Patents by Inventor Sampath Venkataswamy

Sampath Venkataswamy 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 for fuel cell assembly with springs and pins
    Patent number: 8101318
    Abstract: A spring loaded direct oxidation fuel cell assembly reduces the effects of precompression relaxation. A near flat spring and a distribution plate form a spring assembly that is disposed between a membrane electrode assembly and one of the current collectors in the fuel cell. The components are assembled into a fuel cell assembly and are precompressed, and a spring yielding process is performed. While precompression is being applied, a set of pins and a plastic frame are insert molded around the fuel cell assembly to hold the components in place. Subsequently, as the precompression relaxes, the spring assembly forces act to maintain an evenly distributed compression on the MEA, thereby compensating for the loss of precompression. A related method of manufacturing a fuel cell assembly is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: MTI MicroFuel Cells Inc.
    Inventors: Constantinos Minas, Megan A. Fannon, Russ Marvin, Charles M. Carlstrom, Jr., Robert S. Hirsch, Sampath Venkataswamy
  • Spring loaded fuel cell assembly with injection molded frame and pins
    Publication number: 20080131753
    Abstract: A spring loaded direct oxidation fuel cell assembly reduces the effects of precompression relaxation. A near flat spring and a distribution plate form a spring assembly that is disposed between a membrane electrode assembly and one of the current collectors in the fuel cell. The components are assembled into a fuel cell assembly and are precompressed, and a spring yielding process is performed. While precompression is being applied, a set of pins and a plastic frame are insert molded around the fuel cell assembly to hold the components in place. Subsequently, as the precompression relaxes, the spring assembly forces act to maintain an evenly distributed compression on the MEA, thereby compensating for the loss of precompression. A related method of manufacturing a fuel cell assembly is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Constantinos Minas, Megan A. Fannon, Russ Marvin, Charles M. Carlstrom, Robert S. Hirsch, Sampath Venkataswamy