Abstract: Components for the manufacture of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are provided, as well as apparatus and automatable methods for their manufacture by rotary die cutting and by lamination of various layers to form membrane electrode assemblies. A method and apparatus for performing the method are provided comprising die-cutting webs of catalyst decal materials or electrode materials to make first and second workpieces at first and second rotary die stations; holding the die-cut workpieces by action of sub-ambient air pressure to an endless perforated belt of first and second vacuum conveyors, typically before they are fully cut from the first and second webs; transporting first and second workpieces to opposing sides of a membrane in a laminating station; concurrently feeding the first and second workpieces into the laminating nip adjacent to the membrane, and laminating the first and second workpieces to the membrane.

Abstract: Components for the manufacture of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are provided, as well as apparatus and automatable methods for their manufacture by rotary die cutting and by lamination of various layers to form membrane electrode assemblies. A method and apparatus for performing the method are provided comprising die-cutting webs of catalyst decal materials or electrode materials to make first and second workpieces at first and second rotary die stations; holding the die-cut workpieces by action of sub-ambient air pressure to an endless perforated belt of first and second vacuum conveyors, typically before they are fully cut from the first and second webs; transporting first and second workpieces to opposing sides of a membrane in a laminating station; concurrently feeding the first and second workpieces into the laminating nip adjacent to the membrane, and laminating the first and second workpieces to the membrane.

Abstract: Components for the manufacture of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are provided, as well as apparatus and automatable methods for their manufacture by rotary die cutting and by lamination of various layers to form membrane electrode assemblies. A method and apparatus for performing the method are provided comprising die-cutting webs of catalyst decal materials or electrode materials to make first and second workpieces at first and second rotary die stations; holding the die-cut workpieces by action of sub-ambient air pressure to an endless perforated belt of first and second vacuum conveyors, typically before they are fully cut from the first and second webs; transporting first and second workpieces to opposing sides of a membrane in a laminating station; concurrently feeding the first and second workpieces into the laminating nip adjacent to the membrane, and laminating the first and second workpieces to the membrane.

Abstract: Components for the manufacture of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are provided, as well as apparatus and automatable methods for their manufacture by rotary die cutting and by lamination of various layers to form membrane electrode assemblies.

Abstract: A vacuum conveyor is provided comprising an endless perforated belt which extends over a first vacuum plate and a second vacuum plate, which vacuum plates may be maintained at different air pressures and may be situated at different angles relative to horizontal. An apparatus for cutting and transporting sheet materials is provided comprising the vacuum conveyor according to the present invention and a rotary die cutter situated such that an emerging portion of a cut workpiece can become held by the vacuum conveyor before it is fully separated, enabling pattern-cut sheet materials to be cut and transported to a destination such as a laminating nip with accurate registration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lamination are provided, which are advantageously used in intermittent lamination and fixed-gap lamination, the apparatus comprising first and second laminating rollers defining a laminating gap therebetween and at least one gapping block positioned between the first and second rollers such that the gapping block determines and maintains a minimum gap width. The gapping block comprises a rigid gapping block body, which may be adjustable in width, and four or more load wheels rotatably attached to the gapping block body which ride on a portion of the first and second rollers.

Abstract: Components for the manufacture of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells are provided, as well as apparatus and automatable methods for their manufacture by rotary die cutting and by lamination of various layers to form membrane electrode assemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lamination are provided, which are advantageously used in intermittent lamination and fixed-gap lamination, the apparatus comprising first and second laminating rollers defining a laminating gap therebetween and at least one gapping block positioned between the first and second rollers such that the gapping block determines and maintains a minimum gap width. The gapping block comprises a rigid gapping block body, which may be adjustable in width, and four or more load wheels rotatably attached to the gapping block body which ride on a portion of the first and second rollers.

Abstract: A vacuum conveyor is provided comprising an endless perforated belt which extends over a first vacuum plate and a second vacuum plate, which vacuum plates may be maintained at different air pressures and may be situated at different angles relative to horizontal. An apparatus for cutting and transporting sheet materials is provided comprising the vacuum conveyor according to the present invention and a rotary die cutter situated such that an emerging portion of a cut workpiece can become held by the vacuum conveyor before it is fully separated, enabling pattern-cut sheet materials to be cut and transported to a destination such as a laminating nip with accurate registration.