Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method for the production of electrochemical cells, in particular individual cells for fuel cells and stacks, in which the individual components of a membrane electrode assembly are compressed and bonded by use of ultrasonic waves and the absence of any further additional heating. The method according to the invention allows faster cycles during the lamination of the membrane electrode assemblies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new method for the production of electrochemical cells, in particular individual cells for fuel cells and stacks, in which the individual components of a membrane electrode assembly are compressed and bonded by use of ultrasonic waves and the absence of any further additional heating. The method according to the invention allows faster cycles during the lamination of the membrane electrode assemblies.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly comprising two electrode separated by a polymer electrolyte membrane wherein the surfaces of the membrane are in contact with the electrodes so that the first electrode partially or totally covers the front of the membrane and the second electrode partially or totally covers the back of the membrane; two gasket layers wherein the first gasket layer partially covers the front of the membrane and/or the first electrode and the second gasket layer partially covers the back of the membrane and/or the second electrode the assembly also comprises a second gasket material on the front of the first gasket layer and on the back of the second gasket layer; each of the gasket layers comprises at least one recess; the second gasket material on the front of the first gasket layer is in contact with the second gasket material on the back of the second gasket layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a surface of at least one object (39) that extends in the XY plane, comprising at least one movable base plate (1) with a surface extending in the XY plane, above the base plate (1) in the Z direction, at least one mask (3) with at least one aperture (5), the mask (3) and the aperture (5) respectively extending in the XY plane, at least one means (25) for moving the base plate (1) in a first direction within the XY plane, at least one means (27) for moving the base plate (1) in a second direction within the XY plane.

Abstract: A cartridge and a method for handling thin film membranes using a cartridge are disclosed. The cartridge may be used to handle any thin-film material, but is particularly useful in handling the thin membrane materials used in fabricating Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEA) for fuel cells. In one aspect, the cartridge includes cavities positioned at opposite ends of a frame. The cavities and associated mounting arrangements are adapted to accept spools for dispensing membrane material and drawing it across the frame. The cartridge also includes a removable cover having an aperture through which the membrane material may be accessed and, for example, cut to a desired shape. Aspects also include methods and apparatus for advancing the membrane in the cartridge. Aspects of the present invention provide improved methods and devices that facilitate the handling and assembly of thin film membranes into membrane-containing devices, such as, fuel cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a membrane electrode assembly comprising a) two electrochemically active electrodes (1, 3) separated by a polymer electrolyte membrane (5) wherein the surfaces of the polymer electrolyte membrane (5) are in contact with the electrodes (1, 3) in such a way that the first electrode (1) partially or totally covers the front of the polymer electrolyte membrane (5) and the second electrode (3) partially or totally covers the back of the polymer electrolyte membrane (5); b) two gasket layers (15, 17) made of a first gasket material wherein the first gasket layer (15) partially covers the front of the polymer electrolyte membrane (5) and/or the first electrode (1) and the second gasket layer (17) partially covers the back of the polymer electrolyte membrane (5) and/or the second electrode (3); wherein the membrane electrode assembly also comprises a second gasket material (7, 9) on the front of the first gasket layer (15) and on the back of the second gasket layer (17); each of the g

Abstract: Fixtures and methods of using fixtures to facilitate the fabrication of devices having thin films, for example, gasketed components of fuel-cell membrane electrode assemblies, are disclosed. In one aspect, the fixture comprises a plate having an aperture and means for mounting a thin film to the plate wherein the thin film at least partially obstructs the aperture and wherein the thin film provides a surface for mounting at least one component of a device. Another aspect is a fixture for facilitating the fabrication of a fuel-cell membrane electrode assembly which includes a plate having an aperture and means for mounting a gasket to the plate wherein the gasket at least partially obstructs the aperture and wherein the gasket provides a surface for mounting at least one electrode for a fuel-cell membrane electrode assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling thin films, for example, for handling and assembling membranes in fuel cell electrodes. The apparatus includes a translatable vacuum table for mounting the thin film, a perforated drum having a source of vacuum for removing the thin film from the vacuum table, and a transfer assembly having a perforated surface and a source of vacuum for transferring the thin film from the perforated drum to a target location. When the thin films are provided in containers, the apparatus may also include means for opening the containers to access the thin film within. Removal of the thin film from the transfer assembly may be aided by a thin film release device, for example, a plurality of moveable wires. The apparatus may be automated, for example, the apparatus may included automated controllers and robotic arms to facilitate the handling of thin film materials.

Abstract: A cartridge and a method for handling thin film membranes using a cartridge are disclosed. The cartridge may be used to handle any thin-film material, but is particularly useful in handling the thin membrane materials used in fabricating Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEA) for fuel cells. In one aspect, the cartridge includes cavities positioned at opposite ends of a frame. The cavities and associated mounting arrangements are adapted to accept spools for dispensing membrane material and drawing it across the frame. The cartridge also includes a removable cover having an aperture through which the membrane material may be accessed and, for example, cut to a desired shape. Aspects also include methods and apparatus for advancing the membrane in the cartridge. Aspects of the present invention provide improved methods and devices that facilitate the handling and assembly of thin film membranes into membrane-containing devices, such as, fuel cells.

Abstract: A wax tree assembly heating system for heating wax on the surface of a wax component is provided. The system includes an elongated bar of heat conducting material, having a heating surface, and a heating element for heating the heating surface. The heating surface is configured to contact a wax component, such as a wax runner or a gate of a wax pattern, and has a space for retaining molten wax when the heating surface contacts a surface of the wax component. In another embodiment, the wax tree assembly heating system has a plurality of raised heating surfaces that are configured for producing molten wax on a plurality of areas on one or more surfaces of at least one wax component. Additionally, an electrical circuit is provided which includes a heating element and a temperature controller to control the temperature at which wax is melted.

Abstract: A cartridge and a method for handling thin film membranes using a cartridge are disclosed. The cartridge may be used to handle any thin-film material, but is particularly useful in handling the thin membrane materials used in fabricating Membrane Electrode Assemblies (MEA) for fuel cells. In one aspect, the cartridge includes cavities positioned at opposite ends of a frame. The cavities and associated mounting arrangements are adapted to accept spools for dispensing membrane material and drawing it across the frame. The cartridge also includes a removable cover having an aperture through which the membrane material may be accessed and, for example, cut to a desired shape. Aspects also include methods and apparatus for advancing the membrane in the cartridge. Aspects of the present invention provide improved methods and devices that facilitate the handling and assembly of thin film membranes into membrane-containing devices, such as, fuel cells.

Abstract: Fixtures and methods of using fixtures to facilitate the fabrication of devices having thin films, for example, gasketed components of fuel-cell membrane electrode assemblies, are disclosed. In one aspect, the fixture comprises a plate having an aperture and means for mounting a thin film to the plate wherein the thin film at least partially obstructs the aperture and wherein the thin film provides a surface for mounting at least one component of a device. Another aspect is a fixture for facilitating the fabrication of a fuel-cell membrane electrode assembly which includes a plate having an aperture and means for mounting a gasket to the plate wherein the gasket at least partially obstructs the aperture and wherein the gasket provides a surface for mounting at least one electrode for a fuel-cell membrane electrode assembly.

Abstract: A process for the assembly of wax trees in which a wax runner is placed in a flat position and a wax pattern is located adjacent the wax runner. Both the wax runner pattern and the wax runner are heated and then are placed in contact with one another where heated. Then the wax pattern and the wax runner are separated slightly to form a fillet weld between the wax pattern and the wax runner. An apparatus is also provided which, by robotics, brings a multiplicity of wax patterns to a wax runner and which automatically heats both the wax patterns and the wax runner before simultaneously pressing both the wax pattern and the wax runner together. Once a wax tree assembly is completed a new wax runner replaces the wax runner that has been formed into a wax tree and additional wax runners are affixed in the same manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for handling thin films, for example, for handling and assembling membranes in fuel cell electrodes. The apparatus includes a translatable vacuum table for mounting the thin film, a perforated drum having a source of vacuum for removing the thin film from the vacuum table, and a transfer assembly having a perforated surface and a source of vacuum for transferring the thin film from the perforated drum to a target location. When the thin films are provided in containers, the apparatus may also include means for opening the containers to access the thin film within. Removal of the thin film from the transfer assembly may be aided by a thin film release device, for example, a plurality of moveable wires. The apparatus may be automated, for example, the apparatus may included automated controllers and robotic arms to facilitate the handling of thin film materials.

Abstract: An optical device inspection system and method employing a narrow aperture on a magnifying objective lens in order to reduce the circle of confusion and increase the depth of field. The smaller aperture resulting in an increase in depth of field allows for simultaneous focus for all portions of objects being inspected. An arc lamp with an elliptical reflector in combination with a condenser lens focuses a more intense beam of light through the objective lens, thereby providing sufficient brightness without sacrificing any depth of field.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an inspection cell that allows contact lenses to be presented in a known orientation to an operator or vision system for inspection. The cell can be tipped to allow the inspected lens to be placed into a known pickup pick-cup location upon passing inspection, or if the lens does not pass inspection, it can be discarded. The placement or discarding of the lens can be readily automated by selecting the rate at which the cell is tipped.