Abstract: A pulley for use with a non-synchronous drive belt is described and which includes a main body having a belt mating surface which has a given surface area and which is further defined by a first bearing area, and a second rough area, and wherein the first bearing area comprises less than about 85% of the belt mating surface area.

Abstract: A pulley for use with a non-synchronous drive belt is described and which includes a main body having a belt mating surface which has a given surface area and which is further defined by a first bearing area, and a second rough area, and wherein the first bearing area comprises less than about 85% of the belt mating surface area.

Abstract: A bariatric procedure or delivery apparatus is configured in such a way to deter premature passing of magnetic members through the pylorus. In other exemplary embodiments, the magnetic apparatus includes a plurality of magnetic members, having one of a variety of configurations, wherein plural magnetic poles are disposed on a surface of the apparatus.

Abstract: A reinforcing fabric for use in various applications, including retaining walls. Artificial grass is strategically provided on the fabric so that, when the fabric is positioned in the retaining wall installation, the artificial grass is at least visible on the vertical face of the wall.

Abstract: A bariatric procedure or delivery apparatus is configured in such a way to deter premature passing of magnetic members through the pylorus. In other exemplary embodiments, the magnetic apparatus includes a plurality of magnetic members, having one of a variety of configurations, wherein plural magnetic poles are disposed on a surface of the apparatus.

Abstract: A reinforcing fabric for use in various applications, including retaining walls. Artificial grass is strategically provided on the fabric so that, when the fabric is positioned in the retaining wall installation, the artificial grass is at least visible on the vertical face of the wall.

Abstract: A motor manifold is disclosed and which includes a main body with an upwardly facing surface which supports a motor which drives an air movement assembly; and a downwardly facing surface which rests in juxtaposed relation relative to a fluid recovery tank, and wherein the main body defines an aperture which extends therethrough, and wherein the motor and associated air movement assembly are substantially aligned with the aperture, and wherein the downwardly facing surface defines an annularly shaped male member which circumscribes the aperture, and is matingly received within the fluid recovery tank.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is disclosed and which includes a fluid dispensing tank which dispenses a cleaning fluid; a heat exchanger coupled in downstream fluid flowing relation relative to the fluid dispensing tank; a source of a combustible fluid fuel; a source of air; and a catalytic heater positioned in heat transferring relation relative to the heat exchanger, and which further is coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the combustible fluid fuel, and wherein the catalytic heater catalytically combusts a substantially nonflammable mixture of the combustible fluid fuel and air to produce heat energy which heats the fluid dispensed from the fluid dispensing tank.

Abstract: A fuel cell is described and which includes an ion exchange membrane; an electrode positioned in ion exchanging relation relative to the ion exchange membrane; a gas diffusion layer borne by the electrode and having an outwardly facing surface; a porous metal coating comprising one or more elements selected from the periodic table of elements and which has an atomic number of less than 75, and which is positioned at least in partial covering relation relative to the outwardly facing surface of the gas diffusion layer; and a current collector forcibly disposed in ohmic electrical contact with the porous metal coating.

Abstract: A current collector for use in a fuel cell is described and wherein the fuel cell includes an ion exchange membrane having opposite anode and cathode sides, and a current collector is disposed in ohmic electrical contact with each of the anode and cathode sides, and wherein at least one of the current collectors has a surface area which provides substantially effective operational hydration for the ion exchange membrane.

Abstract: A fuel cell is described and which includes an ion exchange membrane; an electrode positioned in ion exchanging relation relative to the ion exchange membrane; a gas diffusion layer borne by the electrode and having an outwardly facing surface; a porous metal coating comprising one or more elements selected from the periodic table of elements and which has an atomic number of less than 75, and which is positioned at least in partial covering relation relative to the outwardly facing surface of the gas diffusion layer; and a current collector forcibly disposed in ohmic electrical contact with the porous metal coating.

Abstract: An air cooled fuel cell module is described and which includes an ion exchange membrane having opposite anode and cathode sides; an electrode borne by each of the anode and cathode sides; and a cathode heat sink positioned in heat removing relation relative to the cathode side of the ion exchange membrane, and which, in one form of the invention, can simultaneously act as a current collector.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is disclosed and which includes a fluid dispensing tank which dispenses a cleaning fluid; a heat exchanger coupled in downstream fluid flowing relation relative to the fluid dispensing tank; a source of a combustible fluid fuel; a source of air; and a catalytic heater positioned in heat transferring relation relative to the heat exchanger, and which further is coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the combustible fluid fuel, and wherein the catalytic heater catalytically combusts a substantially nonflammable mixture of the combustible fluid fuel and air to produce heat energy which heats the fluid dispensed from the fluid dispensing tank.

Abstract: An air cooled fuel cell module is described and which includes an ion exchange membrane having opposite anode and cathode sides; an electrode borne by each of the anode and cathode sides; and a cathode heat sink positioned in heat removing relation relative to the cathode side of the ion exchange membrane, and which, in one form of the invention, can simultaneously act as a current collector.

Abstract: A current collector for use in a fuel cell is described and wherein the fuel cell includes an ion exchange membrane having opposite anode and cathode sides, and a current collector is disposed in ohmic electrical contact with each of the anode and cathode sides, and wherein at least one of the current collectors has a surface area which provides substantially effective operational hydration for the ion exchange membrane.

Abstract: Fuel cell power systems and methods of controlling a fuel cell power system are provided. According to one aspect, a fuel cell power system includes a plurality of fuel cells electrically coupled with plural terminals and individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity; and a digital control system configured to at least one of control and monitor an operation of the fuel cells. Another aspect provides a method of controlling a fuel cell power system including providing a plurality of fuel cells individually configured to convert chemical energy into electricity; electrically coupling the plurality of fuel cells; providing a first terminal coupled with the fuel cells; providing a second terminal coupled with the fuel cells; and coupling a digital control system with the fuel cells to at least one of monitor and control an operation of the fuel cells.

Abstract: A fuel cell is described and which includes an ion exchange membrane having opposite anode and cathode sides; an electrode disposed adjacent to each of the anode and cathode sides; a gas diffusion layer which is located adjacent to each electrode and which defines a major surface and wherein at least one of the gas diffusion layers has a hydrophobicity which varies when measured in a direction which is substantially along the major surface, and which provides a substantially optimal hydration for the ion exchange membrane at fuel cell operational temperatures; an airflow is provided to the fuel cell and which is supplied in part to the cathode, and wherein the airflow further regulates the operational temperature of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A fuel cell is described and which includes an ion exchange membrane; an electrode positioned in ion exchanging relation relative to the ion exchange membrane; a gas diffusion layer borne by the electrode and having an outwardly facing surface; a porous metal coating comprising one or more elements selected from the periodic table of elements and which has an atomic number of less than 75, and which is positioned at least in partial covering relation relative to the outwardly facing surface of the gas diffusion layer; and a current collector forcibly disposed in ohmic electrical contact with the porous metal coating.

Abstract: A fuel cell is described and which includes an ion exchange membrane; an electrode positioned in ion exchanging relation relative to the ion exchange membrane; a gas diffusion layer borne by the electrode and having an outwardly facing surface; a porous metal coating comprising one or more elements selected from the periodic table of elements and which has an atomic number of less than 75, and which is positioned at least in partial covering relation relative to the outwardly facing surface of the gas diffusion layer; and a current collector forcibly disposed in ohmic electrical contact with the porous metal coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved fuel cell and method of controlling same having an anode and a cathode which produces an electrical current having a given voltage and current output and which includes a controller electrically coupled with the fuel cell and which shunts the electrical current between the anode and the cathode of the fuel cell. The invention also discloses a method for controlling the fuel cell having an anode, a cathode and a given voltage and current output and which include determining the voltage and current output of the fuel cell; and shunting the electrical current between the anode and cathode of the fuel cell under first and second operation parameters.