Self-regulating gas generator and method

Abstract

A self-regulating gas generator that, in response to gas demand, supplies and automatically adjusts the amount of gas (e.g., hydrogen or oxygen) catalytically generated in a chemical supply chamber from an appropriate chemical supply, such as a chemical solution, gas dissolved in liquid, or mixture. In some embodiments, the gas generator may employ a piston, rotating rod, or other element(s) to expose the chemical supply to the catalyst in controlled amounts. In another embodiment, the self-regulating gas generator uses bang-bang control, with the element(s) exposing a catalyst, contained within the chemical supply chamber, to the chemical supply in ON and OFF states according to a self-adjusting duty cycle, thereby generating and outputting the gas in an orientation-independent manner. The gas generator may be used to provide gas for various gas consuming devices, such as a fuel cell, torch, or oxygen respiratory devices.

Description

[0001] related application [0002] This application is a continuation of U.S. Application No. 13 / 465,798, filed May 7, 2012, and a continuation of U.S. Application No. 13 / 464,881, filed May 4, 2012, U.S. Application No. 13 / 464,881 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 10 / 989,116 (now U.S. Patent No. 8,172,912), filed November 15, 2004, which claims U.S. provisional application filed November 14, 2003 Priority of No. 60 / 520,149. The entire teachings of the aforementioned applications are hereby incorporated by reference. Background of the invention [0003] Today, nearly all military, industrial, and consumer electronic devices are powered by conventional power sources (AC wall outlets, gas generators, or disposable or rechargeable batteries). Each of these power supplies has its own disadvantages. One such disadvantage is a form of pollution in which AC power plants, gas generators, and batteries each produce environmentally unfriendly by-products (eg, ozone-de...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

One such disadvantage is a form of pollution where AC power plants, gas generators, and batteries each produce environmentally unfriendly by-products (such as ozone-destroying gases and battery acid waste)

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