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:
Oct. 13, 2009
Filed:
Aug. 20, 2003
Raymond Puffer, Watervliet, NY (US);
Stephen Derby, Troy, NY (US);
Glenn Saunders, East Greenbush, NY (US);
Glen Hoppes, Frankfurt, DE;
Louise Courtois, Granby, MA (US);
Jürgen Pawlik, Frankfurt, DE;
Werner Kraus, Niedernhausen, DE;
Raymond Puffer, Watervliet, NY (US);
Stephen Derby, Troy, NY (US);
Glenn Saunders, East Greenbush, NY (US);
Glen Hoppes, Frankfurt, DE;
Louise Courtois, Granby, MA (US);
Jürgen Pawlik, Frankfurt, DE;
Werner Kraus, Niedernhausen, DE;
BASF Fuel Cell GmbH, , DE;
Abstract
A method and apparatus for handling thin films, for example, for handling and assembling membranes in fuel cell electrodes. The apparatus includes a translatable vacuum table for mounting the thin film, a perforated drum having a source of vacuum for removing the thin film from the vacuum table, and a transfer assembly having a perforated surface and a source of vacuum for transferring the thin film from the perforated drum to a target location. When the thin films are provided in containers, the apparatus may also include means for opening the containers to access the thin film within. Removal of the thin film from the transfer assembly may be aided by a thin film release device, for example, a plurality of moveable wires. The apparatus may be automated, for example, the apparatus may included automated controllers and robotic arms to facilitate the handling of thin film materials.