Fuel cartridge coupling valve
First Claim
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1. An apparatus comprising:
- an internal flow path having a first flow end and a second flow end;
a fuel reservoir connected to the first flow end;
a deformable ring comprising a substantially cylindrical outer surface, a first end and a second end, a circumferential ridge disposed between the first end and the second end encircling the outer surface, and an annular opening that leads from a first opening on the first end to a second opening on the second end, the annular opening comprising an approximately cylindrical region near the first end and a conical region that tapers from the cylindrical region to the second end, the second opening being of smaller diameter than the first hole;
a movable internal sealing member disposed within the internal flow path proximate to the second opening, the internal sealing member being biased against the second opening by a biasing force to form a liquid-tight internal seal that closes the second opening to block the internal flow path, the internal sealing member breaking the internal seal when a device valve of a separate apparatus contacts and forms an external seal with the conical region and then extends an actuating member through the annular opening to exert an opening force directed substantially opposite to the direction of the biasing force on the internal sealing member.
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Abstract
Fuel cartridges for delivering fuel to a fuel consuming device, such as a fuel cell, are provided. Valves for use on cartridges or devices may include one or more internal seals that prevent fuel flow except when a valve is connected to a properly coupled corresponding valve and a seal between the two vales is established. Cartridge housings may include venting to maintain pressure equilibrium. A flexible or deformable fuel reservoir may be used with a pressurizing system that causes fuel to flow from a cartridge to a device independent of orientation.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus comprising:
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an internal flow path having a first flow end and a second flow end;
a fuel reservoir connected to the first flow end;
a deformable ring comprising a substantially cylindrical outer surface, a first end and a second end, a circumferential ridge disposed between the first end and the second end encircling the outer surface, and an annular opening that leads from a first opening on the first end to a second opening on the second end, the annular opening comprising an approximately cylindrical region near the first end and a conical region that tapers from the cylindrical region to the second end, the second opening being of smaller diameter than the first hole;
a movable internal sealing member disposed within the internal flow path proximate to the second opening, the internal sealing member being biased against the second opening by a biasing force to form a liquid-tight internal seal that closes the second opening to block the internal flow path, the internal sealing member breaking the internal seal when a device valve of a separate apparatus contacts and forms an external seal with the conical region and then extends an actuating member through the annular opening to exert an opening force directed substantially opposite to the direction of the biasing force on the internal sealing member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16)
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14. A method comprising:
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initiating a coupling of a fuel cartridge valve with a device valve of a device, the fuel cartridge valve comprising an internal flow path having a first flow end and a second flow end;
a fuel reservoir connected to the first flow end;
a deformable ring comprising a substantially cylindrical outer surface, a first end and a second end, a circumferential ridge disposed between the first end and the second end encircling the outer surface, and an annular opening that leads from a first opening on the first end to a second opening on the second end, the annular opening comprising an approximately cylindrical region near the first end and a conical region that tapers from the cylindrical region to the second end, the second opening being of smaller diameter than the first hole;
a movable internal sealing member disposed within the internal flow path proximate to the second opening, the internal sealing member being biased against the second opening by a biasing force to form a liquid-tight internal seal that closes the second opening to block the internal flow path; and
the device valve comprising a coupling member configured to form a liquid-tight external seal with the conical region and provide a liquid-tight external flow path connecting the device valve to the fuel reservoir via the internal flow path, and an actuating member;
extending the actuating member through the annular opening to exert an opening force directed substantially opposite to the direction of the biasing force on the internal sealing member to break the break the internal seal; and
causing fuel to flow between the fuel cartridge housing and the device.
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17. A valve element comprising:
a ring formed of a deformable material and comprising a substantially cylindrical outer surface, a first end and a second end, and an annular opening that leads from a first opening on the first end to a second opening on the second end, the annular opening comprising an approximately cylindrical region near the first end and a conical region that tapers from the cylindrical region to the second end, the second opening being of smaller diameter than the first hole. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
Specification