Abstract:
A molded multi-part flow field structure includes a molded flow field plate formed of a conductive material comprising a first polymer. A molded frame is disposed around the flow field plate and formed of a non-conductive material comprising a second polymer. The molded flow field plate and frame preferably define a unipolar flow field structure. Manifolds are formed in the molded frame, and a molded gasket arrangement is disposed proximate a periphery of the manifolds. A molded coupling arrangement may be formed to extend from the frame and configured to couple the flow field structure with other unipolar flow field structures to define a continuous web of the unipolar flow field structures.
Abstract:
A registration arrangement for a fuel cell stack assembly incorporates registration posts ( 212 ) and registration apertures or recesses ( 210 ). Fuel cell assemblies of the stack may include first ( 202 ) and second ( 206 ) flow field plates and a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) ( 204 ) having an active area. Registration apertures are defined in each of the MEA and the first and second flow field plates. The respective registration apertures are situated within non-active areas of the MEA when the first and second flow field plates and the MEA are in axial alignment. Registration posts are configured for reception within the registration apertures. Each of the registration posts has an outer surface differing in shape from a shape of the inner surface of the registration apertures. The inner surface of the registration apertures contact the outer surface of the registration posts at a plurality of discrete press-fit locations.
Abstract:
An ultrasonic-assisted injection molding system and method for making precisely- shaped articles. A source of ultrasonic energy is positioned to apply vibrational energy to a mold cavity connected to at least one gate in flow communication with a source of molten (co)polymer. The mold is heated to a temperature of 104-116°C, and the molten (co)polymer is injected into the mold cavity. After cooling the mold until the molten (co)polymer within the gate has solidified, ultrasonic energy is applied to the mold without remelting the solidified (co)polymer within the gate until the temperature increases to 116-122°C, thereby substantially relieving flow induced stresses. The mold is then cooled until the temperature decreases to 101-107°C, and is thereafter heated until the temperature increases to 116-122°C, thereby substantially relieving any thermally induced stresses. The mold is cooled until the molten (co)polymer has solidified, thereby forming a precision molded plastic optical element.
Abstract:
Fuel cell systems incorporate end plate assemblies used to compress the fuel cell stack and/or to collect current from the fuel cell stack. A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack having fuel cells stacked in a predetermined stacking direction. Multi-function or multi-region compression end plate assemblies are disposed at the ends of a fuel cell stack. A multi-region compression end plate assembly involves compression mechanisms configured to preferentially compress separate areas of the fuel cell stack. A multi-function end plate assembly employs a current collector passing through an end plate to collect current from the fuel cell stack. The current collector may be used to preferentially compress a region of the fuel cell stack.
Abstract:
Fabricating roll-good fuel cell material involves laminating first and second bonding material webs having spaced apart windows to first and second surfaces of a fuel cell membrane web. First and second active regions of the membrane web are positioned within the respective bonding material windows. Third and fourth gasket material webs having spaced apart windows are respectively laminated to the bonding material on the first and second membrane web surfaces. The bonding material windows align with the respective gasket material windows so that at least some of the bonding material extends within the respective gasket material windows. Fluid transport layer (FTL) material portions cut from fifth and sixth FTL material webs are laminated to the respective first and second active regions. The FTL material portions are positioned within respective gasket material windows and contact the bonding material extending within the respective gasket material windows.
Abstract:
A method of making hollow microneedle arrays is described. Also described are the articles therefrom and the use of the articles in applications such as delivering fluid to and/or extracting body fluid from a subject.
Abstract:
A process for making a microneedle array master comprises: (a) providing a photoreactive composition, the photoreactive composition comprising: (1) at least one reactive species that is capable of undergoing an acid- or radical-initiated chemical reaction, and (2) at least one multiphoton photoinitiator system; and (b) imagewise exposing at least a portion of the composition to light sufficient to cause simultaneous absorption of at least two photons, thereby inducing at least one acid- or radical-initiated chemical reaction where the composition is exposed to the light, the imagewise exposing being carried out in a pattern that is effective to define at least the surface of a plurality of microneedles. The microneedles may be solid and the outer surface of the microneedles may be characterized by at least one concave area. The master may be used to fabricate a tool for replication.
Abstract:
An article bearing a flow field such as a distribution plate for use in a fuel cell is provided. The active portion of the article, i.e., the portion of the article bearing the flow field, comprises at least two subsections; a first central subsection and a second peripheral subsection; wherein channels within the first subsection have a cross-sectional profile that differs from that of channels within the second subsection. Typically, channels of the first subsection have lesser depth, greater draft or greater ratio of draft to depth. In addition, an article bearing a flow field is provided where the flow field comprises at least two channel segments which differ in draft. In addition, an article bearing a flow field is provided where the flow field comprises at least one channel segment comprising first and second channel walls which differ in draft.