Hydrogen generator having a thermal actuator
US9243560B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jan 26, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/50
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A hydrogen generator having one or more actuators coupled to one or more heating elements in which the actuator(s) are used to improve the transfer of thermal energy from heating element(s) to one or more fuel units contained within the generator. In one embodiment, an actuator allows insertion and/or removal of packaged fuel units without the need of removing the heating element(s) and/or the actuator(s). When the actuator is in a retracted state (e.g., a low temperature state), the packaged fuel unit may be inserted and/or removed from a cavity of the hydrogen generator. When the actuator is in an extended state (e.g., a higher temperature state), the actuator forces contact between itself or the heating element and the fuel unit when a prescribed operating temperature is reached.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.