Patent ID: 7033467

Claim:
A device for charging and activating a plurality of hydrogen storage canisters comprising: a container defining an interior space for receiving and retaining the hydrogen storage canisters distributed in arrayed manner one relative to the other, the container having connectors for respective releasable connection with the canisters; a vacuum pump connected to the container for withdrawing hydrogen from the canisters; an inert gas supply source coupled to the container for flushing hydrogen from the container that has leaked from the canisters; a plurality of perforated partitions mounted in the interior space of the container for forming a plurality of chambers to receive and retain the canisters; and a cold water tank circulating cold water throughout the interior space of the container and thereby circulate around the canisters for removing excessive heat from the canisters; wherein the device is adapted to be connected to a hydrogen supply source from which hydrogen is supplied to the canisters via the connectors for charging the canisters, wherein hydrogen residual in the canisters is discharged by the vacuum pump, and wherein the canisters are activated by means of alternating charging and discharging the canisters.