Abstract: A method for refilling a hydrogen reservoir comprising a first hydrogen-storing material comprises establishing a fluid connection between the hydrogen reservoir and a cartridge containing a second hydrogen-storing material. The second hydrogen-storing material releases hydrogen at a pressure sufficient to charge the first hydrogen-storing material. Some embodiments involve heating the second hydrogen-storing material and/or allowing heat to flow between the first and second hydrogen-storing materials.

Abstract: A self-powered variable transmittance optical device, such as a smart window or other device, and associated method are provided. The device comprises one or more transparent substrates, with a switching material disposed thereon or therebetween. The switching material may be a hybrid photochromic/electrochromic material capable of transitioning from a first transmittance state to a second transmittance state with application of electricity, and from second state to first state due to another stimulus, such as UV radiation. Electrodes are coupled to the switching material for applying electricity. An electrical system provides for controllable application of the electricity, and may store energy. Energy is provided by an energy-harvesting power source such as a solar cell or other photovoltaic source, or array thereof, or another device for harvesting vibrational or thermal energy.

Abstract: A variable transmittance optical filter comprising: a first layer comprising a first substantially transparent substrate with a substantially co-planar (SC) electrode system disposed thereon, the SC electrode system made of transparent electrically conductive material and comprising at least one pair of electrically separate electrodes arranged in a substantially co-planar manner on the first substantially transparent substrate, each pair of electrically separate electrodes comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, a second layer proximate to the first layer and comprising a transition material that darkens in response to a non-electrical stimulus and lightens in response to application of an electric voltage; and an electrical connection system for electrically connecting the SC electrode system to a source of electric voltage.

Abstract: Variable transmittance optical filters capable of transitioning from a light state to a dark state on exposure to UV radiation and from a dark state to a light state with application of an electric voltage are provided. The optical filters comprise a switching material that comprises one or more chromophores that have electrochromic and photochromic properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a monitoring device for detecting stresses and strains in structural components and a method of using the monitoring device. The monitoring device comprises a base material, one or more attachment points for attaching the monitoring device to a structure to be monitored, a detection zone on the monitoring device, and a means for detecting the presence of stress and strain in the detection zone. The dimensions and material of the monitoring device are chosen such that a predetermined level of strain transmitted to the monitoring device from the structure will result in a known level of stress and strain in the detection zone. Detection of stress and strain in the detection zone can be correlated to a level of stress and strain experienced by the structure at the point of attachment of the monitoring device.

Abstract: Variable transmittance optical filters capable of transitioning from a light state to a dark state on exposure to UV radiation and from a dark state to a light state with application of an electric voltage are provided. The optical filters comprise a switching material that comprises one or more chromophores that have electrochromic and photochromic properties.

Abstract: A photoelastic coating for structural monitoring of bridges, buildings, and other structures comprises an optically translucent or transparent photoelastic layer. The photoelastic coating is applied to the structure as a solvent-based liquid or gel. The photoelastic properties of the photoelastic layer are used to detect stress and strain or plastic deformation in the structure using photoelastic techniques. Also described is a method of structural monitoring comprising applying a photoelastic coating to a structure as a solvent-based liquid or gel. Presence of fringe patterns in the reflected light from the photoelastic layer indicates the presence of stress and strain in the photoelastic layer. Stress and strain in the photoelastic layer indicates stress and strain or plastic deformation in the underlying structure. The invention can be used for detecting when structures have been overloaded or when stress limits have been exceeded.

Abstract: A method for refilling a hydrogen reservoir comprising a first hydrogen-storing material comprises establishing a fluid connection between the hydrogen reservoir and a cartridge containing a second hydrogen-storing material. The second hydrogen-storing material releases hydrogen at a pressure sufficient to charge the first hydrogen-storing material. Some embodiments involve heating the second hydrogen-storing material and/or allowing heat to flow between the first and second hydrogen-storing materials.

Abstract: A method for refilling a hydrogen reservoir comprising a first hydrogen-storing material comprises establishing a fluid connection between the hydrogen reservoir and a cartridge containing a second hydrogen-storing material. The second hydrogen-storing material releases hydrogen at a pressure sufficient to charge the first hydrogen-storing material. Some embodiments involve heating the second hydrogen-storing material and/or allowing heat to flow between the first and second hydrogen-storing materials.

Abstract: Variable transmittance optical filters capable of transitioning from a light state to a dark state on exposure to UV radiation and from a dark state to a light state with application of an electric voltage are provided. The optical filters comprise a switching material that comprises one or more chromophores that have electrochromic and photochromic properties.

Abstract: An apparatus for fueling a fuel-cell-powered device having a profile and a fuel inlet. The apparatus comprises at least one fuel port having an outlet and at least one adaptor associated with the fuel port. The adaptor is configured to receive the fuel-cell-powered device. Means for releasably and sealingly engaging the fuel inlet of the fuel-cell-powered device to the outlet of the fuel port are also provided. The outlet of the fuel port is operative to dispense fuel when it is in sealed engagement with the fuel inlet of the fuel-cell-powered device.

Abstract: A fuel cell device including a fuel cell flashlight having a modular, interchangeable head portion. Additional modular head portions include circuitry connected with a connector in the head portion. The connector includes a USB type connector and the fuel cell device is suitable for charging other devices such as cell phones, PDAs, digital audio players, and the like.

Abstract: Variable transmittance optical filters capable of transitioning from a light state to a dark state on exposure to UV radiation and from a dark state to a light state with application of an electric voltage are provided. The optical filters comprise a switching material that comprises one or more chromophores that have electrochromic and photochromic properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a monitoring device for detecting stresses and strains in structural components and a method of using the monitoring device. The monitoring device comprises a base material, one or more attachment points for attaching the monitoring device to a structure to be monitored, a detection zone on the monitoring device, and a means for detecting the presence of stress and strain in the detection zone. The dimensions and material of the monitoring device are chosen such that a predetermined level of strain transmitted to the monitoring device from the structure will result in a known level of stress and strain in the detection zone. Detection of stress and strain in the detection zone can be correlated to a level of stress and strain experienced by the structure at the point of attachment of the monitoring device.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a photoelastic layer for detecting stress and strain is described. The photoelastic layer comprises a photoelastic material that when strained refracts light anisotropically. The photoelastic layer further comprises an integrated polarizer attached on top of the photoelastic material. Also in accordance with the present invention, a photoelastic monitoring device is described for structural monitoring. The photoelastic monitoring device is made out of a photoelastic material or comprises a photoelastic material attached to a base material. The photoelastic monitoring device further comprises an integrated polarizer attached or coated directly over at least a portion of the photoelastic material. The photoelastic monitoring device is designed to be attached to a structure or a part. The monitoring device is attached to the structure in such a way that stresses and strains from the structure are transmitted into the photoelastic monitoring device.

Abstract: In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a photoelastic coating for structural monitoring comprising an optically translucent or transparent photoelastic layer. The photoelastic coating is applied to the structure as a solvent-based liquid or gel that can be cured without heating. The photoelastic properties of the photoelastic layer can be used to detect stress and strain or plastic deformation in the structure using photoelastic techniques. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of structural monitoring using a photoelastic structural monitoring coating. The method comprises the steps of providing a structure for which structural monitoring is desired, applying a photoelastic layer to said structure as a solvent-based liquid or gel, and curing said photoelastic layer in place on said structure.

Abstract: The compact chemical reactor with a central axis includes at least two unit reactors disposed adjacent to each other to form front and back sides of the compact chemical reactor; a front and back reactant plenum communicating with the front and back side respectively; at least one of the plenums comprises a reactant; and unit reactors comprising: a front cavity between front and back process layers; a back cavity between back and front process layers of adjacent unit reactors; the process layers facilitate transport processes between reactant plenums; each cavity communicates with one side of the compact chemical reactor; a front and back perimeter barrier on the back and front process layers respectfully, substantially surrounding respective cavities. At least one of the unit reactors comprise at least one frame formed from one of the process layers, at least one of the perimeter barriers, and at least one of the cavities.

Abstract: The methods include steps for making a fuel cell layer, making a compact chemical reactor with high aspect ratio cavities from components with low aspect ratio cavities, and forming of a high aspect ratio compact chemical reactor using low aspect ratio layers. The methods entail forming at least two process layers; forming a perimeter barrier on at least one side of one of the process layers creating an intermediate assembly with at least one low aspect ratio cavity; repeating the initial steps to create additional intermediate assemblies with at least one low aspect ratio cavity; joining intermediate assemblies to create a compact chemical reactor with high aspect ratio cavities; and joining the compact chemical reactor with high aspect ratio cavities to two reactant plenums to facilitate a transport process between reactant plenums and process layers.

Abstract: A fuel cell layer and methods for making a fuel cell layer comprising at least one fuel cell in communication with first reactant plenum and second reactant plenum, wherein one of the reactant plenums contains oxidant and the other reactant plenum contains fuel. The fuel cell comprises a gas barrier region formed by disposing gas barrier material on a substrate; a second region having a first port formed on the gas barrier; a first gas diffusion electrode having a first seal disposed around the electrode; an electrolyte region formed by disposing electrolyte material on the second region; a fourth region having a second port formed on the electrolyte region; a second gas diffusion electrode having a second seal disposed around the electrode, wherein the second and fourth regions are in communication with the electrolyte region, and the gas barrier region separates the first reactant plenum from the second reactant plenum.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a strap mounted energy supply. The strap mounted energy supply includes a strap and one or more energy components. The strap is configured to couple to an electronic device, and the more energy components are conformably coupled with the strap. At least one of the one or more energy components is configured to supply energy to the electronic device. In various embodiments, the strap mounted energy supply is portable, is configured to externally couple to the electronic device, and/or is flexible, pliable, stretchable and/or ductile.