TW201431165A - Authentication of replaceable fuel cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

The within disclosure provides devices, methods and systems for use in authenticating hydrogen fuel tanks or cartridges utilizing unique identifier elements, physical conformations and combinations of same. A user may place a hydrogen cartridge with a hollow body and a shaped body and/or dispensing end in a carriage having a fluid communication means and said fluid communication means matching said shaped body and/or dispensing end, whereby a tank mating to the carriage is limited to matching shaped cartridge and carriage.

Description

Replaceable fuel cartridge certification [related application]

This application claims the benefit of and priority to the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of the benefit of priority .

The present disclosure relates to fuel cell power systems, fuel cartridges that support such systems, and methods for authenticating fuel cartridges for use in fuel cell powered systems.

Global commercial use of fuel cell powered host devices (specifically, portable devices). The list of non-exclusive potential host devices includes (but is not limited to) computer peripherals, mobile phone peripherals, mobile phones, personal music players, laptops, notebooks, tablets, gaming devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and battery chargers. The fuel cell power system can be located in the host device or can be connected to the host device using suitable means. In either case, there is a need to provide fuel to the power system. An example of such a means is to use a predetermined amount of fuel (packaged fuel) packaged in a cartridge to meet the capacity requirements, weight requirements, and execution time requirements of the host device. The use attributes of the host device and the adjustment requirements associated with the host device. For simplicity, the fuel cell power system is considered to comprise a fuel cell subsystem comprising a fuel cell or a plurality of fuel cells in the form of a fuel cell stack, fluid and power management means, a program controller And fuel cartridges. The fuel cartridge is connected to the fuel cell subsystem using a connector or coupler.

To support commercialization, a low-cost, user-friendly method for authentication and a method for monitoring the status and stability of the fuel cell power system and associated with the supply and processing of the fuel cartridge are required. Another aspect of the low cost is a box, such as the ones disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,655,331, U.S. Patent No. 7,401,712, U.S. Patent No. 7,306,863, U.S. Patent No. 6,828,049, and U.S. Patent No. 7,914,945. Memory components and other identification marks are required to allow this two-phase communication. We can expect a higher unit cost for such devices, and some of the cost in the recirculating waste bin can include expensive components to be harvested.

Therefore, there is an urgent need for alternatives to "smart" cartridges to allow for user-friendly and low-cost fuel cartridge and fuel cell power systems, as well as methods for authenticating fuel cartridges for use in fuel cell power systems.

In accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a method, system, and apparatus for authenticating a replaceable hydrogen cartridge are disclosed. In some aspects, a host system that generates power using at least one fuel cell.

In accordance with some exemplary embodiments, a method for challenging, reducing, addressing, and/or preventing tampering with a hydrogen fuel host is disclosed. The host contains at least one A device of a fuel cell stack, such as a proton exchange membrane or a PEM stack, that is powered by hydrogen fuel. The use of hydrogen in the host device below the nominal purity of the fuel cell can result in damage to the proton exchange membrane in the fuel cell and reduced life and/or efficiency of the device. In some cases, the certification is to allow the user of the replaceable fuel container to evaluate whether the replacement container contains hydrogen fuel from a reliable source.

In accordance with some exemplary embodiments, a method for challenging, reducing, addressing, and/or preventing tampering with a hydrogen fuel host is disclosed. The host is a device containing at least one fuel cell stack, such as a proton exchange membrane or a PEM stack, powered by hydrogen fuel. The use of hydrogen in the host device below the nominal purity of the fuel cell can result in damage to the proton exchange membrane in the fuel cell and reduced life and/or efficiency of the device. In some cases, the certification is to allow the user of the replaceable fuel container to evaluate whether the replacement container contains hydrogen fuel from a reliable source. In some cases, the certification allows the user to consider or check if the fuel container has been tampered with or may be defective. In some cases, the certification may also include a consistent fit of the cartridge or container to the stent.

According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a method, system, and apparatus for verifying reliability of a replaceable hydrogen cylinder for use in a host system for generating power using at least one fuel cell are disclosed, the method, system, and apparatus The apparatus includes at least one unique identifier element (UIE) associated with the fuel cartridge for verifying the cartridge.

In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the UIE is covered until the user uncovers the tape or breaks the frangible cover or layer. In some cases, the frangible layer is a film on the UIE.

In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a removable film (such as a foil, tape, plastic, paper, foam, seal, etc.) is attached to the dispensing end of the fuel cartridge.

In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a removable covering (ie, a seal, cover or cover) is secured to the dispensing end of the barrel. In some cases, a UIE is formed on the inner surface of the cover, whereby the UIE is only visible when the cover is removed. In some cases, the cover is secured with the frangible portion, whereby removal of the cover requires destruction of at least one frangible portion.

In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the cartridge or dispensing end has a pre-selected thread pattern that mates with the host device.

In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the cartridge body has one or more indentations or guide holes, wherein the buckle on the main body holds or presses the cartridge into place. The guide or indentation can cooperate as part of a latch and buckle system with the stand or host device.

In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the container has at least one box body and a dispensing end having a selected latch shape, such as a rail or channel formed thereon, or the dispensing end having an integral body shape, The overall body shape will only mate with the corresponding snap shape on the bracket or mainframe, with the container mated with the bracket or host.

In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the cartridge or dispensing end has a selected non-circular latch shape that fits into a buckle on the main body that matches the shape of the buckle.

In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a visual inspection of the UIE is performed to verify the source of the merchandise via a logo, brand, or other unique feature.

In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the UIE on the container is suitable for scanning. The UIE can be a character, a barcode, or the like. In this verification system and verification method, the seller of the box (such as the retail location) compares the UIE on each box with the UIE package list based on the receipt of the box. In some cases, the retailer scans barcodes, etc., and the UIE matches the database. Retail stores refer to non-matching UIE as unverified.

In some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a method of preventing tampering with a hydrogen powered host device is provided via a box and bracket configuration that limits the connection of the hydrogen source. The method includes placing a hydrogen cartridge in a holder having a fluid communication means; the box having a hollow body; the box having a shaped dispensing end; the bracket having a fluid communication member that matches the shaped dispensing end Thus, the use of defective or unapproved hydrogen purity is prevented, and only the box having the specific shaped dispensing end is paired with the fluid communication means. In some cases, the user's verification of the UIE is used in conjunction with a consistent pairing between the box and the bracket to prevent tampering with the fuel source for the host device.

The above-described features and objects of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the description of the appended claims.

10‧‧‧ Hydrogen tank fuel supply

20‧‧‧ Subject

30‧‧‧Distribution end 1001 unique identifier component

1010‧‧‧ grasping ears

1100‧‧‧Removable strips

2000‧‧‧Double UIE configuration

2001‧‧‧Removable strips

2002‧‧‧Second unique identifier component

2010‧‧‧film

2400‧‧‧ Hydrogen box

2402‧‧‧Distribution end

2500‧‧‧ Cover

2502‧‧‧ ring wall

2504‧‧‧ top

2505‧‧‧ unique identifier component

2600‧‧‧ Hydrogen box

2602‧‧‧Distribution end

2604‧‧‧Enlarge the head

2700‧‧‧ Cover

2702‧‧‧Circular wall

2704‧‧‧ top

2710‧‧‧ Fragile ring

3000‧‧‧ Hydrogen distribution tank

3001‧‧‧ hollow body

3002‧‧‧ external thread

3005‧‧‧Distribution end

4000‧‧‧ Hydrogen box

4001‧‧‧ first main part

4002‧‧‧Second main part

4003‧‧‧linear well

4004‧‧‧linear guide

4005‧‧‧Perforation

4007‧‧‧Extended side ribs

5000‧‧‧Distribution end

5001‧‧‧ rib

5002‧‧‧ well

5500‧‧‧ allocated area

6000‧‧‧ Hydrogen installation system

6001‧‧‧ bracket

6002‧‧‧Guide

6003‧‧‧ Well buckle

6004‧‧‧ rail buckle

6006‧‧‧ Fluid path

6010‧‧‧fuel feed port

7000‧‧‧200

7001‧‧‧ Subject

7005‧‧‧Distribution end

7008‧‧‧ neck

7010‧‧‧ fluid connection components

7012‧‧‧Flange

7014‧‧‧Angle bottom surface

8000‧‧‧Host system

8001‧‧‧ Subject

8005‧‧‧fuel container guide

8008‧‧‧Host fluid communication components

8010‧‧‧ Undercut

8500‧‧‧ system

8501‧‧‧Replaceable hydrogen fuel supply cylinder

8502‧‧‧Host

8504‧‧‧Connect

8505‧‧‧ Controller

8507‧‧‧Additional electronic device

8508‧‧‧Electronic module

8509‧‧‧Power supply

8510‧‧‧ fuel cell

8511‧‧‧Remote communication equipment

D1‧‧‧ distance

D2‧‧‧ distance

D3‧‧‧ distance

D4‧‧‧ distance

H1‧‧‧ Height

H2‧‧‧ Height

P1‧‧‧ apex

P2‧‧‧ apex

P3‧‧‧ vertex

P4‧‧‧ vertex

T1‧‧ thread

T2‧‧ thread

T3‧‧ thread

T4‧‧ thread

V1‧‧‧ dent

V2‧‧‧ dent

V3‧‧‧ dent

V4‧‧‧ dent

Figure 1A is a side view of an embodiment of a hydrogen cylinder.

Fig. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line "A" - "A" of Fig. 1A.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the UIE on the hydrogen cylinder.

Figure 3 is a front elevational view of an embodiment of a hydrogen cartridge.

Figure 4A is a partial cross-sectional side view of the hydrogen tank.

Figure 4B is a view of the cover of Figure 4A.

Figure 5A is a partial cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a hydrogen tank.

Figure 5B is a view of the cover of Figure 5A.

Figures 6A through 6B illustrate an embodiment of a hydrogen tank with pre-selected threads.

Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of a box and a dispensing end.

Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment of a hydrogen cartridge and a dispensing end mounted in a host.

Figures 9A and 9B illustrate a cross-sectional side and a distribution end view of the hydrogen cartridge.

Figure 10 illustrates a mounting end view of a host unit that houses a hydrogen cartridge.

Figure 11 is a view showing a composite view of the boxes in Figures 9A and 9B mounted to the host of Figure 10.

Figure 12 is a partial schematic illustration of the main components of the host system that supplies the fuel cell and provides power using a replaceable hydrogen cartridge.

All illustration numbers in the additional figures are incorporated herein by reference.

It should be understood that the elements shown in the figures are not necessarily to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to each other for clarity. Further, the component symbols have been repeated in the drawings to indicate the corresponding components. However, the specification ends with the scope of the patent application that defines the novel features of the present disclosure.

PEM fuel cells require hydrogen fuel to generate electricity. Hydrogen can be stored in its original state or can be produced on demand. In some applications, it is useful to have a replaceable hydrogen supply or hydrogen stored in a metal hydride, slurry or other matrix that can be supplied as a tank (also known as a vessel, casing, tank) Pressurized gas in a cylinder, cartridge or box). Hydrogen can also be supplied in the form of a precursor chemical in the form of a chemical hydride. The latter is particularly suitable for portable power systems, whereby the chemicals stored in the tank are reacted to produce hydrogen on demand using suitable methods when needed.

High purity hydrogen is preferred when used in PEM fuel cells. A purity higher than 99% is preferred. Hydrogen having a purity greater than about 99.9% is preferred, and hydrogen having a purity greater than about 99.99% is most preferred. Ensuring proper purity of hydrogen is important because impurities in the hydrogen fuel supply can impair or degrade the performance of the PEM fuel cell. Blocking the use of unlicensed or uncertified hydrogen fuel sources is a means of ensuring that end users can rely on stable power production from PEM fuel cell systems. This also enables monitoring and handling of hydrogen supplies from counterfeit products.

1A and 1B illustrate a hydrogen tank fuel supply 10 that includes a body 20 that is a substantially hollow element that is impermeable to hydrogen leakage at a preselected pressure. The hollow element can include an outer casing. Tank 10 refers to both a tank that stores hydrogen in its original state or a tank that stores hydrogen in the form of a chemical hydride or other precursor. The tank may or may not be lined. The can has at least one dispensing end 30 that mates with a fluid communication means such as a valve, membrane, frangible barrier, or the like.

The unique identifier element "UIE1" is attached to the tank fuel supply. UIE 1000 is below the bottom surface of the removable strip 1100. The UIE is generally one or more codes, colors, barcodes, digits, letters, holograms, characters, two-dimensional (2D) barcodes, QR codes (generally described in (ISO/IEC 18004:2000(E)) Medium) characters, images, graphic images, organic chemicals, three-dimensional (3D) mechanical features, mechanical strips or matrices, inorganic chemicals, doped matrices, natural matrices, processing matrices, etc. The chemical and matrix can form the base layer of the label or tape and be supported by the UIE, or the chemicals and matrix can be UIE.

The strip may be a laminate, a metal like, a polyester film, a plastic, a wax, a paper, a film, a paint, a peelable, a scratch, a fragile, a tape, and the like. In some cases, the strap will have a grip tab 1010 whereby the user can uncover the UIE by removing, pulling or breaking the strip. Preferably, the strip is removed to damage or destroy the strip or reattach the strip.

The dual UIE configuration 2000 is illustrated in Figure 2. The first unique identifier element "UIE1" is attached as part of the removable strip 2001 and covers the second unique identifier element "UIE2" 2002, whereby UIE1 and UIE2 can be observed separately or together to establish a supply based The reliability of a combination known to at least one or more of a secure database, a secure access data sheet, a vendor, and a user. The correlations can be visually related to each other via a database or by consulting a data table by means of a machine or by a third party. In some cases, UIE1 may be formed on the bottom surface of the strip 2001, whereby UIE1 can be observed only after the strip 2001 is uncovered.

To make the UIE relevant, it may include being sequenced, matched, color coded, encoded, or correlated in a lookup data sheet or database.

Figure 3 illustrates the dispensing end 30 of the hydrogen tank fuel supply 10 A front view of the extension of body 20. The film 2010 is attached to the dispensing end 30 and covers the dispensing end 30. The film may be constructed from any material that can be removably secured to the dispensing end, including, but not limited to, paper, foam, foil, polyester film, plastic, laminate, rubber, or combinations thereof. The film is marked with a UIE and the UIE can be on one or more of the outer side of the film and the inner side of the film. The film is attached in a manner that ensures a standard visual appearance.

4A through 4B illustrate a hydrogen cartridge 2400 having a dispensing end 2402 covered by a cover 2500. The cover 2500 is fitted to the dispensing end 2402. The dispensing end can be threaded, ribbed, wig shaped (with bumps or wells, etc.), shaped or smooth. In some cases, the cover 2500 can be a plastic or vinyl coating formed on the dispensing end 2402 whereby the cover can only be removed by breaking a portion of the cover. The cover has an annular wall 2502 and a top portion 2504. In some cases, UIE 2505 is formed on at least one of the outer side and the inner side of cover 2500. In some cases, the cover 2500 is shrink fit on the dispensing end whereby the cover can only be removed by breaking or damaging at least one of the annular wall 2502 and the top 2504.

One of ordinary skill will recognize that the cover may be sonic welded, glued or friction fit, in addition to shrink fit on the dispensing end. In addition, the cover may be formed using a malleable or fluid-like material and bonded to the dispensing end by drying to conform to the shape of the end, all of which are within the scope of the present disclosure.

5A through 5B illustrate a hydrogen cartridge 2600 having a dispensing end 2602. The dispensing end 2602 has an enlarged head 2604 that mates with the cover 2700. The cover 2700 fits over at least the enlarged head end 2604. The enlarged head end can be threaded, ribbed, wig-like (with bumps or wells, etc.), shaped or flat Sliding. The cover has an annular wall 2702 and a top 2704. The interior of the annular wall can be smooth and flat, or the interior of the annular wall can be shaped to conform to or fit any surface feature of the enlarged head. A frangible ring 2710 is formed at the bottom of the annular wall. The removal of the cover can only be achieved by destroying the frangible ring. In some cases, the UIE is formed on at least one of the outer side and the inner side of the cover 2700.

One of ordinary skill will recognize that the cover may be sonic welded, glued or friction fit, in addition to shrink fit on the dispensing end. In addition, the cover may be formed using a malleable or fluid-like material and bonded to the dispensing end by drying to conform to the shape of the end, all of which are within the scope of the present disclosure.

In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the hydrogen distribution tank 3000 having the hollow body 3001 is illustrated as having an external thread 3002. A dispensing end 3005 is attached to the hollow body whereby hydrogen stored in the hollow body can be used as a fuel by a suitable valve.

The parameters of the thread can be defined by a plurality of aspects. In Fig. 6B, a series of threads T1 to T4 have vertices designated as P1 to P4, and vertices P1 to P4 are separated by a series of depressions designated as V1 to V3. The distance "D1" is a gap between the vertex P3 and the vertex P4. The distance "D2" is a gap between the vertex P1 and the vertex P2. The distance "D3" is the interval between the recess V1 and the recess V2. The distance "D4" is the interval between the recess V3 and the recess V4. Further, the height from the outer casing (also referred to as the hollow body 3001) to the top of the apex P1 is designated as "H1", and the height from the lower portion of the recess V3 to the top of the apex P4 is designated as "H2". As shown in Fig. 6B, H1 is not equal to H2.

With the above parameters, the gap or spacing or height between the apex and the recess or from the hollow body to the thread can be pre-selected to provide only unique pairing with the corresponding base Thread.

FIG. 7 provides a bottom view illustrating some aspects of an exemplary embodiment of a hydrogen cartridge 4000. The box is illustrated as having a shaped body portion. The first body portion 4001 is adjacent to the second body portion 4002. The substantially linear well 4003 is the indentation in the body. A generally linear guide rail 4004 extends from the body. Features may be formed in the body or rail such as a buckle, bald or perforation 4005. The perforations 4005 can be used to secure the box using a latch (not shown). This latch is preferably part of a stand or host device that serves as a fuel source in the stand or host unit. The properly mounted box or can can be held in place securely or removably by the latch and buckle. One of ordinary skill will recognize that the shaped portion of the body can include curves, gaps, bends, cones, radii, wells, rails, ribs, steps, and the like. The additional box shape that can be configured to rest or fit the box into the mainframe or bracket can include one or more extended side ribs 4007.

The dispensing end 5000 is attached to the main body. The dispensing end is illustrated as having a square of ribs 5001 and wells 5002. One of ordinary skill in the art recognizes that the dispensing end can be cylindrical or otherwise shaped (ie, arcuate, flat, conical, compound curved, or geometric). The shaped dispensing end can act as a stop for the use of an unknown fuel source in a device powered by hydrogen via a fuel cell. A distribution area 5500 is formed in the dispensing end. The dispensing zone can be a frangible section of the dispensing end, covering the membrane of the fluid path and/or a valve or regulator in communication with the fluid path to the body of the box.

Figure 8 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a hydrogen mounting system 6000. The hydrogen cartridge of Fig. 7 is shown mounted to the bracket 6001. The bracket can also be part of a host device. The box base or guide 6002 formed in the bracket 6001 is formed The shape is paired with the outer contour and shape of the box 4000. The well buckle 6003 is illustrated as extending into the linear well 4003 of the box, and the rail buckle 6004 is illustrated as receiving the entry of the linear guide 4004, whereby hydrogen fuel is transferred from the dispensing end through the fluid path 6006 to the fuel feed port 6010. . The path 6006 and the fuel feed port 6010 can be the same component.

In some cases, the dispensing end 5000 and/or the dispensing zone 5050 are shaped, wherein the dispensing end 5000 and/or the dispensing zone 5050 can only be pre-selected for installation into a fluid communication means. In some cases, both the body and the dispensing or dispensing area are shaped to limit the pairing of the box to the stand to a pre-selected configuration.

9A to 9B illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a hydrogen cylinder mounting system and apparatus. The cartridge 7000 has a body 7001 containing hydrogen gas, a dispensing end 7005, and a neck 7008 supporting the dispensing end 7005. A fluid communication means 7010 is provided through the dispensing end to distribute hydrogen gas from the canister. The dispensing end further includes a flange 7012 that is non-circular and extends outwardly from a portion of the dispensing end. The flanges may also include an angled bottom surface 7014 (the side below the top) below the flange. The angled configuration is ramped, wherein twisting the arms into a cooperating substantially flat latch will push the fluid communication means 7010 into a predetermined position.

The host system 8000 is illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, and the host system 8000 can also be a bracket for use with a larger system having a body 8001 having a fuel container guide 8005 and a host fluid communication. Host fluid communication means 8008. The shape and size of the fuel container guide 8005 is: the fuel container guide 8005 will be with the barrel The distribution end 7005 is paired.

Figure 11 illustrates a coverage view of the cartridge 7000 with the cartridge 7000 in a host having a flange 7012 (rotating under the undercut) thereby holding the dispensing end 7005 of the cartridge in place for fluid communication.

The fuel container guide 8005 has an undercut 8010 whereby the flanges 7012 are held in place via the undercut 8010 as they rotate in the undercut. The undercut has a thickness from the exterior of the main body to the undercut internal surface or wall (not shown). The thickness may be preselected to require the user to press the cartridge into the container guide 8005 with sufficient pressure to move the fluid communication means 7010 into engagement with the seal and/or valve for system control at the user or host. This connection is provided when the desired valve is opened for fluid communication of hydrogen.

In some cases, when the flange has an angled bottom surface 7014, the fluid communication means of the canister 7010 can be made via an angled bottom surface that acts as a slope against the undercut inner surface. The host fluid communication means 8008 or "host fcm" enters the desired position. One of ordinary skill will recognize that the angled bottom surface 7014 can be swapped as an undercut 8010, wherein the twist of the barrel with the flat flange can still be positioned via pushing the fluid communication means through the angled undercut.

Moreover, the pairing features described above work cooperatively whereby the flange 7012 is inserted into the undercut 8010 and then one of the flange 7012 and the undercut 8010 is rotated; the undercut 8010 receives the flange 7012 and secures the barrel in place. The undercut and the flange preferably have an interference fit formed by surface roughness, shims, etc., such that the force required to rotate the two elements passes through the apex, thus requiring significant force to engage Combine with the truncated cylinder.

In some cases, to provide a predetermined method of separation in the event of an impact, drop, or other failure, the undercut 8010 can have a pleated region or a weakened region, wherein if the device containing the assembly of the box and the mainframe (or bracket) is impacted, Then the weakened area in the undercut will fail, causing the box to separate. In other cases, the flange on the box held by the undercut may have a separate feature wherein the box will separate when the device is traumatized. One of ordinary skill will recognize that the dispensing end of the box will close the fluid communication of the hydrogen stream, consistent with the mounting separation of the box from the device or bracket.

Figure 12 illustrates an overview of some of the main elements of the schematic of the authentication system that can reduce or prevent the use of unreliable fuel sources. System 8500 utilizes a replaceable hydrogen fuel supply cartridge 8501 having a host 8502. A cartridge 8501 having a hydrogen filled cartridge and having a pressure relief valve is coupled to a gas delivery component 8504 (also referred to as a host fluid communication means) via fluid communication means. The controller 8505 can be used to control the flow of hydrogen from the cartridge to the host via host fluid communication means. The controller can also be used to communicate with any additional electronic device 8507 that utilizes power from the system. The controller can also interact with the processor and logic in the electronic module 8508 with respect to system optimization parameters. Power is supplied 8509 to the device. Wherein at least one of the controller and the electronic device adjusts hydrogen consumption at the fuel cell 8510. A remote communication device (such as a cell phone or smart tablet, etc.) 8511 can interact with device 8507 and/or the host.

Although the method and apparatus have been described in terms of what is currently considered to be the most practical, However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The present disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements in the spirit and scope of the invention. The present disclosure also includes any and all embodiments of the scope of the following claims.

It is also understood that various changes may be made without departing from the essence of the disclosure. Such changes are also implicitly included in the description. Such changes are still within the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that the present disclosure is intended to provide a plurality of patents covering the various aspects of the invention, both as an integral system and as a method and apparatus.

In addition, each of the various elements of the present disclosure and the scope of the claims can be made in various ways. The present disclosure is to be understood to cover any such variations, which are variations of the implementation of any device embodiment, method or process embodiment, or even any of the elements of the embodiments.

In particular, it is to be understood that since the present disclosure relates to elements of the present invention, the terms of each element can be expressed by equivalent device or method terms, even if only the functions or results are the same.

Such equivalent, broader or even more general terms are considered to be included in the description of each element or action. These terms may be substituted as needed to clarify the broad scope of the invention, which is the scope of the invention.

It will be understood that all of the acts may be expressed as a means of taking the action or causing the action.

Similarly, each physical element disclosed is to be understood as encompassing the disclosure of the actions that the element.

Any patents, publications, or other references cited in this application are hereby incorporated by reference. In addition, as far as each term is used, it is to be understood that unless the use of the term is inconsistent with this interpretation in this application, each term should be understood to include a generic dictionary definition, and is hereby incorporated by reference. The manner incorporates all definitions, alternative terms, and synonyms (such as those defined in the standard technical dictionary recognized by the professional and in the latest version of the full version of the dictionary of Random House Webster).

Finally, all references listed in the information disclosure claims or other information statements of the present application are hereby incorporated by reference herein; In the event that this information or statement incorporated herein is deemed to be inconsistent with the patent rights of the invention/the inventions, such statements are not deemed to have been made by one or more applicants.

In this regard, it should be understood that for practical reasons and to prevent potentially adding hundreds of request items, the applicant has only the request items of the initial dependency.

It should be understood that there is a level of support required under new matter laws (including but not limited to patent law or other such laws) to allow for the addition of a variety of dependencies or other elements proposed under an independent claim or concept. Either as a dependency or element under any other independent claim or concept.

In the case of a non-substantial alternative, the Applicant shall not actually draft any request to literally cover any particular exemplary embodiment, and the Applicant shall not be understood in any way as far as it is otherwise applicable. This coverage is intended or actually made, as the applicant may simply not be able to anticipate all possibilities; it should not be reasonably expected that the skilled artisan will draft a claim that will literally encompass such alternative exemplary embodiments.

In addition, the use of the transitional phrase "comprising" is used to maintain the "open" patent application scope herein. Therefore, unless the context requires otherwise, it is to be understood that the term "comprise" or variations (such as "comprises" or "comprising") are intended to include the stated elements or steps or elements or steps. Groups are not excluded from any other elements or steps or groups of elements or steps.

These terms should be interpreted in the broadest form of terms such as to provide the applicant with the broadest scope of legal permission.

10‧‧‧ Hydrogen tank fuel supply

20‧‧‧ Subject

30‧‧‧Distribution end 1001 unique identifier component

1100‧‧‧Removable strips

Claims (17)

A method of authenticating a hydrogen fuel cartridge, the method comprising the steps of: securely securing a frangible cover to a dispensing end of a fuel cartridge, whereby the frangible cover can be removed only by damaging the frangible cover Marking the frangible cover with a first unique identifier element (UIE); visually inspecting the frangible cover to determine if the frangible cover is not broken; and visually confirming that the unique identifier element is reliable. The method of claim 1, wherein the first UIE is placed on the interior of the cover and the first UIE is observable only when the frangible cover is removed. The method of claim 2, wherein the first UIE is a source of one of the item identifiers. The method of claim 1, the method further comprising the steps of: placing a second unique identifier element (UIE) on the fuel cartridge and comparing such that the first unique identifier element and the second unique identifier The symbol elements match. The method of claim 1, the method further comprising the steps of: placing a second unique identifier element (UIE) on the fuel cartridge and comparing the first unique identifier element to the second unique The identifier elements are associated with each other. The method of claim 5, wherein the associating at least comprises the step of: checking a lookup data table (LUT) to confirm a relationship between the first UIE and the second UIE. The method of claim 4, wherein the second UIE is placed under a fragile tape or label and the second unique identifier is observable only when the fragile tape or label is broken. The method of claim 4, wherein the second UIE is placed under a tape or label and the second unique identifier is observable only when the tape or label is uncovered. A method of authenticating a hydrogen fuel tank, the method comprising the steps of: placing a UIE on at least one of a bottom surface of a film and a bottom surface of a removable tape, the film being placed in a hydrogen fuel tank On one of the dispensing ends, the removable tape is placed on the body of the fuel tank. A method of authenticating a hydrogen fuel tank, the method comprising the steps of: placing a UIE in a dispensing end of a hydrogen fuel tank, the interior being located at least one of a film and a removable tape, A removal tape is placed on the body of the fuel tank. The method of claim 10, wherein the film and tape are frangible. A method of authenticating a hydrogen fuel cartridge, the method comprising the steps of: placing a shaped hydrogen cartridge having a dispensing end in a holder having a fluid communication means; the box having a hollow body, The hollow body has a shaped portion; the bracket has a surface that mates with the shaped portions; and, wherein a tube having a particular shaped portion is mated with the bracket to connect the dispensing end with the fluid communication member ). A method for preventing tampering with a hydrogen-powered host device, the method comprising the steps of: placing a hydrogen cartridge in a holder having a fluid communication means; the box having a hollow body; The box has a shaped dispensing end; the bracket has a fluid communication means that matches the shaped dispensing end; and, thereby preventing the use of a defective or unapproved hydrogen supply, having only one of the specific shaped dispensing ends of the box Paired with the fluid communication means. A box comprising: a dispensing end fluidly coupled to a body; a body having a shaped portion including at least one rib and a well; and a UIE, the UIE being placed in the box on. The box of claim 14, wherein the UIE is placed on a bottom surface of a tape or under a frangible tape on the box. The box of claim 14, the box further comprising a buckle formed on the body whereby a bracket latch removably secures an installed box in place. The box of claim 14, wherein a second UIE is placed on the bottom surface of a tape or under a frangible tape on the box.