Patents Issued in January 17, 2017
  • Patent number: 9548464
    Abstract: An N-type semiconductor layer includes an insulating substrate, an MgO layer, a semiconductor carbon nanotube layer, a functional dielectric layer, a source electrode, a drain electrode, and a gate electrode. The semiconductor carbon nanotube layer is sandwiched between the MgO layer and the functional dielectric layer. The source electrode and the drain electrode electrically connect the semiconductor carbon nanotube layer. The gate electrode is on the functional dielectric layer and insulated from the semiconductor carbon nanotube layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Guan-Hong Li, Qun-Qing Li, Yuan-Hao Jin, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Patent number: 9548465
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a first electrode and a second electrode which are separately formed on a base; a functional layer which includes an organic semiconductor material layer, and is formed on the base between the first electrode and the second electrode; a functional layer extension portion which includes the organic semiconductor material layer, and extends from the functional layer; a protective film which is formed at least on the functional layer; and an insulating layer which covers an entire surface, in which the protective film is patterned to include at least two sides which intersect with each other at an acute angle, and a vertex portion of the protective film in which the two sides intersect with each other, is chamfered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Ryuto Akiyama
  • Patent number: 9548466
    Abstract: A method of forming a thin film includes coating one side of a transferring stamp including a hydrophilic polymer layer with a hydrophilic solution to form a transfer layer, and transferring the transfer layer to the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignees: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Research & Business Foundation of Sungkyunkwan University Sungkyunkwan University
    Inventors: In Sun Park, Yeong Suk Choi, Jung Kyu Kim, Jong Hyeok Park
  • Patent number: 9548467
    Abstract: Provided are organic light-emitting devices having an anode; a cathode; a first light-emitting layer between the anode and the cathode, the first light-emitting layer having a fluorescent light-emitting material with a triplet excited state energy level T1F and a triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA) promoter with a triplet excited state energy level T1T, wherein T1F>1T; and a second light-emitting layer between the anode and the cathode and adjacent to the first light-emitting layer, the second light-emitting layer having a phosphorescent material with a triplet excited state energy level T1P, wherein T1P>T1T.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignees: Cambridge Display Technology Limited, Sumitomo Chemical Company Limited
    Inventor: Robert Archer
  • Patent number: 9548468
    Abstract: Emission efficiency of a light-emitting element is improved. The light-emitting element has a pair of electrodes and an EL layer between the pair of electrodes. The EL layer includes a first light-emitting layer and a second light-emitting layer. The first light-emitting layer includes a fluorescent material and a host material. The second light-emitting layer includes a phosphorescent material, a first organic compound, and a second organic compound. An emission spectrum of the second light-emitting layer has a peak in a yellow wavelength region. The first organic compound and the second organic compound form an exciplex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Seo, Takahiro Ishisone, Nobuharu Ohsawa, Yusuke Nonaka, Toshiki Sasaki
  • Patent number: 9548470
    Abstract: In an aspect, an organic light emitting diode device including a first electrode, a second electrode facing the first electrode, and an emission layer positioned between the first electrode and second electrode, wherein the first electrode includes samarium (Sm) is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bo-Ra Jung, Kyu-Hwan Hwang, Seok-Gyu Yoon, Eung-Do Kim, Dong-Chan Kim, Won-Jong Kim, Young-Woo Song, Jong-Hyuk Lee, Sung-Chul Kim
  • Patent number: 9548471
    Abstract: Disclosed is an organic light emitting device and a method of manufacturing the same, wherein the organic light emitting device is decreased in its thickness, and also decreased in its radius of curvature so as to realize the flexible device, and the organic light emitting device comprising a first component including a first plurality of layers, the first plurality of layers including a thin film transistor layer deposited on a surface of a first substrate, an emitting component layer deposited on the thin film transistor layer, and a passivation layer deposited on the emitting component layer; a second component including a second plurality of layers that are deposited on a surface of a second substrate without using an adhesive; and an adhesion layer between the first component and the second component, the adhesion layer coupling together the first component and the second component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chang Nam Kim
  • Patent number: 9548472
    Abstract: A display device comprises a first substrate including a first top portion, a first sidewall portion and a first bent portion, a second substrate including a second top portion, a second sidewall portion and a second bent portion, a display element and a packaging material. The first bent portion is disposed between the first top portion and the first sidewall portion. The second substrate is separated from the first substrate by a predetermined distance to form an accommodating space. The second top portion is disposed corresponding to the first top portion. The second bent portion is disposed between the second top portion and the second sidewall portion. The display element is disposed in the accommodating space. The packaging material is disposed in the accommodating space and corresponding to the first sidewall portion and the second sidewall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: InnoLux Corporation
    Inventors: Yi-Xin Yang, Cheng-Hsiung Liu, Fang-Iy Wu, Cheng-Hsu Chou
  • Patent number: 9548473
    Abstract: There are provided a method of evaluating a reliable lifespan of an encapsulant film and a device for evaluating reliability of the film. The present application may provide a film that may be provided for an evaluation method in which reliability of an encapsulant film is simply and easily evaluated only by measuring a haze immediately before the encapsulant film is used, a failure of a product is determined and reliability may be predicted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun Jee Yoo, Seung Min Lee, Yoon Gyung Cho, Kyung Yul Bae, Jung Sup Shim, Suk Ky Chang, Hyun Suk Kim, Jung Ok Moon, Ban Seok Choi, Se Woo Yang
  • Patent number: 9548474
    Abstract: A radiant energy transfer panel is resized from an array of individually sealed segments by cutting the array along a cut line, thereby damaging some segments by breaking their seals. Other segments adjacent to the damaged segments are left intact. Each segment has two electrodes for power connection. Electrodes of the damaged segments remain electrically connected to electrodes of undamaged segments after cutting. An edge member may be positioned to overlap damaged segments and redirect light from undamaged segments to compensate for the damaged segments. In alternative embodiments, the edge member may be light-blocking. The radiant energy transfer panel may be an electroluminescent panel or a photovoltaic panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Global OLED Technology LLC
    Inventor: Barry D Silverstein
  • Patent number: 9548475
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery cell configured to have a structure in which an electrode assembly that can be charged and discharged is mounted in a plate-shaped battery case, a cathode terminal and an anode terminal protrude from one end of the battery case, the electrode terminals deviate to one side from a vertical central axis of a battery body when viewed from above, and a depressed portion is formed at one side of the battery body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Kyoung Won Kang, Hyun Chul Jung, Ki Woong Kim, Sungjin Kwon
  • Patent number: 9548476
    Abstract: A battery pack includes a frame member, first and second lithium ion cells, and an isolation plate. The frame member includes a floor, walls formed perpendicular to the floor, and an aperture defined by the walls. The frame member is formed from an electrically non-conductive plastic. The first lithium ion cell includes a first positive terminal, a first negative terminal, and a first electrically conductive housing. The first positive terminal is electrically connected to the first electrically conductive housing. The second lithium ion cell includes a second positive terminal, a second negative terminal, and a second electrically conductive housing. The second positive terminal is electrically connected to the second electrically conductive housing. The isolation plate directly contacts both the first and second electrically conductive housings and electrically isolates the first electrically conductive housing from the second electrically conductive housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Marke S. Cicero, Andreas Ruehle
  • Patent number: 9548477
    Abstract: The present invention provides a battery block that accommodates unit cells having higher capacities, and, even in case of abnormal heat generation in the unit cell, does not cause abnormal heat generation in the neighboring unit cells, thereby preventing a chain reaction of degradations and abnormalities of the accommodated unit cells. The battery block of the present invention includes a battery case having a minimum thickness section satisfying the relationship “K2/K1?K3?1”. K1 is the thermal conductance between the battery case and the unit cell. K2 is the thermal conductance of the minimum thickness section of the battery case between two neighboring holes for accommodating the respective unit cells. K3 is a ratio between the abnormal heat temperature of a reference cell and the ambient temperature causing abnormal heat generation in this cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Asaida, Yukio Nishikawa, Hideaki Hamada, Naoto Hosotani, Daisuke Kishii
  • Patent number: 9548478
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery module using battery cells each having an electrode assembly mounted in a battery case including a resin layer and a metal layer as unit cells, wherein each battery cell has a thin upper end, including a sealing part, which is formed at a region where electrode terminals are placed, and an impact-absorbing member is mounted at the upper end of each battery cell. The battery module according to the present invention prevents the weak upper parts of battery cells, such as electrode terminals and sealing parts, from the breakage of the battery module or the occurrence of a short circuit in the battery module due to the movement of the battery cells caused by dropping of the battery module or application of external impacts to the battery module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung Yeob Park, JaeSeong Yeo, Jong Hwan Park, Youngjoon Shin
  • Patent number: 9548479
    Abstract: A battery pack includes a first battery and a second battery each having a bent part at one side; and an adhesion member interposed between the bent part of the first battery and the bent part of the second battery and adhering the bent part of the first battery to the bent part of the second battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chongsop Moon
  • Patent number: 9548480
    Abstract: A removable battery assembly is configured to provide electrical power to a device. The device may include, for example, an oxygen concentrator, a ventilator, a respiratory therapy device, an electromagnetic radiation therapy device, a nebulizer, and/or other devices. The battery assembly is configured to securely engage the device, while allowing for quick and easy disengagement and removal. The mechanism for disengaging the battery assembly from the device may be intuitive to users, such that users may not have to spend substantial time learning how to remove the battery assembly from engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Bradley Stewart Koeppel
  • Patent number: 9548481
    Abstract: A battery module includes an electrode assembly in a case, at least one current collector in the case, the current collector being electrically connected to the electrode assembly, a cap plate covering the case, the cap plate including a safety vent and at least one terminal inserter penetrating the cap plate, at least one terminal part including a terminal plate outside the case and a connector connecting the at least one current collector to the terminal plate through the at least one terminal inserter, at least one fixing member fixing the terminal part into the cap plate, and a groove pattern in an area of the cap plate adjacent to the safety vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignees: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD., ROBERT BOSCH GmbH
    Inventors: Jang-Hyun Song, Yong-Sam Kim, Jong-Woo Nam
  • Patent number: 9548482
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrode assembly configured to have a structure in which two or more unit cells are sequentially stacked or a structure in which two or more unit cells are folded using a long sheet type separation film, wherein the unit cells include bi-cells, each of which includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator, at least one of the bi-cells includes a safety electrode configured such that an electrode active material is applied only to one major surface of an electrode current collector, the safety electrode includes a first surface, to which no electrode active material is applied, and a second surface, to which the electrode active material is applied, and the at least one of the bi-cells including the safety electrode is configured such that a safety separator, having a thickness equivalent to 110% to 220% of a thickness of a separator disposed between a positive electrode and a negative electrode or between a negative electrode and a positive electrode excluding the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Yu Na Jeong, Moon Young Jung, Dong-Myung Kim, Ki Tae Kim, Sungwon Lee
  • Patent number: 9548483
    Abstract: A secondary battery 100 comprises a positive electrode current collector 221 and a positive electrode active material layer 223 applied on the positive electrode current collector 221 and containing at least a positive electrode active material. The lithium-ion secondary battery 100 further comprises a negative electrode current collector 241 provided so as to oppose the positive electrode current collector 221 and a negative electrode active material layer 243 applied on the negative electrode current collector 241 and containing at least a negative electrode active material. The lithium-ion secondary battery 100 is also formed with a porous insulating layer 245 which contains stacked resin particles having insulating properties and is formed so as to cover at least one of the positive electrode active material layer 223 and the negative electrode active material layer 243 (in this case, negative electrode active material layer 243).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masakazu Umehara
  • Patent number: 9548484
    Abstract: A battery unit is provided which includes a control board, a storage case, a water detector, and an electrical conductor. The storage case is made of an assembly of a first and a second casing member. The first casing member has an upright wall which extends from the bottom thereof and surrounds the battery. The second casing member also has an extension which extends toward the bottom of the first casing member. The water detector is located close to the lower end of the extension of the second casing member. The electric conductor extends upward from the upper end of the extension and are electrically joined to the water detector. The electric conductor is also mechanically and electrically joined to the control board. This structure facilitates the ease with which the water detector is installed electrically and mechanically in the battery unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Tanaka, Yoshinori Yamaguchi, Hidehiro Kinoshita, Hiroaki Higuchi
  • Patent number: 9548485
    Abstract: A valve regulated lead-acid battery includes a positive electrode plate, a retainer mat and a negative electrode plate housed in a container and holding an electrolyte solution respectively. The electrolyte solution contains colloidal silica and lithium ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: GS Yuasa International Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuma Saito
  • Patent number: 9548486
    Abstract: A battery is provided. The battery includes a positive electrode including a positive electrode active material layer provided on a positive electrode current collector; a negative electrode; and a separator at least including a porous film, wherein the porous film has a porosity ? [%] and an air permeability t [sec/100 cc] which satisfy formulae of: t=a×Ln(?)?4.02a+100 and ?1.87×1010×S?4.96?a??40 wherein S is the area density of the positive electrode active material layer [mg/cm2] and Ln is natural logarithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Abe, Motomi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9548487
    Abstract: A compound having the structure Red-R-M, wherein: Red is a redox center; R is a bridging group; and M is a monomer giving rise to an electronically conductive polymer, is provided. Also provides are polymers obtained by polymerization of such compounds and uses in electronic devices of such polymers, for example uses in batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR EUROPE NV/SA
    Inventors: Fabio Rosciano, Riccardo Ruffo, Luca Beverina, Mauro Sassi, Matteo Marco Salamone
  • Patent number: 9548488
    Abstract: An electrode for a biplate assembly includes an active material made from a compressed powder 11, and a non-metal carrier 10. A biplate assembly 20 includes electrodes 27, 28 each having a non-metal carrier 10. A method is disclosed for manufacturing an electrode 13 having a non-metal carrier 10. An apparatus 30 is disclosed for manufacturing such an electrode 13. A bipolar battery includes at least one such an electrode 13. The non-metal carrier 10 is preferably a non-conductive carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Nilar International AB
    Inventors: Lars Fredriksson, Neil H. Puester
  • Patent number: 9548489
    Abstract: A composition comprising at least 50 weight % of a first particulate electroactive material and 3-15 weight % of a carbon additives mixture comprising elongate carbon nanostructures and carbon black, wherein: the elongate carbon nanostructures comprise at least a first elongate carbon nanostructure material and a different second elongate carbon nanostructure material; and the elongate carbon nanostructures: carbon black weight ratio is in the range 3:1 to 20:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: NEXEON LTD.
    Inventors: Mamdouh Elsayed Abdelsalam, Fazil Coowar
  • Patent number: 9548490
    Abstract: An anode active material includes: a core including a metal or a metalloid that can incorporate and deincorporate lithium ions; and a plurality of coating layers on a surface of the core, each coating layer including a metal oxide, an amorphous carbonaceous material, or combination thereof. Also, a lithium battery including the anode active material, and a method of preparing the anode active material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junhwan Ku, Seungsik Hwang, Jonghwan Park, Inhyuk Son, Jeongkuk Shon, Jaemyung Lee, Yeonji Chung, Jaeman Choi
  • Patent number: 9548491
    Abstract: Disclosed are a positive active material for a rechargeable lithium battery including a core including a lithium nickel-based oxide, a lithium iron phosphate-based compound, or a combination thereof; and carbon nanotube grown on the surface of the core, and a rechargeable lithium battery including the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chae-Woong Cho, Seung-Hun Han
  • Patent number: 9548492
    Abstract: Articles and methods for forming protected electrodes for use in electrochemical cells, including those for use in rechargeable lithium batteries, are provided. In some embodiments, the articles and methods involve an electrode that does not include an electroactive layer, but includes a current collector and a protective structure positioned directly adjacent the current collector, or separated from the current collector by one or more thin layers. Lithium ions may be transported across the protective structure to form an electroactive layer between the current collector and the protective structure. In some embodiments, an anisotropic force may be applied to the electrode to facilitate formation of the electroactive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Sion Power Corporation
    Inventors: John D. Affinito, Chariclea Scordilis-Kelley, Yuriy V. Mikhaylik
  • Patent number: 9548493
    Abstract: Provided are a porous composite expressed by Chemical Formula 1 and having a porosity of 5% to 90%, and a method of preparing the same: MOx??<Chemical Formula 1> where M and x are the same as described in the specification. According to the present invention, since a molar ratio (x) of oxygen to a molar ratio of (semi) metal in the porous composite is controlled, an initial efficiency of a secondary battery may be increased. Also, since the porous composite satisfies the above porosity, a thickness change rate of an electrode generated during charge and discharge of the secondary battery may be decreased and lifetime characteristics may be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jung Woo Yoo, Yong Ju Lee, Yoon Ah Kang, Mi Rim Lee, Je Young Kim
  • Patent number: 9548494
    Abstract: A method for producing colloidal graphene dispersions comprises the steps of: (i) stirring graphite oxide in an aqueous dispersion medium to form a dispersion; (ii) determining if the dispersion is optically clear in a light microscope at 1000 fold magnification after 1 to 5 hours of stirring, and, if not clear, removing any undissolved impurities in the dispersion, in order to form a colloidal graphene oxide dispersion, or a multi-graphene oxide dispersion, that is optically clear in a light microscope at 1000 fold magnification; and (iii) thermally reducing the graphene oxide, or multi-graphene oxide, in dispersion in the aqueous dispersion medium at a temperature between 120° C. and 170° C. under pressure in order to ensure that the dispersion medium is not evaporated to form a stable colloidal graphene dispersion or a stable multi-graphene dispersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Belenos Clean Power Holding AG
    Inventors: Reinhard Nesper, Tommy Kaspar
  • Patent number: 9548495
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided a nonaqueous electrolyte battery. The nonaqueous electrolyte battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a nonaqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode includes a positive current collector and a positive electrode material layer formed on the positive electrode current collector. The positive electrode material layer includes a positive electrode active material and a first conductive agent. In a mapping image for the positive electrode material layer, a ratio of an occupancy area of the first conductive agent to an occupancy area of the positive electrode active material is from 1.5 to 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Tetsuro Kano, Hikaru Yoshikawa, Hidesato Saruwatari, Kazuya Kuriyama
  • Patent number: 9548496
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a paper lithium ion cell including depositing a first lithium-metal oxide composition onto a first electrically conducting microfiber paper substrate to define a cathode, depositing a second, different lithium-metal oxide composition onto a second electrically conducting coated microfiber paper substrate to define an anode, separating the cathode and the anode with a barrier material, infusing the cathode and the anode with electrolytes, and encapsulating the anode, the cathode, and the barrier material in a housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Indiana University Research and Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Nojan Aliahmad, Sudhir Shrestha, Khodadad Varahramyan, Mangilal Agarwal
  • Patent number: 9548497
    Abstract: A current collector including: a polymer film including a first major surface, an opposite second major surface, and a plurality of openings extending through a thickness of the polymer film; a first layer on the first major surface of the polymer film; a second layer on the second major surface of the polymer film; and a third layer on an inner surface of an opening of the plurality of openings, wherein the third layer contacts the first layer and the second layer, and wherein the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer each independently has an electrical conductivity of greater than 10 Siemens per meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: EaglePicher Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Boris Ravdel, Frank Puglia
  • Patent number: 9548498
    Abstract: The invention relates to a carbon-free electrocatalyst for fuel cells, containing an electrically conductive substrate and a catalytically active species, wherein the conductive substrate is an inorganic, multi-component substrate material of the composition 0X1-0X2, in which 0X1 means an electrically non-conductive inorganic oxide having a specific surface area (BET) in the range of 50 to 400 mVg and 0X2 means a conductive oxide. The non-conductive inorganic oxide 0X1 is coated with the conductive oxide 0X2. The multi-component substrate preferably has a core/shell structure. The multi-component substrate material 0X1-0X2 has an electrical conductivity in the range>0.01 S/cm and is coated with catalytically active particles containing noble metal. The electrocatalysts produced therewith are used in electrochemical devices such as PEM fuel cells and exhibit high corrosion stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: UMICORE AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Barbara Klose-Schubert, Daniel Herein, Marco Lopez, Carsten Becker
  • Patent number: 9548499
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a carbon catalyst according to the present invention includes: a first step S2 involving heating a raw material containing a resin and a metal to carbonize the resin so that a carbon catalyst is obtained; a second step S3 involving subjecting the carbon catalyst to a treatment for removing the metal; and a third step S4 involving subjecting the carbon catalyst that has been subjected to the treatment to a heat treatment to improve an activity of the carbon catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: NISSHINBO HOLDINGS INC.
    Inventors: Jun-ichi Ozaki, Yuka Koshigoe, Takeaki Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 9548500
    Abstract: A catalyst includes (i) a primary metal or alloy or mixture including the primary metal, and (ii) an electrically conductive carbon support material for the primary metal or alloy or mixture including the primary metal, wherein the carbon support material: (a) has a specific surface area (BET) of 100-600 m2/g, and (b) has a micropore area of 10-90 m2/g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignees: JOHNSON MATTHEY FUEL CELLS LIMITED, IMERYS GRAPHITE & CARBON SWITZERLAND LTD.
    Inventors: Sarah Caroline Ball, Graham Alan Hards, Marlene Rodlert, Jonathan David Brereton Sharman, Michael E Spahr
  • Patent number: 9548501
    Abstract: A supported catalyst is prepared by a process that includes establishing shell-removal conditions for a supported catalyst intermediate that includes capped nanoparticles of a catalyst material dispersed on a carbon support. The capped nanoparticles each include a platinum alloy core capped in an organic shell. The shell-removal conditions include an elevated temperature and an inert gas atmosphere that is substantially free of oxygen. The organic shell is removed from the platinum alloy core under the shell-removal conditions to limit thermal decomposition of the carbon support and thereby limit agglomeration of the catalyst material such that the supported catalyst includes an electrochemical surface area of at least 30 m2/gPt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignees: The Research Foundation of State University Of New York Research Development Services, Binghamton University, Toyoata Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Audi AG
    Inventors: Chuan-Jian Zhong, Brigid Wanjala, Jin Luo, Peter N. Njoki, Rameshwori Loukrakpam, Minhua Shao, Lesia V. Protsailo, Tetsuo Kawamura
  • Patent number: 9548502
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a first power generation unit and a second power generation unit. Wave-like first fuel gas flow passages of the first power generation unit and wave-like first fuel gas flow passages of the second power generation unit are set to mutually different phases. The ends of the first fuel gas flow passages form linear flow passage grooves that linearly extend in the wavelength direction from the center of the width of the wave-form amplitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kentaro Ishida, Seiji Sugiura, Yoshihito Kimura, Yukihito Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9548503
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a fuel cell stack (S) formed by stacking multiple unit cells (C) horizontally and having, in the stacked body, manifolds through which to supply and discharge reaction gases to and from each of the unit cells (C); and drainage paths (1A, 1B) extending from an anode-off-gas discharge manifold (M), on both end sides of the fuel cell stack (S) in the stacking direction of the unit cells, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hayato Chikugo, Kenji Yonekura, Ken Nakayama
  • Patent number: 9548504
    Abstract: A heat transfer system includes a fuel cell module that produces heat and water, and a thermal energy storage module that stores the heat produced by the fuel cell module. The thermal energy storage module includes a phase-change material. A conduit couples the fuel cell module to the thermal energy storage module. The conduit is oriented to channel the water produced by the fuel cell module through the thermal energy storage module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignees: University of Connecticut, The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Joseph Sherman Breit, Casey Joe Roberts, Amir Faghri, Travis Robert Ward, Christopher Robak
  • Patent number: 9548505
    Abstract: A fuel cell system and a method for controlling the fuel cell system are provided. The method includes detecting an output characteristic value of the fuel cell system and controlling the fuel cell system to respectively operate in at least two of a first mode, a second mode and a third mode at different time points according to the detected output characteristic value. Accordingly, the fuel cell system is capable of stably generating electric power, and is adapted to different operation environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: YOUNG GREEN ENERGY CO.
    Inventors: Din-Sun Ju, Po-Kuei Chou, Tsai-Hsin Cheng
  • Patent number: 9548506
    Abstract: In one embodiment, there is provided a fuel cell evaluator for evaluating a characteristic of a fuel cell based on a frequency characteristic of impedance of the fuel cell. The evaluator includes: an impedance acquisition unit configured to acquire impedances of the fuel cell for a certain current value in a Tafel region by changing a measurement frequency; an extraction unit configured to extract a reaction resistance from the acquired impedances; a calculator configured to calculate the product of the reaction resistance and the certain current value; and an indicator configured to indicate the product calculated by the calculator as the frequency characteristic of the impedance of the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daisuke Yamazaki, Tetsuo Yano, Souichirou Torai, Nobuhiro Tomosada, Atsufumi Kimura, Tomomi Akutsu, Makoto Kawano
  • Patent number: 9548507
    Abstract: A storage system for storing hydrogen and providing controlled release of hydrogen gas includes a container having an outer wall defining an interior. The interior is configured to contain liquid lithium hydride, and a portion of the outer wall includes a thermally insulating layer. The storage system also includes a temperature control system configured to maintain the interior at a temperature such that the lithium hydride decomposes to produce hydrogen gas at a substantially equilibrium state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Thomas J. Nugent, Jr., Clarence T. Tegreene, David B. Tuckerman, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9548508
    Abstract: The invention relates to copolymers comprising a chain of siloxane repeat units of at least two different types, a first type of siloxane repeat unit comprising at least one —OH group on the silicon atom of the siloxane repeat unit and a second type of repeat unit comprising at least one pendant chain on the silicon atom of said repeat unit, this pendant chain consisting of a polymer chain comprising a chain of repeat units carrying at least one group of formula —PO3R1R2 wherein R1 and R2 independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or a cation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignees: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE
    Inventors: Pierrick Buvat, Thomas Boucheteau, Ghislain David, François Ganachaud, Sergei Victorovich Kostjuk
  • Patent number: 9548509
    Abstract: Redox flow batteries including a half-cell electrode chamber coupled to a current collecting electrode are disclosed herein. In a general embodiment, a separator is coupled to the half-cell electrode chamber. The half-cell electrode chamber comprises a first redox-active mediator and a second redox-active mediator. The first redox-active mediator and the second redox-active mediator are circulated through the half-cell electrode chamber into an external container. The container includes an active charge-transfer material. The active charge-transfer material has a redox potential between a redox potential of the first redox-active mediator and a redox potential of the second redox-active mediator. The active charge-transfer material is a polyoxometalate or derivative thereof. The redox flow battery may be particularly useful in energy storage solutions for renewable energy sources and for providing sustained power to an electrical grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Travis Mark Anderson, Nicholas Hudak, Chad Staiger, Harry Pratt
  • Patent number: 9548510
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a fuel cell component for use with or as part of a fuel cell in a fuel cell stack, the method comprising: providing a fuel cell component, providing a deposition assembly for depositing loading material particles onto the fuel cell component, and actuating the deposition assembly to cause the deposition assembly to deposit said loading material particles onto said fuel cell component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Salvador E. Correa, Thomas M. Lucas, Lawrence J. Novacco
  • Patent number: 9548511
    Abstract: An energy storage device can include a cathode having a first plurality of frustules, where the first plurality of frustules can include nanostructures having an oxide of manganese. The energy storage device can include an anode comprising a second plurality of frustules, where the second plurality of frustules can include nanostructures having zinc oxide. A frustule can have a plurality of nanostructures on at least one surface, where the plurality of nanostructures can include an oxide of manganese. A frustule can have a plurality of nanostructures on at least one surface, where the plurality of nanostructures can include zinc oxide. An electrode for an energy storage device includes a plurality of frustules, where each of the plurality of frustules can have a plurality of nanostructures formed on at least one surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: NthDegree Technologies Worldwide Inc.
    Inventors: Vera N. Lockett, John G. Gustafson, William J. Ray, Yasser Salah
  • Patent number: 9548512
    Abstract: A solid electrolyte for a lithium-sulfur battery includes particles of a lithium ion conducting oxide composition embedded within a lithium ion conducting sulfide composition. The lithium ion conducting oxide composition can be Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO). The lithium ion conducting sulfide composition can be ?-Li3PS4 (LPS). A lithium ion battery and a method of making a solid electrolyte for a lithium ion battery are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Chengdu Liang, Ezhiylmurugan Rangasamy, Nancy J. Dudney, Jong Kahk Keum, Adam Justin Rondinone
  • Patent number: 9548513
    Abstract: A multi-cell battery includes a negative current collecting substrate; at least two laminated electric cores arranged in parallel to each other on the negative current collecting substrate; and a positive current collecting substrate, wherein the two laminated electric cores sandwiches about the positive current collecting substrate, thereby forming two cells on opposite sides of the positive current collecting substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: QingHong Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Lung Huang
  • Patent number: 9548514
    Abstract: A method of creating an electrolyte film includes mixing succinonitrile (SCN), lithium salt and crosslinkable polyether addition to form an isotropic amorphous mixture; and crosslinking the crosslinkable polyether to form a cured film, wherein the cured film remains amorphous without undergoing polymerization-induced phase separation or crystallization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: The University of Akron
    Inventors: Thein Kyu, Mauricio Echeverri