Abstract: Methods and systems for generating, facilitating, and providing pre-authorized return of delivered items in a logistics network. A shipper may designate one or more items for delivery to a recipient using a logistics provider. The shipper may designate the items as pre-authorized for return with the logistics provider. The pre-authorized return status may be established or determined based on a unique identifier associated with the shipper and/or an identifier associated with the item, which may be linked with shipper-designated return parameters. A recipient may initiate a return of an item with the logistics provider based on the pre-authorized return status. The unique identifier and/or item identifier may be used to determine details of the return and provide visibility to the shipper and/or to the recipient making the return. A recipient may initiate a return through a return portal.

Abstract: An electrochemical system adapted to operate between a fuel cell mode, an electrolysis mode and a mode alternating between an electrolysis mode and a fuel cell mode, also referred to as an energy storage mode, operating on a fuel gas mixture and an oxygen-containing gas mixture, and having modified fuel diffusion layers and oxygen diffusion layers. The tapered fuel diffusion layers are progressively thicker from its outermost edge to its innermost edge. The tapered oxygen diffusion layer is progressively thicker from its innermost edge to its outermost edge.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to an electrochemical apparatus for oxidation or consumption of a fuel, and the generation of electricity, such as, a solid electrolyte fuel cell. The electrochemical apparatus (1) comprises at least one cell (2), wherein the cell (2) has a solid electrolyte (10) disposed between a unitary oxygen electrode (12) and a unitary fuel electrode (8), and at least one separator (6) contacting the surface of one of the electrodes (13) opposite of the electrolyte (10). At least one electrode (13) of the cell (2) defines a micro-channel pattern (26), wherein the micro-channel cross-section is preferably varied, such that reactant gas flowing through the micro channels achieves tailored local flow, pressure, and velocity distributions.

Abstract: An electrochemical system adapted to operate between a fuel cell mode, an electrolysis mode and a mode alternating between an electrolysis mode and a fuel cell mode, also referred to as an energy storage mode, operating on a fuel gas mixture and an oxygen-containing gas mixture, and having modified fuel diffusion layers and oxygen diffusion layers. The tapered fuel diffusion layers are progressively thicker from its outermost edge to its innermost edge. The tapered oxygen diffusion layer is progressively thicker from its innermost edge to its outermost edge.

Abstract: An electrochemical apparatus and method for cooling the same. The apparatus comprises a stack of at least two compact cells. The cells have a maximum thermal pathway of about 4 centimeters. The cell includes a solid electrode layer disposed between an oxygen electrode layer and a fuel electrode layer. A separator layer contacts the surface of opposing electrodes of adjacent cells. The cell defines internal passages, for providing reactant gases to the electrodes, and a rim portion of the cell is adapted to radiate heat generated within the cell to outside the cell. At least one layer of the cell is adapted to conduct the cell heat to the rim for transfer by radiative cooling. The method of cooling the above apparatus includes feeding oxygen-bearing gas to the oxygen electrode at a low flow rate, conducting the heat produced within the cell to the cell rim, and radiating the heat from the cell rim.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to an electrochemical apparatus for oxidation or consumption of a fuel, and the generation of electricity, such as, a solid electrolyte fuel cell. The electrochemical apparatus (1) comprises at least one cell (2), wherein the cell (2) has a solid electrolyte (10) disposed between a unitary oxygen electrode (12) and a unitary fuel electrode (8), and at least one separator (6) contacting the surface of one of the electrodes (13) opposite of the electrolyte (10). At least one electrode (13) of the cell (2) defines a micro-channel pattern (26), wherein the micro-channel cross-section is preferably varied, such that reactant gas flowing through the micro channels achieves tailored local flow, pressure, and velocity distributions.

Abstract: An electrochemical apparatus including a steam reformer (24) positioned on top of a vaporizer (22) and communicating with a mixing orifice (34), the steam reformer (24) having a conductive output end plate (48) defining a fuel orifice (42); a compact cell stack (12) defining at least one air passage (54) and a fuel passage (46), wherein the fuel passage communicates with the fuel orifice (42); a stack end plate (50), defining at least one air orifice (52) communicating with the air passage (52); an electrically insulated sealing ring (58) extending upwardly from the stack end plate (50) outside the air orifice (52); an annular cap (60) defining a hot air inlet (61), extending inwardly beyond a sealing ring (58); a can (62) extending downwardly defining an exhaust passage (32) and communicating with an exhaust vent (66) within a base (16); a porous thermal insulation (56) defining a hot air plenum (68), a pin hole sheet (72) surrounding the can (62) and spaced inwardly from the enclosure (14) to define a cold

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to an electrochemical apparatus for oxidation or consumption of a fuel, and the generation of electricity, such as, a solid electrolyte fuel cell. The electrochemical apparatus (1) comprises at least one cell (2), wherein the cell (2) has a solid electrolyte (10) disposed between an oxygen electrode (8) and a fuel electrode (12), and at least one separator (6) contacting the surface of one of the electrodes (13) opposite of the electrolyte (10). At least one electrode (13) of the cell (2) defines a micro-channel pattern (26), wherein the micro-channel cross-section is preferably varied, such that reactant gas flowing through the micro channels achieves tailored local flow, pressure, and velocity distributions.

Abstract: An article for the separation, storage and delivery of substantially pure oxygen, comprises a closed walled, hollow container wherein at least a portion of at least one wall of the container is an oxygen separation material, providing a sole means for transporting substantially all oxygen into the container. An apparatus for the delivery of oxygen comprises means for transferring oxygen from a fluid containing oxygen to at least one such container at elevated temperature and pressure. The apparatus can provide means for transporting said the substantially pure oxygen-bearing container, means for storing said the container, and means for extracting oxygen from the container. A process includes filling the article with substantially pure oxygen, and, storing the substantially pure oxygen within the container for a selected period of time. The process may include releasing the oxygen from the container.

Abstract: An article for the separation, storage and delivery of substantially pure oxygen, comprises a closed walled, hollow container wherein at least a portion of at least one wall of the container is an oxygen separation material, providing a sole means for transporting substantially all oxygen into the container.An apparatus for the delivery of oxygen comprises means for transferring oxygen from a fluid containing oxygen to at least one such container at elevated temperature and pressure. The apparatus can provide means for transporting said the substantially pure oxygen-bearing container, means for storing said the container, and means for extracting oxygen from the container.A process includes filling the article with substantially pure oxygen, and, storing the substantially pure oxygen within the container for a selected period of time. The process may include releasing the oxygen from the container.

Abstract: The electrical performance of an electrochemical apparatus such as a fuel cell and the durability of the fuel cell elements can be significantly enhanced and extended by the addition of an element between at least one electrode (the oxygen electrode and/or the fuel electrode) and the electrolyte. Performance can be additionally enhanced by the design of at least one electrode to alter its flow characteristics. An integrated separator element can additionally function as at least one electrode of the fuel cell. The electrochemical apparatus is tolerant of the utilization of sulfur bearing fuels.

Abstract: The electrical performance of an electrochemical apparatus such as a fuel cell and the durability of the fuel cell elements can be significantly enhanced and extended by the addition of an element between at least one electrode (the oxygen electrode and/or the fuel electrode) and the electrolyte. Performance can be additionally enhanced by the design of at least one electrode to alter its flow characteristics. An integrated separator element can additionally function as at least one electrode of the fuel cell.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exposing particles to a fluid including the steps of adding fluid and particles to a container having impeller means therein, generating a current with the impeller so as to subject the particles to centrifugal and convective forces resulting in the formation of a well-defined and localized fluidized bed of particles, and maintaining the existence of the current through the fluidized bed so that the particles are thereby exposed to the fluid. The fluidized bed is located in a region removed from the impeller when the particles are more dense than the fluid, and the fluidized bed is located in a region near the impeller when the particles are less dense than the fluid. A method of exposing a first fluid to a second fluid, the second fluid being either a gas or a liquid immiscible in the first fluid is also disclosed.