Abstract: An ignition device for initiating a fuel burn includes a fuel mass, wherein the fuel mass has a target body disposed therein to be heated, and a heating element, where the heating element provides an alternating magnetic field about the target body upon activation thereof to cause the target body to heat sufficiently to initiate during of at least a part of the fuel mass adjacent the target body.

Abstract: An undivided electrolysis cell for electrolyzing a liquor is disclosed which has a narrow gap between the electrodes and improved energy efficiency. The electrolysis cell comprises a porous anode, a porous cathode, and an electrically insulating separator therebetween which are all permeable to the liquor. Electrolysis is performed while directing the liquor through the porous anode, the electrically insulating separator, and the porous cathode. Gas products generated during electrolysis are carried out with the liquor and do not remain between the electrodes thereby reducing “gas blinding”. The electrolysis cell is particularly suitable for chlorate electrolysis.

Abstract: Sodium chlorate is produced industrially via electrolysis of brine and is thus an energy intensive process. An improved cathode for this and other industrial processes is a low nickel content stainless steel whose surface has been suitably modified. With an appropriate amount of surface roughening, the cathode provides for improved overvoltages during electrolysis while still maintaining corrosion resistance.

Abstract: Nanofiltration membranes have been identified that can unexpectedly provide for competitive removal of silica and sulfate from brine in alkaline conditions. Such membranes are known as monolithic nanofiltration membranes and are particularly suitable for removing silica and sulfate impurities from a brine stream in a brine electrolysis plant.

Abstract: Sodium chlorate is produced industrially via electrolysis of brine and is thus an energy intensive process. An improved cathode for this and other industrial processes is a low nickel content stainless steel whose surface has been suitably modified. With an appropriate amount of surface roughening, the cathode provides for improved overvoltages during electrolysis while still maintaining corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A system is provided for tracking and dispensing of prescription medication. A secure website is provided and a data communication link to a computer at each healthcare facility and pharmacy. Prescriptions are ordered from the healthcare facility computer, after which labels with machine readable code are generated by the pharmacy computer for each prescription container. A verification table is generated of all ordered prescriptions over a predetermined time to each respective healthcare facility, a reader scans the machine readable code of each prescription container, and the pharmacy computer verifies that all ordered prescriptions are sorted for delivery. The verification table of the verified prescriptions sorted for delivery is uploaded to a database.

Abstract: A system is provided for tracking and dispensing of prescription medication. A secure website is provided and a data communication link to a computer at each healthcare facility and pharmacy. Prescriptions are ordered from the healthcare facility computer, after which labels with machine readable code are generated by the pharmacy computer for each prescription container. A verification table is generated of all ordered prescriptions over a predetermined time to each respective healthcare facility, a reader scans the machine readable code of each prescription container, and the pharmacy computer verifies that all ordered prescriptions are sorted for delivery. The verification table of the verified prescriptions sorted for delivery is uploaded to a database.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing a fuel cell shutdown process are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment comprises establishing an oxidant recirculation path from a portion of the cathode flow path upon initiation of the fuel cell shutdown process, wherein the oxidant is recirculated during an oxygen depletion phase to substantially deplete oxygen residing therein to form a substantially oxygen-free fluid; and establishing an anode purge path from a portion of the cathode flow path and the anode flow path by means of a diverter valve, wherein the anode purge path is established upon completion of the oxygen depletion phase, and wherein the substantially oxygen-free fluid is transferred to the anode flow path to substantially purge out the fuel therein during a hydrogen purge phase.

Abstract: Detailed are brush assemblies for electric motors. The assemblies may include lead frames to which leaded electrical components are mounted directly. The lead frames additionally may include two or more conductors and be positioned remote from the brushes of the assemblies.

Abstract: A prosthesis includes suitable mechanical properties needed to open and maintain a vessel, duct, tract, or organ in a mammalian body. The prosthesis includes a pharmaceutical coating containing a pharmaceutical agent. The pharmaceutical agent is capable of acting upon and altering the mechanisms of biologic systems in a manner providing a medicinal therapy. The prosthesis includes at least one layer of the pharmaceutical coating overlaid by a permiable membrane.

Abstract: Contamination of the ion-exchange membrane in an electrochemical fuel cell can significantly reduce the lifetime. One source of contamination is from sealant materials, particularly if the sealant is silicone and impregnated into the peripheral region of the membrane electrode assembly (MEA) and thus in close proximity to the ion-exchange membrane. Contamination may be reduced or eliminated by separating the electrochemical reaction and/or the ion-exchange membrane from the sealant material. In an embodiment, this is done by having the sealing region substantially free of active electrocatalyst particles (for example, selectively printing the catalyst to avoid the sealing region or poisoning catalyst in the sealing region). In another embodiment, a barrier film is interposed between the ion-exchange membrane and the sealant material impregnated into the MEA. In yet another embodiment, a barrier plug is impregnated into the fluid diffusion layer adjacent to the sealant material impregnated into the MEA.

Abstract: Field emission transistors where either N type or P type devices are made with an insulated gate isolated from both the emitter and the collector. Such devices have input voltage levels that match the output levels, and as such are fully cascadable and integrable. Emitter and collector functions are combined in combinations to make complimentary pairs, NAND gates and NOR gates.