Patents by Inventor Robert B. Dopp
Robert B. Dopp 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: 11476487Abstract: Solid-state energy harvesters comprising layers of metal suboxides and cerium dioxide utilizing a solid-state electrolyte to produce power and methods of making and using the same are provided. The solid-state energy harvester may have two or three electrodes per cell and produces power in the presence of water vapor and oxygen.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2020Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: Omega Energy Systems, LLCInventors: Robert B. Dopp, Michael Lee Horovitz, Greyson Williams
-
Publication number: 20210143465Abstract: Solid-state energy harvesters comprising layers of metal suboxides and cerium dioxide utilizing a solid-state electrolyte to produce power and methods of making and using the same are provided. The solid-state energy harvester may have two or three electrodes per cell and produces power in the presence of water vapor and oxygen.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2020Publication date: May 13, 2021Applicants: Omega Energy Systems, LLC, Omega Energy Systems, LLCInventors: Robert B. DOPP, Michael Lee HOROVITZ, Greyson WILLIAMS
-
Patent number: 10879735Abstract: Solid-state energy harvesters comprising layers of metal suboxides and cerium dioxide utilizing a solid-state electrolyte to produce power and methods of making and using the same are provided. The solid-state energy harvester may have two or three electrodes per cell and produces power in the presence of water vapor and oxygen.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2019Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: OMEGA ENERGY SYSTEMS, LLCInventors: Michael Lee Horovitz, Robert B. Dopp, Greyson Williams
-
Publication number: 20190280523Abstract: Solid-state energy harvesters comprising layers of metal suboxides and cerium dioxide utilizing a solid-state electrolyte to produce power and methods of making and using the same are provided. The solid-state energy harvester may have two or three electrodes per cell and produces power in the presence of water vapor and oxygen.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2019Publication date: September 12, 2019Inventors: Michael Lee HOROVITZ, Robert B. DOPP, Greyson WILLIAMS
-
Publication number: 20110114496Abstract: The fabrication of electrodes and electrode surfaces as well as devices that use the electrodes are described. In an example, a metallic powder is coplated with an electroplating solution to trap the particles in an electroplated metallic layer on a substrate, for example a reticular substrate that permits flow therethrough. Applications include electrolysis cells, fuel cells and bifunctional gas electrodes. In an example, fuels are supplied to the electrodes as anolyte and catholyte mixtures composed of finely divided bubbles of hydrogen and oxygen respectively within an alkaline electrolyte.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2009Publication date: May 19, 2011Inventors: Robert B. Dopp, Sharon Z. Stein
-
Publication number: 20090026077Abstract: A system and method are provided for rapidly evaluating electrochemical components such as catalysts, electrodes, electrolyte, and membranes that delivers a high degree of accuracy and requires minimal materials costs. In one embodiment, the system may comprise a detachable electrochemical cell for housing an electrochemical reaction. The cell may comprise an anode chamber and a cathode chamber separated by an ion-diffusion membrane and an electrically conductive current collector in electrochemical communication with the cell. The reaction cell includes an outlet port in the cell to permit the removal of product gasses, and ports to permit the flow of electrolyte through said cell. The system further comprises means, for example, a reciprocating piston, for sealing the reaction cell to the system to prevent exposure of the electrochemical reaction to the ambient environment, where the cell and adjacent components may be sealed by, for example, gaskets, that permit rapid separation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2007Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: QuantumSphere, Inc.Inventor: Robert B. Dopp
-
Patent number: 7455929Abstract: An electrochemical battery cell with an oxygen reduction electrode and having improved electrolyte leakage resistance. The cell includes a component, disposed between the oxygen reduction electrode and an air inlet in the cell housing, through or around which air can pass. Upon contact with electrolyte, the component is transformed to form an electrolyte seal.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2004Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.Inventors: Robert B. Dopp, John C. Bailey, Richard L. Middaugh
-
Patent number: 6265102Abstract: The invention provides a metal-air electrochemical cell, having a leak-proof, metal prismatic casing comprising a pair of interfacing interengaging rectangular tray-like casing components, a first substantially rectangular tray-like casing component having a first major surface and contiguous side walls for encompassing a cathode of the cell and a second inverted substantially tray-like casing component having a second major surface and contiguous depending side walls for encompassing an anode of the cell, the side walls of one of the casing components being of a height to facilitate the curling and crimping of an upper portion thereof over a peripheral edge area of the major surface of the other casing component to form a leak-proof, closed prismatic casing.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1998Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Electric Fuel Limited (E.F.L.)Inventors: Yaron Shrim, Mariano Abramson, Robert B. Dopp
-
Patent number: 6248463Abstract: This invention pertains to metal-air electrochemical cells wherein one or more air entry ports is located in the bottom of the cathode can, to provide for entry of oxygen-rich air into the cathode can, where the oxygen partcicpates in the chemical reaction whereby the cell produces electrical energy. In this invention, multiple small air entry ports are provided. Generally, the use of multiple ports distributed over the bottom of the cathode can, opposite the reaction surface of the cathode assembly, while not increasing the overall open area of the ports, results in an increase in the ratio of the cell limiting current to the rate at which moisture is lost from the cell. Accordingly, moisture loss as a function of electrical energy produced, is less.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1999Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Assignee: Rayovac CorporationInventors: Robert B. Dopp, John Edward Oltman
-
Patent number: 6087030Abstract: This invention pertains to novel alkaline electrochemical cells having high drain capacities, especially cells having high drain rate capabilities at voltages of at least 1.1 volts for use in small appliances such as hearing aids. The anode includes anode material in the cells including potassium hydroxide, zinc powder, 0.02% to 0.5% of a reaction rate enabling compound selected from a compound of indium, cadmium, gallium, thallium, germanium, tin, or lead, with indium compounds being preferred. The anode material optionally further includes a low level of mercury, and preferably a surfactant comprising hydroxyethylcellulose. The cathode provides sufficient oxidative capability to oxidize the zinc at a sufficient rate to support the electrical drain demands on the cell. A cathode, in a preferred zinc air cell for a hearing aid, includes at least 5 air ports, evenly distributed over the surface of the bottom of the cathode can.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Rayovac CorporationInventors: Randall L. Collien, Patrick J. Spellman, Robert B. Dopp, John Edward Oltman, John David Burns, Joseph Lynn Passaniti, Michael Joseph Root
-
Patent number: 5958615Abstract: This invention pertains to metal-air electrochemical cells wherein one or more air entry ports is located in the bottom of the cathode can, to provide for entry of oxygen-rich air into the cathode can, where the oxygen participates in the chemical reaction whereby the cell produces electrical energy. In this invention, multiple small air entry ports are provided. Generally, the use of multiple ports distributed over the bottom of the cathode can, opposite the reaction surface of the cathode assembly, while not increasing the overall open area of the ports, results in an increase in the ratio of the cell limiting current to the rate at which moisture is lost from the cell. Accordingly, moisture loss as a function of electrical energy produced, is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 1998Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Rayovac CorporationInventors: Rodney Stuart McKenzie, Robert B. Dopp
-
Patent number: 5932367Abstract: This invention pertains to novel electrochemical metal air cells having improved closed circuit voltage characteristics. The improved voltage characteristics are illustrated at a constant load of 51 ohms. The closed circuit voltage during an initial placement into use of the cell of the invention has a decreased voltage drop relative to prior art cells, and recovers to a higher voltage. For example, the closed circuit voltage of the metal air cell drops to a minimum voltage during the first 20 seconds of initial placement into use. The minimum voltage is no more than 22% less than the initial open circuit voltage. This voltage drop is less than the voltage drop of other known metal air cells at 51 ohms. Metal air cells of the invention recover, during the first minute of use, to a closed circuit voltage of at least 79% of the initial open circuit voltage. The value of the open circuit voltage of the metal air cell of the invention is preferably about 1.43 volt.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1997Date of Patent: August 3, 1999Assignee: Rayovac CorporationInventors: Randall L. Collien, Patrick J. Spellman, Robert B. Dopp, John Edward Oltman, John David Burns, Joseph Lynn Passaniti, Michael J. Root
-
Patent number: 5904998Abstract: This invention pertains to metal-air electrochemical cells wherein one or more air entry ports is located in the bottom of the cathode can, to provide for entry of oxygen-rich air into the cathode can, where the oxygen participates in the chemical reaction whereby the cell produces electrical energy. In this invention, multiple small air entry ports are provided. Generally, the use of multiple ports distributed over the bottom of the cathode can, opposite the reaction surface of the cathode assembly, while not increasing the overall open area of the ports, results in an increase in the ratio of the cell limiting current to the rate at which moisture is lost from the cell. Accordingly, moisture loss as a function of electrical energy produced, is less.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1997Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: Rayovac CorporationInventors: Robert B. Dopp, John Edward Oltman
-
Patent number: 5795667Abstract: This invention pertains to metal-air electrochemical cells wherein one or more air entry ports is located in the bottom of the cathode can, to provide for entry of oxygen-rich air into the cathode can, where the oxygen participates in the chemical reaction whereby the cell produces electrical energy. In this invention, multiple small air entry ports are provided. Generally, the use of multiple ports distributed over the bottom of the cathode can, opposite the reaction surface of the cathode assembly, while not increasing the overall open area of the ports, results in an increase in the ratio of the cell limiting current to the rate at which moisture is lost from the cell. Accordingly, moisture loss as a function of electrical energy produced, is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1995Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: Rayovac CorporationInventors: Rodney Stuart McKenzie, Robert B. Dopp
-
Patent number: 5733676Abstract: This invention pertains to metal-air electrochemical cells wherein one or more air entry ports is located in the bottom of the cathode can, to provide for entry of oxygen-rich air into the cathode can, where the oxygen participates in the chemical reaction whereby the cell produces electrical energy. In this invention, multiple small air entry ports are provided. Generally, the use of multiple ports distributed over the bottom of the cathode can, opposite the reaction surface of the cathode assembly, while not increasing the overall open area of the ports, results in an increase in the ratio of the cell limiting current to the rate at which moisture is lost from the cell. Accordingly, moisture loss as a function of electrical energy produced, is less.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1995Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Assignee: Rayovac CorporationInventors: Robert B. Dopp, John Edward Oltman
-
Patent number: 5721065Abstract: This invention pertains to novel alkaline electrochemical cells having high drain capacities, especially cells having high drain rate capabilities at voltages of at least 1.1 volts for use in small appliances such as hearing aids. The anode includes anode material in the cells including potassium hydroxide, zinc powder, 0.02% to 0.5% indium as indium compound separate from the zinc powder, optionally a low level of mercury, and preferably a surfactant comprising hydroxyethylcellulose. The cathode provides sufficient oxidative capability to oxidize the zinc at a sufficient rate to support the electrical drain demands on the cell. A cathode, in a preferred zinc air cell for a hearing aid, includes at least 5 air ports, evenly distributed over the surface of the bottom of the cathode can. Cells of the invention exhibit prolonged operation at relatively constant voltage over 1.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 1995Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Assignee: Rayovac CorporationInventors: Randall L. Collien, Patrick J. Spellman, Robert B. Dopp, John Edward Oltman, John David Burns, Joseph Lynn Passaniti, Michael Joseph Root
-
Patent number: 5656395Abstract: A metal current collecting substrate for an air cathode in an electrochemical metal air cell is provided for, wherein the substrate is hardened by one of the steps of sandblasting, shotblasting, plastic deformation of the substrate below the recrystallization temperature range of the metal thereof, and heating the substrate to above the transformation temperature of the metal thereof followed by quenching the substrate below the transformation temperature of the metal thereof. Catalytically active materials, most preferably a mixture of carbon and manganese dioxide, are pressed or otherwise disposed upon the hardened substrate. The substrate is capable of being connected to electrical circuitry. Most preferably, the substrate is a metal screen that has been hardened, roughened and pitted by sandblasting before the catalytically active materials are disposed thereupon, and before the substrate is incorporated into an electrochemical metal air cell.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: August 12, 1997Inventors: Robert B. Dopp, John E. Oltman, Joseph L. Passaniti
-
Patent number: 5650246Abstract: A metal current collecting substrate for an air cathode in an electrochemical metal air cell is provided for, wherein the substrate is hardened by one of the steps of sandblasting, shotblasting, plastic deformation of the substrate below the recrystallization temperature range of the metal thereof, and heating the substrate to above the transformation temperature of the metal thereof followed by quenching the substrate below the transformation temperature of the metal thereof. Catalytically active materials, most preferably a mixture of carbon and manganese dioxide, are pressed or otherwise disposed upon the hardened substrate. The substrate is capable of being connected to electrical circuitry. Most preferably, the substrate is a metal screen that has been hardened, roughened and pitted by sandblasting before the catalytically active materials are disposed thereupon, and before the substrate is incorporated into an electrochemical metal air cell.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1995Date of Patent: July 22, 1997Assignee: Rayovac CorporationInventors: Robert B. Dopp, John E. Oltman, Joseph L. Passaniti
-
Patent number: 5637117Abstract: A metal current collecting substrate for an air cathode in an electrochemical metal air cell is provided for, wherein the substrate is hardened by one of the steps of sandblasting, shotblasting, plastic deformation of the substrate below the recrystallization temperature range of the metal thereof, and heating the substrate to above the transformation temperature of the metal thereof followed by quenching the substrate below the transformation temperature of the metal thereof. Catalytically active materials, most preferably a mixture of carbon and manganese dioxide, are pressed or otherwise disposed upon the hardened substrate. The substrate is capable of being connected to electrical circuitry. Most preferably, the substrate is a metal screen that has been hardened, roughened and pitted by sandblasting before the catalytically active materials are disposed thereupon, and before the substrate is incorporated into an electrochemical metal air cell.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: June 10, 1997Assignee: Rayovac CorporationInventors: Robert B. Dopp, John E. Oltman, Joseph L. Passaniti
-
Patent number: 5587259Abstract: A metal current collecting substrate for an air cathode in an electrochemical metal air cell is provided for, wherein the substrate is hardened by one of the steps of sandblasting, shotblasting, plastic deformation of the substrate below the recrystallization temperature range of the metal thereof, and heating the substrate to above the transformation temperature of the metal thereof followed by quenching the substrate below the transformation temperature of the metal thereof. Catalytically active materials, most preferably a mixture of carbon and manganese dioxide, are pressed or otherwise disposed upon the hardened substrate. The substrate is capable of being connected to electrical circuitry. Most preferably, the substrate is a metal screen that has been hardened, roughened and pitted by sandblasting before the catalytically active materials are disposed thereupon, and before the substrate is incorporated into an electrochemical metal air cell.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1994Date of Patent: December 24, 1996Assignee: Rayovac CorporationInventors: Robert B. Dopp, John E. Oltman, Joseph L. Passaniti