US4276356A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Matrix member for containing fuel cell acid electrolyte
Assignee: Fuelcell Energy Inc
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Filing: 1979-03-27
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Granted: 1981-06-30
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Expires: 1999-03-27
Abstract
Abstract A matrix member for carrying the acid electrolyte of a fuel cell comprised of a first layer containing a carbon material and a second layer containing a silicon carbide material. A further matrix member is disclosed wherein the mean pore size of the member is substantially equal to or less than that mean pore size of at least one of the fuel cell electrodes.
Inventors
- 👤 Bernard S. Baker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 16:36
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01M; H01M8/00; H01M8/08; H01M2300/00; H01M2300/0002; H01M2300/0005; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E60/00; Y02E60/10; Y02E60/30; Y02E60/50
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
62 words
A fuel cell comprising: an anode electrode; a cathode electrode; each of said electrodes including a waterproofing binder; an electrolyte; and a matrix member carrying said electrolyte and disposed between said anode and cathode electrodes, said matrix member having a layer having a mean pore size which is substantially equal to or less than the mean pore size of said cathode electrode.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
62 words
A fuel cell comprising: an anode electrode; a cathode electrode; each of said electrodes including a waterproofing binder; an electrolyte; and a matrix member carrying said electrolyte and disposed between said anode and cathode electrodes, said matrix member having a layer having a mean pore size which is substantially equal to or less than the mean pore size of said cathode electrode.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
A fuel cell in accordance with claim 1 wherein: said mean pore size of said layer is substantially equal to or less than the mean pore size of said anode electrode.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A fuel cell in accordance with claim 1 or 2 wherein: said layer includes a carbon material and said cathode electrode includes an underlayer of said carbon material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
A fuel cell in accordance with claim 3 wherein: said anode electrode includes an underlayer of carbon material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
A fuel cell in accordance with claim 1 wherein: the largest pores of said layer have diameters which are at least an order of magnitude less than the thickness of said layer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
A fuel cell in accordance with claim 5 wherein: at least about 20 percent of the pores of said layer have diameters of less than 0.04 microns.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
A fuel cell in accordance with claim 3 wherein: said matrix comprises a further layer adjacent said carbon layer and comprised of an insulating material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
A fuel cell in accordance with claim 1 wherein: said electrolyte is an acid.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
A fuel cell in accordance with claim 3 wherein: said waterproofing binder is polytetrafluoroethylene.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
A fuel cell in accordance with claim 7 wherein: said further layer is comprised of silicon carbide material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
A fuel cell in accordance with claim 10 wherein: each of said layers further includes a binder material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
A fuel cell in accordance with claim 11 wherein: said binder material is a fluorocarbon polymer amounting to approximately less than 4 percent of the content of its respective layer.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
A fuel cell in accordance with claim 10 wherein: said carbon layer is adjacent said anode electrode; and said carbide layer is adjacent said cathode electrode.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
A fuel cell in accordance with claim 10 wherein: said carbon layer is adjacent said cathode electrode; and said carbide layer is adjacent said anode electrode.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
A fuel cell in accordance with claim 1 wherein: said layer is adjacent a surface of said matrix.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
A fuel cell in accordance with claim 15 wherein a surface of said layer defines said surface of said matrix.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
35 words
A fuel cell in accordance with claim 3 wherein: said layer comprises a carbon material having a surface area greater than approximately 100 square meters per gram and a particle size of approximately 500 angstroms.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1984-06-29 | 1984-12-29 | 1985-06-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-06-29 | 1988-12-29 | 1989-06-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-06-29 | 1992-12-29 | 1993-06-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |