Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080230401 | INTERFACE FOR FLEXIBLE FLUID ENCLOSURES - Embodiments of the present invention relate to a flexible fluid enclosure interface system comprising a flexible fluid enclosure, one or more components and one or more strain absorbing interfaces in contact with the flexible fluid enclosure and the one or more components. | 09-25-2008 |
20080233446 | FLUIDIC CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - A fluidic control system includes featured layers. The featured layers include two or more features which collectively form at least one functional component. | 09-25-2008 |
20080233460 | COMPOSITE FLUID STORAGE UNIT WITH INTERNAL FLUID DISTRIBUTION FEATURE - Embodiments of the invention relate to a fluid storage unit comprising a composite fluid storage material and one or more internal fluid distribution features. The one or more internal fluid distribution features increase the homogeneity of fluid interaction within the composite fluid storage material, benefiting a number of properties and functions. | 09-25-2008 |
20080248352 | FLUIDIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS - Embodiments of the present invention relate to a fluid distribution system. The system may include one or more electrochemical cell layers, a bulk distribution manifold having an inlet, a cell layer feeding manifold in direct fluidic contact with the electrochemical cell layer and a separation layer that separates the bulk distribution manifold from the cell feeding manifold, providing at least two independent paths for fluid to flow from the bulk distribution manifold to the cell feeding manifold. | 10-09-2008 |
20080277441 | STRAP MOUNTED ENERGY SUPPLY - Embodiments of the invention relate to a strap mounted energy supply. The strap mounted energy supply includes a strap and one or more energy components. The strap is configured to couple to an electronic device, and the more energy components are conformably coupled with the strap. At least one of the one or more energy components is configured to supply energy to the electronic device. In various embodiments, the strap mounted energy supply is portable, is configured to externally couple to the electronic device, and/or is flexible, pliable, stretchable and/or ductile. | 11-13-2008 |
20080311458 | FLUID MANIFOLD AND METHOD THEREFOR - A electrochemical cell system includes a fluid manifold having a layered structure. The fluid manifold includes at least one conduit layer having a first side and a second side. The at least one conduit layer has at least one conduit channel. | 12-18-2008 |
20090007705 | SENSING DEVICE AND METHODS RELATED THERETO - Embodiments of the invention relate to a device for a fluid enclosure. The device includes a sensing device that responds to a change in distance relative to a fluid enclosure. The change in distance is a function of at least one dimension of the fluid enclosure. | 01-08-2009 |
20090173620 | COMBINED CHEMISTRY HYDROGEN GENERATION SYSTEM - Embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus or hydrogen generating system including a galvanic or first hydrogen generator and a thermally-activated or second hydrogen generator connectable to one another. | 07-09-2009 |
20090255831 | FLUID ENCLOSURE AND METHODS RELATED THERETO - Embodiments of the invention relate to a fluid enclosure including a structural filler and an outer enclosure wall conformably coupled to the structural filler. Embodiments of the present invention further relate to a method of manufacturing a fluid enclosure. The method includes conformably coupling an outer enclosure wall to a structural filler. | 10-15-2009 |
20100035102 | ENERGY STORAGE INTEGRATED FRAMEWORK FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES - Embodiments of the invention relate to a fuel cell system for a portable electronic device including one or more fuel storage components, adapted to store and deliver a fuel, one or more electronic components and one or more fuel cells in contact with at least one of the one or more fuel storage components and one or more electronic components. The one or more fuel storage components are adapted to provide a secondary function, in addition to storing and delivering fuel. | 02-11-2010 |
20100078122 | METHODS OF MANUFACTURING FLUID STORAGE COMPONENTS - Embodiments of the invention relate to a method of manufacturing a fluid enclosure. The method includes reducing the size of active material particles sufficient to provide a maximum active material particle size substantially within the same order of size as the active material particle decrepitation size, contacting the particles with a binder sufficient to provide a mixture, pressing the mixture sufficient to provide a compacted mixture, heating the compacted mixture sufficient to form a fluid storage component and conformably coupling an outer enclosure wall to the fluid storage component sufficient to provide a fluid enclosure. | 04-01-2010 |
20100080735 | PORTABLE HYDROGEN GENERATOR - Portable hydrogen generators are disclosed. In the various embodiments, the generator may include a chamber configured to endothermically decompose a material positioned within the chamber to generate hydrogen gas. A heater may be in thermal communication with the material to stimulate a release of the hydrogen gas. An electrical power source may be controllably coupled to the heater, so that electrical power delivered to the heater may be controlled in response to at least one detected property of the hydrogen gas. | 04-01-2010 |
20100167132 | HYDROGEN FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEMS - A method for providing hydrogen to a hydrogen-powered device comprises providing a buffer connected to supply hydrogen to the device. The buffer is filled with hydrogen by coupling the buffer to a cartridge containing a predetermined quantity of hydrogen. The hydrogen in the cartridge may be stored in a form having a higher energy density than the hydrogen in the buffer. Systems comprising hydrogen-powered devices that include such buffers are also described. | 07-01-2010 |
20100187468 | COMPOSITE HYDROGEN STORAGE MATERIAL AND METHODS RELATED THERETO - Embodiments of the invention relate to a composite hydrogen storage material comprising active material particles and a binder, wherein the binder immobilizes the active material particles sufficient to maintain relative spatial relationships between the active material particles. | 07-29-2010 |
20100258214 | REFUELING VALVE FOR A FUEL STORAGE SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREFOR - A refueling valve assembly is a pressure-activated valve that allows a flow of fluid, for example, fluid fuel, into the fuel reservoir. A fuel inlet port allows for the fluid fuel to be introduced into the valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a compressible member having a first sealing position and a second fueling position, where the compressible member is more compressed in the second fueling position than the first sealing position. The compressible member is sealingly coupled with the fuel inlet port when the compressible member is in the first sealing position. | 10-14-2010 |
20110114862 | MAGNETIC FLUID COUPLING ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS - Fluid coupling assemblies and methods are discussed. The fluid coupling assemblies include a first coupling member, a second coupling member magnetically engageable with the first coupling member, and a seal member disposed between a portion of the first coupling member and a portion of the second coupling member. A magnetic engagement of the first coupling member and the second coupling member unseals a fluid flow path therebetween. In certain examples, the first coupling member is sealed by a valve member and the second coupling member includes an activation member. When engaged, the valve member is moved from a closed position to an open position by the activation member, thereby unsealing the fluid flow path. A magnetic force between the first coupling member and the second coupling member can be chosen such that the members disengage when a predetermined fluid flow path pressure is reached. | 05-19-2011 |
20120141369 | FLUID ENCLOSURE AND METHODS RELATED THERETO - Embodiments of the invention relate to a fluid enclosure including a structural filler and an outer enclosure wall conformably coupled to the structural filler. Embodiments of the present invention further relate to a method of manufacturing a fluid enclosure. The method includes conformably coupling an outer enclosure wall to a structural filler. | 06-07-2012 |
20120141892 | PORTABLE FUEL CELL POWER SOURCE - Embodiments of the present invention relate to a portable fuel cell power source including an expandable enclosure, a first reactant contained within the enclosure, one or more fuel cells and a fluid port positioned in the expandable enclosure and adapted to be in fluidic communication with the one or more fuel cells. The enclosure may also include an opening to insert a second reactant. When the first reactant is contacted with the second reactant a fuel is generated for use with one or more of the fuel cells. The volume of the portable fuel cell power source in a collapsed state may be smaller than the volume of the amount of first reactant and second reactant needed to substantially consume the first reactant in a fuel generation reaction. | 06-07-2012 |
20120148486 | Hydrogen Generation Using Compositions Including Magnesium And Silicon - Embodiments relate to methods of generating hydrogen including contacting magnesium and silicon to form a mixture and reacting the mixture with an aqueous solution, sufficient to generate hydrogen. The solution can include water and salt. | 06-14-2012 |
20120148932 | FLUIDIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS - Embodiments of the present invention relate to a fluid distribution system. The system may include one or more electrochemical cell layers, a bulk distribution manifold having an inlet, a cell layer feeding manifold in direct fluidic contact with the electrochemical cell layer and a separation layer that separates the bulk distribution manifold from the cell feeding manifold, providing at least two independent paths for fluid to flow from the bulk distribution manifold to the cell feeding manifold. | 06-14-2012 |
20120198917 | STATE OF CHARGE INDICATOR AND METHODS RELATED THERETO - Embodiments of the invention relate a charge indicator for determining the mass of a fluid contained within a fluid enclosure, wherein the charge indicator responds to a deformation of a solid component in contact with the fluid and wherein the deformation is a function of the mass of fluid contained within the fluid enclosure. | 08-09-2012 |
20120251913 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REFUELING REVERSIBLE HYDROGEN-STORAGE SYSTEMS - A method for refilling a hydrogen reservoir comprising a first hydrogen-storing material comprises establishing a fluid connection between the hydrogen reservoir and a cartridge containing a second hydrogen-storing material. The second hydrogen-storing material releases hydrogen at a pressure sufficient to charge the first hydrogen-storing material. Some embodiments involve heating the second hydrogen-storing material and/or allowing heat to flow between the first and second hydrogen-storing materials. | 10-04-2012 |
20120255637 | HYDROGEN SUPPLIES AND RELATED METHODS - A hydrogen source comprises a first hydrogen reservoir for containing hydrogen in a first form and a second hydrogen reservoir for containing hydrogen in a second form different from the first form. | 10-11-2012 |
20120255877 | CELLULAR RESERVOIR AND METHODS RELATED THERETO - Embodiments of the invention relate to a reservoir assembly for use in a device, such as a fuel cell system, hydride storage system, hydrogen compressor system, heat pump system or air conditioner system. The assembly includes a first cellular component interconnected with at least a second cellular component in which the interconnected cellular components are arranged together to substantially fill an available device space, one or more end caps coupled to a portion of the first or the second cellular components, one or more external ports for adding or removing a fluid from the reservoir in which the external ports are positioned in one or more of the end caps or cellular components, and one or more internal ports in which each internal port fluidly connects the first interconnected cellular component to at least the second interconnected cellular component. | 10-11-2012 |
20120264036 | FLUID MANIFOLD AND METHOD THEREFOR - A electrochemical cell system includes a fluid manifold having a layered structure. The fluid manifold includes at least one conduit layer having a first side and a second side. The at least one conduit layer has at least one conduit channel. | 10-18-2012 |
20120321918 | PORTABLE FUEL CELL SYSTEMS AND METHODS THEREFOR - A fuel cell system including, among other things, one or more of a fuel cell, a fuel reservoir, a current collecting circuit, a plenum, or a system cover. The fuel reservoir is configured to store fuel, and may include a regulator for controlling an output fuel pressure and a refueling port. A surface of the fuel reservoir may be positioned adjacent a first fuel cell portion. The current collecting circuit is configured to receive and distribute fuel cell power and may be positioned adjacent a second fuel cell portion. The plenum may be formed when the fuel reservoir and the first fuel cell portion are coupled or by one or more flexible fuel cell walls. The system cover allows air into the system and when combined when a fuel pressure in the plenum, may urge contact between the fuel cell and the current collecting circuit. | 12-20-2012 |
20130025710 | Pressure Regulator Assembly - Pressure regulator assemblies that are overall small in size, have a thin form factor, can be repeatedly manufactured at relatively low cost and which can avoid the use of poppet valves, pivots, sliding members or rubber and metal diaphragms are disclosed. These pressure regulator assemblies can find utility in small or micro-fluidic applications, such as fuel cell systems, for example. The fluid to be regulated by the assemblies can be a liquid or gas. | 01-31-2013 |
20130043125 | Fuels for Fuel Cells - A hydrogen generation system comprising a solid fuel that reacts with an aqueous liquid to generate hydrogen is disclosed. The solid fuel comprises first metallic particles coated by smaller second metallic particles, such that multiple galvanic cells are formed on a surface of the first metallic particles between the metals in the first metallic particles and the second metallic particles. The first metallic particles can be further covered by smaller third particles. An example of the solid fuel is hybrid particles formed by larger magnesium particles coated by smaller iron and silicon particles. The solid fuel may also include salt such as sodium chloride and/or a fire retardant such as potassium chloride. The salt may be added to the aqueous liquid instead. The solid fuel can be formed into fuel pellets, or can be suspended in a suspension agent to form slurries or gels. | 02-21-2013 |
20130095399 | PORTABLE FUEL CELL POWER SOURCE - Embodiments of the present invention relate to a portable fuel cell power source including an expandable enclosure, a first reactant contained within the enclosure, one or more fuel cells and a fluid port positioned in the expandable enclosure and adapted to be in fluidic communication with the one or more fuel cells. The enclosure may also include an opening to insert a second reactant. When the first reactant is contacted with the second reactant a fuel is generated for use with one or more of the fuel cells. The volume of the portable fuel cell power source in a collapsed state may be smaller than the volume of the amount of first reactant and second reactant needed to substantially consume the first reactant in a fuel generation reaction. | 04-18-2013 |
20130140489 | COMPOSITE HYDROGEN STORAGE MATERIAL AND METHODS RELATED THERETO - Embodiments of the invention relate to a composite hydrogen storage material comprising active material particles and a binder, wherein the binder immobilizes the active material particles sufficient to maintain relative spatial relationships between the active material particles. | 06-06-2013 |
20140038075 | METHOD FOR OPERATING FUEL CELLS WITH PASSIVE REACTANT SUPPLY - A method for operating a passive, air-breathing fuel cell system is described. In one embodiment, the system comprises one or more fuel cells, and a closed fuel plenum connected to a fuel supply. In some embodiments of the method, the fuel cell cathodes are exposed to ambient air, and the fuel is supplied to the anodes via the fuel plenum at a pressure greater than that of the ambient air. | 02-06-2014 |
20140339448 | Fluidic Control System and Method of Manufacture - A fluidic control system includes featured layers. The featured layers include two or more features which collectively form at least one functional component. | 11-20-2014 |
20150050582 | MAGNETIC FLUID COUPLING ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS - Fluid coupling assemblies and methods are discussed. The fluid coupling assemblies include a first coupling member, a second coupling member magnetically engageable with the first coupling member, and a seal member disposed between a portion of the first coupling member and a portion of the second coupling member. A magnetic engagement of the first coupling member and the second coupling member unseals a fluid flow path therebetween. In certain examples, the first coupling member is sealed by a valve member and the second coupling member includes an activation member. When engaged, the valve member is moved from a closed position to an open position by the activation member, thereby unsealing the fluid flow path. A magnetic force between the first coupling member and the second coupling member can be chosen such that the members disengage when a predetermined fluid flow path pressure is reached. | 02-19-2015 |