Abstract: In one embodiment, a membrane electrode assembly of a fuel cell has an anode aspect and a cathode aspect. A fuel distribution structure is disposed adjacent to the anode aspect. The fuel distribution structure has a fuel feed port configured to receive and inject liquid fuel to a flow field plate. The flow field plate has flow channels formed therein that split and spread from the fuel feed port to exit ports. The flow channels are configured to convey heat to fuel passing there through to substantially convert the liquid fuel to vaporous fuel within the flow channels. The exit ports are configured to deliver the resulting vaporous fuel to the anode aspect to substantially uniformly distribute fuel across the anode aspect. Further, an enthalpy exchanger and heat spreader assembly is in thermal contact with the fuel distribution structure and configured to provide to it heat from fuel cell operation.

Abstract: A fuel cell system which includes a fuel distribution structure that uniformly distributes vaporizing fuel to a fuel cell is provided. As the fuel travels in a flow field channel in the fuel distribution structure, it is substantially converted to a vapor by the heat of the fuel cell operation in such a manner that the resulting vapor pressure works to substantially uniformly distribute fuel evenly outwardly across substantially the entire active area of the anode aspect of one or more membrane electrode assemblies in the system, and whereby localized, uneven “hot spots” of fuel at the anode aspects are substantially prevented. A pair of enthalpy exchanger and heat spreader assemblies include a cathode current collector element that also has a heat spreader plate that collects and redirects heat in the fuel cell system, the assembly acting to manage the heat, temperature and condensation in the fuel cell system.

Abstract: System and methods are disclosed that provide users of mobile digital devices the opportunity to obtain a permanent record of the service rendered at the mobile device for all modes of web based services, location based services, services originating at the mobile device and not related to the location of the device, services originating via a voice portal, web based services originating via voice communication. Services include location independent services, such as tickets and coupons, and location based services, such as obtaining directions/or and maps to the nearest store or hotel or to a given location, obtaining traffic information, and receiving location-based coupons at the mobile device.

Abstract: A fuel cell system which includes a fuel distribution structure that uniformly distributes vaporizing fuel to a fuel cell is provided. As the fuel travels in a flow field channel in the fuel distribution structure, it is substantially converted to a vapor by the heat of the fuel cell operation in such a manner that the resulting vapor pressure works to substantially uniformly distribute fuel evenly outwardly across substantially the entire active area of the anode aspect of one or more membrane electrode assemblies in the system, and whereby localized, uneven “hot spots” of fuel at the anode aspects are substantially prevented. A pair of enthalpy exchanger and heat spreader assemblies include a cathode current collector element that also has a heat spreader plate that collects and redirects heat in the fuel cell system, the assembly acting to manage the heat, temperature and condensation in the fuel cell system.

Abstract: A system and method for managing gas bubbles in a liquid flow system are described. In particular, according to the system and method, novel techniques reduce a volume of cavities in the liquid flow system and limit a cross-sectional area of the liquid flow system to a maximum cross-sectional area of tolerably sized bubbles. In this manner, by reducing the cavity volumes and limiting cross-sectional areas, the formation of intolerably sized bubbles and the aggregation of tolerably sized bubbles into intolerably sized bubbles are each substantially prevented. Also, bubbles may be removed from the system to reduce the quantity of bubbles that are to be managed.

Abstract: A heat spreader assembly that provides electrical, thermal and structural functions to the fuel cell. The heat spreader assembly comprises two bulk composite material layers, and a heat spreader element. The heat spreader element includes a copper layer sandwiched between two stainless steel layers. The stainless steel layers are bonded to the bulk composite layers by a conductive thermal set adhesive. The lamination applied to the stainless steel layers enables heat and electricity to flow from the cathode while maintaining low resistance among other layers of the fuel cell. The copper layer diffuses heat across the layer and functions as cathode current collector for a fuel cell. The bulk composite material layers function as a cold side of an enthalpy exchanger system and a cathode flow field. Further the composite material includes flow channels formed throughout the material to evenly distribute incoming air over the enthalpy exchanger membrane and to the cathode of the MEA.

Abstract: An integrated thermal management of an electrochemical energy conversion device (e.g., a fuel cell) and an electronic device powered by the electrochemical energy conversion device is described. According to the present invention, an integrated thermal management interface may be used to intentionally manage and control the heat generated by both devices in a shared and efficient manner (e.g., in addition to natural heat dissipation). In particular, the interface may be a unified sub-system, which may be electrical or mechanical (or a combination of both), used to actively control the heat of the two distinct devices, i.e., the heat-generating portions of the two devices, by creating a thermally conductive path to a shared heat dissipation mechanism. In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the interface may be embodied as one or more shared thermally conductive paths, fans, air pumps, heat sinks, switches, etc.

Abstract: There is described a thermal printer assembly including a plurality of elongated thermal print heads and a frame adapted to fixedly mount and align the plurality of print heads in parallel across a single print media path. The frame may be adapted to align the print heads to print across substantially different lateral portions of the print media path.

Abstract: There is described a thermal printer assembly including a plurality of elongated thermal print heads and a frame adapted to fixedly mount and align the plurality of print heads in parallel across a single print media path. The frame may be adapted to align the print heads to print across substantially different lateral portions of the print media path.

Abstract: System and methods are disclosed that provide users of mobile digital devices the opportunity to obtain a permanent record of the service rendered at the mobile device for all modes of web based services, location based services, services originating at the mobile device and not related to the location of the device, services originating via a voice portal, web based services originating via voice communication. Services include location independent services, such as tickets and coupons, and location based services, such as obtaining directions/or and maps to the nearest store or hotel or to a given location, obtaining traffic information, and receiving location-based coupons at the mobile device.