Abstract: A method for humidifying a fuel stream for a direct methanol fuel cell. An ultrasonic transducer (122) is used to create a vapor of methanol without heating. Water is also vaporized with an ultrasonic transducer (132) to create a vapor of water without heating. The water vapor and the methanol vapor are combined (240) in a certain ratio to form a humidified fuel vapor which is presented to an anode (112) of the direct methanol fuel cell (110). The ratio of water to methanol can be adjusted automatically by a sensor (180) that monitors the current drawn by the load (170) on the fuel cell.

Abstract: An image guided catheter navigation system for navigating a region of a patient includes an imaging device, a tracking device, a controller, and a display. The imaging device generates images of the region of the patient. The tracking device tracks the location of the catheter in the region of the patient. The controller superimposes an icon representing the catheter onto the images generated from the imaging device based upon the location of the catheter. The display displays the image of the region with the catheter superimposed onto the image at the current location of the catheter.

Abstract: An improved hydrogen storage medium in the form of a fabric (124, 504, 704) comprises a yarn (300, 400) that includes carbon nanofibers or carbon nanotubes (302, 404) and elastomeric fibers (304, 402). The fabric (124, 504, 704) is volume efficient arrangement of the he carbon nanofibers or carbon nanotubes (302, 404) and is consequently characterized as a high density energy storage medium. According a preferred embodiment an hydrogen storage device (100) comprises a flexible container (104) that includes the fabric (124). The flexibility of the container (104) in combination with the flexibility of the fabric (124) allows the hydrogen storage device 100 to be accommodate in irregularly shaped spaces. According to an embodiment of the invention a battery (700) that uses the fabric (704) as a hydrogen storing anode is provided.

Abstract: An improved hose is used to install loose fill insulation. The hose includes projections extending from an inner surface which serve to condition the insulation as it proceeds through the hose and is dispensed. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed so as to be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hose. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed so as to be angled, by an angle less then ninety (90) degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the hose. In a third embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed with a serrated edge. In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed as part of a cap member which is disposed around the periphery of the hose.

Abstract: A method of and fuel cell system for limiting an amount of a fuel crossing over a membrane in a fuel cell, the method including determining an appropriate molecular ratio of the fuel and water for a fuel-water mixture 503; and controlling an amount of the fuel-water mixture that is available to an anode side of the membrane 507 in the fuel cell according to an amount of the fuel that will be electro-oxidized by the fuel cell. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell membrane 103 having an anode layer 107, a cathode layer 109, and an electrolyte layer 111 where the cathode layer is exposed to an oxygen source, and a fuel delivery system 105 including a fuel chamber 119 disposed around and proximate to the anode layer at a side opposite to the electrolyte layer, the fuel delivery system implementing the method above.

Abstract: A gas pressure regulator (100) includes a mechanical primary stage (102), preferably including a spring valve, and an electronic secondary stage (104), preferably including a micromachined pressure regulator, the combination of the mechanical primary stage and the electronic secondary stage suitable for relatively precise low pressure near zero flow rates with reasonable energy consumption rates, such as encountered when supplying fuel to a low power fuel cell system.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) is provided with a plurality of activatable indicia (112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 1102) that are located proximate keys buttons (108, 109, 110) that are used to control the communication device (100). The activatable indicia (112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 1102) are activated in order to identify to a user one or more of the buttons (108, 109 110) to be pressed in order to in the course of entering a command, or to indicate to the user to reorient an antenna of the electronic device in order to improve signal strength.

Abstract: A device housing (20) for a portable electronic device (10) includes an outer visible surface (30). At least one portion (35) of the outer visible surface (30) is composed of one or more optical fibers (40). The one or more optical fibers (40) are illuminated using a light source coupled to at least one end of the one or more optical fibers (40) to provide decorative characteristics and operational functions.

Abstract: A fuel cell power source (100) for use in electronic systems includes a fuel cell system (130) and a control means (150). The control means (150) computes net power requirements of a load device from one or more power functional information sources; and determines an operating point of the fuel cell system (130) by matching the net power requirements with the power characteristics of the fuel cell system (130).

Abstract: A housing (12) for use in a portable electronic device (10) includes an outer visible surface (14). The outer visible surface (14) is composed of an appearance changing substance responsive to an environmental stimulus.

Abstract: A device for determining density of a material flowing in a conveying system includes a duct segment in fluid communication with the conveying system. The duct segment is coupled to the conveying system by isolation fittings, which allow the weight of the duct segment to be measured independent of the weight of adjacent portions of the conveying system. Further, a method for determining density of a material flowing in a conveying system includes weighing a duct segment having material free fluid flowing therein. The duct segment having a mixture of material and fluid flowing therein is also weighed. The difference of the two weights is used to determine a linear density of the material.

Abstract: A device for determining density of a material flowing in a conveying system includes a duct segment in fluid communication with the conveying system. The duct segment is coupled to the conveying system by isolation fittings, which allow the weight of the duct segment to be measured independent of the weight of adjacent portions of the conveying system. Further, a method for determining density of a material flowing in a conveying system includes weighing a duct segment having material free fluid flowing therein. The duct segment having a mixture of material and fluid flowing therein is also weighed. The difference of the two weights is used to determine a linear density of the material.

Abstract: An improved hose is used to install loose fill insulation. The hose includes projections extending from an inner surface which serve to condition the insulation as it proceeds through the hose and is dispensed. In a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed so as to be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hose. In a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed so as to be angled, by an angle less then ninety (90) degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the hose. In a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed with a serrated edge. In a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed as part of a cap member which is disposed around the periphery of the hose. In a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the projections include an additional perpendicular projection member extending therefrom.

Abstract: An improved hose is used to install loose fill insulation. The hose includes projections extending from an inner surface which serve to condition the insulation as it proceeds through the hose and is dispensed. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed so as to be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hose. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed so as to be angled, by an angle less then ninety (90) degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the hose. In a third embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed with a serrated edge. In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed as part of a cap member which is disposed around the periphery of the hose.

Abstract: An improved hose is used to install loose fill insulation. The hose includes projections extending from an inner surface which serve to condition the insulation as it proceeds through the hose and is dispensed. In a first embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed so as to be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hose. In a second embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed so as to be angled, by an angle less then ninety (90) degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the hose. In a third embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed with a serrated edge. In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, the projections are formed as part of a cap member which is disposed around the periphery of the hose.

Abstract: A conveyor system for a cotton picking machine having a duct for the air transport of cotton from the picking heads and cotton transport apparatus for receiving air borne cotton and moving it to a common collection location for the transport to a storage bin.

Abstract: Methods of treating a human infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), such as a human with AIDS, with the purina nucleotides 2',3'-dideoxy-2'-beta-fluoroadenosine (FddA) and 2',3'-dideoxy-2'-beta-fluoroinosine (FddI) are disclosed. These nucleotides are stable in an acid environment and thus can be used for oral administration. Methods of inhibiting human immunodeficiency virus replication in a human T cell using these purina nucleotides are also disclosed.

Abstract: Purine nucleosides active against human immunodeficiency virus which are substituted at the 2'-position by a strong electronegative group such as fluorine are stable in an acid environment and thus can be used for oral administration.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to prodrugs. In particular, the present invention relates to lipophilic, aminohydrolase-activated, anti-viral nucleoside prodrug compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, and methods of using these compounds.