Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring the permeability of polymer film materials such as used in super-insulation powder-filled evacuated panels (PEPs) reduce the time required for testing from several years to weeks or months. The method involves substitution of a solid non-outgassing body having a free volume of between 0% and 25% of its total volume for the usual powder in the PEP to control the free volume of the "body-filled panel". Pressure versus time data for the test piece permit extrapolation to obtain long term performance of the candidate materials.

Abstract: A nozzle for an electric dispersion reactor includes two concentric electrodes, the inner one of the two delivering disperse phase fluid into a continuous phase fluid. A potential difference generated by a voltage source creates a dispersing electric field at the end of the inner electrode.

Abstract: Integrated ethanol manufacturing by fermentation of biomass, with an electrical fuel cell generator of electrical and heat energy, the cogeneration including use by the fuel cell of the alcohol, and of the carbon dioxide from the fermentation, which increases the generation of energy, and use by the alcohol manufacturing of the heat and electrical energy from the fuel cell, which increases the fuel manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method and related apparatus for quantitatively analyzing machine working fluids and other aqueous compositions such as wastewater which contain various mixtures of cationic, neutral, and/or anionic surfactants, soluble soaps, and the like. The method utilizes a single-phase, non-aqueous, reactive titration composition containing water insoluble bismuth nitrate dissolved in glycerol for the titration reactant. The chemical reaction of the bismuth ion and glycerol with the surfactant in the test solutions results in formation of micelles, changes in micelle size, and the formation of insoluble bismuth soaps. These soaps are quantified by physical and chemical changes in the aqueous test solution. Both classical potentiometric analysis and turbidity measurements have been used as sensing techniques to determine the quantity of surfactant present in test solutions.

Abstract: An improved rechargeable thin-film lithium battery involves the provision of a higher melting temperature lithium anode. Lithium is alloyed with a suitable solute element to elevate the melting point of the anode to withstand moderately elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a separator plate for a molten carbonate fuel cell and separator plate made by the method. The separator plate comprises Ni-clad stainless steel. Aluminum is brought onto the wet seal area of the separator plate by high-velocity oxygen flame spraying. In addition, an intermetallic phase of the aluminum and the base metal is produced. The base metal can be both stainless steel or nickel.

Abstract: A catalyst assembly for placement in the anode compartment of an internally reforming fuel cell. The anode compartment includes a current collector having peak regions with spacer regions therebetween. The catalyst assembly is in the form of a member including a catalyst material and having through openings in the member of distribution and configuration so that the member can be inserted over the current collector with the peak regions being received in the through openings and holding the member.

Abstract: A zinc negative electrode comprising first and second zinc electrode assemblies separated by a porous hydrophobic element: Each of the zinc electrode assemblies includes a zinc active element and is devoid of any catalytic material for promoting oxygen gas recombination by the zinc active element.

Abstract: A permanent magnet generator or motor having stationary coils positioned in a circle, a rotor on which are mounted permanent magnets grouped in sectors and positioned to move adjacent said coils, and a carousel carrying corresponding groups of permanent magnets through the centers of said coils, the carousel moving with the rotor by virtue of its being magnetically coupled therewith.

Abstract: A carbonate fuel cell matrix comprising support particles and crack attenuator particles which are made platelet in shape to increase the resistance of the matrix to through cracking. Also disclosed is a matrix having porous crack attenuator particles and a matrix whose crack attenuator particles have a thermal coefficient of expansion which is significantly different from that of the support particles, and a method of making platelet-shaped crack attenuator particles.

Abstract: A nickel anode electrode component comprised of a support member and a porous coherent member formed from a non-sintered nickel alloy constituent. The support member and porous coherent member are laminated together and the nickel anode electrode component is assembled within a fuel cell and formed into an anode electrode in situ within the cell.

Abstract: A zinc negative electrode comprising a zinc active material, Ba(OH).sub.2 or Sr(OH).sub.2 and a conductive matrix including a metallic oxide which is more electropositive than zinc. The zinc negative electrode is incorporated into a zinc secondary battery having an electrolyte whose electrolyte constituent is a low percentage of the electrolyte. The zinc negative electrode is split into electrode assemblies separated by a porous hydrophobic element.

Abstract: A fuel cell system employing a gasifier for generating fuel gas for the fuel cell of the fuel cell system and in which heat for the gasifier is derived from the anode exhaust gas of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A zinc negative electrode comprising a zinc active material, Ca(OH).sub.2 and a conductive matrix including a metallic oxide which is more electropositive than zinc. The zinc negative electrode is incorporated into a zinc secondary battery having an electrolyte whose electrolyte constituent is a low percentage of the electrolyte. The zinc negative electrode is split into electrode assemblies separated by a porous hydrophobic element.

Abstract: A fuel cell system and method in which fuel exhaust gas from the anode compartment of a fuel cell is communicated by the anode compartment directly to the cathode compartment of the fuel cell, thereby causing burning of the fuel exhaust gas and oxidant gas delivered to the cathode compartment to generate CO.sub.2.

Abstract: A zinc secondary battery in which a plurality of battery cells are separated by bipolar plates which provide electrical conductivity between the cells and in which the battery cells and bipolar plates are arranged horizontally in a vertical stack.

Abstract: A reforming unit assembly for reforming hydrocarbon fuel for the molten carbonate fuel cells of a fuel cell stack wherein the reforming unit comprises a housing and an integrating unit for integrating the housing with the adjacent fuel cells in the stacks.

Abstract: A gasket for a molten carbonate fuel cell formed of an elongated porous member able to support electrolyte flow and which includes barrier means for retarding such flow.

Abstract: A fuel cell system in which a methane producing gasifier supplies methane fuel to an internal reforming fuel cell and unspent hydrogen from the anode exhaust of the fuel cell is used by the gasifier in processing the feedstock being converted by the gasifier to the methane fuel.

Abstract: An improved method of forming a nickel plaque wherein an assemblage of particles of a nickel alloy are oxidized and sintered in a preselected atmosphere such that the alloying material is exclusively substantially internally oxidized and the resultant product sintered to provide a sintered porous plaque containing nickel metal and oxidized alloying material.