Patents by Inventor Peter R. Gibb

Peter R. Gibb 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: 6924057
    Abstract: In an improved electrochemical fuel cell assembly, a reactant flow path extends substantially linearly across the electrochemically active area of an electrode. The electrode has an in-plane nonuniform structure in its electrochemically active area as the active area is traversed in the direction of the substantially linear reactant flow path. Embodiments in which the structure of the fuel cell electrode varies substantially symmetrically along the reactant flow path are particularly preferred in fuel cells in which the flow direction of a reactant is periodically reversed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Wilkinson, Peter R. Gibb
  • Patent number: 6783884
    Abstract: A flow field plate assembly for an electrochemical fuel cell comprises two flow field plates, each of which has channels formed on an inner surface of the plate. The plates are alignable with and engage each other such that their cooperating inner surfaces form at least one inner coolant fluid channel. The coolant channel has an essentially constant cross-sectional perimeter along its length, which is defined by the perimeters of the channels of the two plates and their difference in width at the cooperating plate surfaces. Additionally, a flow field plate assembly, which comprises a corrugated flow field plate and a staggered flow field plate, is structurally stronger under compressive load during the fuel cell operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Gibb, Neil V. Davis, Emerson R. Gallagher
  • Publication number: 20030194595
    Abstract: A flow field plate assembly for an electrochemical fuel cell comprises two flow field plates, each of which has channels formed on an inner surface of the plate. The plates are alignable with and engage each other such that their cooperating inner surfaces form at least one inner coolant fluid channel. The coolant channel has an essentially constant cross-sectional perimeter along its length, which is defined by the perimeters of the channels of the two plates and their difference in width at the cooperating plate surfaces. Additionally, a flow field plate assembly, which comprises a corrugated flow field plate and a staggered flow field plate, is structurally stronger under compressive load during the fuel cell operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: Peter R. Gibb, Neil V. Davis, Emerson R. Gallagher
  • Publication number: 20030082432
    Abstract: In an improved electrochemical fuel cell assembly, a reactant flow path extends substantially linearly across the electrochemically active area of an electrode. The electrode has an in-plane nonuniform structure in its electrochemically active area as the active area is traversed in the direction of the substantially linear reactant flow path. Embodiments in which the structure of the fuel cell electrode varies substantially symmetrically along the reactant flow path are particularly preferred in fuel cells in which the flow direction of a reactant is periodically reversed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: Ballard Power Systems Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Wilkinson, Peter R. Gibb
  • Publication number: 20020127452
    Abstract: In an improved electrochemical fuel cell assembly, a reactant flow path extends substantially linearly across the electrochemically active area of an electrode. The electrode has an in-plane nonuniform structure in its electrochemically active area as the active area is traversed in the direction of the substantially linear reactant flow path. Embodiments in which the structure of the fuel cell electrode varies substantially symmetrically along the reactant flow path are particularly preferred in fuel cells in which the flow direction of a reactant is periodically reversed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: Ballard Power Systems Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Wilkinson, Peter R. Gibb
  • Patent number: 6423439
    Abstract: An improved membrane electrode assembly (“MEA”) comprises coextensive ion exchange membrane and electrode layers and a resilient fluid impermeable integral seal comprising a sealant material impregnated into the porous electrode layers in the sealing regions. The integral seal preferably circumscribes the electrochemically active area of the MEA. The integral seal preferably also extends laterally beyond the edge of the MEA. An integral seal may also be provided around any openings, such as external manifold openings formed outside the MEA. Preferably, the uncured sealant material is a flow processable elastomer applied using an injection molding process. In preferred embodiments the seal has a plurality of spaced, parallel raised ribs with cross-ribs extending therebetween at spaced intervals. The raised ribs and cross-ribs provide compartmentalized seals that provide improved protection against fluid leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Russell H. Barton, Peter R. Gibb, Joel A. Ronne, Henry H. Voss
  • Publication number: 20020064702
    Abstract: An electrically conductive, fuel cell fluid flow field plate comprises a first major surface, a second major surface disposed opposite said first major surface, and a plurality of parallel substantially straight channels formed in at least one of the first and second major surfaces. The channels are separated by lands, and at least one of the plurality of channels has an open width less than about 0.75 millimeter. The channels preferably have a length to cross sectional area ratio of between about 2180:1 to about 6200:1. When the fluid flow field plate is used in a fuel cell operating at a current density higher than about 500 mA/cm2, the pressure differential between the inlets and outlets of the oxidant flow field channels is between about 138 millibars and about 400 millibars. Such fluid flow field plates may be formed by embossing or molding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: Peter R. Gibb
  • Patent number: 6159629
    Abstract: A volume efficient, layered manifold assembly is disclosed for an array of one or more internally manifolded fuel cell stacks. The assembly comprises a stack of substantially planar layers in which each pair of adjacent layers defines a fluid distribution chamber or plenum. Appropriate passages connect each chamber to the internal manifolds of the fuel cell stacks and to various external fluid ports for supply or exhaust of fuel, oxidant, or coolant streams. Passages for at least one fluid penetrate the layers defining the distribution chamber for another fluid. Valving can be incorporated directly in the manifold assembly and used to periodically reverse the direction of fluid flow through internal manifolds of the fuel cell stacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Peter R. Gibb, David Kau-Kee Yip
  • Patent number: 6057054
    Abstract: An improved membrane electrode assembly ("MEA") comprises coextensive ion exchange membrane and electrode layers and a resilient fluid impermeable integral seal made by impregnating a sealing material into the porous electrode layers in the sealing regions. The integral seal preferably circumscribes the electrochemically active area of the MEA. In addition, the integral seal preferably extends laterally beyond the edge of the MEA, enveloping the peripheral region including the side edge of the MEA. The uncured sealant material is preferably a flow processable elastomer that is applied to the MEA using a vacuum injection molding process. In preferred embodiments, the seal has a plurality of spaced, parallel raised ribs with cross-ribs extending therebetween at spaced intervals. The parallel raised ribs and cross-ribs provide compartmentalized seals that provide improved protection against fluid leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Russell H. Barton, Peter R. Gibb, Joel A. Ronne, Henry H. Voss
  • Patent number: 5993987
    Abstract: An electrochemical fuel cell stack includes a plurality of fuel cell assemblies interposed between a pair of end plate assemblies. The mechanism for securing the stack in its compressed, assembled state includes at least one compression band which circumscribes the end plate assemblies and interposed fuel cell assemblies of the stack. At least one of the end plate assemblies is sufficiently thin so as to deflect under the compressive force if the at least one end plate assembly is supported only at a peripheral edge portion thereof. Preferably, at least one of the end plate assemblies comprises a resilient member which cooperates with each compression band to urge the first end plate assembly toward the second end plate assembly, thereby applying compressive force to the fuel cell assemblies to promote sealing and electrical contact between the layers forming the fuel cell stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Boguslaw Wozniczka, Nicholas J. Fletcher, Peter R. Gibb
  • Patent number: 5789091
    Abstract: An electrochemical fuel cell stack includes a plurality of fuel cell assemblies interposed between a pair of end plate assemblies. The mechanism for securing the stack in its compressed, assembled state includes at least one compression band which circumscribes the end plate assemblies and interposed fuel cell assemblies of the stack. Preferably, at least one of the end plate assemblies comprises a resilient member which cooperates with each compression band to urge the first end plate assembly toward the second end plate assembly, thereby applying compressive force to the fuel cell assemblies to promote sealing and electrical contact between the layers forming the fuel cell stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Boguslaw Wozniczka, Nicholas J. Fletcher, Peter R. Gibb
  • Patent number: 4819966
    Abstract: A means of sealing a multipath, multipass swivel whereby that part of the structure housing the seal element deflects under pressure to compensate for the overall structural deflections, such that a constant seal gap is maintained. A means of lubricating and flushing seal surfaces is also disclosed whereby a controlled liquid is injected between two seals at a higher pressure than the production fluid such that the seal between the injected liquid and the production fluid is less capable than the seal between the controlled liquid and ambient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Canocean Engineering Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter R. Gibb
  • Patent number: 4817992
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for reducing the local high tensile stress concentrations of a latch of a connector whereby the latch is loaded during make-up such that it is placed in bending, to the extent that the induced bending produces a compressive stress in the area of high tensile stress concentration. When this stress is added to normal stresses, the resultant tensile stress is reduced to an acceptable level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Novacorp International Consulting Ltd.
    Inventors: David Yip, Peter R. Gibb
  • Patent number: 4662785
    Abstract: There is disclosed a type of riser to connect subsea hydrocarbon production equipment to a floating storage, process or control facility which combines the advantages of integral and non-integral risers previously used. This is achieved by a locking mechanism which allows the individual tubes to be freed once each section of riser is added, and a subsea remotely operated connector that allows individual tubing to be released. Improvements in the design of collet connectors are also disclosed. There is also disclosed a guidelineless method of connecting risers or other equipment to subsea installations. The method uses a cone on the subsea equipment and a guideframe on the riser. The guideframe aligns itself with the subsea cone prior to the riser being connected. As the riser is drawn to the subsea mandrel the guideframe aligns the riser connector with the mandrel. A still further embodiment disclosed herein is a flexjoint consisting of a series of flexjoints in an outer case with a high pressure tube inside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Assignee: Novacorp International Consulting Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter R. Gibb, Karel Balik
  • Patent number: 4567842
    Abstract: A system for mooring a ship-shape floating production system using a riser tensioned by a weight type motion compensation system. The riser is attached to the ship by a rocking beam that has a weight attached at one end of the beam to balance the vertical load component of the riser attached at the other end of the beam. A rocker arrangement is used whereby the beam support point moves to compensate for the inertial forces of the weight caused by the vertical accelerations of the tanker. Thus the high load fluctuations and hence poor riser fatigue life usually associated with weight type motion compensators is minimized. A gear arrangement is used to transmit horizontal loads. The overall arrangement provides a totally self-contained motion compensation and riser handling system that requires minimal ship modifications and is independent of significant self-induced wave loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1986
    Assignee: Novacorp International Consulting Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter R. Gibb, Pius Bartsch
  • Patent number: 4558744
    Abstract: A subsea caisson or silo for housing wellhead equipment and methods of installing it is disclosed. A caisson which is sized to receive equipment that is to remain subsea has a closed top and open bottom. The caisson is lowered to the seabed and hydrostatic pressure in combination with a suction jet is used to remove the internal soil. If required the caisson may include a conical suction head located near the bottom of the caisson wall and rotatable cutting heads are fixed to its lower surface so as to cut into sea bottom material of hard consistency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1985
    Assignee: CanOcean Resources Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter R. Gibb