公开(公告)号：US06869708B2

公开(公告)日：2005-03-22

申请号：US10621199

申请日：2003-07-16

Applicant: Ronald J. Kelley ,  Sivakumar Muthuswamy ,  Steven D. Pratt ,  Robert W. Pennisi

Inventor： Ronald J. Kelley ,  Sivakumar Muthuswamy ,  Steven D. Pratt ,  Robert W. Pennisi

IPC: G01F1/00 ,  G01F23/00 ,  G01F23/02 ,  G01F23/24 ,  G01F23/26 ,  G01F23/296 ,  G01F23/30 ,  H01M8/00 ,  H01M8/04 ,  H01M8/06

CPC classification number: H01M8/04425 ,  G01F23/02 ,  G01F23/24 ,  G01F23/26 ,  G01F23/296 ,  G01F23/30 ,  H01M8/0612

Abstract: A small fuel cell (10) powers a portable electronic device (12) and contains a fuel reservoir (14) and a device (16) that measures the amount of liquid fuel (18) that is in the reservoir. The fuel cell operates on hydrogen that is obtained from a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, such as alcohol or other hydrocarbons. The liquid fuel is typically converted into hydrogen by a reforming process. The reservoir that is connected to the fuel cell has an indicia (19) that is readable by a human user of the portable electronic device, for measuring the amount of liquid hydrocarbon fuel that is present in the reservoir. Typically, the indicia consist of a sight glass, a capacitive element, a resistive element, a transparent portion of the reservoir, a float, or an acoustic transmitter coupled with an acoustic receiver.

Abstract translation: 小型燃料电池（10）为便携式电子设备（12）供电并且包含测量储存器中的液体燃料（18）的量的燃料储存器（14）和装置（16）。 燃料电池对从液态烃燃料例如醇或其它烃获得的氢气进行操作。 液体燃料通常通过重整过程转化为氢。 连接到燃料电池的储存器具有可由便携式电子设备的人类用户读取的用于测量储存器中存在的液体碳氢化合物燃料的量的标记（19）。 通常，标记由视镜，电容元件，电阻元件，储存器的透明部分，浮子或与声学接收器耦合的声发射器组成。

公开(公告)号：US20050053836A1

公开(公告)日：2005-03-10

申请号：US10945498

申请日：2004-09-20

Applicant: Ronald Kelley ,  Steven Pratt ,  Sivakumar Muthuswamy ,  Robert Pennisi

Inventor： Ronald Kelley ,  Steven Pratt ,  Sivakumar Muthuswamy ,  Robert Pennisi

IPC: B32B1/08 ,  B65D1/00 ,  B65D85/00 ,  C01B31/00 ,  D01D5/28 ,  D02G3/04 ,  D03D15/08 ,  H01M20060101 ,  H01M4/24 ,  H01M4/58 ,  H01M4/62 ,  H01M6/00 ,  H01M8/04 ,  H01M8/18

CPC classification number: H01M8/04216 ,  B82Y30/00 ,  H01M4/242 ,  H01M8/04208 ,  Y10T428/1338 ,  Y10T428/139

Abstract: An improved hydrogen storage medium in the form of a fabric (124, 504, 704) comprises a yarn (300, 400) that includes carbon nanofibers or carbon nanotubes (302, 404) and elastomeric fibers (304, 402). The fabric (124, 504, 704) is a volume efficient arrangement of the carbon nanofibers or carbon nanotubes (302, 404) and is consequently characterized as a high density energy storage medium. According to a preferred embodiment a hydrogen storage device (100) comprises a flexible container (104) that includes the fabric (124). The flexibility of the container (104) in combination with the flexibility of the fabric (124) allows the hydrogen storage device 100 to be accommodated in irregularly shaped spaces. According to an embodiment of the invention a battery (700) uses the fabric (704) as a hydrogen storing anode.

Abstract translation: 织物形式的改进的储氢介质（124,504,704）包括包含碳纳米纤维或碳纳米管（302,404）和弹性体纤维（304,402）的纱线（300,400）。 织物（124,504,704）是碳纳米纤维或碳纳米管（302,404）的体积有效布置，因此被表征为高密度能量存储介质。 根据优选实施例，氢存储装置（100）包括包括织物（124）的柔性容器（104）。 容器（104）与织物（124）的柔性结合的灵活性允许氢存储装置100容纳在不规则形状的空间中。 根据本发明的实施例，电池（700）使用织物（704）作为储氢阳极。

公开(公告)号：US06743543B2

公开(公告)日：2004-06-01

申请号：US09999124

申请日：2001-10-31

Applicant: Sivakumar Muthuswamy ,  Steven D. Pratt ,  Ronald J. Kelley

Inventor： Sivakumar Muthuswamy ,  Steven D. Pratt ,  Ronald J. Kelley

IPC: H01M486

CPC classification number: H01M8/1004 ,  H01M4/8605 ,  H01M4/861 ,  H01M4/92 ,  H01M8/0232 ,  H01M8/0239 ,  H01M8/0245

Abstract: A fuel cell (100) includes a membrane electrode assembly (110) located together with a layer of variable porosity porous gas diffusion material (150). The variable porosity gas diffusion material layer (150) operates to selectively limit the amount of reactants reaching localized areas of the membrane electrode assembly (110) in order to reduce hot spots.

公开(公告)号：US06689194B2

公开(公告)日：2004-02-10

申请号：US09803190

申请日：2001-03-12

Applicant: Steven D. Pratt ,  Sivakumar Muthuswamy ,  Ronald J. Kelley ,  Robert W. Pennisi

Inventor： Steven D. Pratt ,  Sivakumar Muthuswamy ,  Ronald J. Kelley ,  Robert W. Pennisi

IPC: B01D5304

CPC classification number: H01M8/0662 ,  H01M8/0668 ,  H01M8/0687

Abstract: Oxides of carbon and other impurities are removed from a hydrogen fuel supply stream (12) for a fuel cell (30). A getter element (20) sufficient for chemisorbing the oxides of carbon from the hydrogen is removably connected to the fuel cell anode side. The fuel stream is passed through the getter element so as to chemisorb the oxides of carbon onto the getter, thereby providing a purified stream of hydrogen (26) to the fuel cell anode. The getter is removed from the fuel cell when the getter is spent and replaced with a fresh getter.

Abstract translation: 从用于燃料电池（30）的氢燃料供应流（12）中除去碳和其它杂质的氧化物。 足以化学吸附氢氧化物的吸气元件（20）可拆卸地连接到燃料电池阳极侧。 燃料流通过吸气剂元件，以便将碳的氧化物吸附到吸气剂上，从而向燃料电池阳极提供纯化的氢气流（26）。 当吸气剂消耗并用新鲜吸气剂更换时，吸气剂从燃料电池中取出。

公开(公告)号：US06406808B1

公开(公告)日：2002-06-18

申请号：US09546337

申请日：2000-04-10

Applicant: Steven D. Pratt ,  Ronald J. Kelley ,  Sivakumar Muthuswamy ,  Robert W. Pennisi

Inventor： Steven D. Pratt ,  Ronald J. Kelley ,  Sivakumar Muthuswamy ,  Robert W. Pennisi

IPC: H01M804

CPC classification number: H01M8/04007 ,  G05B13/02 ,  G05B19/02 ,  H01M8/04022 ,  H01M8/0662

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing thermal performance of a fuel cell system having a fuel cell assembly and a fuel storage container is disclosed. The fuel cell system 100 consists of one or more fuel cells 110, each having a major surface 140, and disposed next to each other in a side-by-side adjacent arrangement and a fuel storage container 120 having an exterior wall 150. The fuel cells 110 are positioned such that distance between the major surfaces 140 and the fuel storage container wall 150 along a direction normal to the major surfaces is substantially the same. In addition, one or more of the fuel cells are in thermal contact with the fuel storage container such that cell waste heat is transferred to the fuel storage container.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种用于管理具有燃料电池组件和燃料储存容器的燃料电池系统的热性能的方法和装置。 燃料电池系统100由一个或多个燃料电池110组成，每个燃料电池110各自具有主表面140，并排设置在彼此并排的相邻布置中，以及具有外壁150的燃料存储容器120.燃料 定位单元110使得主表面140与燃料储存容器壁150之间沿垂直于主表面的方向的距离基本相同。 此外，一个或多个燃料电池与燃料储存容器热接触，使得电池废热转移到燃料储存容器。

公开(公告)号：US6132895A

公开(公告)日：2000-10-17

申请号：US36713

申请日：1998-03-09

Applicant: Steven D. Pratt ,  Sivakumar Muthuswamy ,  Ronald J. Kelley ,  James Lynn Davis

Inventor： Steven D. Pratt ,  Sivakumar Muthuswamy ,  Ronald J. Kelley ,  James Lynn Davis

IPC: H01M8/02 ,  H01M8/24 ,  H01M2/14

CPC classification number: H01M8/241 ,  H01M2300/0082 ,  H01M8/0202 ,  H01M8/0206 ,  H01M8/0208

Abstract: A very thin fuel cell (500) is formed by stacking a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies (MEA) (210) and a plurality of double sided distribution plates (220). The distribution plates serve to distribute fuel and oxidant to the MEAs, and they are electrically and thermally conductive and gas impermeable, and have fuel and oxidant distribution channels formed on opposite sides. The oxidant flowing through the oxidant distribution channels also provides thermal management to the fuel cell, eliminating the need for a separate heat exchange system. The MEAs and the distribution plates are arranged in an alternating stack (200) such that the fuel distribution channel side (315) is in intimate and direct contact with the MEA anode (212), and such that the oxidant distribution channel (415) is in intimate and direct contact with the MEA cathode (214). The distribution plate acts as a bipolar plate and also as a heat exchanger.

Abstract translation: 通过堆叠多个膜电极组件（MEA）（210）和多个双面分配板（220）形成非常薄的燃料电池（500）。 分布板用于将燃料和氧化剂分配到多孔介质中，并且它们具有导电和导热性并且不透气，并且在相对侧上形成燃料和氧化剂分配通道。 流过氧化剂分配通道的氧化剂还为燃料电池提供热管理，从而无需单独的热交换系统。 MEA和分配板布置在交替的堆叠（200）中，使得燃料分配通道侧（315）与MEA阳极（212）紧密且直接接触，并且使得氧化剂分配通道（415）为 与MEA阴极（214）紧密直接接触。 分配板用作双极板，也用作热交换器。

公开(公告)号：US6080501A

公开(公告)日：2000-06-27

申请号：US106339

申请日：1998-06-29

Applicant: Ronald J. Kelley ,  Steven D. Pratt ,  John K. Arledge ,  Sivakumar Muthuswamy ,  James L. Davis

Inventor： Ronald J. Kelley ,  Steven D. Pratt ,  John K. Arledge ,  Sivakumar Muthuswamy ,  James L. Davis

IPC: H01M8/10 ,  H01M8/24

CPC classification number: H01M8/1039 ,  H01M8/1007 ,  H01M8/1023 ,  H01M8/103 ,  H01M8/241 ,  H01M2300/0082 ,  H01M8/1018 ,  H01M8/247

Abstract: A fuel cell (30) has an internal fuel source (35) that is in a matrix around a membrane electrode assembly (29). The membrane electrode assembly is constructed to be generally formed in the shape of a solid cylinder. The fuel cell has a porous central core (22) of reticulated vitreous metal that is formed in the shape of a solid cylinder. The porous central core serves to distribute oxidant throughout the fuel cell. A cathode (23) is situated coaxially around the porous central core, and has a catalytic layer on the outer side. A solid polymer electrolyte (25) is situated coaxially around the cathode and in intimate contact with the catalytic layer. An anode (27) is situated coaxially around the electrolyte, and a second layer of catalytic material is situated between the electrolyte and the anode. A housing (31) contains the internal fuel supply and holds the membrane electrode assemblies in place.

Abstract translation: 燃料电池（30）具有围绕膜电极组件（29）的基体的内部燃料源（35）。 膜电极组件被构造成通常形成为实心圆柱体的形状。 燃料电池具有形成为实心圆筒形状的网状玻璃状金属的多孔中心芯（22）。 多孔中心芯用于在整个燃料电池中分配氧化剂。 阴极（23）同轴地位于多孔中心芯周围，并且在外侧具有催化层。 固体聚合物电解质（25）同时位于阴极周围并与催化剂层紧密接触。 阳极（27）同轴地位于电解质周围，第二层催化材料位于电解质和阳极之间。 壳体（31）包含内部燃料供应并将膜电极组件保持就位。

公开(公告)号：US6060188A

公开(公告)日：2000-05-09

申请号：US55415

申请日：1998-04-06

Applicant: Sivakumar Muthuswamy ,  Steven D. Pratt ,  Ronald J. Kelley ,  Rudy Yorio

Inventor： Sivakumar Muthuswamy ,  Steven D. Pratt ,  Ronald J. Kelley ,  Rudy Yorio

IPC: H01M8/10 ,  H01M8/24 ,  H01M2/00 ,  H01M4/00

CPC classification number: H01M8/241 ,  H01M8/1007 ,  H01M8/1009

Abstract: A fuel cell (20) can be constructed to be generally formed in the shape of a solid cylinder. The fuel cell has a porous central core (22) of reticulated vitreous aluminum that is formed in the shape of a solid cylinder. The porous central core serves to distribute oxidant throughout the fuel cell. A cathode (23) is situated coaxially around the porous central core, and has a catalytic layer (24) on the outer side. A solid polymer electrolyte (25) is situated coaxially around the cathode and in intimate contact with the catalytic layer. An anode (27) is situated coaxially around the electrolyte, and a second layer of catalytic material (26) is situated between the electrolyte and the anode. A fuel chamber (28) is situated coaxially around and in intimate contact with the anode and arranged to distribute fuel throughout the fuel cell.

Abstract translation: 燃料电池（20）可以被构造成通常形成为实心气缸的形状。 燃料电池具有形成为实心气缸形状的网状玻璃态铝的多孔中心芯（22）。 多孔中心芯用于在整个燃料电池中分配氧化剂。 阴极（23）同轴地位于多孔中心芯周围，并且在外侧具有催化层（24）。 固体聚合物电解质（25）同时位于阴极周围并与催化剂层紧密接触。 阳极（27）同轴地位于电解质周围，并且第二层催化材料（26）位于电解质和阳极之间。 燃料室（28）同轴地设置在阳极周围并与阳极紧密接触并且被布置成将燃料分配到整个燃料电池中。

公开(公告)号：US5689403A

公开(公告)日：1997-11-18

申请号：US363789

申请日：1994-12-27

Applicant: William H. Robertson, Jr. ,  David E. Reiff ,  Richard A. Ceraldi ,  Sivakumar Muthuswamy ,  Craig K. Gygi ,  Jesse E. Galloway ,  Andrzej T. Guzik ,  MacWilliam Branan

Inventor： William H. Robertson, Jr. ,  David E. Reiff ,  Richard A. Ceraldi ,  Sivakumar Muthuswamy ,  Craig K. Gygi ,  Jesse E. Galloway ,  Andrzej T. Guzik ,  MacWilliam Branan

IPC: H04B1/036 ,  H05K7/20 ,  H05H7/20

CPC classification number: H05K7/20145 ,  H04B1/036 ,  H04B2001/3894

Abstract: An intercooled electronic device, includes a thermally conductive chassis (110), a substrate (120) mounted onto the chassis (110), a housing (104) formed around the chassis (110), and a cooling fan (130) mounted internally within the housing (104). The substrate (120) carries electrical circuitry including at least one heat-generating component (122) which is thermally coupled to the chassis (110). The cooling fan (130) is oriented to direct air across the chassis (110).

Abstract translation: 一种中间冷却电子设备，包括导热底盘（110），安装在底架（110）上的基板（120），围绕机架（110）形成的壳体（104）以及内部安装的冷却风扇 壳体（104）。 衬底（120）承载电路，其包括热耦合到底架（110）的至少一个发热部件（122）。 冷却风扇130被定向成引导空气穿过底架110。

公开(公告)号：US07697450B2

公开(公告)日：2010-04-13

申请号：US11289833

申请日：2005-11-30

Applicant: Thomas V. D'Amico ,  Avinash Joshi ,  Michael D. Kotzin ,  Sivakumar Muthuswamy

Inventor： Thomas V. D'Amico ,  Avinash Joshi ,  Michael D. Kotzin ,  Sivakumar Muthuswamy

IPC: H04L12/26

CPC classification number: H04B7/155 ,  H04W40/00 ,  H04W84/18

Abstract: Techniques are provided for allowing a node (300) in an ad hoc network to deterministically decide whether to relay broadcast information to another node in the ad hoc network. The node (300) receives broadcast information and measures received signal strength (RSS) of the broadcast information. The node (300) may determine if the measured RSS is below a low threshold, and if so, can relay the broadcast information to neighbor nodes. Otherwise, the node (300) can also determine if the measured RSS is above a high threshold, and if not, wait for a waiting period before relaying the broadcast information to the neighbor nodes. The node (300) may dynamically adjust the low threshold by decreasing the low threshold as the number of neighbor nodes increases and may dynamically adjust the high threshold by increasing the high threshold as the number of neighbor nodes decreases.

Abstract translation: 提供了允许自组织网络中的节点（300）确定地决定是否将广播信息中继到自组织网络中的另一个节点的技术。 节点（300）接收广播信息并测量广播信息的接收信号强度（RSS）。 节点（300）可以确定测量的RSS是否低于低阈值，如果是，则可以将广播信息中继到相邻节点。 否则，节点（300）还可以确定测量的RSS是否高于高阈值，如果不是，则等待等待周期，然后再将广播信息中继到相邻节点。 节点（300）可以通过随着邻居节点数量的增加而减小低阈值来动态地调整低阈值，并且可以随着邻居节点数的增加而增加高阈值来动态地调整高阈值。