US3776777A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Unitary assembly of serially connected fuel cells
Assignee: BBC Brown Boveri AG Switzerland
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Filing: 1972-05-19
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Granted: 1973-12-04
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Expires: 1992-05-19
Abstract
Abstract A unitary assembly of serially connected fuel cells is provided comprising a fuel cell electrolyte of solid material formed in two mating semi-cylindrical bodies, with the electrodes of the fuel cells arranged in a spiral pattern in opposed relationships on opposite sides of the electrolyte bodies. The semi-cylindrical bodies are joined together at abutment surfaces in a gas-tight relationship to form a cylinder through which a gaseous fuel flows, with the exterior of the cylinder being exposed to a gaseous oxidant. The electrodes extend across the abutment surfaces of the semi-cylinders, and when the semi-cylinders are assembled, selected electrodes are placed in electrical contact internally of the fuel cell assembly to effectseries interconnection between the individual fuel cells of the assembly.
Inventors
- 👤 B Houpert
- 👤 A Reich
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 12:33
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01M; H01M8/00; H01M8/24; H01M8/241; H01M8/2425; H01M8/243; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E60/00; Y02E60/30; Y02E60/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
77 words
A fuel cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein said abutment surfaces comprise axially extending edge surfaces of said semi-cylindrical members and wherein said electrodes each include a pair of terminal ends, with the terminal ends of electrodes at which the electrical contact is to be made extending to and along portions of an abutment surface, and with terminal ends at which no electrical contact is to be made being spaced a distance from an abutment surface.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
47 words
A fuel cell assembly according to claim 1 wherein said semi-cylindrical members when joined together form a unitary cylindrical member, and wherein said abutment surfaces extend axially of said cylindrical member and lie in a plane which passes through and includes the axis of said cylindrical member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
47 words
A fuel cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein said semi-cylindrical members when joined together form a unitary cylindrical member, and wherein said abutment surfaces extend axially of said cylindrical member and lie in a plane which does not pass through the axis of said cylindrical member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
A fuel cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein said semi-cylindrical members include axially extending edge portions and wherein said abutment surfaces are formed by overlapping said semi-cylindrical members along cylindrical surface portions thereof adjoining said edge portions, with said electrodes to be placed in electrical contact extending at least to said edge portions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A fuel cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein said semi-cylindrical members are joined together by welded joints formed along the edges of said abutment surfaces.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
30 words
A fuel cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein said semi-cylindrical members are joined together by a seam comprising sintered ceramic material extending along the edges of said abutment surfaces.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
A fuel cell assembly according to claim 7, wherein said sintered ceramic material comprises a mixture of 45 parts by weight SiO2, 32 parts by weight MgO and 23 parts by weight Al2O3.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
57 words
A fuel cell assembly according to claim 1 wherein said semi-cylindrical members are joined together by a seam extending along the edges of said abutment surfaces and consisting of sintered vitreous material comprising a mixture of 69 parts by weight SiO2, 7 parts by weight Al2O3, 10 parts by weight CaO and 6 parts by weight Li2O.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
A fuel cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein said first electrodes comprise nickel.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
A fuel cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein said first electrodes comprise cobalt.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
A fuel cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein said second electrodes comprise a silver alloy.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
A fuel cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein said second electrodes comprise a metal oxide.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
A fuel cell assembly according to claim 13, wherein said metal oxide comprises SnO2 and 8 to 30 parts by weight Sb2O3.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
A fuel cell assembly according to claim 13, wherein said metal oxide comprises In2O3.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
32 words
A fuel cell assembly according to claim 1, wherein said solid electrolyte comprises a mixture of 92 parts by weight CrO2, 4 parts by weight Y2O3 and 4 parts by weight Yb2O3.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-03 | 1977-06-04 | 1977-12-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-03 | 1981-06-04 | 1981-12-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-03 | 1985-06-04 | 1985-12-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |