Michael K Tucker

US Patent:

8287673, Oct 16, 2012

Filed:

Nov 29, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/791258

Inventors:

Michael C. Tucker - Oakland CA, US
Grace Y. Lau - Fremont CA, US
Craig P. Jacobson - Moraga CA, US

Assignee:

The Regents of The University of California - Oakland CA

International Classification:

C03B 33/00
C04B 37/00
B32B 7/04
B29C 65/00

US Classification:

156 8928, 156 8911, 156 91, 156283

Abstract:

A method of joining dissimilar materials having different ductility, involves two principal steps: Decoration of the more ductile material's surface with particles of a less ductile material to produce a composite; and, sinter-bonding the composite produced to a joining member of a less ductile material. The joining method is suitable for joining dissimilar materials that are chemically inert towards each other (e. g. , metal and ceramic), while resulting in a strong bond with a sharp interface between the two materials. The joining materials may differ greatly in form or particle size. The method is applicable to various types of materials including ceramic, metal, glass, glass-ceramic, polymer, cermet, semiconductor, etc. , and the materials can be in various geometrical forms, such as powders, fibers, or bulk bodies (foil, wire, plate, etc. ). Composites and devices with a decorated/sintered interface are also provided.

US Patent:

8343686, Jan 1, 2013

Filed:

Jul 28, 2006

Appl. No.:

12/304191

Inventors:

Lutgard DeJonghe - Lafayette CA, US
Craig Jacobson - Moraga CA, US
Michael Tucker - Oakland CA, US
Steven Visco - Berkeley CA, US

Assignee:

The Regents of the University of California - Oakland CA

International Classification:

H01M 8/10
H01M 4/88
H01M 2/08
H01M 2/14
H01M 8/00

US Classification:

429497, 429486, 429488, 429495, 429507, 429510, 429535

Abstract:

Tubular objects having two or more concentric layers that have different properties are joined to one another during their manufacture primarily by compressive and friction forces generated by shrinkage during sintering and possibly mechanical interlocking. It is not necessary for the concentric tubes to display adhesive-, chemical- or sinter-bonding to each other in order to achieve a strong bond. This facilitates joining of dissimilar materials, such as ceramics and metals.

US Patent:

8445159, May 21, 2013

Filed:

Nov 28, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/791270

Inventors:

Michael C. Tucker - Oakland CA, US
Craig P. Jacobson - Moraga CA, US
Lutgard C. De Jonghe - Lafayette CA, US
Steven J. Visco - Berkeley CA, US

Assignee:

The Regents of The University of California - Oakland CA

International Classification:

H01M 8/24
H01M 8/10
H01M 2/20
H01M 2/08
H01M 2/14

US Classification:

429452, 429465, 429467, 429468, 429469, 429470, 429507, 429508

Abstract:

Several members make up a joint in a high-temperature electrochemical device, wherein the various members perform different functions. The joint is useful for joining multiple cells (generally tubular modules) of an electrochemical device to produce a multi-cell segment-in-series stack for a solid oxide fuel cell, for instance. The joint includes sections that bond the joining members to each other; one or more seal sections that provide gas-tightness, and sections providing electrical connection and/or electrical insulation between the various joining members. A suitable joint configuration for an electrochemical device has a metal joint housing, a first porous electrode, a second porous electrode, separated from the first porous electrode by a solid electrolyte, and an insulating member disposed between the metal joint housing and the electrolyte and second electrode. One or more brazes structurally and electrically connects the first electrode to the metal joint housing and forms a gas tight seal between the first electrode and the second electrode.

US Patent:

8486580, Jul 16, 2013

Filed:

Jun 12, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/988297

Inventors:

Michael C. Tucker - Berkeley CA, US
Craig P. Jacobson - Moraga CA, US

Assignee:

The Regents of the University of California - Oakland CA

International Classification:

H01M 4/00

US Classification:

429508, 427115

Abstract:

The present invention provides electrochemical device structures having integrated seals, and methods of fabricating them. According to various embodiments the structures include a thin, supported electrolyte film with the electrolyte sealed to the support. The perimeter of the support is self-sealed during fabrication. The perimeter can then be independently sealed to a manifold or other device, e. g. , via an external seal. According to various embodiments, the external seal does not contact the electrolyte, thereby eliminating the restrictions on the sealing method and materials imposed by sealing against the electrolyte.

US Patent:

20080131723, Jun 5, 2008

Filed:

Nov 23, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/791269

Inventors:

Michael C. Tucker - Oakland CA, US
Craig P. Jacobson - Moraga CA, US
Lutgard C. Jonghe - Lafayette CA, US

Assignee:

The Regents Of The University Of California - Oakland CA

International Classification:

B32B 18/00
C09K 3/00
B23K 1/00
B23K 1/20

US Classification:

428623, 25218233, 428630, 228101, 228121, 2281221, 228176, 228208, 228249

Abstract:

A CTE modified braze composition that can be utilized to manufacture a strong, gastight joint where at least one of the joining members comprises a ceramic (e.g., a ceramic or a cermet). The braze composition is formulated so as to reduce the thermal stress that results from the mismatch of thermal expansion coefficients between a ceramic joining member and the braze or other joining members. The braze composition comprises a braze alloy in powder, paste or bulk form mixed with one or more particulate or fibrous fillers that exhibit a low (i.e., no more than 6 ppm/K) or negative coefficient of thermal expansion. The braze composition can be used to join members, at least one of which comprises ceramic, and to a composite member produced by joining the two or more members.

US Patent:

20100143824, Jun 10, 2010

Filed:

Apr 15, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/664646

Inventors:

Michael C. Tucker - Oakland CA, US
Grace Y. Lau - Cupertino CA, US
Craig P. Jacobson - Moraga CA, US

Assignee:

THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA - Oakland CA

International Classification:

H01M 8/12
H01M 8/00

US Classification:

429483, 429479, 429482, 156 8916

Abstract:

Layered structures and associated fabrication methods that serve as the foundation for preparing high-operating-temperature electrochemical cells have a porous ceramic layer and a porous metal support or current collector layer bonded by mechanical interlocking which is provided by interpenetration of the layers and/or roughness of the metal surface. The porous layers can be infiltrated with catalytic material to produce a functioning electrochemical electrode.

US Patent:

20110033772, Feb 10, 2011

Filed:

Dec 21, 2007

Appl. No.:

12/809455

Inventors:

Michael C. Tucker - Berkeley CA, US
Craig P. Jacobson - Moraga CA, US
Steven J. Visco - Berkeley CA, US

Assignee:

The Regents of the University of California - Oakland CA

International Classification:

C04B 35/64
B29C 45/00
H01M 8/10
B01D 39/20
B32B 3/26

US Classification:

429479, 264603, 264413, 2643281, 2105101, 4283044

Abstract:

Simple, low cost methods of manufacturing highly porous structures are provided. The methods involve building up porous structures with elements shaped to provide the desired strength, porosity and pore structure of the porous structure and then sintering the elements together to form the structure. Also provided are novel sintered porous structures made up of sintered non-spherical elements. In certain embodiments, the shaped green elements and the porous structure are simultaneously sintered. Also provided are novel sintered porous structures made up of sintered non-spherical elements.

US Patent:

20110053041, Mar 3, 2011

Filed:

Feb 13, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/865956

Inventors:

Michael C. Tucker - Berkeley CA, US
Craig P. Jacobson - Moraga CA, US

Assignee:

THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA - Oakland CA

International Classification:

H01M 4/90
B22F 3/10
B22F 3/11
B32B 15/02

US Classification:

429486, 419 19, 419 2, 75232

Abstract:

Copper-based cermets and methods of preparing them are provided. The Cu-based cermets have interpenetrating networks of copper alloy and stabilized zirconia that are in intimate contact and display high electronic connectivity through the copper alloy phase. In certain embodiments, methods of preparing the cermets involving sintering a mixture of ceramic and copper-based powders in a reducing atmosphere at a temperature above the melting point of the copper or copper alloy are provided. Also provided are electrochemical structures having the Cu-based cermet, e.g., as an anode structure or a barrier layer between an anode and a metal support. Applications of the cermet compositions and structures include use in high-operating-temperature electrochemical devices, including solid oxide fuel cells, hydrogen generators, electrochemical flow reactors, etc.