Abstract: A method for warm forming an aluminum beam, such as an aluminum component for a vehicle, includes providing an extruded aluminum beam with a hollow cross-sectional shape. A portion of a forming die is heated to a desired temperature, so as to heat a portion of the aluminum beam in the die to a temperature below the artificial aging temperature of the aluminum beam. The heated aluminum beam is deformed to a desired shape with the die in a direction transverse to a length of the aluminum beam.

Abstract: A combined reformer and purifier for converting a hydrogen-rich feedstock into purified hydrogen is described. The combined reformer and purifier can include at least one compression plate as an assembly comprising at least one first cavity comprising a catalyst effective to liberate hydrogen from said hydrogen-rich feedstock and forming a hydrogen-rich mixed gas. The compression plate assembly can also include at least one second cavity enclosing a burner or oxidative catalytic reactor to oxidize said hydrogen-depleted raffinate or said hydrogen-rich feedstock to supply heat to the at least one first cavity containing said catalyst. The compression plate assembly can also include an interior surface proximal to said membrane and an exterior surface distal to said membrane. The compression plate assembly can also include a third cavity effective to preheat said hydrogen-rich feedstock prior to being delivered to said catalyst.

Abstract: A method for warm forming an aluminum beam, such as an aluminum component for a vehicle, includes providing an extruded aluminum beam with a hollow cross-sectional shape. A portion of a forming die is heated to a desired temperature, so as to heat a portion of the aluminum beam in the die to a temperature below the artificial aging temperature of the aluminum beam. The heated aluminum beam is deformed to a desired shape with the die in a direction transverse to a length of the aluminum beam.

Abstract: A modular unit fuel cell is disclosed, which comprises a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), an anode current collector/porous transport layer (PTL), a bipolar separator plate (BSP), a corrugated or finned spring cooling and transport structure, a cathode current collector/PTL and an anode frame. In this embodiment, air is passed through the finned spring cooling and transport structure and the air acts as both the cathode reactant and as a coolant.

Abstract: Certain configurations described herein comprise a reformer that is operative to liberate hydrogen gas from a hydrogen-rich feedstock in a catalytic reforming reaction, where a hydrogen purifier is effective to remove and purify hydrogen gas, in a thermally integrated assembly combining the reformer and purifier. Methods of using the combined reformer/purifier are also described.

Abstract: A modular unit fuel cell is disclosed, which comprises a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), an anode current collector/porous transport layer (PTL), a bipolar separator plate (BSP), a corrugated or finned spring cooling and transport structure, a cathode current collector/PTL and an anode frame. In this embodiment, air is passed through the finned spring cooling and transport structure and the air acts as both the cathode reactant and as a coolant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination of a 6-axis motion sensor having a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis linear accelerometer, a motion processor and a radio integrated circuit chip (IC), wherein the intelligence in the motion processor enables the communication between the motion sensor, the radio IC and the external network. The motion processor also enables power savings by adaptively controlling the data rate of the motion sensor, depending on the amount or speed of the motion activity.

Abstract: A hydrogen purifier utilizing a hydrogen-permeable membrane to purify hydrogen from mixed gases containing hydrogen is disclosed. Improved mechanical support for the permeable membrane is described, enabling forward or reverse differential pressurization of the membrane, which further stabilizes the membrane from wrinkling upon hydrogen uptake.

Abstract: A hydrogen purifier utilizing a hydrogen permeable membrane, and a gas-tight seal, where the seal is uses a low temperature melting point metal, which upon heating above the melting point subsequently forms a seal alloy with adjacent metals, where the alloy has a melting point above the operational temperature of the purifier. The purifier further is constructed such that a degree of isolation exists between the metal that melts to form the seal and the active area of the purifier membrane, so that the active area of the purifier membrane is not corrupted. A method of forming a hydrogen purifier utilizing a hydrogen permeable membrane with a seal of the same type is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination of a 6-axis motion sensor having a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis linear accelerometer, a motion processor and a radio integrated circuit chip (IC), wherein the intelligence in the motion processor enables the communication between the motion sensor, the radio IC and the external network. The motion processor also enables power savings by adaptively controlling the data rate of the motion sensor, depending on the amount or speed of the motion activity.

Abstract: Systems and methods of protecting service personnel and electronics in an antenna hub from inclement weather are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment of an antenna hub shelter has an attachment member secured to a hub, wherein the attachment member is located above an access door of the hub and a top portion defined by a first edge and a second opposing edge. The first edge is attachable to the attachment member. The second edge is secured to a handrail of an access platform of the antenna.

Abstract: A hydrogen purifier utilizing a hydrogen-permeable membrane to purify hydrogen from mixed gases containing hydrogen is disclosed. Improved mechanical support for the permeable membrane is described, enabling forward or reverse differential pressurization of the membrane, which further stabilizes the membrane from wrinkling upon hydrogen uptake.

Abstract: A hydrogen purifier utilizing a hydrogen-permeable membrane to purify hydrogen from mixed gases containing hydrogen is disclosed, with improved sealing means where the seals are formed by first melting a metal with a low temperature melting point, and then allowing the metal to form a subsequent alloy which has a melting temperature above the operational temperature of the purifier. The improved seal allows for the fabrication of hydrogen purifiers at lower temperatures than conventional methods such as brazing. Various metallurgical combinations and methods for achieving the seal are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods of protecting service personnel and electronics in an antenna hub from inclement weather are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment of an antenna hub shelter has an attachment member secured to a hub, wherein the attachment member is located above an access door of the hub and a top portion defined by a first edge and a second opposing edge. The first edge is attachable to the attachment member. The second edge is secured to a handrail of an access platform of the antenna.

Abstract: A linear reformer for liberating hydrogen from a hydrogen containing feedstock, operable on both gaseous and liquid fuels, has a linear burner distributor with at least two fuel distribution apertures for distribution of fuel, a supply of air, where the fuel and air mix in a linear mixing cavity to form a catalytically combustible mixture, a catalytic burner element, an electric heater in heat transferring relation to at least one of the burner distributor and the catalytic burner element, a catalyst bed, a boiler for boiling and heating the feedstock, and an exhaust heat exchanger effective for pre-heating the supply of air to the burner.

Abstract: A modular unit fuel cell is disclosed, which comprises a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), an anode current collector/porous transport layer (PTL), a bipolar separator plate (BSP), a corrugated or finned spring cooling and transport structure, a cathode current collector/PTL and an anode frame. In this embodiment, air is passed through the finned spring cooling and transport structure and the air acts as both the cathode reactant and as a coolant.

Abstract: A fuel cell power system has a fuel cell capable of generating electrical power, a battery holder releasably mounting at least one rechargeable battery, and a power controller which receives the electrical power from the fuel cell and distributes the electrical power to an output bus for use by an external load and to the battery for charging the battery. The rechargeable batteries may be easily inserted and removed from the system, with the batteries providing start-up power for the fuel cell power source, as well as surge power when the external electrical load is connected to the power system, or when the load exceeds the capacity of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A reforming and hydrogen purification system operating with minimal pressure drop for producing free hydrogen from different hydrogen rich fuels includes a hydrogen reforming catalyst bed in a vessel in communication with a core unit containing a hydrogen permeable selective membrane. The vessel is located within an insulated enclosure which forms an air inlet passageway and an exhaust passageway on opposite sides of the vessel. Air and raffinate pass through a burner within the air inlet passageway, providing a heated flue gas to heat the catalyst to the reaction temperature needed to generate free hydrogen from the feedstock. The burner flue gas flows laterally over and along the length of the bed between the input and output ends of the bed. Hydrogen is recovered from the core for use by a hydrogen-consuming device such as a fuel cell. The remaining unrecovered hydrogen in the reformed gases is contained in raffinate and is used to supply process heat via the burner.

Abstract: A fuel cell power system is protected from electromagnetic pulse energy damage through the use of a protective enclosure. In addition, electrical lines entering or exiting the system contain voltage or current spike suppression devices sufficient to prevent damage to the electronics contained within the enclosure. Also, any openings in the enclosure will have electromagnetic pulse attenuating grids or honeycomb covers, and any viewing ports through the enclosure may be protected with transparent conductive materials, such as indium tin oxide coated onto glass.

Abstract: A reforming and hydrogen purification system operating with minimal pressure drop for producing free hydrogen from different hydrogen rich fuels includes a hydrogen reforming catalyst bed in a vessel in communication with a core unit containing a hydrogen permeable selective membrane. The vessel is located within an insulated enclosure which forms an air inlet passageway and an exhaust passageway on opposite sides of the vessel. Air and raffinate pass through a burner within the air inlet passageway, providing a heated flue gas to heat the catalyst to the reaction temperature needed to generate free hydrogen from the feedstock. The burner flue gas flows laterally over and along the length of the bed between the input and output ends of the bed. Hydrogen is recovered from the core for use by a hydrogen-consuming device such as a fuel cell. The remaining unrecovered hydrogen in the reformed gases is contained in raffinate and is used to supply process heat via the burner.