Abstract: MEAs are formed in regions corresponding to openings provided in a substrate. Each MEA includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode catalyst layer, and a cathode catalyst layer. The substrate has a first gas-impermeable region and a second gas-impermeable region between adjacent MEAs. A third gas-impermeable region is provided between the first gas-impermeable region and the second gas-impermeable region. The third gas-impermeable region having conductive property constitutes a part of interconnector.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a fluid distribution system. The system may include one or more electrochemical cell layers, a bulk distribution manifold having an inlet, a cell layer feeding manifold in direct fluidic contact with the electrochemical cell layer and a separation layer that separates the bulk distribution manifold from the cell feeding manifold, providing at least two independent paths for fluid to flow from the bulk distribution manifold to the cell feeding manifold.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to an electrochemical cell system including a cover that affects reactant flow into an electrochemical cell array.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide a fuel cell connection component, including an interconnect or a current collector. The fuel cell connection component includes conductive fibers oriented at an angle of less than about 90° to at least one electrode in the fuel cell. The fuel cell connection component provides an electrically conductive pathway from the at least one electrode of the fuel cell to an external circuit or to an electrode of a different fuel cell. Embodiments of the present invention also provide fuel cells that include the fuel cell connection component, including fuel cell layers, and methods of making the same.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to an electrochemical cell system including a cover that affects reactant flow into an electrochemical cell array.

Abstract: A fuel cell layer includes a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies disposed in a planar array arrangement and an interconnector for electrically coupling an anode catalyst layer of one of adjacent membrane electrode assemblies to a cathode catalyst layer of the other of the adjacent membrane electrode assemblies. Each membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane, the anode catalyst layer provided on one face of the electrolyte member and the cathode catalyst layer provided on the other face of the electrolyte membrane in such a manner that at least part of which is disposed counter to the anode catalyst layer. The interconnector is formed of at least one of a material constituting the anode catalyst layer and a material constituting the cathode catalyst layer.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes membrane electrode assemblies disposed in a planar arrangement. Each membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode catalyst layer, and a cathode catalyst layer disposed counter to the cathode catalyst via the electrolyte membrane. Interconnectors (conductive members) are provided on the lateral faces of the electrolyte membranes disposed counter to each another in the neighboring direction of the membrane electrode assemblies. Each interconnector includes a support portion protruding toward the central region of the electrolyte member on the cathode side of the electrolyte membrane. The support portion is in contact with the cathode-side surface of an edge of the electrolyte membrane, and the electrolyte membrane is held by the support portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for fueling a fuel-cell-powered device having a profile and a fuel inlet. The apparatus comprises at least one fuel port having an outlet and at least one adaptor associated with the fuel port. The adaptor is configured to receive the fuel-cell-powered device. Means for releasably and sealingly engaging the fuel inlet of the fuel-cell-powered device to the outlet of the fuel port are also provided. The outlet of the fuel port is operative to dispense fuel when it is in sealed engagement with the fuel inlet of the fuel-cell-powered device.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a fuel cell including, an ion conducting component, two or more electrode coatings and one or more interconnects. The interconnects include a non-conductive interface region having a first surface and a second surface in which the first surface is in contact with the ion conducting component, an electron conducting component having two surfaces and a length that is parallel to the two surfaces wherein one of the surfaces is disposed adjacent to the second surface of the interface region. The electron conducting component provides an electrically conductive pathway between one of the electrode coatings and an external circuit, said pathway extending along the length of the electron conducting component.

Abstract: A fuel cell device including a fuel cell flashlight having a modular, interchangeable head portion. Additional modular head portions include circuitry connected with a connector in the head portion. The connector includes a USB type connector and the fuel cell device is suitable for charging other devices such as cell phones, PDAs, digital audio players, and the like.

Abstract: Fluid coupling assemblies and methods are discussed. The fluid coupling assemblies include a first coupling member, a second coupling member magnetically engageable with the first coupling member, and a seal member disposed between a portion of the first coupling member and a portion of the second coupling member. A magnetic engagement of the first coupling member and the second coupling member unseals a fluid flow path therebetween. In certain examples, the first coupling member is sealed by a valve member and the second coupling member includes an activation member. When engaged, the valve member is moved from a closed position to an open position by the activation member, thereby unsealing the fluid flow path. A magnetic force between the first coupling member and the second coupling member can be chosen such that the members disengage when a predetermined fluid flow path pressure is reached.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a flexible fluid enclosure interface system comprising a flexible fluid enclosure, one or more components and one or more strain absorbing interfaces in contact with the flexible fluid enclosure and the one or more components.

Abstract: Fluid coupling assemblies and methods are discussed. The fluid coupling assemblies include a first coupling member, a second coupling member magnetically engageable with the first coupling member, and a seal member disposed between a portion of the first coupling member and a portion of the second coupling member. A magnetic engagement of the first coupling member and the second coupling member unseals a fluid flow path therebetween. In certain examples, the first coupling member is sealed by a valve member and the second coupling member includes an activation member. When engaged, the valve member is moved from a closed position to an open position by the activation member, thereby unsealing the fluid flow path. A magnetic force between the first coupling member and the second coupling member can be chosen such that the members disengage when a predetermined fluid flow path pressure is reached.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell structure has an electrical current-carrying structure which, at least in part, underlies an electrochemical reaction layer. The cell comprises an ion exchange membrane with a catalyst layer on each side thereof. The ion exchange membrane may comprise, for example, a proton exchange membrane. Some embodiments of the invention provide electrochemical cell layers which have a plurality of individual unit cells formed on a sheet of ion exchange membrane material.

Abstract: A method for providing hydrogen to a hydrogen-powered device comprises providing a buffer connected to supply hydrogen to the device. The buffer is filled with hydrogen by coupling the buffer to a cartridge containing a predetermined quantity of hydrogen. The hydrogen in the cartridge may be stored in a form having a higher energy density than the hydrogen in the buffer. Systems comprising hydrogen-powered devices that include such buffers are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a composite hydrogen storage material comprising active material particles and a binder, wherein the binder immobilizes the active material particles sufficient to maintain relative spatial relationships between the active material particles.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a multifunctional fuel system, including a multifunctional fuel cartridge including a hydrogen carrier capable of releasing hydrogen and one or more fuel cells, removably coupled to the fuel cartridge. The one or more fuel cells are capable of producing electricity upon receiving hydrogen from the fuel cartridge and wherein the multifunctional fuel cartridge is additionally adapted to release heat.

Abstract: Portable hydrogen generators are disclosed. In the various embodiments, the generator may include a chamber configured to endothermically decompose a material positioned within the chamber to generate hydrogen gas. A heater may be in thermal communication with the material to stimulate a release of the hydrogen gas. An electrical power source may be controllably coupled to the heater, so that electrical power delivered to the heater may be controlled in response to at least one detected property of the hydrogen gas.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a method of manufacturing a fluid enclosure. The method includes reducing the size of active material particles sufficient to provide a maximum active material particle size substantially within the same order of size as the active material particle decrepitation size, contacting the particles with a binder sufficient to provide a mixture, pressing the mixture sufficient to provide a compacted mixture, heating the compacted mixture sufficient to form a fluid storage component and conformably coupling an outer enclosure wall to the fluid storage component sufficient to provide a fluid enclosure.

Abstract: The invention is a multiple fuel cell layer structure with numerous fuel cell layers, each fuel cell has an anode, a cathode, a positive end and a negative end, wherein a first fuel cell layer is stacked on top of a second fuel cell layer such that the anode side of the first fuel cell and the anode side of the second fuel cell adjoin, additional fuel cell layers can then be added in a like manner, at least one seal disposed between the adjacent fuel cell layers forming at least one plenum, and a positive and a negative connector is connected to the stack to an outside load such that when fuel is presented to the anode sides of the fuel cell layers and oxidant is presented to the cathode sides of the fuel cell layers current is produced to drive the outside load.