Abstract: A proton exchange membrane fuel cell and method for forming a fuel cell is disclosed and which includes, in its broadest aspect, a proton exchange membrane having opposite anode and cathode sides; and individual electrodes juxtaposed relative to each of the anode and cathode sides, and wherein at least one of the electrodes is fabricated, at least in part, of a porous, electrically conductive material. The present methodology, as disclosed, includes the steps of providing a pair of electrically conductive substrates, applying a catalyst coating to the inside facing surface thereof; and providing a polymeric proton exchange membrane, and positioning the polymeric proton membrane therebetween, and in ohmic electrical contact relative thereto to form a resulting PEM fuel cell.

Abstract: A proton exchange membrane fuel cell and method for forming a fuel cell is disclosed and which includes, in its broadest aspect, a proton exchange membrane having opposite anode and cathode sides; and individual electrodes juxtaposed relative to each of the anode and cathode sides, and wherein at least one of the electrodes is fabricated, at least in part, of a porous, electrically conductive ceramic material. The present methodology, as disclosed, includes the steps of providing a pair of electrically conductive ceramic substrates, applying a catalyst coating to the inside facing surface thereof; and providing a polymeric proton exchange membrane, and positioning the polymeric proton membrane therebetween, and in ohmic electrical contact relative thereto to form a resulting PEM fuel cell.

Abstract: A method for treating a fuel cell membrane is described and which includes providing a fuel cell membrane which is not generating an electrical current output; and exposing the fuel cell membrane which is not generating an electrical current output to a nonambient environment which is effective to render the fuel cell membrane substantially immediately operable to generate at least about 80% of the maximum sustainable electrical power output of the fuel cell membrane when it is supplied with a source of fuel and an oxidant. The present invention also describes a fuel cell produced by the same methodology and a conditioned fuel cell membrane.

Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply and method for supplying uninterruptible power to a load is described and which includes a source of substantially continuous electrical power for energizing a load which has an electrical power demand; an ultracapacitor which stores electrical energy and which meets the electrical power demand of the load upon an interruption of the substantially continuous electrical power source; and a fuel cell for supplying electrical power to the load following the at least partial discharge of the ultracapacitor.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is disclosed and which includes a fluid dispensing tank which dispenses a cleaning fluid; a heat exchanger coupled in downstream fluid flowing relation relative to the fluid dispensing tank; a source of a combustible fluid fuel; a source of air; and a catalytic heater positioned in heat transferring relation relative to the heat exchanger, and which further is coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the combustible fluid fuel, and wherein the catalytic heater catalytically combusts a substantially nonflammable mixture of the combustible fluid fuel and air to produce heat energy which heats the fluid dispensed from the fluid dispensing tank.