Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100247749 | METHOD OF COATING A SUBSTRATE WITH NANOPARTICLES INCLUDING A METAL OXIDE - One exemplary embodiment may include a method comprising: depositing a solution comprising an organometallic compound on a substrate, drying the solution to provide a film of the organometallic compound and at least partially oxidizing an organic component of the organometallic compound to provide nanoparticles including metal oxides on the substrate which would have multiuse industrial applications. | 09-30-2010 |
20100323276 | SURFACE TREATED CARBON COATINGS FOR FLOW FIELD PLATES - A flow field plate having a low resistance coating for fuel cell applications is described. In one embodiment, the flow field plate includes a metal plate having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface defining a plurality of channels for directing flow of a first gaseous composition; and an activated carbon coating disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the plate, the activated carbon coating having a surface resistance of less than about 20 mΩ·cm | 12-23-2010 |
20110229792 | Selectively Coated Bipolar Plates for Water Management and Freeze Start in PEM Fuel Cells - A flow field plate for fuel cell applications includes an electrically conductive plate having a first surface defining a plurality of channels. An active area section and an inactive area section characterize the flow field channels. A hydrophobic layer is disposed over at least a portion of the inactive area section while a hydrophilic layer is disposed over at least a portion of the active area section. | 09-22-2011 |
20110254198 | FUEL CELLS COMPRISING MOLDABLE GASKETS, AND METHODS OF MAKING - Devices comprising an electrochemical conversion assembly comprise a plurality of electrochemical conversion cells, and a plurality of electrically conductive bipolar plates, wherein the electrochemical conversion cells are disposed between the adjacent bipolar plates. The electrochemical conversion assembly further comprises a plurality of conversion assembly gaskets, wherein the respective conversion assembly gaskets are molded onto corresponding ones of the plurality of bipolar plates. The conversion assembly gaskets comprise a mixture including polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). | 10-20-2011 |
20120308917 | SURFACE ALLOYING OF STAINLESS STEEL - One aspect of the invention is a method of surface alloying stainless steel, In one embodiment, the method includes providing a stainless steel surface having an initial amount of iron and an initial amount of chromium; and preferentially removing iron from the stainless steel surface to obtain a surface having an amount of iron less than the initial amount of iron and an amount of chromium greater than the initial amount of chromium. Another aspect of the invention is a unitary stainless steel article. | 12-06-2012 |
20120315384 | METHOD OF APPLYING NONCONDUCTIVE CERAMICS ON LITHIUM-ION BATTERY SEPARATORS - Methods of coating a nonconductive oxide ceramic on lithium-ion battery separators are provided. A separator is placed in a solution of a volatile organic solvent and an organometallic compound. The separator is coated with a ceramic formed from a metal oxide component of the organometallic compound when the volatile organic solvent evaporates. | 12-13-2012 |
20130095251 | FUEL CELL FLOW FIELD PLATE INCLUDING NON-STOICHIOMETRIC METAL OXIDE LAYER - A flow field plate or bipolar plate for a fuel cell that includes a combination of non-stoichiometric and a conductive material that makes the bipolar plate conductive, hydrophilic and stable in the fuel cell environment. The non-stoichiometric and the conductive material can be deposited on the plate as separate layers or can be combined as a single layer. Either the non-stoichiometric layer or the conductive layer can be deposited first. In one embodiment, the conductive material is gold. | 04-18-2013 |
20130147435 | COST-EFFECTIVE RELIABLE METHOD TO DEPOWER RECHARGEABLE ELECTRIC BATTERIES - Methods and systems for depowering a rechargeable battery in a rapid, yet controlled, manner. The methods comprise (i) providing a depowering medium comprising expanded graphite (and optionally, one or more dispersible non-ionic electric conductors) dispersed in a substantially non-ionic aqueous medium; (ii) contacting terminals of the battery with the depowering medium; and (iii) maintaining contact between the depowering medium and terminals for a period of time sufficient to depower the battery. The systems comprise (i) the depowering medium; and (ii) a container configured to receive a battery and the depowering medium such that the battery body is contacted with the depowering medium prior to the terminals. | 06-13-2013 |
20130302531 | AMORPHOUS CARBON COATINGS FOR FUEL CELL BIPOLAR PLATES - A flow field plate for fuel cell applications includes a metal with a non-crystalline carbon layer disposed over at least a portion of the metal plate. The non-crystalline carbon layer includes an activated surface which is hydrophilic. Moreover, the flow field plate is included in a fuel cell with a minimal increase in contact resistance. Methods for forming the flow field plates are also provided. | 11-14-2013 |
20130330654 | METHOD OF DEPOSITING DURABLE THIN GOLD COATING ON FUEL CELL BIPOLAR PLATES - A method of depositing a thin gold coating on bipolar plate substrates for use in fuel cells includes depositing a gold coating onto at least one surface of the bipolar plate substrate followed by annealing the gold coating at a temperature between about 200° C. to 500° C. The annealed gold coating has a reduced porosity in comparison with a coating which has not been annealed, and provides improved corrosion resistance to the underlying metal comprising the bipolar plate. | 12-12-2013 |
20130344420 | REMOVAL OF NON-CONDUCTIVE HYDROPHILIC COATINGS FROM LANDS OF FUEL CELL BIPOLAR PLATES - A bipolar plate for a fuel cell is provided including a plate having an active surface with a plurality of flow channels formed therein. The plurality of flow channels have a hydrophilic coating deposited thereon and define a plurality of lands disposed therebetween. The plurality of lands is substantially free of the hydrophilic coating. Furthermore, a thickness of the hydrophilic coating is substantially constant along a length of the active surface and an edge of the hydrophilic coating adjacent the plurality of lands is substantially continuous. A method for preparing the bipolar plate is also provided. | 12-26-2013 |
20140020763 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MITIGATING BATTERY DAMAGE CAUSED BY COOLANT LEAKS - System and methods for mitigating battery damage in a vehicle including a liquid-cooled battery system. In certain embodiments, a system for mitigating damage caused by leaks of liquid coolant in a battery system may include a one or more coolant leak sensors. A coolant leak detection system communicatively coupled to the coolant leak sensors may be configured to detect an occurrence of a liquid coolant leak in the battery system based on information provided by the coolant leak sensors. One or more valves communicatively coupled with the coolant leak detection system may actuate by the coolant leak detection system when a leak of liquid coolant is detected, thereby allowing leaked liquid coolant to drain from the battery system. | 01-23-2014 |
20140113217 | Selectively Coated Bipolar Plates for Water Management and Freeze Start in PEM Fuel Cells - A flow field plate for fuel cell applications includes an electrically conductive plate having a first surface defining a plurality of channels. An active area section and an inactive area section characterize the flow field channels. A hydrophobic layer is disposed over at least a portion of the inactive area section while a hydrophilic layer is disposed over at least a portion of the active area section. | 04-24-2014 |
20140190241 | Deflection Sensitive Coolant Activated Drain Plug Detection System For High Voltage Battery Packs - A battery pack with a drain plug and a circuit to detect when a liquid coolant has entered the battery pack. The drain plug includes a carrier defining a cavity internal to the carrier, an inlet disposed on a first surface of the carrier and an outlet disposed on a second surface of the carrier where the first surface and the second surface fluidly displaced from one another and coupled to the cavity. A soluble plug may be disposed within the cavity of the carrier; the soluble plug is configured to at least partially dissolve when fluidly coupled with a coolant allowing a portion of the coolant to flow between the inlet and the outlet and out of the battery pack. A strain gauge cooperative with the carrier such that a measured resistance change in the strain gauge corresponds to the soluble plug in contact with the liquid coolant. An associated circuit with the drain plug provides notification of the activation of the drain plug to the on-board computer systems. | 07-10-2014 |
20140190568 | Coolant Activated Rechargeable Energy Storage System Drain Plug - A battery pack with a drain plug. The drain plug includes a carrier defining a cavity internal to the carrier, an inlet disposed on a first surface of the carrier and an outlet disposed on a second surface of the carrier where the first surface and the second surface fluidly displaced from one another and coupled to the cavity. A soluble plug may be disposed within the cavity of the carrier; the soluble plug is configured to at least partially dissolve when fluidly coupled with a coolant allowing a portion of the coolant to flow between the inlet and the outlet and out of the battery pack. A first lead and a second lead are configured to signally connect an impedance element that is cooperative with the carrier, to a circuit such that when the continuity of the circuit is interrupted, the circuit provides notification of the activation of the drain plug to the on-board computer systems. | 07-10-2014 |
20140290283 | THERMAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR A NATURAL GAS TANK - A thermal management system for a natural gas tank includes a container, and a cooling mechanism operatively positioned to selectively cool the container. A method for minimizing a loss of natural gas storage during refueling is also disclosed herein. In an example of the method, a cooling mechanism, which is operatively positioned to selectively cool a container of a natural gas storage tank, is initiated prior to a refueling event. This cools the container to a predetermined temperature. | 10-02-2014 |
20140290611 | NATURAL GAS STORAGE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF IMPROVING EFFICIENCY THEREOF - A natural gas storage system includes a container, a natural gas adsorbent positioned in the container, and a heating mechanism operatively positioned to selectively thermally activate the adsorbent. A method for improving efficiency of the natural gas storage system is also disclosed. A predetermined percentage of a capacity of the container for natural gas remaining in the container is identified. In response, a heating mechanism operatively positioned to selectively thermally activate the adsorbent is initiated. The adsorbent is heated and buffer adsorbed gas is released from the adsorbent. | 10-02-2014 |
20140290751 | METHOD OF STORING AND USING NATURAL GAS IN A VEHICLE - A method of storing and using natural gas (NG) in a vehicle includes selecting a vehicle having an NG tank for fueling an engine of the vehicle. The tank service pressure rating is 3600 psi (pounds per square inch) and an NG adsorbent is in the tank. A first quantity of NG is transferred into the tank from a first source having a first source pressure less than 725 psi. The adsorbent adsorbs a portion of the NG. After transferring the first quantity of NG, the engine is operated until NG is desorbed and consumed by the engine. NG is transferred into the tank from a second source to fill the tank to a second tank pressure of about 3600 psi. The adsorbent adsorbs some of the NG. After transferring the second quantity of the NG, the engine is operated until NG is desorbed and consumed by the engine. | 10-02-2014 |
20140290789 | METHOD OF INCREASING STORAGE CAPACITY OF NATURAL GAS TANK - A method for increasing capacity of a natural gas (NG) tank. The method includes selecting a container with a service pressure rating of about 3,000 or 3,600 psi. An NG adsorbent is in the container. The container has a maximum fill capacity. The method further includes cooling the adsorbent by Joule-Thomson cooling during filling of the container with NG from a filling source at greater than 3,600 psi. The container is filled to the maximum fill capacity at a fill rate to prevent a bulk temperature of the adsorbent from rising more than about 5° C. above an ambient temperature. A rate of heat transfer from the tank is less than a rate of heating from compression of the NG and adsorption during the filling. The NG adsorbent adsorbs a higher amount of NG than it would at higher than 5° C. above ambient. | 10-02-2014 |
20140291048 | TANK FOR STORING COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS - A tank for storing compressed natural gas (CNG) for fueling an automotive vehicle engine. The tank includes a container body for containing the CNG at a service pressure rating from about 20 MPa (megapascals) to about 30 MPa, the container body being formed from a single piece. The container body includes a head end region, a terminal end region distal to the head end region, and an intermediate region extending therebetween. The terminal end region and the head end region define an axial length of the container body. The container body is formed from an aluminum alloy. A valve member is operatively connected to, and in fluid communication with the container body via an opening defined in a wall of the container body. The container body wall has a thickness ranging from about 3 mm to about 10 mm. | 10-02-2014 |
20140291331 | FLUID STORAGE TANK - A fluid storage tank includes a plurality of tank sub-units disposed in an array. Each tank sub-unit of the plurality of tank sub-units has an aperture defined in at least one wall overlapping with another aperture defined in at least one adjacent tank sub-unit of the plurality of tank sub-units. Each tank sub-unit of the plurality of tank sub-units is in fluid communication with a single outlet port for selectively extracting a stored fluid from the tank. Each of the plurality of tank sub-units is in fluid communication with a single fluid fill port. | 10-02-2014 |
20140360986 | RESISTANCE SPOT WELDING OF STEEL TO PRE-COATED ALUMINUM - Resistance spot welding of a steel workpiece to an aluminum or an aluminum alloy workpiece can be facilitated by replacing the refractory aluminum oxide-based layer(s) on at least the faying surface of the aluminum or aluminum alloy workpiece with a protective coating that is more conducive to the spot welding process. The protective coating may be a metallic coating or a metal oxide conversion coating. In a preferred embodiment, the protective coating is a coating of zinc, tin, or an oxide of titanium, zirconium, chromium, or silicon. | 12-11-2014 |
20150053675 | FLUID STORAGE TANK - A fluid storage tank includes a plurality of tank sub-units disposed in an array. Each tank sub-unit of the plurality of tank sub-units has an aperture defined in at least one wall overlapping with another aperture defined in at least one adjacent tank sub-unit of the plurality of tank sub-units. Each tank sub-unit of the plurality of tank sub-units is in fluid communication with a single outlet port for selectively extracting a stored fluid from the tank. Each of the plurality of tank sub-units is in fluid communication with a single fluid fill port. The array of tank sub-units is tessellated into a three-dimensional volume. A shell is disposed in contact with a plurality of the tank sub-units to envelop the array. The single outlet port and the single fluid fill port pass through the shell. | 02-26-2015 |