Abstract: A simple engine, comprises (1) a cylinder, and a spark plug in the cylinder; (2) a carburetor, fluidly connected to the cylinder; (3) a primary air intake path, fluidly connecting atmosphere to the carburetor; (4) a carburetor bypass air intake path, fluidly connecting air to the cylinder without passing through the carburetor; and (5) a valve, along the carburetor bypass air intake path, for controlling the flow of air through the carburetor bypass air intake path.

Abstract: A portable flexible fuel generator, having an engine, includes: a cylinder and a spark plug in the cylinder, a primary fuel tank fluidly connected to the cylinder, an air intake path fluidly connecting atmosphere to the cylinder, a start module including a starting fuel tank holder and a starting fuel line, where the starting fuel line is fluidly connected to the air intake path, a coolant path which provide a flow path for coolant to cool the cylinder, and a thermal controller along the coolant path. Furthermore, the engine has full cylinder cooling.

Abstract: A generator system includes (i) an internal combustion engine, (ii) an exhaust gas outlet, connected to the internal combustion engine, for venting exhaust gasses, and (iii) a condenser, connected to the exhaust gas outlet, for condensing water from exhaust gasses.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a direct liquid fuel cell and a humidifier. The direct liquid fuel cell includes an air intake channel for providing oxidant to the fuel cell and an exhaust channel for exhausting depleted oxidant. The humidifier forms a fluid connection between the air intake channel and the exhaust channel.

Abstract: A portable flexible fuel generator, having an engine, includes: a cylinder and a spark plug in the cylinder, a primary fuel tank fluidly connected to the cylinder, an air intake path fluidly connecting atmosphere to the cylinder, a start module including a starting fuel tank holder and a starting fuel line, where the starting fuel line is fluidly connected to the air intake path, a coolant path which provide a flow path for coolant to cool the cylinder, and a thermal controller along the coolant path. Furthermore, the engine has full cylinder cooling.

Abstract: A method for efficient fuel consumption comprises recharging batteries or operating a device carrying out a task, with an engine through an electrical connection. The method also includes monitoring at least one of (i) current in the electrical connection, (ii) voltage of the batteries, and (iii) length of time of the recharging or task, to determine if the recharging has reach a preselected endpoint or the task has been completed. The method further includes generating a signal through a communication link to cause the engine to stop operating by: (a) preventing operation of a spark plug, (b) preventing delivery of fuel to the engine, or (c) preventing delivery of oxygen to the engine.

Abstract: A fuel reservoir for dispensing liquid fuel with a dispensing appliance includes a container having an opening, a liquid fuel in the container, a needle-pierceable septum disposed across the opening of the container, and a locking surface disposed on an exterior surface of the container and configured to engage a locking mechanism of a dispensing appliance.

Abstract: A method for efficient fuel consumption comprises recharging batteries or operating a device carrying out a task, with an engine through an electrical connection. The method also includes monitoring at least one of (i) current in the electrical connection, (ii) voltage of the batteries, and (iii) length of time of the recharging or task, to determine if the recharging has reach a preselected endpoint or the task has been completed. The method further includes generating a signal through a communication link to cause the engine to stop operating by: (a) preventing operation of a spark plug, (b) preventing delivery of fuel to the engine, or (c) preventing delivery of oxygen to the engine.

Abstract: A fuel reservoir for dispensing liquid fuel with a dispensing appliance includes a container having an opening, a liquid fuel in the container, a needle-pierceable septum disposed across the opening of the container, and a locking surface disposed on an exterior surface of the container and configured to engage a locking mechanism of a dispensing appliance.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes an anode including an anode catalyst, a cathode, a channel that is contiguous with the anode, and a liquid electrolyte in the channel. The cathode includes a gas diffusion electrode, a cathode catalyst on the gas diffusion electrode, and a hydrogel on the cathode catalyst. The hydrogel is between the anode and the cathode, and includes an aqueous liquid and a polymer. The polymer has an acid capacity less than 0.8 meq/g and/or has no sulfonic acid groups covalently bound to the polymer. A method of generating electricity includes flowing a liquid electrolyte through the channel, oxidizing a fuel at the anode, and reducing a gaseous oxidant at the cathode.

Abstract: A method for efficient fuel consumption comprises recharging batteries or operating a device carrying out a task, with an engine through an electrical connection. The method also includes monitoring at least one of (i) current in the electrical connection, (ii) voltage of the batteries, and (iii) length of time of the recharging or task, to determine if the recharging has reach a preselected endpoint or the task has been completed. The method further includes generating a signal through a communication link to cause the engine to stop operating by: (a) preventing operation of a spark plug, (b) preventing delivery of fuel to the engine, or (c) preventing delivery of oxygen to the engine.

Abstract: A generator system includes (i) an internal combustion engine, (ii) an exhaust gas outlet, connected to the internal combustion engine, for venting exhaust gasses, and (iii) a condenser, connected to the exhaust gas outlet, for condensing water from exhaust gasses.

Abstract: A fuel reservoir for dispensing liquid fuel with a dispensing appliance includes a container having an opening, a liquid fuel in the container, a needle-pierceable septum disposed across the opening of the container, and a locking surface disposed on an exterior surface of the container and configured to engage a locking mechanism of a dispensing appliance.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a direct liquid fuel cell and a humidifier. The direct liquid fuel cell includes an air intake channel for providing oxidant to the fuel cell and an exhaust channel for exhausting depleted oxidant. The humidifier forms a fluid connection between the air intake channel and the exhaust channel.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is described that includes (a) a first electrode; (b) a second electrode; and (c) a channel contiguous with at least a portion of the first and the second electrodes. When a first liquid is contacted with the first electrode, a second liquid is contacted with the second electrode, and the first and the second liquids flow through the channel, a parallel laminar flow is established between the first and the second liquids. Electronic devices containing such electrochemical cells and methods for their use are also described.

Abstract: A fuel cell comprises an anode comprising an anode catalyst, a cathode comprising a gas diffusion electrode and a cathode catalyst on the gas diffusion electrode, a microfluidic channel contiguous with the anode, and a liquid comprising fuel in the channel. The concentration of the fuel in the liquid is 0.05-0.5 M.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes an anode including an anode catalyst, a cathode including a cathode catalyst, and a first set of proton-conducting metal nanoparticles between the anode and the cathode, such that the first set of proton-conducting metal nanoparticles is not in contact with the anode. The cathode may be a cathode assembly including a gas diffusion electrode, a cathode catalyst on the gas diffusion electrode, and proton-conducting metal nanoparticles on the cathode catalyst.