Abstract: A fuel cell system that employs a matched battery that matches the battery voltage to a fuel cell power bus voltage so as to eliminate the need for a DC/DC converter. The internal characteristics and parameters of the matched battery allow it to operate over the large load dependent voltage swing of the fuel cell, and prevent the battery state of charge from going below a damaging value. The battery type, number of battery cells and the battery internal impedance are selected to provide the desired matching. In one embodiment, the battery is a lithium ion battery. The system also includes a diode electrically coupled to the power bus line and a by-pass switch electrically coupled to the power bus line in parallel with the diode. The by-pass switch is selectively opened or closed to allow the fuel cell stack to recharge the battery and prevent the battery from being overcharged.

Abstract: An inductive charging coupler for use in an inductive charging system that minimizes damage thereto caused by shock. The charging coupler comprises a housing, and a magnetic core disposed in the housing that is comprised of a plurality of sections. A primary winding is disposed around the magnetic core, A current conductor is coupled to the primary winding for coupling current thereto. By employing smaller sections of ferrite material to form the magnetic core, there is less potential for encountering broad differences in the crystal structure of the ferrite material. These structural differences can cause the ferrite material to be more prone to crack or shatter under stress conditions, such as if the coupler is dropped during use. Also smaller ferrite pieces are lighter than a single piece of ferrite material, which causes lower distributed loads due to a shock.

Abstract: Combiner (12) is supported in position on the pilot's line-of-sight on hinge (24) and by means of a strut (26). When the combiner is impacted, the strut collapses as a bending column to permit the combiner to fold down before breaking.