Abstract: The present invention relates to a low electronic conductivity polymer composition having well dispersed metal granules, a stable powder made from photosensitive polycrystalline complexes of pyrrole, or its substituted derivatives and silver cations for making the polymer composition, and methods of forming the stable powder and polymer composition, respectively. A polycrystalline complex of silver and a monomer, such as pyrrole, its substituted derivatives or combinations thereof, is precipitated in the form of a stable photosensitive powder upon addition of the monomer to a solvent solution, such as toluene containing an electron acceptor. The photosensitive powder can be stored in the dark until needed. The powder may be dissolved in a solvent, cast onto a substrate and photopolymerized.

Abstract: The present invention provides electronically conducting polymer films formed from photosensitive formulations of pyrrole and an electron acceptor that have been selectively exposed to UV light, laser light, or electron beams. The formulations may include photoinitiators, flexibilizers, solvents and the like. These formulations can be used to manufacture multichip modules on typical multichip module substrates, such as alumina, fiberglass epoxy, silicon and polyimide. The formulations and methods of the invention enable the formation of passive electronic circuit elements such as resistors, capacitors and inductors in multichip modules or printed wiring boards.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for chemically heating by feeding hydrogen to a catalyst. The invention also provides a method and apparatus for thermally conditioning a catalyst in order to enhance the conversion of unacceptable emissions emanating from an internal combustion engine into water and other acceptable emissions. In one aspect of the invention, hydrogen is supplied from an electrolyzer or other hydrogen source and injected into the monolith of a catalytic converter to more rapidly bring the catalyst to a light-off temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mineralizing organic contaminants in water or air provides photochemical oxidation in a unique two-phase or three-phase boundary system formed in each pore of a TiO.sub.2 membrane in a photocatalytic reactor. In the three-phase system, gaseous oxidant, liquid contaminant, and solid semiconductor photocatalyst meet and engage in an efficient oxidation reaction. The porous membrane has pores which have a region wherein the meniscus of the liquid varies from the molecular diameter of water to that o f a capillary tube resulting in a diffusion layer that is several orders of magnitude smaller than the closest known reactors. The photocatalytic reactor operates effectively at ambient temperature and low pressures.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for using gas and liquid phase cathodic depolarizers in an electrochemical cell having a cation exchange membrane in intimate contact with the anode and cathode. The electrochemical conversion of cathodic depolarizers at the cathode lowers the cell potential necessary to achieve a desired electrochemical conversion, such as ozone evolution, at the anode. When gaseous cathodic depolarizers, such as oxygen, are used, a gas diffusion cathode having the cation exchange membrane bonded thereto is preferred. When liquid phase cathodic depolarizers are used, the cathode may be a flow-by electrode, flow-through electrode, packed-bed electrode or a fluidized-bed electrode in intimate contact with the cation exchange membrane.

Abstract: The invention provides nutritional supplements and methods for administering nutritional supplements that improve glucose metabolism, particularly for persons with diabetes. A first nutritional supplement, or "Phase I" supplement, comprises a source of vanadate and a source of chromium. A second nutritional supplement, or "Phase II" supplement, comprises Gymnema sylvestre and lipoic acid. The nutritional supplements are alternated to prevent accumulation of the nutrients in the body and also to overcome desensitization that can occur over long periods of continuous use. While the nutritional supplements may be alternated at almost any frequency and taken over almost any duration, it is preferred that each Phase be taken for between about 2 and about 6 months, most preferably about 3 months or about 90 days, before alternating back to the other Phase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lightweight fuel cell system that operates with fuel and oxidant gases at near atmospheric pressures. The fuel cell system uses a monopolar cell design where the electrode surfaces are sufficiently accessible to the gases that it is not necessary for the oxidizer and reducer gases to be compressed. The fuel cell is ideal for personal use due to its light weight, compact size and self contained operation. An added feature of the present invention is that individual fuel cells may be linked together to achieve greater voltages or currents.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved proton exchange membrane for use in electrochemical cells having internal passages parallel to the membrane surface, an apparatus and process for making the membrane, membrane and electrode assemblies fabricated using the membrane, and the application of the membrane and electrode assemblies to a variety of devices, both electrochemical and otherwise. The passages in the membrane extend from one edge of the membrane to another and allow fluid flow through the membrane and give access directly to the membrane for purposes of hydration.

Abstract: The present invention provides electronically conducting polymer films formed from photosensitive formulations of pyrrole and an electron acceptor that have been selectively exposed to UV light, laser light, or electron beams. The formulations may include photoinitiators, flexibilizers, solvents and the like. These solutions can be used in applications including printed circuit boards and through-hole plating and enable direct metallization processes on non-conducting substrates. After forming the conductive polymer patterns, a printed wiring board can be formed by sensitizing the polymer with palladium and electrolytically depositing copper.

Abstract: A system for testing electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices includes means for sensing the current from the storage device and varying the load across the storage device in response to the current sensed. The system is equally adaptable to batteries and fuel cells. Means is also provided to sense system parameters from a plurality of locations within the system. Certain parameters are then stored in digital form for archive purposes and certain other parameters are used to develop control signals in a host processor.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell for the production of ozone utilizing an anodic electrocatalyst and a membrane and electrode assembly formed by bonding a polytetrafluoroethylene-containing, proton exchange polymer-impregnated, gas diffusion cathode to a proton exchange membrane.