Patent Publication Number: US-7222765-B2

Title: Fuel cell adapter for a latch

Description:
STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATION 
   This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/414,175 filed Apr. 15, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,938,810, entitled “Fuel Cell Adapter System For Combustion Tools.” 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   This invention relates to improvements in fuel cell adapter systems for use in combustion tools. As exemplified in Nikolich U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,403,722, 4,483,474, 4,522,162, and 5,115,944, all of which are incorporated by reference, it is known to use a dispenser to dispense a hydrocarbon fuel to a combustion gas-powered tool, such as, for example, a combustion gas-powered fastener-driving tool. Such fastener-driving tools and such fuel cells are available commercially from ITW-Paslode (a division of Illinois Tool Works, Inc.) of Vernon Hills, Ill., under its IMPULSE trademark. In particular, a suitable fuel cell is described in Nikolich U.S. Pat. No. 5,115,944, listed above. 
   A standard system for attaching a fuel cell to a combustion tool is known, i.e. placing the fuel cell into the combustion tool with a metering unit such as a valve, and having no adapter. This system has the advantage of being compact, however it does not protect the female metering unit inlet from dirt and other debris. Also, when not using an adapter, a protective cap or blister pack is needed for transporting the fuel cell. 
   There is another known fuel cell attachment system for combustion tools, where a sleeve-like seal support adapter attaches to a fuel cell and creates a seal for joining the fuel cell stem and a male joiner from the combustion tool. However, this adapter system does not protect the fuel cell from dirt and other debris. Another disadvantage is that the presence of this adapter alone is believed to diminish the life and capacity of the fuel cell. 
   One disadvantage of conventional combustion tool fuel cells as described above is that the conventional alignment structures employed for aligning the corresponding stems or passageways of the fuel cell and the tool fuel metering unit or valve do not provide consistent coaxial alignment of these passageways, which may lead to wasted fuel, shortened fuel cell life and less than optimal performance. 
   A related design problem of conventional combustion tool fuel cells is that proper alignment needs to be maintained between the fuel cell stem and the tool metering valve nipple, both during installation of the fuel cell into the tool and when exposed to the relatively rough, construction site or workshop working environment of such tools. 
   Maintaining a proper seal between the fuel cell stem and the tool metering valve nipple is also a problem, in that the seal needs to prevent the escape of fuel, while accommodating the sliding action of the fuel cell stem relative to the seal and the nipple as the fuel cell is inserted into, or withdrawn from the tool. Upon insertion into the tool, the fuel cell stem must be depressed into the fuel cell to permit the release of fuel. Further, if the fuel cell is removed from the tool before it is empty, the stem must be allowed to return to its closed or extended position to prevent fuel leakage. 
   Accordingly, there is a need for an improved fuel cell attachment system that protects the fuel cell from dirt and other debris while in use. In addition, there is a need for a fuel cell adapter system which maintains a positive, aligned engagement between the fuel cell stem and the tool fuel metering valve nipple, both during operation and insertion or removal of the fuel cell from the tool. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The above-listed needs are met or exceeded by the present fuel cell adapter system for a combustion tool which features an adapter configured for secure attachment to the fuel cell. An adapter body portion of the adapter forms a chamber configured for receiving an insert seal. This seal is specially designed for maintaining a sealed relationship between the fuel cell and a fuel metering valve in the tool. Using the present insert seal, both a nipple of the fuel metering valve and a stem of the fuel cell are maintained in sealed fluid communication with each other upon insertion of the fuel cell into the tool. The seal accommodates movement of the fuel cell into the tool by being slidable in the chamber until the fuel cell is fully engaged. In addition, lobes on the front surface of the adapter are configured to align the mating fuel metering stem axially with the fuel cell housing. 
   An additional feature of the present invention is a set of breakable ribs which undergo shear failure upon attempted removal of the fuel cell adaptor from the fuel cell housing. An advantage of the present invention is that, if an attempt is made to remove the present adapter from the fuel cell, the connecting ribs of the fuel cell adapter undergo shear failure, causing the nose portion of the fuel cell adapter to become separated or otherwise structurally weakened from the base portion of the fuel cell adapter, which remains mechanically fastened to the fuel cell. Upon shear failure of the ribs, the fuel cell adapter cannot be reused on another fuel cell. This feature reduces the chance for the introduction of dirt, debris, or impurities that can interfere with the connection during reuse. 
   More specifically, the present invention provides an insert seal for an adapter connectable to a fuel cell which is engageable upon a combustion tool fuel metering valve, the fuel cell having a stem. The insert seal includes a body defining a central passageway and having a fuel cell end and a metering valve end, a flange portion affixed to the metering valve end, being in fluid communication with the passageway and having a diameter larger than the diameter of the body. 
   The fuel cell adapter is configured for connection to a fuel cell engageable upon the fuel metering valve of the combustion tool, the fuel cell having a stem and the metering valve having a nipple, the adapter includes an adapter body having a base configured for engagement upon the fuel cell and a nozzle connected to the base, the adapter body defining an axial chamber configured for accommodating the stem and the nipple, the present resilient insert seal being accommodated in the chamber. A combustion tool is also provided including a fuel metering valve and a fuel cell having an adapter with the present insert seal for providing sealing communication between the metering valve and a stem of the fuel cell. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a combustion tool incorporating the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of the present adapter and the fuel cell; 
       FIG. 3  is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of the present adapter, the insert seal and the fuel cell; 
       FIG. 4  is a fragmentary vertical section of the present fuel cell adapter system depicting the adapter and molded insert seal engaged with the fuel cell, prior to depression of the fuel cell stem; 
       FIG. 5  is a fragmentary vertical section of the assembly of  FIG. 4  showing full engagement of the fuel cell and adapter with the tool fuel metering valve; 
       FIG. 6  is perspective view of an insert seal for use with the present adapter; 
       FIG. 7  is a reverse perspective view of the seal of  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a section taken along the line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7  and in the direction generally indicated; 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the insert seal of  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a composite section similar to  FIGS. 4 and 5  of an alternate embodiment of the present insert seal and fuel cell adapter; and 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the present fuel cell adapter. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a combustion-powered tool of the type suitable for use with the present invention is generally designated  10 . The tool  10  includes a housing  11  enclosing a fuel metering valve  12 , and a fuel cell chamber  13  which releasably houses a fuel cell  14 . The construction and operation of the tool  10  is described in detail in the patents incorporated by reference and referred to above. While a trim-type tool is depicted, it is contemplated that the present invention may be used with any type of combustion tool employing a fuel cell. 
   In  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a fuel cell adapter, generally designated  16 , is configured for connection to the fuel cell  14 , and facilitates engagement of the fuel cell in the fuel cell chamber  13 . An adapter body  18  has a generally cylindrical nozzle  20  and a base  22  configured for engagement upon the fuel cell  14 , and the nozzle is connected to the base. The nozzle  20  of the body  18  has a free end  24  and defines a chamber  26  which is preferably generally axial, with a frangible membrane  28  blocking the chamber  26 . This frangible membrane  28  has a hole  30  that allows for air escape, and it is preferably disposed at or adjacent the free end  24  of the nozzle  20  for visually indicating tampering when ruptured. However, other locations along the chamber  26  are contemplated for the membrane  28 . In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the hole  30  measures about 0.010 inches, however the diameter may vary depending on the application. 
   On the adapter body  18 , the nozzle  20  has a plurality of lugs  32 , and a plurality of support ribs  34 . The lugs  32  each preferably have a ramped configuration, extending in an inclined configuration from the free end  24  toward the base  22 , and each preferably has a truncated lug end  36 . The generally L-shaped support ribs  34  each preferably have a truncated rib end  38 , and are configured for connecting the nozzle  20  to the base  22 . In the preferred embodiment, individual lugs  32  and support ribs  34  are circumferentially spaced from each other, and the spacing of the lugs relative to the support ribs  34  is staggered, so that the lugs and support ribs are not in axial alignment with each other. Also, the ribs  34  hold the base  22  in a radially spaced relationship to the nozzle  20 . It is contemplated that this configuration may change in view of tool, fuel cell and/or material performance requirements associated with particular applications. 
   In the preferred embodiment, the adapter  16  is provided with a gripping formation  40  which is configured for being engaged by a latch (not shown) disposed in the fuel cell chamber  13  of the housing  11 . This gripping formation  40  may have a variety of shapes. In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 2-5 , corresponding truncated lug ends  36  and the rib ends  38  of the lugs  32  and the support ribs  34  define a groove  40  that is disposed on the nozzle  20 . Although it is preferred that the adapter body  18  have a gripping formation  40  in the form of a groove as just described, it is also contemplated that the gripping formation is alternatively a rib or protrusion, generally radially extending from the adapter body  18 . Such protrusions may form an annular rib or may also be individual, spaced, lugs or rib segments. 
   Also in a preferred embodiment, the lugs  32  are radially spaced relative to each other, and the support ribs are radially spaced relative to each other. The lugs  32  are also axially skewed, in other words, are not axially aligned relative to the opposing corresponding support ribs  34 . Thus, as depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a staggered relationship is defined between the lugs  32  and the support ribs  34 . 
   There is at least one barb  42  formed on the base  22  configured for frictionally engaging the fuel cell  14 . In a preferred embodiment, there is a plurality of barbs  42  disposed in a radially extending fashion around the exterior of the base  22 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 3-8 , the adapter body  18  houses an insert seal  44  which fits in the chamber  26 . The insert seal  44  includes a body  46  defining an axial passageway  48  (best seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). In addition, the insert seal  44  has a first or fuel cell end  50  configured for receiving a fuel cell stem  52 , and a second or valve nipple end  54  configured for sealingly engaging a fuel metering valve nipple  56  which projects from the valve  12 . A flange portion  58  is affixed, preferably by integrally forming or molding, or attaching by known technologies the flange portion to the body  46  at the valve nipple end  54 . The flange portion  58  thus defines the sealing location for the valve nipple  56  once the fuel cell  14  is operationally engaged on the tool  10 . 
   It will be seen that, in the preferred embodiment, the insert seal body  46  is preferably cylindrical (however other shapes are contemplated, such as polygonal), and has a diameter or height “D” ( FIG. 8 ). It will be further seen that the flange portion  58  has a larger diameter “Da” ( FIG. 8 ) than the diameter D of the body  46 . To maintain fluid communication between the valve nipple  56  and the fuel cell stem  52 , the flange portion  58  has an opening  60  in fluid communication with the passageway  48 . 
   To obtain a positive sealing relationship with the valve nipple  56 , the flange portion  58  has a boss  62  on an outer surface  64  of the flange portion. In the preferred embodiment, the boss is centrally located on the outer surface  64  and has a diameter “d” ( FIG. 8 ) which is smaller than the diameter “D” of the seal body  46 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 6 , it will be seen that the flange portion  58  has a periphery defining a surface  66  which is generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the seal body  46 . In the preferred embodiment, the peripheral surface  66  is faceted, being made of several facets  68  joined by radiused or rounded coners  70 . However, sharp or non-radiused corners are also contemplated. The seal  44  is configured so that the corners  70  are the points of sliding contact with the chamber  26 . It is preferred that the diameter “Da” of the flange portion  58  is dimensioned to maintain the relatively low resistance sliding relationship in the chamber  26 , while still providing a centering function for preserving the alignment of the fuel cell stem  52  with the fuel valve nipple  56 . Improper alignment of these two tool components has been known to reduce fuel cell life and/or impair performance. While in the preferred embodiment, the surface  66  is hexagonal, it will be understood that a number of polygonal shapes are contemplated as being suitable, depending on the application. 
   At the opposite end from the flange portion  58 , the insert seal body  46  defines a recess  72  configured for matingly accommodating the fuel cell stem  52 . To provide for fluid communication between the fuel cell  14  and the metering valve  12 , the recess  72  has an opening  74  ( FIG. 8 ) which is in fluid communication with, and preferably coextensive with, the opening  60  in the flange portion  58 , and being part of the passageway  48 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 9 , while it is preferred that the peripheral surface  66  of the flange portion  58  is polygonaly faceted, it is also contemplated that the surface can be generally circular. In  FIG. 9 , an alternate insert seal is generally designated  76 , and features which are shared with the seal  44  are designated with identical reference numbers. The main distinction between the seal  44  and the seal  76  is that the seal  76  is provided with a flange portion  78  having a peripheral edge surface  80  which is generally circular. It will be understood that the diameter “Da” of the flange portion  78  is dimensioned to promote the sliding/centering relationship discussed above in relation to the flange portion  58 . Thus, among other things, the diameter “Da” may vary depending on the relative coefficient of friction between the flange portion  78  and the chamber, and the type of fuel cell valve and valve stem employed. 
   Regardless of the shape of the peripheral surface  66 ,  80 , aside from providing a sliding contact surface with the chamber  26 , the flange portions  58 ,  78  act to center the stem  52  in the adapter  16  and maintain proper alignment between the stem and the valve nipple  56 . The insert seals  44  and  76  also support the engagement between the stem  52  and the nipple  56  during operation of the tool  10  to the extent that no other support is needed for the stem-nipple connection. 
   While both the seals  44  and  76  are slidable in the chamber  26 , depending on the application, the materials used for the adapter  16  in general and the body  18  in particular, as well as materials used for the insert seal  44 ,  76 , the relative sliding action between the insert seals and the chamber may vary. In the preferred embodiment, the insert seals  44  and  76  are relatively more resilient or rubber-like than the adapter  16 . Specifically, the seals  44  and  76  are preferably made from epichlorohydrin rubber having an approximate hardness of 70 Durometer or equivalent material having the desired resilience, moldability and resistance to fuel permeation and swelling. Other materials having the desired characteristics listed above could be used for the insert seal  44 ,  76 . 
   Another feature of the insert seals  44  and  76  is that a sealing relationship between the valve nipple  56  and the insert seals  44  and  76  is created by the mating engagement between the boss  62  and a counterbore  82  ( FIGS. 4 and 5 ) formed at the end of the fuel metering valve nipple  56 . The counterbore  82  defines a space configured for providing a relatively large surface area for contacting the boss  62 . The boss  62  is configured to interlock with the counterbore  82 . More specifically, the boss  62  is generally tapered or inclined from its base towards its outermost end (best seen in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ). This shape, in conjunction with the resilient material used to form the insert seal  44 ,  76 , results in a positive seal between the insert seal and the valve nipple  56 . The counterbore portion of the preferably metallic valve nipple  56  forms a sharp edge which “bites” into the boss  62  upon operational engagement of the adapter  16  and its associated fuel cell  14  upon the tool  10 . 
   To minimize fuel leakage, when the fuel cell  14  is withdrawn from the fuel cell chamber  13 , as is well known in the art, the stem  52  is designed to snap to a fully extended position which closes an internal fuel cell valve (not shown) and prevents the escape of fuel. As such, the insert seal  44 ,  76 , and specifically the recess  72 , is configured to permit the stem  26  to slide to its original sealed position as soon as the fuel cell  14 , with its attached adapter  16 , is disengaged from the metering valve  12 . 
   In the preferred embodiment, the adapter  16  is provided with other optional features which improve performance. While in use, the frangible membrane  28  has the advantage of protecting the fuel cell  14  from dirt and other debris. Adjacent the membrane  28 , the adapter  16  is preferably provided with a plurality of optional lobes  90  (best seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) that facilitate operational engagement upon the valve nipple  56 . In the preferred embodiment, there are three lobes  90 , however it is contemplated that any number of lobes greater than two will be suitable. Each of the lobes  90  has an upper end  92 , an outer wall  94 , an inner wall  96  and a pair of sidewalls  98 . To save material and prevent the clogging of the opposing surfaces of the adapter  16  and the valve nipple  56 , the lobes  90  are circumferentially spaced about the free end  24 . While not required, in the preferred embodiment, each of the lobes  90  is associated with a corresponding lug  32 . Also, the inner walls  96  of the lobes  90  are chamfered in that they are inclined toward the membrane  28  to facilitate the appropriate coaxial engagement between the valve nipple  56  and the nozzle  20 . In other words, the inner walls  96  perform a locating function for facilitating the engagement. Ultimately, the chamber  26  and the counterbore  82  of the valve nipple  56  are in coaxial alignment to permit the transfer of fuel from the fuel cell  14  to the metering valve  12 . 
   Another feature of the lobes  90  is that they each preferably have the same length projecting axially from the nozzle  20 , or the distance from the frangible membrane  28  to the upper end  92 . Upon assembly, the upper ends  92  engage an opposing surface  100  of the metering valve  12  ( FIG. 5 ). In this manner, appropriate alignment of the fuel cell  14  and the metering valve  12  is obtained, while creating a spacing between the two components which the user can easily clear of debris or dirt by blowing, vacuuming, etc. It is also preferred that the lobes  90  are each aligned or associated with a corresponding one of the lugs  32 , and in the depicted embodiment, there is a lobe  90  associated with every other lug  32 . 
   Another feature of the present adapter  16  is that the spaced supporting ribs  34  are the fastening point of the nozzle  20  to the base  22  and are configured to provide a break-away action if a user attempts to remove the adapter from the fuel cell  14 . Upon shear failure of the ribs  34 , the fuel cell adapter  16  cannot be reused on another fuel cell  14 , eliminating the introduction of dirt, debris, or impurities that can interfere with the connection during reuse. This single use nature of the present adapter  16  also inhibits the use of refilled or generic fuel cells which may impede the optimal operation of the tool. It is contemplated that the shear failure of the support ribs  34  may be caused by varying the shape, size, thickness, and material composition of the ribs, or by adding scoring or other non-uniformities to the rib structure. The supporting rib structure  34  should include any other means known by one in the art to cause material failure at the rib location upon removal while maintaining sufficient strength to withstand the shock of combustion and the pressure of the gas propellant while in use. 
   A related design factor of the adapter is that the ribs  34  are configured so that the base  22  secures the adapter  16  to the fuel cell  14  more securely than the radially-spaced ribs  34  secure the nozzle to the base  22 . Thus, upon an attempt to dislodge the adapter from the fuel cell  14 , and a torquing force exerted on the nozzle  20 , the nozzle breaks free of the base  22 . One factor in securing the base  22  to the fuel cell  14  more rigidly than the nozzle  20  is held to the base is by configuring the periphery of the base to have at least one of the barbs or wedges  42  formed on the base and configured for frictionally engaging the fuel cell. In the preferred embodiment, the wedge  42  is disposed on the periphery of the exterior of the base  22  and is of slightly greater diameter than the inside diameter of the fuel cell  14 . Upon compression and mechanical placement, the wedge  42  fits in tight configuration with the fuel cell  14  below a rolled seam  102  ( FIG. 2 ) fixedly engaging the base to the fuel cell. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 2-5 , to place the adapter  16  onto the fuel cell  14 , the insert seal  44  is fitted onto the end of the fuel cell stem  52  so that the stem is matingly received in the recess  72 . Next, the adapter  16  is placed over the fuel cell stem  52  and the insert seal  44  so that the insert seal is accommodated in the chamber  26 . As described above, the dimensioning of the flange portion  58 ,  78  is such that the stem  52  is generally centered in the chamber  26  for facilitating alignment, and efficient fluid communication between the stem and the valve nipple  56 . The installation and use of the insert seal  76  is identical to the insert seal  44  and as such is not described here. To securely attach the adapter  16  onto the fuel cell  14 , the base  22  is mechanically compressed and pushed downward onto the rolled seam  102  ( FIGS. 2 and 3 ) of the fuel cell, so that the wedges  42  on the base hook under and frictionally engage the rolled seam. 
   With the adapter  16  in place on the fuel cell  14  and before the system is placed in a combustion tool  10 , the frangible membrane  28  will still be intact (unpierced) which gives the adapter the advantage of protecting the fuel cell during transportation. Because of this advantage, there is no need for a protective fuel cell cap. Another advantage is that the intact frangible membrane  28  gives visual identification that the fuel cell  14  is unused. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the fuel cell  14  and the adapter  16  are shown engaged upon the valve nipple  56  in the position which occurs when the fuel cell is introduced into the fuel cell chamber  13  of the tool  10 . The valve nipple  56  has pierced the frangible membrane  28  and the counterbore  82  has matingly engaged the boss  62  on the flange portion  58 . However, at this point, the fuel cell  14  has not been fully pressed into engagement to the extent that fuel is flowing. This can be seen by the position of the fuel cell stem  52 , which is still in the closed position. Note also that the insert seal  44  is positioned in the adapter chamber  26  closer to the nozzle end  24  than to the fuel cell  14 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 5 , it will be seen that the adapter  16  and the fuel cell  14  are now fully engaged upon the fuel metering valve  12 , since the lobes  90  are in contact with the valve and the fuel cell stem  52  is now depressed. To accommodate this movement of components, the insert seal  44  has slidably moved within the chamber  26  towards the fuel cell  14  and away from the fuel metering valve  12 . In this manner, a physically supportive and positive sealing connection between the fuel cell  14  and the valve nipple  56  is maintained. Further, the insert seal  44  is sufficiently slidable within the chamber  26 , and the recess  72  is dimensioned so that upon withdrawal of the fuel cell  14  from the fuel cell chamber  13 , the fuel cell stem  52  can readily return to the closed position without losing an unacceptable amount of fuel. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 10 , an alternate embodiment of the adapter  16  is shown and generally designated  110 . Components of the adapter  110  which are shared with the adapter  16  are designated with identical reference numbers. The adapter  110  is provided with a modified insert seal  112 , having shared features with the insert seal  44  designated with identical reference numbers. Also,  FIG. 10  is provided in a split view format, combining the views of the positions shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
   One of the features of the adapter  110  which is a deviation from the adapter  16  is that a shoulder  114  at the fuel valve end of the chamber  26   a  has an angled or inclined configuration, compared to the right-angled shape of the adapter  16  of  FIGS. 4 and 5 . In the preferred embodiment, the angle of the shoulder  114  is 30°, however other angles are contemplated. This shoulder  114  defines a circular seat  116  which engages the peripheral surface  80  of a preferably circular flange portion  118  of the insert seal  112 . This engagement facilitates the centering function of the flange portion  118  described above, since fuel cell stems  14  have been known to be off-center or skewed. 
   Also, since the internal fuel cell valve (not shown) has been known to leak, another function of the engagement of the flange portion  118  and the seat  114  is to prevent any fuel in the chamber  26  from escaping to ambient To facilitate this sealing function, the flange portion  118  is preferably provided with a beveled surface  120  on at least one face  122 ,  124  of the flange portion  118 . The beveled surface  120  is generally complementary with the seat  114  to maximize the contact area between the two components and thus increase the sealed surface. However, a non-beveled or generally right-angled edge for the face and the peripheral surface is also contemplated, as shown in  FIG. 9 . 
   Another feature of the insert seal  112  is that a boss  126  extends axially from the flange portion  118  a greater distance than the boss  62 . Further, the preferred construction of the boss  126  is generally conical or tapering from the face  122 . This shape increases the sealing contact surface area between the boss  62  and a counterbore  128  of the valve nipple  56 . Unlike the generally right-angled counterbore  82  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the counterbore  128  defines a generally conical cavity which is complementary with the boss  126 , thus increasing the boss/counterbore surface contact area and similarly increasing the sealing relationship. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 11 , another alternate embodiment of the adapter  16 ,  110  is generally designated  130 . The adapter  130  shares many components and features with the adapters  16 ,  110  described previously, and its chamber (not shown) may take the form of either the chamber  26  or the chamber  26   a . A main distinguishing feature of the adapter  130  is that instead of a plurality of lugs  32 , there is a single annular angled lug  132 . Similarly, instead of a plurality of support ribs  34 , there is a single annular rib  134 . It is also contemplated that when the single annular rib  134  is provided, there still may be spaced angled lugs  32 , and vice versa. 
   Furthermore, instead of a plurality of spaced barbs  42 , there is a single annular barb  136  configured for achieving a tight friction fit with the rolled fuel cell seam  102 . The friction fit is basically one-way, since once the adapter  130  is secured upon the rolled fuel cell seam  102 , it cannot be removed without breaking the adapter. Once a user places a pliers or wrench on the adapter  130  and applies the amount of torque and gripping force necessary to remove the fit between the barb  136  and the rolled seam  102 , a body portion  138  will become misshapen and misaligned, if not destroyed, to the point that it will be unusable. 
   While particular embodiments of the fuel cell adapter system has been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the invention in its broader aspects and as set forth in the following claims.