Abstract: A liquid feed fuel cell system having a unique fuel container and delivery assembly is provided. The container and delivery assembly allows liquid fuel which, in a preferred embodiment, is in the form of either pure methanol or an aqueous methanol/water mixture, to be placed under pressure so that it is delivered to the cell in a continuous manner. The fuel substance is stored in a flexible bladder that is housed in an outer container. The inner flexible bladder containing the fuel is fitted with a for supplying instrument that compresses the flexible bladder such that the fuel is expressed through a conduit in the container, to the direct oxidation fuel cell in a continuous manner. Other embodiments include the force-applying instrument being employed in a fuel cell system that includes inlet and outlet ports.

Abstract: An improved fuel delivery system and fuel cell system is provided which includes a component, which delivers fuel from the fuel cartridge by connecting with a corresponding component in the anode chamber of the fuel cell. Liquid fuel is transported into the anode area via an action in which fuel is drawn through the material which may be substantially comprised of a foam-based substance. Gases, including carbon dioxide, that are produced in the anodic reaction can be removed because the foam is gas permeable. Electrons produced in the reaction are collected by a wire mesh that lies between the foam and the membrane electron assembly. The flow of fuel between the foam and the fuel cartridge and the foam and the anode can be interrupted by breaking the connection between the cartridge and the cell, or the cartridge can be pulled away from the fuel cell to break the connection between the foam components. The invention may be employed with a fuel cell stack, or with an enclosed, refillable fuel cell system.

Abstract: A liquid feed fuel cell system having a unique fuel container and delivery assembly is provided. The container and delivery assembly allows liquid fuel which, in a preferred embodiment, is in the form of either pure methanol or an aqueous methanol/water mixture, to be placed under pressure so that it is delivered to the cell in a continuous manner. The fuel substance is stored in a flexible bladder that is housed in an outer container. The inner flexible bladder containing the fuel is fitted with a pressure-applying element that exerts a continuous pressure upon the fuel-containing flexible bladder to maintain pressure on the bladder in such a manner that the fuel is expressed through a conduit in the container, to the direct oxidation fuel cell in a continuous manner. The fuel container and delivery system of the present invention delivers fuel simply and inexpensively to the liquid feed fuel cell while it is being used in any orientation.