Patents by Inventor Randall F. Gahn

Randall F. Gahn 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).

  • Method and apparatus for rebalancing a redox flow cell system
    Patent number: 4576878
    Abstract: A rebalance cell is provided for a REDOX electrochemical system of the type having anode and cathode fluids which are aqueous HCl solutions with two metal species in each. The rebalance cell has a cathode compartment and a chlorine compartment separated by an ion permeable membrane. By applying an electrical potential to the rebalance cell while circulating cathode fluid through the cathode compartment and while circulating an identical fluid through the chlorine compartment, any significant imbalance of the REDOX system is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Randall F. Gahn
  • Negative electrode catalyst for the iron chromium REDOX energy storage system
    Patent number: 4543302
    Abstract: A REDOX cell to operate at elevated temperatures and utilizing the same two metal couples in each of the two reactant fluids is disclosed. Each fluid includes a bismuth salt and may also include a lead salt. A low cost, cation permselective membrane separates the reactant fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1984
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1985
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Randall F. Gahn, Norman H. Hagedorn
  • Zirconium carbide as an electrocatalyst for the chromous/chromic REDOX couple
    Patent number: 4382116
    Abstract: Zirconium carbide is used as a catalyst in a REDOX cell for the oxidation of chromous ions to chromic ions and for the reduction of chromic ions to chromous ions. The zirconium carbide is coated on an inert electronically conductive electrode which is present in the anode fluid of the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1983
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Randall F. Gahn, Margaret A. Reid, Chiang Y. Yang
  • Gels as battery separators for soluble electrode cells
    Patent number: 4018971
    Abstract: Gels are formed from silica powders and hydrochloric acid. The gels can then be impregnated into a polymeric foam and the resultant sheet material can then be used in applications where the transport of chloride ions is desired. Specifically disclosed is the utilization of the sheet in electrically rechargable redox flow cells which find application in bulk power storage systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1977
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Dean W. Sheibley, Randall F. Gahn