Patents by Inventor Russell R. Bessette

Russell R. Bessette 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: 9340889
    Abstract: A bipolar electrode fabricated with a combination of materials that will physically separate the catholyte from the metal anode of the electrode while providing high electrical conductivity between the metal anode and the catalyst cathode. This is accomplished by layering the catalyst cathode over a composite of conductive adhesive and conductive foil that is then affixed to the metal anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Charles J. Patrissi, Maria G. Medeiros, Louis G. Carreiro, Steven P. Tucker, Russell R. Bessette, Craig M. Deschenes
  • Patent number: 7906340
    Abstract: An electrochemical potentiometric titration method that entails titration of a known volume of a catholyte containing an unknown amount of hydrogen peroxide in a titration cell having two electrodes, a platinum working electrode and a silver/silver chloride reference electrode. A known concentration of a titrant is added to the catholyte in the titration cell. Simultaneously, as the titrant is added the potential between the working electrode and the reference electrode is monitored. The point at which all of the hydrogen peroxide has been consumed is signaled when the cell potential changes abruptly. Since the concentration of the titrant is already known, the amount of titrant added (concentration multiplied by volume) is directly related to the amount of hydrogen peroxide consumed. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide is calculated from the volume of catholyte and the moles of hydrogen peroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Charles J. Patrissi, Russell R. Bessette
  • Publication number: 20090282898
    Abstract: An electrochemical potentiometric titration method that entails titration of a known volume of a catholyte containing an unknown amount of hydrogen peroxide in a titration cell having two electrodes, a platinum working electrode and a silver/silver chloride reference electrode. A known concentration of a titrant is added to the catholyte in the titration cell. Simultaneously, as the titrant is added the potential between the working electrode and the reference electrode is monitored. The point at which all of the hydrogen peroxide has been consumed is signaled when the cell potential changes abruptly. Since the concentration of the titrant is already known, the amount of titrant added (concentration multiplied by volume) is directly related to the amount of hydrogen peroxide consumed. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide is calculated from the volume of catholyte and the moles of hydrogen peroxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Charles J. Patrissi, Russell R. Bessette
  • Publication number: 20090266716
    Abstract: A bipolar electrode fabricated with a combination of materials that will physically separate the catholyte from the metal anode of the electrode while providing high electrical conductivity between the metal anode and the catalyst cathode. This is accomplished by layering the catalyst cathode over a composite of conductive adhesive and conductive foil that is then affixed to the metal anode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Charles J. Patrissi, Maria G. Medeiros, Louis G. Carreiro, Steven P. Tucker, Russell R. Bessette, Craig M. Deschenes
  • Patent number: 7534394
    Abstract: An electrochemical potentiometric titration method that entails titration of a known volume of a catholyte containing an unknown amount of hydrogen peroxide in a titration cell having two electrodes, a platinum working electrode and a silver/silver chloride reference electrode. A known concentration of a titrant is added to the catholyte in the titration cell. Simultaneously, as the titrant is added the potential between the working electrode and the reference electrode is monitored. The point at which all of the hydrogen peroxide has been consumed is signaled when the cell potential changes abruptly. Since the concentration of the titrant is already known, the amount of titrant added (concentration multiplied by volume) is directly related to the amount of hydrogen peroxide consumed. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide is calculated from the volume of catholyte and the moles of hydrogen peroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Charles J. Patrissi, Russell R. Bessette
  • Patent number: 7521149
    Abstract: A new semi-fuel cell design that incorporates ion exchange membranes to create separate compartments for the anolyte and catholyte to flow through the semi-fuel cell thereby isolating the metal anode of the bipolar electrode from the catholyte while still allowing the necessary ion transfer to affect the necessary electrochemical balance for the reaction to take place in the semi-fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Inventors: Maria G. Medeiros, Eric G. Dow, Russell R. Bessette, Susan G. Yan, Dwayne W. Dischert
  • Patent number: 7513968
    Abstract: Using a ΒΌ inch end mill a grid pattern of one inch squares or lands separated by concave troughs or grooves 0.025 inches deep is milled on to the surface of a one quarter inch thick magnesium plate. A conductive barrier such as a titanium foil is then laid over the magnesium plate, and is then pressed into the pattern with a one inch thick 80 durometer rubber sheet. Pressure of 250 pounds per square inch is then applied to the rubber to create indentations in the foil creating the same pattern as the one on the magnesium plate. The foil is then removed. An electrically conductive adhesive is then screen printed on the magnesium lands only, avoiding the grooves. The titanium foil is oriented to the pattern on the magnesium plate and mated to the magnesium plate by applying 200 pounds per square inch of pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Earl S. Nickerson, Maria G. Medeiros, Wayne C. Tucker, Russell R. Bessette
  • Patent number: 7354626
    Abstract: A direct charging electrostatic flocking method is provided for the fabrication of a fibrous structure. Fibers are deposited directly on a first electrically conductive surface while a second electrically conductive surface with an adhesive thereon is disposed over the first surface. A vacuum is created in the space between the first electrically conductive surface and the second electrically conductive surface. The vacuum is then filled with sulfur hexafluoride gas. An electric field is generated between the first and second electrically conductive surfaces. The fibers leave the first electrically conductive surface, accelerate through the electric field and sulfur hexafluoride gas, and are coupled on one end thereof to the adhesive. As a result of using sulfur hexafluoride rather than air there is an increase in fiber density of the fibrous structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Charles J. Patrissi, Russell R. Bessette, Louis G. Carreiro, Yong K. Kim, Thomas M. Arruda, Craig M. Deschenes
  • Patent number: 7052741
    Abstract: A method is provided for the fabrication of a fibrous structure. Fibers are deposited in a hopper connected to an electrode. A mesh covers the hopper opening and the hopper is inverted and suspended over an adhesive coated substrate. An electric field is generated between the hopper and the substrate while the hopper is simultaneously shaken. As a result, fibers fall through the mesh, aligned along the electric field lines, travel through the electric field, and are coupled on one end thereof to the adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Maria G. Medeiros, Eric G. Dow, Russell R. Bessette, Craig M. Deschenes, Christopher N. Lafratta, Armand F. Lewis, Yong K. Kim
  • Patent number: 6849356
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved semi-fuel cell and an improved cathode used therein. The semi-fuel cell stack comprises a housing, an anode within the housing, a porous cathode within the housing, an aqueous catholyte within the housing, an aqueous anolyte stream flowing in the housing, and a membrane for preventing migration of the catholyte through the porous cathode and into the anolyte stream. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the catholyte comprises an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, the anolyte comprises a NaOH/seawater solution, and the membrane permits passage of OH? ions while inhibiting the passage of hydrogen peroxide. The membrane is attached to a surface of the cathode or alternatively, impregnated into the cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Eric G. Dow, Susan G. Yan, Maria G. Medeiros, Russell R. Bessette
  • Patent number: 6740220
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing an electrocatalytic cathode for use in an electrochemical cell system comprising the steps of providing a carbon substrate and simultaneously depositing palladium and iridium on the carbon substrate by cyclic voltammetry or by controlled potential coulometry. The simultaneous deposition of the palladium and iridium is preferably carried out using a solution containing 1.0 mM palladium chloride, 2.0 mM sodium hexachloroiridate, 0.2M potassium chloride, and 0.1M hydrochloric acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Maria G. Medeiros, Eric G. Dow, Russell R. Bessette, James M. Cichon
  • Publication number: 20030124418
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved semi-fuel cell and an improved cathode used therein. The semi-fuel cell stack comprises a housing, an anode within the housing, a porous cathode within the housing, an aqueous catholyte within the housing, an aqueous anolyte stream flowing in the housing, and a membrane for preventing migration of the catholyte through the porous cathode and into the anolyte stream. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the catholyte comprises an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, the anolyte comprises a NaOH/seawater solution, and the membrane permits passage of OH— ions while inhibiting the passage of hydrogen peroxide. The membrane is attached to a surface of the cathode or alternatively, impregnated into the cathode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Eric G. Dow, Susan G. Yan, Maria G. Medeiros, Russell R. Bessette
  • Patent number: 6465124
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved magnesium semi-fuel cell which has a magnesium anode, a seawater/catholyte electrolyte, preferably containing acid to solubilize solid precipitates, and an electrocatalyst composed of palladium and iridium catalyzed onto carbon paper. The acid added to the electrolyte is preferably selected from the group consisting of sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, and mixtures thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Maria G. Medeiros, Eric G. Dow, Russell R. Bessette
  • Patent number: 6228527
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an electrochemical system is provided which comprises a plurality of cells, the cells being formed by spaced apart bipolar electrodes. Each of the electrodes is formed by an anode portion formed from a magnesium containing material and an electrocatalytic material joined to a surface of the anode. The electrodes are spaced such that the anode portion of one electrode faces the electrocatalytic material of the adjacent electrode. The electrochemical system also comprises a manifold system for introducing a seawater-catholyte solution into the spaces between the electrodes. An electrical connection is provided across the cells so as to initiate the reduction of the seawater-catholyte solution at the electrodes and to create electrical power. In a preferred embodiment, the seawater-catholyte solution is a seawater-hydrogen peroxide or seawater-sodium hypochlorite solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Maria G. Medeiros, Steven P. Tucker, James M. Cichon, Russell R. Bessette, Dwayne W. Dischert
  • Patent number: 5296429
    Abstract: An electrocatalytic cathode that will allow hydrogen peroxide, H.sub.2 O..2, to behave electrochemically within an Al-H.sub.2 O.sub.2 battery system is provided. The electrocatalytic cathode is comprised of nickel specially coated with one or a combination of the following six metals: platinum, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, palladium, and iridium. The use of nickel coated with the appropriate combination of metals reduces the problems of excessive peroxide decomposition, thereby producing a battery that can operate efficiently by producing a high voltage at a high current density. The electrocatalytic cathode is produced by pretreating a nickel electrode with a hydrochloric acid bath and then by applying the metal coating by plating methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Catherine L. Marsh, Gerald L. Seebach, John W. Van Zee, Russell R. Bessette, Hubert G. Meunier, Maria G. Medeiros