Abstract: In one embodiment, a timer is disclosed having at least one switch, an alarm, a display device, and a controller. The controller starts a countdown sequence in response to activation of a switch, the countdown sequence having at least one time interval. The controller then activates an alarm at an end of the countdown sequence and at each of the at least one time interval. As well, the controller displays a number of substantially completed countdown sequences on the display device in response to activation of a switch. Other embodiments are discussed, and each can be used alone or in combination with one another.

Abstract: A hydrogen-permeable metal membrane with increased hydrogen flux compared to conventional metal membranes is disclosed. Without sacrificing selectivity, the membrane enables a greater throughput of purified hydrogen. A method for preparing the invention includes at least one etching step in which a controlled volume of etchant is used to selectively remove material from the membrane's surface. Methods for repairing holes or other defects in the membrane are also disclosed. The invention also includes a membrane module adapted for use in purifying hydrogen streams, such as those produced by fuel processors.

Abstract: Membrane modules that contain one or more hydrogen-selective membranes, methods for preparing the same, and hydrogen purification systems, fuel processors and devices containing the same. In some embodiments, the membrane modules include one or more hydrogen-selective membranes supported on a screen structure, of which a variety of embodiments are disclosed. In some embodiments, the membrane or membranes are adhesively mounted on the screen structure during assembly. In some embodiments, the screen structure includes a plurality of screen members adhesively mounted together during assembly. In some embodiments, the screen structure includes a coating.

Abstract: Membrane modules that contain one or more hydrogen-selective membranes, methods for preparing the same, and hydrogen purification systems, fuel processors and devices containing the same. In some embodiments, the membrane modules include one or more hydrogen-selective membranes supported on a screen structure, of which a variety of embodiments are disclosed. In some embodiments, the membrane or membranes are adhesively mounted on the screen structure during assembly. In some embodiments, the screen structure includes a plurality of screen members adhesively mounted together during assembly. In some embodiments, the screen structure includes a coating.

Abstract: Fuel processors and fuel processing and fuel cell systems containing the same. The fuel processor is adapted to produce a product hydrogen stream from a feed stream, such as at least one of water and a carbon-containing feedstock, which may be one or more hydrocarbons or alcohols. In some embodiments, the fuel processor is a steam reformer containing a separation region in which the reformate stream is purified using a pressure-driven separation process. In some embodiments, the fuel processor includes a filter assembly adapted to remove particulates from the reformate stream prior to delivery to the separation region. In some embodiments, the fuel processor contains one or more cartridge-based components to facilitate easier removal and replacement of these components. In some embodiments, the fuel processor includes an air delivery system adapted to regulate the operating temperature of the fuel processor.

Abstract: Membrane modules that contain one or more hydrogen-selective membranes, methods for preparing the same, and hydrogen purification systems, fuel processors and devices containing the same. In some embodiments, the membrane modules include one or more hydrogen-selective membranes supported on a screen structure, of which a variety of embodiments are disclosed. In some embodiments, the membrane or membranes are adhesively mounted on the screen structure during assembly. In some embodiments, the screen structure includes a plurality of screen members adhesively mounted together during assembly. In some embodiments, the screen structure includes a coating.