Patent ID: 6786254
Filing Date: 2004-09-07
Classification: F04B,H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
A retractable air supply connector system for a fuel cell assembly, comprising:a) a socket element defining a process air passage for a fuel cell assembly component; b) an air plenum offspaced from said socket element, and c) an air supply connector having i) a nipple element having means for mating with said socket element and having a passage for connecting with said process air passage in said socket element, ii) an inner bellows disposed between a first port in said plenum connectable to a source of process air and said passage in said nipple element, and iii) an outer bellows surrounding said inner bellows and disposed between a second port in said plenum and said nipple element, said inner bellows being axially extendable and defining a flow path for said process air to said nipple passage, and said second port being selectively connectable to a source of pressurized air for selectively inflating said outer bellows to cause said nipple element to mate selectively with said socket element.