Abstract: The present invention discloses a corrosion resistant fuel cell in which an ion impermeable protective layer is positioned over at least a portion of the noncatalyzed carbon based components. This layer prevents reactant ions or molecules form reaching localized high potential areas of these components and corroding the carbon material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a transport frame for transporting and maintaining a fuel cell stack assembly in a fixed position. The fuel cell stack asembly which is under compression by a top and bottom plate held together by tie rods positioned at the corners of each plate. The top and bottom plates are then mounted to a rigid frame for transporting the fuel cell. The tie rods being attached to mounts in the base plate of the rigid frame and an insulated attachment between the top plate of the fuel cell stack frame and the rigid frame is made. The fuel cell stack assembly being electrically insulated from the rigid frame.

Abstract: The present invention describes a pyrotechnic gas generating composition which upon reaction produces a breathable gas. The composition comprises a fuel, an oxidizer and a nitrogen source and can be useful in inflating passive restraint air bags for vehicles. Also disclosed is a method for inflating a passive restraint safety bag with a breathable gas composition of the subject invention.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for safely and easily shredding a variety of material particularly material having a low melt temperature and/or containing material sensitive to high static electric charges, such as 1.1 and 1.3 class material. The method comprises applying a cloud of gas vapor onto the shredding means to cool the shredding means to a temperature below that of the melt temperature of the material being shredded and to also reduce the static electric charge on the resulting particles of material which may develop during the shredding process. Further described is an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bleed valve for use in gas turbine engines. The valve has a piston, one end of which is positioned inside a housing which is positioned on one side of the by pass fluid flow path. The other end of the piston is positioned in an opening between the primary fluid flow path and the bypass fluid path such that the valve opens and closes in response to a pressure differential between two points in the primary fluid flow path.

Abstract: The bond strength between an elastomeric material and a secondary material is improved by applying a coating of isocyanate onto the surface of the elastomeric material prior to bonding the secondary material to the surface of the elastomeric material. The isocyanate is applied to the surface of the elastomeric material by exposing the elastomeric material to an atmosphere containing isocyanate vapor which is substantially uniformly distributed throughout the atmosphere and causing the isocyanate to deposit onto the surface of the elastomeric material. Then casting a second material onto the isocyanate coated surface.

Abstract: The present invention is for a means to relieve stress in slotted solid propellant rocket motors. The invention provides for one or more articulated members located between the outer edge of a secondary slot and the layer of thermal insulation. Also disclosed is a method of forming the articulated members.

Abstract: A bleed valve for a gas turbine engine having a housing of two segments and which form a gas flow path through the compressor, in which a first segment is movable from the second segment thereby creating an opening between the two segments. The moveable segment having one or more arms with rollers attached thereto where the stationary segment has paths on which the rollers travel, as the moveable segment is caused to move away from the stationary segment thereby opening the valve.

Abstract: A flowable substance is applied to at least one predetermined area of a major surface of a plate-shaped fuel cell component by directing at least one stream of the flowable substance toward a predetermined zone that is situated in a plane along which the major surface of the component extends, facing the stream. The size of the predetermined zone is smaller than that of the predetermined area, and relative movement along the plane is effected between the component and the predetermined zone so that at least the entire predetermined area of the major surface gradually advances through the predetermined zone in a predetermined advancement direction and path. The stream is controlled so that it is in existence only while the zone is completely within the predetermined area, and until the zone has coincided with all of the predetermined area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel method for cleaning an electrostatic precipitator by directing a stream of cleaning gas through a flexible tube positioned inside the electrostatic precipitator. The stream of gas causing the flexible tube to move randomly directing the stream of gas at the precipitator plates with sufficient force to dislodge particles adhered to such plates.

Abstract: A method for removing oxidizable organic compounds from an aqueous solution is disclosed which utilizes an electrolysis cell having a solid polymer electrolyte. The organic compounds are introduced into the anode chamber and a series of potentials are applied to the anode which potentials cause the organic compounds to absorb onto the cathode catalyst, oxidize the organic compounds and then regenerate or de-foul the catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a weld-through adhesive sealant comprising a heat deformable reactive resin matrix containing randomly oriented, electrically conductive fibers throughout the matrix. In addition, a method of joining two metal members using said adhesive sealant is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for laminating a gas permeable layer onto a preformed substrate by forming a laminate precursor comprising a substrate and a gas permeable layer in which a layer of adhesive is positioned between the gas permeable layer and the substrate surface. A layer of water is formed on the surface of the gas permeable layer and the wetted surface is contacted by a preheated platen and super heated steam is ejected onto the gas permeable layer causing the adhesive to cure and bond the gas permeable layer to the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel injector for the introduction of iron-containing vapor into a stream of heated oxidized gas wherein the injector has a least two passageways, one for the passage of the iron compound containing vapor and the other for the passage of an insulating gas.

Abstract: Total organic carbon (TOC) and inorganic carbon (TIC) monitoring of water is useful in determining the water quality. Conventional TOC and TIC monitoring techniques are not zero gravity compatible. The addition of microporous hydrophobic bladders in combination with a non-dispersive infrared analyzer allow for a two phase, liquid and gas, zero gravity compatible TOC monitoring technique. The non-dispersive infrared analyzer determines the quantity of carbon dioxide present in an aqueous sample after addition of acid and post oxidation. The measured carbon dioxide quantities derived from the aqueous sample are related to the TIC and TOC present in the aqueous sample, respectively.

Abstract: Total carbon and organic carbon monitoring of water is useful in determining water quality. Conventional TOC monitoring techniques are not zero gravity compatible. Ion chromatography allows for a single phase zero gravity compatible TOC monitoring technique. The ion chromatograph determines the amounts of organic acids and carbonate present in an aqueous sample before and after oxidation. The quantities determined by this technique can be related to the total carbon and the total organic carbon present in the aqueous sample.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a technique for storing concentrated eluant, preparing dilute eluant, and reclaiming water used for dilution. The invention uses stored concentrated eluant which is diluted using a sample loop coupled with a dilute eluant reservoir. Water is used for dilution and is reclaimed using a mixed ion exchange bed. The use of concentrated eluant and reclaimable water significantly reduces storage needs.

Abstract: The present invention is a single phase analysis process and apparatus which is zero gravity compatible and capable of detecting trace levels of organic halogens. The process utilizes a sorbent bed, oxidation chamber, and an ion chromatograph. Current technology does not allow determination of which organic halogens are present at trace levels. Additionally, the commonly utilized technique for monitoring organic halogens is a two phase analysis which is not zero gravity compatible.

Abstract: A fuel cell incorporating a novel gas/water separator which includes a porous hydrophilic structure which allows the passage of liquid water but denies the passage of oxygen gas.

Abstract: Disclosed is a magnet wire composition comprising the reaction product of a polyamide resin, a titanate catalyst, and a solvolytic agent admixed with a blocked polyisocyanate and hydroxylated polyester. Also disclosed is a method of applying such a magnet wire enamel to a magnet wire substrate and additionally disclosed is a method for making such magnet wire enamel.