Patents Examined by R Alejandro
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Patent number: 6589298Abstract: A process for enhancing chemical stability, corrosion resistance and for improved adhesion characteristics is described for use on metal or metal-alloy non-consumable electrodes, current collectors or other metallic articles used in electrochemical cells. The process includes peening of the article, optionally followed by an annealing treatment.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2000Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: Integran Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David L. Limoges, Gino Palumbo, Peter K. Lin, Klaus Tomantschger
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Patent number: 6582843Abstract: A fuel cell section system has a media-cooled fuel cell with an anode space and a cathode space. A common delivery device is provided for introducing cooling medium into both the fuel cell and a condenser for condensation of water from outgoing cathode air.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Ballard Power Systems AGInventors: Ralf Heuser, Lars Kaufmann, Paul Kaupmann
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Patent number: 6582481Abstract: A method of producing a layer of lithiated material is provided wherein a mixture of Li (TMHD) and Co (acac)3 is dissolved in an organic solvent comprising diglyme, toluene and HTMHD to produce a solution. The solution is deposited upon a substrate by atomizing the solution, passing the atomized solution through a heating zone so as to vaporize the solution, and directing the vaporized solution onto a substrate.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1999Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Johnson Research & Development Company, Inc.Inventor: Ahmet Erbil
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Patent number: 6582845Abstract: Flexible ceramic sheets with enhanced strain tolerance for electrochemical applications such as solid oxide fuel cell electrolytes incorporate a surface indentation pattern providing a strain tolerance of not less than 0.5% in any direction in the sheet plane, being made from flexible green ceramic sheet comprising a ceramic powder and a thermoplastic organic binder by heating and reshaping the green sheet to form a multi-directional surface corrugation pattern therein, followed by firing to sinter the ceramic powder to a flexible ceramic sheet having a multi-directional surface corrugation pattern.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: John D. Helfinstine, Thomas D. Ketcham, Eric J. Maher, Dell J. St. Julien
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Patent number: 6582482Abstract: The present invention provides a current collector for a battery which comprises a lead or lead alloy substrate and a thin cladding of tin, batteries utilizing such a current collector and methods for manufacturing such batteries. Preferably the tin cladding is composed of substantially pure tin and the concentration of the tin cladding relative to the weight of the current collector (i.e., the combined weight of the substrate and cladding) is less than 4% by weight. The tin cladding forms a noncontinuous layer over the outer surface of the substrate such that there are interspersed regions of lead and tin at the current collector surface. Batteries utilizing such current collectors exhibit marked improvement in performance compared to similar cells composed of tin alloys. In particular, batteries using current collectors of the present design offer superior cycle life and shelf life performance.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2000Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: GP Batteries International, Ltd.Inventors: Leland M. Gillman, Ramesh C. Bhardwaj
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Patent number: 6579647Abstract: The present invention provides a current collector for a battery which comprises a lead or lead alloy substrate and a thin cladding of tin, batteries utilizing such a current collector and methods for manufacturing such batteries. Preferably the tin cladding is composed of substantially pure tin and the concentration of the tin cladding relative to the weight of the current collector (i.e., the combined weight of the substrate and cladding) is less than 4% by weight. The tin cladding forms a noncontinuous layer over the outer surface of the substrate such that there are interspersed regions of lead and tin at the current collector surface. Batteries utilizing such current collectors exhibit marked improvement in performance compared to similar cells composed of tin alloys. In particular, batteries using current collectors of the present design offer superior cycle life and shelf life performance.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2000Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: GP Batteries International, Ltd.Inventors: Leland M. Gillman, Ramesh C. Bhardwaj
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Patent number: 6579642Abstract: A battery device designed so that a plurality of battery modules (1) are arranged in rows at given spaces in a enclosure (2). Turbulence accelerators (5), such as dummy battery units or the like, are provided in a position on the uppermost-stream side of the enclosure in which air flows in the direction of arrangement of the battery modules. The heat transfer ability for the battery modules in the upper-stream position is enhanced by the turbulence accelerators which disorders the airflow introduced into the enclosure. Auxiliary coolant intake ports (7) for the introduction of a coolant are provided in the middle of an airflow path, whereby the heat transfer ability on the lower-stream side is enhanced, so that battery temperature differences between the battery units arranged in the enclosure can be restrained. Thus, a simple-construction battery device is realized enjoying improved quality and operation stability.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2001Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignees: Toshiba Battery Co., Ltd., Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Tetsuya Yamane, Katsumi Hisano, Tsutomu Matsui, Kei Matsuoka, Hideo Iwasaki
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Patent number: 6576364Abstract: Printed electrochemical cells including both power cells and display cells are arranged in a partially assembled condition to extend shelf life of the cells. The partially assembled condition is also used as a switching mechanism for controlling activation of some of the cells. The active components of the cells include two electrodes and an electrolyte layer that is maintained out of contact with at least one of the electrodes for interrupting an ionically conductive pathway between the electrodes. The electrolyte is preferably an electrolytic adhesive that is protected by a release layer until the cells are needed for service.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2000Date of Patent: June 10, 2003Assignee: Wisconsin Label CorporationInventors: Chauncey T. Mitchell, Jr., David M. Good, Robert Parker, Mark A. Shadle, Gerrit L. Verschuur
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Patent number: 6572992Abstract: A gas injection method for treating an electrochemical fuel cell stack assembly, the fuel cell stack assembly being repeatedly injected with an oxidizing gas at critical locations along the fuel cell stack assembly so that the fuel supply and the oxidizing gas will chemically react to reduce at least one harmful contaminant within the fuel supply. The preferred gas injection method treats a fuel cell stack assembly to reduce the debilitating effects of extraneous carbon monoxide within the fuel supply and thus preserves the efficient operation of the fuel cell stack assembly.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: UTC Fuel Cells, LLCInventor: Carl A. Reiser
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Patent number: 6572999Abstract: The finding produces a container for batteries comprising an open, prism-shaped case, with its inside having a series of vertical baffles suited to creating chambers for the cells of said battery and having a watertight cover coupled to it, which holds the battery terminals, where at least the case of said container is made by moulding propylene-bonded mica in granular powder, said addition of powder being in the region of 5-50% by weight.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Inventor: Olimpio Stocchiero
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Patent number: 6573001Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a sealed battery and a manufacturing method of a sealed battery that suppresses cracking incident to welding using an energy beam, such as a laser beam, when a material such as an aluminum alloy is used for the external casing and the cover plate, with keeping the productivity as high as possible. In order to realize the object, a rib is formed on the cover plate, and the thickness of the external casing at the rim is made small, and the rib and the rim of the external casing are welded together in manufacturing the sealed battery. Then, the closure cap and the external casing are welded together using a laser the energy distribution of which has a flat part in manufacturing the sealed battery to realize the object. In addition, the closure cap and the external casing are welded together while the molten part is gradually cooled in manufacturing the sealed battery to realize the object.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2000Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Wataru Shinohara, Yasuaki Yamamoto, Hiroshi Hosokawa, Yasuhiro Yamauchi
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Patent number: 6566006Abstract: Provided is a composite cathode comprising (a) an electroactive sulfur-containing material; (b) a crosslinked polymer formed from a reaction of a polymeric material having carboxyl groups and a crosslinking agent; and (c) a conductive filler. The crosslinked polymer improves the flexibility, adhesion, and cycle life of the composite cathode in electrochemical cells comprising the cathode. Also provided are electrochemical cells comprising such cathodes and methods for preparing such cathodes and electrochemical cells.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2000Date of Patent: May 20, 2003Assignee: Moltech CorporationInventors: Song Cheng, Jason D. West
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Patent number: 6562507Abstract: The invention provides for reducing the number of parts and the number of interfaces found in certain types of chemical reactors, particularly in electrochemical reactors, and especially in the type or reactor known as a fuel cell or fuel cell stack This reduction comes from the use of a unified structure that combines the functions normally carried out by several components in the unit, particularly by combining the functions of the gas distribution structure and the gas diffusion structure, the gas distribution structure and the gas barrier structure, or all three structures into a single, unitary, metallic part. This offers the advantages of simplified design, better performance, and lighter weight.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2000Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Lynntech Power Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Alan J. Cisar, Oliver J. Murphy, King-Tsai Jeng, Carlos Salinas, Stan Simpson
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Patent number: 6562509Abstract: A multiple-use battery pack system includes a battery pack housing enclosing a lead-acid battery and a post portion projecting from the housing and adapted to be plugged into a cavity in an associated cordless power hand tool. First terminals on the post portion connect the battery to the tool circuitry when the post portion is plugged into the tool. When used for powering other loads, the post portion is plugged into a receptacle in an adapter housing, in which position either the first terminals or, alternatively, second terminals on the battery pack housing connect the battery to jumper cables on the adapter housing. Latch mechanisms on the battery pack housing cooperate with keepers on the associated hand tool for latching the battery pack in place thereon.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2000Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Snap-on Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Daniel M. Eggert
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Patent number: 6562505Abstract: A sealing structure of a cell tube for a tubular type fuel cell has a sealed portion composed of a conductive lead film formed on a surface of a substrate tube, and an airtight film with high airtight properties formed on a surface of the lead film. The sealing structure also has an adhesion enhancing film provided on a surface of the airtight film, and a sealing member adhered to a surface of the adhesion enhancing film via an inorganic adhesive coated on the surface of the adhesion enhancing film. Thus, the sealability of the cell tube is increased, and the electrical characteristics of the fuel cell are improved.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2000Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Tsukuda, Nagao Hisatome, Yoshiharu Watanabe, Tohru Houjyou
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Patent number: 6558845Abstract: The present invention is related to an electrochemical cell comprising an anode of a Group IA metal and a cathode of a mixed phase metal oxide prepared from a combination of starting materials comprising vanadium oxide and a mixture of at least one of a decomposable silver-containing constituent and a decomposable copper-containing constituent. The starting materials are mixed together to form a homogeneous admixture that is not further mixed once decomposition heating begins to form the product active material. The present cathode material is particularly useful for implantable medical applications.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: May 6, 2003Assignee: Wilson Greatbatch, Ltd.Inventors: Randolph A. Leising, Esther S. Takeuchi
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Patent number: 6555266Abstract: The invention relates to electrochemical cells having a metal current collector, particularly zinc/MnO2 primary alkaline cells wherein the cathode metal current collector is the cell's steel casing. The present invention is directed to a coating on the current collector, such as the inside surface of the steel casing of an alkaline cell, to improve the cell's performance, particularly when it is used for high power applications. In accordance with the invention the current collector or inside surface of the steel casing for the cell, is preferably preplated with nickel, then plated with a layer of cobalt or cobalt alloy, and subsequently coated with a layer of carbon over the cobalt layer. The carbon may be applied from a carbon/solvent coating mixture which is dried to evaporate the solvent carrier. The service life of the cell is improved, particularly during high power applications.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1998Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: The Gillette CompanyInventors: Douglas J. Woodnorth, Barbara Brys
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Patent number: 6548210Abstract: A nickel electrode for alkaline secondary battery including a porous sintered nickel substrate loaded with a nickel hydroxide-based active material, the nickel electrode has a configuration wherein a surface portion of the active material loaded into the sintered nickel substrate is provided with a combination of a first coating layer of a suitable compound and a second coating layer of a suitable compound, or a coating layer of a compound of two or more suitable elements, or wherein the coating layer of two or more suitable elements is formed between the sintered nickel substrate and the active material.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1999Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsuhiko Shinyama, Reizo Maeda, Yasuyuki Harada, Tadayoshi Tanaka, Yoshinori Matsuura, Toshiyuki Nohma, Ikuo Yonezu
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Patent number: 6547838Abstract: A sulfuric positive electrode for use in a lithium secondary battery whose life cycle is enhanced and a method for manufacturing the same are provided, in which nickel is added in sulfur that is an active material of a positive electrode. The sulfuric positive electrode manufactured by adding nickel that is an electrical conductor can solve the problem with respect to an electrode life cycle.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2000Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science & TechnologyInventors: Jai Young Lee, Hyo Jun Ahn, Sang Cheol Han, Young Soo Han, Sung Chul Park, Sang Min Lee
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Patent number: 6541150Abstract: In order to improve gas permeability and electric conductivity, a solid polymer electrolyte fuel cell is so designed as to include an electrolyte 100 in the boom of an ion exchange membrane, a gas diffusion layer 110/120 arranged on each side of the electrolyte 100, and an electrode catalyst substance, dispersed in the gas diffusion layer 110/120.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Gang Xie, Harumi Hashiguchi, Norio Nakaya, Atsushi Tomita