Patent ID: 7318973
Filing Date: 2008-01-15
Classification: H01M,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A separator plate assembly for use in a fuel cell comprising: a one-piece plate with opposite major surfaces, said plate having a margin on at least one of said major surfaces with an aperture formed therethrough and a flow field formed in at least one of said major surfaces of said plate; and a bridge member distinct and separate from said plate, said bridge member in sealing contact with said margin and surrounding said aperture to provide a raised surface around said aperture, said bridge member having a first surface spaced apart from said raised surface and engaging with said margin, a peripheral wall extending between said first surface and said raised surface, and a set of ports formed in said peripheral wall between said first surface and said raised surface with a portion of said first surface, a portion of said raised surface and a portion of said peripheral wall forming a periphery of each of said ports, said set of ports providing fluid communication from said aperture to said flow field between said margin and said raised surface.