초록 ▼

The present invention is directed to a fuel cell system with various features for optimal operations of an electronic device, a battery charger or a fuel refilling device. The fuel cell system includes an information storage device associated with the fuel supply, pump and/or refitting device. The i

The present invention is directed to a fuel cell system with various features for optimal operations of an electronic device, a battery charger or a fuel refilling device. The fuel cell system includes an information storage device associated with the fuel supply, pump and/or refitting device. The information storage device can be any electronic storage device including, but not limited to, an EEPROM or a PLA. The information storage device can include encrypted information. The information storage device can include software code for confirming the identification of the cartridge before operation of the electronic device and/or refilling device. The information storage device can include instructions for a hot swap operation to shut down property when the fuel supply is ejected while the electronic device is in operation. The present invention is also directed to system architecture for a fuel cell system that utilizes information storage devices. The system architecture may have flow regulators, which include a regulating valve.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An information storage device for a fuel cell system, wherein the information storage device comprises a hot swap procedure, wherein the hot swap procedure comprises an instruction for a controller accessing the information storage device to switch to an alternate power source for an electronic d

1. An information storage device for a fuel cell system, wherein the information storage device comprises a hot swap procedure, wherein the hot swap procedure comprises an instruction for a controller accessing the information storage device to switch to an alternate power source for an electronic device that the fuel cell system powers. 2. The information storage device of claim 1, wherein the information storage device is located in the fuel cell system. 3. The information storage device of claim 1, wherein the information storage device is located in an electronic device that the fuel cell system powers. 4. The information storage device of claim 1, wherein the information storage device is located on a fuel supply supplying fuel to the fuel cell system. 5. The information storage device of claim 1, wherein the alternate power source comprises a battery. 6. The information storage device of claim 1, wherein the alternate power source comprises a reserve fuel chamber containing fuel for the fuel cell system. 7. The information storage device of claim 1, wherein the controller writes information to the information storage device while using the alternate power source. 8. The information storage device of claim 1, wherein the hot swap procedure comprises semaphore “lock” and semaphore.“unlock” verbs. 9. The information storage device of claim 1, wherein the controller accessing the information storage device executes the hot swap procedure when a first flag is set. 10. The information storage device of claim 9, wherein the first flag is a semaphore.“lock”. 11. The information storage device of claim 9, wherein the controller backs up data during the hot swap procedure. 12. The information storage device of claim 9, wherein a second flag is set when the controller completes the hot swap procedure. 13. The information storage device of claim 9, wherein the second flag is a semaphore.“unlock”. 14. The information storage device of claim 9, wherein a first flag is set when a fuel cartridge is removed from the fuel cell system when the fuel cell system is active. 15. The information storage device of claim 9, wherein a first flag is set when an ejection button is actuated to remove a fuel cartridge from the fuel cell system when the fuel cell system is active. 16. The information storage device of claim 1, wherein the controller accesses the information storage device when a trigger event occurs. 17. The information storage device of claim 16, wherein the trigger event comprises a removal of a fuel supply containing fuel for the fuel cell system when the electronic device is operational. 18. An information storage device for a fuel cell system, wherein the information storage device comprises a hot swap procedure, wherein the hot swap procedure comprises instructions for a controller accessing the information storage device to switch to an alternate power source for an electronic device that the fuel cell system powers and to instruct a pump for pumping fuel to the fuel cell system to shut down in accordance to a predetermined sequence when a trigger event occurs. 19. An information storage device for a fuel cell system, wherein the information storage device comprises a hot swap procedure, wherein the hot swap procedure comprises an instruction for a controller accessing the information storage device to instruct a pump to execute a shutdown cycle. 20. The information storage device of claim 19, wherein the shutdown cycle includes continuing pumping for a time period. 21. The information storage device of claim 19, wherein the instruction comprises running the pump using an alternate power source to pump fuel away from an interface between the fuel cell system and a fuel supply containing fuel for the fuel cell system. 22. An information storage device for a fuel cell system, wherein the information storage device comprises a hot swap procedure, wherein the information storage device further comprises an instruction to pump fuel away from an outlet of a fuel cartridge, when a device powered by the fuel cell system is turned off.