Cartridge for the generation of hydrogen for providing mechanical power

The present invention provides an auxiliary power system to provide supplemental power by compressed hydrogen. The system includes a motor configured to be driven by the compressed hydrogen. The motor includes a cartridge for the generation of hydrogen. The cartridge is configured to generate high pressure and high temperature hydrogen. The motor is configured such that hydrogen generated by the cartridge is directed through a manifold and moves pistons in a cylinder block such that the cylinder block rotates. A clutch assembly is provided to transmit power from the motor.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally a cartridge for the generation of hydrogen that is used to provide mechanical power via a motor. More specifically, an auxiliary motor to be used with primary engines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hydrogen can be used as a source of energy in many hydrogen-consuming systems such as fuel cells, internal combustion engines, and portable power equipment and tools. Devices that consume hydrogen for energy must be connected to a source for hydrogen such as those that directly utilize hydrogen in either liquid or gaseous form and those that utilize hydrogen in chemical compounds such as water. Some of the systems that store such chemically bonded hydrogen utilize a cartridge for containing the water along with other components. When hydrogen is stored in chemical compounds such as water, it must be converted to consumable hydrogen by a reaction prior to use as hydrogen.

One conventional process for releasing bonded hydrogen from water is electrolysis. During electrolysis, an electrical differential is applied to water at a cathode and an anode, and an advantage of this system is that a low voltage of electricity can be used. Another reaction to release hydrogen from water is that of aluminum and water to generate aluminum oxide and hydrogen gas. This reaction can be self sustaining, but it requires high temperatures to generate substantial hydrogen production. One way to do this is by heating aluminum and water that are in close proximity with thermite, but most conventional systems for igniting the thermite require a high voltage differential.

Therefore, one problem with such cartridges is that high voltages are required to initiate the reaction. Another problem with cartridges configured to generate hydrogen through the reaction of a metal with an oxidizing agent is that the reaction can proceed prematurely because of contact between the reactants. Another problem is that structure utilized to form the cartridge and to contain the reactants remains as waste after the cartridge is used. Another problem is that the cost of conventional cartridges is too high to allow for economical one-time use, i.e. conventional cartridges are not expendable.

One problem with conventional combustion engines is that it is difficult to design an engine that consumes fuel efficiently yet still has sufficient power to meet occasional high power demand uses.

Another problem addressed by the present invention is that it is difficult to improve vehicle acceleration or speed. In this regard, enthusiasts are conventionally required to replace the entire existing motor with an expensive high performance motor. Alternatively, enthusiasts can add a costly performance enhancer such as a supercharger, turbo or nitrous oxide system. A problem with any of these solutions is that they do not “turn off” thus drastically reducing fuel economy.

The present invention addresses this problem by providing an auxiliary motor that is configured to provide high power on demand but not run at all when lower power is required. Such a configuration allows for the design of a small combustion engine that can meet normal cruising power requirements using a minimum of fuel. The auxiliary motor can be configured to be included in new vehicles or after market vehicles.

Another short duration, peak performance power consumption occurs during the launching of aircraft from an aircraft carrier. Conventional steam propulsion systems are large and heavy. The present invention provides an apparatus to utilize high pressure hydrogen to launch aircraft from an aircraft carrier.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a cartridge for the rapid generation of hydrogen very rapidly in response to demand, at high pressures, and at high temperatures. The present invention provides an auxiliary motor that utilizes the high pressure hydrogen to provide on demand power.

According to one embodiment of the invention, there is provided an auxiliary motor system for a vehicle. The system includes a cartridge for the generation of hydrogen, that includes a case that defines an interior cavity, an igniter positioned within the cavity, an oxidizing agent positioned within the cavity; a structural component positioned within the cavity, the structural component being formed of a particulate embedded in a matrix and the particulate includes a metallic material, wherein the structural component is configured such that the metallic material and the oxidizing agent react together to generate hydrogen after the igniter generates sufficient heat to remove the matrix from the structural component and to initiate the reaction between the metallic material and the oxidizing agent; and a motor configured to be driven by pressurized hydrogen.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the motor includes a clutch assembly configured such that it is movable between an engaged first position and a disengaged second position such that when the clutch assembly is in the first position the clutch assembly is configured to transmit power out of the motor and when the clutch assembly is in the second position the clutch assembly is not capable of transmitting power out of the motor.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the clutch assembly is configured to be in the engaged first position when gas at a pressure greater than a predetermined pressure is sensed by the clutch assembly.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the clutch assembly is configured to be in the disengaged second position when gas at a pressure greater than a predetermined pressure is not sensed by the clutch assembly.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the motor includes cylinder block configured to contain pistons that are positioned substantially parallel to a power output shaft.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the motor is configured to be retrofit into an existing vehicle.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the motor is configured to provide power to drive wheels of the vehicle in tandem with a second motor.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing auxiliary power to a vehicle, the method includes the following steps: providing a cartridge for the generation of hydrogen, that includes a case that defines an interior cavity, an igniter positioned within the cavity, an oxidizing agent positioned within the cavity; a structural component positioned within the cavity, the structural component being formed of a particulate embedded in a matrix and the particulate includes a metallic material, wherein the structural component is configured such that the metallic material and the oxidizing agent react together to generate hydrogen after the igniter generates sufficient heat to remove the matrix from the structural component and to initiate the reaction between the metallic material and the oxidizing agent, a motor configured to be driven by pressurized hydrogen; discharging a cartridge for the generation of hydrogen; and transmitting power out of the motor.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the method includes the further step of: blending hydrogen with air such that the hydrogen is at such a low concentration relative to oxygen, that it is not combustible.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the method includes the further step of: step of controlling power output of the motor by controlling pressure of hydrogen input into the motor.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the structural component that is configured to generally maintain the position of the igniter relative to the case.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the structural component is also configured to define a plurality of chambers within the cavity and the oxidizing agent is positioned within the plurality of chambers.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the matrix includes nitrocellulose.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the case is also formed of the particulate embedded in the matrix.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the igniter includes thermite.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the oxidizing agent is water.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the water is gelatinized.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the metallic material includes aluminum.

According to one aspect of the present invention, an electrical element is positioned within the igniter and is electrically connected with an exterior surface of the case.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the igniter is configured to ignite when a voltage is applied to the electrical element and the igniter is configured to generate sufficient heat such that at a least a portion of the matrix is removed from the structural component thereby exposing sufficient metallic material to the oxidizing agent at a sufficiently high temperature to initiate a chemical reaction between the oxidizing agent and the metallic material thereby generating hydrogen.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the case includes a metallic cap that is electrically connected to the electrical element such that the cap forms part of an electrical circuit when the voltage is applied to the electrical element.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the cap is configured to rupture such that an opening is defined through the cap for the release of hydrogen therethrough and such that the ruptured cap is retained in contact with the case.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the pressure within the cavity increases such that a portion of the case ruptures and hydrogen is discharged from the cavity.

According to one aspect of the present invention, substantially all material created by the reaction other than hydrogen remain associated with the case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a cartridge for the rapid generation of hydrogen from a first reactant that contains hydrogen and a second reactant that contains metal. The reaction can be initiated by a low electrical voltage and consumes at least some of the structure required to position the reactants such that they are sufficiently close to each other and to an igniter for the rapid reaction to be initiated by the igniter.

Referring toFIGS. 1-3and6, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a cartridge10for generating hydrogen includes a case20configured to receive a cap50, an ignition assembly70, and a spacer100. The cartridge10is configured to be received in a reaction assembly200and discharged therein to generate hydrogen.

As shown inFIGS. 1,2, and3; cartridge10includes a generally cup-shaped case20having a closed end22. A circumferential groove28is defined around case20at closed end22, and groove28is spaced-away from an outer surface29of closed end22. Closed end22is shaped such that outer surface29defines a recess31. Closed end22also defines an inner surface23.

Case20includes a wall24that extends away from closed end22toward an open end26and defining an inner surface34. Surface34and surface23define a cup-shaped cavity66. A first passageway32is defined through the closed end22of case20such that it extends from recess31to inner surface23thereby connecting outer surface29with cup-shaped cavity66. A shoulder38that extends from an outer surface39of wall24to a land area42is defined by wall24. Additionally, a lip43is formed by wall24at open end26of case20. When positioned in a firing chamber250as shown inFIG. 4, wall24of case20is configured to deform such that a low pressure seal is formed at a predetermined pressure within cavity66as will be discussed further below regarding cap50.

In the illustrated embodiment, case20is formed of a thermoplastic material. By way of example and not limitation, case20can be formed of one of the following: nitrocellulose, cellulose, metal, metallic material, thermoplastic, or a combination thereof. By way of example and not limitation, the thermoplastic can include polycarbonate (commercially known by various trade names including Lexan®), polyoxymethylene (commercially known by various trade names including Delrin®), polymethyl methacrylate (commercially known by various trade names including Plexiglas®), and a combination thereof.

Continuing to refer toFIGS. 1,2, and3; cap50includes a generally circular wall52that defines an inner surface54and an outer surface56. Cap50is positioned across the open end26of cup-shaped case20such that cavity66is enclosed. A flange58is positioned around the circumference of wall52of cap50and extends away from inner surface54of wall52. Flange58has a circumferential recess62formed therein that is configured to engage lip43of case20, and thus be retained on open end26of case20. As can be seen inFIG. 1, a plurality of grooves64are formed on the outer surface56of cap50. In the illustrated embodiment, grooves64are positioned to form a cross-shaped pattern, but it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, grooves64can have other configurations.

Grooves64of cap50are dimensioned to fail at a predetermined rupture pressure. The rupture pressure is less than a peak, i.e. maximum, pressure generated within cavity66by the reaction of the metallic first reactant and the oxidizing second reactant in cartridge10in firing chamber250. Thus cap50is configured as a burst disk such that cap50is configured to preferentially rupture to form an opening51in wall52as shown inFIG. 6. Opening51is configured to fluidly connect cavity66with a region outside of cartridge10.

Preferably, the rupture pressure is between about 500 psi and about 15,000 psi; more preferably, the rupture pressure is between about 3,000 psi and about 13,000 psi; and even more preferably, the rupture pressure is between about 9,000 psi and about 11,000 psi. As shown inFIG. 6, a least one petal65is formed when cap50ruptures along grooves64. Preferably, petal65remains attached to flange58and flange58remains engaged with case20. In this manner, the components of cap50that remain after discharge of cartridge10are retained on case20and can be recycled or disposed of along with case20.

In the illustrated embodiment, cap50is formed of a metal. By way of example and not limitation, cap50can include at least one of the following: stainless steel, brass, nitrocellulose, a fiber reinforced resin, electrically conductive elements, and a combination thereof.

As shown inFIG. 3, spacer100is positioned within cavity66. In the illustrated embodiment, spacer100is generally longitudinal and has a plurality of ribs103that are distributed radially around a central core104. A passageway108is formed through core104of spacer100. Each rib103extends toward inner surface34of wall24such that a plurality of chambers106are defined by ribs103, inner surface34of wall24and closed end22, and the base surface73of primary ignition block72. The plurality of chambers106are radially disposed and are configured to receive an oxidizing agent such as water107. Alternatively, spacer100can be configured as cylinder that defines a central chamber or a cylinder that defines a first central chamber and a second annular chamber. In further alternatives, wall24includes radially disposed ribs that extend into cavity66and there is no spacer100. In this embodiment, path P is formed along one of the radially disposed ribs.

In the illustrated embodiment, spacer100includes a metallic particulate101that is embedded in a matrix102as can be seen inFIG. 5. Metallic particulate101includes the metal first reactant. Matrix102is formed of a binding agent and is configured to be substantially impermeable to the oxidizing second reactant such the metallic particulate101, and thus the metal first reactant, is substantially isolated from the water107. In addition, matrix102is consumable during the rapid reaction of the metal first reactant and the oxidizing second reactant as discussed further below. As used herein, the term “consumable” refers to the quality of changing form or reacting such that the metallic particulate101, and thus the metal first reactant, is substantially no longer isolated from water107.

In this regard, matrix102is configured to limit unintended reactions between water107and metallic particulate101such that no additional barrier between the metallic portion of spacer100and water107is required. Thus manufacture of cartridge10relative to conventional systems is simplified in that no separate container is required for water107. The metallic particulate101of spacer100can include as the first metal reactant metals such as aluminum, magnesium, iron, sodium, potassium, titanium, and combinations thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, metallic particulate101includes aluminum and it is believed that aluminum having any purity is suitable for use as the reactive metal, and therefore, any alloy of aluminum is suitable for use as a metallic insert of the present invention. By way of example and not limitation, in alternative embodiments spacer100can include one of the following metallic materials: a woven metal mesh, a metal wool, discrete metal pellets, and a combination thereof. In these alternative embodiments, the metallic material is coated with the binding agent.

The matrix102is a material that can function to bind metallic particulate101together. Other desirable characteristics of the matrix are: it is soluble and when solvated can be mixed with particulate101, it can be easily dried or cured to form the desired component of cartridge10, and it is consumable during a rapid reaction between the metal first reactant and the oxidizing second reactant. In the illustrated embodiment, the matrix includes nitrocellulose. By way of example and not limitation, the matrix can include one of the following: nitrocellulose, dextrin, guar gum, gum Arabic, shellac, synthetic organic polymers, other organic materials, and a combination thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the percentage of metallic particulate101relative to the combined weight of metal particulate101and matrix102in spacer100is preferably between about 80% and about 99.9%; more preferably between about 88% and 98%; and most preferably between about 92% and 96%. It should be appreciated that structures other than spacer100disclosed herein that are formed of metallic particulate101embedded in matrix102have substantially similar compositions to that of spacer100.

It should be appreciated that the water can be pure or can contain various contaminates such as salts, metals, minerals, etc. The water can be a liquid or substantially solidified by combination with a gelatinizing agent. By way of example and not limitation, the oxidizing agent can include water, hydrogen peroxide or other oxidizing compound having hydrogen contained therein. The ratio of the metallic first reactant, for example, aluminum; and the oxidizing agent, for example, water107; is generally equal to the stoichiometric ratio of the oxidizing reaction between the two components. Therefore, when the metallic first reactant is aluminum and the oxidizing second reactant is water, the stoichiometric ratio is about one to one, and aluminum and water are contained in cartridge10in a ratio of about one to one. Referring to metal particles101, they are provided such that the reactive metal contained therein is in an appropriate ratio. For example, if metal particles101are essentially pure aluminum, the mass of metallic particles101contained within the cartridge10is generally equal to the mass of water107in cartridge10. Likewise, if metallic particles101include fifty percent by weight of nonreactive contaminants, then the mass of metallic particles101contained within cartridge10is generally two times the mass of water107in cartridge10.

Spacer100is configured to position ignition assembly70within cavity66such that assembly70is near cap50and in this regard, spacer100is a structural component. In alternative embodiments wall24of case20includes tabs or ribs that are configured to position ignition assembly70within cavity66. Spacer100is configured to extend within cavity66from closed end22to assembly70. Such that one end of spacer100is near surface23and another end of spacer100is near surface73. It should be appreciated that while spacer100is configured to mechanically separate assembly70from closed end22, in some embodiments spacer100is movable relatively one or both of assembly70and closed end22, and in addition, might not be in direct contact with one or both of assembly70and closed end22.

Ignition assembly70is configured as an igniter and includes a primary ignition block72having a recess74formed therein. As used herein, the term “igniter” refers to a structure configured to generate sufficient temperature to initiate, i.e. ignite, a reaction between reactants. A passageway78is defined from recess74through a base portion of primary ignition block72to a base surface73defined by the base portion of primary ignition block72. Recess74is dimensioned to receive a pre-ignition block76. In the illustrated embodiment, both primary ignition block72and pre-ignition block76are generally cylindrical.

Primary ignition block72includes thermite. As used herein, the term “thermite” refers to a composition that includes a metal oxide that acts as an oxidizing agent and a metal to be oxidized by the oxidizing agent. By way of example and not limitation, the metal oxide can be black or blue iron oxide (Fe3O4), red iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3), manganese oxide (MnO2), Chromium (III) oxide Cr2O3, cuprous oxide (Cu2O), cupric oxide, (copper (II) oxide, CuO), other metal oxide, or a combination thereof. The metal to be oxidized can be aluminum or other reactive metal.

In one embodiment, the metal oxide is iron oxide (Fe3O4). Preferably, the thermite is formed together with a binding agent into a desired shape and the binding agent is a nitrocellulose lacquer. In this regard, the particles of thermite are retained within a matrix of nitrocellulose. It should be appreciated that in another embodiment, the primary ignition block72is formed of thermite that is configured to retain its shape without a binder, i.e. compressed or solid thermite. In a further alternate embodiment, the thermite can be in the form of particles that are retained in a container or wrapping (not shown) that is configured to support and shape primary ignition block72.

Pre-ignition block76is formed of a pre-ignition compound that includes potassium perchlorate, magnesium, and aluminum. Pre-ignition block76includes an element82. Element82is configured to electrically connect cap50with a region adjacent one end of passageway78of primary ignition block72. It should be appreciated that element82can be any electrical element configured to generate heat when exposed to an electrical differential. In one embodiment element82is a bridge wire. As used herein, the term “bridge wire” refers to a relatively thin resistance wire used to ignite a pyrotechnic composition.

Pre-ignition block76is formed by a molding process in which the pre-ignition compound is formed of particles that are mixed with a binding agent and molded to a desired shape. The binding agent can be a lacquer such as nitrocellulose lacquer and in such an embodiment, pre-ignition block76is formed of particles of the pre-ignition compound embedded in a matrix of nitrocellulose. In the illustrated embodiment, the mixture of binding agent and pre-ignition compound is molded around element82such that element82is also embedded in the matrix of nitrocellulose. It should be appreciated that in other embodiments, pre-ignition block76can include solid or particulate components and can be positioned within a container or wrapping (not shown) that is configured to support and shape pre-ignition block76. Further, element82can be positioned around pre-ignition block76or through a passageway formed therein after initial shaping of the pre-ignition block is complete.

Pre-ignition block76is configured to ignite when element82is exposed to an electrical voltage differential that is preferably between about 1 volts and about 100 volts, more preferably between about 5 volts and about 30 volts, and even more preferably between about 10 volts and about 15 volts, and most preferably about 12 volts.

Pre-ignition block76is configured to generate a temperature upon ignition that is sufficient to ignite primary ignition block72. Primary ignition block72is configured to generate a temperature after ignition that is sufficient to initiate an oxidation reaction between the metal first reactant, and the oxidizing second reactant. In other embodiments, the ignition of composition72is sufficient to initiate a similar oxidation reaction that generates hydrogen. Primary ignition block72is configured to generate a temperature that is preferably between about 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit and about 6,000 degrees Fahrenheit, more preferably between about 3,250 degrees Fahrenheit and about 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and even more preferably between about 3,500 degrees Fahrenheit and about 4,500 degrees Fahrenheit. Ignition assembly70is configured to initiate a reaction between spacer100and water as will be discussed further below.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, passageway32of closed end22, passageway108of spacer100, and passageway78of primary ignition block72, are aligned to form a continuous primary passageway that connects outer surface29of closed end22with element82. The primary passageway is configured to receive a conductor112that is configured to electrically contact element82at an end116such that element82is electrically connected with a button114. Conductor112is also configured to be electrically insulated from other components of cartridge10. By way of example and not limitation, conductor112includes one of the following: a solid metal wire, stranded metal wire, aluminum, silver, other metal, carbon, other conductive non-metal, and a combination thereof. In one embodiment conductor112is an insulated metallic wire. Button114is configured to provide a surface for electrical contact that is positioned exterior of cartridge10, and button114is configured to be received in axial recess31of closed end22. By way of example and not limitation, button114includes one of the following: aluminum, silver, other metal, carbon, other conductive non-metal, and a combination thereof.

In this manner, an electrically conductive path P is formed that extends from outer surface29of closed end22to outer surface56of cap50. Path P is configured to conduct an electric current such that the pre-ignition block76can be ignited as will be discussed below with regard to the operation of the present invention.

Referring now toFIG. 4, cartridge10is configured to be received by a reaction assembly200and activated therein. Reaction assembly200includes a hydrogen containment vessel204, a magazine240, a loading device241and a firing chamber250. Containment vessel204has a wall205that defines a cavity206. A pressure sensor208is fluidly connected through wall205to cavity206. In the illustrated embodiment, pressure sensor208is configured to generate a signal indicative of the pressure within cavity206and includes an operator interface.

A discharge tube214defines a passageway that fluidly connects cavity206with a device or region outside of reaction assembly200. A control valve212positioned in discharge tube214and is configured to control the flow of fluid through discharge tube214. In one embodiment, control valve212is a pressure regulator valve that is configured to maintain a predetermined pressure within cavity206. A valve216is positioned on wall205and is configured to vent cavity206to the region outside of vessel204at a predetermined pressure, i.e., valve216is configured as a pressure relief valve.

A flow control mechanism251is positioned between firing chamber250and vessel204. Mechanism251is configured to provide for the discharge of gas from firing chamber250into cavity206. Mechanism251is also configured to prevent flow of gas from cavity206into firing chamber250. Flow control mechanism251is electrically connected to controller290and is configured to be actuated by controller290.

Continuing to refer toFIG. 4, magazine240is configured to supply a plurality of cartridges10to firing chamber250via a loading device241. Loading device241is positioned between magazine240and firing chamber250and is configured to convey a cartridge10from magazine240to firing chamber250. In the illustrated embodiment, magazine240is detachable from the remainder of firing assembly200. It should be appreciated that a plurality of magazines240are interchangeable such that subsequent magazines240can replace an initial magazine240and in this manner a supply of cartridges10can be provided to firing assembly200and more specifically to firing chamber250.

Firing chamber250is best seen inFIG. 5and includes a breech block253and a generally tubular chamber wall252. Breech block253defines interior tabs256that are configured to engage circumferential groove28of cartridge10. Breech block253is configured to be openable such that cartridge10can be received therein.

Breech block253of firing chamber250is generally cup-shaped and includes a back wall254. Generally tubular sidewall252that extends away from breech block253toward an open end255. Sidewall252and breech block253define a bore257that is configured to receive a cartridge10. Wall252defines a shoulder259that separates a throat261from bore257. Throat261has a diameter near shoulder259that is smaller than the diameter of bore257. In one embodiment, throat261is generally cylindrical. Firing chamber250is positioned such that open end255is adjacent flow control mechanism251such that gases can be directed through throat261into flow control mechanism251.

Breech block253is configured to provide for the conveyance of cartridge10from loading device241into bore257of firing chamber250. When cartridge10has been loaded into bore257, tabs256engage circumferential groove28of cartridge10such that cartridge10is securely positioned within firing chamber250. As can be seen inFIG. 6, firing chamber250is positioned such that solid residue and waste67generated during a discharge of cartridge10is retained within bore257, and in the illustrated embodiment, cavity66of cartridge10. In this regard, firing chamber250is oriented such that open end255is positioned above back wall254, and more specifically, firing chamber250is oriented substantially vertically such that open end255is generally over back wall254. It should be appreciated that alternatively, discharge system200can be configured such that firing chamber250is in motion during a discharge of cartridge10and that such motion creates a force directed toward back wall254such that solids are retained within cavity66. In such an embodiment cartridge10can be operated generally without regard to the strength and direction of gravitational forces.

In the illustrated embodiment, breech block253includes a contact258that is positioned centrally relative to back wall254and is electrically isolated from firing chamber250. Contact258is configured to electrically engage button114of cartridge10when cartridge10is positioned within bore257. Contact258is electrically connected to controller290such that contact258can form part of an electrical circuit that includes electrical path P of cartridge10.

In this regard, breech block253and tubular sidewalls252are formed of an electrically conductive material. When a cartridge10is positioned within bore257and breech block253is in the closed position, electrically conductive button114of cartridge10is electrically connected to contact258and cap50of cartridge10is in electrical contact with tubular sidewalls252of firing chamber250. In this mariner, an electrical circuit is formed that electrically connects tubular side wall252and breech block253via electrical path P described above.

Continuing to refer toFIG. 6, after a cartridge10is discharged, a spent cartridge10′ remains. Some components of spent cartridge10′ are analogous to components of cartridge10and will be designated by identical reference numbers and the prime symbol. In this regard, spent cartridge10′ includes a case20′, a button114′, a cavity66′, and a cap50′. These components of spent cartridge10′ can be generally understood from the foregoing descriptions of the corresponding components of cartridge10.

In the illustrated embodiment, controller290is configured to control the electrical connection between contact258and a voltage source (not shown). In this manner, controller290is configured to control the discharge of cartridge10. As used herein, the term “discharge” refers to the reaction of the contents of cartridge10to form hydrogen such that hydrogen passes through opening51. Further, loading device241, contact258of firing chamber250, pressure sensor208and valve212are electrically connected to a controller290. Controller290is configured to activate loading device241, firing chamber250, and valve212based upon predetermined parameters or instructions input by an operator. In one embodiment, controller290is an electronic computer that includes a storage device and a data input device.

In another alternate embodiment, a mechanical firing device such as a percussion cap (not shown) is utilized to ignite the pre-ignition block76instead of element82.

In an alternative embodiment, case20is formed of a metallic particulate101embedded in a matrix102as described with regard to spacer100above. In this embodiment, the total amount of a reactive metal in the cartridge10is in stoichiometric proportions to the total amount of water107as it is in the illustrated embodiment. Therefore spacer100would contain less aluminum in this embodiment than in the illustrated embodiment wherein the mass of aluminum contained in spacer100is generally equal to the mass of water107.

It should be appreciated that nitrocellulose is consumed by the reaction. Therefore structures formed from nitrocellulose and the metal first reactant in various embodiments, such as spacer100or case20, are consumed by the reaction between aluminum and water to generate hydrogen. It is believed that consumption of the matrix generates a relatively small amount of waste as either a solid or a gas.

The present invention can be better understood in light of the following description of the operation thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, cartridge10is configured to generate hydrogen by the reaction of spacer100with water contained within cavity106. According to a method provided by the present invention, a cartridge10is positioned within firing chamber250. A voltage is applied by controller290to contact258such that an electrical current flows from button114, along conductor112, through element82, through cap50, through sidewalls252, and to the electrical ground. The current is sufficient to ignite pre-ignition block76and thus assembly70such that spacer100and the water in the cavities106are raised to a temperature sufficient to initiate an oxidation reaction between the spacer100and water107.

The principle products of this reaction are hydrogen gas and a metallic oxide. Pressures generated within cavity66are sufficient to rupture cap50and form opening51. It is believed that a substantial portion of solid reaction products such as metal oxide and other solids generated by the discharge of cartridge10remain within cavity66or attached to case20. Hydrogen gas passes from cavity66through opening51and flow control mechanism251into cavity206of containment vessel204. The quantity of hydrogen gas and temperature of the hydrogen gas discharged from cartridge10determines the pressure within cavity206. Valve212, shown inFIG. 4, operates to provide for the discharge of hydrogen gas from cavity206. Additional cartridges10can be discharged to generate additional hydrogen gas such that the pressure with cavity206is maintained at a predetermined level. In this manner cavity206acts as a reservoir configured to provide a continuous supply of hydrogen gas to a device configured to consume the hydrogen. It is believed that operation of the present invention can provide a source of high pressure hydrogen.

In all embodiments, spacer100is configured such that sufficient quantities of metallic particulate101and oxidizing agent, such as water107, are positioned such a rapid reaction between metallic particulate101and the oxidizing agent can be initiated by assembly70. Once the rapid hydrogen generating reaction has begun, it is believed that it will continue until one or both reactants are consumed. In this regard, it is believed that the reaction will continue until substantially all of the metallic particulate101and that all components of cartridge10that were formed of the reactive metal will be consumed during the rapid generation of hydrogen.

Referring now toFIGS. 7 and 8, in one embodiment of the present invention, reaction assembly200is configured such that cartridge10can be utilized to power a motor300in a vehicle311. In the illustrated embodiment, motor300is configured as an auxiliary power source in support of a conventional engine372. Conventional engine372is positioned near a front end of vehicle311and is connected to a rear axle309via a transmission376and a drive shaft358. Conventional engine372can be a combustion engine, an electric engine, a hybrid electric and combustion engine or other primary engine.

Referring now toFIG. 8, motor300is a linear motor that utilizes an axial configuration with rotating pistons. Motor300includes a housing312that is configured to receive a cylinder block320therein. Housing312is also configured to receive a drive shaft314therethrough.

Cylinder block320includes a first cylinder322that is open at one end to a manifold end321of cylinder block320. A first piston324extends from a sealed end326that is fluidly connected to manifold end321via first cylinder322to a shoe328. As shown inFIG. 8, cylinder block320includes a second cylinder332that is open at one end to manifold end321. A second piston334extends from a sealed end336to a shoe338. It should be appreciated that more than the two shown cylinders and associated piston are present in some embodiments.

First shoe328and second shoe338are both configured to ride on bearing plate339. Bearing plate339is configured such that shoe328follows a tilted sinusoidal path that is nearest cylinder block320at one point on the path and furthest from cylinder block at 180 degrees along the path from the nearest point.

Cylinder block320is configured to rotate such that each of first shoe328and second shoe338pass around all points of bearing plate339. Cylinder block320is connected to a clutch assembly340by a tubular shaft341.

Clutch assembly340includes an annular clutch piston342connected to a clutch pad344. Clutch piston342is normally biased away from a pressure plate336by a spring (not shown) into a disengaged second position. Clutch pad344is configured to move to an engaged first position such that it engages clutch plate352when high pressure hydrogen is present in a conduit354. In this manner, clutch assembly340is configured such that it is movable between an engaged first position and a disengaged second position. Clutch plate352is connected to drive shaft314such that when clutch pad344is engaged with clutch plate352, cylinder block320and drive shaft314are configured to rotate together such that drive shaft314can be powered by operation of motor300. Stated another way, when the clutch assembly is in the first position the clutch assembly is configured to transmit power out of the motor and when the clutch assembly is in the second position the clutch assembly is not capable of transmitting power out of the motor.

It should be understood that the position of the clutch piston342is indicative whether a gas at a pressure greater than a predetermined pressure is present. In this manner, the clutch assembly is configured to sense gas pressure. In other embodiments the actual gas pressure can be sensed by structure other than the first clutch piston and the second clutch piston and this information can be transmitted to clutch piston342a secondary signal. By way of example and not limitation, such structure can include a pressure sensor or pressure regulator and the secondary signal can be hydraulic, electrical, pneumatic or a combination thereof.

Conduit354is fluidly connected to conduit214that supplies high pressure hydrogen from reaction assembly200. Conduit214is also fluidly connected to an intake conduit364which is fluidly connected to expansion side of a manifold362. The expansion side of manifold362is a semiannular channel that extends around a portion of manifold362. An exhaust conduit366is fluidly connected to a compression side of manifold362. The compression side of manifold362is a semiannular channel that extends around a portion of manifold362. Exhaust conduit366is connected to an aspirator368. Aspirator368is configured to draw sufficient air into conduit366such that hydrogen is at a concentration below its lower explosive limit.

The present invention can be better understood by a description of the operation thereof. In this regard, when a cartridge10is discharged in reaction assembly200, clutch assembly340is automatically engaged with clutch plate352as a result of pressure greater than a predetermined pressure being sensed. High pressure gas in the expansion side of manifold362expands. This drives first piston324toward bearing plate339. Interaction of shoe328and bearing plate339cause shoe328to travel along the sinusoidal path. In this manner, cylinder block320is turned and power is transmitted to drive shaft314. As first cylinder322moves to compression side of manifold362, the expanded and cooled hydrogen gas is exhausted from motor300via exhaust conduit366.

In the embodiment shown, the speed of motor300can be regulated by controlling the pressure in conduit214. The drive shaft will be driven by both the conventional motor372and aux motor300when clutch plate352is engaged. As a safety feature, clutch plate352can only be engaged when a cartridge10has been discharged. It should be appreciated that for front drive vehicles, motor300can be configured to drive the rear axle and in this regard be independent of the conventional motor which drives the front axle. It should be appreciated that an accelerator pedal in vehicle311can be configured to double as a throttle for both motor300and conventional engine372when motor300is activate. A brake pedal of vehicle311can be such that pressurized hydrogen from reaction assembly200is isolated from motor300. In this manner, positive control of vehicle311can be maintained.

Each cartridge10in this embodiment would be configured to provide enough hydrogen for preferably between about 5 and about 100 seconds of travel, more preferably between about 10 and about 60 seconds of travel. Therefore, it is believed that such a cartridge configuration would provide approximately a 100 mile range if magazine240, shown inFIG. 7, is configured to provide 500 cartridges10. The auxiliary motor of the present invention will preferably produce between about 100 horsepower and about 500 horsepower.

The auxiliary motor of the present invention is passive until needed. This allows for more fuel efficient daily driving of high MPG, hybrid, or electric cars. The additional power boost is relatively inexpensive, the driver chooses when and it is anticipated that cartridges will be inexpensive. Further the auxiliary motor of the present invention is inherently environmentally friendly. In this regard the auxiliary motor exhaust will only include dilute hydrogen that is below its explosive concentration. In another embodiment the auxiliary motor is configured to include an exhaust combustion chamber in which air and hydrogen combust to produce steam. In an alternative embodiment, hydrogen gas from motor300is directed to a fuel cell for the production of electricity. In another alternative embodiment, hydrogen gas from motor300is directed to engine372where it is ignited to contribute to the power of engine372.

In another alternate embodiment, motor300does not include a clutch. It should be appreciated that such an embodiment can include valves configured to vent the manifold such that drag due to compression of gas in the cylinders is minimized.

Referring now to another alternative embodiment shown inFIG. 9, the present invention provides an airplane launch assist device400. Device400includes a cylinder422that includes an expansion chamber424that is fluidly connected to conduit214of a reaction assembly200. A piston426that extends from expansion chamber424. Piston426is configured to guide a tow bar428along a track432. Track432is positioned on the deck of an aircraft carrier such that planes can be accelerated and launched when attached to tow bar428. Referring now to the operation of this embodiment, when a cartridge10is discharged in reaction assembly200, high pressure hydrogen is conveyed into expansion chamber424such that piston426is subject to acceleration. The acceleration of piston426is sufficient that tow bar428can reach successfully tow attached planes to take off speed. After a discharge cycle, cooled and expanded hydrogen is blended to safe levels with air and discharged.

The present invention applies generally to cartridges for the formation of hydrogen. More specifically, a reusable or expendable cartridge is provided for the on-demand and nearly instantaneous generation of hydrogen at high temperatures and at high pressures. Hydrogen produced in this manner will provide power to auxiliary engines of the present invention. While the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications can be made and the Invention can be practiced in other environments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, set forth in the accompanying claims.