Insertable fluid flow passage bridgepiece and method

Patent 6017648 Issued on January 25, 2000. Estimated Expiration Date:

April 15, 2017. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

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Inventor

Jones, Daniel O.

Application

No. 839667 filed on 04/15/1997

US Classes:

429/35, Having sealing feature429/39And fluid directing means

Examiners

Primary: Kalafut, Stephen

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Heslin & Rothenberg, P.C.

Foreign Patent References

0 281 949 EP. 09/12/1988
62-147665 JP. 07/12/1987
63-105474 JP. 05/12/1988
1-173576 JP. 07/12/1989
6-089728 JP. 03/12/1994
9-035726 JP. 02/12/1997
WO 96 20510 WO. 07/12/1996

International Class

H01M 008/02

Abstract

A fluid flow passage bridgepiece for insertion into an open-face fluid flow channel of a fluid flow plate is provided. The bridgepiece provides a sealed passage from a columnar fluid flow manifold to the flow channel, thereby preventing undesirable leakage into and out of the columnar fluid flow manifold. When deployed in the various fluid flow plates that are used in a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell, bridgepieces of this invention prevent mixing of reactant gases, leakage of coolant or humidification water, and occlusion of the fluid flow channel by gasket material. The invention also provides a fluid flow plate assembly including an insertable bridgepiece, a fluid flow plate adapted for use with an insertable bridgepiece, and a method of manufacturing a fluid flow plate with an insertable fluid flow passage bridgepiece.