Patents by Inventor Gerald W. Fly
Gerald W. Fly has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 8371587Abstract: A bead seal structure is disclosed for sealing between plates of a fuel cell system, wherein the bead seal structure militates against a leakage of fluids from the fuel cell system and a cost thereof is minimized.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2008Date of Patent: February 12, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Gerald W. Fly, Jeffrey A. Rock, Scott C. Ofslager
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Publication number: 20130011763Abstract: A separator plate for a fuel cell is provided, including a substrate having a radiation-cured first flow field layer disposed thereon. A method for fabricating the separator plate is also provided. The method includes the steps of providing a substrate; applying a first radiation-sensitive material to the substrate; placing a first mask between a first radiation source and the first radiation-sensitive material, the first mask having a plurality of substantially radiation-transparent apertures; and exposing the first radiation-sensitive material to a plurality of first radiation beams to form a radiation-cured first flow field layer adjacent the substrate. A fuel cell having the separator plate is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 12, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Jeffrey A. Rock, Yeh-Hung Lai, Keith E. Newman, Gerald W. Fly, Alan J. Jacobsen, Peter D. Brewer, William B. Carter
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Patent number: 8329347Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a water vapor transport device having a wet flow field layer having a coarse microtruss structure disposed between a pair of fine microtruss structures. The coarse and fine microtruss structures of the wet flow field layer are formed from a radiation-sensitive material. A dry flow field layer has a coarse microtruss structure disposed between a pair of fine microtruss structures. The coarse and fine microtruss structures of the dry flow field layer are also formed from a radiation-sensitive material. A membrane is disposed between the wet flow field layer and the dry flow field layer and adapted to permit a transfer of water vapor therethrough from the wet fluid to the dry fluid to form a humidified fluid.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jeffrey A. Rock, Yeh-Hung Lai, Gerald W. Fly
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Publication number: 20120301805Abstract: A fuel cell component is provided, including a substrate disposed adjacent at least one radiation-cured flow field layer. The flow field layer is one of disposed between the substrate and a diffusion medium layer, and disposed on the diffusion medium layer opposite the substrate. The flow field layer has at least one of a plurality of reactant flow channels and a plurality of coolant channels for the fuel cell. The fuel cell component may be assembled as part of a repeating unit for a fuel cell stack. A method for fabricating the fuel cell component and the associated repeating unit for the fuel cell is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Jeffrey A. Rock, Yeh-Hung Lai, Keith E. Newman, Gerald W. Fly, Ping Liu, Alan J. Jacobsen, William B. Carter, Peter D. Brewer
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Patent number: 8318409Abstract: A system for fabricating a radiation-cured structure is provided. The system includes a radiation-sensitive material configured to at least one of initiate, polymerize, crosslink and dissociate with exposure to radiation. At least one radiation source is configured to project a radiation beam toward the radiation-sensitive material. A smart glass device is disposed between the radiation-sensitive material and the at least one radiation source. The smart glass device includes at least one switchable layer selectively operable from an active state to an inactive state. The smart glass device is configured to expose the radiation-sensitive material to a desired exposure pattern when in one of the active state and the inactive state. A method for fabricating the radiation-cured structure is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Yeh-Hung Lai, Gerald W. Fly, Jeffrey A. Rock
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Patent number: 8309274Abstract: A separator plate for a fuel cell is provided, including a substrate having a radiation-cured first flow field layer disposed thereon. A method for fabricating the separator plate is also provided. The method includes the steps of providing a substrate; applying a first radiation-sensitive material to the substrate; placing a first mask between a first radiation source and the first radiation-sensitive material, the first mask having a plurality of substantially radiation-transparent apertures; and exposing the first radiation-sensitive material to a plurality of first radiation beams to form a radiation-cured first flow field layer adjacent the substrate. A fuel cell having the separator plate is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2009Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jeffrey A. Rock, Yeh-Hung Lai, Keith E. Newman, Gerald W. Fly, Alan J. Jacobsen, Peter D. Brewer, William B. Carter
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Publication number: 20120244451Abstract: A fuel cell component includes a first fluid distribution layer, a second fluid distribution layer, a cap layer, a third fluid distribution layer, and a pair of fluid diffusion medium layers. The individual layers are polymeric, mechanically integrated, and formed from a radiation-sensitive material. The first fluid distribution layer, the second fluid distribution layer, the cap layer, the third fluid distribution layer, and the pair of fluid diffusion medium layers are coated with an electrically conductive material. A pair of the fuel cell components may be arranged in a stack with a membrane electrode assembly therebetween to form a fuel cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2011Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Jeffrey A. Rock, Steven G. Goebel, Gerald W. Fly, Alan J. Jacobsen, Joanna A. Kolodziejska, Hung D. Nguyen
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Patent number: 8268510Abstract: A fuel cell component is provided, including a substrate disposed adjacent at least one radiation-cured flow field layer. The flow field layer is one of disposed between the substrate and a diffusion medium layer, and disposed on the diffusion medium layer opposite the substrate. The flow field layer has at least one of a plurality of reactant flow channels and a plurality of coolant channels for the fuel cell. The fuel cell component may be assembled as part of a repeating unit for a fuel cell stack. A method for fabricating the fuel cell component and the associated repeating unit for the fuel cell is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2008Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jeffrey A. Rock, Yeh-Hung Lai, Keith E. Newman, Gerald W. Fly, Ping Liu, Alan J. Jacobsen, William B. Carter, Peter D. Brewer
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Publication number: 20120231370Abstract: A seal structure is disclosed for forming a substantially fluid tight seal between a UEA and a plate of a fuel cell system, the seal structure including a sealing member formed in one fuel cell plate, a seal support adapted to span feed area channels in an adjacent fuel cell plate, and a seal adapted to cooperate with a UEA disposed between the fuel cell plates, the sealing member, and the seal support to form a substantially fluid tight seal between the UEA and the one fuel cell plate. The seal structure militates against a leakage of fluids from the fuel cell system, facilitates the maintenance of a velocity of a reactant flow in the fuel cell system, and a cost thereof is minimized.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2012Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Jeffrey A. Rock, Gerald W. Fly, Steven G. Goebel, Jeff D. Williams
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Patent number: 8257879Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided including a fuel cell stack having a first end and second end. The fuel cell stack includes at least one fuel cell having a membrane-electrode assembly disposed between adjacent gas diffusion layers. The fuel cell system further includes a compression retention system having a plurality of compliant straps adapted to apply a compressive force to the fuel cell stack. The plurality of compliant straps are further adapted to accommodate an expansion of the fuel cell stack during an operation thereof and maintain the compressive force within a desired range.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2011Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Benno Andreas-Schott, Anthony Chinnici, Yeh-Hung Lai, Gerald W. Fly
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Patent number: 8227145Abstract: An interlockable bead seal for a bipolar plate is provided. The interlockable bead seal includes a first elongate bead formed on a first plate and a second elongate bead formed on a second plate. The first elongate bead has a sealing surface and the second elongate bead has a trough. An interlockable bipolar plate having the interlockable bead seals, and a fuel cell stack formed from a plurality of the interlockable bipolar plates, are also provided. A lateral slippage between components of the fuel cell stack is militated against by the interlockable bipolar plates.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2008Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Mark W. Keyser, Gerald W. Fly
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Patent number: 8211585Abstract: A seal structure is disclosed for forming a substantially fluid tight seal between a UEA and a plate of a fuel cell system, the seal structure including a sealing member formed in one fuel cell plate, a seal support adapted to span feed area channels in an adjacent fuel cell plate, and a seal adapted to cooperate with a UEA disposed between the fuel cell plates, the sealing member, and the seal support to form a substantially fluid tight seal between the UEA and the one fuel cell plate. The seal structure militates against a leakage of fluids from the fuel cell system, facilitates the maintenance of a velocity of a reactant flow in the fuel cell system, and a cost thereof is minimized.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2008Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jeffrey A. Rock, Gerald W. Fly, Steven G. Goebel, Jeff D. Williams
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Publication number: 20120164560Abstract: An interlockable bead seal for a bipolar plate is provided. The interlockable bead seal includes a first elongate bead formed on a first plate and a second elongate bead formed on a second plate. The first elongate bead has a sealing surface and the second elongate bead has a trough. An interlockable bipolar plate having the interlockable bead seals, and a fuel cell stack formed from a plurality of the interlockable bipolar plates, are also provided. A lateral slippage between components of the fuel cell stack is militated against by the interlockable bipolar plates.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2012Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Mark W. Keyser, Gerald W. Fly
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Publication number: 20120129070Abstract: A fuel cell plate assembly includes a first plate having a feed region and an active region. A plurality of flow channels is formed in the first plate and connects the feed region and the active region. The first plate further includes a first step oriented transverse to the flow channels in the feed region and a second step oriented transverse to the flow channels in the active region. The second step is formed only in the flow channels of the first plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2010Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Jeffrey A. Rock, Gerald W. Fly, Steven J. Spencer
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Publication number: 20120088174Abstract: A barrier layer for a fuel cell assembly is disclosed, the barrier layer having a thermally insulating layer having a first surface and a second surface, and an electrically conducting layer formed on the first surface of the thermally insulating layer. The thermally insulating layer may include a plurality of apertures formed therethrough, and the electrically conducting layer may be formed on a second surface of the thermally insulating layer and on the walls of the thermally insulating layer forming the apertures.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2010Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Eric J. Connor, Gerald W. Fly
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Patent number: 8092957Abstract: A diffusion medium layer for a fuel cell, including an electrically conductive microtruss structure disposed between a pair of electrically conductive grids is provided. At least one of the microtruss structure and the grids is formed from a radiation-sensitive material. A fuel cell having the diffusion medium layer and a method for fabricating the diffusion medium layer is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2009Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jeffrey A. Rock, Yeh-Hung Lai, Keith E. Newman, Gerald W. Fly, Alan J. Jacobsen, Peter D. Brewer, William B. Carter, Robert E. Doty
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Patent number: 8053134Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided including a fuel cell stack having a first end and second end, the stack comprising at least one fuel cell, a first end unit disposed adjacent the first end of the fuel cell stack, a second end unit disposed adjacent the second end of the fuel cell stack, and a compression retention system. The compression retention system includes at least one generally planar strip forming at least one bend, wherein the at least one strip extends from the first end unit to the second end unit of the fuel cell system. The at least one bend of the planar strip can form at least one serpentine shape.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2006Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Michael K. Budinski, Eric J. Connor, Daniel Miller, Yeh-Hung Lai, Gerald W. Fly
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Publication number: 20110262826Abstract: A bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell is provided. The bipolar plate assembly includes a cathode plate disposed adjacent an anode plate, the cathode and anode plates formed having a first thickness of a low contact resistance, high corrosion resistance material by a deposition process. The first and second unipolar plates are formed on a removable substrate, and a first perimeter of the first unipolar plate is welded to a second perimeter of the second unipolar plate to form a hermetically sealed coolant flow path. A method for forming the bipolar plate assembly is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2011Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Gayatri Vyas Dadheech, Gerald W. Fly
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Publication number: 20110262831Abstract: A bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell is provided. The bipolar plate assembly includes a cathode plate disposed adjacent an anode plate, the cathode and anode plates formed having a first thickness of a low contact resistance, high corrosion resistance material by a vapor deposition process. The first and second unipolar plates are formed on a removable substrate, and a first perimeter of the first unipolar plate is welded to a second perimeter of the second unipolar plate to form a hermetically sealed coolant flow path. A method for forming the bipolar plate assembly is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2010Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Gayatri Vyas DADHEECH, Gerald W. FLY
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Publication number: 20110262829Abstract: A bipolar plate assembly for a fuel cell is provided. The bipolar plate assembly includes a first electroformed unipolar plate disposed adjacent a second electroformed unipolar plate. The first and second unipolar plates are bonded by a plurality of localized electrically and thermally conductive plugs by electroplated material deposited within apertures formed in the substrates onto which the unipolar plates are electroformed. A method for forming the bipolar plate assembly is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2010Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Gerald W. Fly, John P. Healy, Steven G. Goebel