Abstract: The present invention deals generally with an apparatus and method for charging valve regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries (modules) in series and series-parallel arrangements. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method of individually, and very precisely, charging valve regulated lead-acid batteries in series and series-parallel arrangements so as to limit the water and electrolyte outgassing conventional bulk charging methods produce.

Abstract: A composite wire made by coating a core material by solid-phase extrusion of a uniform layer of a corrosion resistant metal onto the core material. The metal includes lead and has uniform, small and longitudinally oriented grains.

Abstract: A composite wire made by coating a core material by solid-phase extrusion of a uniform layer of a corrosion resistant metal onto the core material. The metal includes lead and has uniform, small and longitudinally oriented grains.

Abstract: A battery management system for management and control of a plurality of rechargeable batteries connected in series. A programmed central processing unit communicates with a plurality of battery modules and a bulk charger. Each of the battery modules includes a rechargeable battery, a sensor node including a plurality of battery sensors and a microcontroller that processes signals generated by the battery sensors, and a direct current charger. During a charging cycle the bulk charger provides a variable bulk charging current to the rechargeable batteries connected in series and each of the rechargeable batteries receive a charging current from individual direct current chargers positioned at each rechargeable battery. During the charging cycle, the voltage and temperature of the rechargeable batteries are monitored by the programmed central processing unit by means of the sensor nodes and the bulk charging current reduced by one half when any battery voltage reaches a predetermined clamping voltage.

Abstract: A battery management system for management and control of a plurality of rechargeable batteries connected in series. A programmed central processing unit communicates with a plurality of battery modules and a bulk charger. Each of the battery modules includes a rechargeable battery, a sensor node including a plurality of battery sensors and a microcontroller that processes signals generated by the battery sensors, and a direct current charger. During a charging cycle the bulk charger provides a variable bulk charging current to the rechargeable batteries connected in series and each of the rechargeable batteries receive a charging current from individual direct current chargers positioned at each rechargeable battery. During the charging cycle, the voltage and temperature of the rechargeable batteries are monitored by the programmed central processing unit by means of the sensor nodes and the bulk charging current reduced by one half when any battery voltage reaches a predetermined clamping voltage.

Abstract: This invention relates to method and apparatus for compressing an assembly of plates inside a valve regulated lead-acid battery thereby allowing the battery case to expand without causing slippage or partial loss of contact between the battery plates.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for coating a high tensile strength fibrous material with an extrudible, corrosion-resistant metal to form a composite, continuous wire using dies, a compression cylinder in fluid connection with the dies, a piston for forcing the metal out of the compression cylinder and through the dies and means for feeding a fibrous material through the dies as the metal coating is extruded out the dies with the fiber. Continuous lengths of a composite material made by such a method, electrode grids comprised of the composite material made by such a method and a cabled composite wire constructed of the composite material made by such a method. Also, series and parallel connected cells comprising a battery utilizing such electrode grids.

Abstract: A high tensile strength fibrous material is coated with an extruded, corrosion-resistant metal to form a composite wire which is used in the formation of a grid element for a battery.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for coating a high tensile strength fibrous material with an extrudible, corrosion-resistant metal to form a composite, continuous wire using dies, a compression cylinder in fluid connection with the dies, a piston for forcing the metal out of the compression cylinder and through the dies and a mechanism for feeding a fibrous material through the dies as the metal coating is extruded out the dies with the fiber. Continuous lengths of a composite material made by such a method, electrode grids comprised of the composite material made by such a method and a cabled composite wire constructed of the composite material made by such a method. Also, series and parallel connected cells comprising a battery utilizing such electrode grids.