Patents by Inventor Matthew J. Beutel
Matthew J. Beutel 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: 8795921Abstract: An alignment system and method for assembling a fuel cell stack. Components of the fuel cell stack have internal alignment features and are aligned to a predetermined orientation during assembly. The system and method allow fuel cell stacks to be assembled within high tolerance levels while improving access to each component during assembly. Additionally, the system and method can provide additional rigidity to a fuel cell stack.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2010Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jeffrey A. Rock, Benno Andreas-Schott, Thomas P. Migliore, Ivan D. Chapman, Matthew J. Beutel, Mark W. Keyser
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Publication number: 20140099564Abstract: A fuel cell component includes a sub-gasket including a structural component and a thermally conductive layer. The sub-gasket defines a central opening while the structural component includes a first side and a second side. The sub-gasket also has an inner portion proximate to the central opening and an outer portion. The inner portion is positioned between the cathode layer outer edge and the ion-conducting membrane outer edge or between the anode layer outer edge and the ion-conducting membrane outer edge. Finally, the thermally conductive layer contacts the second side of the structural component. Advantageously, the thermally conductive layer dissipates locally generated heat caused by unintended particles falling on the sub-gasket.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2012Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Matthew J. Beutel, Christopher J. Towner, John C. Fagley
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Patent number: 8609294Abstract: A subassembly for a fuel cell includes a fuel cell plate having a first side and a second side. Each of the first side and the second side has a flow field disposed between a pair of headers. An insulating spacer abuts the first side of the fuel cell plate and is disposed adjacent a perimeter of the fuel cell plate. A unitized electrode assembly includes a subgasket, a membrane electrode assembly, and a pair of diffusion medium layers. The membrane electrode assembly has an electrolyte membrane sandwiched between a pair of electrodes. The membrane electrode assembly is sandwiched between the pair of diffusion medium layers. The subgasket surrounds, and is coupled to, the membrane electrode assembly. The subgasket abuts the insulating spacer. An elastomeric seal abuts the second side of the fuel cell plate.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2010Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Matthew J. Beutel, Ronald L. James, Daniel P. Miller, Steven J. Spencer
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Publication number: 20130316265Abstract: A UEA for a fuel cell having an active region and a feed region is provided. The UEA includes an electrolyte membrane disposed between a pair of electrodes. The electrolyte membrane and the pair of electrodes is further disposed between a pair of DM. The electrolyte membrane, the pair of electrodes, and the DM are configured to be disposed at the active region of the fuel cell. A barrier film coupled to the electrolyte membrane is configured to be disposed at the feed region of the fuel cell. The dimensions of the electrolyte membrane are thereby optimized. A fuel cell having the UEA, and a fuel cell stack formed from a plurality of the fuel cells, is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2013Publication date: November 28, 2013Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Matthew J. Beutel, Saurabh Vyas, Ronald L. James, Steven G. Goebel
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Patent number: 8524414Abstract: A UEA for a fuel cell having an active region and a feed region is provided. The UEA includes an electrolyte membrane disposed between a pair of electrodes. The electrolyte membrane and the pair of electrodes is further disposed between a pair of DM. The electrolyte membrane, the pair of electrodes, and the DM are configured to be disposed at the active region of the fuel cell. A barrier film coupled to the electrolyte membrane is configured to be disposed at the feed region of the fuel cell. The dimensions of the electrolyte membrane are thereby optimized. A fuel cell having the UEA, and a fuel cell stack formed from a plurality of the fuel cells, is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2011Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Matthew J. Beutel, Saurabh Vyas, Ronald L. James, Steven G. Goebel
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Patent number: 8465879Abstract: A bipolar plate for a fuel cell includes a pair of plates. Each plate has an active area, a header area, and a perimeter area. The perimeter area is disposed adjacent an edge of the plate. The perimeter area is also disposed adjacent to each of the active area and the header area. At least one of the plates includes a raised support feature having an inboard side and an outboard side. The plates are joined in the perimeter area between the outboard side of the raised support feature and the edges of the plates.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2010Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Daniel P. Miller, Steven J. Spencer, Robert Thompson, Matthew J. Beutel, Siguang Xu
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Patent number: 8399150Abstract: An integrated fuel cell assembly is described. The integrated fuel cell assembly includes a polymer membrane; an anode electrode and a cathode electrode on opposite sides of the polymer membrane; a pair of gas diffusion media on opposite sides of the polymer membrane, the gas diffusion media comprising a microporous layer and a gas diffusion layer, the anode electrode and the cathode electrode positioned between the polymer membrane and the pair of gas diffusion media; a subgasket positioned around a perimeter of one of the gas diffusion media, the subgasket defining an active area inside the perimeter, the subgasket having a layer of thermally activated adhesive thereon; and a bipolar plate sealed to the subgasket by the layer of thermally activated adhesive. Methods of making the integrated fuel cell assembly and assembling fuel cell stacks are also described.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Daniel P. Miller, Matthew J. Beutel, Sumeet Bhargava, Courtney E. Reich
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Patent number: 8367270Abstract: A fuel cell comprising anode and cathode flow field plates having a multitude of flow channels separated by land features wherein the land features of the anode side are wider than the land features of the cathode side is disclosed. In fuel cells, the flow field plate arrangement of the present invention provides higher power (lower cost per kW), improved durability, and less stringent assembly alignment.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2008Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Steven G. Goebel, Daniel Miller, Matthew J. Beutel
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Patent number: 8298714Abstract: A PEM fuel cell includes a first plate having a flow field for directing a first fluid along a surface thereof. A second plate includes a flow field for directing a second fluid along a surface thereof. A seal is disposed between the first plate and the second plate. The seal includes a plate margin defining a header aperture for delivering the first fluid to the first plate. The seal defines a carrier having a first side supported by the flow field of the first plate whereby the first fluid is permitted to flow directly from the first header aperture to the flow field of the first plate. The carrier includes a gasket arranged on a second side. The gasket precludes the first fluid from flowing directly from the header aperture to the flow field of the second plate.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2008Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Matthew J. Beutel
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Patent number: 8211591Abstract: A unitized electrode assembly for a fuel cell comprising an electrolyte membrane and a subgasket. The subgasket maximizing an operating life of the electrolyte membrane, militating against adverse effects of membrane expansion during use of the fuel cell and membrane shearing under unitized electrode assembly compression.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2008Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Chad A. Dammar, Saurabh Vyas, Ronald L. James, Matthew J. Beutel
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Publication number: 20120129065Abstract: A bipolar plate for a fuel cell has a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side. The bipolar plate also has an active region, a feed region, a perimeter region, a sealing region, and a hinge region. The sealing region is disposed between the perimeter region and each of the active region and the feed region. A plurality of outwardly extending tabs are disposed adjacent the perimeter region at each of the first end and the second end of the bipolar plate. The hinge region is disposed between the perimeter region and the outwardly extending tabs. The hinge region extends from the first side of the plate to the second side of the bipolar plate. The hinge region permits a flexing of the outwardly extending tabs to connect with peripheral electrical device without undesirably flexing the sealing region.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2010Publication date: May 24, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Jeffrey A. Rock, Jeff D. Williams, Matthew J. Beutel, Steven J. Spencer
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Publication number: 20120107713Abstract: A bipolar plate for a fuel cell includes a pair of plates. Each plate has an active area, a header area, and a perimeter area. The perimeter area is disposed adjacent an edge of the plate. The perimeter area is also disposed adjacent to each of the active area and the header area. At least one of the plates includes a raised support feature having an inboard side and an outboard side. The plates are joined in the perimeter area between the outboard side of the raised support feature and the edges of the plates.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2010Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Daniel P. Miller, Steven J. Spencer, Robert Thompson, Matthew J. Beutel, Siguang Xu
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Publication number: 20120100454Abstract: A subassembly for a fuel cell includes a fuel cell plate having a first side and a second side. Each of the first side and the second side has a flow field disposed between a pair of headers. An insulating spacer abuts the first side of the fuel cell plate and is disposed adjacent a perimeter of the fuel cell plate. A unitized electrode assembly includes a subgasket, a membrane electrode assembly, and a pair of diffusion medium layers. The membrane electrode assembly has an electrolyte membrane sandwiched between a pair of electrodes. The membrane electrode assembly is sandwiched between the pair of diffusion medium layers. The subgasket surrounds, and is coupled to, the membrane electrode assembly. The subgasket abuts the insulating spacer. An elastomeric seal abuts the second side of the fuel cell plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Matthew J. Beutel, Ronald L. James, Daniel P. Miller, Steven J. Spencer
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Publication number: 20110318667Abstract: An integrated fuel cell assembly is described. The integrated fuel cell assembly includes a polymer membrane; an anode electrode and a cathode electrode on opposite sides of the polymer membrane; a pair of gas diffusion media on opposite sides of the polymer membrane, the gas diffusion media comprising a microporous layer and a gas diffusion layer, the anode electrode and the cathode electrode positioned between the polymer membrane and the pair of gas diffusion media; a subgasket positioned around a perimeter of one of the gas diffusion media, the subgasket defining an active area inside the perimeter, the subgasket having a layer of thermally activated adhesive thereon; and a bipolar plate sealed to the subgasket by the layer of thermally activated adhesive. Methods of making the integrated fuel cell assembly and assembling fuel cell stacks are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Daniel P. Miller, Matthew J. Beutel, Sumeet Bhargava, Courtney E. Reich
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Publication number: 20110207024Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises a main body including a first partial header and a fastening point. The main body is adapted to be coupled to a plurality of plates forming a fuel cell stack, allowing a single plate design to be used for multiple fuel cell stack lengths having a large differential of energy requirements, affording a durable alignment mechanism for the fuel cell stack, and providing integration flexibility for components and configurations of the fuel cell system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Todd D. Bogumil, Glenn W. Skala, Matthew J. Beutel
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Patent number: 7972741Abstract: A fuel cell stack that includes straight cathode flow channels and straight anode flow channels through a seal area between bipolar plates in the stack. The fuel cell stack includes a seal that extends around the active area of the stack and between the stack headers and the active area. At the locations where the cathode flow channels extend through a seal area to the cathode input header and the cathode outlet header, and the anode flow channels extend through a seal area to the anode input header and the anode output header, the diffusion media layer on one side of the membrane is extended to provide the seal load. Alternately, shims can be used to carry the seal load.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2006Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Steven G. Goebel, Matthew J. Beutel, Jeffrey A. Rock
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Publication number: 20110123891Abstract: A UEA for a fuel cell having an active region and a feed region is provided. The UEA includes an electrolyte membrane disposed between a pair of electrodes. The electrolyte membrane and the pair of electrodes is further disposed between a pair of DM. The electrolyte membrane, the pair of electrodes, and the DM are configured to be disposed at the active region of the fuel cell. A barrier film coupled to the electrolyte membrane is configured to be disposed at the feed region of the fuel cell. The dimensions of the electrolyte membrane are thereby optimized. A fuel cell having the UEA, and a fuel cell stack formed from a plurality of the fuel cells, is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2011Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC.Inventors: Matthew J. Beutel, Saurabh Vyas, Ronald L. James, Steven G. Goebel
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Patent number: 7935453Abstract: A UEA for a fuel cell having an active region and a feed region is provided. The UEA includes an electrolyte membrane disposed between a pair of electrodes. The electrolyte membrane and the pair of electrodes is further disposed between a pair of DM. The electrolyte membrane, the pair of electrodes, and the DM are configured to be disposed at the active region of the fuel cell. A barrier film coupled to the electrolyte membrane is configured to be disposed at the feed region of the fuel cell. The dimensions of the electrolyte membrane are thereby optimized. A fuel cell having the UEA, and a fuel cell stack formed from a plurality of the fuel cells, is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2008Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Matthew J. Beutel, Saurabh Vyas, Ronald L. James, Steven G. Goebel
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Patent number: 7892692Abstract: A barrier film for a fuel cell is provided, including a polymeric membrane having a plurality of support features. The support features are adapted to militate against a deflection of the membrane under a pressure differential across the membrane. A fuel cell employing the barrier film has a first plate with a port formed therein, and a second plate disposed adjacent the first plate. The barrier film is disposed between the first plate and the second plate. The support features of the barrier film militate against an intrusion of the membrane into the port. A fuel cell stack formed from a plurality of the fuel cells is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2008Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Matthew J. Beutel
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Publication number: 20100279195Abstract: An alignment system and method for assembling a fuel cell stack. Components of the fuel cell stack have internal alignment features and are aligned to a predetermined orientation during assembly. The system and method allow fuel cell stacks to be assembled within high tolerance levels while improving access to each component during assembly. Additionally, the system and method can provide additional rigidity to a fuel cell stack.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Inventors: Jeffrey A. Rock, Benno Andreas-Schott, Thomas P. Migliore, Ivan D. Chapman, Matthew J. Beutel, Mark W. Keyser