Abstract: An improved palletizing machine (10) includes a frame (12), a pallet plate (16) for supporting pallets (18), and a pallet raising and lowering mechanism (20). A pusher bar assembly (26) includes at least one raised return rail (44) to facilitate return of a pusher bar (28) to a start position (68). An extendable object positioning wheel (104) on a conveyor (119) feeding objects (24) to an object receiver (22) of the machine (10) facilitates pivoting of objects (24) between positions as the objects (24) impact the wheel (104). A stripper sheet positioning assembly (80) positions and removes a stripper sheet (82) from on top of the pallet (18) or layer (118) of objects (24) to prevent pushed objects (24) from catching upon edges of objects (24) in a layer (116) already on the pallet.

Abstract: The invention is a bi-zone water transport plate for a fuel cell wherein the plate includes a water permeability zone and a bubble barrier zone. The bubble barrier zone extends between all reactive perimeters of the plate, has a pore size of less than 20 microns, and has a thickness of less than 25 percent of a shortest distance between opposed contact surfaces of the plate. The water permeability zone has a pore size of at least 100 percent greater than the pore size of the bubble barrier zone, and has a thickness of greater than 75 percent of the shortest distance between the opposed contact surfaces of the plate. By having a separate bubble barrier zone, the plate affords enhanced water permeability while the bubble barrier maintains a gas seal.

Abstract: A fine pore enthalpy exchange barrier is disclosed for use with a fuel cell power plant. The barrier includes a flexible support matrix that defines pores and a liquid transfer medium that fills the pores creating a gas barrier. An inlet surface of the fine pore enthalpy exchange barrier is positioned in contact with a process oxidant inlet stream entering a fuel cell power plant, and an opposed exhaust surface of the barrier is positioned in contact with an exhaust stream exiting the plant so that water and heat exchange from the exhaust stream directly into the process oxidant inlet stream to heat and humidify the stream as it enters the plant. The flexible support matrix defines hydrophilic pores having a pore-size range of about 0.1-100 microns and results in a bubble pressure that is greater than 0.2 pounds per square inch. The liquid transfer medium may include water, aqueous salt solutions, aqueous acid solutions, or organic antifreeze water solutions.

Abstract: An improved temperature control system is disclosed that provides an aircraft working or supply fluid within a desired temperature range for anti-icing, air conditioning and other aircraft subsystems. The supply fluid is bled from compressor stages of a gas turbine engine and passes through a precooler in a heat exchange relationship with a cooling fluid, bled from a fan stage of the engine. A single temperature sensor includes a pair of control poppet or variable orifice ball valves that are adjustably actuated in response to temperature changes of the supply fluid downstream of the precooler. The control poppet valves pneumatically regulate flow of the supply fluid and cooling fluid upstream of the precooler, to keep the supply fluid within the desired temperature range.