Abstract: A fuel cell stack manifold system in which a flexible manifold body includes a pan having a central area, sidewall extending outward from the periphery of the central area, and at least one compound fold comprising a central area fold connecting adjacent portions of the central area and extending between opposite sides of the central area, and a sidewall fold connecting adjacent portions of the sidewall. The manifold system further includes a rail assembly for attachment to the manifold body and adapted to receive pins by which dielectric insulators are joined to the manifold assembly.

Abstract: A manifold and manifold sealing assembly for use with a fuel cell stack having a plurality of faces in which the assembly includes a plurality of frame assemblies and a plurality of manifolds, and at least one frame assembly adjacent a given face of the fuel cell stack provides support for a part of the frame assembly abutting the face of the stack adjacent the one face. Additionally, the manifold abutting the one frame assembly and the manifold abutting the supported frame assembly are adapted to sealingly engage in the area of support.

Abstract: A manifold and manifold sealing assembly for use with a fuel cell stack having a plurality of faces in which the assembly includes a plurality of frame assemblies and a plurality of manifolds, and at least one frame assembly adjacent a given face of the fuel cell stack provides support for a part of the frame assembly abutting the face of the stack adjacent the one face. Additionally, the manifold abutting the one frame assembly and the manifold abutting the supported frame assembly are adapted to sealingly engage in the area of support.

Abstract: Heat treating of a material containing a carbon degradable content is carried out by segmenting the temperature range of heat treating into at least two intervals, a first one of which is able to support heat treating without blistering of the material at a first maximum rate and a second one of which is able to support heat treating without blistering at a second maximum rate different from the first rate, and the material is heated at a first rate equal to or less than the first maximum rate in the first interval and at a second rate different from the first rate and equal to or less than the second maximum rate in the second interval.