Abstract: An electrochromic (EC) device having a low starting potential, thereby having a lower drive potential is disclosed. A potential is applied to the EC device to lower the starting potential. Methods and systems for manufacturing EC devices and adjusting the drive potential of an existing EC device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A valve for controlling a fluid, in particular for controlling a gas. The valve includes a valve housing which accommodates an electromagnetic actuating unit for a solenoid armature which is guided axially displaceably in the valve housing and which cooperates with a valve seat via a valve-closing member, so that a fluid stream from an inflow side to an outflow side of the valve is controllable. At least one lubricant chamber adjacent to the guide gap between the valve housing and the solenoid armature is provided.

Abstract: A safety system for a gas-operated apparatus for generating energy, in particular in a vehicle, includes at least one sensor for measuring the gas concentration. The sensor is preferably disposed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. In the event of a dangerously high gas concentration, a fan and/or power window control is triggered via a control unit in such a way that the fastest possible air exchange in the passenger compartment of the vehicle results.

Abstract: In a computer system that is configured to contain schema definitions for several data components, layout information for at least one of the data components is stored in the schema definition for the at least one data component. A method of providing display of data in a graphical user interface includes accessing layout information for a data component, the layout information being included in a schema definition for the data component, and providing, using the accessed layout information, an instance of the data component for display in a graphical user interface. A browser can parse XSD artifacts of reusable building blocks and generate a graphical user interface with the embedded relative layout information of every building block.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing composite membranes includes providing a branched polyalkoxy siloxane, providing an organic proton conductor, mixing the branched polyalkoxy siloxane with the organic proton conductor; and forming a membrane from the composite component mixture. Using the method according to the present invention, it is possible to increase the proton conductivity and the mechanical stability of membranes and to reduce the swelling by water and aqueous solutions. The obtained composite membranes may be used in PEM fuel cells.

Abstract: The invention describes an apparatus for converting energy that can be operated with gaseous fuel, in particular a fuel cell assembly with a fuel cell (2), a fuel reservoir, and consumers (6), adjusters, sensors, and a monitoring unit. The object of the invention is to monitor the operation of the apparatus from the standpoint of safety. A monitoring unit (3) is provided for ascertaining consumption by the fuel cell (2) and/or for monitoring components required for its operation.

Abstract: A valve for controlling a fluid, in particular for controlling a gas. The valve includes a valve housing which accommodates an electromagnetic actuating unit for a solenoid armature which is guided axially displaceably in the valve housing and which cooperates with a valve seat via a valve-closing member, so that a fluid stream from an inflow side to an outflow side of the valve is controllable. At least one lubricant chamber adjacent to the guide gap between the valve housing and the solenoid armature is provided.

Abstract: Stellate polymers containing hydrophilic polymer arms, which bear reactive functional groups on their free ends, are useful for producing ultra-thin coatings that form hydrogels. Such coatings actively suppress an unspecific protein absorption on surfaces provided with such coatings.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a fuel cell device for energy supply in a finished end product has a control unit for an operation of the fuel cell device, the control unit being formed so as to control control operational points in predetermined phases during the operation and to obtain an adjustable value of at least one device variable of the fuel cell device and to evaluate it with respect to at least one previously determined value of the device variable of the fuel cell device.

Abstract: The fuel cell system has a membrane unit for separating a hydrogen-enriched fuel for a fuel cell unit from a hydrogen-containing mixture, for example a hydrogen-containing mixture produced by a reforming unit. The membrane unit contains a semi-permeable membrane, which is permeable to molecular hydrogen, and at least reduces the amount of certain undesirable gasses, such as CO and CO2, in the stream passing through it. This semi-permeable membrane is economically constructed in comparison to the state of the art, because it is permeable to molecular hydrogen.

Abstract: A safety system for a gas-operated apparatus for generating energy, in particular in a vehicle, includes at least one sensor for measuring the gas concentration. The sensor is preferably disposed in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. In the event of a dangerously high gas concentration, a fan and/or power window control is triggered via a control unit in such a way that the fastest possible air exchange in the passenger compartment of the vehicle results.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing composite membranes includes providing a branched polyalkoxy siloxane, providing an organic proton conductor, mixing the branched polyalkoxy siloxane with the organic proton conductor; and forming a membrane from the composite component mixture. Using the method according to the present invention, it is possible to increase the proton conductivity and the mechanical stability of membranes and to reduce the swelling by water and aqueous solutions. The obtained composite membranes may be used in PEM fuel cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polyurethane based composition for treating textiles to provide such treated textile with oil, water or oil and water repellency. The composition comprises a polyfunctional liquid polyurethane-containing adduct wherein the adduct contains as a first functional group at least one structo-terminal blocked isocyanate moiety per molecule, and at least one second structo-terminal functional group per molecule which is a perfluoro or siloxane moiety.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid urethane containing adduct; a process for the preparation thereof; and applications therewith. More specifically this invention relates to a stable adduct which is a liquid at room temperature and which contains a plurality of urethane linkages, and yet which is substantially free of any isocyanate functionality or isocyanate-reactive functionality. Such adducts can be used as quenchants, lubricants, or surfactants.

Abstract: The daylight enters the room through at least one inner light port which is limited at the top by a flat upper reflector and at the bottom by a parabolic lower reflector. A diagonal beam having a diagonal angle passes through the upper edge of the inlet window and through the lower edge of the inner window. All of the light entering through the light port is emitted into the room above the diagonal beam. To accomplish this, the lower reflector represents, in cross-section, part of a parabola whose main axis passes through the upper edge of the inlet window, and which forms with the vertical an upwardly directed main axis angle. Also, the angle of inclination measured from the main axis of the upper reflector is equal to half the diagonal angle measured in relation to the main axis. By superimposing an outer light port, a given window surface can be better exploited and can be protected from interference light entering from below.