Patents by Inventor Srinivasan Venkatesan

Srinivasan Venkatesan 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).

  • Publication number: 20070120091
    Abstract: A conductive additive for the positive nickel electrode for electrochemical cells which provides increased performance by suppressing an oxygen evolution reaction occurring parallel to the oxidation of nickel hydroxide, increasing conductivity of the electrode and/or consuming oxygen produced as a result of the oxygen evolution reaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: May 31, 2007
    Inventors: Stanford Ovshinsky, Boyko Aladjov, Srinivasan Venkatesan, Bora Tekkanat, Meera Vijan, Hong Wang, Subhash Dhar
  • Patent number: 7217473
    Abstract: Mechanically and thermally improved rechargeable batteries, modules and fluid-cooled battery pack systems. The battery is prismatic in shape with an optimized thickness to width to height aspect ratio which provides the battery with balanced optimal properties when compared with prismatic batteries lacking this optimized aspect ratio. The fluid-cooled battery pack includes; 1) a battery-pack case having coolant inlet and outlet; 2) battery modules within the case such that the battery module is spaced from the case walls and from other battery modules to form coolant flow channels along at least one surface of the bundled batteries; and 3) at least one coolant transport means. The width of the coolant flow channels allows for maximum heat transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Ovanic Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Dennis A. Corrigan, Srinivasan Venkatesan, Subhash K. Dhar, Arthur Holland, Donn Fillmore, Lin Higley, Philippe Gow, Ronald Himmler, Nick Karditsas, Kenneth Laming, Anthony Osgood
  • Patent number: 7201857
    Abstract: A conductive additive for the positive nickel electrode for electrochemical cells which provides increased performance by suppressing an oxygen evolution reaction occurring parallel to the oxidation of nickel hydroxide, increasing conductivity of the electrode and/or consuming oxygen produced as a result of the oxygen evolution reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Texaco Ovonic Battery Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Boyko Aladjov, Srinivasan Venkatesan, Bora Tekkanat, Meera Vijan, Hong Wang, Subhash K. Dhar
  • Patent number: 7175751
    Abstract: A method and system for electrochemically purifying an impure stream of hydrogen. Hydrogen is absorbed into a gas diffusion anode from the impure hydrogen stream and oxidized to form hydrogen ions and electrons which are released into an alkaline solution. An electrolytic cathode also positioned in the alkaline solution decomposes water to form hydrogen and hydroxyl ions which combine with the hydrogen ions to maintain equilibrium of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Ovonic Fuel Cell Company LLC
    Inventors: Srinivasan Venkatesan, Hong Wang, Subhash K. Dhar, Stanford R. Ovshinsky
  • Patent number: 7172710
    Abstract: A conductive additive for the positive nickel electrode for electrochemical cells which provides increased performance by suppressing an oxygen evolution reaction occurring parallel to the oxidation of nickel hydroxide, increasing conductivity of the electrode and/or consuming oxygen produced as a result of the oxygen evolution reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Ovonic Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Boyko Aladjov, Srinivasan Venkatesan, Bora Tekkanat, Meera Vijan, Hong Wang, Subhash K. Dhar
  • Publication number: 20060204830
    Abstract: A molten carbonate fuel cell with intrinsic energy storage. The molten carbonate fuel cell includes a hydrogen electrode utilizing a modified anode active material. The modified anode active material allows for intrinsic energy storage within the hydrogen electrode which provides for transient response, load leveling applications, a decreased start-up time, and ability to accept charge. The molten carbonate fuel cell may also include a modified cathode active material that allows for intrinsic energy storage within the oxygen electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Publication date: September 14, 2006
    Inventors: Stanford Ovshinsky, Srinivasan Venkatesan, Dennis Corrigan
  • Publication number: 20060166101
    Abstract: An active composition for an electrode of an electrochemical device. The active composition comprises a nickel hydroxide material, a graphite material, and a polymeric binder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Srinivasan Venkatesan, Binay Prasad, Kenneth Laming, Boyko Aladjov
  • Patent number: 7070878
    Abstract: A layered oxygen electrode incorporating a peroxide decomposition catalyst. The design of the oxygen electrode promotes oxygen dissociation and absorption within the oxygen electrode. The oxygen electrode has differing layers of hydrophobicity which allow chemical impregnation of the active catalyst material into the oxygen electrode where the active catalyst material is needed most.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Ovonic Fuel Cell Company LLC
    Inventors: Srinivasan Venkatesan, Hong Wang, Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Boyko Aladjov, Subhash Dhar
  • Patent number: 7033699
    Abstract: Fuel cell cathodes and instant startup fuel cells employing the cathodes. The cathodes operate through the valency change mechanism of redox couples which uniquely provide multiple degrees of freedom in selecting the operating voltages available for such fuel cells. Such cathodes provide the fuel cells in which they are used a “buffer” or “charge” of oxidizer available within the cathode at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Ovonic Fuel Cell Company LLC
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Srinivasan Venkatesan, Hong Wang, Boyko Aladjov
  • Patent number: 7029600
    Abstract: A complex aluminum hydride doped with a catalytic material adapted to increase the kinetics of hydrogen absorption/desorption of the aluminum hydride without reducing the hydrogen storage capacity of the aluminum hydride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Ovonie Fuel Cell LLC
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Boyko Aladjov, Srinivasan Venkatesan, Meera Vijan, Subhash K. Dhar
  • Patent number: 7018740
    Abstract: Fuel cell oxygen electrode and instant startup fuel cells employing such oxygen electrode. The oxygen electrode operates through the mechanism of redox couples which uniquely provide multiple degrees of freedom in selecting the operating voltages available for such fuel cells. Such oxygen electrodes provide the fuel cells in which they are used a “buffer” or “charge” of oxidizer available within the oxygen electrode at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Texaco Ovonic Fuel Cell LLC
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Srinivasan Venkatesan, Boyko Aladjov, Subhash K. Dhar, Kevin Fok, Thomas Hopper
  • Patent number: 7014953
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a fuel cell, which incorporates a bipolar plate. The regenerative bipolar fuel cell of the present invention contains at least one hydrogen electrode in contact with a hydrogen stream and at least one oxygen electrode in contact with an oxygen stream. At least one electrolyte chamber is in contact with the hydrogen electrode and at least one electrolyte chamber is in contact with the oxygen electrode. The electrolyte chambers provide mechanical support within the fuel cell and provide an uninterrupted pathway for an electrolyte solution to contact the hydrogen electrode and the oxygen electrode, respectively. At least one bipolar plate is positioned between the hydrogen electrode and the oxygen electrode. The bipolar plate has a hydrogen side in contact with the hydrogen electrode and an oxygen side in contact with the oxygen electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Texaco Ovoric Fuel Cell, LLC
    Inventors: Zdravko Menjak, Srinivasan Venkatesan, Boyko Aladjov, Latchezara M. Gradinarova, Hong Wang, Standford R. Ovshinsky, Subhash K. Dhar
  • Patent number: 7008706
    Abstract: A vehicle drive system powered by a hybrid fuel cell including at least one cathode, at least one anode, and at least one auxiliary electrode. The auxiliary electrode works in combination with the anode to provide a current as a rechargeable battery while the anode and cathode work in combination to provide an electrical current as a fuel cell. The cathode and the auxiliary electrode may operate alone or in tandem to provide an electrical current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Ovonic Fuel Cell Company LLC
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Srinivasan Venkatesan, Zdravko Menjak, Boyko Aladjov, Hong Wang
  • Patent number: 6998184
    Abstract: A hybrid fuel cell/battery including at least one cathode, at least one anode, and at least one auxiliary electrode. The auxiliary electrode works in combination with the anode to provide a current as a rechargeable battery while the anode and cathode work in combination to provide an electrical current as a fuel cell. The cathode and the auxiliary electrode may operate alone or in tandem to provide an electrical current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Texaco Ovonic Fuel Cell, LLC
    Inventors: Srinivasan Venkatesan, Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Boyko Aladjov, Hong Wang, Zdravko Menjak, Subhash K. Dhar
  • Patent number: 6991719
    Abstract: A method for the production and storage of hydrogen. The hydrogen is produced via electrolysis and as the hydrogen is formed it is absorbed into a hydrogen storing cathode. Once the hydrogen storing cathode has become completely hydrided, it is shipped to end users as a metal hydride supply of hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Texaco Ovonic Fuel Cell LLC
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Srinivasan Venkatesan, Hong Wang, Subhash K. Dhar
  • Patent number: 6989216
    Abstract: A fuel cell utilizing parallel flow of a hydrogen stream, an oxygen stream, and an electrolyte solution with respect to the electrodes, while maintaining mechanical support within the fuel cell. The fuel cell utilizes electrode assemblies having a frame overmolded around the electrode to maintain a flow rates and low pressure throughout the fuel cell. The fuel cell is also designed to maintain mechanical support within the fuel cell while the electrodes expand and contract in response to the absorption of oxygen and hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Texaco Ovonic Fuel Cell LLC
    Inventors: Rajeev Puttaiah, Zdravko Menjak, Latchezara M. Gradinarova, Srinivasan Venkatesan, Boyko Aladjov, Subhash Dhar, Stanford R. Ovshinsky
  • Publication number: 20050271928
    Abstract: A Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell including a hydrogen electrode utilizing non-noble metal hydrogen oxidation catalysts, and/or an oxygen electrode utilizing non-noble metal oxygen reduction catalysts. The non-noble metal hydrogen oxidation catalysts and the non-noble metal oxygen reduction catalysts provide for a long catalyst cycle life due to increased stability and poisoning resistance in an acidic environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Publication date: December 8, 2005
    Inventors: Stanford Ovshinsky, Srinivasan Venkatesan, Hong Wang, Konstantin Petrov, Kevin Fok
  • Patent number: 6960406
    Abstract: A fluorinated carbon based gas diffusion layer for use in hydrogen and oxygen electrodes. The fluorinated carbon based gas diffusion layer provides for uniform distribution of hydrogen or oxygen across the electrode while maintaining a high level of hydrophobicity within the gas diffusion layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Texaco Ovonic Fuel Cell LLC
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Srinivasan Venkatesan, Hong Wang, Boyko Aladjov, Subhash Dhar
  • Patent number: 6933072
    Abstract: A fuel cell utilizing parallel flow of a hydrogen stream, an oxygen stream, and an electrolyte solution with respect to the electrodes, while maintaining mechanical support within the fuel cell. The fuel cell contains multiple layers of electrodes which absorb and react hydrogen and oxygen. The fuel cell is designed to maintain mechanical support within the fuel cell while the electrodes expand and contract in response to the absorption of oxygen and hydrogen. The design of the fuel cell provides a substantially more compact design by not requiring space to allow for the expansion and contraction of the electrodes within the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Energy Conersion Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Zdravko Menjak, Boyko Aladjov, Srinivasan Venkatesan, Subhash K. Dhar, Stanford R. Ovshinsky
  • Patent number: 6926986
    Abstract: A fuel cell utilizing parallel flow of a hydrogen stream, an oxygen stream, and an electrolyte solution with respect to the electrodes, while maintaining mechanical support within the fuel cell. The fuel cell utilizes encapsulated electrodes to maintain a high air flow rate and low pressure throughout the fuel cell. The fuel cell is also designed to maintain mechanical support within the fuel cell while the electrodes expand and contract in response to the absorption of oxygen and hydrogen. Gas is predistributed by the compression plates and electrode plates to supply the electrodes with high concentrations of oxygen from air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Energy Conversion Devices
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Ana Menjak, Thomas Hopper, Zdravko Menjak, Kevin Fok, Boyko Aladjov, Srinivasan Venkatesan, Subhash K. Dhar