Patents by Inventor Timothy J. Fuller

Timothy J. Fuller 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).

  • Dual Layered ePTFE Polyelectrolyte Membranes
    Publication number: 20140080031
    Abstract: A supported membrane for fuel cell applications includes a first expanded polytetrafluoroethylene support and a second expanded polytetrafluoroethylene support. Both the first and second expanded polytetrafluoroethylene supports independently have pores with a diameter from about 0.1 to about 1 microns and a thickness from about 4 to 12 microns. The supported membrane also includes an ion conducting polymer adhering to the first expanded polytetrafluoroethylene support and the second expanded polytetrafluoroethylene support such that the membrane has a thickness from about 10 to 25 microns.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Lijun Zou, Timothy J. Fuller, Michael R. Schoeneweiss
  • Reverse Osmosis Membranes Made with PFSA Ionomer and ePTFE
    Publication number: 20140068927
    Abstract: A method for forming a membrane includes a step of dissolving a lithium salt in a solution including an ionomer that includes protogenic groups to form a modified solution. A membrane is formed from the solution containing the lithium salt and the ionomer that includes protogenic groups. The membrane is dried and then contacted with water to form a plurality of pores therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Fuller, Lijun Zou, Ion C. Halalay, James Mitchell, Mark W. Verbrugge
  • Metal Ionophores in PEM Membranes
    Publication number: 20140072900
    Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for fuel cells includes a proton conducting membrane having a first side and a second side. The proton conducting membrane in turn includes a first polymer including cyclic polyether groups and a second polymer having sulfonic acid groups. The membrane electrode assembly further includes an anode disposed over the first side of the proton conducting layer and a cathode catalyst layer disposed over the second side of the proton conducting layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Fuller, Ion C. Halalay, Lijun Zou, Michael R. Schoeneweiss
  • Crown Ether Containing PEM Electrode
    Publication number: 20140072901
    Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for fuel cells includes a proton conducting membrane having a first side and a second side. The membrane electrode assembly further includes an anode disposed over the first side of the proton conducting layer and a cathode catalyst layer disposed over the second side of the proton conducting layer. One or both of the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer includes a first polymer which has cyclic polyether groups. An ink composition for forming a fuel cell catalyst layer is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Fuller, Lijun Zou, James Mitchell, Michael R. Schoeneweiss
  • Polyolefin-PFCB Ionomer
    Publication number: 20140065514
    Abstract: A method of making an ion conducting membrane includes a step of reacting a compound having formula 1 with a polymer having polymer segment 2: to form a copolymer having polymer segment 2 and polymer segment 3: and The copolymer having polymer segment 2 and polymer segment 3 are then formed into an ion conducting membrane, wherein Z is a C6-80 aliphatic, polyether, or perfluoropolyether; Y is a divalent linking group; E0 is a hydrocarbon-containing moiety; Q1 is a perfluorocyclobutyl moiety; P1, P2 are each independently absent, —O—, —S—, —SO—, —CO—, —SO2—, —NH—, NR2—, or —R3—; R2 is C1-25 alkyl, C1-25 aryl or C1-25 arylene; and R3 is C1-25 alkylene, C1-25 perfluoroalkylene, perfluoroalkyl ether, alkylether, or C1-25 arylene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Fuller, Lijun Zou, Michael R. Schoeneweiss
  • Separator roll membrane coating for fuel cell humidifier
    Patent number: 8657266
    Abstract: A water vapor transfer unit with separator plates and a method of making the same. In such an assembly, an ionomer coating that facilitates moisture transfer from a moisture-rich flowpath to a moisture-deficient flowpath and an underlying separator may both be prepared from continuous, roll-based methods. The ionomer may be applied to a separator assembly as the last processing step such that the handling of the fragile membrane is kept to a minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Annette M. Brenner, Timothy J. Fuller, Lijun Zou
  • PPS Membrane Reinforcing Material
    Publication number: 20140045094
    Abstract: A metal electrode assembly for a fuel cell includes a cathode catalyst layer, an anode catalyst layer, and an ion-conducting membrane disposed between the cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer. The ion-conducting membrane includes a first polymer and polyphenylene sulfide-containing structures dispersed within the first polymer, the first polymer including protogenic groups. A method for making the ion-conducting membrane is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: James Mitchell, Timothy J. Fuller
  • Imbibing PolyPhenyleneSulfide (PPS) and Sulfonated-PPS Fibers with Ionomer
    Publication number: 20140045093
    Abstract: A metal electrode assembly includes a cathode catalyst layer, an anode catalyst layer, and an ion conducting membrane disposed between the cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer. The ion conducting layer includes a polyphenylene sulfide mat with a first polymer imbibed therein. The polyphenylene sulfide mat includes the polyphenylene sulfide-containing structures. A method for forming the ion conducting layer is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: James Mitchell, Lijun Zou, Timothy J. Fuller
  • PPS Electrode Reinforcing Material/Crack Mitigant
    Publication number: 20140045095
    Abstract: A metal electrode assembly for fuel cell applications includes a cathode catalyst layer, an anode catalyst layer, and an ion-conducting membrane disposed between the cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer. The cathode catalyst layer or the anode layer each independently including a catalyst composition and a first polymer wherein at least one of the cathode catalyst layer or the anode layer include a first polymer and polyphenylene sulfide-containing structures. A method for making a fuel cell catalyst layer is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: James Mitchell, Timothy J. Fuller
  • Porous, electrically conductive fluid distribution plate for fuel cells
    Patent number: 8623573
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides an electrically conductive fluid distribution plate and a method of making, and system for using, the electrically conductive fluid distribution plate. In at least one embodiment, the plate comprises a plate body defining a set of fluid flow channels configured to distribute flow of a fluid across at least one side of the plate, and a polymeric porous conductive layer proximate the plate body, with the porous conductive layer having a porosity sufficient to result in a water contact angle of the surface of less than 40°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Feng Zhong, Richard H. Blunk, Youssef M. Mikhail, Gayatri Vyas, Daniel J. Lisi, Michael K. Budinski, Gerald W. Fly, Timothy J. Fuller, Brian K. Brady, Keith E. Newman
  • Localized deactivation of a membrane
    Patent number: 8617760
    Abstract: A method including providing an ion conductive membrane and deactivating a selected region of the membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Matthew M. Fay, Bebe T. Dobulis, Timothy J. Fuller
  • Electrode with reduced mud cracking via mixed equivalent weight ionomers
    Patent number: 8609775
    Abstract: An ink composition for forming a fuel cell electrode, and in particular, a fuel cell cathode layer is provided. The ink composition includes a first protogenic group-containing ionomer having an equivalent weight less than 800, an optional second protogenic group-containing ionomer having an equivalent weight greater than 800, and a catalyst composition. Electrode layers formed from the ink composition are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Bradley M. Houghtaling, Thomas A. Greszler, Timothy J. Fuller
  • Poly(perfluorocyclobutane) ionomer with phosphonic acid groups for high temperature fuel cells
    Patent number: 8609739
    Abstract: A polymer for ion conductor applications includes a polymer segment having a perfluorocyclobutyl moiety and a phosphonated aryl group and a polymer segment a perfluorocyclobutyl moiety without phosphonated aryl group. The polymer is formed into an ion conducting membrane for fuel cell applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Lijun Zou, Timothy J. Fuller, Michael R. Schoeneweiss
  • Pt Nanotubes
    Publication number: 20130327494
    Abstract: A method for making hollow metal tubes includes a step combining a polyphenylene sulfide-containing resin with a water soluble carrier resin to form a resinous mixture. The resinous mixture is then extruded to form an extruded resinous mixture. The extruded resinous mixture includes polyphenylene sulfide-containing fibers within the carrier resin. The extruded resinous mixture is contacted (i.e., washed) with water to separate the polyphenylene sulfide-containing fibers from the carrier resin. The polyphenylene sulfide-containing fibers are then coated with a metal layer. The hollow metal tubes are then formed by removing the polyphenylene sulfide-containing fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: James Mitchell, Timothy J. Fuller, Lijun Zou
  • Novel PPS-S Membrane
    Publication number: 20130330653
    Abstract: A method for making hollow metal tubes includes a step combining a polyphenylene sulfide-containing resin with a water soluble carrier resin to form a resinous mixture. The resinous mixture is then extruded to form an extruded resinous mixture. The extruded resinous mixture includes polyphenylene sulfide-containing fibers within the carrier resin. The extruded resinous mixture is contacted (i.e., washed) with water to separate the polyphenylene sulfide-containing fibers from the carrier resin. The polyphenylene sulfide-containing fibers are then formed into a membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: James Mitchell, Lijun Zou, Timothy J. Fuller, Gerald W. Fly
  • Sulfonated PPS Fuel Cell Electrode
    Publication number: 20130330655
    Abstract: A method for making a fibrous layer for fuel cell applications includes a step of combining a polyphenylene sulfide-containing resin with a water soluble carrier resin to form a resinous mixture. The resinous mixture is then shaped to form a shaped resinous mixture. The shaped resinous mixture includes polyphenylene sulfide-containing structures within the carrier resin. The shaped resinous mixture is contacted (i.e., washed) with water to separate the polyphenylene sulfide-containing structures from the carrier resin. Optional protogenic groups and then a catalyst are added to the polyphenylene sulfide-containing structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: James Mitchell, Timothy J. Fuller, Ted Gacek
  • Diffusion Media and Method of Preparation
    Publication number: 20130320583
    Abstract: Resinous fibers of nanometer to micrometer width dimensions are drawn from a multi-component system by a melt extrusion process. The process includes a step of combining a fiber resin with a water-soluble carrier resin to form a resinous mixture. The resinous mixture is extruded to form an extruded resinous mixture, the extruded resinous mixture having strands of the fiber resin with the carrier resin. The extruded resinous mixture is then contacted with water to separate the strands of the fiber resin from the carrier resin. An electrically conductive fibrous sheet is then formed from the strands of fiber resin. The fibrous sheets are useful as diffusion layers in fuel cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: James Mitchell, Timothy J. Fuller
  • CO(II)TETRAMETHOXYPHENYLPORPHYRIN ADDITIVE TO PFSA PEMS FOR IMPROVED FUEL CELL DURABILITY
    Publication number: 20130288158
    Abstract: An ion conducting membrane for fuel cell applications includes an ion conducting polymer and a porphyrin-containing compound at least partially dispersed within the ion conducting polymer. The ion conducting membranes exhibit improved performance over membranes not incorporating such porphyrin-containing compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: MICHAEL R. SCHOENEWEISS, TIMOTHY J. FULLER, FRANK COMS, SEAN M. MacKINNON
  • Lithium ion battery
    Patent number: 8568930
    Abstract: In a lithium ion battery, one or more chelating agents may be attached to a microporous polymer separator for placement between a negative electrode and a positive electrode or to a polymer binder material used to construct the negative electrode, the positive electrode, or both. The chelating agents may comprise, for example, at least one of a crown ether, a podand, a lariat ether, a calixarene, a calixcrown, or mixtures thereof. The chelating agents can help improve the useful life of the lithium ion battery by complexing with unwanted metal cations that may become present in the battery's electrolyte solution while, at the same time, not significantly interfering with the movement of lithium ions between the negative and positive electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Ion C. Halalay, Timothy J. Fuller, Lijun Zou, Stephen J. Harris
  • Rubber Crack Mitigants in Polyelectrolyte Membranes
    Publication number: 20130260279
    Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell includes an anode catalyst layer, a cathode catalyst layer, and an ion conducting membrane. The ion conducting membrane is interposed between the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer. The ion conducting membrane includes an ion conducting polymer having sulfonic acid groups and rubber particulates. Characteristically, the rubber particulates have an average spatial dimension less than about 600 nanometers. A fuel cell incorporating the membrane electrode assembly is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATION LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Fuller, Lijun Zou, Michael R. Schoeneweiss, James Mitchell