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:
Dec. 27, 2005
Filed:
Dec. 17, 2002
Michael Andrew Yandrasits, Hastings, MN (US);
David Adrian Ylitalo, Stillwater, MN (US);
Douglas Willard Kado, Menomonie, WI (US);
Michael Andrew Yandrasits, Hastings, MN (US);
David Adrian Ylitalo, Stillwater, MN (US);
Douglas Willard Kado, Menomonie, WI (US);
3M Innovative Properties Company, St. Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
A method is provided for making an edge-sealed fuel cell membrane electrode assembly comprising the steps of: i) providing a suitable membrane electrode assembly lay-up; ii) positioning a suitable annular layer of a thermoplastic; and iii) applying pressure and heat sufficient to melt impregnate the thermoplastic into the fluid transport layer or layers of the membrane electrode assembly lay-up and simultaneously bond the fluid transport layer or layers to the polymer electrolyte membrane of the membrane electrode assembly lay-up. The polymer electrolyte membrane of the membrane electrode assembly lay-up may be perforated in its outer sealing area. Membrane electrode assemblies made according to the method of the present invention are also provided.