Abstract: A portable cooler stacking system is provided, where portable coolers of different shapes and sizes can be optimally and stably stacked. The cooler system can include a first cooler having a first size and a second cooler having a second size, where the first and second sizes are different. A pair of second coolers can be stacked on the first cooler, where the second coolers are positioned widthwise along the length of the lid of the first cooler. In this manner, an inner length of the top surface of the lid of the first cooler is slightly greater then the width of a lower portion the second coolers and the inner width of the top surface of the lid of the first cooler is greater then two times the width of the lower portion of the second coolers. As such, two second cooler can be positioned widthwise along the length of the lid of the first cooler.

Abstract: A multilayered ceramic chemical combustion heater for use in an integrated fuel reformer including a three-dimensional multilayer fired ceramic carrier structure defining at least one ceramic cavity therein and a method of forming the chemical combustion heater. A catalyst is formed in combination with the at least one cavity, being introduced into the cavity subsequent to the firing of the ceramic structure, thereby defining a closed heating zone. The catalyst provides for complete air oxidation of an input fuel. The chemical combustion heater generates heat in proportion to the feed rate of the input fuel and air. The ceramic cavity further includes a fuel inlet, an air inlet, or a combination pre-mixed fuel/air inlet, and an outlet. Feedback control of the feed rate of the input fuel and air allows for the maintenance of the chemical combustion heater at a specific temperature.

Abstract: Devices (20)/(32) include respectively a conductive layer (22)/(34) having a plurality of ceramic phases (26, 28, 30)/(38, 40, 42). Devices are prepared in a receptacle (10) having a colloidal suspension of ceramic particles, a first electrode (12), a second electrode (14) and a power source (16). A substrate with a conductive layer is affixed to one of the electrodes and a voltage is applied to deposit particles on the conductive layer.

Abstract: Cast-on-resist (COR) methods and apparatus are provided for forming green-sheets. The COR method is comprised of depositing a resist (102) on a substrate (104) and selectively exposing the resist (102) to a radiation source such that a first portion (106) of the resist (102) having a positive image of the pattern is soluble in a solvent and a second portion (108) of the resist (102) having a negative image of the pattern is insoluble in the solvent. The COR method is also comprised of immersing the resist (102) in the solvent to remove the first portion (106) to form a casting substrate (100) having the negative image of the pattern, applying ceramic slurry (212) on the casting substrate (100), curing the ceramic slurry (212) on the casting substrate (100), and removing the ceramic slurry (212) from the casting substrate (100) after the curing.

Abstract: Cast-on-resist (COR) methods of manufacturing patterned ceramic layers that can be used in forming a multilayered ceramic device are provided according to preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: A fuel cell system and method of forming the fuel cell system including a base portion, formed of a singular body, and having a major surface. At least one fuel cell membrane electrode assembly is formed on the major surface of the base portion. A fluid supply channel including a mixing chamber is defined in the base portion and communicating with the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly for supplying a fuel-bearing fluid to the membrane electrode assembly. An exhaust channel including a water recovery and recirculation system is defined in the base portion and communicating with the membrane electrode assembly. The membrane electrode assembly and the cooperating fluid supply channel and cooperating exhaust channel forming a single fuel cell assembly.

Abstract: Hollow microspheres of ceramic material are formed by a sol-gel technique involving forming and stabilizing an emulsion of an aqueous sol of the ceramic material in an organic phase, followed by dehydration of the stabilized emulsion droplets by extraction using a water-absorbing organic liquid, to form hollow gelled spheres, and finally recovery, drying and calcination of the spheres to the final product. The separation of the emulsion formation and dehydration steps into two distinct stages results in the ultimate formation of microspheres with improved uniformity and size distribution.