Abstract: In a device for treating a liquid foodstuff product containing a solid with a heat exchanger charged with the foodstuff product under pressure and/or a degasser, which is charged with a reduced pressure, followed or preceded by a pressure reduction device, the pressure reduction device has at least one brake pump through which the foodstuff product flows. In a method the pressure with which the foodstuff product is conveyed through the brake pump is reduced by a rotary movement of the brake pump.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack comprising several superimposed polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells. A bipolar plate that is provided with longitudinal ducts supplying hydrogen and transverse ducts which supply oxygen and are used for cooling is arranged between adjacent membrane-electrode units. A current flowing in opposite directions through adjacent ducts of the same fuel cell can be created within the air ducts via collecting ducts that are provided at the outflow end for every other cooling duct if the flow is fed to the stack from both sides, resulting in a very homogeneous temperature distribution with the cell or stack.

Abstract: The end-plate assembly clamps an electrochemical cell or a stack of electrochemical cells with a polymer electrolyte membrane construction, in addition to forming the contact. An end plate (1) consisting of a synthetic material or metal, which is used to introduce the compressive forces into the cells or the cell stack, is provided. The end plate (1) is provided with a compensation layer (5) in the vicinity of the cell, which evens out the force introduction into the cell or the stack over the surface. The compensation layer (5) is covered with an electrically conductive layer (6), in order to form the electric connection (7) to the cell. The electrically conductive layer (6) is coupled to a connection (7) that is externally accessible.