Abstract: Power unit for an electronic device and process for control and regulation of an electronic device powered by a fuel cell. Power unit includes a fuel cell having a low output voltage between 0.3 and 1 V, and a conversion device coupled to the fuel cell to convert an input voltage as low as 0.3 V to a higher output voltage to operate the electronic device.

Abstract: A method of preparing a supported platinum and/or palladium electrocatalyst and the electrocatalyst produced thereby. The method comprises the contacting of an electrically conductive particulate support which comprises adsorbed polynuclear hydroxo complexes of platinum and/or palladium with a reducing agent. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: Fuel cell system including a fuel cell assembly having an anode and a cathode. A fuel/electrolyte module includes a liquid fuel and/or a liquid electrolyte and/or components of the liquid fuel and/or the liquid electrolyte. A housing arrangement houses the fuel cell assembly and the fuel/electrolyte module. A system is used for transferring at least a part of the contents of the fuel/electrolyte module into the fuel cell assembly. A method is also disclosed of generating electrical power using a power system including at least one fuel cell unit having a fuel cell assembly and a fuel/electrolyte module arranged within a housing arrangement. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A power supply system, in particular for use during emergencies and/or power outages, that includes at least one liquid fuel cell, at least one cartridge, and a system or device for transferring the contents of the cartridge to the fuel cell. A cartridge-free power supply system is also disclosed. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: Described is a leak-proof fuel cell which comprises at least one liquid within a casing that comprises at least one opening which is sealed by a first structure that is gas-pervious and substantially impervious to the at least one liquid. At least that portion of the casing which comprises the at least one opening is enclosed by a second structure which allows gas to pass therethrough. A space defined by the casing and the second structure comprising therein at least one material that is capable of binding the at least one liquid. This Abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A hydride containing fuel composition for a liquid fuel cell. The composition comprises an alkaline liquid phase and at least two hydride compounds. The solubility of the first hydride compound in the liquid phase is higher than the solubility of a second hydride compound in the liquid phase and the opposite is true for the anodic oxidation products thereof. This Abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A fuel composition for fuel cells includes a polar solvent such as water, a first portion of a first fuel dissolved in the solvent at a saturated concentration, and a second portion of the first fuel suspended in the solvent to serve as a reservoir of fuel as the dissolved portion is consumed. Preferably, the first fuel is a hydride such as NaBH4. Optionally, the fuel composition also includes a second fuel such as an alcohol that also controls the solubility of the first fuel in the solvent, inhibits decomposition of the first fuel and stabilizes the suspension. Preferably, the fuel composition also includes an additive such as an alkali for stabilizing the first fuel.

Abstract: A liquid fuel composition useful for catalytic fuel cells is made up of at least two components. The primary fuel component is a surface-active compound, such as methanol, that is a source of and acts to prevent unwanted decomposition of the auxiliary fuel. The auxiliary fuel is a compound having a standard reduction potential more negative than the reduction potential of hydrogen gas, which serves as a source of energy and serves to catalyze the catalytic oxidation of the primary fuel.

Abstract: An anode for a direct liquid fuel cell in which hydrogen gas is generated as a result of a fuel oxidation or decomposition reaction. The surface of the anode which is intended to face the electrolyte chamber of the fuel cell is substantially completely covered with a polymeric material which prevents at least about 80% of the generated hydrogen gas to pass through the anode into the electrolyte chamber.

Abstract: An anode for a direct liquid fuel cell in which hydrogen gas is generated as a result of a fuel oxidation or decomposition reaction. The surface of the anode which is intended to face the electrolyte chamber of the fuel cell is substantially completely covered with a polymeric material which prevents at least about 80% of the generated hydrogen gas to pass through the polymeric material into the electrolyte chamber. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A fuel cell includes a cathode, an anode, a fuel chamber, and a membrane arranged between the anode and the fuel chamber. The membrane is structured and arranged to allow gas to accumulate adjacent the anode at least to a point where the gas limits or substantially prevents a contact between the anode and a fuel. The method includes generating electrical energy with the fuel cell, preventing further generation of electrical energy of the fuel cell, and facilitating, with the membrane, an accumulation of the gas adjacent the anode at least to a point where the gas substantially prevents a contact between the anode and the fuel. Another method includes using a gas which is formed by an initial decomposition of the fuel to restrict or substantially prevent any further contact between the fuel and the anode. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A direct liquid fuel cell includes a cathode, an anode, a fuel chamber, and at least one membrane arranged between the anode and the fuel chamber. The membrane is structured and arranged to allow gas which is formed on or in the vicinity of the surface of the anode which faces the fuel chamber to accumulate adjacent to the anode at least to a point where the accumulated gas substantially prevents a direct contact between the anode and the liquid fuel. A method of preventing or reducing fuel decomposition in the fuel cell is also disclosed. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: Apparatus and process to couple a power source to a powered device. The apparatus includes a power manager structured and arranged to adjust at least one of voltage, current and power supplied from the power source to the powered device based upon consumption requirements of the powered device, and a device coordinator structured and arranged to identify the powered device and to forward the identified device's consumption requirements for at least one of voltage, current and power to the power manager. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: System for refilling a fuel cell wherein the system includes a main container having at least one movable fuel container, at least one movable electrolyte container, and at least one spent fuel chamber. A valve which regulates or controls fluid flow between the main container and a fuel cell and vice versa. A method of refilling a fuel cell provides for moving the at one movable fuel container and the at least one movable electrolyte container to cause spent fuel from fuel cell to enter the at least one spent fuel chamber. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: Disposable fuel cell and a system for filling a disposable fuel cell. The system includes a fuel cell having at least one chamber, a cartridge having at least one chamber, and a valve system which regulates or controls fluid flow between the cartridge and fuel cell. A method of refilling a fuel cell provides for connecting the cartridge to the fuel cell and transferring fuel and electrolyte from the cartridge to the fuel cell. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: System for refilling a fuel cell wherein the system includes a fuel cell having at least one variable volume chamber, a cartridge having at least one variable volume chamber, and a valve system which regulates or controls fluid flow between the cartridge and fuel cell and vice versa. A method of refilling a fuel cell provides for connecting the cartridge to the fuel cell and transferring fuel and electrolyte from the cartridge to the fuel cell. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: Power unit for an electronic device and process for control and regulation of an electronic device powered by a fuel cell. Power unit includes a fuel cell having a low output voltage between 0.3 and 1 V, and a conversion device coupled to the fuel cell to convert an input voltage as low as 0.3 V to a higher output voltage to operate the electronic device.

Abstract: System for refilling a fuel cell wherein the system includes a main container having at least one movable fuel container, at least one movable electrolyte container, and at least one spent fuel chamber. A valve which regulates or controls fluid flow between the main container and a fuel cell and vice versa. A method of refilling a fuel cell provides for moving the at one movable fuel container and the at least one movable electrolyte container to cause spent fuel from fuel cell to enter the at least one spent fuel chamber. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A fuel cell for use with a hydride-based fuel, which fuel cell is designed for being sealed in a liquid-tight manner when in operation. The fuel cell comprises means for eliminating hydrogen formed inside the fuel cell. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A storage-stable liquid concentrate for use with a fuel cell. The concentrate comprises at least one metal hydride compound, a solvent comprising one or more polar solvent components, and at least one hydroxide ion providing compound. Following a storage of the concentrate for 4 weeks at about 25° C. not more than about 2 % of the at least one metal hydride compound have decomposed. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.