The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 25, 2005
Filed:
Jun. 13, 2002
Seiji Mizuno, Toyota, JP;
Seiji Mizuno, Toyota, JP;
Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota, JP;
Abstract
An electrochemical fuel cell includes an electrolyte membrane, a first electrode on one side of the electrolyte membrane and a second electrode on another side of the electrolyte membrane, a first separator and a second separator, and a seal. The first and second separators sandwich the first and second electrodes. The seal is provided between the electrolyte membrane and one of the first and second separators for sealing a path of a fuel gas or an oxidative gas, and between the first and second separators for sealing a coolant path. The softer layer in the seal elastically deforms and absorbs a surface roughness of the electrolyte membrane or the electrode. The harder layer supports the electrolyte membrane or the electrode. The seal can respond to and follow a length of the electrolyte membrane or the separator changed by varying temperature.