Abstract: Disclosed are fuel cell stacks incorporating heat exchangers capable of also acting as members to compress the fuel cell stack. Heat exchange through conduction is enabled by placing the heat exchanger into contact with the edges of the bipolar plates. A compressive force within the fuel cell stack is achieved by placing the heat exchanger in tension between the endplates at the opposite ends of the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: A system and method for providing automotive resource information to a plurality of users can include the use of a plurality of portable devices. Each device has a display screen for displaying information and a storage medium for storing information thereon. The storage medium of each device can contain an application for displaying automotive information on the display screen of the device.

Abstract: A high temperature proton exchange medium (PEM) fuel stack system includes features for enhancing the thermal management of the fuel cell. The fuel cell can include a plurality of membrane-electrode-assemblies (MEA) separated by bipolar plates. The upper and lower edges of the bipolar plates are configured such that a plurality of fins is formed therein. Air can be passed along the fins in the upper edges of the plates and along the fins in the lower edges in opposite directions. A plurality of channels is formed on one or both surfaces of the bipolar plates. The channels extend along a serpentine path. Except for the end plates, hydrogen is supplied to the channels on one side of each plate and air is supplied to the channels on the channels on the opposite side of each plate. Such features keep the fuel cell within acceptable temperature limits during operation.

Abstract: A vehicle power plant includes a high temperature PEM fuel cell system operatively connected to a battery pack. A power conditioner is operatively connected between the PEM fuel cell system and the battery pack. The system can include a fuel processor, such as a steam reformer or an autothermal reformer. The reformer can be designed such that it can reform a wide range of fuels. The system can provide for a vehicle with a much higher driving range at a potentially lower cost than an equivalent range battery-only electric vehicle. The integration of these components into a single system also allows the vehicle to be fuel flexible; that is, capable of being fueled with a wide range of fuels without hardware changes in the system.

Abstract: A storage compartment, configured to be supported by a vehicle frame, includes a body having an inner surface defining a cavity and an opening for access to the cavity, a door movable between an open position in which the door exposes the opening and a closed position in which the door covers the opening, and a hinge assembly coupling the door and the body. The hinge assembly is enclosed within the cavity when the door is in the closed position. The hinge assembly includes a first four-bar linkage mounted to the body and a second four-bar linkage mounted to the door. The first and second four-bar linkages have at least two unitary links in common.

Abstract: The invention relates to the design and manufacturing of a symmetrical polymer electrolyte fuel cell (the cell module) having two cells arranged in mirror symmetry with respect to a central plane of a non conductive fuel manifold. The symmetrical dual cell configuration allows application of adhesive seals for the innermost fuel electrodes. These seals are formed by gluing two membrane electrode assemblies to the opposing faces of the central manifold. The cell module employed as an array of individual modules, or combined into planar or stacked fuel cell configurations.

Abstract: A remote surveillance system (the system) of the present invention is designed to have a long independent operation, portability, and wireless transmission of digital data from any location worldwide. The system includes a hybrid power element having novel hydrogen storage and generation device, light weight polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cell, and the low power and low weight electronics. The system also includes multiple day/night cameras, motion detector, global positioning system (GPS), and wireless module. The system is packed in a back pack case and is easily carried between multiple locations due to low weight and compacts size.

Abstract: A regenerative fuel cell/electrolyzer stack. The regenerative fuel cell/electrolyzer stack may comprise a fuel cell electrode assembly comprising first and second fuel cell electrodes, as well as a fuel cell electrolyte. The regenerative fuel cell/electrolyzer stack may also comprise an an electrolyzer electrode assembly comprising first and second electrolyzer electrodes. A conductive plate may be positioned between the fuel cell electrode assembly and the electrolyzer electrode assembly. The conductive plate may comprise a first surface facing the first fuel cell electrode and a second surface facing the first electrolyzer electrode. The first surface may comprise at least one flow path open to the first fuel cell electrode, and the second surface may comprise at least one flow path open to the first electrolyzer electrode.

Abstract: A thermodynamic system that can approximate the Ericsson or Brayton cycles and operated in reverse or forward modes to implement a cooler or engine, respectively. The thermodynamic system includes a device for compressing a first fluid stream containing a first gas-liquid mixture having a sufficient liquid content so that compression of the gas within the first gas-liquid mixture by the compressing device is nearly isothermal, and a device for expanding a second fluid stream containing a second gas-liquid mixture having a sufficient liquid content so that expansion of the gas within the second gas-liquid mixture by the expanding device is nearly isothermal. A heat sink is in thermal communication with at least the liquid of the first gas-liquid mixture for transferring heat therefrom, and a heat source is in thermal communication with at least the liquid of the second gas-liquid mixture for transferring heat thereto.

Abstract: A combination handle and safety device configured to be attached to a hand tool to enable the hand tool to be safely stored upon a timber includes a handle, configured to be grasped by a user of the hand tool. Each of a pair of hanger prongs extends outwardly from an end of the handle and define an open channel disposable over a top of the timber. One of the hanger prongs extends along a side of the timber. A handle support extends from an opposite end of the handle and has a notch formed therein. The notch includes at least two engagement points oriented to engage the top of the timber to securely engage the timber with the device to enable the hand tool to be safely stored upon the timber.

Abstract: A user may purchase in a retail outlet a host device for receiving cable services. The cable operator needs to provide a point-of-deployment (POD) module for insertion into the host device to realize out-of-band communications, and provide conditional access to premium subscription channels. Security measures are implemented to detect removal of the host device from its connection to a broadband communications system. If its removal is unauthorized, the service area in which the host device is located may be identified when it is reconnected to the system. In addition, a transmission device in the host device may be activated to transmit detectable signals to help recover the host device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an elastomeric coupling for transmitting torque between two shafts approximately aligned on a shaft axis, which coupling comprises a composite member extending arcuately about an axis and including an elastomeric center element having an axially and radially extending portion including an inner surface, a shoe having an axially inner portion fixed to the extending portion of the elastomeric center element, and an axially outer portion extending from the axially inner portion and including an inner surface, and a hub adapted to be connected to one of the shafts and including an outer surface having a circumference and a length and being engaged with the inner surface of the shoe substantially throughout the circumference and the length of the outer surface of the hub.