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:
Aug. 28, 2012
Filed:
Jul. 17, 2009
Leonid C. Lev, West Bloomfield, MI (US);
Dimitri A. Podorashi, Weiterstadt, DE;
Michael J. Lukitsch, Marysville, MI (US);
Thorsten Michler, Hofheim, DE;
Xingcheng Xiao, Troy, MI (US);
Leonid C. Lev, West Bloomfield, MI (US);
Dimitri A. Podorashi, Weiterstadt, DE;
Michael J. Lukitsch, Marysville, MI (US);
Thorsten Michler, Hofheim, DE;
Xingcheng Xiao, Troy, MI (US);
GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
The performance and durability of static and dynamic seals for hydrogen storage and supply systems has been improved by utilizing a spring-energized and plastic coated radial seal in combination with at least a mating surface that has been treated by one of a variety of procedures. These procedures include applying to the mating surface a low-friction, hard, and hydrogen impervious coating, chemically polishing the mating surface, and electrochemically polishing the mating surface. Each of these procedures significantly reduces, on a microscopic scale, the surface roughness of the mating surface. The seal can thus form a tighter and more gas-tight seal with the smoother mating surface so as to decrease the loss of hydrogen gas across the seal. The smoother mating surface can also improve seal life by reducing seal surface wear.