Heater assembly, hydrogen generator and method of providing hydrogen gas
US10093538B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 19, 2015 |
| Grant date | Oct 9, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 25, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A heater assembly for use in a hydrogen generator can be retracted to facilitate insertion and removal of a replaceable fuel unit without damaging the heater assembly or the fuel unit and extended to provide good thermal contact with the fuel unit during use of the hydrogen generator. The heater assembly includes a support member, a heater, and an actuator for extending and retracting the heater assembly. When the heater is energized it heats the actuator, thereby extending the heater assembly to contact the adjacent fuel unit, and when the heater is deenergized the actuator cools to retract the heater assembly and provide a gap between the heater assembly and the adjacent fuel unit. The actuator is movably secured to the heater or the support member by a retainer such that an end of the actuator is movable within the retainer as the actuator changes shape during heating and cooling.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.