Abstract: A method for producing finely structured surfaces, in particular in plastics, includes a) applying at least one coating compound on at least one substrate; b) forming a fine structure by a die, which has the negative of a fine structure, c) curing the resultant finely structured coating compound, obtaining a substantially cured coating; and d) separating the finely structured coating from the die, wherein steps d) and c) can also be carried out in the reverse order.

Abstract: A resistive hydrogen sensor has at least two electrical connections and at least one resistance layer containing at least one suitable material for incorporating hydrogen, via which the electrical connections are connected to each other. The resistance layer adjoins at least one interface on a contact layer, which contains at least one chemical element from the fourth subgroup of the periodic table and/or carbon. The contact layer connected in series between the electrical connections to the resistance layer.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a fuel cell with a storage unit (4) for storing hydrogen (Hx), with a proton conductive layer, which covers a surface of the storage unit (4), and with a cathode (7) on a side of the proton conductive layer, which side is located opposite, wherein the storage unit (4) is directly coupled with an anode and/or the storage unit (4) is incorporated in a substrate (1) of a semiconductor. The storage unit (4) is preferably connected to the substrate (1) at least via a stress compensation layer (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor fuel cell that can be activated by a first substance (O2) in its environment. The sensor fuel cell includes a catalytically active anode, a cathode that has a cathode surface at least partially exposed to the environment, and a proton-conductive membrane located between the anode and the cathode so as to convey protons through from the anode to the cathode. An anode surface of the anode is at least partially exposed to the environment for access of at least one second substance (H2) from the environment to the anode. Such a disposition enables access of a first reactant in the form for example of oxygen from the ambient air to the cathode, and additionally access of a second reactant in the form for example of hydrogen from the ambient air to the free surface of the anode.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a fuel cell with a storage unit (4) for storing hydrogen (Hx), with a proton conductive layer, which covers a surface of the storage unit (4), and with a cathode (7) on a side of the proton conductive layer, which side is located opposite, wherein the storage unit (4) is directly coupled with an anode and/or the storage unit (4) is incorporated in a substrate (1) of a semiconductor. The storage unit (4) is preferably connected to the substrate (1) at least via a stress compensation layer (3).

Abstract: In a method for producing a proton-conductive, structured electrolyte membrane, particularly for a fuel cell, a coating, which comprises at least one ion-conductive cross-linking component having at least one acid group and at least one photoactive substances interacting therewith, is applied onto a solid body surface. The coating is optically masked in that at least one region of the coating, in which the electrolyte membrane is supposed to be, is exposed such that the cross-linking component cross-links with the photoactive substances to form a polymer and/or copolymer network adhering to the solid body surface. At least one unexposed region of the coating is removed in order to structure the electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: A method for producing finely structured surfaces, in particular in plastics, includes a) applying at least one coating compound on at least one substrate; b) forming a fine structure by a die, which has the negative of a fine structure, c) curing the resultant finely structured coating compound, obtaining a substantially cured coating; and d) separating the finely structured coating from the die, wherein steps d) and c) can also be carried out in the reverse order.

Abstract: A voltage supply has a plurality of voltage sources to supply output connections. To achieve closed-loop control of the output voltage at the output connections, a closed-loop control circuit is provided that has an actuating element for each voltage source, and each respective actuating element has a current path via which a connection of the respective voltage source can be connected to an output connection. Each actuating element has an actuating signal input for setting the electrical conductivity of its current path. The closed-loop control circuit has a closed-loop controller to which the output voltage and a desired voltage signal are supplied. When a deviation occurs between the output voltage and the desired voltage signal, the closed-loop controller interacts with at least one actuating signal input in order to reduce the deviation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell (1) having a substrate (2) comprising an opening (10) and a layer stack (7) disposed on the substrate (2). Said stack comprises an electrode (3) designed as a self-supporting metal membrane covering the opening (10), said membrane being permeable to hydrogen atoms and blocking the passage of gaseous or liquid fuel, a counter electrode (6), and an electrolytelayer (4) adjoining a catalytic material and disposed between the electrode (3) and the counter electrotrode (6). In order to feed in a fuel comprising protons, the fuel cell (1) has a fuel supply device (14) connected to the electrode (3) by means of the opening (10). In order to feed in a reactant, a reactant supply device (15) is connected to the electrolyte layer (4) by means of the counter electrode (6). The reactant is suitable for reacting with the protons in order to generate electric current.

Abstract: In a method for producing a proton-conductive, structured electrolyte membrane, particularly for a fuel cell, a coating, which comprises at least one ion-conductive cross-linking component having at least one acid group and at least one photoactive substances interacting therewith, is applied onto a solid body surface. The coating is optically masked in that at least one region of the coating, in which the electrolyte membrane is supposed to be, is exposed such that the cross-linking component cross-links with the photoactive substances to form a polymer and/or copolymer network adhering to the solid body surface. At least one unexposed region of the coating is removed in order to structure the electrolyte membrane.

Abstract: A surgical instrument has a shaft, an end effector comprising at least one movably mounted tool element and defining a longitudinal axis, and a force transmitting member mounted in the shaft for movement in the distal and proximal directions for transmitting an actuating force introduced at a proximal end of the instrument onto the end effector in order to move the at least one tool element from a first tool element position to a second tool element position and/or vice versa. The at least one tool element is pivotably mounted on a bearing shaft held on the shaft. The at least one tool element is connected by at least one articulation member, at least a section of which is flexible, to the force transmitting member in order to transmit the actuating force from the force transmitting member onto the at least one tool element.

Abstract: A voltage supply has a plurality of voltage sources to supply output connections. To achieve closed-loop control of the output voltage at the output connections, a closed-loop control circuit is provided that has an actuating element for each voltage source, and each respective actuating element has a current path via which a connection of the respective voltage source can be connected to an output connection. Each actuating element has an actuating signal input for setting the electrical conductivity of its current path. The closed-loop control circuit has a closed-loop controller to which the output voltage and a desired voltage signal are supplied. When a deviation occurs between the output voltage and the desired voltage signal, the closed-loop controller interacts with at least one actuating signal input in order to reduce the deviation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor fuel cell that can be activated by a first substance (O2) in its environment. The sensor fuel cell includes a catalytically active anode, a cathode that has a cathode surface at least partially exposed to the environment, and a proton-conductive membrane located between the anode and the cathode so as to convey protons through from the anode to the cathode. An anode surface of the anode is at least partially exposed to the environment for access of at least one second substance (H2) from the environment to the anode. Such a disposition enables access of a first reactant in the form for example of oxygen from the ambient air to the cathode, and additionally access of a second reactant in the form for example of hydrogen from the ambient air to the free surface of the anode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for detecting at least one ligand contained in a sample that is to be analyzed. Said device comprises an optical waveguide, on the surface of which at least one ligand-specific receptor is directly or indirectly immobilized. The ligand bonds to said receptor during contact therewith. The inventive device comprises at least one optical source of radiation for injecting excitation radiation into the waveguide, the radiation being used for exciting emission of luminescence radiation in accordance with the bonding of the ligand to the receptor. At least one radiation receiver is integrated into the semiconductor substrate of a semiconductor chip so as to detect the luminescence radiation. The waveguide is integrated in a monolithic manner into the semiconductor substrate or is applied thereupon as a wave-guiding layer.