Patents by Inventor William A. Pledger
William A. Pledger 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: 7819955Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, and fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices. In some embodiments, the fuel processing systems and the hydrogen purification membranes include a metal membrane, which is at least substantially comprised of palladium or a palladium alloy. In some embodiments, the membrane contains trace amounts of carbon, silicon, and/or oxygen. In some embodiments, the membranes form part of a hydrogen purification device that includes an enclosure containing a separation assembly, which is adapted to receive a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. In some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processor, and in some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processing or fuel cell system.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2008Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Idatech, LLCInventors: David J. Edlund, William A. Pledger, R. Todd Studebaker
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Patent number: 7789941Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices, and methods for operating the same. In some embodiments, operation of the fuel processing system is initiated by heating at least the reforming region of the fuel processing system to at least a selected hydrogen-producing operating temperature. In some embodiments, an electric heater is utilized to perform this initial heating. In some embodiments, use of the electric heater is discontinued after startup, and a burner or other combustion-based heating assembly combusts a fuel to heat at least the hydrogen producing region, such as due to the reforming region utilizing an endothermic catalytic reaction to produce hydrogen gas.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2009Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: IdaTech, LLCInventors: David J. Edlund, William A. Pledger, R. Todd Studebaker
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Patent number: 7771882Abstract: A control system and method for a fuel processing system. The control system automates the operation of a fuel processing system by monitoring operating parameters and automatically controlling the operation of the system responsive to the monitored parameters, predefined subroutines and/or user inputs.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: August 10, 2010Assignee: Idatech, LLCInventors: David J. Edlund, Thomas G. Herron, William A. Pledger
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Patent number: 7682718Abstract: Fuel processing and fuel cell systems with feedstock delivery systems that are designed to deliver a mixed component feed stream to a hydrogen-producing region for the production of hydrogen gas therefrom and to selectively deliver the feed stream to a heating assembly for use as a combustible fuel stream for heating at least the hydrogen-producing region. The feed stream contains water and a carbon-containing feedstock, and may contain at least 31 vol % water. In some embodiments, the feedstock delivery system may be adapted to mix the components of the feed stream at a determined mix ratio and to deliver this feed stream to the fuel processor(s). The fuel processing system may also include one or more fuel cell stacks that are adapted to produce an electric current from the product hydrogen stream produced by the fuel processing system.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2008Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Assignee: Idatech, LLCInventors: Anthony J. Dickman, David J. Edlund, William A. Pledger
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Publication number: 20090205253Abstract: Systems and methods for producing hydrogen gas with a fuel processing system that includes a hydrogen-producing region that produces hydrogen gas from a feed stream and a heating assembly that consumes a fuel stream to produce a heated exhaust stream for heating the hydrogen-producing region. In some embodiments, the heating assembly heats the hydrogen-producing region to at least a minimum hydrogen-producing temperature. In some embodiments, the rate at which an air stream is delivered to the heating assembly is controlled to selectively increase or decrease the temperature of the heated exhaust stream. In some embodiments, the feed stream and the fuel stream both contain a carbon-containing feedstock and at least 25 wt % water. In some embodiments, the feed and fuel streams have the same composition.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2009Publication date: August 20, 2009Applicant: IdaTech, LLCInventors: David J. Edlund, Darrell J. Elliott, Alan E. Hayes, William A. Pledger, Curtiss Renn, Redwood Stephens, R. Todd Studebaker
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Publication number: 20090202874Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, and fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices. In some embodiments, the fuel processing systems and the hydrogen purification membranes include a metal membrane, which is at least substantially comprised of palladium or a palladium alloy. In some embodiments, the membrane contains trace amounts of carbon, silicon, and/or oxygen. In some embodiments, the membranes form part of a hydrogen purification device that includes an enclosure containing a separation assembly, which is adapted to receive a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. In some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processor, and in some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processing or fuel cell system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2008Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: IdaTech, LLCInventors: David J. Edlund, William A. Pledger, R. Todd Studebaker
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Publication number: 20090202873Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices, and methods for operating the same. In some embodiments, operation of the fuel processing system is initiated by heating at least the reforming region of the fuel processing system to at least a selected hydrogen-producing operating temperature. In some embodiments, an electric heater is utilized to perform this initial heating. In some embodiments, use of the electric heater is discontinued after startup, and a burner or other combustion-based heating assembly combusts a fuel to heat at least the hydrogen producing region, such as due to the reforming region utilizing an endothermic catalytic reaction to produce hydrogen gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2009Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: IdaTech, LLCInventors: David J. Edlund, William A. Pledger, R. Todd Studebaker
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Patent number: 7485381Abstract: Systems and methods for recovering thermal energy from a fuel processing system comprising a fuel processor and a fuel cell stack in communication with a household that is adapted to apply at least electrical loads, and optionally electrical and thermal loads, to the fuel processing system. The systems further include a thermal energy recovery system that is adapted to recover thermal energy from the fuel processing system and which includes a plurality of thermal energy reservoirs. The recovery system includes a delivery system that is adapted to selectively deliver heat exchange fluid from at least one of the plurality of thermal energy reservoirs into thermal communication with the fuel processing system to recover thermal energy therefrom. In some embodiments, at least one of the thermal energy reservoirs forms at least a portion of a potable hot water supply for the household.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2005Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Idatech, LLCInventors: Anthony J. Dickman, David J. Edlund, William A. Pledger
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Publication number: 20080305034Abstract: Systems and methods for producing hydrogen gas with a fuel processing system that includes a hydrogen-producing region that produces hydrogen gas from a feed stream and a heating assembly that consumes a fuel stream to produce a heated exhaust stream for heating the hydrogen-producing region. In some embodiments, the heating assembly heats the hydrogen-producing region to at least a minimum hydrogen-producing temperature. In some embodiments, the feed stream and the fuel stream both contain a carbon-containing feedstock and at least 25 wt % water. In some embodiments, at least one of the feed and fuel streams contain at least one additional component. In some embodiments, the feed and fuel streams have the same composition. In some embodiments, the feed and fuel streams are drawn or obtained from a common source or supply, and in some embodiments as a liquid stream that is selectively apportioned to form the feed and fuel streams.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2008Publication date: December 11, 2008Applicant: IDATECH, LLCInventors: David J. Edlund, Darrell J. Elliott, Alan E. Hayes, William A. Pledger, Curtiss Renn, Redwood Stephens, R. Todd Studebaker
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Publication number: 20080248347Abstract: Fuel processing and fuel cell systems with feedstock delivery systems that are designed to deliver a mixed component feed stream to a hydrogen-producing region for the production of hydrogen gas therefrom and to selectively deliver the feed stream to a heating assembly for use as a combustible fuel stream for heating at least the hydrogen-producing region. The feed stream contains water and a carbon-containing feedstock, and may contain at least 31 vol % water. In some embodiments, the feedstock delivery system may be adapted to mix the components of the feed stream at a determined mix ratio and to deliver this feed stream to the fuel processor(s). The fuel processing system may also include one or more fuel cell stacks that are adapted to produce an electric current from the product hydrogen stream produced by the fuel processing system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2008Publication date: October 9, 2008Applicant: IDATECH, LLCInventors: Anthony J. Dickman, David J. Edlund, William A. Pledger
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Publication number: 20080210088Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, and fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices. In some embodiments, the fuel processing systems and the hydrogen purification membranes include at least one metal membrane, which is at least substantially comprised of a palladium alloy. In some embodiments, the membrane is formed from an alloy of palladium and gold and which contains trace amounts of carbon, silicon, and/or oxygen. In some embodiments, the membranes form part of a hydrogen purification device that includes an enclosure containing a separation assembly, which is adapted to receive a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2007Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: IDATECH, LLCInventor: William A. Pledger
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Patent number: 7410531Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, and fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices. In some embodiments, the fuel processing systems and the hydrogen purification membranes include a metal membrane, which is at least substantially comprised of palladium or a palladium alloy. In some embodiments, the membrane contains trace amounts of carbon, silicon, and/or oxygen. In some embodiments, the membranes form part of a hydrogen purification device that includes an enclosure containing a separation assembly, which is adapted to receive a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. In some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processor, and in some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processing or fuel cell system.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2007Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Idatech, LLCInventors: David J. Edlund, William A. Pledger, R. Todd Studebaker
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Publication number: 20080176118Abstract: A control system and method for a fuel processing system. The control system automates the operation of a fuel processing system by monitoring operating parameters and automatically controlling the operation of the system responsive to the monitored parameters, predefined subroutines and/or user inputs.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Inventors: David J. Edlund, Thomas G. Herron, William A. Pledger
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Patent number: 7368195Abstract: A system and method for preventing damage to a fuel cell stack resulting from impurities in a hydrogen stream delivered thereto. In some embodiments, the hydrogen stream is a product hydrogen stream from a fuel processor. In some embodiments, the impurities may result from a failure or malfunction in a separation region adapted to remove impurities in the hydrogen stream. The system and method include detecting the concentration of at least one component of the hydrogen stream and isolating the fuel cell stack should this concentration exceed an acceptable threshold level. In some embodiments, the system or method are adapted to detect the concentration of a component that itself is not harmful to the fuel cell stack, or which is not harmful in an associated threshold concentration. In some embodiments, the detected composition is at least one of water, methane, and carbon dioxide.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2006Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: IdaTech, LLCInventors: David J. Edlund, William A. Pledger
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Patent number: 7368194Abstract: A feedstock mixing apparatus for fuel processing systems, and fuel processing and fuel cell systems incorporating the same. A fuel processing system according to the present invention includes one or more fuel processors adapted to produce a product hydrogen stream from a feed stream containing water and a carbon-containing feedstock. The fuel processing system further includes a feedstock delivery system adapted to mix the components of the feed stream at a determined mix ratio and to deliver this feed stream to the fuel processor(s). The fuel processing system may also include one or more fuel cell stacks that are adapted to produce an electric current from the product hydrogen stream produced by the fuel processing system. When the fuel processing system includes at least one fuel cell stack, it may be referred to as a fuel cell system.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2005Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: IdaTech, LLCInventors: Anthony J. Dickman, David J. Edlund, William A. Pledger
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Publication number: 20070266631Abstract: Hydrogen-processing assemblies, components of hydrogen-processing assemblies, and fuel-processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen-processing assemblies. The hydrogen-processing assemblies include a hydrogen-separation assembly positioned within the internal volume of an enclosure in a spaced relation to at least a portion of the internal perimeter of the body of the enclosure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2007Publication date: November 22, 2007Inventors: William A. Pledger, Vernon Wade Popham, R. Todd Studebaker, Kyle Taylor
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Publication number: 20070251387Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, and fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices. In some embodiments, the fuel processing systems and the hydrogen purification membranes include a metal membrane, which is at least substantially comprised of palladium or a palladium alloy. In some embodiments, the membrane contains trace amounts of carbon, silicon, and/or oxygen. In some embodiments, the membranes form part of a hydrogen purification device that includes an enclosure containing a separation assembly, which is adapted to receive a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. In some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processor, and in some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processing or fuel cell system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2007Publication date: November 1, 2007Inventors: David Edlund, William Pledger, R. Studebaker
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Patent number: 7208241Abstract: A control system and method for a fuel processing system. The control system automates the operation of a fuel processing system by monitoring operating parameters and automatically controlling the operation of the system responsive to the monitored parameters, predefined subroutines and/or user inputs.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: IdaTech, LLCInventors: David J. Edlund, Thomas G. Herron, William A. Pledger
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Patent number: 7195663Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, and fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices. In some embodiments, the fuel processing systems and the hydrogen purification membranes include a metal membrane, which is at least substantially comprised of palladium or a palladium alloy. In some embodiments, the membrane contains trace amounts of carbon, silicon, and/or oxygen. In some embodiments, the membranes form part of a hydrogen purification device that includes an enclosure containing a separation assembly, which is adapted to receive a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. In some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processor, and in some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processing or fuel cell system.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2006Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: IdaTech, LLCInventors: David J. Edlund, William A. Pledger, R. Todd Studebaker
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Publication number: 20060213369Abstract: Hydrogen-producing fuel processing systems, hydrogen purification membranes, hydrogen purification devices, and fuel processing and fuel cell systems that include hydrogen purification devices. In some embodiments, the fuel processing systems and the hydrogen purification membranes include a metal membrane, which is at least substantially comprised of palladium or a palladium alloy. In some embodiments, the membrane contains trace amounts of carbon, silicon, and/or oxygen. In some embodiments, the membranes form part of a hydrogen purification device that includes an enclosure containing a separation assembly, which is adapted to receive a mixed gas stream containing hydrogen gas and to produce a stream that contains pure or at least substantially pure hydrogen gas therefrom. In some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processor, and in some embodiments, the membrane(s) and/or purification device forms a portion of a fuel processing or fuel cell system.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2006Publication date: September 28, 2006Inventors: David Edlund, William Pledger, R. Studebaker