Method and apparatus for transferring thin films from a source position to a target position

US7601388B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• BASF FUEL CELL GMBH · DE

Inventors

• Raymond Puffer · Watervliet, US
• Stephen Derby · Troy, US
• Glenn Saunders · East Greenbush, US
• Glen Hoppes · Frankfurt, DE
• Louise C. Courtois · Granby, US
• Jürgen Pawlik · Frankfurt, DE
• Werner Kraus · Teublitz, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 20, 2003
• Grant date: Oct 13, 2009
• Expiry date: Jan 16, 2026

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P70/50
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method and apparatus for handling thin films, for example, for handling and assembling membranes in fuel cell electrodes. The apparatus includes a translatable vacuum table for mounting the thin film, a perforated drum having a source of vacuum for removing the thin film from the vacuum table, and a transfer assembly having a perforated surface and a source of vacuum for transferring the thin film from the perforated drum to a target location. When the thin films are provided in containers, the apparatus may also include means for opening the containers to access the thin film within. Removal of the thin film from the transfer assembly may be aided by a thin film release device, for example, a plurality of moveable wires. The apparatus may be automated, for example, the apparatus may included automated controllers and robotic arms to facilitate the handling of thin film materials.