Abstract: A device and method for improving cathode catalytic heating by allowing independently for a draining of a liquid and a purging of a gas in a fuel cell at cold starts via a system including an anode drain and a cathode catalytic heating system connected by a purge tube, a sump external to the purge tube, and a pintle having a closed position, a first open position, and a second open position.

Abstract: A device and method for improving cathode catalytic heating by allowing independently for a draining of a liquid and a purging of a gas in a fuel cell at cold starts via a system including an anode drain and a cathode catalytic heating system connected by a purge tube, a sump external to the purge tube, and a pintle having a closed position, a first open position, and a second open position.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided which includes a compression retention enclosure with upper and lower compression shells and side sheet components coupled by interlocking hem joints. Methods for manufacturing compression retention enclosures with hem joints such that the enclosure remains sealed upon operational swelling of the fuel stack are also provided. A compression shell may be formed from a light weight composite structure having a polymeric layer interposed between steel skins, and an extension of the top steel skin may form a hemmed edge or may form a side sheet having a hemmed edge. Side sheet panels may be coupled to the end plates by interlocking two opposing hemmed edges to form the hem joint, or by sliding an opposing C-linking element between two hemmed edges held under compression force in an interlocking position.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided which includes a compression retention enclosure with upper and lower compression shells and side sheet components coupled by interlocking hem joints. Methods for manufacturing compression retention enclosures with hem joints such that the enclosure remains sealed upon operational swelling of the fuel stack are also provided. A compression shell may be formed from a light weight composite structure having a polymeric layer interposed between steel skins, and an extension of the top steel skin may form a hemmed edge or may form a side sheet having a hemmed edge. Side sheet panels may be coupled to the end plates by interlocking two opposing hemmed edges to form the hem joint, or by sliding an opposing C-linking element between two hemmed edges held under compression force in an interlocking position.

Abstract: A fluid distribution insert adapted to be received within an inlet header of a fuel cell assembly. The fluid distribution insert includes a hollow insert with a first end and a second end. An inlet is formed at the first end of the hollow insert in fluid communication with a source of a reactant gas and adapted to receive the reactant gas therein. An outlet is formed intermediate the first end and the second end. The outlet is adapted to deliver the reactant gas to a plurality of fuel cells of the fuel cell assembly, wherein the hollow insert delivers the reactant gas to the fuel cells in a substantially simultaneous and uniform manner.

Abstract: A fluid distribution insert adapted to be received within an inlet header of a fuel cell assembly. The fluid distribution insert includes a hollow insert with a first end and a second end. An inlet is formed at the first end of the hollow insert in fluid communication with a source of a reactant gas and adapted to receive the reactant gas therein. An outlet is formed intermediate the first end and the second end. The outlet is adapted to deliver the reactant gas to a plurality of fuel cells of the fuel cell assembly, wherein the hollow insert delivers the reactant gas to the fuel cells in a substantially simultaneous and uniform manner.

Abstract: A compression retention system for a fuel cell system is provided. The compression retention system includes a first end unit and a second end unit configured to hold a fuel cell stack therebetween. A spring configured to apply a compressive force to the fuel cell stack is disposed between a first spring plate and a second spring plate. The first spring plate has an aperture formed therein. The compression retention system further includes a pair of sheets coupled to the first spring plate and the first end unit, and a spring strut disposed through the aperture of the first spring plate and coupled to the second spring plate and to the second end unit. A fuel cell system and method for assembling the fuel cell system with the compression retention system are also provided.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a stacked electrochemical conversion assembly is provided with an electrically and thermally insulating plate within one or both of the end unit assemblies of the stack. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the electrochemical conversion assembly includes at least one end unit assembly comprising an electrically conductive terminal plate and an electrically insulating plate interposed between the terminal plate and an end unit plate of the end unit assembly. The electrically insulating plate comprises an array of thermally insulating regions defined therein.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve for a fuel cell stack assembly is disclosed, wherein the valve is disposed in an insulation end plate to militate against an over pressurization of the fuel cell stack assembly.

Abstract: A compression retention system for a fuel cell system is provided. The compression retention system includes a first end unit and a second end unit configured to hold a fuel cell stack therebetween. A spring configured to apply a compressive force to the fuel cell stack is disposed between a first spring plate and a second spring plate. The first spring plate has an aperture formed therein. The compression retention system further includes a pair of sheets coupled to the first spring plate and the first end unit, and a spring strut disposed through the aperture of the first spring plate and coupled to the second spring plate and to the second end unit. A fuel cell system and method for assembling the fuel cell system with the compression retention system are also provided.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve for a fuel cell stack assembly is disclosed, wherein the valve is disposed in an insulation end plate to militate against an over pressurization of the fuel cell stack assembly.

Abstract: An eject interface for a removable peripheral used in an electronic device such as an electronic camera includes an eject mechanism for removably receiving the peripheral, a shield for enclosing at least part of the eject mechanism in order to isolate the peripheral from EMI generated by the camera, and a grounding connection on the shield for grounding the shield to a circuit ground on the camera.

Abstract: A shielded communications interface located within an electronic device is disclosed. The shielded communications interface is adapted to be connected to a plug of a peripheral external device and is subject to electromagnetic emissions (EMI) from electronic circuits which are grounded in the electronic device. The electronic device includes an enclosure having an opening through which the electronic circuits are accessed and a conductive inner wall surface that is connected to the ground of the electronic circuits. The shielded communications interface comprises a connector including a conductive housing and a plurality of pins which establish electrical connection between the plug and the electronic circuits, and a conductive EMI shield extending at least partially around the conductive housing.

Abstract: A camera includes a lens arranged on an optical axis for focusing an image upon a focal plane bounded by rails that define a reference for locating an imaging medium relative to the focal plane, an electronic image sensor, and an imager mounting plate supporting the image sensor against the rails in the focal plane. By including on one or more of the rails a plurality of alignment holes that are precisely located relative to the optical axis, and a like plurality of locating pins on the imager mounting plate, the pins on the mounting plate locate into the corresponding holes in the film rails to center the image sensor with respect to the optical axis at the focal plane.

Abstract: A housing for at least one removable memory package includes a connector section having a contact array for connecting to the package and an enclosure coupled to and extending from the connector section for supporting the package for connection to the connector section. The housing further includes an ejection mechanism for ejecting the package outwardly from the enclosure and an ejection release button, which is connected to the ejection mechanism for initiating ejection of the package and supported for movement in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the ejecting package. By locating the ejection release button at the front surface of the eject mechanism, and sliding the eject button in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the ejecting package, the eject mechanism can be of narrow width.