Abstract: Disclosed is an electric vehicle, a battery charging station, and an electric vehicle battery exchange reservation system including the same. The electric vehicle includes a power level detection unit adapted to detect a power level of a battery mounted on the electric vehicle; a communication unit adapted to communicate with a battery charging station; and a control unit adapted to determine a battery charging station, in which the battery of the electric vehicle is to be exchanged, based on the power level of the battery and a route of travel of the electric vehicle and transmit a battery exchange reservation command to the determined battery charging station. Based on the battery power level of the electric vehicle, a battery charging station existing along the route of travel is requested to provide battery information, and battery exchange is reserved accordingly, so that batteries can be exchanged more efficiently and conveniently.

Abstract: Provided is a battery exchange method for an electric vehicle. The battery exchange method includes (a) opening a protection cover of a battery mounting module installed at an upper portion of the electric vehicle, and transmitting an open signal to a battery charge station; (b) releasing a locking unit of a pre-mounted battery, and transmitting an unlocking signal to the battery charge station; (c) determining and storing a mounting location of the battery using an image sensor; (d) controlling movements and operations of a battery replacing robot when the unlocking signal is confirmed, and ejecting the pre-mounted battery from a battery seating base of the battery mounting module; (e) controlling movements and operations of the battery replacing robot to move a prepared fully charged battery into the battery mounting module, and mounting the fully charged battery on the battery seating base in the battery charge station.

Abstract: Provided is a method for manufacturing a film-wrapped electrical device, including: a first injection step of depressurizing, to a given pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, the inside of an injection chamber (2) in which a bag-shaped laminate film wrapping member (29) is placed, the laminate film wrapping member (29) having an opening portion (29a) and housing an electrode assembly (21?) including a positive electrode and a negative electrode stacked with a separator therebetween, and injecting part of a predetermined injection amount of an electrolyte solution (20) into the wrapping member (29) through the opening portion (29a); and a second injection step of, after the first injection step, pressurizing the inside of the injection chamber (2) to a pressure higher than the given pressure and injecting the rest of the predetermined injection amount of the electrolyte solution (20).

Abstract: Provided is an electric bus battery exchange station. The electric bus battery exchange station according to the present invention includes: an exchange station body having a battery exchange, wherein said battery exchange unit is projected out to be connected with a hole of; an imaging unit taking images of the electric bus moving toward said exchange station body; an entry process storing unit storing entry process information needed in order that the electric bus is positioned exactly below the battery exchange unit; an entry information output unit comparing an entry state of the electric bus obtained from images taken by said imaging unit with the entry information stored, and outputting entry information for modifying the entry state of the electric bus to make equal to said entry process information; and an entry information providing unit providing information outputted by said entry information output unit to the electric bus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a fuel cell stack is disclosed, wherein the apparatus includes a plurality of dunnage cassettes adapted to cooperate with a plurality of containers, a fixture, and an assembly device to simultaneously assemble a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies together with a plurality of bipolar plates.

Abstract: A disassembled battery and methods for disassembling the battery are provided. Holes are formed in an enclosure of the battery and a fluid is injected into the battery to inactivate an electrolyte inside the battery. The enclosure of the battery is then cut to define strips in the enclosure that can be peeled back to expose a core inside the battery. The core can be extracted and recycled.

Abstract: An apparatus for stripping metal from a cathode plate, the apparatus comprising stripping means adapted for positioning between the metal and the cathode plate in order to separate the metal from the cathode plate, and wherein movement of the stripping means is achieved through movement of a robotic arm.

Abstract: It is a major object of the invention to provide a method for processing a battery member, by which a cathode active material and a sulfide solid electrolyte material can be efficiently separated from each other and the cathode active material and Li contained in the sulfide solid electrolyte material can be efficiently recovered.

Abstract: A device to transfer a tiny hearing aid battery to the battery compartment of a hearing aid. Pressure on a button at the top creates contact to a single AAA battery, thus energizing an electromagnet which then holds the hearing aid battery. When the pressure at the devices's top button is released, the AAA battery is turned off and the battery is released undisturbed in the hearing aid's battery compartment.

Abstract: A method of reusing a rechargeable battery includes collecting from users assembled batteries formed by rechargeable batteries, each holding initial individual information including at least a manufacturing date and an initial weight of the rechargeable battery. The collected assembled batteries are dismantled into rechargeable batteries, each holding the individual information. The rechargeable batteries of the dismantled assembled batteries are classified into groups based on the initial individual information of the rechargeable batteries and individual information of the plurality of rechargeable batteries obtained after the dismantling. A regenerated assembled battery is rebuilt reusing rechargeable batteries that have been classified into the same group.

Abstract: Provided is a battery exchange method for an electric vehicle. The battery exchange method includes (a) opening a protection cover of a battery mounting module installed at an upper portion of the electric vehicle, and transmitting an open signal to a battery charge station; (b) releasing a locking unit of a pre-mounted battery, and transmitting an unlocking signal to the battery charge station; (c) determining and storing a mounting location of the battery using an image sensor; (d) controlling movements and operations of a battery replacing robot when the unlocking signal is confirmed, and ejecting the pre-mounted battery from a battery seating base of the battery mounting module; (e) controlling movements and operations of the battery replacing robot to move a prepared fully charged battery into the battery mounting module, and mounting the fully charged battery on the battery seating base in the battery charge station.

Abstract: A tool for installing compression connectors of various sizes and types on the end of a coaxial cable has a base mounting a pair of movable anvils for engaging two different lengths of connectors. A slidably mounted plunger cooperates with the anvils to compress a connector. The plunger has a push head, an adjustment knob and a slide rod. The push head and adjustment knob are movable relative to one another and have first and second end faces with different outside diameters. An end face with the appropriate diameter for a particular connector can be placed in an operative position where it will engage a connector.

Abstract: A disassembling device includes a housing, a rotating element and a battery module. The housing includes a first engaging portion. The rotating element is rotatably disposed on the housing. The battery module, disposed in the housing in a detachable manner, includes a second engaging portion engaging with the first engaging portion. The rotating element rotates to push the first engaging portion, enabling the first engaging portion is enabled to detach from the second engaging portion.

Abstract: A disassembly method for membrane electrode assembly for fuel cell, and a disassembly method for fuel cell are provided, disassembly methods which are advantageous for the recovery of catalysts that are included in catalytic layers by making structural destruction of the catalytic layers progress by means of expanding a volumetrically-expandable material inside the catalytic layers. In such a state that a catalytic layer includes a volumetrically-expandable material that is capable of expanding volumetrically, the volumetrically-expandable material, which is included in the catalytic layer, is expanded by means of expansion treatment. Next, expansion of the volumetrically-expandable material, which has undergone volumetric expansion in the catalytic layer, is cancelled.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery for powering an electric vehicle, the battery comprising at least one removable and replaceable electrically rechargeable cell, wherein the cell is encapsulated within a capsule compatible with transport along a pipeline.

Abstract: A disassembling device includes a housing, a rotating element and a battery module. The housing includes a first engaging portion. The rotating element is rotatably disposed on the housing. The battery module, disposed in the housing in a detachable manner, includes a second engaging portion engaging with the first engaging portion. The rotating element rotates to push the first engaging portion, enabling the first engaging portion is enabled to detach from the second engaging portion.

Abstract: A disassembled battery and methods for disassembling the battery are provided. Holes are formed in an enclosure of the battery and a fluid is injected into the batter to inactivate an electrolyte inside the battery. The enclosure of the battery is then cut to define strips in the enclosure that can be peeled back to expose a core inside the battery. The core can be extracted and recycled.

Abstract: Xerographic micro-assembler systems and methods are disclosed. The systems and methods involve manipulating charge-encoded micro-objects. The charge encoding identifies each micro-object and specifies its orientation for sorting. The micro-objects are sorted in a sorting unit so that they have defined positions and orientations. The sorting unit has the capability of electrostatically and magnetically manipulating the micro-objects based on their select charge encoding. The sorted micro-objects are provided to an image transfer unit. The image transfer unit is adapted to receive the sorted micro-objects, maintain them in their sorted order and orientation, and deliver them to a substrate. Maintaining the sorted order as the micro-objects are delivered to the substrate may be accomplished through the use of an electrostatic image, as is done in xerography.

Abstract: A tool for installing compression connectors of various sizes and types on the end of a coaxial cable has a base mounting a pair of movable anvils for engaging two different lengths of connectors. The base further incorporates a fixed anvil for engaging a third length of connector. The movable anvils define an aperture which is shaped to permit easy entry and exit of a cable while still applying a suitable retention force to an inserted cable. A connector seating holder is formed in the front of the tool. A slidably mounted plunger cooperates with the anvils to compress a connector. The plunger has a push head and a slide rod. A lock nut is threaded on the push head and is engageable with the slide rod to prevent rotation of the push head.

Abstract: Methods and systems for energy management system for a vehicle are provided. The system includes a first power source configured for cranking an engine wherein the first power source includes a switch configured to electrically couple the first power source to a starter for the engine and wherein the first power source is electrically isolated from auxiliary onboard loads. The system further includes a second power source configured for supplying auxiliary on board loads, a charging subsystem electrically coupled to the first and the second power sources. The charging subsystem is configured to supply charging current to the first and the second power sources. The system further includes a controller configured to maintain the first power source in a substantially fully charged condition and supply the auxiliary loads from the second power source.

Abstract: A process for extracting the anode butt (110) and the thimbles (130) attached to a spent anode or to a rejected new anode, including the following stages: a) the butt (110) is fitted between a stop device (200) and an attacking device (300) said stop device having a first stop (211) blocking the butt, said attacking device being provided, around each stub, with a recess presenting a second stop (225) which blocks said thimbles, the axial distance between the stops being equal to, or greater than, the height of the thimbles; b) the butt is moved so that it come us against the first stop; c) the attacking device is moved: the butt breaks up; d) the fragments of butt are removed; c) the attacking device continues to move: the thimbles are detached from the stubs; f) the attacking device stops and is withdrawn. In two successive, clearly separated stages, the butt fragments and the thimbles are detached, fall and can be sent directly to a special recycling unit.

Abstract: A method for placing an edge piece on a battery plate includes bending a thin strip of bendable plastic material into an open top, U-shaped channel. The channel is then cut into an edge piece having a length which is substantially equal to the edge of the battery plate which is to be covered. The edge piece is supported with this open top oriented towards a battery plate that is transported toward it in a manner such that the battery plate edge will be inserted into it. Once the edge of the battery plate has been inserted into the edge piece the edge piece is released so that the battery plate can be carried out of the apparatus. An apparatus for accomplishing this includes a feed mechanism which transports the strip of bendable plastic material. A bending mechanism forms this strip into the open top, U-shaped channel. The channel is then fully inserted into an assembly station where a first sensor stops the feed mechanism and a cutter cuts the channel into the proper-sized edge piece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) from a fixture assembly subsequent to MEA bonding within the fixture assembly involves stabilizing the first fixture of the fixture assembly. The second fixture of the fixture assembly is stabilized. While the second fixture is stabilized, the first fixture is pressurized to cause the first surface of the MEA to separate from the first fixture. While the first fixture is stabilized, the second fixture is pressurized to cause the second surface of the MEA to separate from the second fixture. The second fixture is then moved out of proximity with the first fixture to permit removal of the MEA from the first fixture.

Abstract: A terminal applicator (50) for attaching an electrical flag terminal (2) to a wire (54) includes a wire guide (74) and crimping tooling (70, 72) attached to and carried by a ram (68). The wire guide has a wire guiding surface (100) that cooperates with lead in angled surfaces (92, 98) of the crimping tooling (70, 72) to guide the wire into alignment with the terminal. The lead in angled surfaces of the tooling are typically limited to the side of the terminal opposite the receptacle portion (4) while the wire guide surface is positioned on the same side as the receptacle portion.

Abstract: Process and separating device for the production of a thin film solar module (10) comprising a plurality of solar cells (11) arranged side-by-side on a common substrate (12), which are produced by employing a plurality of layer deposition steps and layer separating steps during the course of cell production and which are electrically interconnected with one another, wherein after the application of a first contact layer (14) on substrate (12) and the cell-wise separation thereof a pn double layer (16) is applied on a contact layer and, thereafter, is mechanically separated in that a scraping cutting tool serving as separating device scrapes, by a relative movement to the coated substrate, a cell structure into said pn double layer, wherein said cutting tool slides, preferably without being raised or rotated, with a plane sliding surface of a flattened tip on said first contact layer (14) which has a higher hardness than said pn double layer (16).

Abstract: A method for reliable, safe removal of an electrical or electronic component or device mounted on a fragile or brittle circuit board substrate having opposed planar upper and lower surfaces, e.g., for performing testing such as failure analysis, comprises sequential steps of cutting the substrate transversely through its thickness to separate therefrom a segment comprising a first portion including the component or device and a second, adjoining portion; cutting the separated segment longitudinally along a plane parallel to the upper surface, the cutting extending beneath the entirety of the first portion; and cutting the substrate of the separated segment transversely through its thickness to separate the first portion including the component or device from the second portion.

Abstract: A method of effectively manufacturing various types of wire harnesses of complicated wiring structure in which a predetermined number of connectors necessary for a unit wire harness are arranged on a movable pallet. The pallet is then moved so that crimp-style terminal of one of the connectors can come to a crimp connecting position of a rotatable crimp connecting press. An end of an electric wire is fed to the crimp-style terminal at the crimp connecting position. The end of the electric wire is then connected to the terminal by the rotatable crimp connecting press. Then, the pallet is moved again, and the other end of the electric wire is connected to a crimp-style terminal of a predetermined connector by crimp connection. The series of motions are repeated until all terminals necessary for the unit wire harness are connected to the electric wires by crimp connection. According to this method, a rotatable crimp connecting press has a plurality of different crimp connecting blades.

Abstract: A treating fluid is in contact with a negative electrode containing lithium of a lithium cell under a first condition to react a surface portion of the negative electrode, and a treating fluid is in contact with lithium existing inside an article formed on the surface of the above-described negative electrode under a second condition. The cells can be effectively treated under safety condition to collect either the valuable substances, or the cell constructive components.

Abstract: process is disclosed for disposing of a spent NaS cell, which process comprises the steps of: cutting an opening in the NaS cell for flowing out sodium from the cell and allowing an inner tube to be pulled out from the NaS cell; placing oil on sodium inside the inner tube of the spent NaS cell in a given thickness, while the cut opening is directed upwardly; setting the spent NaS cell in a workpiece-setting vessel outside a heating oil vessel, while the cut opening is directed downwardly, thereby flowing out the oil on the sodium inside the inner tube, said workpiece-setting vessel being provided at a bottom with a hole for allowing an inner tube to be pulled out from the the spent NaS cell, immersing the spent NaS cell set in the workpiece-setting vessel into oil in the heating oil vessel in the state that the cut opening is directed downwardly; sodium is melted in the oil of the heating oil vessel and flown out therein through the cut opening; and then the inner tube is pulled out from the NaS cell.

Abstract: A process for peeling an outer tube of a spent NaS cell, including the steps of: (1) holding opposite end portions of the spent NaS cell; (2) forming annular cut lines in the outer tube of the cell at the opposite end portions; (3) forming a straight cut line in the outer tube to be continued to the annular cut lines; (4) inserting a pawl into the straight cut line; and (5) peeling the outer tube of the spent NaS cell by turning at least one of the spent NaS cell and the pawl relative to each other. Instead of the pawl, a chisel may be inserted into the straight cut line, and the outer tube of the spent NaS cell is peeled by applying an impact force upon the outer tube of the cell through the chisel. Apparatuses for peeling the outer tube from the spent NaS are also disclosed.

Abstract: The battery disposal and collection apparatus includes a terminal connection having a terminal electrode pressed by a pressing structure on an upper cover, a battery guide case having a battery container to which the terminal electrode is inserted when the upper cover is closed, and which contains batteries, a rotary plate having an electrode terminal and a battery dropping hole on the plane of a rotary plate under the battery guide case. The electrode terminal contacts the terminal of a battery at the side opposite to the one at the terminal electrode when the terminal of the battery contained in the battery container contacts the terminal electrode. A battery discharger discharges current flowing between the terminal electrode contacting the terminal of the battery contained in the battery container and the electrode terminal. A battery receiver stores the battery which is discharged by the battery discharger and dropped through the battery dropping hole of the rotary plate.

Abstract: A process for peeling an outer tube of a spent NaS cell, concluding the steps of: (1) holding opposite end portions of the spent NaS cell; (2) forming annular cut lines in the outer tube of the cell at the opposite end portions; (3) forming a straight cut line in the outer tube to be continued to the annular cut lines; (4) inserting a pawl into the straight cut line; and (5) peeling the outer tube of the spent NaS cell by turning at least one of the spent NaS cell and the pawl relative to each other. Instead of the pawl, a chisel may be inserted into the straight cut line, and the outer tube of the spent NaS cell is peeled by applying an impact force upon the outer tube of the cell through the chisel. Apparatuses for peeling the outer tube from the spent NaS are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for disposing of a plurality of sodium sulfur cells is disclosed, which comprises: a work-setting pipe unit including a plurality of cell-holding pipes, a work-setting station for setting the cells into the work-setting pipe unit, a heating oil vessel, a sodium-extracting station, an inner tube-extracting station, an unloading station where the remaining sodium sulfur cells are unloading from the work-setting pipe unit, and a transferring unit for transferring said work-setting pipe unit among said stations.

Abstract: A process for the disassembling of scrapped, i.e. worn out, damaged or in some other way unserviceable electrical storage batteries (10), in particular alkaline batteries, which consist of a prismatic cell container with sets of positive and negative plates, each secured to the next by means of a connecting strap, from which terminal posts project through a cover on the upper part of the cell container. After any free electrolyte has been emptied from the cell container, the materials making up the battery can be recovered.This is done by removing the upper part of the cell container so as to produce an opening and by withdrawing the sets of plates (31) from the cell container through the opening by means of a mechanical device (20) at the same time as the container is gripped and held fast in a pre-determined position by means of clamping devices (33, 34).

Abstract: A method for recovering material from consumed accumulator batteries consists of providing a rotatable table, keeping the table under continuous rotation, continuously feeding a row of batteries tangentially to the periphery of the table in such a manner as to bring one of the side walls of the casing of each battery into contact with the table periphery such that a portion of said side wall projects below the table contour, exerting a radial thrust on that side wall of each battery casing which is opposite the wall in contact with the table periphery such as to keep said battery adhering to said table over a path corresponding to a substantial angle of rotation of the table, separating the lower horizontal wall of the respective casing from each battery by a cutting action carried out on that part of each battery which projects below the table contour while the battery is adhering to the table, so as to enable said wall to be separated from the remaining part of the battery by gravity, and then releasing the

Abstract: A battery casing salvage machine comprising a plurality of discrete stations disposed in operative communication by a conveyor means to sequentially remove the original cover from the enclosed battery case and rebuild the battery case and battery cell partitions. The plurality of discrete stations includes a first station comprising a first cutting means including a saw cutting means to remove at least a portion of the original battery cover and the upper portion of the original battery case, a second station comprising a second cutting means including a bevel cutting means to remove the remaining portion of the original battery cover, and a third station comprising a third cutting means including at least one drill means to undercut the battery cell partitions where the cell connectors are fused together. The battery casing salvage machine further includes an automatic feed means disposed in operative relationship to the first station to continuously feed battery casings thereto.

Abstract: A device for positioning the storage plates and insulating plates of lead-acid storage batteries for the assembly of battery cells in such a way that the longitudinally larger insulating plates form a uniform lateral overhang on both sides, the device including two oppositely spaced parallel positioning members with inwardly protruding positioning knives cutting notches in the edges of the insulating plates. The positioning members, or only the positioning knives alone, are retractable horizontally.