Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an improved fuel cell stack assembly comprising a metal base plate on which is mounted at least one fuel cell stack and a metal end plate, each stack comprising at least one fuel cell stack layer that comprises at least one fuel cell and at least one electrically insulating compression gasket, wherein a skirt is attached to the base and end plates enclosing the stack and is under tension therebetween so as to maintain a compressive force through the stack, thereby obviating the need for tie-bars.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an improved fuel cell stack assembly (10) comprising a metal base plate (20) on which is mounted at least one fuel cell stack (30) and a metal end plate (40), each stack comprising at least one fuel cell stack layer (50) that comprises at least one fuel cell (101, 102) and at least one electrically insulating compression gasket (110), wherein a skirt (130) is attached to the base and end plates enclosing the stack and is under tension therebetween so as to maintain a compressive force through the stack, thereby obviating the need for tie-bars.

Abstract: An automated ironing apparatus has a flexible steaming head for applying steam to a supported article. The flexible steaming head includes a device for shaping the flexible steaming head in at least two dimensions. A method of operating this apparatus for smoothing a garment includes a step of closing at least one opening in the garment, thereby to restrict gas flow through the at least one opening and introducing gas inside the garment thereby to smooth the garment. The step of closing at least one of the openings to be closed is effected by engaging the flexible steaming head with a surface of the garment.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack assembly apparatus comprising a base and a stack alignment feature extending generally perpendicular to said base for aligning ferritic fuel cell units stacked against it into a fuel cell stack assembly, wherein each fuel cell unit comprises a respective first alignment feature complimentary in shape to said stack alignment feature. Other features include a magnetic abutment extending generally perpendicular to said base for attracting the plurality of fuel cell units towards the stack alignment feature, and an alignment slider slidable generally perpendicular to said base for aligning ferritic fuel cell units stacked against the stack alignment feature. A method of using the assembly apparatus comprises stacking fuel cell units upon each other on the base with their respective first alignment features against the stack alignment feature, and attracted towards the same by virtue of the magnetic force of the at magnetic abutment.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack assembly apparatus comprising a base and a stack alignment feature extending generally perpendicular to said base for aligning ferritic fuel cell units stacked against it into a fuel cell stack assembly, wherein each fuel cell unit comprises a respective first alignment feature complimentary in shape to said stack alignment feature. Other features include a magnetic abutment extending generally perpendicular to said base for attracting the plurality of fuel cell units towards the stack alignment feature, and an alignment slider slidable generally perpendicular to said base for aligning ferritic fuel cell units stacked against the stack alignment feature. A method of using the assembly apparatus comprises stacking fuel cell units upon each other on the base with their respective first alignment features against the stack alignment feature, and attracted towards the same by virtue of the magnetic force of the at magnetic abutment.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an improved fuel cell stack assembly (10) comprising a metal base plate (20) on which is mounted at least one fuel cell stack (30) and a metal end plate (40), each stack comprising at least one fuel cell stack layer (50) that comprises at least one fuel cell (101, 102) and at least one electrically insulating compression gasket (110), wherein a skirt (130) is attached to the base and end plates enclosing the stack and is under tension therebetween so as to maintain a compressive force through the stack, thereby obviating the need for tie-bars.