Abstract: A composite membrane and moisture adjustment module using the same is disclosed. The composite membrane includes a moisture-permeable resin layer interposed between porous membranes that constitute a pair; and the mean thickness of the moisture-permeable resin layer is 5 ?m or less.

Abstract: A composite membrane and moisture adjustment module using the same is disclosed. The composite membrane includes a moisture-permeable resin layer interposed between porous membranes that constitute a pair; and the mean thickness of the moisture-permeable resin layer is 5 ?m or less.

Abstract: A capacitive deionization cell comprising a first electrode, an anion membrane adjacent said first electrode forming an anion membrane-electrode conjugate, a cation membrane in spacial relation with said anion membrane defining a fluid flow path between said anion membrane and said cation membrane, and a second electrode adjacent said cation membrane forming a cation membrane-electrode conjugate, wherein said anion membrane-electrode conjugate and said cation membrane-electrode conjugate each have an effective capacitance, and the ratio of the effective capacitance of said cation membrane-electrode conjugate to the effective capacitance of said anion membrane-electrode conjugate is a non-zero number less than 2.

Abstract: A composite membrane and moisture adjustment module using the same is disclosed. The composite membrane includes a moisture-permeable resin layer interposed between porous membranes that constitute a pair; and the mean thickness of the moisture-permeable resin layer is 5 ?m or less.

Abstract: An electrochemical fuel cell system adapted for maintaining the efficient production of electrical power. The system comprises a fuel supply containing a hydrogen rich gaseous fuel for delivery to a fuel cell. A fuel supply conduit connects the fuel supply and the fuel cell for delivering a fuel stream of the hydrogen rich gaseous fuel to the fuel cell. An impurity sensor is carried by the fuel supply conduit for detecting impurities in the fuel stream prior to the impurities entering the fuel cell. A heating mechanism is provided in communication with the impurity sensor being operatively associated with the fuel cell for changing the temperature of the fuel cell. The heating mechanism raises the temperature of the fuel cell from a normal operating temperature to an elevated operating temperature when the impurity sensor detects impurities in the fuel stream to prevent the impurities from interfering with fuel cell efficiency.

Abstract: An electrochemical fuel cell system comprising a fuel supply of hydrogen rich gaseous fuel for delivery to a fuel cell. A fuel supply conduit connects the fuel supply and the fuel cell for delivering a fuel stream of the hydrogen rich gaseous fuel to the fuel cell. An impurity sensor is carried by the fuel supply conduit for detecting impurities in the fuel stream prior to the impurities entering the fuel cell. A pressure adjusting mechanism is provided in communication with the impurity sensor being operatively associated with the fuel cell for changing the pressure of the fuel cell. The pressure adjusting mechanism raises the pressure of the fuel cell from a normal operating pressure to an elevated operating pressure when the impurity sensor detects impurities in the fuel stream to prevent the impurities from interfering with fuel cell efficiency.

Abstract: A method of conditioning a fuel cell having an anode supplied with a fuel, and a cathode supplied with an oxidant comprising the steps of: (i) applying a first external load to said fuel cell to produce a first voltage which is less than open circuit voltage for a first period of time less than about 20 minutes; (ii) Removing the external load for a second period of time less than about 2 minutes; and (iii) Applying a second external load to said fuel cell to produce a second voltage which is less than open circuit voltage for a third period of time less than about 20 minutes.

Abstract: A universal presence indication and messaging system enables integrating the presence of a user into all platforms enables the user of this technology on a wired or wireless network to configure, manage and broadcast his presence to a defined or undefined set of other users on a wired or wireless network. The recipients of a presence file or image can then interact with the user through text, voice or other medium without the need for any additional software aside from standard web browser or e-mail software. The system is also independent of the operating environment of the user and the receiver of the presence indication, and independent of the need for any proprietary messaging system. This Universal Presence Indication is also fully manageable by the user.

Abstract: An electrochemical fuel cell system adapted for maintaining the efficient production of electrical power. The system comprises a fuel supply containing a hydrogen rich gaseous fuel for delivery to a fuel cell. A fuel supply conduit connects the fuel supply and the fuel cell for delivering a fuel stream of the hydrogen rich gaseous fuel to the fuel cell. An impurity sensor is carried by the fuel supply conduit for detecting impurities in the fuel stream prior to the impurities entering the fuel cell. A heating mechanism is provided in communication with the impurity sensor being operatively associated with the fuel cell for changing the temperature of the fuel cell. The heating mechanism raises the temperature of the fuel cell from a normal operating temperature to an elevated operating temperature when the impurity sensor detects impurities in the fuel stream to prevent the impurities from interfering with fuel cell efficiency.

Abstract: An electrochemical fuel cell system comprising a fuel supply of hydrogen rich gaseous fuel for delivery to a fuel cell. A fuel supply conduit connects the fuel supply and the fuel cell for delivering a fuel stream of the hydrogen rich gaseous fuel to the fuel cell. An impurity sensor is carried by the fuel supply conduit for detecting impurities in the fuel stream prior to the impurities entering the fuel cell. A pressure adjusting mechanism is provided in communication with the impurity sensor being operatively associated with the fuel cell for changing the pressure of the fuel cell. The pressure adjusting mechanism raises the pressure of the fuel cell from a normal operating pressure to an elevated operating pressure when the impurity sensor detects impurities in the fuel stream to prevent the impurities from interfering with fuel cell efficiency.

Abstract: An electrode-membrane combination for use in a fuel cell and providing improved power outputs and resistance to poisoning. Multiple embodiments are described which generally involve use of a vapor deposited zone or layer of one or more catalytically active metals. Vapor deposition can be carried out by, for example, sputtering or physical vapor deposition.

Abstract: An electrode-membrane combination for use in a fuel cell and providing improved power outputs and resistance to poisoning. Multiple embodiments are described which generally involve use of a vapor deposited zone or layer of one or more catalytically active metals. Vapor deposition can be carried out by, for example, sputtering or physical vapor deposition.