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:
Jun. 28, 2016
Filed:
Mar. 05, 2013
GM Global Technology Operations Llc, Detroit, MI (US);
Anthony G. Chinnici, Rochester, NY (US);
Jeffrey A. Rock, Fairport, NY (US);
GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US);
Abstract
A fuel cell system is provided which includes a compression retention enclosure with upper and lower compression shells and side sheet components coupled by interlocking hem joints. Methods for manufacturing compression retention enclosures with hem joints such that the enclosure remains sealed upon operational swelling of the fuel stack are also provided. A compression shell may be formed from a light weight composite structure having a polymeric layer interposed between steel skins, and an extension of the top steel skin may form a hemmed edge or may form a side sheet having a hemmed edge. Side sheet panels may be coupled to the end plates by interlocking two opposing hemmed edges to form the hem joint, or by sliding an opposing C-linking element between two hemmed edges held under compression force in an interlocking position.