US008439534B1
`
`US 8,439,534 B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`a2) United States Patent
`Roeet al.
`(45) Date of Patent:
`May 14, 2013
`
`
`(54) MOBILE LIGHTING APPARATUS
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors: George Michael Roe, Seattle, WA (US);
`Leonard Elliott Klebanoff, Dublin, CA
`(US); Gerald W. Rea, Underwood, IN
`(US); Robert A. Drake, Nashville, IN
`(US); Terry A. Johnson, Livermore, CA
`(US); Steven John Wingert, Boise, ID
`(US); Thomas A. Damberger,Fair
`Oaks, CA (US); Thomas J. Skradski,
`Oakland, CA (US); Christopher James
`1
`.
`JamesM.Oros,Camichasl CA(US)
`
`?
`
`?
`?
`°
`Paul G. Schuttinger, Orangevale, CA
`(US); David J. Grupp, Sacramento, CA
`(US); Stephen Carl Prey, Elk Grove,
`CA (US)
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 506 days.
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 12/775,085
`(22)
`Filed:
`May6, 2010
`
`(51)
`
`(2006.01)
`(2006.01)
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`.
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/176,103, filed on May
`6, 2009.
`Int. Cl
`B600 1/00
`B600 3/00
`(52) US.CL
`USPC oesssseee 362/486; 362/285; 362/418; veace
`.
`.
`.
`(58) Field of Classification Search .................. 362/253,
`362/257, 285, 384-386, 418, 428, 431, 458,
`362/486
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,167,783 A
`9/1979 Mitchell
`4,220,981 A
`9/1980 Koether
`4,392,187 A
`7/1983 Bornhorst
`ora A
`hong corn ‘ at
`5.225.765 A
`7/1993. Callahan et al.
`6,737,809 B2
`5/2004 Espiau et al.
`6,922,021 B2
`7/2005 Espiauetal.
`7348738 Be
`3008 Piau at
`+
`4
`Spiau et al.
`7361094 BZ
`4/2008 Espns cal
`
`;
`;
`7,362,056 B2
`7,372,209 B2
`7,391,158 B2
`7,429,818 B2
`7,498,747 B2
`7,518,315 B2
`7,525,253 B2
`7,629,570 B2
`7,638,951 B2
`7,701,143 B2
`
`spiau et al.
`4/2008 Espiauetal.
`5/2008 Espiauet al.
`6/2008 Espiauetal.
`9/2008 Chang etal.
`3/2009 Espiau etal.
`4/2009 Espi
`t
`al.
`4/2009 Espiau ot al
`12/2009 Mondloch etal.
`12/2009 DeVincentisetal.
`4/2010 DeVincentis
`
`(Continued)
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Multiquip Inc., Multiquip Light Towers brochure, MQLTOWR-634
`Rev. G (07-09), Jul. 2009, 4
`.
`ev.
`G(
`Ta
`pages
`(Continued)
`Primary Examiner — Jason Moon Han
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Faegre Baker Daniels LLP
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`yas
`“ya
`.
`mobile lighting apparatus includes a portable frame such as
`sucha
`A
`mobilePenting apparatsincu rm Table frame
`light tower is moveable from a stowedposition to a deployed
`position. A hydrogen-powered fuel cell is located on the
`portable frameto provideelectrical powerto an array of the
`energy efficient lights located on the light tower.
`
`a moveable trailer or skid
`
`having a light tower thereon.
`
`[he
`
`20 Claims, 22 Drawing Sheets
`
`
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1038 - Page 1 of 31
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1038 - Page 1 of 31
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`US 8,439,534 B1
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`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`.
`.
`so 55
`aoe pevincentis et al.
`7791278 B2
`9/2010 D Vin et ho
`etal
`779180 BD
`9/2010 DeVincen Is ¢ al
`fl,
`eVincentis et al.
`2005/0134188 Al
`6/2005 Lindqvist
`sooobottye “ Nooo putirie “ al
`5007/0211991 AL
`9/2007 Espiatet iL
`splat et al.
`2007/0217732 Al
`9/2007 Changetal.
`;
`10/2007 Espiau
`2007/0236119 Al
`:
`.
`2007/0241688 Al
`10/2007 DeVincentiset al.
`2008/0054813 Al
`3/2008 Espiauetal.
`2008/0203922 Al
`8/2008 Guthrie et al.
`2008/0211971 Al
`9/2008 Pradhan
`_
`stebooeotl ‘i osooo pendent et al.
`afidi et al.
`3009/0026975 Al
`1/2009 Ralston et al.
`3009/0073700 Al
`3/2009. Cruickshank
`2009/0146543 Al
`6/2009 Changetal.
`
`2009/0167201 Al
`2009/0243488 Al
`2009/0284166 Al
`2010/0097808 Al
`2010/0102724 Al
`2010/0123396 Al
`3010/0123407 AL
`2010/0148669 Al
`2010/0156301 Al
`2010/0156310 Al
`2010/0165306 Al
`2010/0171436 Al
`2010/0253231 Al
`
`7/2009 Duelli et al.
`10/2009 Espiauetal.
`11/2009 DeVincentiset al.
`4/2010 ‘Jurik
`4/2010 Gilliardetal.
`5/2010 DeVincentiset al.
`5/2010 Duell
`6/2010 DeVincentis et al.
`6/2010 Hollingsworth et al.
`6/2010 Hollingsworth etal.
`:
`7/2010 _McGettigan et al.
`:
`:
`7/2010 DeVincentis et al.
`10/2010 DeVincentiset al
`
`,
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Multiquip Inc., “Parts and Operation Manual—Multiquip Modular
`:
`.
`.
`.
`Light Tower (MLT) used with the Following Generators/Welders:
`DA7000SS, KD-1800, KD-6 and SDW-225”, Revision #3, Jun. 26,
`2006, 80 pages.
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1038 - Page 2 of 31
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1038 - Page 2 of 31
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`U.S. Patent
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`May14, 2013
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`Sheet 1 of 22
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`Petitioner Ensign
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`Sheet 3 of 22
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`Sheet 5 of 22
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`124.
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`74
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`176.
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`146
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`FIG. 1
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`124
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`FIG. 13
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`FIG.14
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`FIG.15
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`Petitioner Ensign
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`FIG.20
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`Sheet 22 of 22
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`US 8,439,534 B1
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`1
`MOBILE LIGHTING APPARATUS
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`
`2
`cell. The light tower is movable between a stowed position
`and an upright, deployed position. In illustrated embodiments
`ofthe present disclosure, the portable frame is one of a trailer
`and a skid.
`
`This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
`Application Ser. No. 61/176,103, filed on May 6, 2009, which
`is expressly incorporated by reference.
`
`NOTICE
`
`This invention was made in part with government support
`under Contract No. DE-AC04-94AL85000 awarded by the
`US. Department of Energy to Sandia Corporation. The gov-
`ernmenthas certain rights in the invention.
`
`BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY
`
`In one illustrated embodimentofthe presentdisclosure, the
`fuel cell is a hydrogen-powered fuel cell and the at least one
`fuel storage tank is a high pressure hydrogen storage tank. In
`anotherillustrated embodiment, the at least one fuel storage
`tank is a metal hydride storage tank configured to supply
`hydrogen to the hydrogen-powered fuel cell. The metal
`hydride storage tank illustratively includes a metal hydride
`powder located within a heat exchangestructure.
`In another illustrated embodiment of the present disclo-
`sure,
`the apparatus includes a fluid recirculation system
`located on the portable frame and a heat exchanger located
`adjacent the fuel cell. The fluid recirculation system is con-
`figured to circulate fluid through the heat exchange structure
`of at least one metal hydride fuel storage tank. The heat
`exchangeris also in fluid communication with the fluid recir-
`culation system so that the heat exchanger transfers heat
`generated by the fuel cell to the fluid to warm the metal
`hydride powder as the heated fluid passes through the heat
`exchangestructure of the metal hydride fuel storage tank.
`In yet another illustrated embodimentof the present dis-
`closure, a controller is coupled to the fluid recirculation sys-
`tem andto the fuel cell. The controller is configured to actuate
`a fan ofthe fuel cell at selected times whenthe fuel cell is not
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The detailed description particularly refers to the accom-
`panying figures in which:
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mobile lighting apparatus
`of one embodiment of the present disclosure including a
`hydrogen fuel cell, hydrogen storage tanks and a light tower
`with anarray of energy efficient lights mounted on a portable
`frameofa trailer;
`FIG.2 is a side elevational view showingthe light tower of
`FIG.1 in a deployed position in solid lines and in a stowed
`position in dotted lines;
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1038 - Page 25 of 31
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`Thepresent disclosurerelates to a mobile lighting appara-
`tus which is easily positionable to illuminate indooror out-
`door locations. More particularly,
`the present disclosure
`relates to a mobile lighting apparatus which greatly reduces
`noise and harmful emissions compared to conventional
`mobile lighting systems.
`The mobile lighting apparatus of the present disclosure
`includes a portable frame such as a moveabletrailer or skid
`having a light tower thereon. The light tower is moveable
`from a stowed position to a deployed position. A hydrogen
`powered fuel cell is located on the portable frame to provide
`powering the lights. The fan is located adjacent the heat
`electrical power to an array of the energy efficient lights
`exchanger to cool fluid circulated by the fluid recirculation
`located on the light tower.
`system through the heat exchangestructure during refueling
`Reduction of carbon dioxide and particulate matter emis-
`of the metal hydride fuel storage tank with hydrogen.
`sions is extremely challenging for internal combustion
`In a further illustrated embodimentof the present disclo-
`engines. The mobile lighting apparatus of the present disclo-
`sure, at least one high pressure hydrogen storage tank is
`sure substantially reduces carbon dioxide emissions andpar-
`located on the portable frame along with at least one metal
`ticulate matter emissions compared to conventional mobile
`hydride storage tank. The high pressure storage tank is
`lighting systems. For example, one conventional mobile
`coupled to the fuel cell and to at least one metal hydride
`lighting system using a diesel power generator typically uses
`storage tank through a valve to permit hydrogen to be sup-
`hundredsof gallons of diesel fuel each year. There are many
`plied from the at least one high pressure storage tank to at
`applications for the mobile lighting apparatus of the present
`least one metal hydride storage tank to refuel the metal
`disclosure including providing illumination for road work,
`hydride storage tank.
`emergency roadway lighting, aircraft and airport mainte-
`In one illustrated embodimentofthe presentdisclosure, the
`nance, film industry lighting, disaster recovery, and indoor
`use.
`plurality of lights each includeaplasmalight emitter powered
`45
`With regard to the film and television industry, the mobile
`by a radio frequency (RF) driver coupled to the emitter. Illus-
`lighting apparatus of the present disclosure provides very
`tratively, both the emitter and the driver are coupled to the
`quiet operation, combined with zero emissions,
`to allow
`distal end portion of the light tower. In another illustrated
`powerfor the lights to be brought very close to the point-of-
`embodiment, the plurality of lights include an array of LEDs
`shoot location. This reduces the need for long power cable
`coupled to the distal end of the light tower.
`lines running from an offsite power generatorto the lighting
`Additional features and advantages of the present system
`system. The high efficiency lights of the present disclosure
`will become apparentto those skilled in the art upon consid-
`improve lighting quality and control and are more durable
`eration of the following detailed description of illustrative
`than current HID lighting technology. The present mobile
`embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the
`lighting apparatus supports “green” initiatives, such as those
`present system as presently perceived.
`in the film andtelevision industries, and particularly those of
`the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences.
`In one illustrated embodimentof the present disclosure, a
`mobile lighting apparatus includes a portable frame anda fuel
`cell mounted on the portable frame. The fuel cell generates
`electrical powerfor the mobile lighting apparatus. The appa-
`ratus also includesat least one fuel storage tank mounted on
`the portable frame, a light tower having a proximal end por-
`tion pivotably coupledto the portable frame and a distal end
`portion, and a plurality of lights coupled to the distal end
`portion ofthe light tower. Each ofthe lights is coupled to the
`fuel cell to receive electrical power therefrom. The fuel stor-
`age tank is coupled to the fuel cell to provide fuel to the fuel
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
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`35
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`40
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`50
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`55
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`60
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`65
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`US 8,439,534 B1
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`4
`manner. Mobile light apparatus 10 includes a light tower 18
`pivotally coupled to the end upright member20 of frame 14.
`Light tower 18 includes a base portion 22 and a telescoping
`mast 24. Mast 24 is rotatable aboutits longitudinal axis rela-
`tive to base 22. A locking knob 26 is rotatable to secure the
`mast 24 in the desired rotational position relative to the base
`22.
`
`3
`FIG.3 is a block diagram of the components of the mobile
`lighting apparatus of one embodimentofthe present disclo-
`sure;
`FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating components of
`another embodiment of the present disclosure including
`metal hydride fuel storage tanks for supplying hydrogen to
`the fuel cell;
`A first winch 27 on frame 14 as shownin FIG.2 permits an
`FIG.5 is a block diagram illustrating yet another embodi-
`operator to movethe light tower 18 between a stowedposition
`ment of the present disclosure in which both high pressure
`shown in FIG.1 (and in dottedlines in FIG. 2) and an upright,
`hydrogen storage tanks and metal hydride fuel storage tanks
`deployed position shown in solid lines in FIG. 2. A second
`are provided to supply hydrogento the fuel cell;
`winch 28 located on the light tower 18 permits an operator to
`FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary
`extend the mast 24to a desired height shown by dimension 30
`embodimentof an array of lights mounted on a T-bar of the
`of FIG.2. Illustratively, the mast 24 is extendable up to about
`light tower;
`30 feet or more. Illustratively, trailer 12 includes jack stands
`FIG.7 is a perspective view of one of the energyefficient
`46 andapair of outrigger jacks 48 to provide stability when
`lights of FIG. 6;
`the light tower is in the deployed position shown in FIG.2.
`FIG.8 is an exploded perspective view ofthe light of FIG.
`In an illustrated embodiment, the mast 24 includes three
`separate telescoping sections 25, 27 and 29. A T-bar 32 is
`coupled to the innermost section 29 of mast 24 as shown in
`FIG.2. An array of energy efficient lights 40 are coupled to
`the T-bar 32. IIlustratively, the lights are plasma lights as
`discussedin detail below.In the illustrated embodiment, four
`lights 40 are coupled to the T-bar 32 as discussed in detail
`below. Each light 40 is independently adjustable relative to
`the T-bar 32. In alternative embodiments, the energyefficient
`lights are LEDsorother energy efficient lights. A retracting
`powercord 42 supplies electrical power to the lights 40. A
`storage cylinder 44 located adjacent mast 24 stores the power
`cord 42 when mast 24is in a stowed position shown in FIG. 1
`and in dotted lines in FIG. 2.
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`FIG. 9 is a top view of the light of FIGS. 7 and 8;
`FIG.10 is a rear view ofthe light of FIGS. 7-9;
`FIG. 111s a side elevational view ofthe light of FIGS. 7-10;
`FIG. 12 is a bottom view ofthe light of FIGS. 7-11;
`FIG.13 is a sectional view taken along lines 13-13 of FIG.
`7 illustrating additional details of the light;
`FIGS. 14-16 are exploded perspective viewsillustrating
`additional details ofmounting components located within the
`light assembly of FIGS. 7-13;
`FIGS. 17 and 18illustrate a graphicaluser interface used to
`control and monitorthe lights;
`FIG. 19 is a front view of an exemplary portable light
`device;
`FIG. 20 illustrates another exemplary embodimentof a
`portion of a portable light device;
`FIG. 21 is a representative top view of portions of the
`exemplary portable light device of FIG. 19;
`FIG. 22 is a representative top view ofanother embodiment
`of an exemplary portable light device;
`FIG.23 is a representative top view ofstill another embodi-
`ment of an exemplary portable light device;
`FIG.24 is arepresentative top view of yet another embodi-
`ment of an exemplary portable light device; and
`FIG. 25 is a representative view of portions of the exem-
`plary portable light device of FIG. 19.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the
`principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be
`made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which
`are described below. The embodiments disclosed below are
`
`Asbestillustrated in FIG. 1, the mobile lighting apparatus
`10 includes a hydrogen fuel cell 50 located on the portable
`frame 14. At least one hydrogenstorage tank 52 is also located
`on the frame 14 for transport with the mobile lighting appa-
`ratus 10. In illustrated embodiments, either two or four such
`hydrogen storage tanks are preferably provided on the frame
`14, depending upon the particular application and the avail-
`ability of hydrogen refueling stations.
`Additional details of the mobile lighting apparatus 10 are
`illustrated in FIG. 3. A fuel regulator 54 is coupled between
`the fuel cell 50 and the fuel storage tanks 52 to deliver hydro-
`gen to the fuel cell 50. An oxidant 56 is also supplied to the
`fuel cell 50. In an illustrated embodiment, the ambient air
`provides the oxidant 56 to the fuel cell 50 although other
`oxidant sources may be used if needed. In an illustrated
`embodiment, fuel cell 50 is a model FPS-5, 5 kW fuel cell
`available from Altergy Systems located in Folsom, Calif. The
`illustrative fuel cell is an example of a Proton Exchange
`Membrane FuelCell, but other types offuel cells (solid oxide,
`phosphoric acid, molten carbonate, alkaline, etc.) may also be
`used.
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`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1038 - Page 26 of 31
`
`not intended to be exhaustive or limit the present system to the
`precise form disclosed in the following detailed description.
`Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that
`Fuel cell 50 illustratively provides a high power density
`with low weight and volume. Fuelcell 50 uses pure hydrogen
`others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. Therefore,
`from fuel storage tanks 50. The oxidant 56 is obtained from
`no limitation of the scope of the claimed present system is
`ambientair. The fuel cell 50 provides very quiet operation of
`thereby intended. The present system includesany alterations
`the mobile lighting apparatus 10.
`and further modifications of the illustrated devices, systems
`Asystem computer, processoror controller 60 is coupled to
`and described methods and further applications of the prin-
`fuel cell 50 and fuel regulator 54 to control operation of and
`ciples of the present disclosure which would normally occur
`monitor the fuel cell 50. Controller 60 is also coupled to the
`to one skilled in the art. Corresponding reference characters
`indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
`energy efficient lights 40 for monitoring and controlling
`
`Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and2illustrate one operation ofthe lights 40. A user interface 62 is coupledto the
`embodimentof a mobile lighting apparatus 10 of the present
`controller 60. Illustratively, the user interface 62 is a graphical
`disclosure. The mobile lighting apparatus 10 includes a trailer
`user interface which facilitates monitoring and control of the
`12 having a frame 14 and wheels 16. In another embodiment,
`fuel cell 50 and energyefficient lights 40 as discussed below.
`a skid movable by forklifts is used to support the frame 14.
`The user interface 62 may be wirelessly coupled to the con-
`troller 60.
`The trailer 12 is configured to be towed in a conventional
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1038 - Page 26 of 31
`
`

`

`US 8,439,534 B1
`
`5
`In the illustrated embodiment, fuel cell 50 provides DC
`poweroutput 64 to supply powerto the energyefficient lights
`40 through power cable 42. Auxiliary power outputs 66 are
`also provided. The auxiliary power outputs 66 include DC
`power or AC powergenerated through an inverter. Auxiliary
`power outputs 66 provide power to other devices such as
`tools, other lighting, etc., as needed.
`In anotherillustrated embodiment, a motion sensor 67 is
`coupled to controller 60. The motion sensor 67 is illustra-
`tively coupledto the light tower 18 to sense movementin an
`area near the mobilelighting apparatus 10. Preferably, motion
`sensor 67 is coupled to the mast 24 or the T-bar 32. Motion
`sensor 67 sends a signal to controller 60 to turn the lights 40
`on in response to detecting movement in the area near the
`mobilelight apparatus 10. Lights are shut offby controller 60
`when no such movementis detected by motion sensor 67 for
`a predetermined time period. Controlling the lights 40 with
`motion sensor 67 reduces the amount of fuel required to
`powerfuel cell 50 by reducing the power demandofthelights
`40.
`
`In oneillustrated embodiment, the fuel storage tanks 52 are
`5000 psi tanks ofhydrogen.In analternative embodiment, the
`fuel storage tanks 52 are 10,000 psi tanks ofhydrogen. There-
`fore, the high pressure hydrogen storage tank 52 typically
`stores hydrogen therein at a pressure of about 2,500 psi to
`about 10,000 psi. In a secondalternative embodiment shown
`in FIG.4, the storage tanks 52 are metal hydride storage tanks.
`In the FIG. 4 embodiment, a fluid recirculation system 70
`including a fluid pumpis coupled to each metal hydride fuel
`storage tank 52 and to a heat exchanger 72. Controller 60 is
`also coupled to the fluid recirculation system 70. The metal
`hydride fuel storage tank 52 includes illustratively a metal
`hydride powder contained within a heat exchange structure
`including heat exchange tubes located inside the tank 52. In
`an illustrative embodiment, the tank 52 includes an aluminum
`liner with a carbonfiber overwrap. Fluid recirculation system
`70 circulates fluid through the internal heat exchange tubes of
`the storage tank 52.
`Heat exchanger 72 is located adjacentfuel cell 50. Fuel cell
`50 includes a fan 74 configured to discharge waste heat from
`the fuel cell 50. During operation of the fuel cell 50, heat is
`discharged as illustrated by arrow 76. Heat exchanger 72
`transfers the heat 76 to fluid passing through the fluid recir-
`culation system 70. The warm fluid passes through the metal
`hydride fuel storage tank 52 to warm the metal hydride pow-
`der and produce hydrogento fuel the fuel cell 50. Typically,
`enough hydrogen remains within the tank 52 to start opera-
`tion of the fuel cell 50 after the apparatus 10 has been shut
`down. A battery 78 on frame 14 mayalso be usedfor initial
`startup of the fuel cell 50.
`Once the fuel cell 50 begins operation and discharging
`heat, the heat exchanger72 and fluid recirculation systems 70
`circulate the heat through the tank 52 so that the system is
`self-sustaining to generate hydrogen from the metal hydride
`material in tank 52. If necessary, an auxiliary heater 79 may
`be coupledto the fuel recirculation system 70 and controller
`60 to provide auxiliary heating of the fluid. Heater 79 may be
`coupled to the battery 78 for initial heating and then receive
`power from the fuel cell 50 during operation of the mobile
`lighting apparatus 10. In an illustrated embodiment, heat
`exchanger 72 may be a model 4310 stainless steel tube form
`heat exchangeravailable from Lytron. The fuel cell 50 illus-
`tratively provides about 800 cfm of air flow at about 55
`degrees C.
`Fluid recirculation system 70 may also be used during
`refilling of the metal hydride storage tanks 52 with hydrogen.
`Duringtherefilling process, heat is generated within the fuel
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`storage tank 52 and mustbe dissipated. Therefore, fluid recir-
`culation system 70 circulates fluid through the heat exchanger
`72 adjacent fan 74 which cools the fluid during refilling.
`During refueling, the fuel cell 50 is typically not powering the
`lighting, so no fuel cell waste heat is being generated. Under
`these conditions, the fan 74 is blowing ambient temperature
`air, providing cooling to the fluid via heat exchanger 72.
`Alternatively, the tanks 52 may be connectedto a fresh water
`supply or hose during refilling of the tank 52 to cool the tank
`52.
`
`Metal hydride storage tanks 52 allow storage of hydrogen
`without high pressure. Typically, the pressure within a metal
`hydride fuel storage tank 52 is about 200 psi as opposed to
`5000 psi for high pressure hydrogen storage tanks. The metal
`hydride storage tanks 52 also reduce the volume of space
`required to store the hydrogen. High pressure gas takes up
`more space on thetrailer 12. The metal hydride storage tanks
`52 also allow hydrogen to be stored at room temperature,
`avoiding the need to generate and maintain the very cold
`temperatures required to store hydrogen as a liquid at 20K.
`Refilling of the metal hydride storage tanks 52 takes a
`substantial amountof time, such as 4-8 hours,if a fresh, cool
`water supply for cooling the tanks 52 is not available. If such
`acooling water supply is available, the tanks can be refilled in
`substantially less time, on order of 10-20 minutes.
`In another embodimentof the present invention, a combi-
`nation of high pressure hydrogen storage tanks 80 and metal
`hydride fuel storage tanks 82 are provided in FIG.5. At least
`one high pressure hydrogen storage tank 80 and at least one
`metal hydride fuel storage tank 82 are located on the frame 14
`of trailer 12 to supply fuel to the fuel cell 50. Both the high
`pressure hydrogen storage tank 80 and metal hydride fuel
`storage tank 82 are coupled through the fuel regulator 54 of
`the fuel cell 50. Controller 60 is coupled to the fuel regulator
`54 which includes control valves to select which of storage
`tanks 80, 82 supplies the fuel to the fuel cell 50.
`A valve 84 is also coupled between the high pressurestor-
`age tank 80 and the metal hydride fuel storage tank 82. Valve
`84 is also coupled to the controller 60. Hydrogen from the
`high pressure tank 82is used to slowly refill the metal hydride
`fuel storage tank 82 with hydrogen while the lighting appa-
`ratus 10 is being used. Duringrefill, the high pressure storage
`tanks 80 may berefilled first. During system use and also
`during times whenthe lights 40 are not in use, controller 60
`and valve 84 permit hydrogen to bleed slowly from the high
`pressure tanks 80 to metal hydride tanks 82. If external cool-
`ing is not available for refill, controller 60 and valve 84
`accommodate the 4-8 hourrefill time during periods when the
`system is being used, or is normally idle. Current metal
`hydride tanks 82 are not typically high pressure rated tanks.
`For example, metal hydride tanks may only be rated to 3600
`psi. Many hydrogenrefilling stations require tanks which are
`rated at 5000 psi or above. Therefore, notall refilling stations
`are capable ofrefilling current metal hydride storage tanks 82.
`Howeverunderthe system of FIG.5, the high pressure tanks
`80 maybefilled and then usedtofill the metal hydride fuel
`storage tanks 82 at a lower pressure through valve 84.
`Details of an illustrative embodimentof the energy effi-
`cient lights 40 are illustrated in FIGS. 6-16. In the illustrative
`embodiment, four ofthe lights 40 are mountedto the T-bar 32
`as discussed above, although moreorless lights 40 may be
`used, if desired. As shown in FIG. 6, T-bar 32 includes a
`cylindrical portion 90 which extends into innermost section
`29 of mast 24 to secure the T-bar 32 to the mast 24. T-bar 32
`
`further includes a transverse support member 92 coupled to
`the cylindrical portion 90. A mounting bar 94 is coupled to
`support portion 92. Mounting bar 94 includes a plurality of
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1038 - Page 27 of 31
`
`Petitioner Ensign
`Exhibit 1038 - Page 27 of 31
`
`

`

`US 8,439,534 B1
`
`7
`spaced apertures 96 to permit mounting ofthe lights 40 at
`different locations thereon.In anillustrative embodiment, the
`lights 40 may be rotated about a mounting axis 98 asillus-
`trated by double-headed arrow 100 in FIG. 6. Each of the
`lights 40 is independently adjustable. In one illustrated
`embodiment, the lights 40 are manually adjustable. In another
`embodiment, lights 40 are automatically adjustable through
`the use of suitable controls and motors. In an illustrated
`embodiment, the lights 40 are pivotable about axis 100 by
`180° in either direction.
`
`As shown in FIG.6, the lights 40 are coupled to the mount-
`ing member 94 by a generally U-shaped mounting bracket
`102. Lights 40 are coupled to the mounting brackets 102 by
`fasteners 104 so that the lights 40 are pivotable about an axis
`106 as shown by double-headed arrow 108. Therefore, the
`lights are adjustable to pivot upwardly or downwardly about
`axis 106 as needed. In normal operation, the lights 40 are
`typically aimed slightly downwardly. A cylindrical knob or
`handle 105 maybe gripped by an operatorto facilitate adjust-
`mentofthe position of the light 40.
`Additional details of the lights 40 are illustrated in FIGS.
`7-16. Each light 40 includes a housing 110 havingfirst and
`second side panels 112 and 114, a rear wall 116, abottom wall
`118 and a top wall 120 defining an interior region 121 of the
`housing 110. A window 122 is coupled to the housing 110 by
`connector strips 124 and 126. Window 122 is made of glass or
`othe