Abstract: An emission control device having a catalyst matrix, a microwave heater and a microwave energy reflective sleeve which substantially surrounds an outer surface of the matrix is provided. In one example, power is supplied to the microwave generator only as long as the temperature of the catalyst matrix is less than the activation temperature of the emission control reactions. The microwave energy reflective sleeve may reflect and confine substantially all of a microwave energy received from a microwave generator and waveguide, improving the operability of the emission control device and reducing the light-off time of the emission control reactions.

Abstract: A system 10 for selectively and rapidly preheating one or more vehicle fuel cells 12 during cold start or freezing conditions. The system 10 includes a bypass valve 26, a controller 30, vehicle sensors 32 and a bypass conduit 54. The controller 30 monitors vehicle attribute data by use of sensors 32 to determine whether a cold start condition exists. Based upon the attribute data, controller 30 may signal valve 26 to bypass heat exchanger 18, and cause compressed air to be delivered directly to fuel cells 12, thereby heating the fuel cells 12.

Abstract: An assembly 10 for metering fluid, including an intensifier 12 which selectively receives fluid from a supply 74. The intensifier 12 includes a reciprocally moving plunger 24 which selectively pushes the fluid through the intensifier 12 at a desired flow rate.

Abstract: A system 10 for selectively and rapidly preheating one or more vehicle fuel cells 12 during cold start or freezing conditions. The system 10 includes a bypass valve 26, a controller 30, vehicle sensors 32 and a bypass conduit 54. The controller 30 monitors vehicle attribute data by use of sensors 32 to determine whether a cold start condition exists. Based upon the attribute data, controller 30 may signal valve 26 to bypass heat exchanger 18, and cause compressed air to be delivered directly to fuel cells 12, thereby heating the fuel cells 12.

Abstract: A membrane 30 and a method 12 for making the membrane 30comprising the steps of selectively placing a first material 14 upon a substrate 16, depositing a certain material 26 upon a first material 14, and heating the materials 14, 16, 26, thereby forming a membrane 30.

Abstract: A membrane 30 and a method 12 for making the membrane 30 comprising the steps of selectively placing a first material 14 upon a substrate 16, depositing a certain material 26 upon a first material 14, and heating the materials 14, 16, 26, thereby forming a membrane 30.

Abstract: A method of operating a fuel cell having an anode passage. The method includes collecting hydrogen from the anode passage that does not pass through the catalyst membrane. The hydrogen, together with water and inert gases, are directed to a hydrogen storage container. The hydrogen storage container includes a hydrogen storage media such as metal hydride, carbon adsorbents, or carbon nanofibers. A sensor determines whether or not the vehicle is moving. When the vehicle is stopped or moving slowly, the surplus hydrogen is directed to the hydrogen storage container for temporary storage. When the sensor determines that the vehicle is moving at a high speed, the surplus hydrogen is vented to atmosphere and the hydrogen storage media is renewed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing thin foil alloys through a series of steps. A carrier having a polished carrier surface is placed within a deposition chamber. The carrier surface is generally polished to a mirrored surface finish. A sacrificial layer is applied atop the carrier surface. The sacrificial layer is made of a material that may be easily dissolved or separated from the carrier surface to remove the metal foil. The carrier surface and sacrificial layer are placed within the deposition chamber. The sacrificial layer is exposed to an evaporated first metal which becomes deposited upon the sacrificial layer. An evaporated second metal is then applied concurrently or sequentially with the first metal. The first and second evaporated metals solidify on the sacrificial layer to form a multilayer foil. At this point, the multilayer foil includes discrete layers or areas of the evaporated metals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for initiating a fuel cell power system by directly introducing a gas containing oxygen into the fuel cell stack 10. A gas storage source 28 provides oxidizer to the fuel cell 10 such that there is enough initial power to generate a load. The air compressor 24 is started electrically by a portion of the load, and begins to supply compressed air to the cathode 14. The fuel cell stack 10 thereby obtains a further quantity of oxidizer from the compressed air. The air system valve 32 then operates to transfer the fuel cell stack 10 from the gas storage source 28 to the air compressor 24.