589results about "Portable application adaption" patented technology

A method of controlling an electric power source apparatus, which comprises supplying electric power to an electronic device on which a secondary battery is mounted from a power source apparatus having a fuel cell and an auxiliary power source. Electric power is supplied intermittently to a charging terminal of the electronic device by means of a switch for controlling conduction and interruption of an output terminal of the power source apparatus.

Fuel supplies for fuel cells are disclosed. The fuel supplies can be a pressurized or non-pressurized cartridge that can be used with any fuel cells, including but not limited to, direct methanol fuel cell or reformer fuel cell. In one aspect, a fuel supply may contain a reaction chamber to convert fuel to hydrogen. The fuel supplies may also contain a pump. The fuel supply may have a valve connecting the fuel to the fuel cell, and a vent to vent gas from the fuel supply. Methods for forming various fuel supplies are also disclosed.

An output from a generator section is controlled by a current converter section to be a constant current. Charging and discharging of a power storage section is controlled by a charge / discharge control circuit. Thereby, even in a case where a current value required by a load is high, the case can be dealt with in the manner that, while an output current from the generator section is being maintained constant, the output from the generator section and an output from the power storage section can be caused to function in cooperation with each other. Further, charging and discharging of the power storage section can be performed by a simplified device.

The present invention concerns a fuel supply for a fuel cell. The fuel supply includes a fuel storage area configured to hold a fuel solution, a fuel solution outlet configured to pass the fuel solution from the fuel storage area, a waste storage area, a waste inlet configured to pass waste into the waste storage area, and a movable barrier separating the fuel storage area and the waste storage area. The movable barrier is configured to move as fuel solution is passed from the fuel storage area and waste solution is passed into the waste storage area to simultaneously decrease the volume of the fuel storage area and increase the volume of the waste storage area.

A refueling system for an electronic device, comprising a fuel reservoir in a fuel supply device; a fuel cell having a refillable fuel store in a mobile electronic device; a first fuel interface to the fuel supply device for releasable connection with a second fuel interface to the mobile electronic device; and a transfer mechanism for transferring fuel from the fuel reservoir across the first and second fuel interfaces, when connected, into the refillable fuel store.

Described herein is a portable storage device that stores a hydrogen fuel source. The storage device includes a bladder that contains the hydrogen fuel source and conforms to the volume of the hydrogen fuel source. A housing provides mechanical protection for the bladder. The storage device also includes a connector that interfaces with a mating connector to permit transfer of the fuel source between the bladder and a device that includes the mating connector. The device may be a portable electronics device such as a laptop computer. Refillable hydrogen fuel source storage devices and systems are also described. The refillable system comprises a hydrogen fuel source refiner that includes the mating connector and provides the hydrogen fuel source to the storage device. Hot swappable fuel storage systems described herein allow a portable hydrogen fuel source storage device to be removed from a fuel processor or electronics device it provides the hydrogen fuel source to, without shutting down the receiving device or without compromising hydrogen fuel source provision to the receiving device for a limited time.

Fuel cell systems and methods having reduced volumetric requirements are described. The systems include, among other things, an enclosed region formed by the bonding of a fuel cell layer with a fluid manifold. The enclosed region transforms into a fluid plenum when, for example, a fluid exiting a manifold outlet pressurizes the enclosed region causing one or more portions of the fuel cell layer and / or the fluid manifold to deform away from each other.

The invention relates to hybrid fuel cell systems that protect a fuel cell with a second electrical energy source. The second electrical energy source powers a load to prevent the fuel cell from witnessing stoichiometric levels that may lead to reductions in fuel cell performance or health. The hybrid fuel cell system includes an electrical circuit that electrically initiates the electrical energy source to provide power to the load in response to detecting a potential stoichiometric disturbance for the fuel cell.

A self-contained conveyable power unit for producing 12V / 24V, 110V AC, and 220V AC electricity at a desired location independent of external power sources integrates within one weather-resistant molded nonmetallic material based housing a power generating device of a selectable combination of a renewable energy type (e.g., solar), power management devices, power storage devices and management reporting devices. Additional optional power generating devices, renewable or of traditional fuel type, can be contained within or coupled to the housing. The system includes devices or an array of devices contained within the housing for the storage of electrical power. A device for power management is contained within the housing as is networking equipment of wireless or wired type for remote system observation and reporting. The system and housing are modular and configured to produce power using any combination of renewable and non-renewable energy resources. The conveyable power unit may provide easy access to different types of power outputs and inputs and be coupled with like appliances in a ‘daisy chain’ or network of power. Given its molded composite material construction and scaleable design, the appliance may be readily fabricated in a variety of sizes for varied applications. Further, the molded housing of composite material construction is designed for resistance to the elements, light weight and strength.

The invention relates to fuel cell systems with improved thermal efficiency. The systems include a fuel cell that generates electrical energy using hydrogen and a fuel processor that produces hydrogen from a fuel. Some heat efficient systems described herein include a thermal catalyst that generates heat when the catalyst interacts with a heating medium. The heat is used to heat the fuel cell. The thermal catalyst may be disposed in, proximity to the fuel cell, or remote from the fuel cell and a heat transfer pipe conducts heat from the catalyst to the fuel cell. Another thermally efficient embodiment uses a recuperator to transfer heat generated in the fuel cell system to incoming fuel. A fuel cell package may also include a multi-layer insulation arrangement to decrease heat loss from the fuel cell and fuel processor, which both typically operate at elevated temperatures.

A refueling arrangement for a direct oxidation fuel cell. A refueling cartridge includes a coupling which is geometrically keyed to a fueling port associated with the fuel cell. By properly engaging the coupling with the fueling port, a fuel flow path is opened which allows fuel to pass from the cartridge to the fuel cell. Disengaging the coupling from the fueling port closes the fuel flow path. Refueling is accomplished in rapid, trouble-free and safe manner.

A heat sink apparatus for electronic components provides a heat sink and a deformable, convex foil construction affixed to the heat sink around a periphery of the foil construction and adapted to extend away from the heat sink to enable deformation of the convex foil construction as a result of contact with a top surface of an electronic component mounted opposite the foil construction.

The present invention relates to a battery cell which is housed in a variable state cell case in which a pole assembly having an anode / separating film / cathode laminate configuration is impregnated with an electrolytic solution. The pole assembly and the cell case are curved together in the same direction at both their ends relative to their central parts in vertical cross section in the axial direction, and they provide a battery cell having a configuration whereby they are curved in a single plane. When such a battery cell is installed in a device having a curved appearance in a single plane or is installed in a location which is curved in a single plane on the inside of a device, there are advantages in that it is efficient, can minimise waste in the space required because of the intimately fined configuration, and it allows the development of devices which have an aesthetically pleasing appearance and which have a diversity of design tailored to consumer preferences.

A SOFC providing higher power densities than PEM-based cells; the possibility of direct oxidation and / or internal reforming of fuel; and reduced SOFC operating temperatures. The SOFC comprises a thin film electrolyte layer. A thick film anode layer is disposed on one surface of the electrolyte layer; and a thick film cathode layer is disposed on the opposite surface of the electrolyte layer. A method of making the SOFC comprises the steps of: creating a well in one side of a dielectric or semiconductor substrate; depositing a thin film solid oxide electrolyte layer on the surface of the well; applying a thick film electrode layer in the electrolyte coated well; creating a counter well in the opposite side of the substrate, the counter well abutting the electrolyte layer; and applying a thick film counter electrode layer in the counter well.

There is provided a power supply system which can cause a predetermined device to stably and excellently operate by only directly connecting an electrode terminal to the device, suppress waste of a power generation fuel, and achieve effective use of an energy resource.

A power generator has a hydrogen flow path through which moisture is induced to flow to a hydrogen-containing fuel that reacts with the moisture to produce hydrogen. The moisture passes to the hydrogen flow path through a water exchange membrane from a water vapor flow path. A fuel cell between the hydrogen flow path and the water vapor flow path reacts with the hydrogen in the hydrogen flow path to produce electricity, and to also principally produce the moisture in the water vapor flow path.

A filling device for use to manually or automatically refill a fuel cartridge using a separate fuel container or a second fuel cartridge is disclosed. The filling device provides for the sharing or fuel among numerous fuel containers and fuel cartridges in various consumer electronic devices. Fuel cartridges can be filled in-situ using an adapter for connecting the fuel container to the fuel cartridge. The adapter includes an input connector and an output connector arranged to adapt various fuel containers and fuel cartridges together. The adapter can be arranged as a passive device or as an active device and can include pumps, valves, power sources and control units as desired.

A fuel cell including primarily (a) a membrane electrode assembly, which comprises (i) a proton exchange membrane having a front face and a rear face, (ii) an anode being coupled to the front face, and (iii) a cathode being coupled to the rear face; (b) a fuel permeation-controlling member positioned in front of the anode; the member being substantially impermeable to an organic fuel or water at an ambient temperature or below, but being permeable at a temperature higher than an activation temperature; (c) heating means in control relation to the fuel permeation-controlling member to activate fuel permeation through the member on demand. The invented fuel cell is compact and lightweight, with significantly reduced fuel crossover and improved fuel utilization efficiency. The fuel cell is particularly useful for powering small vehicles and portable devices such as a notebook computer, a personal digital assistant, a mobile phone, and a digital camera.

The present invention concerns a fuel reservoir for a liquid fuel cell particularly useful for portable electronic devices in which the fuel reservoir can deliver the liquid fuel regardless of the orientation. The fuel reservoir comprises (a) a container defining a cavity for holding the liquid fuel; (b) a wicking structure positioned within the cavity and into which at least a portion of the liquid fuel wicks and from which said liquid fuel subsequently may be discharged or delivered, such as by pumping or wicking. The wicking structure is formed from a wicking material with a free rise wick height greater than at least one half of the longest dimension of the wicking structure. Among materials with such wicking capability are foams, matted, bundled or woven fibers and nonwoven fibers. The container may have a generally flat and thin profile, formed as a pouch or envelope with substantially planar top and bottom faces of flexible film material, such that the container holding the wicking structure and filled with the liquid fuel can be bent or shaped.

A floor-cleaning apparatus includes a cleaning head having a cleaning device, a control handle connected to the cleaning head for controlling the cleaning head and a micro power source in communication with the cleaning device. The micro power source is lightweight, compact, and rechargeable or replaceable for generating energy to power the cleaning device.

A battery pack that is charged with power generated in an external power generator and supplies battery power to an external load in parallel with the external power generator, and a power receiving device of a portable electronic device that receives and supplies battery power to an external load in parallel with the external power generator, the battery pack including: a battery cell to discharge power based on a charged amount of electric charge; an external power input terminal to receive power from an external power generator; a power output terminal to supply power to an external load; and a voltage transforming circuit to transform voltage of the power received through the external power input terminal to transfer the transformed voltage to the power output terminal.

A heat sink apparatus for electronic components provides a heat sink and a deformable, convex foil construction affixed to the heat sink around a periphery of the foil construction and adapted to extend away from the heat sink to enable deformation of the convex foil construction as a result of contact with a top surface of an electronic component mounted opposite the foil construction.

There are many inventions described and illustrated herein. In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a portable fuel cell power and management system (for example, hydrogen and / or methanol based systems), components and / or elements thereof, as well as techniques for controlling and / or operating such systems. The fuel cell power management system (and method of controlling and / or operating same) actively monitors, manages and / or controls one or more operating parameter(s) of the fuel cell system. For example, the system monitors, manages and / or controls the consumption and / or the rate of consumption of fuel by the system, and in response thereto, may provide and / or alert the user to amount of fuel remaining, consumed, the rate of consumption and / or the time (or estimation thereof remaining until all of the fuel is spent. In this way, the user may schedule or plan accordingly.

The present invention relates to a fuel cell including a metal anode as fuel and a biocompatible membrane.

A solid electrolyte fuel cell configuration provided with a single sheet shaped solid electrolyte substrate formed with a plurality of fuel cells and thereby not having a sealed structure, achieving a reduction of the size and a reduction of the cost, and able to improve the durability and improve the power generation efficiency, a single sheet shaped solid electrolyte substrate, in particular a solid electrolyte fuel cell configuration provided with a single sheet shaped solid electrolyte substrate, a plurality of anode layers formed on one side of the solid electrolyte substrate, and a plurality of cathode layers formed on the side opposite to the one side of the solid electrolyte substrate at positions facing the anode layers, the anode layers and cathode layers facing each other across the solid electrolyte substrate forming a plurality of fuel cells, the anode layers and cathode layers being connected in series.

Described herein is a portable storage device that stores a hydrogen fuel source. The storage device includes a bladder that contains the hydrogen fuel source and conforms to the volume of the hydrogen fuel source. A housing provides mechanical protection for the bladder. The storage device also includes a connector that interfaces with a mating connector to permit transfer of the fuel source between the bladder and a device that includes the mating connector. The device may be a portable electronics device such as a laptop computer. Refillable hydrogen fuel source storage devices and systems are also described. Hot swappable fuel storage systems described herein allow a portable hydrogen fuel source storage device to be removed from a fuel processor or electronics device it provides the hydrogen fuel source to, without shutting down the receiving device or without compromising hydrogen fuel source provision.

A portable fuel cell stack is provided in which the number of components is reduced by reducing the number of flow field plates, cell performance is improved by reducing the number of contact portions to thereby lower internal resistance, and fuel is supplied from the center of an end plate directly to a fuel distribution manifold. The portable fuel cell stack includes two end plates, a plurality of unit cells positioned between the two end plates, a fuel distribution manifold positioned in the center of the unit cell for fuel supply thereto, a tie bolt passed through the centers of the fuel manifold and the unit cell for integration of these members, and fixing nuts threaded to both ends of the tie bolt for integrally clamping the plurality of unit cells together between the end plates via an O-ring, etc. The unit cell includes a polymer electrolyte membrane, an oxygen electrode and a fuel electrode installed on both sides of the polymer electrolyte membrane, a flow field plate adjacent to the oxygen electrode side, and a separator plate on the outside of the flow field plate adjacent in contact therewith and another separator plate on the outside of the fuel electrode side in contact therewith. One of the fixing nuts has a fuel supply port connecting to the fuel distribution manifold.

Fuel supplies for fuel cells are disclosed. The fuel supplies can be a pressurized or non-pressurized cartridge that can be used with any fuel cells, including but not limited to, direct methanol fuel cell or reformer fuel cell. In one aspect, a fuel supply may contain a reaction chamber to convert fuel to hydrogen. The fuel supplies may also contain a pump. The fuel supply may have a valve connecting the fuel to the fuel cell, and a vent to vent gas from the fuel supply. Methods for forming various fuel supplies are also disclosed.

When the mobile type information terminal is transferred between an operating state and a standby state, self diagnosis is performed. The fuel cell charges the secondary cells with a normal current of fixed value I1, and when the output voltage of the boost DC / DC converter (when PG=L), the charge current is reduced to the fixed value and aging is performed. After aging is performed for 60 seconds, charging is performed once again performed at the normal fixed value I1. This type of operation is repeated 30 times. During aging, when the output voltage from the boost DC / DC converter is reduced (when PG=L), aging is stopped and after 20 seconds aging is performed again, and this operation is done 10 times. The mobile type information terminal can perform self diagnosis and retrial of regeneration without the user being aware, in which secondary batteries and a fuel cell are loaded.

A filling device for use to manually or automatically refill a fuel cartridge using a separate fuel container or a second fuel cartridge is disclosed. The filling device provides for the sharing or fuel among numerous fuel containers and fuel cartridges in various consumer electronic devices. Fuel cartridges can be filled in-situ using an adapter for connecting the fuel container to the fuel cartridge. The adapter includes an input connector and an output connector arranged to adapt various fuel containers and fuel cartridges together. The adapter can be arranged as a passive device or as an active device and can include pumps, valves, power sources and control units as desired.