Abstract: A vapor fuel generation and management system for an evaporative fuel vapor engine includes a fuel tank that stores an evaporative liquid fuel, and a carbon canister connected to the headspace of the fuel tank to absorb and retain fuel vapor. A fuel vaporization unit has a liquid fuel inlet in communication with a liquid fuel outlet of the fuel tank, and a fuel vapor inlet in communication with the carbon canister. The fuel vaporization includes an agitator member at least partially submersed in a liquid fuel bath, and a motive force device that drives the agitator member. The fuel vaporization unit generates vapor fuel, i.e. a rich air/fuel mixture, and has a vapor fuel outlet in communication with an engine intake manifold. A purge valve controls vapor fuel flow to the engine intake manifold.

Abstract: A composition and application are presented for a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) based blend. The PPS-based blend may comprise about 40 to 95% by weight of a PPS resin and about 5 to 60% by weight of an olefinic copolymer and an elastomer. The PPS-based blend has improved impact resistance, elongation at break and flexibility compared to PPS and may be used in the construction of articles where these properties are desired in addition to properties typically associated with PPS. The PPS-based blend may be incorporated as a terminal layer in a multi-layer material which may be used in the formation of articles of manufacture, including the individual pieces of a multi-piece article. When assembled such that the PPS-based layers are joined, the resulting PPS-based article may possess vapor and liquid impermeability throughout, including at the junctions of the respective constituent pieces.

Abstract: Polymeric electrochemical cell components having a perimeter edge reinforced by a band or hoop that is preferably made from a high tensile strength material that resists elongation under tension. Preferred band materials include metals and polymer fibers such as aromatic polyamide fibers. The band may be positioned around the perimeter of the polymer component in any reasonable fashion, including pressed fit around the component, formed about the component, wound about the component, or merely positioned adjacent at a narrow gap from the component. Furthermore, the band may be dedicated to a single component or the band may reinforce the plurality of component that establish a sub-assembly, sub-stack or complete stack of electrochemical cells.

Abstract: Electrochemical apparatus and methods that support periodic, non-steady state, or discontinuous operation without suffering degradation of materials or loss of efficiency. The invention provides a means for positioning one or more electrodes into contact with electrolyte and means for retracting the one or more electrodes out of contact with the electrolyte. The means for positioning and means for retracting may be the same device or different devices. The means for positioning and means for retracting may be designed to provide automatic, passive, or fail-safe retraction of the electrode upon a given shutdown condition, such as a voltage of less than one Volt being applied between the first and second electrodes, expiration of a time period, an ozone concentration greater than a setpoint ozone concentration, contact pressure of less than 5 psig, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Assembling electrochemical cell components using a bonding agent comprising aligning components of the electrochemical cell, applying a bonding agent between the components to bond the components together, placing the components within a container that is essentially a pliable bag, and drawing a vacuum within the bag, wherein the bag conforms to the shape of the components from the pressure outside the bag, thereby holding the components securely in place. The vacuum is passively maintained until the adhesive has cured and the components are securely bonded. The bonding agent used to bond the components of the electrochemical cell may be distributed to the bonding surface from distribution channels in the components. To prevent contamination with bonding agent, some areas may be treated to produce regions of preferred adhesive distribution and protected regions. Treatments may include polishing, etching, coating and providing protective grooves between the bonding surfaces and the protected regions.

Abstract: A hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell operates with greater safety if a leak develops between the anode and the cathode sides of the fuel cell allowing hydrogen and oxygen to become mixed on whichever side operates at the lower pressure. A recombination catalyst is disposed within the fuel cell to catalyze the recombination reaction of hydrogen and oxygen to form water and prevent the formation of an explosive mixture. The hydrogen-oxygen recombination catalyst is disposed in a hydrogen distribution system, an oxygen distribution system, or a combination thereof. Suitable recombination catalysts include platinum or alloys thereof, palladium, gold, tin, and combinations thereof, with or without platinum. Still other suitable recombination catalysts include, for example, noble metals, nickel-paladium, and nickel oxides.

Abstract: A surveillance camera mount assembly for attaching a surveillance camera to a support comprising a surveillance camera housing having a top surface with a plurality of threaded members, a plurality of nuts having threads that mate with the threaded members, and a mount having a mechanical connector for attaching the mount to a support and having a plurality of elongated apertures that align with the plurality of threaded members. The elongated apertures having first and second aperture portions with the first aperture portion being sized so that one of the nuts can pass through it and a second aperture portion being sized so that one of the nuts cannot pass through it.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the humidification of gas streams, such as reactant gas streams for fuel cells, wherein the specific water evaporation rate, gas delivery temperature, and degree of gas humidity may be adjusted and maintained at predetermined levels. An ultrasonic device providing a water mist is used in the evaporation process. The amount of water vapor being introduced into the gas stream can be varied up to the saturation point of the reactant gas stream. As the water vapor leaves the evaporation chamber, it mixes with the gas stream in a gas humidification chamber or riser. The humidified reactant gas stream is then maintained at a set point temperature that is at least above the dew point temperature of the humidified reactant gas.

Abstract: A valve, system, and method for controlling evaporative emissions of a volatile fuel. The system includes a fuel vapor collection canister, an isolation valve, and a fuel tank. The isolation valve includes a housing defining a chamber, a diaphragm movable with respect to the housing between a first configuration and a second configuration, and a coil spring biasing the diaphragm toward the first configuration. The housing includes an interior partition that defines an aperture and separates the housing into first and second sections, a first port that is in fuel vapor communication with the fuel vapor collection canister, and a second port. In the first configuration, the diaphragm occludes the aperture, divides the chamber into three sub-chambers, and substantially prevents fuel vapor flow between the first and second ports. In the second configuration, the diaphragm divides the chamber into two sub-chambers and permits generally unrestricted fuel vapor flow between the first and second ports.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ozone generating system that combines single-use elements or segments with an extended use fixture that is used to activate the single-use elements. One embodiment of the invention consists of a strip of proton exchange membrane (PEM) having the ozone producing catalyst applied directly onto one side of membrane. Optionally, the application of this catalyst may be divided into segments or patches, wherein each segment represents the limited-use portion of the ozone generator. Each segment may be advanced into a fixture that provides the balance of the electrochemical system required for operation of the ozone generator. This balance of system may include additional subsystems, with a power supply, water source, electrical contacts, electronic controllers, sensors and feedback components, being typical examples.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling electrochemical cell components into cells, sub-stacks of cells and stacks of cells. The components provide self-alignment of two or more components without introducing additional parts or complexity to the assembly process. Rather, at least one component has an integral projection and at least one other component has an integral cavity for receiving the projection. The dimensions of the projection and cavity must not interfer with the face-to-face contact between the generally planar components, and the projection must not be taller than the cavity is deep. In order to provide alignment across the entire face of the components, it is preferred to have at least one component with a plurality of projections and at least one component having a plurality of cavities. Preferably, the projections and cavities will be positioned at the generally opposite sides, end comers, and the like.

Abstract: A method for assembling electrochemical cells for monopolar arrays or bipolar stacks using an adhesive to bond and seal the interfaces of the stack components. Adhesives may bond and seal the components of an electrochemical cell stack, thereby providing a much lighter assembly than those stacks using traditional assembly methods and techniques. Accordingly, no gaskets, o-rings or similar devices are required to seal between the components. The adhesive may be an adhesive type selected from types consisting of reactively cured, thermoplastic, and cured by solvent loss. The adhesive may be an epoxy having a harness (Shore A) of between about 90 and about 70, preferably about 80. The perimeters of the membrane that is part of a membrane and electrode assembly may be dimensionally stabilized by leaving the perimeter in the PFSP form, or by converting the protonated perimeter to a tetra-alkyl ammonium form or to a polyvalent cationic form.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell component having a plate with opposing faces, seal grooves formed in each of the faces, and a plurality of holes extending through the plate between the first and second grooves with an integral sealing member formed in the grooves and holes. The seal grooves extend continuously around the perimeter of the faces and the grooves may follow any type of contiguous pattern. The component may form a frame surrounding a flow field. Bipolar plates and fluid cooled bipolar plates may comprise this electrochemical cell component. Alternatively, a seal groove may be formed in only the first face and a ridge formed in the second face of the component. The ridge may be used to form a fluid tight seal when pressed into an opposing surface of the membrane in a membrane and electrode assembly. A sealing material is contained within the seal groove.

Abstract: A bipolar plate comprising a fluid barrier and a sealing frame formed around and overlaping the perimeter of the fluid barrier. The fluid barrier is placed in a mold and then a polymer is injected into the mold, thereby forming the sealing frame around the fluid barrier such that the sealing frame overlaps the perimeter of the fluid barrier. Because there are no surfaces to seal between the perimeter of the fluid barrier and the sealing frame, gaskets or other sealing surfaces are not required. A bipolar plate is further provided comprising a fluid barrier having the perimeter of the fluid barrier between a preformed cathode sealing frame and an anode sealing frame. The anode and cathode sealing frames are adapted to receive an overlapped portion of the perimeter of the fluid barrier. The anode and cathode sealing frames are then bonded together to form a fluid tight seal.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting a target analyte using a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) that has been imprinted with the target analyte. The MIP may be used as a working electrode in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy by either coating a substrate or being pressed into a disk.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for managing water within a fuel cell. The method and apparatus include supplying a reactant gas stream at a flow rate that exceeds the rate of reactant consumption within the fuel cell by an amount that results in a sufficiently high velocity through the fuel cell to remove excess product water from an electrode of the fuel cell. The method and apparatus may be utilized regarding any reactant gas stream, including an oxidant gas stream, a fuel gas stream, or both. The oxidant gas stream is preferably an oxygen-containing stream, such as air, oxygen, or a combination thereof. The fuel gas stream is preferably hydrogen gas, regardless of whether the hydrogen gas is provided electrolytically or from a partial oxidation of a hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A method of calculating the position or state of motion of one or more terminals is proposed in which each has a receiver capable of making measurements of signals received from one or more transmission sources for use in calculating the unknown position or state of motion of the or each terminal. At least one transmission source has a known directional transmission pattern, and the bearing from one of the receivers of the or each of the transmission source having a known directional transmission pattern is estimated. Weights are assigned to the measurements made by the one receiver, the weights being calculated from the bearing or bearings and the known directional transmission pattern of the transmission sources.

Abstract: A leak detection system for a fuel system of an automotive vehicle has a diaphragm pump that is repeatedly stroked to pressurize vapor containment space of the fuel system during a leak detection test. A restriction is disposed between the pump and the space being pressurized to cause a real time pressure trace of pressure between the pump and the restriction to comprise a succession of pulses having peaks and valleys. Data from the first pump burst of the trace is used to adjust the number of times the pump is stroked during subsequent bursts to maintain substantially constant mass airflow into the space during each burst, thereby compensating for change in pump efficiency.

Abstract: A valve structure that comprises a housing and a valve. The housing includes a first fluid communication passage between a first port and a second port. The valve is movable with respect to the housing between a first configuration, a second configuration, and an intermediate configuration between the first and second configurations. The first configuration permits substantially unrestricted fluid flow between the first and second ports. The second configuration substantially prevents fluid flow between the first and second ports. And the intermediate configuration provides restricted fluid flow between the first and second ports. The valve includes a first valve element and a second valve element. The first valve element includes a second fluid communication passage providing the restricted fluid flow between the first and second ports. The second valve element is positionable in first and second positions with respect to the first valve element.