Patents Represented by Attorney Mitchell G. Kilpatrick Stockton LLP Stockwell, Esq.
  • Patent number: 6015041
    Abstract: A rechargeable device that stores and discharges hydrogen is described. The device stores hydrogen in a solid form and supplies hydrogen as a gas when needed. The solid storage medium may be metal hydride in a ground particle form that avoids the need for compaction or other treatment. Dividers partition a container into separate chambers, each provided with a matrix, formed from an appropriate material like a thermally-conductive aluminum foam, which forms a number of cells. For proper chamber size, the ratio of chamber length to container diameter should be between about 0.5 and 2. Metal hydride particles (or other hydrogen storage medium) may be placed within the cells, which help prevent excessive particle settling. The container is provided with a hydrogen transfer port through which hydrogen gas passes upon either discharging from or charging of the metal hydride particles. A filter may be placed within the port to allow hydrogen to flow but prevent particles from escaping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Westinghouse Savannah River Company
    Inventor: Leung K. Heung