Patents Issued in May 6, 2004
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Publication number: 20040086725Abstract: A packaging laminate (10) including a substrate film (15) coated with a carbon containing silicon oxide layer (16, 17) on both surfaces is disclosed herein. A method for producing the laminate (10), and blanks and packages fabricated from the laminate are also disclosed herein. The PECVD process of the present invention strains the substrate film (15) during deposition thereby creating a very thin oxide layer with superior durability, oxygen and aroma barrier properties. The carbon-containing silicon oxide coating (16, 17) has a stoichiometry of SiOxCy in which x is witin the range of 1.5-2.2 and y is within the range of 0.15-0.80. The substrate film (15) may include a core layer (12) of a material selected from the group consisting of paper, paperboard, a foamed core, polyethylene terephtalate, polyamide, polyethylene and polypropylene.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Bertrand Jaccoud
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Publication number: 20040086726Abstract: The present invention is a tissue product having two outer surfaces and at least one layered tissue sheet. The layered tissue sheet has two outer layers. The tissue product comprises at least one layer of the layered tissue sheet comprises polysiloxane pretreated pulp fibers and at least one layer of the layered tissue sheet comprises non-treated pulp fibers. At least one layer of the layered tissue sheet comprises polysiloxane pretreated pulp fibers such that one layer comprising polysiloxane pretreated pulp fibers is adjacent to a layer comprising non-treated pulp fibers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: David Andrew Moline, Dale Alan Burghardt, Thomas Gerard Shannon
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Publication number: 20040086727Abstract: The present invention is a soft tissue sheet. The tissue sheet comprises papermaking fibers and a polysiloxane composition. The polysiloxane composition comprises a polysiloxane and a compatible synthetic resin binder having a glass transition temperature of about 100° C. or less.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Lisa Ann Flugge, Kelly Dean Branham, William Clayton Bunyard, Thomas Gerard Shannon
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Publication number: 20040086728Abstract: A plated product has a base layer, a silver plating layer, and a top coat layer. The top coat layer is consisted of an acrylic silicone coating that includes a primary agent and a curing agent. A coating film is formed by causing the primary agent and the curing agent to react while the acrylic silicone coating is applied to the metal plating layer. When the coating film is aged by allowing to stand for 240 hours at a normal temperature and a humidity range of 20% to 70%, the range of the glass transition temperature of the coating film is between 70° C. and 120° C. inclusive. The plated product has superior weather resistance.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Yosuke Maruoka, Yukitaka Hasegawa, Yasuhiko Ogisu, Hiroshi Watari
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Publication number: 20040086729Abstract: Ballistically resistant and fire resistant composite articles for aircraft interiors and other applications. Composite articles are provided having a flexural modulus of at least about 80,000 lbs/sq in (552 MPa), a flexural strength at yield of at least about 800 lbs/sq. in. (5.52 MPa), an areal density of about 0.9 lb/ft2 (4.40 kg/m2) to about 1.5 lb/ft2 (5.86 kg/m2), a fire resistance meeting the requirements of §25.853 Title 14 of the United States Code, Jan. 1, 2002, and a V0 velocity of at least about 1430 ft/sec (427 m/s) when tested by United States Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular 25.795.2, Jan. 10, 2002, using .44 Magnum Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) bullets of 240 grains (15.6 g) mass and using 9 mm Full Metal Jacketed, Round Nose (FMJ RN) bullets of 124 grains (8.0 g) mass.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Huy X. Nguyen, Larry Dickson
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Publication number: 20040086730Abstract: A phosphate bonded ceramic is used to provide a diffusion barrier on a titanium alloy substrate, conferring degradation (eg oxidation) resistance to the alloy. The substrate may, for example, be an aerospace component such as a part of a gas turbine engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventors: Mark H. Shipton, Terence W. Maber
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Publication number: 20040086731Abstract: Described is a thermoformable film comprising at least one layer (I) of polyamide containing solid anisotropic fillers (A) and individual spherulites. The anisotropic fillers (A) of the layer (I) of the thermoformable film, in a number-weighted average of all the dispersed constituents of the anisotropic fillers (A), have a dimension of no more than 10 nm in at least one first direction (r1) freely selectable for each dispersed constituent and, in at least one second direction (r2) perpendicular to the first direction (r1), have a dimension of at least 50 times the dimension in the first direction (r1). The individual spherulites in the layer (I) have a number-average distance from each other of no more than 50 nm, and the cores of a majority of the individual spherulites in the layer (I) are free of a filler particle of the anisotropic fillers (A). Also described is a method of preparing the thermoformable films of the present invention, and methods of using the films for, for example, packaging foodstuffs.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: Wolff Walsrode AGInventors: Holger Eggers, Andreas Gasse, Rudi Klein
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Publication number: 20040086732Abstract: The present invention relates to a white, sealable, biaxially oriented, coextruded polyester film which encompasses at least one base layer B and encompasses at least one sealable outer layer A, both made from thermoplastic polyester, where at least the base layer B comprises a polyester and a cycloolefin copolymer (COC). The invention further relates to the use of the polyester film and to a process for its production.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Herbert Peiffer, Holger Kliesch, Ursula Murschall, Cynthia Bennett
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Publication number: 20040086733Abstract: A polyester resin produced by polycondensing a dicarboxylic acid component containing an aromatic dicarboxylic acid or its ester-forming derivative as the main component and a diol component containing ethylene glycol as the main component in the presence of at least an antimony compound and a phosphorus compound, via an esterification reaction or an ester exchange reaction, which is characterized in that the amount of antimony eluted when immersed in hot water of 95° C. for 60 minutes in the form of particles having a number average particle weight of 24 mg, is not more than 1 &mgr;g per 1 g of the polyester resin, as antimony atoms (Sb).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: MITSUBISHI CHEMICAL CORPORATIONInventors: Yoshihiro Fujimori, Kiyotoshi Fujioka, Masahiro Nukui, Yutaka Yatsugi, Kazuya Nakamichi, Noboru Satou, Toshio Kambe, Hirotsuga Niwa
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Publication number: 20040086734Abstract: Three-layer, highly oriented polyester films having an A-B-C layer construction, preferably made of polyethylene terephthalate, which, in addition to a base layer B have a smooth surface layer A which contains no external particles and a rough surface layer C which contains external particles such as antiblocking agents or pigments, preferably SiO2, in defined amounts and particle sizes, and the surface layer A is additionally provided with an acrylate-containing layer D feature in particular good producibility and processibility, high gloss of the film surface A and low opacity. The very smooth surface A or b is suitable in particular for coating with materials, for example SiOx, by means of plasma polymerization of hexamethyldisiloxane by the CVD or PECVD method, which provides the film with a high oxygen barrier and is suitable in particular as packaging for light- and air-sensitive foods or other consumable items.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Bart Janssens, Herbert Peiffer, Gottfried Hilkert
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Publication number: 20040086735Abstract: An anisotropic bending element which contains at least the following layers:Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: DEGUSSA AGInventors: Sylvia Monsheimer, Michael Beyer
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Publication number: 20040086736Abstract: An article made from polyvinyl chloride/wood composite having a natural wood grain finish and a method for creating the article. The natural wood grain finish is created on the article by applying multiple paint transfers onto the polyvinyl chloride/wood composite. The paint is transferred by a series of printing rollers having a wood grain pattern. Optionally, the polyvinyl chloride/wood composite can be painted with a base-coat of a hydrocarbon-based paint before applying the multiple paint transfers. This method is especially suited for manufacturing window blind slats.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Hossein Amin-Javaheri
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Publication number: 20040086737Abstract: The present invention relates to a skin film packaging pack having a paper substrate with a thickness from about 0.018 to about 0.032 inches and a porosity of about 22 to about 28 seconds, coated on a front side with a clay coating, and a covering film comprising an ionomer resin overlaying the front side of the paper substrate. The present invention further relates to a process of producing a skin film packaging pack in which one or more products are positioned on a front side of a backing support having a thickness from about 0.018 to about 0.032 inches and a porosity of about 22 to about 28 seconds, coated on the front side with a clay coating, and adhering a covering film to a front side of a backing support.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: A. James Yockey
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Publication number: 20040086738Abstract: The properties of a metal piece are altered by laser peening the piece on the first side using an acoustic coupling material operatively connected to the second side and subsequently laser peening the piece on the second side using an acoustic coupling material operatively connected to the first sideType: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: The Regents of the University of California.Inventors: Lloyd A. Hackel, John M. Halpin, Fritz B. Harris
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Publication number: 20040086739Abstract: Disclosed is a film carrier tape for mounting electronic part comprising an insulating film and a wiring pattern which is made of a conductive metal and is provided on the surface of the insulating film, wherein an undercoating layer containing nickel as a main constituent is formed on at least a part of the surface of the wiring pattern made of a conductive metal, an intermediate layer containing palladium as a main constituent is formed on the surface of the undercoating layer, a surface layer containing gold as a main constituent is formed on the surface of the intermediate layer, and the average thickness of the intermediate layer containing palladium as a main constituent is not more than 0.04 &mgr;m. According to the present invention, a film carrier tape for mounting electronic part, in which the wire bonding strength to the bonding pad (connecting terminal) and the peel strength of the solder ball to the ball pad are high and the variability range of these strengths is small, is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Yasunori Matsumura, Hideaki Makita
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Publication number: 20040086740Abstract: A surface acoustic wave device includes a piezoelectric substrate and an electrode section, disposed on the piezoelectric substrate, having a thin-film structure. The electrode section includes interdigital electrodes and junction electrodes connected to the interdigital electrodes. The interdigital electrodes each include corresponding first base layers containing Ta and Cu layers or Cu-M alloy layers each disposed on the corresponding first base layers, wherein M represents one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Ag, Sn, and C.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Haruhiko Fujimoto, Satoshi Waga, Takeshi Sato, kyosuke Ozaki, Yutaka Matsuo, Takeshi Ikeda, Kazuaki Kaneko, Takuo Kudo
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Publication number: 20040086741Abstract: The present invention provides a method of temporarily adhering a stack of sheets together to facilitate drilling a hole through the stack of sheets. The method includes using a temporary adhesive that prevents burring while drilling a hole through the stack.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Robert M. Japp, Gregory A. Kevern, Francis S. Poch
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Publication number: 20040086742Abstract: An organic light emitting device is provided. The device has an anode, a cathode, and an emissive layer disposed between the anode and the cathode.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Bin Ma, Robert W. Walters, David B. knowles, Raymond Kwong, Yeh-Jiun Tung, Peter I. Djurovich, Mark E. Thompson
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Publication number: 20040086743Abstract: An organic light emitting device is provided. The device has an anode, a cathode, and an emissive layer disposed between the anode and the cathode.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Cory S. Brown, David B. Knowles, Raymond Kwong, Yeh-Jiun Tung, Robert Walters, Peter I. Djurovich, Mark E. Thompson
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Publication number: 20040086744Abstract: Highly fluorescent metallo-supramolecules based on terpyridine-based monomers and transition metals have been obtained. These robust supramolecules provide high quantum yields with emissions from violet to blue, green or yellow color. They have emerged as promising emitters for polymeric light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) due to desirable properties such as high luminance, high purity, low cost, and good thermal stabilities.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Chi-Ming Che, Sze-Chit Yu
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Publication number: 20040086745Abstract: A material for organic electroluminescence devices comprising a compound in which a heterocyclic group having nitrogen is bonded to an arylcarbazolyl group or a carbazolylalkylene group and an organic electroluminescence device comprising an anode, a cathode and an organic thin film layer comprising at least one layer and disposed between the anode and the cathode, wherein at least one layer in the organic thin film layer comprises the material for organic electroluminescence devices described above. The material can provide an organic electroluminescence device emitting bluish light with a high purity of color. The organic electroluminescence device uses the material.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshihiro Iwakuma, Hiroshi Yamamoto, Yoshio Hironaka, Hidetsugu Ikeda, Chishio Hosokawa, Seiji Tomita, Takashi Arakane
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Publication number: 20040086746Abstract: The present invention relates to an organic light emitting diode (OLED) device, comprising an anode disposed on a substrate, an organic EL layer disposed on the anode and a cathode disposed on the organic EL layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Hsien-Chang Lin, Chih-Hao Kung, Chung-Cheng Pai, Shwu-Ju Shieh, Tzu-Chin Tang
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Publication number: 20040086747Abstract: A light-emitting layer of an organic electroluminescent device comprises the following compound (I): 1Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Masaki Matsui
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Publication number: 20040086748Abstract: An organic luminescent device material, comprising an amine compound represented by the following formula (I): 1Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazumi Nii, Terukazu Yanagi
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Publication number: 20040086749Abstract: The present invention relates to the non-invasive use of a luminescent compound to detect and measure concentrations of oxygen dissolved in solids, particularly polymeric materials present in multi-layered packaging materials. The measurement is made independent of the oxygen concentration of the surrounding atmosphere. The invention is especially useful as a quality assurance check to verify oxygen scavenger activation during the assembly of modified atmosphere and vacuum packages. The method according to the invention is faster and less wasteful than previous methods that rely on measuring oxygen concentration within the headspace of an assembled package. Novel articles, methods, and packages are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Thomas D. Kennedy, Marvin R. Havens, Drew V. Speer, Charles R. Barmore, R. Karina Espinel, Jeffrey A. Thomas
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Publication number: 20040086750Abstract: The invention is used in the field of materials engineering and relates to antiferromagnetic layer systems and methods for magnetically storing data, which can be used, for example, in computer hard disks. The object of the invention is to disclose an antiferromagnetic layer system and methods with the aid of which a specific writing and reading of information is possible in such antiferromagnetic layer systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Oliver De Haas, Rudolf Schfer, Claus Schneider
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Publication number: 20040086751Abstract: The present invention provides a CPP-type spin-valve magnetic detecting element permitting a decrease in an effective element area even with a large optical element area. A current limiting layer having an insulating portion and a conductive portion is formed in a free magnetic layer to narrow a sensing current and decrease diffusion of the sensing current. Also, the current density of the sensing current flowing through the free magnetic layer can be securely locally increased. Therefore, even when the optical element area of the free magnetic layer in parallel to the film plane is 0.01 &mgr;m2 or more, the effective element area can be securely decreased, and a CPP-type magnetic detecting element producing large &Dgr;R and high reproduction output can easily be formed.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: ALPS ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Naoya Hasegawa, Masamichi Saito
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Publication number: 20040086752Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetoresistive element that has excellent magnetoresistance characteristics over a conventional magnetoresistive element. The magnetoresistive element is produced by a method including heat treatment at 330° C. or more and characterized in that the longest distance from a centerline of a non-magnetic layer to the interfaces between a pair of ferromagnetic layers and the non-magnetic layer is not more than 10 nm. This element can be produced, e.g., by forming an underlying film on a substrate, heat-treating the underlying film at 400° C. or more, decreasing surface roughness by irradiating the surface of the underlying film with an ion beam, and forming the ferromagnetic layers and the non-magnetic layer. The longest distance is reduced relatively even when M1 (at least one element selected from Tc, Re, Ru, Os, Rh, Ir, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag and Au) is added to the ferromagnetic layers in the range of 2 nm from the interfaces with the non-magnetic layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO.Inventors: Nozomu Matsukawa, Akihiro Odagawa, Yasunari Sugita, Mitsuo Satomi, Yoshio Kawashima, Masayoshi Hiramoto
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Publication number: 20040086753Abstract: A magnetic recording medium includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and a non-magnetic coupling layer provided between the first and second magnetic layers so that the first and second magnetic layers are exchange-coupled and the magnetizations of the first and second magnetic layers are antiparallel. The first magnetic layer has an exchange coupling field Hex1 which is larger than the respective coercivities Hc1 and Hc2 of the first and second magnetic layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: Fujitsu Limited.Inventor: Akihiro Inomata
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Publication number: 20040086754Abstract: A method of making a fuel cell includes the following steps. A pattern is placed on a base surface to create a predetermined topography on the base surface. An anode layer, a cathode layer and/or an electrolyte layer is/are deposited over the pattern. Areas of higher topography are removed from areas of lower topography using chemical mechanical planarization to form a predetermined fuel cell structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Dennis Lazaroff, Peter Mardilovich, David Champion, Gregory S. Herman
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Publication number: 20040086755Abstract: A portable fuel cell system and methods for making and using the portable fuel cell system are described herein. In one embodiment, the portable fuel cell system includes a hydrogen generation unit (i.e., electrolyzer), a hydrogen storage unit (e.g., metal hydride storage vessel) and a fuel cell (e.g., SPE fuel cell). The hydrogen generation unit is attachable to and detachable from the hydrogen storage unit. The hydrogen storage unit is also attachable to and detachable from the fuel cell. And, the fuel cell is attachable to and detachable from a portable electrical device (e.g., cell phone, personal digital assistant, laptop computer, flashlight). In operation, the hydrogen generation unit generates hydrogen that is stored in the hydrogen storage unit. The fuel cell then uses the stored hydrogen to generate electricity that powers the portable electrical device.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: Corning IncorporatedInventor: Peter J. Kalal
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Publication number: 20040086756Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for inexpensively, automatically, continuously and smartly transferring metal to electronic energy. Said process and apparatus comprise a removable cartridge and multilevel chambers. Said cartridge contains solid metals such as Al, Zn, Mg. etc that can react with water to produce hydrogen and materials such as Na, K, KOH or NaOH etc that can form acid or alkali solutions. Said process and apparatus have functions of automatically adjusting water level and pressure, stopping alkali or acid leaking to outside and real-time controlling yielding rate of hydrogen etc by only using weight, spring force and buoyant force. This system or apparatus is an inexpensive portable power plant that can replace traditional batteries, direct metal-air fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells and hydrogen-consuming fuel cells that need accessory hydrogen storage system. This process and apparatus also can be used as portable hydrogen generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Yu Zhou
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Publication number: 20040086757Abstract: This invention is directed to coolant compositions, particularly coolant compositions useful in fuel cells, and to fuel cells containing such coolant compositions. The coolant compositions or heat transfer fluids of this invention have and retain low electrical conductivity through extended periods of use. These coolants or heat transfer fluids are composed of a base composition and an additive package which imparts the property of retaining low electrical conductivity for extended periods of time. The base composition can be de-ionized water (DI water) alone or a mixture of DI water and a freezing point depressant of the types well-known in the art (e.g., propylene glycol). The additive package contains an organic corrosion inhibitor and a polymeric ion suppressant. The use of both components of the additive package is important.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Satish C. Mohapatra
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Publication number: 20040086758Abstract: A fuel cell assembly includes a manifold having a plurality of fuel cell connecting zones. At least some of the zones have differing characteristics such as area and arrangement of electrical connections and inlet and outlet ports corresponding to differing electrical power capacities. The assembly also includes one or more fuel cell stacks. At least some of the stacks have differing electrical power capacities, differing characteristics corresponding to the differing characteristics of the manifold zone, and corresponding differing arrangements of electrical connections and inlet and outlet ports. These differing characteristics are designed so that a fuel cell stack of a particular capacity can be connected only to a manifold zone corresponding to such capacity. A block-off plate is provided for coupling to a manifold zone where it is desired not to place a fuel cell stack.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: Deere & Company, a Delaware corporationInventors: Carl Thomas Vuk, Richard Lee Forest
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Publication number: 20040086759Abstract: Fuel cell power systems adapted for use in enclosures such as recreational vehicles include a fuel cell and, optionally, a fuel processor, together with appropriate electronics and balance of plant, that co-generate electricity, heat and water from fuels such as propane. The fuel cell power system supplies such enclosures with electrical power, heat and water.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Iraj Parchamazad
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Publication number: 20040086760Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane is put between two gas diffusion electrodes and the whole is pressed at a pressure until the bonding temperature is reached and then pressed at the bonding pressure not lower than the pressure applied in the preceding step, whereby MEAs are obtained. The state of bonding of the polymer electrolyte membrane and the gas diffusion electrodes to each other is improved. The internal resistance is reduced and the three-phase interface is made to assume a three-dimensional structure to enlarge the reaction area, and polymer electrolyte fuel cells with higher output can be materialized by using the MEA.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Yasushi Sugawara, Makoto Uchida, Hideo Ohara, Yuko Fukuoka, Nobuo Eda
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Publication number: 20040086761Abstract: A fuel cell generates electric power when the solid oxide type fuel cell element is arranged in a flame or in a portion close to the flame, and the durability of the fuel cell is high. A fuel cell 10 for generating electricity when the solid oxide type fuel cell 15, in which a cathode layer 11 is formed on one face of a solid electrolyte layer 13 and an anode layer 12 is formed on the other face of the solid electrolyte layer 13, is arranged in a flame 20 or in a portion close to the flame 20, wherein the solid electrolyte layer 13 is made of porous material, the porosity of which is not less than 10%, so that cracks can not be caused on the solid electrolyte layer 13 by a sudden temperature change in the solid oxide type fuel cell 15 when the solid oxide type fuel cell 15 is arranged in the flame 20 or in a portion close to the flame 20 or when the solid oxide type fuel cell 15 is separated from the flame 20 or the portion close to the flame 20.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: SHINKO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES CO., LTD.Inventors: Michio Horiuchi, Shigeaki Suganuma, Misa Watanabe
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Publication number: 20040086762Abstract: In a polymer electrolyte fuel cell wherein a plurality of unit cells are arranged in a flat manner oriented in the same direction, and the prescribed adjacent unit cells are electrically connected in series so as to connect the plurality of unit cells in series, a flat-type polymer electrolyte fuel cell is made possible by providing at least one of a through hole connecting portion, a filled via connecting portion and a bump connecting portion in an insulating portion located between the prescribed adjacent unit cells, electrically insulated from the unit cells and having a thickness approximately equal to that of the unit cell, for establishing electrical connection between the prescribed adjacent unit cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Takanori Maeda, Hiroshi Yagi
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Publication number: 20040086763Abstract: Exemplary methods for the characterization of proton dissociation and transport for hydrophilic components of hydrated Polymer Electrolyte Membranes (PEM's) is described. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously implemented, controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve differential hydrophilicity of the sidechain of any ionomeric PEM material. A representative embodiment of the present invention generally provides for the amelioration of electro-osmotic drag of water by protons, for example, in Direct Methanol Fuel Cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Stephen Paddison
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Publication number: 20040086764Abstract: The present invention relates to a sulfonated polymer membrane and to a process for the preparation thereof. According to the process, a polymer film is irradiated, and the irradiated polymer film is sulfonated in order to link sulfonic acid groups thereto. According to the invention, the sulfonation is continued until the total concentration of sulfonic acid groups in the membrane is 0.4-3.0 meq/g and they are homogeneously distributed in the membrane material in such a manner that their concentration in the middle of the membrane is at minimum 0.2 meq/g. With the help of the invention, it is possible by a rapid and simple process to prepare membranes the chemical and mechanical properties of which can be regulated by means of the selection of the initial film, by irradiation and by the sulfonation process.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Mikael Paronen
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Publication number: 20040086765Abstract: An enclosure for a fuel cell stack for insulating the hot zone of the fuel cell stack and for exchanging heat from the fuel cell stack to a reactant that passes through the enclosure to be used by the fuel cell stack. The enclosure comprises at least one chamber having an intake means for the reactant and an exhaust means for passing the reactant to the fuel cell stack. In one embodiment there are three layered chambers.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Stephen FLORENCE, Joseph ENGLISH, Bryce SHARMAN, Glenn PRICE
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Publication number: 20040086766Abstract: Gas chambers (7, 9) in fuel cells (1) are sealed from the environment in a gas-tight manner by means of seals (11). Said seals (11) are exposed to the chemically very aggressive operating gases at high temperature. According to the invention, a fuel cell (1), has a seal (11), arranged between two components (3, 5), made from a carbon-filled, bisphenol cross-linked fluororubber. Said seal (11) is chemically and mechanically extremely stable, such that each fuel cell (1), in a fuel cell block can be sealed and maintained in position within the fuel cell block by means of single seal (11) in a simple manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Herbert Hartnack, Josef Lersch, Arno Mattejat, Karl Strasser, Herbert Hartnack
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Publication number: 20040086767Abstract: A fuel cell assembly and reactant distribution structure and method of making the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Dennis Lazaroff, David Champion, Gregory S. Herman, Peter Mardilovich
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Publication number: 20040086768Abstract: A novel design and process for: (a) a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) with aligned carbon nanotubes as a nano-scale gas distrubutor which yield better gas conversion efficiencies in PEM fuel cells, and (b) doped silicon flow field plates (FFP) which increase electrode conductivity of the membrane-catalyst-gas diffusion layer (GDL)-FFP interfaces of the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). Also, part of the invention are a stacking configuration and a gas distribution design that also enhance conductivity of carbon/metal catalyst/electrode, GDL, and FFP interface surfaces without crushing the FFPs. Aligned carbon nanoscale gas distributors are employed at the interfaces, thereby increasing the overall performance of th PEMFC. The FFPs are easy to manufacture and mass-producible, yet mechanically sturdy and significantly lighter in weight than their conventional counterparts.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Karen Fleckner, Feng Zheng, Cynthia Buenviaje, Yao Huang, Jeff Pedersen, David Lim, H. Sho Fuji, Jeremy Hergesheimer, Michael Treiber
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Publication number: 20040086769Abstract: In order to create a fuel cell unit, comprising a cathode-anode-electrolyte unit and a contact plate which is in electrically conductive contact with the cathode-anode-electrolyte unit, which requires only small production resources and is thus suitable for large-scale production it is suggested that the fuel cell unit comprise a fluid guiding element which is connected to the contact plate in a fluid-tight manner, forms a boundary of a fluid chamber having fluid flowing through it during operation of the fuel cell unit and is designed as a shaped sheet metal part.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 26, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: ElringKilnger AGInventor: Armin Diez
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Publication number: 20040086770Abstract: A fuel cell flow regulator includes a fuel cell fuel flow path, the fuel flow path including a solid-state material for regulating a flow of fuel along the fuel flow path by adsorption.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Paul H. McClelland, Philip Harding, Ravi Prasad
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Publication number: 20040086771Abstract: A fuel cell stack has an air inlet manifold (21), an air turnaround manifold (22) and an air exit manifold (23); a coolant inlet is adjacent said air exit manifold; a fuel inlet manifold (16) is connected through a turnaround manifold (17) to a fuel exit manifold (18) remote from said coolant inlet. Fuel recycle is taken from the fuel manifold where the temperature is warmer than it is near the coolant inlet; recycle air for humidifying and heating inlet air is taken from the air turnaround manifold (22), and may either be recycled air provided by a recycle pump (31), or it may utilize an enthalpy recovery device (38) to transfer heat and humidity from an outflow chamber (41) to an inflow chamber (39).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventor: Richard D. Breault
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Publication number: 20040086772Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel hydrogen activation catalysts based on a metal compound. More particularly, this invention describes a catalyst that is poison tolerant and has a high resistance to poisoning by carbon monoxide or sulfur containing species that can be used in fuel cells including a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicants: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System, The University of HoustonInventors: Russell R. Chianelli, Allan Jacobson
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Publication number: 20040086773Abstract: A process is described for the production of electrodes for, for example, fuel cells by applying an ink consisting of a mixture of at least a carbon powder, an ion-conducting polymer and a fluid, the fluid containing at least 3% of an alkanediol, and a fuel cell electrode which can be obtained by applying such an electrode ink to a substrate, followed by a heat treatment. The fuel cell electrode is very suitable for use in solid polymer fuel cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Michiel Pieter De Heer, Frank Albert De Bruijn
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Publication number: 20040086774Abstract: Electrode compositions can be formed comprising a fibrillatable polymer, a particulate electrical conductor a surfactant and a liquid. Corresponding methods apply shear to fibrillate the polymer, in which the surfactant facilitates the processing such that the resulting electrodes have desirable properties. The shear can be applied in an extrusion process and/or calendering process. These improved processing approaches can be used to form large commercial electrodes with a high degree of thickness uniformity. In some embodiments, the electrode compositions comprise a fibrillatable polymer, a particulate electrical conductor and a non-carbon friction reducing agent within a gas permeable structure. Molding processes can be used for forming the electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Inventors: Beth C. Munoz, Gilbert J. Kepner, Mark A. Preveti, Xiamoei Xi