Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the presence of a microorganism in a microbial sample includes a first enclosable chamber for holding a first portion of a microbial sample. The first enclosable chamber holds the first portion of the microbial sample in a manner that allows a gaseous region to be formed therein thereby defining an interface between the gaseous region and the first portion. The apparatus of this embodiment further includes a first metabolic compound monitor in communication with the gaseous region. The first metabolic compound monitor provides a signal functionally dependent on metabolic compound concentration in the gaseous region wherein the signal allows identification of a metabolic compound rich state and metabolic compound depleted state such that at some point during a predetermined period of time a transition between the metabolic compound rich state and the metabolic compound depleted state occurs. The method executed by the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: To form an ionomer-based catalytic layer on a porous substrate, a heat source (40) is used to dry an ionomer-containing spray (46) so that it does not substantially liquid flow on the substrate (14). The ionomer spray (46) may contain a catalyst. A spray (46) of mixed material for forming the catalytic layer is entrained by a gas stream and is heated and directed to a substrate surface (12). For hydrogen/oxygen fuel cells, catalytic material is incorporated into the proton-conducting membrane (56) to convert diffusing oxygen and hydrogen to water to reduce potential loss at the electrodes and maintain hydration of the proton-conducting membrane (56).

Abstract: An ambient temperature alkaline fuel cell pack supplied with a non-forced electrolyte and air stream which are circulated through the fuel cell pack via thermal convection resulting from heat produced during the reactions at the hydrogen and air electrodes.

Abstract: An electrocatalyst layer, particularly an electrocatalyst layer used in a direct methanol fuel cell, is enhanced in catalytic efficiency by inclusion of particulates of a refractory oxide, such as silica.