Patents by Inventor Robin J. Guthrie
Robin J. Guthrie 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: 10461342Abstract: A fuel cell assembly has a plurality of fuel cell component elements extending between a pair of end plates to form a stack, and plural reactant gas manifolds mounted externally of and surrounding the stack, in mutual, close sealing relationship to prevent leakage of reactant gas in the manifolds to the environment external to the manifolds. The reactant gas manifolds are configured and positioned to maximize sealing contact with smooth surfaces of the stack and the manifolds. One embodiment is configured for an oxidant reactant manifold to overlie the region where the fuel reactant manifold engages the stack. Another embodiment further subdivides an oxidant reactant manifold to include a liquid flow channel, which liquid flow channel overlies the region where the fuel reactant manifold engages the stack.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2016Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: AUDI AGInventor: Robin J. Guthrie
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Publication number: 20170033395Abstract: A fuel cell assembly has a plurality of fuel cell component elements extending between a pair of end plates to form a stack, and plural reactant gas manifolds mounted externally of and surrounding the stack, in mutual, close sealing relationship to prevent leakage of reactant gas in the manifolds to the environment external to the manifolds. The reactant gas manifolds are configured and positioned to maximize sealing contact with smooth surfaces of the stack and the manifolds. One embodiment is configured for an oxidant reactant manifold to overlie the region where the fuel reactant manifold engages the stack. Another embodiment further subdivides an oxidant reactant manifold to include a liquid flow channel, which liquid flow channel overlies the region where the fuel reactant manifold engages the stack.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2016Publication date: February 2, 2017Inventor: Robin J. Guthrie
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Patent number: 9496580Abstract: A fuel cell assembly has a plurality of fuel cell component elements extending between a pair of end plates to form a stack, and plural reactant gas manifolds mounted externally of and surrounding the stack, in mutual, close sealing relationship to prevent leakage of reactant gas in the manifolds to the environment external to the manifolds. The reactant gas manifolds are configured and positioned to maximize sealing contact with smooth surfaces of the stack and the manifolds. One embodiment is configured for an oxidant reactant manifold to overlie the region where the fuel reactant manifold engages the stack. Another embodiment further subdivides an oxidant reactant manifold to include a liquid flow channel, which liquid flow channel overlies the region where the fuel reactant manifold engages the stack.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: Audi AGInventor: Robin J. Guthrie
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Patent number: 9425470Abstract: An example energy dissipation device for controlling a fuel cell fluid includes a conduit extending in longitudinal direction between a first opening and a second opening. A flow control insert is configured to be received within the conduit. The flow control insert is configured to cause a fuel cell fluid to flow helically relative to the longitudinal direction.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2011Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: Doosan Fuel Cell America, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey G. Lake, Yu Guo, Xiangyang Deng, Ying Shi, Lei Yu, George S. Hirko, Vicky Zhang, Robin J. Guthrie, Sushant S. Bhadange, Andrew Joseph Melough
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Publication number: 20150079493Abstract: A fuel cell assembly has a plurality of fuel cell component elements extending between a pair of end plates to form a stack, and plural reactant gas manifolds mounted externally of and surrounding the stack, in mutual, close sealing relationship to prevent leakage of reactant gas in the manifolds to the environment external to the manifolds. The reactant gas manifolds are configured and positioned to maximize sealing contact with smooth surfaces of the stack and the manifolds. One embodiment is configured for an oxidant reactant manifold to overlie the region where the fuel reactant manifold engages the stack. Another embodiment further subdivides an oxidant reactant manifold to include a liquid flow channel, which liquid flow channel overlies the region where the fuel reactant manifold engages the stack.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2014Publication date: March 19, 2015Applicant: Ballard Power Systems Inc.Inventor: Robin J. Guthrie
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Patent number: 8765320Abstract: A fuel cell assembly (110, 210) has a plurality of fuel cell component elements (112) extending between a pair of end plates (114, 115) to form a stack (116), and plural reactant gas manifolds (120, 220; 122, 222; 124, 224; 126, 226) mounted externally of and surrounding the stack, in mutual, close sealing relationship to prevent leakage of reactant gas in the manifolds to the environment external to the manifolds. The reactant gas manifolds are configured and positioned to maximize sealing contact with smooth surfaces of the stack and the manifolds. One embodiment is configured for an oxidant reactant manifold (120, 124) to overlie the region where the fuel reactant manifold (122, 126) engages the stack. Another embodiment further subdivides an oxidant reactant manifold to include a liquid flow channel (270, 274), which liquid flow channel overlies the region where the fuel reactant manifold (122, 126) engages the stack.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2008Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Ballard Power Systems Inc.Inventor: Robin J. Guthrie
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Publication number: 20140051001Abstract: An example energy dissipation device for controlling a fuel cell fluid includes a conduit extending in longitudinal direction between a first opening and a second opening. A flow control insert is configured to be received within the conduit. The flow control insert is configured to cause a fuel cell fluid to flow helically relative to the longitudinal direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2011Publication date: February 20, 2014Applicant: CLEAREDGE POWER CORPORATIONInventors: Jeffrey G. Lake, Yu Guo, Xiangyang Deng, Ying Shi, Lei Yu, George S. Hirko, Vicky Zhang, Robin J. Guthrie, Sushant S. Bhadange, Andrew Joseph Melough
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Publication number: 20110200904Abstract: A fuel cell assembly (110, 210) has a plurality of fuel cell component elements (112) extending between a pair of end plates (114, 115) to form a stack (116), and plural reactant gas manifolds (120, 220; 122, 222; 124, 224; 126, 226) mounted externally of and surrounding the stack, in mutual, close sealing relationship to prevent leakage of reactant gas in the manifolds to the environment external to the manifolds. The reactant gas manifolds are configured and positioned to maximize sealing contact with smooth surfaces of the stack and the manifolds. One embodiment is configured for an oxidant reactant manifold (120, 124) to overlie the region where the fuel reactant manifold (122, 126) engages the stack. Another embodiment further subdivides an oxidant reactant manifold to include a liquid flow channel (270, 274), which liquid flow channel overlies the region where the fuel reactant manifold (122, 126) engages the stack.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2008Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventor: Robin J. Guthrie
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Patent number: 7875397Abstract: An inlet fuel distributor (10-10d) has a permeable baffle (39, 54, 54a, 60) between a fuel supply pipe (11, 83) and a fuel inlet manifold (12, 53, 53a, 63) causing fuel to be uniformly distributed along the length of the fuel inlet manifold. A surface (53, 68) may cause impinging fuel to turn and flow substantially omnidirectionally improving its uniformity. Recycle fuel may be provided (25, 71) into the flow downstream of the fuel inlet distributor. During startup, fuel or inert gas within the inlet fuel distributor and the fuel inlet manifold may be vented through an exhaust valve (57, 86) in response to a controller (58, 79) so as to present a uniform fuel front to the inlets of the fuel flow fields (58).Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2003Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: UTC Power CorporationInventors: James R. Geschwindt, Robin J. Guthrie, George S. Hirko, Jr., Jeremy P. Meyers, Carl A. Reiser, Javier Resto, Yu Wang, John H. Whiton, Leslie L. Van Dine, Elizabeth A. Allen, Deliang Yang
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Patent number: 6924056Abstract: Fuel is provided to an inlet (14) of a cascade region (15) which has a plurality of stages (17-23), each of which divides fuel flow evenly into a pair of corresponding slots (24-26). The flow is then spread across a floor surface (41) of a cascade exit header (40), the flow spreading into areas between the slots. The flow is then directed into an open cavity which is in fluid communication with the inlets of the fuel flow fields (12) of the fuel cells, reaching the fuel flow field inlets uniformly and simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2004Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: UTC Fuel Cells, LLCInventors: John H. Whiton, Torger J. Anderson, Robin J. Guthrie
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Publication number: 20040072056Abstract: Fuel is provided to an inlet (14) of a cascade region (15) which has a plurality of stages (17-23), each of which divides fuel flow evenly into a pair of corresponding slots (24-26). The flow is then spread across a floor surface (41) of a cascade exit header (40), the flow spreading into areas between the slots. The flow is then directed into an open cavity which is in fluid communication with the inlets of the fuel flow fields (12) of the fuel cells, reaching the fuel flow field inlets uniformly and simultaneously.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2002Publication date: April 15, 2004Inventors: John H. Whiton, Torger J. Anderson, Robin J. Guthrie
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Patent number: 6632556Abstract: A fuel cell power plant includes a first cell stack assembly having a plurality of planar fuel cells in electrical communication with one another and a second cell stack assembly having a plurality of planar fuel cells in electrical communication with one another. An inter-stack manifold assembly is disposed between the first and second cell stack assemblies and provides an electrical pathway between the first and second cell stack assemblies. A baffle is formed internally to the manifold assembly for feeding a substantially uniform proportion of a reactant stream to the first and second cell stack assemblies while collecting an exhausted reactant stream from the first and second cell stack assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2000Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: UTC Fuel Cells, LLCInventors: Robin J. Guthrie, Tomas J. Corrigan
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Publication number: 20020076601Abstract: A fuel cell power plant includes a first cell stack assembly having a plurality of planar fuel cells in electrical communication with one another and a second cell stack assembly having a plurality of planar fuel cells in electrical communication with one another. An inter-stack manifold assembly is disposed between the first and second cell stack assemblies and provides an electrical pathway between the first and second cell stack assemblies. A baffle is formed internally to the manifold assembly for feeding a substantially uniform proportion of a reactant stream to the first and second cell stack assemblies while collecting an exhausted reactant stream from the first and second cell stack assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2000Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventors: Robin J. Guthrie, Tomas J. Corrigan
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Patent number: 6403247Abstract: An integrated manifold system for a fuel cell power plant includes a first fuel cell stack and a second fuel cell stack, wherein a common manifold is adapted to be in fluid communication with the first fuel cell stack and the second fuel cell stack. The common manifold includes a first plenum for diverting a first reactant to each of the first and second fuel cell stacks, and a second plenum for accepting the first reactant as the first reactant is exhausted from each of the first and second fuel cell stacks.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: International Fuel Cells, LLCInventors: Robin J. Guthrie, Thomas J. Corrigan, Stanley P. Bonk
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Patent number: 6306530Abstract: A PEM flow field system of coolant medium for preventing the formation and accumulation of gas bubbles, having a critical viscous pressure drop therein is provided. The water transport plate includes a coolant flow field channel therein having an input port and an exit port. The coolant flow field channel includes at least one upward flow channel portion, at least one downward flow channel portion. Coolant medium is fluidly routed through the coolant flow field channel of the water transport plate at a flow rate which results in a viscous pressure drop that is greater than the buoyancy of a gas bubble trapped within the coolant flow field channel to prevent the accumulation thereof within the coolant flow field channel.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 1998Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: International Fuel Cells LLCInventors: Melanie A Blondin, Robin J. Guthrie, Richard D. Sawyer, Deliang Yang, Robert R. Fredley
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Patent number: 5607786Abstract: The present invention discloses a transport frame for transporting and maintaining a fuel cell stack assembly in a fixed position. The fuel cell stack asembly which is under compression by a top and bottom plate held together by tie rods positioned at the corners of each plate. The top and bottom plates are then mounted to a rigid frame for transporting the fuel cell. The tie rods being attached to mounts in the base plate of the rigid frame and an insulated attachment between the top plate of the fuel cell stack frame and the rigid frame is made. The fuel cell stack assembly being electrically insulated from the rigid frame.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1995Date of Patent: March 4, 1997Assignee: International Fuel Cells CorporationInventors: Robin J. Guthrie, Thomas J. Corrigan
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Patent number: 5009968Abstract: The end plates (16) of a fuel cell stack (12) are formed of a thin membrane. Pressure plates (20) exert compressive load through insulation layers (22, 26) to the membrane. Electrical contact between the end plates (16) and electrodes (50, 58) is maintained without deleterious making and breaking of electrical contacts during thermal transients. The thin end plate (16) under compressive load will not distort with a temperature difference across its thickness. Pressure plate (20) experiences a low thermal transient because it is insulated from the cell. The impact on the end plate of any slight deflection created in the pressure plate by temperature difference is minimized by the resilient pressure pad, in the form of insulation, therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 1989Date of Patent: April 23, 1991Assignee: International Fuel Cells CorporationInventors: Robin J. Guthrie, Murray Katz, Craig R. Schroll
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Patent number: 4786086Abstract: An electrically insulated joint is provided between two fluid conduits, one of which is connected to a fuel cell stack, and the other of which is connected to a source of the fluid being circulated through the stack. The two conduits are both preferably formed from stainless steel, one of the conduits being larger than the other. An intermediate dielectric insulating sleeve is fitted onto the outside of the smaller conduit and extends beyond a free end thereof. The free end of the smaller conduit and a portion of the dielectric sleeve are expanded to the size of the larger conduit's bore and telescoped into the larger conduit's bore. The free end of the larger conduit is then shrunk down onto the outside surface of the unexpanded part of the dielectric sleeve and the smaller conduit. The resultant point has terminal cylindrical portions and an intermediate tapered portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1987Date of Patent: November 22, 1988Assignee: International Fuel Cells CorporationInventors: Robin J. Guthrie, Anthony P. Mientek
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Patent number: 4761348Abstract: An electrolytic cell stack includes inactive electrolyte reservoirs at the upper and lower end portions thereof. The reservoirs are separated from the stack of the complete cells by impermeable, electrically conductive separators. Reservoirs at the negative end are initially low in electrolyte and the reservoirs at the positive end are high in electrolyte fill. During stack operation electrolyte migration from the positive to the negative end will be offset by the inactive reservoir capacity. In combination with the inactive reservoirs, a sealing member of high porosity and low electrolyte retention is employed to limit the electrolyte migration rate.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1987Date of Patent: August 2, 1988Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: H. Russell Kunz, Robin J. Guthrie, Murray Katz
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Patent number: 4414294Abstract: A combination gas seal and electrical insulator having a closed frame shape interconnects a fuel cell stack and a reactant gas plenum of a fuel cell generator. The frame can be of rectangular shape including at least one slidable spline connection in each side to permit expansion or contraction consistent with that of the walls of the gas plenum and fuel cell stack. The slidable spline connections in the frame sides minimizes lateral movement between the frame side members and sealing material interposed between the frame and the fuel cell stack or between the frame and the reactant gas plenum.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 1982Date of Patent: November 8, 1983Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the U.S. Department of EnergyInventor: Robin J. Guthrie