Abstract: Assembling electrochemical cell components using a bonding agent comprising aligning components of the electrochemical cell, applying a bonding agent between the components to bond the components together, placing the components within a container that is essentially a pliable bag, and drawing a vacuum within the bag, wherein the bag conforms to the shape of the components from the pressure outside the bag, thereby holding the components securely in place. The vacuum is passively maintained until the adhesive has cured and the components are securely bonded. The bonding agent used to bond the components of the electrochemical cell may be distributed to the bonding surface from distribution channels in the components. To prevent contamination with bonding agent, some areas may be treated to produce regions of preferred adhesive distribution and protected regions. Treatments may include polishing, etching, coating and providing protective grooves between the bonding surfaces and the protected regions.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy having a solid electrolyte is disclosed. The apparatus has a chamber made of an electronically insulating material, a solid electrolyte coupled to the chamber and an electrode disposed in the chamber. A biasing member is used to urge the electrode towards the solid electrolyte and urge the solid electrolyte toward the substrate. The solid electrolyte is designed to contact the surface to be tested directly with no corrosive or otherwise harmful effect to the surface. A method for the detection of corrosion in bare or coated metallic substrates is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-replenishing liquid water source onboard an automobile for supplying liquid water to an electrolyzer, such as an on-board hydrogen generator useful for the suppression of unwanted emissions. While automobiles typically have water reservoirs resupplied by a person, the invention provides a passive means of water collection for reliable replenishment due to operations of the automobile itself. The invention provides condensate from the engine exhaust gas by cooling a region of the exhaust system using cooling fluid from the engine coolant system. The cooling fluid is circulated during a period following the engine cold start event when the heat load on the engine coolant system is low.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely controlling a laboratory process operated by a controller. The remote control signal may originate from any one or more sensor that detects information that is relevant to the operation and control of a given laboratory process. Examples of sensors that could originate remote control signals include, but are not limited to, building smoke alarms, toxic gas monitors, and handheld remotes carried by laboratory technicians. A receiver communicates the change of state commands to the laboratory process, preferably to a programmable controller operating the laboratory process, directly to the laboratory process, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for chemically heating one or more components of, or intake air flowing to, an internal combustion engine by feeding hydrogen to a catalyst. In accordance with the invention, condensation of fuels on cold engine cylinder walls during and after cold start-ups is prevented, thereby reducing wear on the engine. The invention also provides a method and apparatus for reducing pollutants commonly occurring during cold start-up of combustion engines by heating components of, or intake air flowing to, a combustion engine, in order to quickly warm the engine and its catalytic converter to operating temperatures. Preferably, the hydrogen is supplied from an electrolyzer or other on-board source of hydrogen and the hydrogen and a source of oxygen are provided to the catalyst resulting in exothermic oxidation of hydrogen to heat the air intake or other components of the engine.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of crape myrtle, Lagerstroemia indica, which is characterized by a dense, upright growth habit; leathery leaves which emerge crimson and change to dark green; low seed production (plant is semi-sterile); inflorescences which are 4 to 14 inches tall and 4 to 12 inches wide; flower buds which are green to crimson; and flowers which are white with transition to light crimson. The new variety is also characterized by a long bloom period.

Abstract: A new and distinct variety of crape myrtle, Lagerstroemia indica, which is characterized by a slow to moderate growth habit; leathery leaves which emerge crimson and quickly change to medium green; moderate seed set; inflorescences which are 8 to 16 inches tall and 6 to 10 inches wide; flower buds which are oxblood red; and flowers with tightly grouped and highly wrinkled petals. The new variety is also characterized by a long bloom period.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of winter hardy hibiscus named ‘Whit XX’ is the result of a chance seedling among a seedling population specifically grown for the purpose of screening for variations. This new and distinct cultivar is characterized by being dwarf in stature relative to the species and all other seedlings from the same parent, has blood red flowers that are between about 3.5 and about 6 inches in diameter. The plant is further characterized as having unusually dark green, broadly lanceolate leaves, with a uniform growth habit of dense, stiff branches. Flower production occurs from early July to frost in north central Oklahoma.