gases, or liquid analystes.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1993Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties CompanyInventor: Mark K. Debe
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Patent number: 5910378Abstract: Membrane electrode assemblies are described that include an ion conductive membrane a catalyst adjacent to the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane and a porous particle filled polymer membrane adjacent to the ion conductive membrane. The catalyst can be disposed on the major surfaces of the ion conductive membrane. Preferably, the catalyst is disposed in nanostructures. The polymer film serving as the electrode backing layer preferably is processed by heating the particle loaded porous film to a temperature within about 20 degrees of the melting point of the polymer to decrease the Gurley value and the electrical resistivity. The MEAs can be produced in a continuous roll process. The MEAs can be used to produce fuel cells, electrolyzers and electrochemical reactors.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1997Date of Patent: June 8, 1999Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Mark K. Debe, James M. Larson, William V. Balsimo, Andrew J. Steinbach, Raymond J. Ziegler
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Patent number: 5879827Abstract: Nanostructured elements are provided for use in the electrode of a membrane electrode assembly for use in fuel cells, sensors, electrochemical cells, and the like. The nanostructured elements comprise acicular microstructured support whiskers bearing acicular nanoscopic catalyst particles which may comprise alternating layers of catalyst materials, which may comprise a surface layer that differs in composition from the bulk composition of the catalyst particles, and which may demonstrate improved carbon monoxide tolerance.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 1997Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Mark K. Debe, Gregory M. Haugen, Andrew J. Steinbach, John H. Thomas, III, Raymond J. Ziegler