Patents Examined by Tony Chuo
  • Patent number: 9887409
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a battery module having a first electrochemical cell with a first terminal and a second electrochemical cell having a second terminal. The battery module also includes a bus bar connection electrically connecting the first and second electrochemical cells. The bus bar connection includes a first adapter covering at least a portion of the first terminal of the first electrochemical cell, where the first adapter includes a first recess positioned proximate to the first terminal, and a second adapter covering at least a portion of the second terminal of the second electrochemical cell, where the second adapter includes a second recess positioned proximate to and at least partially aligned with the first recess. Further, the bus bar connection includes a bus bar that spans between the first recess of the first adapter and the second recess of the second adapter to create an electrical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Richard M. DeKeuster, Robert J. Mack
  • Patent number: 9859571
    Abstract: An activation and operation mode system for an electrochemical battery for the propulsion of marine craft, in particular for torpedoes; the system being equipped with an inlet valve for the inflow of water from the outside environment, a flow rate regulator of the flow input through the inlet valve, an outlet valve for the outflow of the liquids and gases produced by the chemical reaction, and a mode valve movable from a discharge position, in which the fluid produced by the chemical reaction is conveyed to the outlet valve, and a recirculation position, in which said fluid is made to recirculate through the electrochemical cells of the battery; the inlet valve, the outlet valve, the flow rate regulator and the mode valve being grouped in a single external body so as to define a compact monolithic assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: WHITEHEAD SISTEMI SUBACQUEI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Casini
  • Patent number: 9853333
    Abstract: A temperature sensor is described for detecting a temperature of a battery cell. The temperature sensor has a first electrical conductor having a first end for connecting the first conductor to an element of the battery cell and having a second end for connecting the first conductor to a first input of a measuring device and a second electrical conductor having a first end for connecting the second conductor to the element of the battery cell and having a second end for connecting the second conductor to a second input of the measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Reiner Ramsayer
  • Patent number: 9806321
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode assembly in which a plurality of electrode tabs is made more compact inside an exterior case and a secondary battery using the same. An electrode assembly according to the embodiment of the present invention includes: a plurality of first plates of a first polarity; a plurality of second plates of a second polarity alternately arranged with the first plates; at least one of a plurality of first tabs or a plurality of second tabs extending from the first plates or the second plates, respectively, the at least one of the plurality of first tabs or the plurality of second tabs being together wound or bent more than once; a plurality of separators interposed between the first plates and the second plates; and a lead physically coupled to at least one of the first tabs or the second tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyung-Mo Yoo
  • Patent number: 9806378
    Abstract: The present invention aims to provide an electrolyte solution for forming, for example, a secondary battery having excellent oxidation resistance and high voltage cycle characteristics; an electrochemical device such as a lithium-ion secondary battery that contains the electrolyte solution; and a module that contains the electrochemical device. The present invention provides an electrolyte solution containing a solvent and an electrolyte salt, wherein the solvent contains a fluorine-containing compound (A) represented by formula (1) shown below, and a fluorine-containing compound (B) represented by formula (2) shown below: Rf1OCOOR??(1) wherein Rf1 is a C1-C4 fluorine-containing alkyl group, and R is a C1-C4 non-fluorinated alkyl group, and Rf2OCOORf3??(2) wherein Rf2 and Rf3 are the same or different, and each is a C1-C4 fluorine-containing alkyl group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Mayuko Taeda, Meiten Koh, Aoi Nakazono, Michiru Kagawa, Akiyoshi Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 9780365
    Abstract: Provided are battery electrode structures that maintain high mass loadings (i.e., large amounts per unit area) of high capacity active materials in the electrodes without deteriorating their cycling performance. These mass loading levels correspond to capacities per electrode unit area that are suitable for commercial electrodes even though the active materials are kept thin and generally below their fracture limits. A battery electrode structure may include multiple template layers. An initial template layer may include nanostructures attached to a substrate and have a controlled density. This initial layer may be formed using a controlled thickness source material layer provided, for example, on a substantially inert substrate. Additional one or more template layers are then formed over the initial layer resulting in a multilayer template structure with specific characteristics, such as a surface area, thickness, and porosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: Amprius, Inc.
    Inventors: Zuqin Liu, Song Han, Ghyrn E. Loveness
  • Patent number: 9780384
    Abstract: A double-layer anode structure on a pretreated porous metal substrate and a method for fabricating the same, for improving the redox stability and decreasing the anode polarization resistance of a SOFC. The anode structure includes: a porous metal substrate of high gas permeability; a first porous anode functional layer, formed on the porous metal substrate by a high-voltage high-enthalpy Ar—He—H2—N2 atmospheric-pressure plasma spraying process; and a second porous anode functional layer, formed on the first porous anode functional layer by a high-voltage high-enthalpy Ar—He—H2—N2 atmospheric-pressure plasma spraying and hydrogen reduction. The first porous anode functional layer is composed a redox stable perovskite, the second porous anode functional layer is composed of a nanostructured cermet. The first porous anode functional layer is also used to prevent the second porous anode functional layer from being diffused by the composition elements of the porous metal substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH, ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL, EXECUTIVE YUAN, R.O.C.
    Inventors: Chang-Sing Hwang, Chun-Huang Tsai, Jen-Feng Yu, Chun-Liang Chang, Jun-Meng Lin, Shih-Wei Cheng
  • Patent number: 9755246
    Abstract: The present invention relates to hollow platinum nanoparticles with a diameter comprised between 3 and 20 nm which comprise a first central cavity and optionally at least one second cavity at the periphery of the first cavity, the shell of which is dense and single-crystal with a thickness comprised between 0.2 and 5 nm. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such nanoparticles, as well as to their use as an electrocatalyst in fuel cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignees: L'AIR LIQUIDE SOCIETE ANONYME POUR L'ETUDE ET L'EXPLOITATION DES PROCEDES GEORGES CLAUDE, INSTITUT POLYTECHNIQUE DE GRENOBLE, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE
    Inventors: Audrey Montaut, Sandrine Moutin, Marian Julien Chatenet, Julien Frederic Christophe Durst, Frederic Thibaut Maillard, Laetitia Dubau
  • Patent number: 9755255
    Abstract: Fuel cell systems and related methods involving accumulators with multiple regions of differing water fill rates are provided. At least one accumulator region with a relatively more-rapid fill rate than another accumulator region is drained of water at shutdown under freezing conditions to allow at least that region to be free of water and ice. That region is then available to receive water from and supply water to, a fuel cell nominally upon start-up. The region having the relatively more-rapid fill rate may typically be of relatively lesser volume, and may be positioned either relatively below or relatively above the other region(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Robert M. Darling, Timothy W. Patterson, Jr., Michael L. Perry, Jonathan O'Neil
  • Patent number: 9742024
    Abstract: A secondary battery including: spirally wound electrode body in which positive electrode and negative electrode are laminated via separator and spirally wound, wherein the positive electrode includes an inner circumference side positive electrode active material layer and an outer circumference side positive electrode active material layer while including a single side active material layer formation region, the ratio A/(A+B) of an area density A (mg/cm2) of the inner circumference side positive electrode active material layer and an area density B (mg/cm2) of the outer circumference side positive electrode active material layer, an inner diameter C (mm) of the coil opening portion, and the ratio D/E of a thickness D (?m) of the positive electrode and a thickness E (?m) of the positive electrode collector satisfy the relationship expressed in Formula 1, and a length F (mm) of the single side active material layer formation region satisfies the relationship expressed in Formula 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Tokunaga, Hironobu Fukahori
  • Patent number: 9742029
    Abstract: A secondary battery includes a cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte layer including non-aqueous electrolytic solution and a polymer compound. The polymer compound includes a graft copolymer. The graft copolymer includes a block copolymer as a main chain, and includes one or both of a homopolymer and a copolymer as one or more side chains. The block copolymer includes, as polymerization units, vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene. The homopolymer includes, as a polymerization unit, one selected from the group consisting of vinylidene fluoride, hexafluoropropylene, monomethyl maleate, trifluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene, acrylic acid, and methacrylic acid. The copolymer includes, as polymerization units, two or more selected from the group consisting of vinylidene fluoride, hexafluoropropylene, monomethyl maleate, trifluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene, acrylic acid, and methacrylic acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Aiko Nakamura, Tadahiko Kubota, Kazumasa Takeshi, Shuhei Sugita
  • Patent number: 9735453
    Abstract: The invention relate to methods of preparing lithium ion cells including cells using Li4Ti5O12 as negative electrode material and layered transition metal oxides as positive electrode material or composite positive electrode wherein one of the components is layered transition metal oxide in which the amount of moisture in the cell is reduced such that the characteristics of the cell such as cycle life and cell impedence are improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: ALTAIRNANO, Inc.
    Inventors: Veselin Manev, John Shelbourne, Paul Royer, Mike Coleman
  • Patent number: 9728763
    Abstract: A current interruption device disclosed in the present specification includes: a first conductive member and a second conductive member that are facing each other; an insulating seal member disposed therebetween; and an insulating cover accommodating the first conductive member, the second conductive member, and the seal member. The seal member separates a space between the first and second conductive members into an inner space and an outer space which communicates with the space within the casing. In a plan view, the seal member is positioned in an entire area outside of contact portions of the seal member with the first and second conductive members within a range where the first and second conductive members are facing each other. The cover is disposed along outer circumferential edges of the first and second conductive members, and the seal member is in contact with the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Takayuki Hirose, Motoaki Okuda, Hiroyasu Nishihara, Kojiro Tamaru
  • Patent number: 9705140
    Abstract: A vehicle fuel cell apparatus includes a fuel cell stack configured to take in air as a reaction gas and a coolant through an air intake aperture area, and discharge temperature-raised air through air discharging aperture areas. An air suction duct, air discharge ducts, and air discharge fans take in air to the air suction duct. The air discharge ducts have air discharge ports in the vicinity of the air suction duct. The air suction duct is formed with first air intake ports opening at its upstream end portion, and second air intake ports opening at locations nearer to the air discharge ports of the air discharge ducts than the first air intake ports. The second air intake ports are provided with shutters. The arrangement provides a vehicle fuel cell apparatus having enhanced operability in situations involving low-temperature outside air, and allows for enhanced mountability to vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shiro Matsumoto, Kengo Ikeya, Damian Patrick Davies, Nathan Grange
  • Patent number: 9666849
    Abstract: A separator may include (A) a porous substrate having pores, and (B) a porous coating layer formed on at least one surface of the porous substrate and made from a mixture of inorganic particles and a binder polymer, and the binder polymer may contain a copolymer of (a) a first monomer unit with at least one of an amine group and an amide group at a side chain, and (b) a second monomer unit of (meth)acrylate with an alkyl group having 1 to 14 carbon atoms. The porous coating layer of the separator may have a high packing density, thereby easily forming a thin film battery without hindering safety, and may have good adhesive strength with the porous substrate, thereby preventing detachment of the inorganic particles in the porous coating layer during assembly of an electrochemical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignees: LG Chem, Ltd., Toray Battery Separator Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong-Min Ha, Kee-Young Kim, Byeong-Gyu Cho, Sun-Mi Jin, No-Ma Kim, Jong-Hun Kim, Byoung-Jin Shin
  • Patent number: 9666871
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) for use in generating electricity while tolerating sulfur content in a fuel input stream. The solid oxide fuel cell includes an electrolyte, a cathode, and a sulfur tolerant anode. The cathode is disposed on a first side of the electrolyte. The sulfur tolerant anode is disposed on a second side of the electrolyte opposite the cathode. The sulfur tolerant anode includes a composition of nickel, copper, and ceria to exhibit a substantially stable operating voltage at a constant current density in the presence of the sulfur content within the fuel input stream. The solid oxide fuel cell is useful within a SOFC stack to generate electricity from reformate which includes synthesis gas (syngas) and sulfur content. The solid oxide fuel cell is also useful within a SOFC stack to generate electricity from unreformed hydrocarbon fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: CERAMATEC, INC.
    Inventors: Singaravelu Elangovan, Joseph J. Hartvigsen
  • Patent number: 9660280
    Abstract: A system and method of controlling fuel cell system is provided that simultaneously drains condensation and purges hydrogen via single valve. In particular, condensate water is drained by opening a drain-purge valve at a point in time at which a production amount of the condensate water exceeds a capacity of a water trap. An opening time of the drain-purge valve is then determined depending on a hydrogen concentration of an anode side and a target hydrogen concentration after the draining the condensate water. Hydrogen is then purged by maintaining the drain-purge valve in a state in which it is opened for the determined opening time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Hyun Jae Lee, Ik Jae Son, Yei Sik Jeon, Deuk Keun Ahn, Sung Bum Choi
  • Patent number: 9627712
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrolyte for lithium and/or lithium-ion batteries comprising a lithium salt in a liquid carrier comprising heteroaromatic compound including a five-membered or six-membered heteroaromatic ring moiety selected from the group consisting of a furan, a pyrazine, a triazine, a pyrrole, and a thiophene, the heteroaromatic ring moiety bearing least one carboxylic ester or carboxylic anhydride substituent bound to at least one carbon atom of the heteroaromatic ring. Preferred heteroaromatic ring moieties include pyridine compounds, pyrazine compounds, pyrrole compounds, furan compounds, and thiophene compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: UCHICAGO ARGONNE, LLC
    Inventors: Gang Cheng, Daniel P. Abraham
  • Patent number: 9620803
    Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell has a reinforced membrane-electrode assembly. The solid oxide fuel cell includes a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and an electrolyte membrane disposed between the first and second electrode layers. The solid oxide fuel cell further includes a gas-permeable structure adjacent to one or both of the electrode layers, for mechanical stabilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
    Inventors: Shriram Ramanathan, Alexander C. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9608251
    Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of rechargeable batteries, each rechargeable battery including a first electrode end and a second electrode end protruding outside a case of the rechargeable battery, a first top insulation member at a bottom of the first electrode end, and an identifier on the first top insulation member, a bus bar electrically connecting ends of neighboring rechargeable batteries, a bottom housing including a space, the rechargeable batteries being arranged in the space of the bottom housing, and a top cover attached to the bottom housing, the top cover including a recognizer the fits with the identifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Min-Hyung Guen