Abstract: A method and apparatus for fuel cell packaging are embodied in a pair of complementary fuel cell receptacles within which a stack of fuel cells are housed in a staggered or spiral configuration. The fuel cells are provided with ports positioned in their corner portions. The fuel cell receptacles include a plurality of port interfacing surfaces over which the corners of the fuel cells are positioned, thereby providing direct fluidic interfaces between the flow field areas of the fuel cells and the receptacles. In a preferred embodiment, o-rings are employed at the fluidic interfaces between the fuel cells and the receptacles. The fuel cell receptacles also include manifolds and a plurality of conduits between the port interfacing surfaces and the manifolds. In a preferred embodiment, the manifolds vary in depth along the receptacles such that the conduits are substantially equal in length.

Abstract: A portable life support system includes a primary oxygen supply in thermal communication with a recirculated ventilation flow from a user. The primary oxygen supply has a solid adsorbent bed made of a molecular sieve that adsorbs oxygen at cryogenic temperatures and desorbs oxygen when heated. The primary oxygen supply freezes carbon dioxide and moisture in the recirculated ventilation flow. A wire mesh is adjacent to the primary oxygen supply to contain frozen carbon dioxide and moisture. A first ice chest is downstream of the primary oxygen supply to condition the temperature and humidity of the recirculated ventilation flow. A liquid cooled garment associated with the suit is in thermal communication with the first ice chest.

Abstract: A portable life support system includes a primary oxygen supply in thermal communication with a recirculated ventilation flow from a user. The primary oxygen supply has a solid adsorbent bed made of a molecular sieve that adsorbs oxygen at cryogenic temperatures and desorbs oxygen when heated. The primary oxygen supply freezes carbon dioxide and moisture in the recirculated ventilation flow. A wire mesh is adjacent to the primary oxygen supply to contain frozen carbon dioxide and moisture. A first ice chest is downstream of the primary oxygen supply to condition the temperature and humidity of the recirculated ventilation flow. A liquid cooled garment associated with the suit is in thermal communication with the first ice chest.

Abstract: A tube-type shutoff valve is electrically positioned to its open or closed position by a concentric electromagnetic solenoid. The valve is dual latching in that the armature of the solenoid maintains the sliding tube of the valve in an open or closed position by means of permanent magnets which are effective when current is not supplied to the solenoid. The valve may also be actuated manually.

Abstract: Rotary actuators and other mechanical devices incorporating shape memory alloys are provided herein. Shape memory alloys are a group of metals which when deformed at temperatures below their martensite temperatures, resume the shapes which they had prior to the deformation if they are heated to temperatures above their austensite temperatures. Actuators in which shape memory alloys are employed include bias spring types, in which springs deform the shape memory alloy (SMA), and differential actuators, which use two SMA members mechanically connected in series. Another type uses concentric cylindrical members. One member is in the form of a sleeve surrounding a cylinder, both being constructed of shape memory alloys. Herein two capstans are mounted on a shaft which is supported in a framework. Each capstan is capable of rotating the shaft. Shape memory wire, as two separate lengths of wire, is wrapped around each capstan to form a winding around that capstan.

Abstract: A control for a compartment fluid pressure regulating system in which the control provides pressure signals to an outflow valve by way of fluid pressure signal transmission means, has a chamber coupled to two fluid pressure sources. The control has fluid flow control means to control the passageways between the chamber and the pressure sources, the flow characteristics of the two flow controls differing.