Abstract: A method for forming an increased efficiency microreactor for an energy production for portable applications includes at least one micro fuel cell. The microreactor has a reaction chamber including a catalyst for the production of gaseous hydrogen to be supplied to the micro fuel cell. The method may include providing at least one first silicon die, a face thereof defining an active surface of the reaction chamber. The method may include anisotropically etching the at least one first silicon die for realizing a plurality of notches and countershaped ridges suitable for increasing the area of the active surface so as to define an increased active surface. The method may also include depositing on at least one portion of the increased active surface a layer of the catalyst.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microdevice for containing electrically coupled cells while allowing their growth that allows the addition or removal of cells from their containment by providing an actuatable gate. When the gate is actuated, for example with electric current, the cells may be added or removed from their containment. The invention may be applied to a neurochip or any device for growing cells in a defined spatial arrangement.

Abstract: A process for the production of hydrogen for micro fuel cells, comprises the successive steps of: continuously supplying a catalytic bed with an aqueous solution of sodium borohydride, the catalytic bed being made of at least one metal chosen among cobalt, nickel, platinum, ruthenium with obtainment of hydrogen and of a by-product comprising sodium metaborate, continuously recovering the hydrogen thus obtained and supplying, with said hydrogen as it is as obtained, a micro fuel cell which transforms hydrogen into electric energy. An apparatus provides continuous supply of hydrogen to a micro fuel cell. An integrated system structured for continuously producing and supplying hydrogen to a micro fuel cell and for converting the continuously supplied hydrogen into electric energy.

Abstract: A microfluidic system through which a solution of at least an oxidable compound is fed to a feed manifold of an energy converting electrochemical device includes a flow connector. The flow connector includes a silicon platform having a bottom side and an opposing top side, and through holes extending therethough. The silicon platform includes first and second channels defined on the bottom side for communicating with the through holes. The second channel forms an inlet for the feed manifold of the energy converting electrochemical device when the bottom side of the silicon platform is coupled to a flat coupling area of the device. A micropump module is coupled to the top side of the silicon platform for communicating with the through holes in the first and second channels. First and second supply cartridges are coupled to the top side of the silicon platform for communicating with the through holes in the first channel.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a microdevice for containing electrically coupled cells while allowing their growth that allows the addition or removal of cells from their containment by providing an actuatable gate. When the gate is actuated, for example with electric current, the cells may be added or removed from their containment. The invention may be applied to a neurochip or any device for growing cells in a defined spatial arrangement. This Abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an Abstract that allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain subject matter of the technical disclosure. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: Three-dimensional analysis of surface defects and microdefects of an object is performed by correlating two images of the surface of the object based upon a stereoscopic view thereof. Analyzing surface defects may be implemented by integrating, in a single monolithic component made using VLSI CMOS technology, an optical sensor with a cellular neural network. The optical sensor includes a matrix of cells configured as analog processors.

Abstract: Mixed oxides of alumina and zirconia having a controlled granulometric distribution, consisting essentially of spherical, submicronic particles, wherein zirconia is distributed uniformly in alumina and may reach 38% by weight, said zirconia being in the stabilized form at room temperature in the tetragonal phase, after having subjected the amorphous hydrated composite oxides to thermal treatments, wherein occurs the transition of zirconia to the tetragonal phase.

Abstract: A process for preparing hydrated alumina consisting essentially of spherical particles having a narrow granulometric distribution (polydispersion index dw/dn.ltoreq.2) starting from aqueous solution of aluminum sulphate, the molar ratio SO.sub.4.sup.= /Al.sup.3+ being greater than 1, by homogeneous precipitation in the presence of cationic polyelectrolytes, which are soluble under the reaction conditions and have a mean molecular weight higher than one million and an ionicity, deriving from the cationic groups present in the polyelectrolyte, of at least 3 milliequivalents/gram.

Abstract: A process for preparing titanium dioxide in the form of spherical particles having the particle size distribution indicated by dw/dn.ltoreq.2, by hydrolysis of strongly acid solutions of Ti(IV), wherein the molar ratio SO.sub.4.sup.= /Ti(IV) is at least 1.5, and in the presence of cationic polyelectrolytes having a molecular weight higher than 1 million and a ionicity of at least 3 milliequivalents per gram.