Patents by Inventor Steven J. Spencer
Steven J. Spencer 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: 11703027Abstract: Systems and methods for a WEC controller that uses a self-tuning proportional-integral control law prescribing motor torques to maximize electrical power generation and automatically tune the controller to maximize power absorption. In an embodiment, the controller may be part of any resonant WEC system. The control law relies upon an identified model of device intrinsic impedance to generate a frequency-domain estimate of the wave-induced excitation force and measurements of device velocities. The control law was tested in irregular sea-states that evolved over hours (a rapid, but realistic time-scale) and that changed instantly (an unrealistic scenario to evaluate controller response).Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2022Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Giorgio Bacelli, David G. Wilson, Dominic Forbush, Steven J. Spencer, Ryan G. Coe
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Patent number: 10144464Abstract: A locomotion subassembly for a biped robot is disclosed. The locomotion subassembly includes several unique energy transfer mechanisms and arrangements for efficiently powering the motion of the robot.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2015Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLCInventors: Stephen Buerger, Clinton G. Hobart, Curt M. Salisbury, Steven J. Spencer, Anirban Mazumdar, Michael Kuehl, Kevin J. Dullea
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Patent number: 9502731Abstract: A bipolar plate for a fuel cell has a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side. The bipolar plate also has an active region, a feed region, a perimeter region, a sealing region, and a hinge region. The sealing region is disposed between the perimeter region and each of the active region and the feed region. A plurality of outwardly extending tabs are disposed adjacent the perimeter region at each of the first end and the second end of the bipolar plate. The hinge region is disposed between the perimeter region and the outwardly extending tabs. The hinge region extends from the first side of the plate to the second side of the bipolar plate. The hinge region permits a flexing of the outwardly extending tabs to connect with peripheral electrical device without undesirably flexing the sealing region.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2010Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jeffrey A. Rock, Jeff D. Williams, Matthew J. Beutel, Steven J. Spencer
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Patent number: 9178224Abstract: A fuel cell stack of at least two fuel cells, each fuel cell having a unitized electrode assembly (UEA) including a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), a sub-gasket and gas diffusion media (DM), and positioned between modified stamped field-flow plates. The sub-gasket frames the MEA resulting in an overlap area between the MEA and the inner perimeter of the sub-gasket. The UEA is disposed between a pair of stamped flow-field plates which align in adjacent fuel cells to form a bipolar plate. The bipolar plate has an active region, an overlap region and a seal region. The active region is configured with channel and land features which provide reactant flow channels and coolant passages for the fuel cell. The configuration of features in the overlap region, however, is modified from the configuration in the active region so that the overlap region may sustain sufficient mechanical sealing pressure, and to prevent coolant and reactant bypass without impeding coolant and reactant flow in the active area.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Steven G. Goebel, Matthew J. Beutel, Jeffrey A. Rock, Robert Thompson, Jeff D. Williams, Steven J. Spencer
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Patent number: 9153826Abstract: A fuel cell plate having a first plate having an inlet aperture and a second plate disposed against the first forming a conduit. The conduit has a continuous seam formed between the first plate and the second plate to facilitate a transport of water to the outlet aperture. The plates can include various indentations and protuberances that form portions of the conduit. The fuel cell plate is well suited for use in a vehicle fuel cell stack for reducing water retention in a fuel cell without increasing the number of required components and fabrication cost of the fuel cell plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2008Date of Patent: October 6, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jon P. Owejan, Jeffrey A. Rock, Steven J. Spencer, Thomas A. Trabold
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Patent number: 9017895Abstract: A fuel cell plate assembly includes a first plate having a feed region and an active region. A plurality of flow channels is formed in the first plate and connects the feed region and the active region. The first plate further includes a first step oriented transverse to the flow channels in the feed region and a second step oriented transverse to the flow channels in the active region. The second step is formed only in the flow channels of the first plate.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2010Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jeffrey A. Rock, Gerald W. Fly, Steven J. Spencer
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Patent number: 9008813Abstract: A method for manufacturing a stamped part, such as a bipolar plate for a fuel cell, includes the steps of: providing an original model of the bipolar plate; and performing a compensation process on the original model, the compensation process including a two step morphing process based upon a prediction of spring back. The two step morphing process provides a compensated model of the stamped part. A compensated die face may be created based on the compensated model of the stamped part. The stamped part manufactured with the compensated die face has spring back compensation.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2011Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Siguang Xu, Paul A. LeBlanc, Steven J. Spencer, Gerald W. Fly
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Patent number: 8858234Abstract: An apparatus and methods for training workers to recognize distortions. One example method includes positioning vacuum arms on a tilt-table top of a distortion training table situated in a horizontal position. The method further includes positioning locator arms on the tilt-table top in proximity to the vacuum arms, positioning a body panel on the locator arms to situate an inner surface of the body panel adjacent to each of the vacuum arms, applying suction to the inner surface of the body panel using the vacuum arms wherein the suction creates non-destructive distortions on an outer surface of the body panel, instructing the workers in tactile recognition of the distortions on the outer surface of the body panel, moving the tilt-table top from the horizontal position to a vertical position, and instructing the workers in visual recognition of the distortions on the outer surface of the body panel.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2013Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Steven J. Spencer, Shawn W. Clark, William H. Preece
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Patent number: 8845762Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include method of sealing battery cooling plates, and methods of assembling battery using battery cooling plate racks and a single component including multiple cooling plates and connection portions therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2009Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Derek R. Weber, Alastair Gordon Anderson, Steven J. Spencer, Paul F. Spacher
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Publication number: 20140272661Abstract: A fuel cell stack of at least two fuel cells, each fuel cell having a unitized electrode assembly (UEA) including a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), a sub-gasket and gas diffusion media (DM), and positioned between modified stamped field-flow plates. The sub-gasket frames the MEA resulting in an overlap area between the MEA and the inner perimeter of the sub-gasket. The UEA is disposed between a pair of stamped flow-field plates which align in adjacent fuel cells to form a bipolar plate. The bipolar plate has an active region, an overlap region and a seal region. The active region is configured with channel and land features which provide reactant flow channels and coolant passages for the fuel cell. The configuration of features in the overlap region, however, is modified from the configuration in the active region so that the overlap region may sustain sufficient mechanical sealing pressure, and to prevent coolant and reactant bypass without impeding coolant and reactant flow in the active area.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Steven G. Goebel, Matthew J. Beutel, Jeffrey A. Rock, Robert Thompson, Jeff D. Williams, Steven J. Spencer
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Patent number: 8802326Abstract: A fuel cell stack and a bipolar plate assembly is provided that may include straight-through tunnels to transport fluids from one side of a header seal to an opposite side of a header seal, fluidly connecting fuel cell stack reactant headers and bipolar plate reactant flow channels.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2010Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Steven J. Spencer, Seth D. Valentine, Courtney E. Reich, Daniel P Miller
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Patent number: 8778567Abstract: A bipolar plate used in a fuel cell and a method of making a bipolar plate. The sheet is made from a ferritic or austenitic stainless steel, and defines an undulated surface pattern such that the patterned sheet may be formed into the bipolar plate. In one configuration, a stamping or related metal forming tool operation will further deform the patterned sheet into the bipolar plate shape such that the wall thickness is substantially uniform throughout the surface. In this way, there is a substantial reduction in stretching/thinning/necking at an intersection between bends and side walls that define the undulations of the pattern. In one form, the pattern defines a repeating serpentine shape. In a particular embodiment, the bends may include surface modifications to reduce the effects of sheet-to-tool misalignment.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Siguang Xu, Steven J. Spencer, John R. Bradley, Gerald W. Fly, Arianna T. Morales
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Publication number: 20140178802Abstract: A bipolar plate used in a fuel cell and a method of making a bipolar plate. The sheet is made from a ferritic or austenitic stainless steel, and defines an undulated surface pattern such that the patterned sheet may be formed into the bipolar plate. In one configuration, a stamping or related metal forming tool operation will further deform the patterned sheet into the bipolar plate shape such that the wall thickness is substantially uniform throughout the surface. In this way, there is a substantial reduction in stretching/thinning/necking at an intersection between bends and side walls that define the undulations of the pattern. In one form, the pattern defines a repeating serpentine shape. In a particular embodiment, the bends may include surface modifications to reduce the effects of sheet-to-tool misalignment.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Siguang Xu, Steven J. Spencer, John R. Bradley, Gerald W. Fly, Arianna T. Morales
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Patent number: 8722274Abstract: A subassembly for a fuel cell stack includes a fuel cell plate and a datum hole formed in the fuel cell plate for alignment of the fuel cell plate during assembly of the fuel cell stack. The subassembly also includes a datum insert disposed adjacent the datum hole of the fuel cell plate. The datum insert is configured to militate against a bending of the fuel cell plate at the datum hole during the assembly of the fuel cell stack.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2010Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Daniel P. Miller, Mark W. Keyser, Steven J. Spencer
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Patent number: 8609294Abstract: A subassembly for a fuel cell includes a fuel cell plate having a first side and a second side. Each of the first side and the second side has a flow field disposed between a pair of headers. An insulating spacer abuts the first side of the fuel cell plate and is disposed adjacent a perimeter of the fuel cell plate. A unitized electrode assembly includes a subgasket, a membrane electrode assembly, and a pair of diffusion medium layers. The membrane electrode assembly has an electrolyte membrane sandwiched between a pair of electrodes. The membrane electrode assembly is sandwiched between the pair of diffusion medium layers. The subgasket surrounds, and is coupled to, the membrane electrode assembly. The subgasket abuts the insulating spacer. An elastomeric seal abuts the second side of the fuel cell plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2010Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Matthew J. Beutel, Ronald L. James, Daniel P. Miller, Steven J. Spencer
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Patent number: 8501363Abstract: A fuel cell plate is disclosed, the fuel cell plate including a first unipolar plate, a second unipolar plate cooperating with the first unipolar plate to form a bipolar plate having a coolant inlet, a coolant outlet, a reactant inlet, and a reactant outlet, and a coolant flow channel in fluid communication with the coolant inlet formed intermediate the first unipolar plate and the second unipolar plate, the coolant flow channel having a second portion disposed between a first portion and a third portion thereof adjacent to the reactant outlet, wherein the second portion is spaced apart from the reactant inlet at a first distance and the first portion and the third portion are each spaced apart from the reactant inlet at a distance greater than the first distance.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2010Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Steven J. Spencer
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Patent number: 8465863Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes a method of sealing battery cooling plates.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2009Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Derek R. Weber, Alastair Gordon Anderson, Steven J. Spencer, Paul F. Spacher
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Patent number: 8465879Abstract: A bipolar plate for a fuel cell includes a pair of plates. Each plate has an active area, a header area, and a perimeter area. The perimeter area is disposed adjacent an edge of the plate. The perimeter area is also disposed adjacent to each of the active area and the header area. At least one of the plates includes a raised support feature having an inboard side and an outboard side. The plates are joined in the perimeter area between the outboard side of the raised support feature and the edges of the plates.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Daniel P. Miller, Steven J. Spencer, Robert Thompson, Matthew J. Beutel, Siguang Xu
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Patent number: 8453334Abstract: A method for measuring a plate for a fuel cell stack includes providing a model of the plate including a first axis and a second axis. The model has at least one theoretical measurement feature with a theoretical set of coordinates. The plate is also provided with at least one measurement feature. The first axis and the second axis are established relative to the plate. The at least one measurement feature of the plate is then located relative to the first axis and the second axis. The at least one measurement feature is measured to determine a first set of coordinates for the at least one measurement feature. The first set of coordinates of the plate is compared to the theoretical set of coordinates of the model to determine a displacement of the first set of coordinates from the theoretical set of coordinates.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2011Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Mark W. Keyser, Steven J. Spencer
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Publication number: 20130074318Abstract: A method for manufacturing a stamped part, such as a bipolar plate for a fuel cell, includes the steps of: providing an original model of the bipolar plate; and performing a compensation process on the original model, the compensation process including a two step morphing process based upon a prediction of spring back. The two step morphing process provides a compensated model of the stamped part. A compensated die face may be created based on the compensated model of the stamped part. The stamped part manufactured with the compensated die face has spring back compensation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Siguang Xu, Paul A. LeBlanc, Steven J. Spencer, Gerald W. Fly