Fuel cells service method and apparatus

• US 7,684,880 B2
• Filed: 11/06/2003
• Issued: 03/23/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/06/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Snap-On Technologies Incorporated (Snap-On Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Snap-On Technologies Incorporated (Snap-On Incorporated)
• Inventors: Bach, Mark C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Shechtman; Sean P
• Application Number:
  US10/701,419
• Publication Number:
  US 20050100766A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,329 Days
• Field of Search: 700/28, 700/32, 700/49, 700/51, 700/52, 700/54, 700/79, 700/80, 700/81, 700/83, 700/87, 700/281, 700/282, 700/283, 700/285, 700/286, 700/287, 700/292, 702/45, 702/51, 702/55, 702/58, 702/183, 702/184, 702/185, 702/188, 429/12, 429/13, 429 22- 25, 715/700, 715/740, 715/961, 715/965
• US Class Current: 700/79
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04664 Failure or abnormal function
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04992 characterised by the implementation of mathematical or computational algorithms, e.g. feedback control loops, fuzzy logic, neural networks or artificial intelligence
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/50 Fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 715/961 Operator interface with visual structure or function dictated by intended use

Abstract

Embodiments for servicing a system including a fuel cell and at least one sensor. In one embodiment, the at least one sensor is implemented for generating information indicative of operation of the system. The information is communicated to a tool operatively connected with the system. The information is evaluated to determine if the system is operating as intended. Based on the information, a recommendation for returning the system to intended operation is determined. The recommendation is performed. The first three steps are repeated until the system is operating as intended.

Claims

1. A method of servicing a system including a fuel cell and at least one sensor operatively connected with the system, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) generating information indicative of operation of the system;

(b) communicating the information to a tool operatively connected with the system;

(c) evaluating the information to determine if the system is operating as intended;

(d) determining a recommendation for returning the system to intended operation;

(e) entering into the tool a description of a method for returning the system to intended operation;

(f) obtaining a verification of the description;

(g) incorporating the verification as a recommendation; and

(h) performing the recommendation such that the system is operating as intended.

2. A method as defined in claim 1 further comprising the steps of:

(i) incorporating the verified description in the tool.