Abstract: Embodiments provide techniques for modifying story playback based on battery charge levels. A story that includes a plurality of actions and, for each of the plurality of actions, stimulus criteria indicating when the respective action is to be performed, is retrieved for playback. Embodiments determine a plurality of available storytelling devices for use in playback of the story and assign each of the plurality of actions within the story to a respective one or more of the plurality of available storytelling devices, based at least in part on a respective indication of battery charge for the respective storytelling device. Playback of the story is then initiated using, for each of the plurality of actions, the assigned one or more available storytelling devices to perform the respective action, responsive to a determination that the corresponding stimulus criteria is satisfied.

Abstract: Embodiments provide techniques for modifying story playback based on battery charge levels. A story that includes a plurality of actions and, for each of the plurality of actions, stimulus criteria indicating when the respective action is to be performed, is retrieved for playback. Embodiments determine a plurality of available storytelling devices for use in playback of the story and assign each of the plurality of actions within the story to a respective one or more of the plurality of available storytelling devices, based at least in part on a respective indication of battery charge for the respective storytelling device. Playback of the story is then initiated using, for each of the plurality of actions, the assigned one or more available storytelling devices to perform the respective action, responsive to a determination that the corresponding stimulus criteria is satisfied.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is disclosed that employs a humidifier and an oxygen sensor for measuring the oxygen concentration in the cathode exhaust gas from the fuel cell stack to determine a system diagnostic, such as a fluid leak from or across the humidifier.

Abstract: A reactor system including a reactor housing having an inlet portion defined at one end of the housing and having a discharge opening formed in the housing at an opposite end. An air intake charge line is connected to the housing for charging air into the inlet portion. A steam charge line is connected to the housing for charging steam into the inlet portion. A fuel injector is positioned in the housing for injecting fuel into the stream of air and steam flowing through the housing. A fuel charge line is connected to the fuel injector for charging a carbon-based fuel into the injector. A catalyst bed is carried in the housing and positioned downstream of the fuel injector and at least a portion of the catalyst bed includes a catalyst for promoting the reformation of the carbon-based fuel to produce hydrogen. An auto-ignition suppression and carbon-suppression foam is carried in the housing and positioned between the catalyst bed and the fuel injector.

Abstract: A method to reduce the lightoff temperature of a catalyst. In the method, the working fluid (the fuel and oxidant to be reacted in the presence of the catalyst) is supplemented with a starter fluid at least until the lightoff temperature of the catalyst is reached. Preferably, the amount of starter fuel added is sufficiently small such that a reaction of the starter fuel and oxidant in the presence of the catalyst does not have a sufficient heat release to raise the temperature of the catalyst to the lightoff temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel processing unit in an electrochemical fuel cell power plant, and more specifically to a preheater combustor that forms byproduct compounds that may destroy downstream catalytic reactors for fuel reforming. The present invention includes a retention material that collects the byproduct compounds prior to entry into the downstream reactors. The retention material may be comprised of at least one active compound and a support structure, preferably having a porous body to facilitate tortuous fluid flow. Further aspects of the invention may include an electrical charging device for use with the retention device material that enhances collection of byproduct compounds. The present invention also includes a method of operation for start-up incorporating a retention material.

Abstract: A reactor system including a reactor housing having an inlet portion defined at one end of the housing and having a discharge opening formed in the housing at an opposite end. An air intake charge line is connected to the housing for charging air into the inlet portion. A steam charge line is connected to the housing for charging steam into the inlet portion. A fuel injector is positioned in the housing for injecting fuel into the stream of air and steam flowing through the housing. A fuel charge line is connected to the fuel injector for charging a carbon-based fuel into the injector. A catalyst bed is carried in the housing and positioned downstream of the fuel injector and at least a portion of the catalyst bed includes a catalyst for promoting the reformation of the carbon-based fuel to produce hydrogen. An auto-ignition and carbon-suppression foam is carried in the housing and positioned between the catalyst bed and the fuel injector.

Abstract: A receiver for a mobile telephone system, the receiver having a gain control coupled to receive an input burst signal and being switchable in response to the value of a gain control signal between a plurality of gain values. A detector for detecting the amplitude of said input burst signal, an averager for storing the value of the detected amplitude and a timer operative in response to the detection of said input signal for timing a sequence of measurements of the amplitude of the input burst signal, said averager being operative to compute an average value of the amplitude and to provide a corresponding gain control signal for a subsequent time period.