Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell stack (10) of a fuel cell system that is to be hermetically sealed off from the environment after operation is ended so that only a finite amount of air oxygen remains in the fuel cells, thus preventing the fuel cells from excessively aging. According to the invention, locking means (26, 28; 32, 34) are provided that are disposed on or in an end plate (14) or distributor plate of the fuel cell stack (10). The locking means (26, 28; 32, 34) are therefore thermally coupled to the end plate (14) and may freeze up at cold ambient temperatures. In a preferred embodiment, the locking means (26, 28; 32, 34) comprise an elastomer body (32, 34) able to cover and uncover a channel (44, 46) in the plate (14).

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel cell stack (10) of a fuel cell system that is to be hermetically sealed off from the environment after operation is ended so that only a finite amount of air oxygen remains in the fuel cells, thus preventing the fuel cells from excessively aging. According to the invention, locking means (26, 28; 32, 34) are provided that are disposed on or in an end plate (14) or distributor plate of the fuel cell stack (10). The locking means (26, 28; 32, 34) are therefore thermally coupled to the end plate (14) and may freeze up at cold ambient temperatures. In a preferred embodiment, the locking means (26, 28; 32, 34) comprise an elastomer body (32, 34) able to cover and uncover a channel (44, 46) in the plate (14).

Abstract: A releasable securing assembly for attaching sections of a chair to one another. The assembly comprises at least one receiver disposed on one section of the chair that includes a capture portion spaced from a collar portion. The collar portion includes a passage extending through the collar portion and in alignment with a bore disposed in the capture portion. A locking member is adapted to be positioned between the capture portion and the collar portion of each receiver and includes a locking passage alignable with the passage in the collar portion and a transverse locking surface located within the passage of the locking member. The second section of the chair includes at least one outwardly extending shaft having a cross pin disposed on the shaft adjacent the outward end of the shaft. The shaft and cross pin are inserted through the collar portion and into the locking member to align the cross pin with the locking surface disposed within the locking member.