Abstract: A liftgate system may include a closer cylinder assembly for use in opening and closing a deck. The closer cylinder assembly may have a hydraulic fluid portion on one side of a piston and an air (or other gas) portion on the other side of the piston. The deck is closed using hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic fluid portion to move the piston in one direction. The deck is assisted in opening using gas pressure in the gas portion to move the piston in another direction.

Abstract: A liftgate platform assembly has increased degrees of freedom with the use of a pivoting ball joint connection.

Abstract: A liftgate assembly may include a mount assembly for use in mounting the liftgate assembly to an associated vehicle. The mount assembly may include a mounting structure that has: (a) first and second beams where the first beam has a first opening; (b) a cross member operatively connected to the first and second beams; and, (c) a retractable pin mechanism including a first pin that can be extended through the first opening in the first beam and through a first opening formed in an associated vehicle to secure the liftgate assembly to the associated vehicle.

Abstract: A liftgate platform assembly may include a roller assembly having a pair of roller cartridge assemblies that are attached within a channel on opposite sides of a rail member. One roller cartridge assembly may be considered a fixed roller assembly because it does not move relative to the rail member and the other may be considered an adjustable roller assembly because it can move relative to the rail member.

Abstract: A conductive heat transfer system may include a heat conductive element to thermally couple the pump motor of a liftgate assembly to an outer surface of a pump motor housing assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a secured anode seal for a fuel cell which includes at least one housing having a base securable to a top frame wherein the frame has a notch and a recess edge facing the base and a cathode secured between the base and the top frame. A boot is secured between the base and the top frame and received in the notch and recessed edge, wherein an electrolyte chamber is formed between the boot and the cathode and a coolant chamber is formed between the boot and the top frame wherein the boot has a plurality of holes therethrough. The invention also includes an anode which has a plurality of integral posts extending through the plurality of holes of the boot wherein each of the plurality of posts has a head for securing the boot to the anode for precluding migration of material between the electrolyte chamber and the coolant chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the electrochemical performance of discrete areas of a cathode that is to be used in a fuel cell is presented. The apparatus tests a cathode which is retained and carried by a holding fixture wherein a chamber is formed between an underside of the cathode and the holding fixture to allow for passage of an oxidizing agent therethrough and wherein the holding fixture also provides for retention of electrolyte on the top side of the cathode. A probe, which is connected to the cathode, has an anode material that contacts the electrolyte but is spaced apart from the cathode. Placement of the anode in the electrolyte generates electrical power detected by a measuring device connected between the probe and the cathode. The probe provides a sealing surface to allow for testing of just discrete areas of the cathode to determine if there are any flaws in the manufacture of the cathode.

Abstract: A pressure equalized fuel cell stack includes a fuel cell stack for receiving an oxidizing agent, a coolant accumulator coupled to the fuel cell stack, an electrolyte accumulator coupled to the fuel cell stack and a device for equalizing the pressurized flow of coolant and electrolyte from the respective accumulators into the fuel cell stack depending upon the pressure exhibited by the oxidizing agent. The equalized pressure flow is obtained by an accumulator having a rigid housing for receiving an oxidizing agent and a flexible housing received within the rigid housing for receiving respective amounts of coolant and electrolyte wherein the flexible housing is coupled to the fuel cell such that any change in pressure within the rigid housing causes a corresponding change in pressure in the flexible housing.