The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 18, 2002
Filed:
Oct. 19, 1999
Brian David James, Alexandria, VA (US);
George Steve Saloka, Dearborn, MI (US);
Ford Global Technologies, Inc., Dearborn, MI (US);
Abstract
A method of operating a fuel cell having an anode passage. The method includes collecting hydrogen from the anode passage that does not pass through the catalyst membrane. The hydrogen, together with water and inert gases, are directed to a hydrogen storage container. The hydrogen storage container includes a hydrogen storage media such as metal hydride, carbon adsorbents, or carbon nanofibers. A sensor determines whether or not the vehicle is moving. When the vehicle is stopped or moving slowly, the surplus hydrogen is directed to the hydrogen storage container for temporary storage. When the sensor determines that the vehicle is moving at a high speed, the surplus hydrogen is vented to atmosphere and the hydrogen storage media is renewed.