U.S. patent application number 14/310570 was filed with the patent office on 2014-12-18 for liquid containers and apparatus for use with power producing devices.
The applicant listed for this patent is INI POWER SYSTEMS, INC.. Invention is credited to Larry J. Markoski, Timothy C. Simmons.
Application Number | 20140370419 14/310570 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47519084 |
Filed Date | 2014-12-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140370419 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Markoski; Larry J. ; et
al. |
December 18, 2014 |
LIQUID CONTAINERS AND APPARATUS FOR USE WITH POWER PRODUCING
DEVICES
Abstract
A fuel reservoir for dispensing liquid fuel with a dispensing
appliance includes a container having an opening, a liquid fuel in
the container, a needle-pierceable septum disposed across the
opening of the container, and a locking surface disposed on an
exterior surface of the container and configured to engage a
locking mechanism of a dispensing appliance.
Inventors: |
Markoski; Larry J.;
(Raleigh, NC) ; Simmons; Timothy C.; (Durham,
NC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
INI POWER SYSTEMS, INC. |
Morrisville |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
47519084 |
Appl. No.: |
14/310570 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13298084 |
Nov 16, 2011 |
8783304 |
|
|
14310570 |
|
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|
61419743 |
Dec 3, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
429/506 ;
429/513; 429/515 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02E 60/50 20130101;
H01M 8/04186 20130101; H01M 8/22 20130101; H01M 8/04208 20130101;
H01M 8/04201 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
429/506 ;
429/515; 429/513 |
International
Class: |
H01M 8/04 20060101
H01M008/04; H01M 8/22 20060101 H01M008/22 |
Claims
1. A fuel reservoir for dispensing liquid fuel with a dispensing
appliance, comprising: a container, having an opening; a liquid
fuel, in the container; a needle-pierceable septum, disposed across
the opening of the container; and a locking surface, disposed on an
exterior surface of the container and configured to engage a
locking mechanism of a dispensing appliance.
2. The fuel reservoir of claim 1, wherein the container has one
opening.
3. The fuel reservoir of claim 1, wherein the locking surface is
disposed on a side wall of the container.
4. The fuel reservoir of claim 1, wherein the liquid fuel comprises
an alcohol.
5. The fuel reservoir of claim 1, wherein the liquid fuel comprises
methanol.
6. The fuel reservoir of claim 1, wherein the liquid fuel comprises
a hydrocarbon fuel.
7. The fuel reservoir of claim 1, wherein the container and
needle-pierceable septum comprise a material which is unreactive
with the liquid fuel
8. The fuel reservoir of claim 1, wherein the needle-pierceable
septum comprises silicone.
9. The fuel reservoir of claim 1, wherein the needle-pierceable
septum comprises: a first layer, comprising elastomer; and a second
layer, comprising a polymer.
10. The fuel reservoir of claim 1, wherein the septum has an
exposed length of at most 100 mm.
11. The fuel reservoir of claim 1, wherein the septum has an
exposed length of at most 50 mm.
12. The fuel reservoir of claim 1, wherein the septum has an
exposed length of 1 mm to 20 mm.
13. The fuel reservoir of claim 1, further comprising a cap on the
septum, covering a portion of the septum.
14. A fuel dispensing system, comprising: a dispensing appliance,
for dispensing a liquid fuel from a fuel reservoir, the dispensing
appliance comprising: an engagement mechanism, having at least two
needles; and a protecting plate, having a raised position and a
depressed position, wherein the needles are concealed when the
protecting plate is in a raised position and the needles are
exposed when the protecting plate is in a depressed position; and a
power-producing system, fluidly connected to the dispensing
appliance.
15. The fuel dispensing system of claim 14, wherein the
power-producing system comprises a fuel cell.
16. The fuel dispensing system of claim 14, wherein the liquid fuel
comprises methanol.
17. The fuel dispensing system of claim 14, wherein the needles
comprise: a first needle, having a valve; and a second needle;
wherein the valve blocks liquid fuel from flowing out of the fuel
reservoir through the first needle when the first needle is
engaging the fuel reservoir, the valve allows air to pass into the
fuel reservoir when the first needle is engaging the fuel
reservoir, and the second needle is fluidly connected to the fuel
reservoir when the second needle is engaging the fuel
reservoir.
18. A fuel dispensing system, comprising: a fuel reservoir,
comprising: a container, having an opening; a liquid fuel, in the
container; and a needle-pierceable septum, disposed across the
opening of the container; a dispensing appliance, comprising: an
engagement mechanism, having at least two needles; and a protecting
plate, having a raised position and a depressed position, wherein
the needles are concealed when the protecting plate is in a raised
position and the needles are exposed when the protecting plate is
in a depressed position; wherein the protecting plate is depressed,
and the needles are engaging the fuel reservoir.
19. The fuel dispensing system of claim 18, further comprising a
power-producing system in fluid connection with the dispensing
appliance.
20-27. (canceled)
28. A method of dispensing fuel to a power-producing system,
comprising: piercing a needle-pierceable septum of a fuel reservoir
with a first needle and a second needle; flowing air through the
first needle and into the fuel reservoir; and flowing a liquid fuel
through the second needle, out of the fuel reservoir, and into a
power-producing system.
29-33. (canceled)
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/419,743 entitled "LIQUID CONTAINERS AND
APPARATUS FOR USE WITH POWER PRODUCING DEVICES" filed Dec. 3, 2010,
which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Fuel cell technology shows great promise as an alternative
energy source for numerous applications. Fuel cells have been
investigated for use in mobile applications, such as portable
computers, mobile communications, and GPS tracking devices. Several
types of fuel cells have been developed, including polymer
electrolyte membrane fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells,
alkaline fuel cells, phosphoric acid fuel cells, molten carbonate
fuel cells, and solid oxide fuel cells. For a comparison of several
fuel cell technologies, see Los Alamos National Laboratory
monograph LA-UR-99-3231 entitled Fuel Cells: Green Power by Sharon
Thomas and Marcia Zalbowitz.
[0003] An important challenge faced in the development of fuel cell
technology is providing a constant supply of liquid fuel to the
fuel cell system to ensure its continuous and uninterrupted
operation. In attempting to improve liquid fuel delivery, previous
liquid fuel cell systems have incorporated fuel delivery systems
which include fuel bladders, valves, connectors, and vents designed
to manage the flow of liquid fuel and equalize the pressure inside
the system with the surrounding environment. However, such
components increase the complexity of fuel delivery systems,
increasing production costs and making the systems more prone to
failure. In addition, increasing system complexity decreases design
flexibility, making these systems less adaptable to rugged, mobile
applications, such as for use in aggressive military environments,
where device simplicity and reliability are essential. Furthermore,
systems which incorporate multiple valves and venting mechanisms
are more cumbersome, often requiring manual operation and
additional user resources.
[0004] Fuel delivery system designs also must take into account
safety concerns, such as the desire to avoid unnecessary exposure
to the liquid fuel, and environmental concerns, such as ensuring
that potentially hazardous fuels are not unintentionally discharged
into the surrounding environment. Consequently, the requirement
that fuel be delivered safely and with an acceptably low risk of
spillage complicates fuel delivery designs and may lead to
inefficiencies. In summary, the need to provide a constant fuel
supply while adhering to acceptable safety standards has resulted
in increasingly complex fuel delivery systems which are both
expensive to produce and cumbersome to operate.
SUMMARY
[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention is a fuel reservoir
for dispensing liquid fuel with a dispensing appliance comprising a
container having an opening, a liquid fuel in the container, a
needle-pierceable septum disposed across the opening of the
container, and a locking surface disposed on an exterior surface of
the container and configured to engage a locking mechanism of a
dispensing appliance.
[0006] In a second aspect, the present invention is a fuel
reservoir for dispensing liquid fuel with a dispensing appliance
comprising a container having an opening, a liquid fuel in the
container, a needle-pierceable septum disposed across the opening
of the container, and a locking surface disposed on an exterior
surface of the container and configured to engage a locking
mechanism of a dispensing appliance. The container has one opening.
The locking surface is disposed on a side wall of the container.
The liquid fuel comprises methanol.
[0007] In a third aspect, the present invention is a fuel
dispensing system comprising a dispensing appliance for dispensing
a liquid fuel from a fuel reservoir and a power-producing system
fluidly connected to the dispensing appliance. The dispensing
appliance comprises an engagement mechanism having at least two
needles, a protecting plate having a raised position and a
depressed position, and a locking mechanism. The needles are
concealed when the protecting plate is in a raised position and the
needles are exposed when the protecting plate is in a depressed
position. The protecting plate is in the depressed position and the
needles are configured to engage a fuel reservoir when the locking
mechanism is in the locked position, and the protecting plate is in
the raised position when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked
position.
[0008] In a fourth aspect, the present invention is a fuel
dispensing system comprising a dispensing appliance for dispensing
a liquid fuel from a fuel reservoir and a power-producing system
fluidly connected to the dispensing appliance. The dispensing
appliance comprises an engagement mechanism having at least two
needles, a protecting plate having a raised position and a
depressed position, and a locking mechanism. The needles are
concealed when the protecting plate is in a raised position and the
needles are exposed when the protecting plate is in a depressed
position. The protecting plate is in the depressed position and the
needles are configured to engage a fuel reservoir when the locking
mechanism is in the locked position, and the protecting plate is in
the raised position when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked
position. The power-producing system comprises a fuel cell. The
liquid fuel comprises methanol.
[0009] In a fifth aspect, the present invention is a fuel
dispensing system comprising a fuel reservoir and a dispensing
appliance. The fuel reservoir comprises a container having an
opening, a liquid fuel in the container, and a needle-pierceable
septum disposed across the opening of the container. The dispensing
appliance comprises an engagement mechanism having at least two
needles, a protecting plate having a raised position and a
depressed position, and a locking mechanism. The needles are
concealed when the protecting plate is in a raised position and the
needles are exposed when the protecting plate is in a depressed
position. The protecting plate is in the depressed position and the
needles are engaging the fuel reservoir when the locking mechanism
is in the locked position, and the protecting plate is in the
raised position when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked
position. The protecting plate is depressed, and the needles are
engaging the fuel reservoir.
[0010] In a sixth aspect, the present invention is a method of
dispensing fuel to a power-producing system comprising piercing a
needle-pierceable septum of a fuel reservoir with a first needle
and a second needle, flowing air through the first needle and into
the fuel reservoir, and flowing a liquid fuel out of the fuel
reservoir, through the second needle, and into a power-producing
system.
[0011] In a seventh aspect, the present invention is a method of
dispensing fuel to a power-producing system comprising piercing a
needle-pierceable septum of a fuel reservoir with a first needle
and a second needle, flowing air through the first needle and into
the fuel reservoir, and flowing a liquid fuel out of the fuel
reservoir, through the second needle, and into a power-producing
system. The power-producing system comprises a fuel cell. The
liquid fuel comprises methanol.
[0012] The term "needle-pierceable septum" means an elastomeric or
polymeric layer, such as a septum, which is disposed across an
opening of a container and is capable of maintaining a liquid tight
seal with the contents of the container when a needle is inserted
through and pierces the needle-pierceable septum. Preferably, a
needle-pierceable septum is capable of maintaining a liquid tight
seal with the contents of a container upon removal of the needle
from the needle-pierceable septum.
[0013] The term "exposed length" means a dimension, such as a
length, width, or diameter, along which the needle-pierceable
septum is capable of being pierced by a needle.
[0014] The term "power producing system" means a device which
consumes fuel to produce energy. For example, a power producing
system may convert chemical potential energy into electrical
energy, or a power producing system may convert chemical potential
energy into mechanical energy. One example of a power producing
system is an electrochemical cell, which converts chemical
potential energy into electrical energy. A power producing system
may include a fuel pump which is capable of pumping liquid fuel out
of a fuel reservoir.
[0015] The term "unreactive" means not reacting. Materials which
are unreactive do not oxidize, corrode, or significantly chemically
alter each other. For example, a liquid which is unreactive with a
container composed of a particular material can be contained within
that container for at least one year without significantly
corroding or oxidizing the container, and without the container
significantly altering the useful chemical properties of the
liquid.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a fuel reservoir.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel reservoir and
dispensing appliance.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel reservoir
engaging a dispensing appliance.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel reservoir
engaging a dispensing appliance.
[0020] FIG. 5 illustrates a fuel reservoir and container
holder.
[0021] FIG. 6 illustrates a fuel reservoir, dispensing appliance,
and container holder.
[0022] FIG. 7 illustrates a fuel reservoir having a
needle-pierceable septum.
[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates the disengagement of a fuel reservoir
from a dispensing appliance.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The present invention makes use of the discovery of liquid
fuel reservoir which is capable of simply and efficiently providing
a constant supply of liquid fuel to a power producing system. The
system employs a needle and septum design which enables the liquid
fuel reservoir to be quickly and easily attached to and detached
from a dispensing mechanism while maintaining a liquid tight seal
and preventing leakage of the liquid fuel contents. The fuel
reservoir preferably includes only one opening, making the system
suitable for a wide range of applications, from use in low-power
consumer electronic devices, to use in more demanding applications.
By simplifying the design of the fuel reservoir, its production
costs, operational requirements, and likelihood of failure may be
reduced.
[0025] FIG. 1 is an elevation view of a fuel reservoir 100 having
aspects of the present invention. The fuel reservoir 100 includes a
container 110, a needle-pierceable septum 120, and an optional
safety cap 130. The container 110 includes an opening 112, a collar
113, container sidewalls 114, a transition region 115, a liquid
fuel 116, and a locking surface 118.
[0026] The opening 112 is in fluid communication with the interior
volume of the container 110. The collar 113 forms a perimeter
around the opening 112 of the container 110 and extends between the
opening 112 and the transition region 115. The transition region
115 extends between the collar 113 and the container sidewalls 114.
The container sidewalls 114 form a perimeter around the interior
volume of the container 110. The liquid fuel 116 is disposed within
the container 110. The locking surface 118 is disposed on a
container sidewall 114. The needle-pierceable septum 120 is
disposed across the opening 112 of the container 110. The optional
safety cap 130 may be disposed on the needle-pierceable septum 120
such that the needle-pierceable septum 120 is disposed between the
optional safety cap 130 and the interior volume of the container
110.
[0027] In operation, the fuel reservoir 100 is filled with liquid
fuel 116 by flowing liquid fuel 116 through the opening 112 of the
container 110. The needle-pierceable septum 120 is disposed across
the opening 112 of the container 110. The optional safety cap 130
may be placed upon the needle-pierceable septum 120 and opening 112
of the container 110. In another aspect, the optional safety cap
130 may be a one-way lockable safety cap which is locked to the
opening 112 of the container 110 upon attachment. Preferably, the
fuel reservoir 100 does not include a bladder for containing the
liquid fuel 116.
[0028] The liquid fuel 116 preferably includes an alcohol-based
fuel, such as methanol or ethanol. Other fuels include organic
hydrocarbons, such as butane, gasoline, or kerosene, and organic
acids, such as formic acid. Most preferably, the liquid fuel 116
includes methanol fuel. For example, the liquid fuel may be a
mixture which includes methanol and water.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel reservoir 100 and
dispensing appliance 200 having aspects of the present invention.
The fuel reservoir 100 includes a container 110 and a
needle-pierceable septum 120. The container 110 includes an opening
112, a collar 113, a container sidewall 114, a transition region
115, and a liquid fuel 116. The dispensing appliance 200 includes a
collar guide 210, a protecting plate 220, a spring 230, a first
needle 240, a second needle 245, an air inlet 250, and a fuel
outlet 255. The collar guide 210 includes an inner edge 212.
[0030] The inner edge 212 is circumferentially disposed on the
upper end of the collar guide 210. The spring 230 is disposed
within the collar guide 210. The protecting plate 220 is disposed
between the inner edge 212 and the upper end of the spring 230. The
first needle 240 and second needle 245 are disposed within the
collar guide 210 and extend axially along the spring 230. The first
needle 240 is in fluid communication with the air inlet 250. The
second needle 245 is in fluid communication with the fuel outlet
255.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel reservoir 100
engaging a dispensing appliance 200 having aspects of the present
invention. The fuel reservoir 100 includes a container 110 and a
needle-pierceable septum 120. The container 110 includes an opening
112, a collar 113, a container sidewall 114, a transition region
115, and a liquid fuel 116. The dispensing appliance 200 includes a
collar guide 210, a protecting plate 220, a spring 230, a first
needle 240, a second needle 245, an air inlet 250, and a fuel
outlet 255. The collar guide 210 includes an inner edge 212. The
protecting plate 220 includes needle apertures 225.
[0032] The first and second needles 240, 245 extend through the
needle apertures 225 of the protecting plate 220 when the
protecting plate 220 is depressed away from the inner edge 212 and
towards the first and second needles 240, 245.
[0033] In operation, the fuel reservoir 100 is positioned above the
protecting plate 220 such that the collar 113 of the container 110
aligns with the collar guide 210 of the dispensing appliance 200.
The collar 113 is inserted into the collar guide 210 such that the
opening 112 of the container 110 and the needle-pierceable septum
120 contact the protecting plate 220. As force is applied to the
protecting plate 220, the spring 230 is compressed, and the first
and second needles 240, 245 extend through the needle apertures
225, piercing the needle-pierceable septum 120. Thus, the needles
240, 245 and septum 120 design allows for simple engagement and
disengagement of the fuel reservoir 100 with the dispensing
appliance 200.
[0034] Once the first and second needles 240, 245 have engaged the
fuel reservoir 100 by piercing the needle-pierceable septum 120, a
liquid-tight seal is formed between the first and second needles
240, 245 and the needle-pierceable septum 120. This liquid-tight
seal may prevent liquid fuel 116 from exiting the container 110
through a route other than through the first and/or second needles
240, 245. Preferably, the liquid-tight seal is able to withstand
the pressure exerted by the column of the liquid fuel 116 contained
above the needle-pierceable septum 120. More preferably, the
liquid-tight seal is able to withstand the sum of the pressure
exerted by the column of the liquid fuel 116 contained above the
needle-pierceable septum 120 and the pressure exerted on the
sidewalls 114 of the container 110, for example, during compression
of or impact to the fuel reservoir 100. By providing a liquid tight
seal between the fuel reservoir 100 and the dispensing appliance
200, these components may safely withstand use in highly mobile
applications, for example, use in aggressive military environments,
without potentially dangerous leakage of the liquid fuel 116.
[0035] When dispensing liquid fuel 116, air may flow through the
air inlet 250 and into the container 110, and liquid fuel 116 may
flow out of the container 110 and through the fuel outlet 255. By
allowing air to flow into the container 110 as liquid fuel 116
flows out of the container 110, the air inlet 250 may prevent the
pressure inside the container 110 from dropping below the pressure
outside of the container 110. A pressure differential between the
inside of the container 110 and the outside of the container 110,
where the pressure inside the container 110 is lower than the
pressure outside of the container 110, may inhibit removal of
liquid fuel 116 from the container 110, due to the formation of a
low vacuum which acts to hold the liquid fuel 116 inside of the
container 110. By allowing air to flow through the air inlet 250
and into the container 110, the pressure inside the container 110
may be equalized with the pressure outside of the container 110,
allowing the liquid fuel 116 to be more easily removed from the
container 110.
[0036] In one aspect, the air inlet 250 includes a one-way valve
which, when the first needle 240 has pierced the needle-pierceable
septum 120 and is engaging the fuel reservoir 100, allows air to
flow into the container 110 and blocks fuel from flowing out of the
container 110. Preferably, the one-way valve allows the pressure
inside the container 110 to be equalized with the pressure outside
of the container 110 without the need to manually open and close
the valve. Such a design simplifies use of the fuel reservoir 100
and dispensing appliance 200, conserves user resources, and ensures
predictable dispensing and delivery of the liquid fuel 116.
[0037] In another aspect, the interior volume of the container 110
may be pressurized by air forced into the container 110 through the
air inlet 250. By forcing air into the container 110, and thus
pressurizing its contents, the rate at which liquid fuel 116 flows
out of the fuel outlet 255 may be controlled. For example, if
liquid fuel 116 is to be dispensed through the fuel outlet 255 at a
high rate, air may be forced in through the air inlet 250 until an
appropriate pressure is achieved in the interior volume of the
container 110. If, on the other hand, liquid fuel 116 is to be
dispensed through the fuel outlet 255 at a lower rate, air may be
forced in through the air inlet 250 until a lower pressure is
achieved in the interior volume of the container 110. Pressurizing
the interior volume of the container 110 not only allows for
control of the rate at which liquid fuel 116 is dispensed, but also
increases the predictability of liquid fuel 116 delivery in
applications in which the contents of the container 110 may
experience sudden movements, accelerations, and/or changes in
orientation; if the contents of the container 110 are in motion or
experiencing acceleration, irregular and unpredictable dispensing
may result unless the interior volume of the container 110 is
sufficiently pressurized.
[0038] The simplicity of operation of the fuel reservoir 100 and
dispensing appliance 200 allow for flexibility in the design of
these components and decrease the likelihood of device failure.
Preferably, the fuel reservoir 100 has only one opening 112 through
which liquid fuel 116 and air may travel and does not include
additional valves, vents, or connectors. By avoiding the use of
built-in bladders, valves, vents, and connectors, the cost of the
fuel reservoir 100 may be decreased. Additionally, because the fuel
reservoir 100 preferably has only one opening 112, and because
there is no requirement for including additional valves or ports,
there are fewer restrictions on the design of the container 110.
For example, the container 110 may be sized to accommodate a
variety of liquid fuel 116 volumes without significantly increasing
its design complexity. Fuel reservoirs 100 used in small mobile
devices, such as mobile phones and laptops, may be sized to hold
very small liquid fuel 116 volumes, for example, volumes of from 10
milliliters to 100 milliliters, including 25, 50 and 75
milliliters. Fuel reservoirs 100 used in larger applications may be
sized to hold large liquid fuel 116 volumes, for example, volumes
of from 100 milliliters to 10 liters or, more preferably, volumes
of from 500 milliliters to 2 liters, including 750 milliliters, 1
liter and 1.5 liters. Moreover, the simplicity of design enables
the container 110 to be shaped to fit the contours of a variety of
applications, which may maximize the volume of liquid fuel 116 held
by the container 110.
[0039] In preferred embodiments, the fuel reservoir 100 is able to
withstand long-term exposure to liquid fuels and has the structural
integrity to withstand shock and environmental temperature ranges
of from -20.degree. C. to +50.degree. C. Preferably, the fuel
reservoir 100 is composed of a liquid fuel-compatible material,
such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, or
a similar polymeric material. Such materials are lightweight and
durable and may be inexpensively produced by known manufacturing
techniques. Additionally, although the fuel reservoirs 100, when
inexpensively produced from such materials, may be disposable or
single-use, the selection of such materials also may enable the
fuel reservoirs 100 to be reused and/or recycled.
[0040] The first and second needles 240, 245 and the
needle-pierceable septum 120 are preferably designed such that the
first and second needles 240, 245 pierce the needle-pierceable
septum 120 without tearing or removing material from the
needle-pierceable septum 120. By not tearing or removing material
from the needle-pierceable-septum 120, the puncture holes created
in needle-pierceable septum 120 may close once the first and second
needles 240, 245 are disengaged from the fuel reservoir 100,
allowing the needle-pierceable septum 120 to maintain a liquid
tight seal. The retention of a liquid tight seal prevents the
liquid fuel 116 from leaking from the fuel reservoir 100 and
enables the fuel reservoir 100 to be repeatedly attached to and
removed from the dispensing appliance 200 or transferred between
multiple dispensing appliances 200.
[0041] To enable the needle-pierceable septum 120 to retain a
liquid tight seal after removal of the first and second needles
240, 245, the needle-pierceable septum 120 may be composed of an
elastomeric material. Preferably, the needle-pierceable septum 120
is composed of a material or materials which are compatible with
the liquid fuel 116 contained by the fuel reservoir 100. More
preferably, the material is an elastomeric material which is
compatible with methanol fuel. In one aspect, the needle-pierceable
septum 120 may be composed of silicone. In another aspect, the
needle-pierceable septum 120 may be composed of an elastomer layer,
such as a silicone layer, and a polymer layer, such as a
polytetrafluoroethylene layer. The elastomer layer of the
dual-layer design may provide strength and flexibility to the
needle-pierceable septum 120, while the polymer layer may prevent
the liquid fuel 116 from contacting and degrading the silicone
layer.
[0042] Material selection for the first and second needles 240, 245
may also be important to ensure that a liquid tight seal is
maintained after removal from the needle-pierceable septum 120. The
first and second needles 240, 245 may be exposed to corrosive and
oxidative materials, such as liquid fuels. If the first and second
needles 240, 245 experience physical degradation, such as
oxidation, they may be unable to form a liquid tight seal with the
needle-pierceable septum 120 upon engagement of the fuel reservoir
100 with the engagement mechanism 200. Furthermore, needles which
have experienced physical degradation may be unable to cleanly
puncture the needle-pierceable septum 120, preventing the puncture
holes from closing and maintaining a liquid tight seal upon
disengagement of the fuel reservoir 100 from the engagement
mechanism 200. Preferably, the first and second needles 240, 245
are composed of a chemically resistant metal alloy, such as steel
or stainless steel. Such metal alloys may resist physical
degradation while maintaining a sharp point which is capable of
cleanly piercing the needle-pierceable septum 120.
[0043] While liquid fuel 116 is being dispensed from the fuel
reservoir 100, the liquid fuel 116 flows along the transition
region 115 and into the collar 114. The transition region 115
preferably forms an obtuse angle with at least two of the container
sidewalls 114, so that, as the fuel reservoir 100 is emptied,
liquid fuel 116 continues to flow along the transition region 115
and into the collar 114, and does not pool in the corners of the
container 110. In one aspect, the transition region 115 is designed
so that no more than 10% of the liquid fuel 116 capacity of the
container 110 remains in the container 110 when the container 110
is angled at .+-.45 degrees from the vertical orientation shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3. In another aspect, the transition region 115 is
designed so that no more than 5% of the liquid fuel 116 capacity of
the container 110 remains in the container 110 when the container
110 is angled .+-.45 degrees from the vertical orientation shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3. Such flexibility in use of the fuel reservoir 100
and dispensing appliance 200 makes these components ideal for
applications in which dispensing may occur while the fuel reservoir
100 is in various orientations. Optionally, a fuel pump may be
attached to the fuel outlet 255 of the dispensing appliance 200 to
dispense liquid fuel 116 from the fuel reservoir 100. For example,
a power producing system which includes a fuel pump may attached to
the fuel outlet 255 of the dispensing appliance 200 to dispense
liquid fuel 116 from the fuel reservoir 100.
[0044] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel reservoir 100
engaging a dispensing appliance 200 having aspects of the present
invention. The fuel reservoir 100 includes a container 110 and a
needle-pierceable septum 120. The container 110 includes an opening
112, a collar 113, a container sidewall 114, a transition region
115, and a liquid fuel 116. The dispensing appliance 200 includes a
collar guide 210, a protecting plate 220, a spring 230, a first
needle 240, a second needle 245, an air inlet 250, and a fuel
outlet 255. The collar guide 210 includes an inner edge 212.
[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates a fuel reservoir 100 and container holder
500 having aspects of the present invention. The fuel reservoir 100
includes a container 110, container sidewalls 114, and a locking
surface 118. The container holder 500 includes a holder body 510
and a locking mechanism 520.
[0046] The container 110 and container sidewalls 114 are enclosed
within the holder body 510. The locking surface 118 is mechanically
coupled to the locking mechanism 520.
[0047] In operation, the container 110 is slidably inserted into
the holder body 510 of the container holder 500. As the container
110 is inserted, the locking surface 118 engages the locking
mechanism 520, mechanically coupling the locking surface 118 and
the locking mechanism 520. To remove the container 110 from the
container holder 500, the locking surface 118 may be disengaged
from the locking mechanism 520. In one aspect, the locking surface
118 may be disengaged from the locking mechanism 520 by (1)
pressing down on the locking surface 118 in a direction towards the
interior volume of the container 110, and (2) sliding the container
110 out of the container holder 500, while the locking surface
remains depressed.
[0048] In another aspect, the locking mechanism 520 may be a latch,
strap, or button snap, and the locking surface 118 may be the
surface over which the latch or strap are secured, or the surface
to which the button snap is attached. In yet another aspect, the
locking mechanism 520 and locking surface 118 may be hook fasteners
and loop fasteners. In yet another aspect, the locking mechanism
520 and locking surface 118 may be magnetically coupled to each
other.
[0049] FIG. 6 illustrates a fuel reservoir 100, dispensing
appliance 200, and container holder 500 having aspects of the
present invention. The fuel reservoir 100 includes a container 110,
a collar 113, container sidewalls 114, a transition region 115, a
liquid fuel 116 and a locking surface 118. The dispensing appliance
200 includes a collar guide 210, a protecting plate 220, a spring
230, an air inlet 250, and a fuel outlet 255. The collar guide 210
includes an inner edge 212. The container holder 500 includes a
holder body 510 and a locking mechanism 520 (not illustrated in
FIG. 6).
[0050] The dispensing appliance 200 is disposed within the holder
body 510 and is mechanically coupled to an interior surface of the
holder body 510.
[0051] In operation, the container 110 is slidably inserted into
the holder body 510. As the container 110 is inserted into the
holder body 510, the collar 113 enters the collar guide 210 and
causes the protecting plate 220 to compress the spring 230. As the
protecting plate 220 is depressed, the dispensing appliance 200
engages the fuel reservoir 100, for example, by piercing a septum
of the fuel reservoir 100 with a needle. In addition, as the
protecting plate 220 is depressed, the locking surface 118 of the
fuel reservoir 100 engages the locking mechanism 520, mechanically
coupling the fuel reservoir 100 in the container holder 500. Once
the dispensing appliance 200 has engaged the fuel reservoir 100,
liquid fuel 116 may be removed from the container 110 through the
fuel outlet 255, and air may travel into the container 110 through
the air inlet 250.
[0052] To remove the fuel reservoir 100 from the container holder
500, the locking surface 118 of the container 110 is depressed,
disengaging the locking surface 118 from the locking mechanism 520.
As the fuel reservoir 100 is removed from the container holder 500,
the protecting plate 220 is raised and the fuel reservoir 100 is
disengaged from the dispensing appliance 200. Preferably, as the
fuel reservoir 100 is disengaged from the dispensing appliance 200,
the fuel reservoir 100 maintains a liquid tight seal, preventing
liquid fuel 116 from leaking out of the container 110 and into the
surrounding environment. More preferably, as the fuel reservoir 100
is disengaged from the dispensing appliance 200, the first and
second needles 240, 245 are withdrawn from the needle-pierceable
septum 120. As the first and second needles 240, 245 are withdrawn,
the puncture holes created in needle-pierceable septum 120 close,
allowing the needle-pierceable septum 120 to maintain a liquid
tight seal with the interior volume of the container 110.
[0053] In preferred embodiments, the holder body 510 of the
container holder 500 is able to withstand exposure to liquid fuels
and has the integrity to withstand shock and environmental
temperature ranges of from -20.degree. C. to +50.degree. C.
Preferably, the holder body 510 is composed of a lightweight,
rigid, and durable material, such as high-density polyethylene,
polypropylene, polycarbonate, aluminum, or carbon fiber.
[0054] FIG. 7 illustrates a fuel reservoir 100 with a
needle-pierceable septum 120 having aspects of the present
invention. The fuel reservoir 100 includes an opening 112, a collar
113, and a needle-pierceable septum 120. The needle-pierceable
septum 120 may be a single, continuous septum, as shown in FIG. 2,
or the needle-pierceable septum 120 may be two or more separate
septums, as shown in FIG. 7. If the needle-pierceable septum 120
includes two of more separate septums, the first and second needles
240, 245 each may pierce a separate septum. For example, the first
needle 240 may pierce and flow air into the fuel reservoir 100
through one septum, while the second needle 245 may pierce and flow
liquid fuel 116 out of the fuel reservoir 100 through another
septum.
[0055] FIG. 8 illustrates the disengagement of a fuel reservoir
from a dispensing appliance having aspects of the present
invention. The fuel reservoir 100 includes a container 110 and a
needle-pierceable septum 120. The container 110 includes an opening
112, a collar 113, a container sidewall 114, a transition region
115, and a liquid fuel 116. The dispensing appliance 200 includes a
collar guide 210, a protecting plate 220, a spring 230, a first
needle 240, and a second needle 245. The collar guide 210 includes
an inner edge 212.
[0056] Disengagement and removal of the fuel reservoir 100 from the
dispensing appliance 200 is facilitated by the spring 230, which
may be in a compressed state beneath the protecting plate 220
before removal of the fuel reservoir 100. Consequently, upon
disengagement, the decompression force of the spring 230 may move
the protecting plate 220 in the direction of the arrows illustrated
in FIG. 8, disengaging the first and second needles 240, 245 from
the needle-pierceable septum 120 and ejecting the fuel reservoir
100.
[0057] While various embodiments of the invention have been
described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art that other embodiments and implementations are possible within
the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be
restricted except in light of the attached claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *