Abstract: A disposable, compact, and efficient storage apparatus (10) contains a fuel source (24) and water for supplying hydrogen fuel (36) to a micro-fuel cell. The storage apparatus comprises a housing defining a fuel source chamber (14) and a plurality of water chambers (12), and one or more polymer crystals (22) containing water positioned within each of the water chambers (12). The fuel source (24), such as a chemical hydride mixed with a catalyst, is positioned within the fuel source chamber (14), wherein the water in each of the water chambers (12) is selectively allowed to migrate to the fuel source chamber (14) to contact the solid fuel, thereby producing the hydrogen fuel (36) at a desired flow rate and temperature. A conduit (32) supplies the hydrogen fuel (36) produced within the housing to the fuel cell (38).

Abstract: A micro fuel cell and method of forming such includes depositing multiple layers (22) of alternating metals over a substrate (12); etching at least one metal from the multiple layers (22) creating a void between the remaining layers; forming a plurality of pedestals (28) in the multiple layers (22), each pedestal (28) having a center anode (29) portion and a concentric cathode (31) portion separated by a concentric cavity (31); filling the concentric cavity (31) with an electrolyte; and capping the center anode (29) portion and the concentric cavity (31).

Abstract: A micro fuel cell and method of forming such on a substrate (12) is provided that derive power from a three dimensional fuel/oxidant interchange. The fuel cell includes a plurality of porous pedestals (17) formed on the substrate (12), each porous pedestal (17) including an anode (68), a cathode (70) surrounding the anode (68); and an electrolyte (60) filling a cavity between the anode (68) and the cathode (70). The cathode (70) is accessible to ambient air, and the anode (68) has a passageway (30) thereto for receiving a fuel. The anode (68) and cathode (70) may be formed by etching a cavity for the electrolyte (60) or by forming trenches (58, 66) to form each anode (68) and cathode (70), wherein each trench (66) between an anode and cathode is filled with electrolyte.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) is provided for determining the flow rate of a gas. The apparatus comprises a housing (12) forming a vaporization chamber (14) for converting a fluid into a gas vapor when subjected to heat (22). An oscillation flow meter is formed within the housing (12), thereby being integrated with the vaporization chamber, for receiving the gas vapor and providing a frequency signal (60) indicative of the rate of flow of the gas vapor.

Abstract: A ceramic fuel processor (10) including a solid oxide fuel cell (32) provides a high power output while maintaining a small size and minimizing heating issues. A fuel reformer (14) comprising a reaction zone (18) including a reforming catalyst. A heat source (28) is thermally coupled to the reaction zone for providing heat thereto. An inlet channel (20) conducts liquid fuel to the reaction zone, and an outlet channel (22) conducts hydrogen enriched gas from the reaction zone to the solid oxide fuel cell.

Abstract: A differential calorimetric gas sensor (10) which includes a sensing element (12) having a catalytic layer (14) disposed on a multi-layered substrate (26). Catalytic layer (14) includes an active catalyst region (14a) which oxidizes total combustibles within an exhaust gas stream and a reference catalyst region (14b) which oxidizes selective combustibles within the exhaust gas stream. An electrochemical oxygen source (18) is disposed on an opposite side of multi-layer substrate (26) from sensing element (12). An oxygen sensor cell (170) may be incorporated into electrochemical oxygen source (18). The multi-layered substrate (26) includes a plurality of overlaying insulating layers in which an intermediate layer (60) and a bottom layer (64) support primary heaters (58, 62), and in which another intermediate layer (52) supports compensation heaters (50a, 50b).