(WO9609659-A1)      An electrochemical fuel cell stack for producing electrical energy and reaction product from a fluid fuel stream and a fluid oxidant stream comprises: a first end plates; a second end plate; at least one fuel cell assembly interposed between the first and second end plates, and a membrane electrode assembly having a catalytic active region and further having at least one opening formed there extending through the catalytically active region; a compression assembly comprising at least one restraining member extending within the at least one opening, fastening means disposed at opposite ends of the at least one restraining member, and compressive means interposed between at least one of the fastening means and at least one of the first and second end plates; whereby the fastening means and the compressive means urge the first end plate toward the second end plate, thereby applying compressive force to the at least one fuel cell assembly.    USE -   Electrochemical fuel stack.    ADVANTAGE -   Design increases both volumetric and gravimetric power density of the fuel cell stack.    (EP783771-B1)      An electrochemical fuel cell stack for producing electrical energy and reaction product from a fluid fuel stream and a fluid oxidant stream comprises: a first end plates; a second end plate; at least one fuel cell assembly interposed between the first and second end plates, and a membrane electrode assembly having a catalytic active region and further having at least one opening formed there extending through the catalytically active region; a compression assembly comprising at least one restraining member extending within the at least one opening, fastening means disposed at opposite ends of the at least one restraining member, and compressive means interposed between at least one of the fastening means and at least one of the first and second end plates; whereby the fastening means and the compressive means urge the first end plate toward the second end plate, thereby applying compressive force to the at least one fuel cell assembly.    USE -   Electrochemical fuel stack.    ADVANTAGE -   Design increases both volumetric and gravimetric power density of the fuel cell stack.