With Sealing Or Supporting Feature Patents (Class 429/469)
  • Patent number: 11791491
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes a cell stack including a plurality of unit cells stacked in a first direction, a first end plate and a second end plate disposed at respective side ends of the cell stack, and an enclosure coupled to at least one of the first end plate or the second end plate to envelop a side portion of the cell stack, wherein an end portion of the enclosure comprises at least one protruding portion protruding toward the end plate to which the enclosure is coupled, among the first end plate and the second end plate, and wherein the end plate coupled to the enclosure comprises at least one receiving recess formed therein to receive the at least one protruding portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Suk Min Baeck, Yong Suk Heo
  • Patent number: 11777129
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: CERES INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Lee Rees, Stephen Phillip, Euan Freeman, Andrew Ballard, Tomasz Domanski, Eren Erturk, Alan Robertson
  • Patent number: 11749815
    Abstract: A caulk composition includes: at least one powder component and at least one binder component. The powder component is a ball-milled powder component comprising ceria, zirconia, alumina, or a combination thereof. The powder component is a heat-treated powder component that has been heated to a temperature of at least 1500° C. The powder component is present in a concentration range of 65 wt % to 75 wt % of the caulk composition. The powder component has a particle size distribution of 95% less than 25 ?m and 90% greater than 1 ?m. The binder component is present in a concentration range of 25 wt % to 35 wt % of the caulk composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew T. Snider, Chao-yi Yuh
  • Patent number: 11728494
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell unit comprises a first electrochemical cell comprising a first oxidant electrode and a first fuel electrode, and a second electrochemical cell comprising a second oxidant electrode and a second fuel electrode. An interconnect interposed between the first electrochemical cell and the second electrochemical cell. The interconnect comprises an interconnect main body defining a longitudinal channel along a longitudinal axis thereof. The interconnect main body includes a plurality of corrugations defining a plurality of fuel channels on a first surface of the interconnect main body facing the first electrochemical cell, and a plurality of oxidant channels on a second surface of the interconnect main body facing the second electrochemical cell. Each of the plurality of fuel channels and the plurality of oxidant channel positioned around the longitudinal channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: VERSA POWER SYSTEMS LTD
    Inventors: Casy Cloudless Brown, Khun Bong Luc, Cameron James Rankin
  • Patent number: 11664508
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a plurality of fuel cell units each including a fuel cell, a fuel cell cooling system having a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a primary-side coolant, and a secondary-side coolant flowing through the fuel cell, and a coolant pump that adjusts the flow rate of the secondary-side coolant, and a controller that controls the fuel cell, a cooling device, and a cooling system that supplies the primary-side coolant from the cooling device to each fuel cell unit. During stop of operation of the fuel cell system, the cooling device supplies the primary-side coolant having a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature to each fuel cell unit, and the controller activates the coolant pump to cause the secondary-side coolant to flow through the heat exchanger, in one or more fuel cell units in which the fuel cell has a possibility of freezing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA IDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tomotaka Ishikawa, Satoshi Watanabe, Kazushi Akamatsu
  • Patent number: 11600833
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stack of electrochemical cells (10A, 10B), divided up into at least two groups (A, B), each cell comprising a distribution circuit for a reactive species, and each group of cells comprising a separate supply collector (2A; 2B). At least one cell (10B) comprises a homogenization compartment (60B) comprising: a plurality of longitudinal conduits (61B) designed to receive the flow of the reactive species coming from the supply collector (2B) of the corresponding group and to distribute it over the inlet (51B) of the distribution circuit for the cell; and, a transverse conduit (62B) for homogenization connecting the longitudinal conduits (61B) to one another in a fluid sense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventor: Jean-Philippe Poirot-Crouvezier
  • Patent number: 11583906
    Abstract: In a manufacturing method for fuel cell separators having a seal part of convex shape that is pushed when superimposed with another separator, the method includes: a first pressing step of imparting work hardening to an entire region to become a convex shape configuring the seal part; and a second pressing step of press molding the region work hardened in the first pressing step so as to become a convex shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yuichi Hori, Tomotsugu Takahashi, Kei Matsumoto, Seitaro Nakamura
  • Patent number: 11404713
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a cell stack body, a stack case containing the cell stack body, and an end plate fixed to an end of the stack case. At least two recesses are provided at the end of the stack case, each of the recesses holding one end of each of positioning pins which position the stack case and the end plate. At least two positioning holes, into which the positioning pins are inserted, are provided in the end plate correspondingly to the at least two recesses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideharu Naito, Masahiro Sato, Takahiro Tanaka, Jun Tanaka, Yosuke Konno
  • Patent number: 11374219
    Abstract: Provided are an easy-to-handle primary battery capable of spontaneous power generation and a moisture sensor including the same. The primary battery includes a separator that is disposed between a negative electrode and negative electrode current collector (a negative electrode) and a positive electrode and positive electrode current collector (a positive electrode), and sucks up electrolyte solution by the capillary phenomenon with an exposed portion of the separator 5 exposed from battery casings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Yoko Ono, Masaya Nohara, Mikayo Iwata, Masahiko Hayashi, Takeshi Komatsu
  • Patent number: 11335935
    Abstract: A single fuel cell according to the present disclosure includes a power generation section, a power non-generation section which does not include the power generation section, and an oxygen-ion-insulating gas seal film arranged so as to cover the surface of the power non-generation section, and the gas seal film is configured by a structure formed by firing a material containing MTiO3 (M: alkaline earth metal element) and metal oxide. The structure may include a first structure and a second structure which are different in composition, the first structure may include components derived from MTiO3 in larger amounts than the second structure, the second structure may include a metal element contained in the metal oxide in a larger amount than the first structure, and the area ratio of the second structure in the structure may be not less than 1% and not more than 50%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI POWER, LTD.
    Inventors: Shigenori Suemori, Kenichi Hiwatashi, Shin Yoshida
  • Patent number: 11251454
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes: a membrane electrode gas diffusion layer assembly in which a membrane electrode assembly is sandwiched by a pair of gas diffusion layers; an insulating member formed into a frame shape, and being in contact with an outer peripheral portion of the membrane electrode gas diffusion layer assembly; and first and second separators sandwiching the membrane electrode gas diffusion layer assembly and the insulating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Kajiwara, Kazunori Shibata, Sachio Okada
  • Patent number: 11251440
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack in which cell units are stacked one on top of another, each of the cell units including: a power generation cell; and a separator defining and forming a flow passage portion, being a flow path of the gas, between the separator and the power generation cell, includes a frame body having an insulating property and arranged between at least one set of the cell units adjacent to each other. The frame body includes: as viewed in a stacking direction, outer peripheral beam portions provided to surround an outer peripheral side of a region in which the power generation cell is arranged; a connection beam portion connecting the outer peripheral beam portions to each other; and sealing beam portions formed along sealing portions at least partially sealing a manifold portion through which the gas is allowed to flow to the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masahiro Usuda
  • Patent number: 11205795
    Abstract: A reinforced electrolyte matrix for a molten carbonate fuel cell includes a porous ceramic matrix, a molten carbonate salt provided in the porous ceramic matrix, and at least one reinforcing structure comprised of at least one of yttrium, zirconium, cerium or oxides thereof. The reinforcing structure does not react with the molten carbonate salt. The reinforced electrolyte matrix separates a porous anode and a porous cathode in the molten carbonate fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: FuelCell Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Arun Surendranath, Abdelkader Hilmi, Chao-Yi Yuh
  • Patent number: 10811699
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell is provided that includes an an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte provided between the anode and the cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Sanghyeok Im, Kwangwook Choi, Jeong Mi Choi, Yeonhyuk Heo, Tai Min Noh, Kwangyeon Park
  • Patent number: 10741867
    Abstract: A fuel cell module can prevent excessive extending of crack in a cleavage part when the cleavage part cleaves to reduce internal pressure of the housing that stores the fuel cell stack and can prevent the exposure of a high-voltage part inside of the housing. The fuel cell module includes a fuel cell stack and a housing that stores the fuel cell stack. The housing includes a partition wall, a cleavage part on the partition wall that cleaves when the internal pressure of the housing increases to a predetermined pressure, a high-rigidity part on the partition wall to surround the cleavage part, and a plurality of elongated protrusions on the partition wall outside of the high-rigidity part. The strength of the cleavage part is lower than the elongated protrusions and the strength of the high-rigidity part is higher than the elongated protrusions and can prevent extension of a crack in the cleavage part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Inventor: Masahiro Katayama
  • Patent number: 10686200
    Abstract: A frame gasket may include a flat base, which is positioned along the edge of stack constitutional parts and which includes a first elastic base and reinforced fibers mixed therein to ensure sealing of a fuel cell stack, and first projection units, which project over the base and which include a second elastic base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Byeong-Heon Jeong, Seong Il Heo, Soo Jin Lim
  • Patent number: 10637091
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack and a method of assembling a fuel cell stack includes compressing fuel cells along their stacking axis. A compression retention device made up of an enclosure may be used with one or more optional insertable shims to correct for any stack height variations. Significantly, the enclosure is formed to allow the stack to be loaded in compression by a press such that the cells that make up the stack are placed into and maintained in a substantially compressed state while the compression force is not imparted to the enclosure. By resolving any stack height variances while the cells of the stack are maintained in their substantially compressed state, assembly operations are simplified in that repeated compression and decompression of the stack is avoided while trying to ensure that the stack and enclosure are joined into their final assembly form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: David A. Martinchek, Robert C Thompson, Masaaki Sakano, Hiroyuki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 10629936
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes a cell laminate, a casing, a first fastening member, a second fastening member, a first seal member, and a second seal member. The cell laminate includes fuel cells stacked in a stacking direction. The casing accommodates the cell laminate. The casing includes a first end plate, a second end plate, and a connecting member. The first end plate and the second end plate sandwich the cell laminate in the stacking direction. The connecting member is arranged between the first end plate and the second end plate. The first fastening member connects the first end plate and the connecting member. The second fastening member connects the second end plate and the connecting member. The first seal member is provided between the first end plate and the first fastening member. The second seal member is provided between the second end plate and the second fastening member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hideharu Naito
  • Patent number: 10615434
    Abstract: The present specification relates to a composition for a solid oxide fuel cell sealant including P2O5, a sealant using the same and a method for manufacturing the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Sanghyeok Im, Dong Oh Shin, Jong Woo Kim, Kwangwook Choi
  • Patent number: 10497960
    Abstract: The present specification relates to a solid oxide fuel cell and a cell module including the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Yeonhyuk Heo, Changseok Ryoo, Kwangwook Choi, Jongjin Lee, Bu Won Son
  • Patent number: 10454117
    Abstract: There is provided a fuel cell mounting structure including (i) a fuel cell which is configured to be disposed in a vehicle where a drive motor that drives rear wheels is placed in a vehicle rear portion, the fuel cell placed on the vehicle upper side of a suspension member disposed in a vehicle front portion and connected via a plurality of anti-vibration members to the suspension member, and (ii) auxiliaries that are attached to the fuel cell in a state in which the auxiliaries do not contact the suspension member and include at least an air compressor and a pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takahiro Yamafuji
  • Patent number: 10347922
    Abstract: A separator assembly for a fuel cell having an anode separator, a cathode separator, a cooling surface frame, and a gasket. In particular, the cooling surface frame is integrally bonded between peripheral portions of the anode separator and the cathode separator. Additionally, the gasket encloses the peripheral portions of the anode separator and the cathode separator between which the cooling surface frame is interposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sang Moon Jin, Yoo Chang Yang, Suk Min Baeck
  • Patent number: 10256476
    Abstract: A fuel cell electrode structure includes a membrane electrode assembly including an electrolyte membrane between a pair or electrodes, and a frame being integrally formed with the membrane electrode assembly supporting the membrane electrode assembly from the peripheral side. The membrane electrode assembly includes a gas diffusion layer on the surface, and a sealing member for sealing the periphery of the membrane electrode assembly is provided on the frame. The sealing member includes a lip portion, and at least partly includes extended portion that extends to the membrane electrode assembly. The extended portion is thinner than the lip portion of the sealing member, and the end face of the extended portion is in contact with the end face of the gas diffusion layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takanori Oku, Shinichi Miyazaki, Ryan Blunt
  • Patent number: 10236489
    Abstract: The present application relates to the field of battery production techniques and, particularly relates to an end plate for battery module and a battery module. The end plate includes a panel, an elastic member and a buffer plate, the panel and the buffer plate are stacked, a supporting hole is defined in the buffer plate, the supporting hole is a through hole along a thickness direction of the buffer plate, the elastic member is filled in the supporting hole, and an end of the elastic member abuts against the panel tinder such structure, the end plate can be avoided from directly squeezing the cell in the battery module, so as to protect the cell and guarantee safety of the battery module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY CO., LIMITED
    Inventors: Zhiming Chen, Lin Ma, Liangmei Chen
  • Patent number: 10109871
    Abstract: A method of forming a bipolar separator assembly for use in a fuel cell assembly includes a step of forming an anode-side sub-assembly, which comprises sub-steps of: providing an anode current collector, providing a plate member, first and second opposing end segments and third and fourth opposing end segments, positioning said plate member so that said anode current collector abuts the first surface of the plate member, providing first and second anode wet seal members, and releasably securing the first and second anode wet seal members to the plate member; a step of forming a cathode-side sub-assembly, which comprises sub-steps of: providing a cathode current collector; providing first and second cathode wet seal members; and releasably securing the first and second cathode wet seal members to the cathode current collector; and a step of assembling the cathode-side sub-assembly with the anode-side sub-assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: William Morris, Michael Primerano, Lawrence J. Novacco
  • Patent number: 10103393
    Abstract: A hot press device presses one or more objects to be pressed at a predetermined temperature, and includes: a roller around which a roll on which the objects to be pressed are disposed at predetermined intervals is wound; hot plates which are disposed to face one surface of the objects to be pressed while corresponding to the roll supplied from the roller; press units which are disposed to push the hot plates on the objects to be pressed; and a pitch changing unit which moves the hot plates in a direction in which the roll is moved or in a direction opposite to a direction in which the roll is moved, in accordance with a distance between the objects to be pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Sung Hoon Jeong, Jong Cheol Ahn
  • Patent number: 10069149
    Abstract: An assembly includes (a) an anode-side sub-assembly including: a plate member having first and second opposing surfaces compatible with fuel and oxidant gases, respectively, the plate member having first and second opposing end segments, and third and fourth opposing end segments; an anode current collector abutting the first surface of the plate member; and first and second anode wet seal members releasably secured to the plate member so as to form first and second pockets on the first surface of the plate member and (b) a cathode-side subassembly comprising: first and second cathode wet seal members configured to form third and fourth pockets on the second surface of the plate member and to be releasably positioned adjacent said third and fourth opposing end segments; and a cathode current collector cooperating with the first and second cathode wet seal members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.
    Inventors: William Morris, Michael Primerano, Lawrence J. Novacco
  • Patent number: 9911983
    Abstract: A fuel cell electrode catalyst including an active complex including a cerium (Ce)-nitrogen (N) bond and having an oxygen reduction activity. Also, a method of preparing a fuel cell electrode catalyst, the method including providing a pre-catalyst including a pre-active complex having a cerium-oxygen bond; and thermally treating the pre-catalyst in the presence of a nitrogen-containing material at a temperature of from about 700° C. to about 2000° C. to prepare the electrode catalyst, the electrode catalyst including an active complex comprising a cerium-nitrogen bond. Also a fuel cell membrane-electrode assembly, the membrane-electrode assembly including: a cathode; an anode disposed opposite to the cathode; and an electrolyte membrane disposed between the cathode and the anode, at least one of the anode and the cathode including the fuel cell electrode catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kang-hee Lee, Chan-ho Pak, Dae-jong Yoo, Jun-ho Lee, Seon-ah Jin
  • Patent number: 9780401
    Abstract: A device for producing a packaged electrode includes: a conveyance unit configured to sequentially overlay the electrode and the pair of separators from a front end side in a conveying direction while conveying the electrode and the pair of separators; a first joining chip configured to join lateral edges of the pair of separators together; at least one second joining chip positioned downstream of the first joining chip in the conveying direction and configured to join the lateral edges of the pair of separators together. Front ends of the lateral edges of the pair of separators being sequentially overlaid while being conveyed by the conveyance unit are joined together by the first joining chip positioned upstream before the front ends are conveyed to the second joining chip positioned downstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yuhara, Takahiro Yanagi, Taewon Kim, Manabu Yamashita
  • Patent number: 9722229
    Abstract: An example method of connecting an electric vehicle battery includes welding a landing of a terminal to a bus bar, and pressing a landing of the terminal and the bus bar against one another during the welding. The landing is along a first plane and a base of the terminal is along a second plane that is spaced from the first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Vineeth Seshadri Kallur, Hari Addanki, Brian Utley, Steve F. Chorian, Debbi Callicoat
  • Patent number: 9695518
    Abstract: Solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) stack obtainable by a process comprising the use of a glass sealant with composition 50 to 70 wt % SiO2, 0 to 20 wt % Al2O3, 10 to 50 wt % CaO, 0 to 10 wt % MgO, 0 to 2 wt % (Na2o 1K2O), 0 to 10 wt % b2O3, and 0 to 5 wt % of functional elements selected from TiO2, ZrO2, ZrO2, F, P2O5, Mo03, FeO3, MnO 2, La—Sr—Mn—O perovskite (LSM) and combinations thereof. Preferably, the sealant is a sheet of E-glass fibers with a composition in wt % of 52-56 SiO2, 12-16AL2O3, 16-25 CaO, 0-6MgO, 0-2 Na2+K2O, 0-10 B2O3, 0-1.5 TiO2, O-1F.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/S
    Inventors: Jens Ulrik Nielsen, Jørgen Gutzon Larsen
  • Patent number: 9660287
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing deformation of a fuel cell stack is provided. The apparatus includes a support unit, respective ends of which are connected to first endplates of a pair of stacked fuel cell stacks. The apparatus further includes a support protrusion that protrudes from a surface of the support unit and extends through a gap between the pair of fuel cell stacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Yong Suk Heo, Jung Do Suh, Duck Whan Kim
  • Patent number: 9583771
    Abstract: A method of forming diffusion barrier layer includes providing an interconnect for a fuel cell stack, forming a glass barrier precursor layer over a Mn and/or Co containing electrically conductive contact layer on the interconnect, and heating the barrier precursor layer to precipitate crystals in the barrier precursor layer to convert the barrier precursor layer to a glass ceramic barrier layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY COPORATION
    Inventors: Shailendra Parihar, Emad El Batawi, Anita Pradeep Hothur
  • Patent number: 9577281
    Abstract: Two active cell structures are prepared each comprising anode/electrolyte/cathode layers, each anode and cathode layer having embedded spaced-apart physical structures therein. Two interconnect sublayers are prepared, each comprising a layer of non-conductive material with holes formed therein and a conductor layer formed on one surface. The sublayers are placed together with the conductor layers in contact and with the holes offset to form an interconnect layer, which is then stacked between the two active cell structures. The multi-layer stack is laminated together and the anode layer of one active cell structure and the cathode layer of the other active cell structure fill the adjacent holes in the interconnect layer. The physical structures are pulled out to reveal embedded gas passages, and the multi-layer stack is sintered to form two active cells connected in series by the interconnect layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventors: Alan Devoe, Lambert Devoe
  • Patent number: 9566876
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a fuel cell having a cell stack and an end plate provided to receive pressing force, the end plate having such a strength as to resist the pressing force; and a vehicle-side stack frame on which the fuel cell is mounted in a vehicle underfloor region in such a mounting posture that fuel-cell unit cells are stacked horizontally. The vehicle-side stack frame is built over a range from an end plate side to the other end side of the cell stack in the stacking direction of the fuel-cell unit cells in an occupation area occupied by the fuel cell in the mounting posture in the vehicle underfloor region. In a region where it is assumed that external force can reach the occupation area in the vicinity of the end plate, the vehicle-side stack frame has a shortest distance to the end plate that is smaller than a shortest distance to any other members in the vicinity of the end plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Takeyama
  • Patent number: 9527405
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a fuel cell having a cell stack and an end plate provided to receive pressing force, the end plate having such a strength as to resist the pressing force; and a vehicle-side stack frame on which the fuel cell is mounted in a vehicle underfloor region in such a mounting posture that fuel-cell unit cells are stacked horizontally. The vehicle-side stack frame is built over a range from an end plate side to the other end side of the cell stack in the stacking direction of the fuel-cell unit cells in an occupation area occupied by the fuel cell in the mounting posture in the vehicle underfloor region. In a region where it is assumed that external force can reach the occupation area in the vicinity of the end plate, the vehicle-side stack frame has a shortest distance to the end plate that is smaller than a shortest distance to any other members in the vicinity of the end plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Takeyama
  • Patent number: 9425468
    Abstract: A cell structure of a fuel cell, including: a membrane electrode assembly M in which an electrolyte membrane 1 is sandwiched between a pair of electrode layers 2 and 3; a frame 4 disposed around an outer periphery of the electrolyte membrane 1; a separator 5 to define a gas channel G between the separator 5 and the membrane electrode assembly M; a seal member 6 disposed at an outer side of the gas channel G; and a gas-permeable metal porous body 23 disposed on a surface of the electrode layers 2 and 3, wherein the metal porous body 23 includes an extension 23A at an outer rim that extends outward beyond the electrode layers 2, the frame 4 includes an embedding portion 40 where the extension 23A of the metal porous body 23 is embedded, and the cell structure further comprises a holding means to hold the extension 23A of the metal porous body 23 between the separator 5 and the embedding portion 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Numao, Toshikazu Kotaka
  • Patent number: 9166214
    Abstract: An article includes a seal ring for an energy storage device. The seal ring has a weldable first portion and a weldable second portion. The first and second portions are electrically isolatable from each other by an electrically insulating third portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Craig Stringer, Charles Dominic Iacovangelo, Dennis Joseph Dalpe, James Scott Vartuli, James Anthony Brewer
  • Patent number: 9109559
    Abstract: A resin-bonded body of a fuel injection apparatus includes a first resin material and a second resin material, which are bonded together and have different properties, respectively. The resin-bonded body has a fuel seal portion to limit leakage of fuel from a boundary surface between the first resin material and the second resin material to an outside. The fuel seal portion is formed in a portion of the boundary surface and is surface-modified to increase hydrophilicity of the fuel seal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shingo Kondo, Tooru Taguchi, Takashi Aoki
  • Patent number: 9034535
    Abstract: There is provided a flexible circuit board capable of preventing corrosion and elution of a conductor layer constituting a current collector even under high-temperature and high-voltage working conditions while achieving sufficient electric connection with an MEA. A flexible circuit board having a current collector of a fuel cell provided thereon includes an insulating flexible base material 1, a plurality of openings 5 that supply fuel or air, the openings 5 being provided in a specified region so as to penetrate through the flexible base material 1 in a thickness direction, a plating film 6 that constitutes the current collector, the plating film 6 being formed on front and back surfaces of the flexible base material 1 in the specified region and on inner walls of the openings 5, a surface treatment film 9 formed on the plating film 6 and having corrosion resistance higher than that of the plating film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: NIPPON MEKTRON, LTD
    Inventor: Masanori Hirata
  • Patent number: 9029040
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack and a compression system for providing compressive force to a fuel cell stack having first and second ends is provided. The compression system includes asymmetric leaf springs operatively connected to first and second ends of the fuel cell stack. Each leaf spring includes a slot having first and second connector positions. The compression system also includes tension members connected to the leaf springs. The tension members compress the leaf springs to provide a compressive load to the fuel cell stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Intelligent Energy Limited
    Inventor: Russell H. Barton
  • Patent number: 9023548
    Abstract: A fuel cell system 1 has at least one fuel cell stack 2, which comprises a plurality of plate-shaped fuel cells 10. A retaining device 3 is provided for installing the fuel cell stack in a vehicle 6. When the fuel cell stack 2 is installed in the vehicle 6, the plate-shaped fuel cells 10 are arranged inclined relative to the vertical 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Gerald Hornburg
  • Patent number: 9005838
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack is provided in which a plurality of single cells each including a membrane electrode assembly are stacked in a stacking direction. The fuel cell stack includes a plurality of electrical insulation members each connected to an outer peripheral portion of a corresponding one of the membrane electrode assemblies. The fuel cell stack further includes a first displacement absorbing member disposed between each insulation member and an adjacent insulation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigetaka Uehara, Yasuhiro Numao
  • Patent number: 9005835
    Abstract: This disclosure related to polymer electrolyte member fuel cells and components thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Nuvera Fuel Cells, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott C. Blanchet, Amedeo Conti, James C. Cross, III
  • Patent number: 8993135
    Abstract: A flexible fuel cell stack is also described that includes an anode electrode layer, an adhesive and anode gas diffusion layer coupled to the anode electrode layer, an ion exchange membrane coupled on a first side to the gas diffusion layer opposite the anode electrode layer, an adhesive and cathode gas diffusion layer coupled to a second side of the ion exchange membrane, and a cathode electrode layer coupled to the adhesive and cathode gas diffusion layer opposite the ion exchange membrane. The fuel cell stack may be incorporated into a power generator that includes a hydrogen producing fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Eickhoff
  • Patent number: 8986902
    Abstract: A pair of gaskets is integrally formed with seal lips corresponding to each other and extending in the longitudinal direction of the gasket, and side portions disposed on either sides or one side of the seal lip and having a height lower than that of the seal lip. The plate-shaped attachment member includes a through-hole provided at a position where the side portions of the pair of gaskets communicate with each other so as to be formed therethrough in the thickness direction, and the pair of gaskets is integrally formed through the through-hole. An opening shape of the through-hole is set to be an elongated shape in the longitudinal direction of the gasket so as to make a width dimension of each of the side portions as small as possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: NOK Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuya Urakawa
  • Patent number: 8986860
    Abstract: A subgasket for a fuel cell is provided. The subgasket includes a barrier layer having an elongate primary seal formed thereon. The seal has at least one inwardly extending baffle adapted to militate against a reactant bypass flow in the fuel cell. A fuel cell and fuel cell stack having the subgasket are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Saurabh Vyas, Jeffrey A. Rock, Eric J. Connor, Daniel P. Miller
  • Patent number: 8974982
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) having an electrolyte membrane and a pair of electrodes arranged on both sides of the electrolyte membrane in the thickness direction, a pair of frames having a frame shape and holding an outer periphery portion of the electrolyte membrane, a pair of gas diffusion layers arranged inside the pair of frames and on both sides of the MEA in the thickness direction, and a gasket covering at least a part of the pair of frames. The fuel cell further includes a first cross-linking adhesive member formed of rubber which includes a membrane accommodating portion having an indented shape for accommodating the outer periphery portion of the electrolyte membrane and a first intermediate portion interposed between the pair of frames and which is subjected to cross-linking adhesion with the outer periphery portion of the electrolyte membrane and the pair of frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Tanahashi, Yutaka Ishioka, Kazutaka Iizuka, Chisato Kato
  • Publication number: 20150064598
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for improving and/or simplifying one or more seals in a fuel cell stack, such as a vehicle fuel cell stack. In some implementations, a plate or assembly for the stack may be extruded through an extrusion die so as to create a plate comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of cavities disposed between the top and bottom surfaces. At least a subset of the cavities may be filled with a cavity-filler material distinct from a material used to form the plate, such as a foam material. One or more headers, such as grommet seals, may then be overmolded into the plate to form corresponding conduits between the top surface and the bottom surface of the plate/assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: DAVID A. MARTINCHEK
  • Patent number: 8968957
    Abstract: A fuel cell unit configuring a fuel cell is provided with a first separator, a first electrolyte film/electrode body, a second separator, a second electrolyte film/electrode body, and a third separator. Resin guide members are provided on the outer periphery of the first separator, the second separator, and the third separator. The resin guide members have outer peripheral ends which protrude outwards, and in the aforementioned resin guide members are formed concave reliefs which are spaced inwards from the aforementioned outer peripheral ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuhei Goto, Tetsuya Nakamura, Hiroyuki Tanaka, Kentaro Ishida