Abstract: A method for preparing a bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell stack is provided. The method first includes the steps of providing a first unipolar plate having a first active area with a plurality of channels formed on a first inner surface thereof, and a second unipolar plate having a second active area with a plurality of lands formed on a second inner surface thereof. The first unipolar plate and the second unipolar plate are aligned to dispose the first active area adjacent the second active area. A first pressure is then applied to the first and second active areas to pre-nest the first active area and the second active area. The perimeters of the first and second unipolar plates are then joined. A clamping fixture and associated method for assembling the bipolar plate assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A seal for a vessel is disclosed which militates against a leakage of fluid during expansion and contraction of the vessel due to changes pressure and temperature. Inner sealing surfaces of the seal form substantially fluid-tight seals in response to at least one of temperatures below a predetermined temperature and pressures below a predetermined pressure and outer sealing surfaces of the seal form substantially fluid-tight seals in response to at least one of temperatures above the predetermined temperature and pressures above the predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A unitized plate such as a bipolar plate for a fuel cell assembly is provided. The unitized plate includes a plurality of active regions electrically insulated from one another, and a plurality of inlet and outlet apertures formed in the plate. Each of the active regions is in fluid communication with a dedicated inlet aperture adapted to selectively deliver gaseous reactants thereto. A fuel cell assembly having a plurality of independently operable fuel cell stack units, and a method for operating the fuel cell assembly, is also provided.

Abstract: A method of assigning a user to an elevator system with several elevators wherein a user issues a destination call, at least one elevator is determined to serve the destination call and is announced to the user by an acoustic signal that identifies the elevator. All of the signals that designate the different elevators are exclusively formed by one single single-frequency signal tone, the various signals that identify the individual elevators being distinguishable to the user by a predefined signal duration and/or at least one predefined signal interruption. The invention further relates to an elevator system that is equipped for this method.

Abstract: A gauge for measuring the wear of selected cooperating surfaces of an adapter is disclosed. The gauge includes a plurality of rollers adapted to contact the selected cooperating surfaces of the adapter. A trigger mechanism is provided to cooperate with the rollers to indicate if the adapter is out of tolerance in respect of given dimensional targets.

Abstract: A nanosecond pump-probe LFP system is disclosed and adapted to a substantially lower energy requirement of a pump light source and to electronically extend a time interval during which a chemical change of a sample may be measured. The LFP system includes a photonic crystal fiber based probe light source, a pump light source adapted to produce light pulses with microjoule or higher energy, a delay generator, computer, and a detector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermal control of air flow in a fuel cell system, capable of accurately controlling the temperature of the air stream entering the water vapor transfer unit, maintaining a desired temperature set-point, and minimizing the time required for the air stream to reach the optimum operating temperature.

Abstract: A detector device and a method for detecting a stall condition in a stepper motor, wherein the accumulated value of the back EMF is compared to a stall threshold when the stepper motor has exceeded a pre-determined rotational velocity threshold, the accumulated value of the back EMF representing a condition of the stepper motor, specifically a failure of the accumulated back EMF value to exceed the stall threshold indicating a stall condition of the stepper motor.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly and method is disclosed for the mixing and heating of hydrogen and air in the fuel cell assembly and introducing the heated hydrogen and air to the fuel cell assembly during a starting operation to heat the fuel cell assembly to militate against vapor condensation and ice formation in the fuel cell assembly.

Abstract: A fuel cell system including a fuel cell stack having a plurality of fuel cells is provided. An anode supply manifold and an anode exhaust manifold are in fluid communication with the anodes of the plurality of fuel cells. A first valve is in fluid communication with the anode supply manifold and a second valve is in fluid communication with the anode exhaust manifold. A pressure sensor is adapted to measure an anode pressure. In operation, the first valve and the second valve are controlled in response to the anode pressure, thereby militating against an undesired exhausting of an anode supply stream.

Abstract: An elevator comprises an elevator car and support belts that form a 4:1 suspension for the elevator cabin and that are looped several times beneath the elevator car. Several parallel, flat belts are used and the rollers of at least one fixed roller group that diverts the belts are positioned in such a way that the belt sections of the parallel belts lie vertically above one another in the vicinity of the belt diversion.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided including a fuel cell stack having a first end and second end; an upper end unit adjacent the first end of the fuel cell stack; a lower end unit adjacent the second end of the fuel cell stack; and a compression retention system disposed external to the fuel cell stack. The compression retention system includes at least one restraining member extending from the upper end unit to the lower end unit, fastening means disposed at opposite ends of the at least one restraining member, and compressive means interposed between at least one of the fastening means and the end units; wherein the fastening means and the compressive means urge the upper end unit toward the lower end unit, thereby applying compressive force to the fuel cell stack. Also provided is a method for assembling the fuel cell system.

Abstract: An electrically conductive fluid distribution element for use in a fuel cell having a conductive metal substrate and a layer of conductive non-metallic porous media. The conductive non-metallic porous media has an electrically conductive material deposited along a surface in one or more metallized regions and having an average thickness equal to about the diameter of one atom of the material. The metallized regions improve electrical conductance at contact regions between the metal substrate and the fluid distribution media.

Abstract: A pill receptacle has a number of recessed pill compartments formed therein. The method comprises the steps of providing a cover sheet member that has a sealing sheet with a top identification surface on which information can be printed and a bottom adhesive surface provided with an adhesive. The cover sheet member further has a protective sheet that removably overlays the sealing sheet on its adhesive surface. First weakness zones are provided on the cover sheet member, that extend transversely through the sealing sheet and the protective sheet in a registering fashion to define first cutaway lines on the cover sheet member. A fraction of the cover sheet member is separated from the rest of the cover sheet member along at least some of the first cutaway lines, including concurrently separating corresponding fractions of the sealing sheet and the protective sheet in registering fashion. The protective sheet fraction is peeled away from the sealing sheet fraction on the cover sheet member fraction.

Abstract: An emergency device for installing in an elevator car of an elevator installation, with an emergency control region, which is to be opened from the interior of the elevator car by an emergency key, wherein a key switch is arranged in the emergency control region so as to transfer the elevator installation to an emergency operation by the same emergency key. Mounted in the elevator car is a key mechanism which has a mechanical profile insert with a key slot and is designed so that through insertion of the emergency key into the key slot and turning the emergency control region is mechanically unlocked. The key switch includes an electromechanical key insert with a key slot and is so designed that through insertion of the emergency key into the key slot and turning the elevator installation can be switched over to the emergency operation.

Abstract: A stator assembly for use in a fluid-cooled motor is disclosed, wherein a cooling jacket is disposed around a main body of the stator, the cooling jacket including at least one conduit adapted to receive a coolant therein, thereby minimizing a complexity and a cost of manufacture of the stator assembly, and maximizing a cooling capability of the stator assembly.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve for a fuel cell stack assembly is disclosed, wherein the valve is disposed in an insulation end plate to militate against an over pressurization of the fuel cell stack assembly.