Abstract: An electrolysis apparatus for electrolysis of water comprises a series of cells, each cell including a substantially open porous anode plate and a substantially open porous cathode plate with a solid electrolyte membrane therebetween. First and second flow passages extend through the cells, with the first flow passage comprising bores extending through the centers of the cathode plates, the anode plates, and the membranes; the bores in the cathode plates being fitted with annular sealing gaskets. The second flow passage also comprises bores extending through the cathode plates, the anode plates, and the membranes, with the bores in the anode plates being fitted with annular sealing gaskets. A seal is provided at the outside perimeter of the cathode plate, to prevent the escape of fluid, containing hydrogen, therefrom. During operation, water is driven into the first flow passage. The water diffuses through the anode plate from the central bore, and partial electrolysis occurs.

Abstract: A functionally structured distributed data processing system includes a plurality of independently operating user station processors for servicing users, a data center for storing data to be processed by the user stations, and a communication network for coupling each user station to one or more data centers. The data center includes its own processor and mass storage devices for managing a data base of data for the user stations. Each user station executes application programs to which is linked a data base simulator which formulates requests or data operations to calls to the data base at the data center. Communications between the user stations and the data center are usually initiated only by the user stations.

Abstract: A hydrogen fuel system for use in conjunction with and as an alternative to a hydrocarbon fuel system in a motor vehicle or other apparatus having a combustion unit and a mixing device for mixing hydrogen gas with air for introduction into the combustion unit. The hydrogen fuel system includes a hydrogen storage tank for holding hydrogen under pressure, a conduit for conveying hydrogen gas from the tank to the mixing unit, and a solenoid disposed in the conduit and responsive to a first signal for allowing the flow of hydrogen gas to the mixing unit, and responsive to a second signal for preventing flow of hydrogen gas to the mixing unit. Also included is a hydrocarbon fuel tank, a conduit for conveying fuel from the fuel tank to the combustion unit, and a fuel pump responsive to the first signal for preventing flow of fuel from the fuel tank to the combustion unit, and responsive to the second signal for pumping fuel to the combustion unit.

Abstract: A method of purifying and storing hydrogen or otherwise separating hydrogen gas from a gaseous mixture containing hydrogen is disclosed. A mixture of hydrogen and other gaseous components is applied under pressure to a hydride container holding a hydride forming material adapted to adsorb at least hydrogen from the gaseous mixture. Cooling of the hydride forming material facilitates adsorption of hydrogen and other gases from the gas mixture. By selectively heating the hydride forming material, following the adsorption step, hydrogen and the other adsorbed gases are selectively released and can, thus, be separated from each other. If hydrogen is the only gaseous component of the gas mixture which is adsorbed during the adsorption step, then substantially pure hydrogen is obtained by heating the hydrogen-loaded hydride material sufficiently to release the purified hydrogen therefrom.

Abstract: A hydrogen purification and storage system includes a hydride container holding hydride forming material adapted to adsorb hydrogen and gaseous impurities exposed to the material. A mixture of hydrogen and impurities is applied under pressure to the hydride container and there adsorbed by the hydride forming material. Application of a cooling fluid to the container into proximity with the hydride forming material facilitates the adsorption of hydrogen and impurities by the material. After adsorption of the hydrogen and impurities, the temperature of the hydride forming material in the container is increased to a point where hydrogen will be released from the material but where the impurities will generally not be released. The hydrogen so released is then conveyed to a hydrogen utilization unit connected in the series with the container.