NOVELTY - The hydrogen generator comprises a housing (12), a reaction area, a fluid reservoir, a pellet (30) comprising a first reactant within the reaction area, a fluid comprising a second reactant within the fluid reservoir, a fluid flow path located between the fluid reservoir and the reaction area, a hydrogen outlet, and a byproduct containment area. The fluid flow path comprises a follower assembly biased towards the pellet. The follower assembly comprises an articulated joint and a pivotable follower (34). The second reactant reacts with the first reactant in the reaction area.    USE - The hydrogen generator is useful in a fuel cell system or an electric appliance.    ADVANTAGE - The disposable or refillable hydrogen generator can be easily and economically manufactured with reduced size.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - The hydrogen generator comprises a housing (12), a reaction area, a fluid reservoir, a pellet (30) comprising a first reactant within the reaction area, a fluid comprising a second reactant within the fluid reservoir, a fluid flow path located between the fluid reservoir and the reaction area, a hydrogen outlet, and a byproduct containment area. The fluid flow path comprises a follower assembly biased towards the pellet. The follower assembly comprises an articulated joint and a pivotable follower (34). The second reactant reacts with the first reactant in the reaction area to produce hydrogen gas and byproducts. The articulated joint comprises a ball joint, a universal joint and/or a flexible joint in which a component bends. The follower comprises fluid outlets located on a face facing the pellet. The follower assembly further comprises a fluid control mechanism configured to selectively adjust fluid flow through the fluid outlets based on an orientation of the follower. The follower further comprises a portion of the fluid control mechanism. The fluid control mechanism comprises valves. A fluid dispersion layer is disposed on a face of the follower, and comprises a porous, compressible material. The hydrogen gas is separated from the byproducts before passing through the hydrogen outlet. The hydrogen gas and the byproducts flow: past the follower before passing through the outlet; and through spaces around the follower and openings in the follower. The byproduct containment area is separated from the reaction area by the follower, and separates the reaction area and the fluid reservoir. The reaction area and the byproduct containment area are present in a volume exchanging relationship. The fluid reservoir and the byproduct containment area are present in a volume exchanging relationship. The byproduct containment area contains filter members that include an initially compressed filter, which expands as the byproduct containment area enlarges. The fluid reservoir comprises a flexible container. The reaction area is disposed adjacent to the fluid reservoir. The fluid is transported through the fluid flow path by a pump within and/or outside the hydrogen generator and by pressure applied to the fluid reservoir by a biasing member or a gas. The follower is biased by a spring. The pellet further comprises a reaction accelerator and a catalyst. The fluid further comprises a catalyst.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The diagram shows a schematic partial sectional view of a hydrogen generator.    Housing (12)    Connector (14)    Liquid reservoir compartment (22)    Pellet (30)    Follower. (34)