Patents Examined by John S. Maples
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Patent number: 8501338Abstract: A system and method for improving electrochemical power sources through the dispensing encapsulation and dispersion into galvanic chambers of an electrochemical cell. Features of the method include the optimization of the concentration levels of chemicals involved in desired energy producing reactions.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2011Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: University of South FloridaInventors: Andres M. Cardenas-Valencia, Norma A. Alcantar, Xiaoling Ding, Ryan G. Toomey, Lawrence C. Langebrake
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Patent number: 8501347Abstract: A bus bar holder for connecting electrode terminals of a plurality of batteries arranged in a lengthwise direction, the bus bar holder including a bus bar holder plate having an opening in a lengthwise direction thereof and configured such that at least some electrode terminals of the plurality of batteries are extendable through the opening and slidable along the opening; and a bus bar for electrically connecting at least two electrode terminals of adjacent batteries, wherein the bus bar holder plate includes a settling groove in which the bus bar is settled, and the bus bar attached to the electrode terminals is slidable when the electrode terminal slides along the opening.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2013Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Myung-Chul Kim, Tae-Yong Kim, Hyun-Ye Lee, Shi-Dong Park
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Patent number: 8497035Abstract: A battery cell for an electric vehicle battery pack, including surface-applied wires to facilitate connecting the cell to a controller. Resistive or non-resistive wiring is printed onto or otherwise applied to the outer surface of the battery cell, to eliminate the need for separate jumper wires routed around or through the battery pack. A surface-applied wire is directly connected to each terminal of the battery cell, and each wire is routed on the outer surface of the cell to a location convenient for connecting a cell monitoring controller. The surface-applied wires can be made of a suitable resistive material, such that the resistance of each wire is known and the wires can be used for dissipating power during cell state of charge equalization. An insulating layer can be applied over the surface-applied wire to minimize the risk of short circuit.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2010Date of Patent: July 30, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Manfred Herrmann, Hartmut Stengelin, Peter Andres
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Patent number: 8492041Abstract: Provides a solid oxide fuel cell with which product life can be extended while a practical output power is maintained. The present invention is a solid oxide fuel cell, having a fuel cell module (2), a fuel supply device (38), an oxidant gas supply device (45), and a controller (110) for controlling the fuel supply amount; whereby the controller is furnished with a degradation determining circuit (110a) for determining degradation in a fuel cell module, and with a fuel correction circuit (110b) for correcting operating conditions based on a degradation determination; the fuel correction circuit can execute an increasing correction mode for increasing the fuel supply amount supplied to the fuel cell module so that rated output power is maintained, or can execute a decreasing correction mode for reducing rated output voltage so that the fuel supply amount is reduced; there is also a mode selection device (110c) for selecting correction modes.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Toto Ltd.Inventors: Tsukasa Shigezumi, Toshiharu Ooe, Katsuhisa Tsuchiya, Kiyotaka Nakano, Yoshiyuki Kawamura
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Patent number: 8481225Abstract: The present invention provides a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) which has a high level of power generation performance under a low humidified condition and a high level of production efficiency, and further, a manufacturing method of such an MEA and a fuel cell having such an MEA. The present invention includes forming first electrode catalyst layer 2, forming polymer electrolyte layer 1 on the first electrode catalyst layer 2 in such a way that a cross sectional surface of the first electrode catalyst layer 2 is also covered with the polymer electrolyte layer 1, and forming second electrode catalyst layer 3 on the polymer electrolyte layer 1 in such a way that a cross sectional surface of the second electrode catalyst layer 3 is covered with the polymer electrolyte layer 1.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Toppan Printing Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masashi Oota
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Patent number: 8481188Abstract: A rechargeable battery including an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; a case housing the electrode assembly; a heat dissipating member including a heat collecting portion inserted in the electrode assembly and a heat dissipating portion protruding outside of the case; and a sealing member between the heat dissipating member and the case, the sealing member including a first polymer layer and a second polymer layer having a melting point that is lower than a melting point of the first polymer layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2011Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Soo-Mi Eo
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Patent number: 8470472Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes a positive electrode containing a positive-electrode active material, a negative electrode containing a negative-electrode active material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte, and is characterized in that the non-aqueous electrolyte contains 1.0 wt % or less of a compound represented by formula (1) and 2.0 wt % or less of a cyclic sulfate ester represented by formula (2), based on the total weight of the non-aqueous electrolyte. By using the non-aqueous electrolyte including a specified amount of the compound represented by formula (1) and a specified amount of the cyclic sulfate ester, when the battery is used at a low temperature after being stored at a high temperature, the increase of the internal resistance is inhibited.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: GS Yuasa International Ltd.Inventors: Katsushi Nishie, Tomonori Kako, Yudai Kawasoe, Shinya Kitano, Sumio Mori
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Patent number: 8465869Abstract: A rechargeable battery including an electrode assembly having an inner surface and including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween, a case having a space for internally housing the electrode assembly, a cap assembly coupled to the case and electrically connected to the electrode assembly, and a core inside the electrode assembly, wherein the core has a length and includes a plurality of support portions contacting the inner surface of the electrode assembly, and a plurality of avoidance surfaces between the support portions and separated from the inner surface of the electrode assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2009Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Dae-Won Han, Yong-Sam Kim
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Patent number: 8465871Abstract: The present invention provides electrochemical cells and batteries having one or more electrically conductive tabs and carbon sheet current collectors, where the tabs are connected to the carbon sheet current collectors; and methods of connecting the tabs to the carbon based current collectors. In one embodiment, the electrically conductive tabs are metallic tabs.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2012Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Leyden Energy, Inc.Inventors: Marc Juzkow, Aakar Patel, Jun Lui, Konstantin Tikhonov, Michael Erickson, Hashmat Haidari, Thomas Nagy, Hongli Dai
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Patent number: 8460825Abstract: A lithium ion secondary battery including a positive electrode containing a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode containing a negative electrode active material, and a nonaqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode active material is a lithium transition metal oxide that contains niobium and is represented by xLi[Li1/3Mn2/3-qNbq]O2ยท(1?x)LiM1-rNbrO2 (0<x<1, 0<xq+(1?x)r?0.3, 0?q?0.3, 0?r?0.3, and M: at least one element selected from the group consisting of nickel, cobalt, and manganese). During initial charging, oxygen desorbs from the positive electrode active material.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2010Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsunori Yanagida, Koh Masahara, Masahisa Fujimoto
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Patent number: 8460810Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode wound together and a case housing the electrode assembly, wherein the electrode assembly has an inner surface and an outer surface having a concave portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2009Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Dong-Hyun Lee, Sang-Eun Cheon, Tatsuya Hashimoto, Seok-Yoon Yoo, Chi-Young Lee
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Patent number: 8460807Abstract: A battery pack is described. One embodiment of the battery pack includes a pair of end frames, the end frames having a top and a bottom and a pair of sides, the end frames having a detent on at least one of the sides of the end frames to receive a clamp; a frame positioned between the pair of end frames, the frame having a top and a bottom and a pair of sides, the frame having a ridge on at least one of the sides of the frame; a plurality of battery cells positioned in the frame and the pair of end frames, the plurality of battery cells electrically connected to each other at the top of the frame; and at least one cooling fin positioned between the battery cells. Methods of repairing battery packs are also described.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2010Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Patrick J. Meehan, Stuart D. Barter, William L. Martz, Megan J. Quick, Rick F. Rourke, Edgar M. Storm, Derek R. Weber
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Patent number: 8460821Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is described, capable of inhibiting the raise of the internal resistance at a low temperature after use in a high-temperature circumstance, and having a good power performance at a low temperature. The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery has a non-aqueous electrolyte, and is characterized in containing a sulfate ester with a specific structure in an amount of 4.0 wt % or less relative to the total weight of the non-aqueous electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2011Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: GS Yuasa International Ltd.Inventors: Yudai Kawasoe, Katsushi Nishie, Tomonori Kako, Shinya Kitano
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Patent number: 8445125Abstract: A pouch type battery, including a pouch type bare cell having a terrace and having an electrode tab adjacent to the terrace, the terrace being an empty space defined where a sealing area of the electrode tab is not bent, the sealing area positioned in a direction in which the electrode tab extends, a protective circuit board electrically connected to the electrode tab, the protective circuit board positioned in the terrace and including a protection circuit, an upper case supporting the protective circuit board and encasing an upper portion of the bare cell, and a first barrier protruding downwardly from the upper case and electrically separating the protective circuit board from the electrode tab.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Woonseong Baek
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Patent number: 8435674Abstract: A lithium battery includes a cathode; an anode; and an organic electrolyte solution. The cathode includes cathode active materials that discharge oxygen during charging and discharging. The organic electrolyte solution includes: lithium salt; an organic solvent, and at least one selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by Formula 1 and Formula 2 below: P(R1)a(OR2)b??Formula 1 O?P(R1)a(OR2)b.??Formula 2 R1 is each independently a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20 alkyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted C6-C30 aryl group. R2 is each independently a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20 alkyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted C6-C30 aryl group. a and b are each independently in a range of about 0 to about 3 and a+b=3.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2010Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Dong-joon Lee, Dong-min Im, Young-gyoon Ryu, Seok-soo Lee
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Patent number: 8435659Abstract: A rechargeable battery including: an electrode assembly with a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator interposed therebetween; a case housing the electrode assembly; a cap plate connected to the case; a first terminal and a second terminal protruding from an upper part of the cap plate; and a current interrupt module electrically connected to the electrode assembly and the first terminal, wherein the current interrupt module includes a current interrupt unit coupled to the electrode assembly and the current interrupt unit is configured to uncouple from the electrode assembly when an internal pressure of the case increases.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2009Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Sang-Won Byun, Yong-Sam Kim, Byung-Kyu Ahn, Dae-Won Han, Sung-Bae Kim
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Patent number: 8435660Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes an electrode group in a case, the electrode group including a first electrode and a second electrode, a cap plate coupled to the case, an electrode terminal electrically connected to the first electrode, the electrode terminal being electrically insulated from the cap plate, and a current interrupt device (CID) electrically connected to the second electrode and the cap plate, the CID including a membrane on a first surface of the cap plate, the membrane being between and electrically connecting the second electrode and the cap plate, and the membrane being configured to interrupt the electrical connection when a voltage greater than a setting voltage is charged, a first insulator contacting the first surface of the cap plate and at least one surface of the membrane to support the membrane, and a fastening member connecting the cap plate and the first insulator.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2010Date of Patent: May 7, 2013Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Yong-Sam Kim, Hyo-Seob Kim
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Patent number: 8431278Abstract: A passive water drain for removal of water from a fuel cell system is disclosed, the drain including a main body having a cavity formed therein, an interior element, and a hydrophilic porous media. The passive water drain is adapted to simplify the anode reactant recycler, eliminate the need for bypass valve systems used to remove water from the cathode exhaust, and eliminate the need for condensate draining systems used for compressed air entering the cathode.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2010Date of Patent: April 30, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Steven G. Goebel, William H. Pettit
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Patent number: 8426074Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell capable of extending the time period over which initial rated output power is maintained, while restraining increases in running cost. The present invention is a solid oxide fuel cell (1), having a fuel cell module (2) furnished with multiple fuel cell units, a fuel supply device (38), an oxidant gas supply device (45), and a controller (110) for controlling the amount of fuel supplied; the controller is furnished with a degradation determining circuit (110a) for determining degradation, and a fuel correction circuit (110b) for correcting the fuel supply amount based on the degradation determination; when it is determined that the fuel cell module has degraded, the fuel correction circuit executes a correction so that rated output power is maintained, and when the predetermined correction switching condition is satisfied, the fuel correction circuit executes a correction to reduce the fuel cell module rated output power.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2010Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Toto Ltd.Inventors: Tsukasa Shigezumi, Toshiharu Ooe, Katsuhisa Tsuchiya, Kiyotaka Nakano, Yoshiyuki Kawamura
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Patent number: 8426051Abstract: Cooling air intake port (52), cooling air exhaust port (55), and securing walls (86, 87), which contact and secure the side surfaces of one or more battery cells (72), may be defined within two battery pack housing halves (50, 80). When battery pack (99) is assembled, at least one cooling air passage (91, 92) is defined by the side surfaces of the battery cells, the interior surface of the battery pack housing, and the securing walls. The cooling air passage connects the cooling air intake port to the cooling air exhaust port. By forcing cooling air through the cooling air passage, the battery cells can be effectively and efficiently cooled.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2011Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Makita CorporationInventor: Kazuyuki Sakakibara