Abstract: A fuel cell assembly wherein electrolyte for filling the fuel cell matrix is carried via a transport system comprising a first passage means for conveying electrolyte through a first plate and communicating with a groove in a second plate at a first point, the first and second plates together sandwiching the matrix, and second passage means acting to carry electrolyte exclusively through the second plate and communicating with the groove at a second point exclusive of the first point.

Abstract: A fuel cell system provided with a first passage means in communication with and adjacent to a cell diffusion electrode and with a second passage means having a catalyst for reforming hydrocarbons and communicating with the first passage means through a gas porous member. Differential pressure means is further provided to establish a pressure differential between the passage means for promoting reformed gas flow from the second passage means to the first passage means and retarding electrolyte vapor passage from the first passage means to the second passage means.

Abstract: A fuel cell system wherein a fuel conditioner supplied with fuel and with exhausted cathode gas is adapted to partially oxidize a portion of the fuel with the cathode exhaust gas and to utilize at least the water in the oxidation products and at least the water in the cathode exhaust gas to steam reform a portion of the fuel to produce fuel process gas.

Abstract: A fuel cell system wherein the fuel and oxidant gases are supplied to the respective anode and cathode sections of the system fuel cell at different pressures, the pressure of the fuel gas being lower than that of the oxidant gas which is maintained high to promote fuel cell efficiency.

Abstract: A fuel cell matrix comprising a first layer of material having opposing first and second surfaces and second and third layers of material each adjacent one of said opposing surfaces, the first and second layers having different dimensional expansion with electrolyte addition, whereby said layers tend to curl, and the third layer having dimensional expansion with electrolyte addition such as to counteract the curling of said first and second layers.

Abstract: High pressure steam is generated in a fuel cell system utilizing a quantity of process gas which has been exhausted from the system fuel cell and whose temperature has been raised through heat exchange with a higher temperature gas generated elsewhere in the fuel cell system.

Abstract: A zinc electrode having a cement additive, preferably, Portland Cement, distributed in the zinc active material.

Abstract: An electrolyte-electrode assembly for high temperature fuel cells in which the electrolyte member is adapted to exhibit a more gradual transition in coefficient of thermal expansion in going from the anode electrode to the inner electrolyte region and in going from the cathode electrode to such inner electrolyte region.

Abstract: A fuel cell system wherein incoming process gas to the cell is provided by adjustably combining respective amounts of outgoing heated process gas and fresh supply gas via a means responsive to the temperature of the former gas to maintain the fuel cell at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A separator for an electrochemical cell comprising a container having opposing sides each formed from a layer of solid microporous material and a liquid polymer solution disposed within the container between said layers.

Abstract: A zinc electrode comprised of a zinc active material which includes an additive material selected from the group consisting of zinc fluoride and zinc titanate.

Abstract: A battery construction comprising positive and negative electrodes provided with tabs, the tabs of the positive and negative electrodes being arranged relative to one another and being of sufficient extent to enable the promoting of uniform electrode current density.

Abstract: A separator for use in an alkaline battery having a zinc electrode wherein the separator comprises a polyamide constituent, a wettable polymeric constituent and a filler material reactive with zinc.

Abstract: A matrix member for carrying the acid electrolyte of a fuel cell comprised of a first layer containing a carbon material and a second layer containing a silicon carbide material. A further matrix member is disclosed wherein the mean pore size of the member is substantially equal to or less than that mean pore size of at least one of the fuel cell electrodes.

Abstract: Carbon containing members susceptible to corrosion in an acid electrolyte fuel cell are protected against such corrosion through the practice of supplying carbon dioxide gas to the fuel cell regions adjacent these members.

Abstract: The terminal current of a main secondary battery is continuously monitored throughout charging and discharging by a system having a monitor cell, such as a metal gas battery, and having circuitry for conforming monitor cell terminal current in sense, and proportionally in magnitude, to the main battery terminal current. Apparatus responsive to the monitor cell state of charge may provide sensible output indication of main battery state of charge or control charging/discharging of the main battery.

Abstract: A fuel burning apparatus which receives liquid fuel and converts it into a fine fume which is then mixed with air and conveyed to a burner where the mixture of the fuel and air is burned. The fuel is supplied from a supply tank and dripped onto a heating element having a spiral path formed around its outside. The drop of fuel are collected by means of a funnel placed near the end of the heating element to catch the drops and direct it onto the spiral path. As the drops of fuel proceed along the spiral path around the heating element, the fuel is converted into fine fumes. The heating elements are positioned in a mixing chamber which includes an air inlet to permit air under low pressure to pass into the mixing chamber and mix with the fumes of the fuel. The mixture then passes out of the mixing chamber into a storage chamber which provides the supply of fuel and air to a burner.

Abstract: Thermal control in fuel cell operation is affected through sensible heat of process gas by providing common input manifolding of the cell gas flow passage in communication with the cell electrolyte and an additional gas flow passage which is isolated from the cell electrolyte and in thermal communication with a heat-generating surface of the cell. Flow level in the cell gas flow passage is selected based on desired output electrical energy and flow level in the additional gas flow passage is selected in accordance with desired cell operating temperature.

Abstract: Thermal control and fuel processing in fuel cell operation is effected through sensible heat of process gas and hydrocarbon reforming by supplying process gas in common to a flow passage in communication with the cell electrolyte and an additional gas flow passage which is isolated from the cell electrolyte and includes catalyst promoting endothermic reforming of hydrocarbon content of the process gas. Flow level in the electrolyte-communicative flow passage is selected based on desired output electrical energy and flow level in the additional gas flow passage is selected in accordance with desired cell operating temperature and desired extent of fuel processing.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a separator plate having first and second flow channels extending therethrough contiguously with an electrode and respectively in flow communication with the cell electrolyte and in flow isolation with respect to such electrolyte. In fuel cell system arrangement, the diverse type channels are suplied in common with process gas for thermal control purposes. The separator plate is readily formed by corrugation of integral sheet material.