Abstract: An electrolytic cell employs a plastic molded frame component with raised ridges on one surface to create seal with a proton exchange membrane and on the opposite surface a groove with an interlocking feature for accepting a tabbed elastomer gasket. The gasket and frame design when combined with a proton exchange membrane can be stacked in multiple layers using mechanical hardware. The frame captures the softer elastomeric sealing material preventing elastomeric creep and loss of positive seal caused by the relaxation of mechanical hardware under load and internal pressure fluctuations. The addition of the ridged sealing surface provides positive surface contact with the polymeric membrane to further prevent the loss of seal under mechanical load. The interlocking feature reduces assembly time and improves assembly accuracy.

Abstract: A gas purifier assembly for providing first (50) and second (38) purified gas streams having an integral heater (54). The assembly can have two separate chambers for gaseous fluid flow for the purpose of purifying a gas stream of hydrogen (34), for example, and a separate distinct stream of gas such as compressed air (46). A centrally located heater heats the first chamber to effect purification of the first gas. Waste heat from the first chamber is transferred to the second chamber via conduction to effect purification of the second gas stream.

Abstract: A gas purifier assembly for providing first (50) and second (38) purified gas streams having an integral heater (54). The assembly can have two separate chambers for gaseous fluid flow for the purpose of purifying a gas stream of hydrogen (34), for example, and a separate distinct stream of gas such as compressed air (46). A centrally located heater heats the first chamber to effect purification of the first gas. Waste heat from the first chamber is transferred to the second chamber via conduction to effect purification of the second gas stream.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell employs a plastic molded frame component with raised ridges on one surface to create seal with a proton exchange membrane and on the opposite surface a groove with an interlocking feature for accepting a tabbed elastomer gasket. The gasket and frame design when combined with a proton exchange membrane can be stacked in multiple layers using mechanical hardware. The frame captures the softer elastomeric sealing material preventing elastomeric creep and loss of positive seal caused by the relaxation of mechanical hardware under load and internal pressure fluctuations. The addition of the ridged sealing surface provides positive surface contact with the polymeric membrane to further prevent the loss of seal under mechanical load. The interlocking feature reduces assembly time and improves assembly accuracy.

Abstract: An oil-water separation method to separate oil-contaminated water into clean, filtered water for use. The method comprises filtering prefiltered, coalesced oil-water in an oleophobic depth-type filter.

Abstract: An oil-water separator system and method to separate contaminated oil and water into clean water and free coalesced oil for collection and removal. The system includes a process tank for the oil and water, a pump to pump the oil and water through first and second stage oil-coalescing filters and through a full depth, fibrous filter under back pressure to provide filtered clean water of selected purity; typically, less than 20 ppm. The coalesced and filtered oil-water is returned and recycled to the process tank wherein a free coalescing oil layer forms on the surface, which free coalesced oil is removed by a belt skimmer for collection and removal.

Abstract: A weightlifting apparatus including a support structure for supporting a weight to be lifted, and a monitoring system for monitoring the position of the weight within a range of movement. The monitoring system includes sensors positioned within the range of movement, assisting unit for intermittently providing assistance, and a control unit for continuously controlling the assisting unit responsive to the outputs of the sensors. The apparatus is further capable of providing variable amounts of assistance.