David L Lott

US Patent:

6383556, May 7, 2002

Filed:

Feb 23, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/792085

Inventors:

David R. Lott - Spokane WA
P. David DeVries - Spokane WA

Assignee:

Avista Laboratories, Inc. - Spokane WA

International Classification:

H02M 810

US Classification:

427115, 502101, 429 30

Abstract:

A method for forming a membrane electrode diffusion assembly for use in an ion exchange membrane fuel cell is described and which includes, providing an ion conducting electrolyte membrane having opposite sides; and applying a first diffusion layer to one of the opposite sides of the ion conducting electrolyte membrane by the application of force sufficient to fabricate a resulting membrane electrode diffusion assembly which has an optimal operational temperature range when utilized in an ion exchange membrane fuel cell of less than about 95 degrees C.

US Patent:

6387556, May 14, 2002

Filed:

May 28, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/322666

Inventors:

William A. Fuglevand - Spokane WA
Greg Lloyd - Spokane WA
Peter D. Devries - Spokane WA
David R. Lott - Spokane WA
John P. Scartozzi - Spokane WA

Assignee:

Avista Laboratories, Inc. - Spokane WA

International Classification:

H01M 804

US Classification:

429 22, 429 23, 429 24, 429 25, 429 9

Abstract:

Fuel cell power systems and methods of controlling a fuel cell power system are provided. According to one aspect, a fuel cell power system includes a plurality of fuel cells electrically coupled with plural terminals and individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity; and a digital control system configured to at least one of control and monitor an operation of the fuel cells. Another aspect provides a method of controlling a fuel cell power system including providing a plurality of fuel cells individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity; electrically coupling the plurality of fuel cells; providing a first terminal coupled with the fuel cells; providing a second terminal coupled with the fuel cells; and coupling a digital control system with the fuel cells to at least one of monitor and control an operation of the fuel cells.

US Patent:

6468682, Oct 22, 2002

Filed:

May 17, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/577407

Inventors:

William A. Fuglevand - Spokane WA
Peter D. DeVries - Spokane WA
Glen Alden Lloyd - Spokane WA
David R. Lott - Spokane WA
John P. Scartozzi - Spokane WA

Assignee:

Avista Laboratories, Inc. - Spokane WA

International Classification:

H01M 802

US Classification:

429 26, 429 32, 429 34, 429 38

Abstract:

An ion exchange membrane fuel cell is described and which includes a module enclosing a membrane electrode diffusion assembly which has an active area defined by a surface area, and which produces an average current density of at least about 350 mA per square centimeter of surface area when supplied with a dilute fuel at a nominal voltage of about 0. 5 volts.

US Patent:

6620538, Sep 16, 2003

Filed:

Jan 23, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/056543

Inventors:

Lijun Bai - Spokane WA
David R. Lott - Spokane WA
Vanell L. Martin - Spokane WA

Assignee:

Avista Laboratories, Inc. - Spokane WA

International Classification:

H01M 804

US Classification:

429 23, 429 22, 429 13

Abstract:

A fuel cell power system comprising a fuel cell having a cathode and an anode adapted to be coupled to a fuel supply, and which is configured to produce electrical power having a current and voltage output; a controller electrically coupled with the fuel cell, and configured to selectively short the anode to the cathode of the fuel cell; and circuitry configured to measure resistance of the fuel cell in timed relation to the shorting.

US Patent:

6773839, Aug 10, 2004

Filed:

Nov 23, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/990318

Inventors:

William A. Fuglevand - Spokane WA
Greg Lloyd - Spokane WA
Peter D. Devries - Spokane WA
David R. Lott - Spokane WA
John P. Scartozzi - Spokane WA

Assignee:

Relion, Inc. - Spokane WA

International Classification:

H01M 804

US Classification:

429 22, 429 23, 429 24

Abstract:

Fuel cell power systems and methods of controlling a fuel cell power system are provided. According to one aspect, a fuel cell power system includes a plurality of fuel cells electrically coupled with plural terminals and individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity; and a digital control system configured to at least one of control and monitor an operation of the fuel cells. Another aspect provides a method of controlling a fuel cell power system including providing a plurality of fuel cells individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity; electrically coupling the plurality of fuel cells; providing a first terminal coupled with the fuel cells; providing a second terminal coupled with the fuel cells; and coupling a digital control system with the fuel cells to at least one of monitor and control an operation of the fuel cells.

US Patent:

6805987, Oct 19, 2004

Filed:

May 6, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/430928

Inventors:

Lijun Bai - Spokane WA
David R. Lott - Spokane WA
Vanell L. Martin - Spokane WA

Assignee:

Relion, Inc. - Spokane WA

International Classification:

H01M 804

US Classification:

429 23, 429 22, 429 13

Abstract:

A fuel cell power system comprising a fuel cell having a cathode and an anode adapted to be coupled to a fuel supply, and which is configured to produce electrical power having a current and voltage output; a controller electrically coupled with the fuel cell, and configured to selectively short the anode to the cathode of the fuel cell; and circuitry configured to measure resistance of the fuel cell in timed relation to the shorting.

US Patent:

6811906, Nov 2, 2004

Filed:

May 6, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/431069

Inventors:

Lijun Bai - Spokane WA
David R. Lott - Spokane WA
Vanell L. Martin - Spokane WA

Assignee:

Relion, Inc. - Spokane WA

International Classification:

H01M 804

US Classification:

429 13, 429 22, 429 23

Abstract:

A fuel cell power system comprising a fuel cell having a cathode and an anode adapted to be coupled to a fuel supply, and which is configured to produce electrical power having a current and voltage output; a controller electrically coupled with the fuel cell, and configured to selectively short the anode to the cathode of the fuel cell; and circuitry configured to measure resistance of the fuel cell in timed relation to the shorting.

US Patent:

6828050, Dec 7, 2004

Filed:

Oct 10, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/269600

Inventors:

Lijun Bai - Spokane WA
Wade A. Huravitch - Spokane WA
David R. Lott - Spokane WA
Vanell L. Martin - Spokane WA

Assignee:

Relion, Inc. - Spokane WA

International Classification:

H01M 804

US Classification:

429 23, 429 22

Abstract:

A fuel cell is disclosed and which includes an anode and a cathode and which produces a voltage output which is supplied to a load; an electrical energy storage device is provided; and a controller is electrically coupled to the fuel cell, and which periodically shunts the voltage output of the fuel cell between the anode and cathode by electrically coupling the electrical energy storage device to the anode and cathode of the fuel cell.