J Harold Smith

Title: J Harold Smith: Innovator in Composite Materials

Introduction

J Harold Smith is a notable inventor based in Amherst, MA, with a focus on advancements in composite materials. He holds three patents that showcase his innovative contributions to the field, particularly in the development of apparatuses and processes for creating high-performance materials.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents is an "Apparatus for making composite sheets." This invention features an oscillating plate unit that vibrates in a direction transverse to a conveyor belt. The apparatus is designed to produce composite sheets that are homogeneous, dense, and have an even surface. The composite pre-mix is deposited on the conveyor belt, which draws it under the oscillating plate. The oscillating plate consists of three sections: a curved plate section, an inclined plate section, and a flat plate section. This design allows for the metering, compacting, and maintenance of the composite pre-mix, resulting in sheets that are particularly suited for use in fuel cell structures, such as electrode substrates.

Another significant patent is the "Process for fabricating ribbed electrode substrates and other articles." This process involves the simultaneous heating and compacting of different mixtures of carbon fibers and resin in various areas of an article-forming mold. The carbon fibers in each mixture have different, known bulk densities, which are selected to achieve the desired mean pore sizes and properties in the final article. This innovative approach is particularly effective for forming ribbed electrode substrates with preselected optimum mean pore sizes, porosities, and densities.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, J Harold Smith has worked with prominent companies, including United Technologies Corporation and International Fuel Cells, LLC. His experience in these organizations has contributed to his expertise in the field of composite materials and electrochemical applications.

Collaborations

Some of his notable coworkers include Glen J Goller and Richard D Breault. Their collaborative efforts have likely played a role in advancing the technologies associated with Smith's patents.

Conclusion

J Harold Smith's innovative work in composite materials and electrochemical applications has made a significant impact in his field. His patents reflect a commitment to advancing technology and improving the performance of materials used in critical applications.