Patents Issued in March 6, 2012
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Patent number: 8129021Abstract: Effect pigments with a platelet-shaped substrate provided on at least one side with at least one coating of semitransparent metal and/or at least one high-index coating having a refractive index ?2.0. The platelet-shaped substrate includes at least one mixed inorganic/organic phase. Also, a method of producing effect pigments including the following steps: a) combining at least one organic network former, at least one reactive organic component, at least one inorganic network former and/or nanoscale inorganic particles and a liquid phase to form a reaction composition, b) applying the reaction composition to a sheetlike base, c) forming a solidified mixed inorganic/organic phase, d) converting the mixed inorganic/organic phase into platelet-shaped substrates, and e) coating the platelet-shaped substrates with at least one coating of semitransparent metal and/or at least one high-index coating having a refractive index ?2.0.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Eckart GmbHInventors: Günter Kaupp, Ulrich Schmidt, Dirk Schumacher
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Patent number: 8129022Abstract: A fluororesin film, of which discoloration, a change in the visible light transmittance and a decrease in the mechanical strength can be suppressed for a long period of time even though it contains titanium oxide, the fluorescent film having a pigment dispersed in a fluororesin, which pigment are composite particles each comprising a particle containing titanium oxide, a first covering layer containing cerium oxide and a second covering layer containing silicon oxide in this order from the inside, wherein the amount of cerium oxide is from 5 to 30 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of titanium oxide, the amount of silicon oxide is from 5 to 60 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of titanium oxide, and the average particle size of the composite particles is from 0.15 to 3 ?M; and a process for its production.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, LimitedInventor: Hiroshi Aruga
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Patent number: 8129023Abstract: Disclosed herein are anisotropic conductive particles contained in anisotropic conductive adhesive films which can be used in circuit board mounting applications. The conductive particles have a uniform shape, a narrow particle diameter distribution, and appropriate compressive de-formability and recoverability from deformation. In addition, the conductive particles exhibit enhanced conducting properties without being ruptured when interposed and compressed between connection substrates, thereby achieving a sufficient contact area between the particles and the connection substrates. Further disclosed are polymer-based particles used in the conductive particles.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Cheil Industries Inc.Inventors: Jung Bae Jun, Jin Gyu Park, Jae Ho Lee, Tae Sub Bae
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Patent number: 8129024Abstract: This invention discloses a multilayer article prepared by rotational molding that comprises: a) a layer A comprising a functionalized fluoropolymer; b) a layer B comprising a non-fluoropolymer containing functional groups; and c) optionally a layer C prepared from a polymer that is dissimilar from that of layer A and that is similar to or dissimilar from that of layer B and is adjacent to layer A and/or layer B and, if present, is characterized in that it has good adhesion to layer A and/or to layer B and is not a blend of layer A and layer B.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Arkema Inc.Inventors: Gregory O'Brien, Anthony Bonnet
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Patent number: 8129025Abstract: An intermediate transfer media, such as a belt, that includes a fluorotelomer chemically bonded to a polyaniline.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventor: Jin Wu
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Patent number: 8129026Abstract: (Meth)acrylate/aspartate amine curatives comprising the reaction product of a polyamine, a dialkyl maleate and/or dialkyl fumarate, and a (meth)acrylate are disclosed, as are methods for making the same. A polyurea comprising the reaction product of the acrylate/aspartate amine curative and isocyanate is also disclosed, as are coatings comprising such a polyurea and substrates coated with the same.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2011Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.Inventors: Steve Barancyk, John Furar, Howard Senkfor, Jonathan T. Martz, Thomas R. Hockswender, Anthony M. Chasser
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Patent number: 8129027Abstract: The present invention provides an interlayer film for a laminated glass comprising a polyvinyl acetal resin, which is able to be easily adhered to a glass and is capable of constituting a laminated glass excellent in transparency, and also provides a laminated glass using the interlayer film. An interlayer film for a laminated glass comprising 100 parts by weight of a polyvinyl acetal resin and 60 to 100 parts by weight of a plasticizer, wherein 50 to 100% by weight of the plasticizer is a diester compound represented by the formula (1) below. In the formula (1), R1 and R2 are each an organic group of 5 to 10 carbon atoms, R3 is —CH2—CH2—, —CH2—CH(CH3)—, —CH2—CH2—CH2— or —CH2—CH2—CH2—CH2—, and n is an integer of 4 to 10.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tadashi Marumoto
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Patent number: 8129028Abstract: A two component paint composition that, after mixing, comprises the following components in aqueous solution: a) from the first component: i) an aqueous binder, which aqueous binder comprises an oligomeric or polymeric compound the oligomeric or polymeric compound being formed from at least one monomer of the general formula I: Si(OR1)4 where each R1 is independently selected from hydrogen or any alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aralkyl, aryl or —(C?(O)R4 group, and each R4 group is independently selected from hydrogen or any alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aralkyl or aryl group, and at least one monomer having the general formula II: (R2)4-mSi(OR3)m where each R2 is independently selected from hydrogen or any alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aralkyl or aryl group, and wherein at least one —R2 group comprises the group —RXRZ or —RXN(RW)2 where Rx is any C1 to C10 bivalent organic bridging group, Q is selected from an Oxygen or a Sulphur radical and RZ comprises an H, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aralkyl or aryl group, and each RW is inType: GrantFiled: July 3, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: PPG B.V.Inventors: Mark Plehiers, Sander Van Loon, Jacques Courtin, Sijmen Visser
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Patent number: 8129029Abstract: An article which is resistant to corrosion or erosion by chemically active plasmas and a method of making the article are described. The article is comprised of a metal or metal alloy substrate having on its surface a coating which is an oxide of the metal or metal alloy. The structure of the oxide coating is columnar in nature. The grain size of the crystals which make up the oxide is larger at the surface of the oxide coating than at the interface between the oxide coating and the metal or metal alloy substrate, and wherein the oxide coating is in compression at the interface between the oxide coating and the metal or metal alloy substrate. Typically the metal is selected from the group consisting of yttrium, neodymium, samarium, terbium, dysprosium, erbium, ytterbium, scandium, hafnium, niobium or combinations thereof.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Jennifer Y. Sun, Li Xu, Kenneth S. Collins, Thomas Graves, Ren-Guan Duan, Senh Thach
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Patent number: 8129030Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To provide a polymer composition that simultaneously has excellent paintability and high oil resistance and is also excellent in thin-wall moldability and flexibility; and a molded article produced by injection-molding of the composition and being suitable for composite-molded grips, automotive interior and exterior trims, and so on.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Kuraray Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Oshima, Toyoaki Kurihara, Akiko Ide, Kenichi Hamada
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Patent number: 8129031Abstract: Films containing microlayer structures are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides an autoclavable film containing a first microlayer of a heat resistant polymer and a second microlayer of a flexible polymer attached to the first microlayer. Each of the first microlayer and the second microlayer has a thickness ranging between about 0.01 microns and about 10 microns.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.Inventors: Michael Tung-Kiung Ling, Moh-Ching Oliver Chang, Thomas John Myers, Ying-Cheng Lo
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Patent number: 8129032Abstract: Novel coated substrates are disclosed wherein a substrate is coated with a coating composition that forms good hermetic seals at very low temperatures and exhibits good blocking and slip characteristics. Such coating composition is comprised of an aqueous dispersion of a substantially non-polar copolymer of ethylene and an alpha-olefin having less than 20 carbon atoms, and an additive selected from the group consisting of an anti-blocking and slip agent, a coalescent and wetting agent, and mixtures thereof.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: ExxonMobil Oil CorporationInventors: Thierry Jean-Luc Dabadie, Bruno R. Gringoire, Pang-Chia Lu, Jean-Pierre Frognet, Brad M. Moncla, Matthew J. Kalinowski
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Patent number: 8129033Abstract: The present invention relates to improvement in printability of coated paper by adding composition comprising granular starch onto the paper, said composition being essentially free of mineral or synthetic pigment.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: BASF SEInventor: Anna-Liisa Tammi
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Patent number: 8129034Abstract: Fine-grained (average grain size 1 nm to 1,000 nm) metallic coatings optionally containing solid particulates dispersed therein are disclosed. The fine-grained metallic materials are significantly harder and stronger than conventional coatings of the same chemical composition due to Hall-Petch strengthening and have low linear coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs). The invention provides means for matching the CTE of the fine-grained metallic coating to the one of the substrate by adjusting the composition of the alloy and/or by varying the chemistry and volume fraction of particulates embedded in the coating. The fine-grained metallic coatings are particularly suited for strong and lightweight articles, precision molds, sporting goods, automotive parts and components exposed to thermal cycling. The low CTEs and the ability to match the CTEs of the fine-grained metallic coatings with the CTEs of the substrate minimize dimensional changes during thermal cycling and prevent premature failure.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2011Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Integran Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gino Palumbo, Jonathan McCrea, Klaus Tomantschger, Iain Brooks, Daehyun Jeong, Dave Limoges, Konstantinos Panagiotopoulos, Uwe Erb
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Patent number: 8129035Abstract: The invention provides structural component for an automobile, two-wheeled vehicle or railcar excellent in impact-absorption property, shape fixability and flange cuttability, and method for producing the same, which structural component has a hat-like shape including vertical walls and flanges, wherein distal ends of the flanges contain 20 vol % or greater of austenite phase and have a cross-section hardness expressed as Vickers harness of 150˜350, and a center regions of the vertical walls have, in a common cross-section with the flanges, a content of deformation-induced martensite phase exceeding that of the distal ends of the flanges by 10 vol % or greater and a cross-section hardness expressed as Vickers hardness that exceeds that of the distal ends of the flanges by 50 or greater.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Nippon Steel & Sumikin Stainless Steel CorporationInventors: Ken Kimura, Junichi Hamada, Naoto Ono, Haruhiko Kajimura, Toshio Tanoue
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Patent number: 8129036Abstract: A heat transfer apparatus includes a first protective layer of a first metallic material, a second protective layer of a second metallic material, and a heat transfer layer bonded between the first protective layer and the second protective layer. The heat transfer layer is made of a metal matrix composite, such as aluminum oxide reinforcement dispersed within a copper matrix.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems International, Inc.Inventors: Durwood M. Beringer, Kenneth J. Zacharias, Jesse J. Stieber, Edmund P. Taddey, Stephen A. Yaworski, Gregory K. Schwalm
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Patent number: 8129037Abstract: The present invention relates to the improvement of organic electroluminescent devices, in particular blue-emitting devices, by using compounds of the formula (1) as host materials in the emitting layer.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Merck Patent GmbHInventors: Philipp Stössel, Arne Büsing, Horst Vestweber, Holger Heil
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Patent number: 8129038Abstract: Provided are a novel aromatic amine derivative having a specific structure and an organic electroluminescence device in which an organic thin layer comprising a single layer or plural layers including a light emitting layer is interposed between a cathode and an anode, wherein at leas one layer of the above organic thin layer contains the aromatic amine derivative described above in the form of a single component or a mixed component. Thus, the organic electroluminescence device is less liable to be crystallized in molecules, improved in a yield in producing the organic electroluminescence device and extended in a lifetime.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nobuhiro Yabunouchi, Tetsuya Inoue
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Patent number: 8129039Abstract: An OLED device comprising a cathode, an anode, and having there between a red light emitting layer containing a non-light-emitting fluoranthene compound with a 7,10-diaryl substituted fluoranthene nucleus having no aromatic rings annulated to the fluoranthene nucleus, and a red light-emitting phosphorescent dopant. OLED devices of the invention provide reduced drive voltage and improved color, and provide embodiments with other improved features such as operational stability and high luminance.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Global OLED Technology, LLCInventors: William J. Begley, Liang-Sheng Liao
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Patent number: 8129040Abstract: The invention provides a single or a multilayer PVD coated sharp edged cutting tool, which can at the same time exhibit satisfactory wear and thermochemical resistance as well as resistance to edge chipping. The cutting tool comprises a sintered body made of a cemented carbide, a CBN, a cermet or a ceramic material having a cutting edge with an edge radius Re, a flank and a rake face and a multilayer coating consisting of a PVD coating comprising at least one oxidic PVD layer covering at least parts of the surface of the sintered body. In one embodiment the edge radius Re is smaller than 40 ?m, preferably smaller than or equal to 30 ?m. The covered parts of the surface preferably comprise at least some parts of the sharp edge of the sintered body.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Oerlikon Trading AG, TruebbachInventors: Dennis Quinto, Christian Wohlrab, Jürgen Ramm
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Patent number: 8129041Abstract: An article comprising an article having a first surface and a second surface adapted to come into contact with the first surface and a first protective coating on at least a portion of the first surface. The first protective coating comprises a first coating layer. The first coating layer comprises a first component comprising boron, titanium or chromium and a second component comprising nitrogen or carbon. At least a portion of the first protective coating comes into contact with the second surface when the second surface comes into contact with the first surface. A method for reducing the wear and galling of a first surface of an article comprising applying a coating to the first surface of the article.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Farshad Ghasripoor, Guido Felice Forte, Jr., David Ernest Welch, Yogesh Kesrinath Potdar
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Patent number: 8129042Abstract: Disclosed is a multilayer structure including a first layer and a second layer adjacent to the first layer, wherein the first layer is formed of a first material comprising a first inorganic laminar compound and a second layer is formed of a second material comprising a second inorganic laminar compound with a volume fraction greater than the volume fraction of the first inorganic laminar compound in the first layer. The multilayer structure may includes a substrate layer. A method for producing the multilayer structure is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, LimitedInventors: Nobuhiro Oosaki, Taiichi Sakaya
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Patent number: 8129043Abstract: Multilayer magnetic structures control the switching field and tighten the switching field distribution in bit patterned media. A strain-inducing layer is excited, e.g., by a localized magnetic field or a localized thermal heating or a voltage, and induces a strain on the magnetic layer(s) of the patterned bit to initiate switching of the bit magnetization. The strain induced on the magnetic layer forces a rotation or an amplitude variation of the magnetic layer anisotropy. A localized magnetic field is simultaneously or subsequently applied to complete the switching of the bit magnetization. The invention provides control of switching field and switching field distribution for bit-patterned media devices.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Hitachi Global Storage Technologies Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Thomas Hauet, Olav Hellwig, Lidu Huang
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Patent number: 8129044Abstract: A fuel cell system including: a fuel cell including a fuel gas channel and an oxidant gas channel, which is configured to generate electricity using a fuel gas and an oxidant gas; a diluting unit configured to dilute gas discharged from the fuel gas channel by mixing the discharged gas with a dilution gas which is supplied from an oxidant gas supply unit and passed through and discharged from the fuel cell, and to exhaust the diluted gas to outside; a purge valve configured to purge gas in the fuel gas channel to the diluting unit; a scavenging unit configured to scavenge the fuel gas channel and the oxidant gas channel; and a dilution assist unit configured to supply a dilution assist gas to the diluting unit through an assist passage connected to the diluting unit to assist dilution in the diluting unit, during scavenging by the scavenging unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Chihiro Wake, Koichiro Miyata
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Patent number: 8129045Abstract: To operate a safety mechanism normally even when an accident happens. For this object, an electrochemical element includes an exhaust valve that operates when an internal pressure in a casing 4 reaches a predetermined pressure to release gas occurring in the casing to the outside, and a perforated plate 2 having holes 5a and 5b, which is provided between an electrode group 3 and the exhaust valve. The area of the perforated plate 2 excluding the holes 5a and 5b is 20% or more and 50% or less of the area of the opening of the casing. The perforated plate 2 is adapted for electrically insulating the electrode group 3 from the sealing member 1.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hajime Nishino, Tomomichi Ueda, Kyousuke Miyata, Mikinari Shimada
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Patent number: 8129046Abstract: A battery pack system may include a battery pack and a battery pack holder. The battery pack holder receives the battery pack and couples a battery pack terminal to a load associated with the battery pack holder. The battery pack includes an operation handle external to a battery pack housing. The operation handle is coupled to an operation member via an operation shaft that passes through the housing. A safety circuit of the battery pack couples power supplied by a battery to battery pack terminals based upon position of the operation handle. An operation member of the battery pack extends a locking member into an opening of the battery pack holder when the operation handle is in the engaged position, and retracts the locking member from the opening when the operation handle is in the disengaged position.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Dwyer Instruments, Inc.Inventor: Rodney Corder
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Patent number: 8129047Abstract: A device for storing electrical energy is provided, especially for a motor vehicle. The device includes at least one rechargeable storage cell and a cooling unit which is in thermal contact with the storage cell. The storage cell is accommodated in a retaining element and is in thermal contact with the retaining element, mating molded sections on the retaining element and the cooling unit mechanically interconnecting the retaining element and the cooling unit in a self-locking manner.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2010Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Behr GmbH & Co., KGInventors: Herbert Damsohn, Conrad Pfender, Thomas Schiehlen, Martin Steinbach, Caroline Schmid
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Patent number: 8129048Abstract: A positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate are spirally wound with a separator interposed therebetween to form an electrode group 3 having a circular shape or an oval shape. Next, a center core member 2 for applying a pressure to the electrode group 3 is inserted in a winding core hole 6 of the electrode group 3. Thereafter, the electrode group 3 is deformed into a flat shape. Then, the flat electrode group 3 is accommodated in a rectangular flat armoring can 4 with a base and an opening portion of the armoring can 4 is sealed, thereby producing a rectangular flat secondary battery.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Yasushi Hirakawa, Takayuki Shirane
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Patent number: 8129049Abstract: Disclosed herein is a jelly-roll type electrode assembly (“jelly-roll”) of a cathode/separator/anode structure, wherein the jelly-roll is constructed in a structure in which each electrode has active material layers formed on opposite major surfaces of a sheet-type current collector, the loading amount of an active material for the inner active material layer, constituting the inner surface of each sheet when each sheet is wound, is less than that of an active material for the outer active material layer, constituting the outer surface of each sheet when each sheet is wound, and the loading amount of the active material for the inner active material layer gradually increases from the central region of each wound sheet to the outermost region of each wound sheet.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Jong Hee Kim, Dongmyung Kim, Hyungook Yoon, Yong Jeong Kim, Joo-Hwan Sung, Seung W. Chu, Sung-Pil Yoon, Dohyun Lee
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Patent number: 8129050Abstract: An anode active material including a tin (Sn)-cobalt (Co) intermetallic compound, titanium (Ti), and carbon (C). The anode active material can include indium (In), niobium (Nb), germanium (Ge), molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), phosphorus (P), gallium (Ga), bismuth (Bi), and/or silicon (Si). The anode active material can be included in an anode, and the anode can be included in lithium battery.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignees: SAMSUNG SDI Co., Ltd., Seoul National University Industry FoundationInventors: Han-su Kim, Dong-min Im, Seok-gwang Doo, Seung-sik Hwang, Hun-Joon Sohn, Su-keun Yoon, Sung-Il Lee
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Patent number: 8129051Abstract: A graphite particle obtained by assembling or binding together a plurality of flat-shaped particles so that the planes of orientation are not parallel to one another, or a graphite particle in which aspect ratio is 5 or less or specific surface area is 8 m2/g or less or the size of crystallite in the direction of c-axis of the crystal is 500 ? or more and the size of crystallite in the direction of plane is 1,000 ? or less as measured by X ray broad angle diffraction, or a graphite particle in which pore volume of the pores having a size falling in a range of 102 to 106 ? is 0.4 to 2.0 cc/g per weight of graphite particle or pore volume of the pores having a size falling in a range of 1×102 to 2×104 ? is 0.08 to 0.4 cc/g per weight of graphite particle is suitable for production of negative electrode of lithium secondary battery, and a lithium secondary battery obtained therefrom is excellent in rapid charge-discharge characteristics, cycle characteristics, etc.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2011Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Hitachi Chemical Company, Ltd.Inventors: Yoshito Ishii, Tatsuya Nishida, Atsushi Fujita, Kazuo Yamada
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Patent number: 8129052Abstract: Protected anode architectures for active metal anodes have a polymer adhesive seal that provides an hermetic enclosure for the active metal of the protected anode inside an anode compartment. The compartment is substantially impervious to ambient moisture and battery components such as catholyte (electrolyte about the cathode), and prevents volatile components of the protected anode, such as anolyte (electrolyte about the anode), from escaping. The architecture is formed by joining the protected anode to an anode container. The polymer adhesive seals provide an hermetic seal at the joint between a surface of the protected anode and the container.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: PolyPlus Battery CompanyInventors: Steven J. Visco, Yevgeniy S. Nimon, Lutgard C. De Jonghe, Bruce D. Katz, Alexei Petrov
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Patent number: 8129053Abstract: Provided is a secondary battery comprising a cathode active material having low-electrolyte wettability as a main ingredient, which is capable of improving high-rate discharge properties by an addition of a perfluorinated sulfonamide substituent-containing polymer (“additive”) to a cathode mix and/or an electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Seung W. Chu, Dongmyung Kim, Kwonyoung Choi, Yong Jeong Kim, Jong Hee Kim, Dong Myung Oh, Bora Shin
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Patent number: 8129054Abstract: A system for adding sulfur to a fuel cell stack, having a reformer adapted to reform a hydrocarbon fuel stream containing sulfur contaminants, thereby providing a reformate stream having sulfur; a sulfur trap fluidly coupled downstream of the reformer for removing sulfur from the reformate stream, thereby providing a desulfurized reformate stream; and a metering device in fluid communication with the reformate stream upstream of the sulfur trap and with the desulfurized reformate stream downstream of the sulfur trap. The metering device is adapted to bypass a portion of the reformate stream to mix with the desulfurized reformate stream, thereby producing a conditioned reformate stream having a predetermined sulfur concentration that gives an acceptable balance of minimal drop in initial power with the desired maximum stability of operation over prolonged periods for the fuel cell stack.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2011Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Subhasish Mukerjee, Karl J Haltiner, Jr., Jeffrey G. Weissman
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Patent number: 8129055Abstract: Moisture caused by humidity in the fuel gas and water vapor from the water that is generated become condensed inside a fuel cell when power generation in the fuel cell is temporarily stopped, making obstruction to the fuel gas flow channel when power generation is restarted possible. A fuel cell includes an electrolyte membrane sandwiched between a fuel electrode and an oxidant electrode. Oxidant is supplied to the oxidant electrode in the fuel cell, and the fuel emitted from the fuel electrode of the fuel cell is resupplied back to the fuel electrode. When requested power generating capacity for the fuel cell is less than a prescribed capacity, the oxidant supply is temporarily stopped while the fuel continues to circulate in order to prevent obstruction in the fuel flow channel due to water condensation, making a reliable fuel supply becomes possible.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hitoshi Igarashi, Keisuke Suzuki, Masatoshi Iio
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Patent number: 8129056Abstract: A system and method for controlling the speed of a recirculation pump in an anode recirculation loop of a fuel cell system based on a predetermined ratio of fresh hydrogen to recirculated anode gas. The system uses a model to determine the volume flow of the recirculated gas through a fuel cell stack to determine the recirculation rate based on a measured temperature of the recirculated gas, a measured pressure drop across a recirculation pump, a pressure drop across the anode inlet and outlet of the stack, a percentage of hydrogen in the recirculated gas, and the density of the recirculated gas.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Bernhard Baaser, Volker Formanski
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Patent number: 8129057Abstract: A technique includes operating a fuel cell, which produces an effluent flow. The technique includes routing the effluent flow through an electrochemical pump to extract fuel from the effluent flow and providing the extracted fuel to the fuel cell.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Arne W. Ballantine, Michael D. Gasda, James F. McElroy
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Patent number: 8129058Abstract: The present invention is a fuel cell system comprising: a hydrogen generator including a reformer which has a reforming catalyst and carries out a reforming reaction using the reforming catalyst to generate a hydrogen-containing gas from a raw material, a shift converter which has a shift catalyst and carries out a shift reaction using the shift catalyst to decrease carbon monoxide in the hydrogen-containing gas, and a first temperature detector which detects a temperature of the shift converter; a fuel cell which uses the hydrogen-containing gas delivered from the hydrogen generator, to generate electric power; and a control unit, wherein: the control unit does not start delivering the hydrogen-containing gas from the hydrogen generator to the fuel cell when at least the temperature of the shift converter detected by the first temperature detector is not a stable determination temperature or higher; and the stable determination temperature is lower than a control temperature of the shift converter at the timType: GrantFiled: February 8, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Seiji Fujihara, Kunihiro Ukai, Yukimune Kani, Hidenobu Wakita
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Patent number: 8129059Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel processor that produces hydrogen from a fuel and includes a low pressure drop burner. The low pressure drop burner permits the use of a low pressure air supply such as a fan to move products and reactants through the burner.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: UltraCell, L.L.C.Inventors: Jennifer E. Brantley, Ian W. Kaye, Hiep T. Nguyen
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Patent number: 8129060Abstract: A system and method for monitoring anode bleed trigger events and determining when to adjust a proactive bleed schedule in a fuel cell system. The system employs a bleed trigger monitor algorithm for monitoring proactive bleed and reactive bleeds that determines whether the reactive bleeds are caused by excess nitrogen in the anode. The algorithm monitors the number of reactive bleeds that are cause by nitrogen accumulation in the anode side of the fuel cell stack and changes the proactive bleed schedule in response thereto, if necessary.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Seth E. Lerner, Darrell W. Burleigh
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Patent number: 8129061Abstract: A cooling device for a fuel cell is provided which can maintain the electric conductivity of a liquid coolant within the predetermined range even if a load suddenly changes. In the cooling device for a fuel cell (10), the parameters (TH, TL) relating to the coolant temperature can be controlled so that the electric conductivity (S) at a target set temperature is maintained within a target electric conductivity range (Smax-Smin) based on the correlation between the parameters relating to the coolant temperature and the electric conductivity of the coolant. Because the electric conductivity is feed-forward controlled based on the correlation between the parameters relating to the coolant temperature and the electric conductivity of the coolant, the electric conductivity of the coolant can be reliably maintained within the target range even when electric conductivity with a comparatively poor responsiveness is controlled.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2005Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Nobuo Fujita
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Patent number: 8129062Abstract: A method of operating fuel cell system includes generating electricity by a fuel cell using fuel gas and oxidizing gas and allowing cooling water to flow in the fuel cell and thereby cooling the fuel cell. The method includes transferring moisture from exhaust gas to supply gas using a first humidifier, the exhaust gas being discharged from the fuel cell, the supply gas being supplied to the fuel cell, and transferring moisture from the cooling water to the supply gas humidified using a second humidifier. The method includes at least one of detecting humidity of the supply gas humidified, detecting temperature of the cooking water, detecting the flow rate of the supply gas and detecting the amount of electricity generated by the fuel cell. The method also includes controlling the humidity of the supply gas humidified based on the value detected.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2010Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Yoshikazu Tanaka, Terumaru Harada, Shinji Miyauchi, Tetsuya Ueda
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Patent number: 8129063Abstract: A hydrogen production apparatus 1 is constructed in which when work 3 is close to a supply hole 7, a strut 22 is pushed to open the supply hole 7, and when erosion of the work 3 progresses to cause the strut 22 to protrude, the supply hole 7 is closed with a seal member 24, so that products do not stay on the work 3, a reaction solution 12 is not fed to portions other than the work 3, and even if the attitude of the apparatus is changed, a hydrogen production reaction can be controlled appropriately.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventors: Takafumi Sarata, Fumiharu Iwasaki, Norimasa Yanase, Kazutaka Yuzurihara, Noboru Ishisone, Toru Ozaki, Tsuneaki Tamachi
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Patent number: 8129064Abstract: A method of measuring methanol vapor concentration on a real-time basis and a methanol vapor concentration measuring apparatus used in fuel cells. The method of measuring methanol vapor concentration involves using an absorption spectrometry technique, that is, after measuring intensities I0 and I1 of light of a laser before and after passing through a space filled with methanol vapor and into which light is irradiated, the methanol vapor concentration is calculated by substituting the intensities I0 and I1 into an equation defined as I1/I0=exp (K·L·C), where K represents the absorption coefficient, L represents the length of the space through which the laser passes, and C represents the methanol vapor concentration.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Industry-Academic Cooperation Foundation, Younsei UniversityInventors: Kyoung-hwan Choi, Sang-Kyun Kang, Jin-ho Kim, Soon-ho Song, Jin-hwa Chung
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Patent number: 8129065Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to electrochemical cell assemblies in which a region of discontinuity provides separation and insulation between adjacent cells in an array.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Société BICInventors: Jeremy Schrooten, Paul Sobejko
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Patent number: 8129066Abstract: This invention provides a fuel battery comprising a solid polymer electrolyte membrane, an anode-side catalyst body and a cathode-side catalyst body disposed respectively on both sides of the solid polymer electrolyte membrane, and a fuel guide part in which the anode-side catalyst body is disposed opposite to the anode-side catalyst body on the opposite side where the anode-side catalyst body faces the solid polymer electrolyte membrane and which guides a fuel which has been externally supplied toward the center of the face of the anode-side catalyst body.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.Inventors: Toru Ozaki, Fumiharu Iwasaki, Kazutaka Yuzurihara, Tsuneaki Tamachi, Takafumi Sarata, Norimasa Yanase
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Patent number: 8129067Abstract: A fuel cell includes electrolyte electrode assembly and separators. An exhaust gas separation member is provided between the separators. The exhaust gas separation member includes an annular portion formed around an outer circumferential portion of the electrolyte electrode assembly, a seal portion fixed to the annular portion and sandwiched between the outer end of the electrolyte electrode assembly and one of the separators, and a stopper provided integrally with the annular portion and fixedly engaged with the other separator.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideichi Yamamura, Tadashi Tsunoda
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Patent number: 8129068Abstract: A first separator and a second separator make up separator bodies having the same shape, which are oriented 180° opposite to each other. The first separator has first sandwiching sections sandwiching electrolyte electrode assemblies therebetween, along with fuel gas supply units. A fuel gas supply passage extends in a stacking direction through the fuel gas supply units. The second separator has second sandwiching sections and oxygen-containing gas supply units. An oxygen-containing gas supply passage extends in the stacking direction through the oxygen-containing gas supply units.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2007Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tadashi Tsunoda
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Patent number: 8129069Abstract: A fuel cell component is made with a composite including a proton conducting polymer, a water insoluble proton conducting inorganic material, and a heteropolyacid immobilized by chemically bonding to the inorganic material. In another embodiment, the fuel cell component is made with a composite including a non-proton conducting polymer, a water insoluble inorganic material, and a heteropolyacid immobilized by chemically bonding to the inorganic material, the heteropolyacid causing the composite to show proton conductivity. In a further embodiment, the fuel cell component is made with a composite comprising a proton conducting polymer, a water insoluble proton conducting inorganic material, and a heteropolyacid immobilized by chemically bonding to the inorganic material, the composite having substantially identical structure of the unmodified heteropolyacid.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Ramanathan S. Lalgudi, Jay R. Sayre, Bhima R. Vijayendran
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Patent number: 8129070Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell having obstructed passages, which is capable of inhibiting the occurrence of flooding. The fuel cell comprises: a stacked body comprising at least a membrane electrode assembly; and a pair of separators sandwiching the stacked body. A face of the stacked body side of the separator is provided with inlet passage(s) through which reaction gas to be supplied to the stacked body passes and outlet passage(s) through which reaction gas having passed the stacked body passes. The inlet passage is obstructed at a downstream end of the reaction gas to be supplied to the stacked body and the outlet passage is obstructed at an upstream end of the reaction gas having passed through the stacked body. The inlet passage and the outlet passage is arranged separately from each other, and the inlet passage is arranged on both ends of the face of the stacked body side of the separator in the passage width direction of the inlet passage and the outlet passage.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shinji Jomori, Naoki Takehiro, Tatsuya Arai, Keiichi Kaneko, Takumi Taniguchi