Abstract: A system for producing metal particles using a discrete particle electrolyzer cathode, a discrete particle electrolyzer cathode, and methods for manufacturing the cathode. The cathode has a plurality of active zones on a surface thereof at least partially immersed in a reaction solution. The active zones are spaced from one another by between about 0.1 mm and about 10 mm, and each has a surface area no less than about 0.02 square mm. The cathode is spaced from an anode also at least partially immersed in the reaction solution. A voltage potential is applied between the anode and cathode. Metal particles form on the active zones of the cathode. The particles may be dislodged from the cathode after they have achieved a desired size. The geometry and composition of the active zones are specified to promote the growth of high quality particles suitable for use in metal/air fuel cells. Cathodes may be formed from bundled wire, machined metal, chemical etching, or chemical vapor deposition techniques.

Abstract: Improved fuel cell systems comprise a fuel delivery system having a fluidization apparatus and a fluidization pump for creating an electrolyte flow suitable for fluidizing at least a portion of the fuel particles located within the fluidization apparatus. Due to the presence of the fluidization pump and the fuel delivery pump, the degree of fluidization of the fuel particles can be controlled independently of the overall electrolyte flow rate provided to the cell stacks. In other words, the mass flow rate of fuel particles through the fuel cell can be varied independently from the total flow rate through the fuel cell system. The fluidization of fuel particles can facilitate suitable mixing of fuel particles and electrolyte and can prevent fuel particle agglomeration, which can clog the fuel cell piping system.

Abstract: A method of producing metal particles through electrolysis. A cathode having a plurality of active zones on a surface thereof is at least partially immersed in a reaction solution. The cathode is spaced from an anode also at least partially immersed in the reaction solution. A voltage potential is applied between the anode and cathode. Metal particles form on the active zones of the cathode. In order to promote the formation of good quality particles, a turbulent flow of the solution is maintained past one or more the active zones, and the current density in the active zones is maintained greater than about 5 kA/m2. The particles may be dislodged from the cathode after they have achieved a desired size.

Abstract: A method of producing metal particles through electrolysis. A cathode having a plurality of active zones on a surface thereof is at least partially immersed in a reaction solution. The cathode is spaced from an anode also at least partially immersed in the reaction solution. A voltage potential is applied between the anode and cathode. Metal particles form on the active zones of the cathode. In order to promote the formation of good quality particles, a turbulent flow of the solution is maintained past one or more the active zones, and the current density in the active zones is maintained greater than about 5 kA/m2. The particles may be dislodged from the cathode after they have achieved a desired size.

Abstract: A system for producing metal particles using a discrete particle electrolyzer cathode, a discrete particle electrolyzer cathode, and methods for manufacturing the cathode. The cathode has a plurality of active zones on a surface thereof at least partially immersed in a reaction solution. The active zones are spaced from one another by between about 0.1 mm and about 10 mm, and each has a surface area no less than about 0.02 square mm. The cathode is spaced from an anode also at least partially immersed in the reaction solution. A voltage potential is applied between the anode and cathode. Metal particles form on the active zones of the cathode. The particles may be dislodged from the cathode after they have achieved a desired size. The geometry and composition of the active zones are specified to promote the growth of high quality particles suitable for use in metal/air fuel cells. Cathodes may be formed from bundled wire, machined metal, chemical etching, or chemical vapor deposition techniques.

Abstract: Improved fuel cell systems comprise a fuel delivery system having a fluidization apparatus and a fluidization pump for creating an electrolyte flow suitable for fluidizing at least a portion of the fuel particles located within the fluidization apparatus. Due to the presence of the fluidization pump and the fuel delivery pump, the degree of fluidization of the fuel particles can be controlled independently of the overall electrolyte flow rate provided to the cell stacks. In other words, the mass flow rate of fuel particles through the fuel cell can be varied independently from the total flow rate through the fuel cell system. The fluidization of fuel particles can facilitate suitable mixing of fuel particles and electrolyte and can prevent fuel particle agglomeration, which can clog the fuel cell piping system.

Abstract: A wireless device has a main housing and an antenna housing rotatably mounted on the main housing for rotation between a first, stored position alongside the main housing and at least one operative position. The antenna housing has a tubular extension projecting away from the first axis. A telescoping antenna element is slidably mounted in the tubular extension for telescoping movement between a retracted position and a deployed position extending out of the tubular extension as the antenna housing rotates between the first and operative positions. A flexible member secures the antenna to a rotatable actuator within the antenna housing for pushing the antenna element back and forth between its two positions as the antenna housing is rotated.

Abstract: A helical antenna having a radiator portion formed on a flexible substrate and a rigid substrate with a center feed element electrically connected to the radiator portion. The flexible substrate is supported by a support assembly with the radiator portion spaced substantially equidistant from the center feed element. The support assembly includes a first non-conductive member mounted to one surface of the rigid substrate at a first location, a second non-conductive member mounted to a second surface at the first location, a third non-conductive member mounted to the one surface at a second location spaced from the first location, and a fourth non-conductive member mounted to the second surface at the second location. A tool for assembling the helical antenna is provided having a base member with a plurality of elongated members mounted thereon substantially equidistant from each other and extending outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A transportable container for refueling a refuelable battery includes a case, an electrolyte reservoir within the case, a first valve connected to the electrolyte reservoir, a fuel compartment within the case, a second valve connected to the fuel compartment, and a conduit connected to the electrolyte reservoir and the fuel compartment. When the transportable container is attached to a refuelable battery, a closed flow circuit for the circulation of electrolyte is defined. Fuel particles and electrolyte are fed from the transportable container into the refuelable battery. When the refuelable battery is discharged, the transportable container, containing spent electrolyte and reaction products, is detached from the refuelable battery.