(JP8013179-A)      A unitary assembly for sealing, masking, and supporting a F-contg. solid polymer ion exchange membrane in an electrochemical appts. comprises an ion exchange layer comprising a F-contg. solid polymer electrolyte membrane with a seal layer adhered to (a portion of) one of the surfaces. The seal layer comprises a porous PTFE film and the F-contg. solid polymer electrolyte contacting the ion exchange layer, a portion of the solid polymer electrolyte penetrating into, but not through, the porous PTFE film so that the opposite surface of the PTFE film is free of solid polymer electrolyte. The ion exchange layer and the seal layer are bonded by the solid polymer electrolyte.    USE -   E.g. in fuel cells, H2 generators, de-oxygenation appts., etc.    ADVANTAGE -   The porous PTFE layer can be applied early in the manufacturing process and is securely adhered to the membrane, to provide reinforcement and support, serve as a mask in subsequent manufacturing steps, and act as a seal in the electrochemical appts.    (US5945192-A)      A unitary assembly for sealing, masking, and supporting a F-contg. solid polymer ion exchange membrane in an electrochemical appts. comprises an ion exchange layer comprising a F-contg. solid polymer electrolyte membrane with a seal layer adhered to (a portion of) one of the surfaces. The seal layer comprises a porous PTFE film and the F-contg. solid polymer electrolyte contacting the ion exchange layer, a portion of the solid polymer electrolyte penetrating into, but not through, the porous PTFE film so that the opposite surface of the PTFE film is free of solid polymer electrolyte. The ion exchange layer and the seal layer are bonded by the solid polymer electrolyte.    USE -   E.g. in fuel cells, H2 generators, de-oxygenation appts., etc.    ADVANTAGE -   The porous PTFE layer can be applied early in the manufacturing process and is securely adhered to the membrane, to provide reinforcement and support, serve as a mask in subsequent manufacturing steps, and act as a seal in the electrochemical appts.