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. 24, 2012
Filed:
Nov. 30, 2006
Constantinos Minas, Slingerlands, NY (US);
Megan A. Fannon, Latham, NY (US);
Russ Marvin, Goshen, CT (US);
Charles M. Carlstrom, Jr., Saratoga Springs, NY (US);
Robert S. Hirsch, Troy, NY (US);
Sampath Venkataswamy, Menands, NY (US);
Constantinos Minas, Slingerlands, NY (US);
Megan A. Fannon, Latham, NY (US);
Russ Marvin, Goshen, CT (US);
Charles M. Carlstrom, Jr., Saratoga Springs, NY (US);
Robert S. Hirsch, Troy, NY (US);
Sampath Venkataswamy, Menands, NY (US);
MTI MicroFuel Cells Inc., Albany, NY (US);
Abstract
A spring loaded direct oxidation fuel cell assembly reduces the effects of precompression relaxation. A near flat spring and a distribution plate form a spring assembly that is disposed between a membrane electrode assembly and one of the current collectors in the fuel cell. The components are assembled into a fuel cell assembly and are precompressed, and a spring yielding process is performed. While precompression is being applied, a set of pins and a plastic frame are insert molded around the fuel cell assembly to hold the components in place. Subsequently, as the precompression relaxes, the spring assembly forces act to maintain an evenly distributed compression on the MEA, thereby compensating for the loss of precompression. A related method of manufacturing a fuel cell assembly is provided.