With Sealing Or Supporting Feature Patents (Class 429/469)
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Patent number: 12224464Abstract: An FC system disclosed herein may comprise a plurality of FC units, a cooler, and a controller. Each of the FC units may comprise a FC stack, a supply passage/a return passage/a circulating passage through which refrigerant passes, and first temperature sensor. The supply passage supplies the refrigerant from the cooler to the FC stack. The return passage returns the refrigerant to the cooler. The circulating passage is connected to the supply passage and the return passage. The first temperature sensor is configured to measure a temperature of the refrigerant in the supply passage at a position upstream of a merging point of the supply passage and the circulating passage. When measured values of the first temperature sensors of the plurality of the FC units do not match, the controller is configured to provide notification about malfunction of the first temperature sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2022Date of Patent: February 11, 2025Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Toshihiro Egawa, Makito Okumura, Atsuo Iio, Hisaya Fujioka
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Patent number: 11791491Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 26, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Suk Min Baeck, Yong Suk Heo
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Patent number: 11777129Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 22, 2018Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: CERES INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Lee Rees, Stephen Phillip, Euan Freeman, Andrew Ballard, Tomasz Domanski, Eren Erturk, Alan Robertson
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Patent number: 11749815Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 31, 2020Date of Patent: September 5, 2023Assignee: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Matthew T. Snider, Chao-yi Yuh
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Patent number: 11728494Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 30, 2019Date of Patent: August 15, 2023Assignee: VERSA POWER SYSTEMS LTDInventors: Casy Cloudless Brown, Khun Bong Luc, Cameron James Rankin
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Patent number: 11664508Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 21, 2021Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: TOYOTA IDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tomotaka Ishikawa, Satoshi Watanabe, Kazushi Akamatsu
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Patent number: 11600833Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 18, 2016Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVESInventor: Jean-Philippe Poirot-Crouvezier
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Patent number: 11583906Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 26, 2021Date of Patent: February 21, 2023Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yuichi Hori, Tomotsugu Takahashi, Kei Matsumoto, Seitaro Nakamura
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Patent number: 11404713Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 6, 2019Date of Patent: August 2, 2022Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Hideharu Naito, Masahiro Sato, Takahiro Tanaka, Jun Tanaka, Yosuke Konno
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Patent number: 11374219Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 14, 2017Date of Patent: June 28, 2022Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone CorporationInventors: Yoko Ono, Masaya Nohara, Mikayo Iwata, Masahiko Hayashi, Takeshi Komatsu
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Patent number: 11335935Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 6, 2019Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: MITSUBISHI POWER, LTD.Inventors: Shigenori Suemori, Kenichi Hiwatashi, Shin Yoshida
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Patent number: 11251454Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 15, 2020Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takashi Kajiwara, Kazunori Shibata, Sachio Okada
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Patent number: 11251440Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 10, 2017Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Masahiro Usuda
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Patent number: 11205795Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 21, 2016Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: FuelCell Energy, Inc.Inventors: Arun Surendranath, Abdelkader Hilmi, Chao-Yi Yuh
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Patent number: 10811699Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 24, 2017Date of Patent: October 20, 2020Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.Inventors: Sanghyeok Im, Kwangwook Choi, Jeong Mi Choi, Yeonhyuk Heo, Tai Min Noh, Kwangyeon Park
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Patent number: 10741867Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 19, 2018Date of Patent: August 11, 2020Inventor: Masahiro Katayama
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Patent number: 10686200Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 29, 2016Date of Patent: June 16, 2020Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Byeong-Heon Jeong, Seong Il Heo, Soo Jin Lim
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Patent number: 10637091Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 2, 2018Date of Patent: April 28, 2020Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: David A. Martinchek, Robert C Thompson, Masaaki Sakano, Hiroyuki Tanaka
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Patent number: 10629936Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 23, 2017Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Hideharu Naito
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Patent number: 10615434Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 9, 2016Date of Patent: April 7, 2020Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.Inventors: Sanghyeok Im, Dong Oh Shin, Jong Woo Kim, Kwangwook Choi
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Patent number: 10497960Abstract: The present specification relates to a solid oxide fuel cell and a cell module including the same.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2016Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.Inventors: Yeonhyuk Heo, Changseok Ryoo, Kwangwook Choi, Jongjin Lee, Bu Won Son
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Patent number: 10454117Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 6, 2016Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Takahiro Yamafuji
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Patent number: 10347922Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 4, 2017Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Sang Moon Jin, Yoo Chang Yang, Suk Min Baeck
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Patent number: 10256476Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 26, 2016Date of Patent: April 9, 2019Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Takanori Oku, Shinichi Miyazaki, Ryan Blunt
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Patent number: 10236489Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 13, 2017Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY CO., LIMITEDInventors: Zhiming Chen, Lin Ma, Liangmei Chen
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Patent number: 10109871Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 29, 2016Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.Inventors: William Morris, Michael Primerano, Lawrence J. Novacco
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Patent number: 10103393Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 18, 2015Date of Patent: October 16, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Sung Hoon Jeong, Jong Cheol Ahn
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Patent number: 10069149Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 29, 2016Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: FUELCELL ENERGY, INC.Inventors: William Morris, Michael Primerano, Lawrence J. Novacco
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Patent number: 9911983Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 22, 2013Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Kang-hee Lee, Chan-ho Pak, Dae-jong Yoo, Jun-ho Lee, Seon-ah Jin
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Patent number: 9780401Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 6, 2012Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroshi Yuhara, Takahiro Yanagi, Taewon Kim, Manabu Yamashita
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Patent number: 9722229Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 20, 2013Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Vineeth Seshadri Kallur, Hari Addanki, Brian Utley, Steve F. Chorian, Debbi Callicoat
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Patent number: 9695518Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 5, 2010Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/SInventors: Jens Ulrik Nielsen, Jørgen Gutzon Larsen
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Patent number: 9660287Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 17, 2015Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Yong Suk Heo, Jung Do Suh, Duck Whan Kim
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Patent number: 9583771Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 30, 2014Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: BLOOM ENERGY COPORATIONInventors: Shailendra Parihar, Emad El Batawi, Anita Pradeep Hothur
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Patent number: 9577281Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 6, 2016Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Inventors: Alan Devoe, Lambert Devoe
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Patent number: 9566876Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 20, 2015Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Makoto Takeyama
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Patent number: 9527405Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 20, 2015Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Makoto Takeyama
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Patent number: 9425468Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 18, 2013Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yasuhiro Numao, Toshikazu Kotaka
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Patent number: 9166214Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 19, 2008Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Craig Stringer, Charles Dominic Iacovangelo, Dennis Joseph Dalpe, James Scott Vartuli, James Anthony Brewer
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Patent number: 9109559Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 10, 2013Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Shingo Kondo, Tooru Taguchi, Takashi Aoki
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Patent number: 9034535Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 3, 2012Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: NIPPON MEKTRON, LTDInventor: Masanori Hirata
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Patent number: 9029040Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 17, 2012Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: Intelligent Energy LimitedInventor: Russell H. Barton
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Patent number: 9023548Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Daimler AGInventor: Gerald Hornburg
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Patent number: 9005835Abstract: This disclosure related to polymer electrolyte member fuel cells and components thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2009Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Nuvera Fuel Cells, Inc.Inventors: Scott C. Blanchet, Amedeo Conti, James C. Cross, III
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Patent number: 9005838Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 13, 2009Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shigetaka Uehara, Yasuhiro Numao
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Patent number: 8993135Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 1, 2007Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Steven J. Eickhoff
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Patent number: 8986902Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 27, 2010Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: NOK CorporationInventor: Tetsuya Urakawa
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Patent number: 8986860Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 22, 2008Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Saurabh Vyas, Jeffrey A. Rock, Eric J. Connor, Daniel P. Miller
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Patent number: 8974982Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Hideaki Tanahashi, Yutaka Ishioka, Kazutaka Iizuka, Chisato Kato
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Publication number: 20150064598Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2013Publication date: March 5, 2015Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventor: DAVID A. MARTINCHEK