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).

  • Blends of low equivalent molecular weight PFSA ionomers with Kynar 2751
    Patent number: 7976730
    Abstract: A polymer blend useful as an ion conductor in fuel cells includes a first polymer that includes a non-ionic segment and a second polymer that includes a sulfonic acid group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Fuller, Sean M MacKinnon, Michael R. Schoeneweiss, Craig S. Gittleman
  • LITHIUM ION BATTERY
    Publication number: 20110165459
    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: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Ion C. Halalay, Timothy J. Fuller, Lijun Zou, Stephen J. Harris
  • Method for Mitigating Fuel Cell Chemical Degradation
    Publication number: 20110165497
    Abstract: A composite membrane for fuel cell applications includes a support substrate with a predefined void volume. The void volume is at least partially filled with an ion conducting polymer composition that includes an additive that inhibits polymer degradation. Characteristically, the ion conducting polymer composition includes a first polymer with a cyclobutyl moiety and a second polymer that is different than the first polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Sean M. MacKinnon, Timothy J. Fuller
  • Perfluorocyclobutane based water vapor transfer membranes with side chain perfluorosulfonic acid moieties
    Patent number: 7972732
    Abstract: A membrane humidifier assembly includes a first flow field plate adapted to facilitate flow of a first gas thereto and a second flow field plate adapted to facilitate flow of a second gas thereto. A polymeric membrane is disposed between the first and second flow fields and adapted to permit transfer of water from the first flow field plate to the second flow field plate. The polymeric membrane includes a polymer having perfluorocyclobutyl groups and a pendant side chain having a protogenic group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Sean M MacKinnon, Timothy J. Fuller, Annette M. Brenner
  • Hydrophilic Polyelectrolyte Membranes Containing Poly(Vinyl Acetate) and Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)
    Publication number: 20110159405
    Abstract: An ion conducting membrane for fuel cell applications includes a combination of a polyvinyl polymer and an ion conducting polymer that is different than the polyvinyl polymer. The ion conducting membrane of this embodiment is able to operate in fuel cells at elevated temperatures with minimal external humidification. A fuel cell incorporating the ion conducting membrane between a first and second catalyst layer is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Fuller, Michael R. Schoeneweiss, Sean M. MacKinnon, Frank Coms
  • Polyolefin Support to Prevent Dielectric Breakdown in PEMS
    Publication number: 20110159404
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes a first catalyst layer and a second catalyst layer. An ion conducting membrane is interposed between the first and second catalyst layers. The ion conducting layer includes a polyolefin support structure and an ion conducting polymer at least partially penetrating the polyolefin support structure. A set of electrically conducting flow field plates are in communication with the first and second catalyst layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Fuller, Steven R. Falta, Michael R. Schoeneweiss, Sean M. Mackinnon
  • LITHIUM ION BATTERY
    Publication number: 20110151333
    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: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Ion C. Halalay, Stephen J. Harris, Timothy J. Fuller
  • Sulfonated-perfluorocyclobutane polyelectrolyte membranes for fuel cells
    Patent number: 7960046
    Abstract: A process for preparing a polymer comprising sulfonating a perfluorocyclobutane polymer with a sulfonating agent to form a sulfonated perfluorocyclobutane polymer, wherein the sulfonating agent comprises oleum, SO3 or a combination thereof is provided. A process for preparing proton exchange membranes and fuel cells comprising the proton exchange membrane are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Fuller, Michael Schoeneweiss
  • POLYMER DISPERSANT ADDITION TO FUEL CELL ELECTRODE INKS FOR IMPROVED MANUFACTURABILITY
    Publication number: 20110117472
    Abstract: An ink composition for forming a fuel cell electrode includes a catalyst composition, a polymeric binder, a polymeric dispersant, and a solvent. The polymeric dispersant includes a perfluorocyclobutyl-containing polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Roland J. Koestner, Sean M Mackinnon, Timothy J. Fuller, Jeanette E. Owejan
  • Method for stabilizing polyelectrolyte membrane films used in fuel cells
    Patent number: 7910260
    Abstract: A novel method of altering extruded membrane films for PEM (polymer electrolyte membrane) fuel cells in such a manner that the membrane films swell substantially uniformly in both the in-plane x and y directions when immersed in water or ionomer solution is disclosed. The invention includes cutting a membrane film from an extruded membrane sheet in a diagonal orientation with respect to the membrane process direction of the membrane sheet. The membrane film exhibits reduced internal stress as compared to conventionally-prepared membrane films and allows a more even distribution of pressure in a fuel cell stack, thereby reducing the incidence of swollen membrane-induced failure mechanisms in the fuel cell stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Fuller, Beba T. Dobulis
  • PERFLUOROCYCLOBUTANE BASED WATER VAPOR TRANSFER MEMBRANES WITH SIDE CHAIN PERFLUOROSULFONIC ACID MOIETIES
    Publication number: 20110053010
    Abstract: A membrane humidifier assembly includes a first flow field plate adapted to facilitate flow of a first gas thereto and a second flow field plate adapted to facilitate flow of a second gas thereto. A polymeric membrane is disposed between the first and second flow fields and adapted to permit transfer of water from the first flow field plate to the second flow field plate. The polymeric membrane includes a polymer having perfluorocyclobutyl groups and a pendant side chain having a protogenic group.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Sean M. MacKinnon, Timothy J. Fuller, Annette M. Brenner
  • WATER VAPOR TRANSFER MEMBRANE AND PAPER INTEGRATED ASSEMBLY
    Publication number: 20110053008
    Abstract: A membrane humidifier assembly includes a first flow field plate adapted to facilitate flow of a first gas thereto and a second flow field plate adapted to facilitate flow of a second gas thereto. A polymeric membrane is disposed between the first and second flow fields. The polymeric membrane is adapted to permit transfer of water between the first flow field plate and the second flow field plate. The polymeric membrane includes a polymeric substrate and a polymer layer disposed on the polymeric substrate. The polymer layer characteristically includes a first polymer having fluorinated cyclobutyl groups disposed on the polymeric substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Annette M. Brenner, Timothy J. Fuller, Sean M. MacKinnon
  • BIFUNCTIONAL MEMBRANE FOR USE IN MEMBRANE ELECTRODE ASSEMBLIES WITH INTEGRATED WATER VAPOR TRANSFER ZONES
    Publication number: 20110053037
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes a first flow field plate defining at least one flow field channel. A cathode catalyst layer is disposed over at least a portion of the first flow field plate. A polymeric ion conducting membrane is disposed over cathode catalyst layer. An anode catalyst layer is disposed over the polymeric ion conducting membrane. Finally, a second flow field plate defining at least one flow field channel is disposed over the anode catalyst layer. The polymeric ion conducting membrane extends beyond the cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer such that the fuel cell has at least one peripheral region with the polymeric catalyst layer interposed between first flow field plate and the second flow field plate without the cathode catalyst layer and the anode catalyst layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Sean M. MacKinnon, Timothy J. Fuller, Annette M. Brenner
  • Sodium Stannate Additive to Improve the Durability of PEMS for H2/Air Fuel Cells
    Publication number: 20110053035
    Abstract: An ion conducting membrane for fuel cell applications includes an ion conducting polymer and a tin-containing compound at least partially dispersed within the ion conducting polymer. The ion conducting membranes exhibit improved performance over membranes not incorporating such tin-containing compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Fuller, Michael R. Schoeneweiss, Sean M. Mackinnon, Frank Coms
  • PERFLUOROCYCLOBUTANE BASED WATER VAPOR TRANSFER MEMBRANES
    Publication number: 20110053007
    Abstract: A membrane humidifier assembly includes a first flow field plate adapted to facilitate flow of a first gas thereto and a second flow field plate adapted to facilitate flow of a second gas thereto. A polymeric membrane is disposed between the first and second flow fields and adapted to permit transfer of water from the first flow field plate to the second flow field plate. The polymeric membrane includes a polymer having perfluorocyclobutyl groups.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Sean M. MACKINNON, Timothy J. Fuller, Annette M. Brenner
  • CO(II)TETRAMETHOXYPHENYLPORPHYRIN ADDITIVE TO PFSA PEMS FOR IMPROVED FUEL CELL DURABILITY
    Publication number: 20110053038
    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: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC
    Inventors: Michael R. Schoeneweiss, Timothy J. Fuller, Frank Coms, Sean M. Mackinnon
  • ION EXCHANGE MEMBRANE HAVING LAMELLAR MORPHOLOGY AND PROCESS OF MAKING THE SAME
    Publication number: 20110054050
    Abstract: An ion exchange membrane is prepared from a block copolymer comprising a hydrophobic polymer segment and a polar polymer segment. The ion exchange membrane is formed by placing a film layer in steam, water or an electric field at a temperature greater than about 40° C. for sufficient amount of time to develop a bicontinuous morphology. The ion exchange membrane is also formed from a film layer comprising a block copolymer and a solvent. The film layer is placed in an electric field at an elevated temperature and dried therein. The film layer is thereby converted into an ion exchange membrane with bicontinuous morphology. The ion exchange membrane prepared according to these processes exhibits improved mechanical and electrochemical properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Fuller, Sean M. MacKinnon, Michael R. Schoeneweiss
  • Polyelectrolyte Membranes Made Of Poly(Perfluorocyclobutanes) With Pendant Perfluorosulfonic Acid Groups and Blends With Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride)
    Publication number: 20110053036
    Abstract: A polymer useful as an ion conductor in fuel cells includes a perfluorocyclobutyl moiety and pendant PFSA side groups. The polymer is made by a variation of the Ullmann reaction. Ion conducting membranes incorporating the polymer are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Fuller, Sean M. Mackinnon, Michael R. Schoeneweiss
  • CUSTOMIZED WATER VAPOR TRANSFER MEMBRANE LAYERED STRUCTURE
    Publication number: 20110053009
    Abstract: A membrane humidifier assembly includes a first flow field plate adapted to facilitate flow of a first gas thereto and a second flow field plate adapted to facilitate flow of a second gas thereto. A polymeric membrane is disposed between the first and second flow fields. The polymeric membrane is adapted to permit transfer of water between the first flow field plate and the second flow field plate. The polymeric membrane includes a polymeric substrate and a polymer layer disposed on the polymeric substrate. The polymer layer characteristically includes a first polymer having fluorinated cyclobutyl groups disposed on the polymeric substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Annette M. Brenner, Timothy J. Fuller, Sean M. Mackinnon
  • Proton exchange membranes for fuel cell applications
    Patent number: 7897691
    Abstract: A proton conductive graft polymer comprises at least a structure unit of a sulfonated polymer side chain covalently attached to a hydrophobic perfluorocyclobutane polymer main chain. The sulfonated condensation polymer side chain has a high local ion exchange capacity while the main polymer chain is substantially free of sulfonic acid group. A membrane made from the graft polymer can provide good mechanical properties and high proton conductivity at wide range of humidity and temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean M MacKinnon, Timothy J. Fuller, Frank Coms, Michael R. Schoeneweiss