Abstract: Thermal protection is provided in systems utilizing high-current double-layer capacitors. For example, in one implementation, an interconnection coupled to at least one double-layer capacitor that carries capacitor current to or from the at least one double-layer capacitor is functionally coupled to the at least one double-layer capacitor to reduce a temperature of the capacitor is provided.

Abstract: An asymmetric supercapacitor has a positive electrode having a current collector an active material selected from the group consisting of manganese dioxide, silver oxide, iron sulfide and mixtures thereof, a negative electrode having a carbonaceous active material carbon and optional current collector, an electrolyte, and a separator plate. In a preferred embodiment at least one of the electrodes has nanostructured/nanofibrous material and in a more preferred embodiment, both electrodes have nanostructured/nanfibrous material. The electrolyte can be liquid or solid although liquid electrolytes are preferred. The asymmetric supercapacitor has improved energy density by electrically coupling an electrode of high faradaic capacity such as one having manganese oxide (MnO2) with an electrode such as carbon that stores charge through charge separation at the electric double-layer. The asymmetric supercapacitor also improves power density by using high surface area nanostructured/nanofibrous electrode materials.

Abstract: According the present invention, anode foils are encapsulated in separator material so as to insulate them from the metal housing of an electrolytic capacitor. The present invention also provides for enclosed capacitor configurations for use in stacked capacitor configurations. Preferably, heat-sealable polymeric materials are used as separator materials to encapsulate or enclose the anode assemblies and capacitor configurations. The encapsulated anode assemblies and capacitor configurations of the present invention may be used in implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing large quantities of electric energy in a small mass and volume at a high dc electric potential. Dispersed conductive particles 16 in a dispersing medium 15 contained in an insulator casing 21 between an insulating divider 11 and either a positive conductive plate 12 or a negative conductive plate 13 accumulate and store electric charges. A procedure of particle-to-particle charge pumping is employed to convey electric charges to and from the positive conductive plate 12 and the negative conductive plate 13 to the surfaces of each of a great multitude of dispersed conductive particles 16. Energizing results in oppositely charged dispersed conductive particles 16 becoming electrically bound to the surfaces of the insulating divider 11 with a large quantity of electric charges also residing on the outside surfaces of the repelling dispersed conductive particles 16, whereby the total effective capacitor plate surface area is greatly increased.

Abstract: Implantable heart-monitoring devices, such as defibrillators, pacemakers, and cardioverters, detect abnormal heart rhythms and automatically apply corrective electrical therapy, specifically one or more bursts of electric charge, to abnormally beating hearts. Critical parts in these devices include the capacitors that store and deliver the bursts of electric charge. Some devices use cylindrical aluminum electrolytic capacitors which include terminals that extend from one end of the case, making the capacitor longer and generally necessitating use of larger device housings. Accordingly, the inventors devised capacitor connection structures that allow size reduction. One exemplary capacitor includes two conductive endcaps at opposite ends of its capacitive element, instead of two upright terminals at one end, thereby allowing reduction in the height or volume of the capacitor and/or increases in the dimensions of other components, such as aluminum foils.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an electrolytic polymer capacitor includes a metal first electrode and a polymer-containing second electrode.

Abstract: An electrical double layer capacitor is provided which is capable of ensuring its reliability and providing increased energy density per unit volume of a capacitor. A negative electrode is so configured as to cover all surfaces of a positive electrode and, therefore, there is no portion in which the positive electrode does not face the negative electrode, which enables generation of gas within the capacitor to be suppressed and ensures reliability of the capacitor. Portions in which the negative electrode do not face the positive electrode serve as non-covered portions and, therefore, electrostatic capacitance per unit volume of electrodes is made to increase, and energy density is improved.

Abstract: Electrochemical double layer capacitors are disclosed that advantageously include separators having at least one porous layer of nanofibers having average diameters of between about 50 nm and about 1000 nm that provide improved combinations of reduced thickness, barrier against the development of soft short-circuits and low ionic resistance as compared with known capacitor separators.

Abstract: The water present within an ionic liquid that is in a liquid state at 25° C. or an organic solution containing at least one ionic compound is decomposed by bringing electrodes into contact with the ionic liquid or organic solution within an atmosphere having a dew-point temperature not higher than ?40° C. or under a reduced pressure of not more than 75 torr, thereby reducing the water content. This process makes it possible to obtain highly dehydrated ionic liquids.

Abstract: A mesoporous polymer and method of preparing a mesoporous polymer whose polymerization kinetics are dependent upon pH and whose pore size is controlled by pH and solvent concentration are disclosed. The polymer is optionally pyrolyzed to form a primarily carbonaceous solid. The material has an average pore size in the mesopore range and is suitable for use in liquid-phase surface limited applications including chromatographic, sorbent, catalytic, and electrical applications.

Abstract: An electrode sheet of an electric double layer capacitor is produced by using granules for formation of an electrode of an electric double layer capacitor which are obtained by kneading and then crushing materials including an activated material, a conductive filler, and a binder at 50 to 97 mass-%, 1 to 30 mass-%, and 2 to 20 mass-%, respectively, and which are essentially granules whose diameter is in a range of 47 to 840 ?m. A method for manufacturing a sheet-like electrode by mixing and kneading materials including an activated carbon, carbon black, and PTFE into a kneaded material, producing a forming material by converting the kneaded material into granules, and forming and rolling the forming material.

Abstract: A polarizing electrode for an electric double layer capacitor has good moldability and is capable of achieving higher density of electrode and higher capacity. An electric double layer capacitor employs the same. The polarizing electrode for an electric double layer capacitor is made of an activated carbon obtained by activating a hard-to-graphitize material (for example, phenol resin) with water vapor, and the activated carbon has a median particle size within a range from 4 ?m to 8 ?m in the particle size distribution as measured by a laser diffraction method and a benzene adsorption ratio of not less than 47.0% and not more than 60% by weight of activated carbon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high-voltage electric double layer capacitor (EDLC), and more particularly, to an EDLC in which a surge voltage and an operating voltage are enhanced by improving the structure of a unit cell. The EDLC according to the present invention includes a unit cell having at least three electrodes. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the unit cell has a structure constructed by sequentially laminating a first insulating paper layer with a sheet of insulating paper, a first electrode layer with at least two electrodes, a second insulating paper layer with a sheet of insulating paper, and a second electrode layer with at least one electrode. In accordance with the present invention, the number of electrode-facing surfaces increases, and a surge voltage and an operating voltage increase in proportion to the increased number of the electrode-facing surfaces, resulting in a high energy storage density.

Abstract: Methods of forming tantalum powders and other valve metal powders are described. The method involves high impact milling a starting powder in a fluid medium and optionally a milling media using a high energy mill. The methods of the present invention have the ability to reduce DC leakage and/or increase capacitance capabilities of valve metal powders when formed into capacitor anodes. The methods of present invention further reduce the milling time necessary to form high surface area valve metal powders and leads to reducing contaminant levels in the valve metal powders. The process is particularly well-suited for forming metal flakes, such as tantalum or niobium flakes, of high purity.

Abstract: An electrode includes a collector that is substantially flat and electrically conductive, an inner intermediate layer that is substantially corrosion resistant and conductive and that is on at least part of a surface of the collector, and an outer intermediate layer that is substantially corrosion resistant and conductive and that is on at least part of the inner intermediate layer. The electrode also includes an electrode layer containing carbon, which is on at least part of a surface of the outer intermediate layer that faces away from the inner intermediate layer.

Abstract: A long life double layer capacitor and method of making the same including a case and a first terminal with an electrically insulating hermitic seal interposed between the first terminal and the case. A first current collector foil is electrically coupled to an interior portion of the first terminal and a first electrode comprising carbon which is juxtaposed against the first current collector foil. A porous separator is then juxtaposed against the first electrode comprising carbon and separating the first electrode from a second electrode comprising carbon. A second current collector foil is juxtaposed against a side of the second electrode and is electrically coupled to the second terminal.

Abstract: This invention provides novel capacitors comprising nanofiber enhanced surface area substrates and structures comprising such capacitors, as well as methods and uses for such capacitors.

Abstract: Alkaline and lithium batteries are disclosed that advantageously include separators comprising at least one porous layer of fine fibers having a diameter of between about 50 nm and about 3000 nm that provide improved combinations of reduced thickness, dendritic barrier against short-circuiting and low ionic resistance as compared with known battery separators.

Abstract: An electric double layer capacitor comprises a pair of polarizable electrodes impregnated with an electrolytic solution comprising an organic solvent and a supporting electrolyte dissolved in the organic solvent, and a gasket comprising a fluororesin. The organic solvent comprises propylene carbonate (PC), and the fluororesin for the gasket comprises a tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkylvinylether copolymer (PFA).

Abstract: An electrode for an energy storage device, including a substrate of at least one metal that forms a native oxide layer; and a treated layer formed on the substrate from the native oxide layer, the treated layer having a resistance that is less than the resistance of a native oxide layer. In some embodiments, the treated layer possesses at least one of the following properties: includes one or more dopants, is thinner than the native oxide layer, has a carbon coating that is applied to the treated layer which improved adhesion characteristics, and others. Further, there is an energy storage device having two or more of such electrodes, wherein the device has a low initial ESR and/or a low ESR at various intervals. Moreover, disclosed is a low resistance metal including a substrate of at least one metal that forms a native oxide layer; and a treated layer formed on the substrate from the native oxide layer, the treated layer having a resistance that is less than the resistance of a native oxide layer.

Abstract: A solid electrolytic capacitor includes a capacitor element and an outer shell, made of an insulating resin, that covers the capacitor element. The capacitor element has a winding portion that is formed by rolling an anode foil with a dielectric oxidized film formed on its surface, a cathode foil, and a separator that is sandwiched between the anode foil and the cathode foil, and a conductive polymer layer is formed between the anode foil and the cathode foil. An anode lead wire electrically connected to the anode foil, and a cathode lead wire electrically connected to the cathode foil extend from the winding portion, penetrate the outer shell, and are respectively connected to an anode electrode terminal and a cathode electrode terminal that are arranged on a surface of the outer shell.

Abstract: Electrical devices which incorporate electrodes coated with carbon nanotubes. An anode is placed in conductive relationship with the coated electrode. A gas or liquid medium is placed between the electrode and anode which medium also participates in the transfer of electrons. Using specific gas media in combination with nanotube coated electrodes allows for the production of electromagnetic radiation sources which have extended life, reduced power requirements, and significantly decreased operating temperatures. Likewise carbon nanotube coated electrodes can be advantageously utilized in fuel cells, electrodeposition, and similar applications greatly extending the life of electrodes and improving the electron emission properties.

Abstract: A proton-conducting electric double layer capacitor comprising a electrolytic solution containing an aqueous solution of an organic or inorganic acid whereto a water-soluble N-containing heterocyclic compound is added.

Abstract: An electric double layer capacitor is provided with a cell, in which a pair of polarizable electrodes, which are impregnated with an electrolyte, are disposed in opposition on either side of a separator; wherein the polarizable electrodes are provided with collector electrodes, a peripheral portion of the cell is sealed by a sealing member composed of synthetic resin, and the sealing member is formed by abutting two case halves.

Abstract: This invention provides novel capacitors comprising nanofiber enhanced surface area substrates and structures comprising such capacitors, as well as methods and uses for such capacitors.

Abstract: A surface mount energy storage device in the form of a supercapacitor (1) includes a generally rectangular folded prismatic housing (2) and two energy storage elements (not shown) that are sealingly contained within the housing (2) and which are connected in series. A mount, in the form of an integrally formed tinned metal frame (3), extends about and captively retains housing (2) in the folded configuration shown. Two terminals, in the form of elongate contacts (4, 5) extend from the energy storage elements and terminate outside housing (2) for allowing external electrical connection to the elements.

Abstract: A capacitor includes a dielectric layer, a manganese dioxide layer, an organic solid electrolyte layer, and a carbon paste layer that are stacked in this order between a first electrode, which serves as an anode, and a second electrode, which serves as a cathode. Between the first electrode and the second electrode, an insulating resin layer is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame so as to surround the organic solid electrolyte layer. A lower end portion of the resin layer is fixed to the manganese dioxide layer while an upper end portion of the resin layer is fixed to the second electrode 16. Therefore, complete sealing is established between the first electrode and the second electrode in the outer peripheral end face of the capacitor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode for an electric double layer capacitor which enhances an adhesive property between an electrode layer and an etched aluminum foil current collector. An electrode for a capacitor, includes a current collector, an undercoat layer on the current collector, and an electrode layer on the undercoat layer, wherein the current collector is made of an aluminum foil; the undercoat layer includes at least electrically conductive particles (P) and a binder (B) in a weight ratio P/B of 0.25 to 2.33, and the binder (B) includes a fluorine-containing polymer as a main component; and the electrode layer includes at least a carbon material and a binder.

Abstract: A charge storage device comprising: a first electrode, a second electrode being opposed to and spaced apart from the first electrode; a porous separator disposed between the electrodes; a sealed package for containing the electrodes, the separator and an electrolyte in which the electrodes are immersed; and a first terminal and a second terminal being electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode respectively and both extending from the package to allow external electrical connection to the respective electrodes, wherein the gravimetric FOM of the device is greater than about 2.1 Watts/gram.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double layer capacitor comprising: at least a pair of current collector plates that are placed in parallel to each other, flat electrodes containing aqueous electrolyte printed on opposing faces of said current collectors, such that a peripheral region is defined on each of said faces of said current collectors, which region is not covered by said electrode, and a separator interposed between said electrodes, the geometric form and size of said separator being identical to the form and size of said current collector plates, said separator having a central region permeable to said electrolyte, surrounded by a peripheral masked region which is non-permeable to said electrolyte, such that the permeable region of said separator coincide with the electrodes printed on the opposing faces of said current collectors, with respect to position, geometric form and size; wherein the pores in the peripheral region of the separator are impregnated with a suitable sealant, and wherein one or more

Abstract: Electrolytic capacitor powder substrates are provided of refractory metal nitrides to reduce instability at a substrate-oxide (as formed) interface whereby the resultant capacitor sensitivity to hear, bias and frequency is reduced.

Abstract: A charge storage device comprising: a first electrode; a second electrode being opposed to and spaced apart from the first electrode; a porous separator disposed between the electrodes; a sealed package for containing the electrodes, the separator and an electrolyte in which the electrodes are immersed; and a first terminal and a second terminal being electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode respectively and both extending from the package to allow external electrical connection to the respective electrodes, wherein the gravimetric FOM of the device is greater than about 2.1 Watts/gram.

Abstract: An anode (14, 208, 410) and/or cathode (12, 212, 420) of a capacitor has a large surface area. The high surface area of the anode is provided by forming the anode from a thin, electrically conductive layer (16) formed from metal particles (18) or an electrically conductive metallic sponge (416). These materials provide a porous structure with a large surface area of high accessibility. The particles are preferably directional or non-directional sponge particles of a metal, such as titanium. The conductive layer has a dielectric film (36, 236, 414) on its surface, formed by anodizing the particle surfaces. The dielectric film has a combination of high dielectric constant and high dielectric strength. The cathode (12, 212, 420) of the capacitor is either a conventional solid material or, more preferably, has a large surface provided by forming the surface from a sponge or particles analogously to the anode.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an antimony-containing niobium sintered body for a capacitor having a small specific leakage current value, an antimony-containing niobium powder for use in the sintered body, and a capacitor using the sintered body. In the present invention, an antimony-containing niobium powder having an antimony content of preferably about 0.1 to about 10 mol % and an average particle size of preferably about 0.2 to about 5 ?m is used. By using this antimony-containing niobium powder, a sintered body and a capacitor are constructed.

Abstract: An electric double layer capacitor which has a low internal resistance and a large capacitance per unit volume and which is excellent in the voltage retention property, is provided. In a non-aqueous type electric double layer capacitor having a separator disposed between a positive electrode and a negative electrode made of carbonaceous electrodes, the separator comprises a sheet having a thickness of from 10 to 100 ?m and a porosity of from 50 to 90% and a netted spacer having a thickness of from 10 to 100 mm, a numerical aperture of from 30 to 85% and an opening of from 50 to 350 mesh, laminated one on the other.

Abstract: A dielectric oxide film-having anode foil and a cathode foil put opposite to each other via a separator therebetween are coiled up to construct a capacitor device. In this, the separator is coated with an electroconductive polymer formed through chemical oxidation polymerization of a polymerizing monomer in a solution that contains at least a non-transition metal-based oxidizing agent and an organic acid compound. Even when the electrolytic capacitor with the capacitor device is driven in a high-humidity atmosphere and a large amount of water penetrates into it, the capacitor is free from a trouble of dedoping, and therefore keeps its high voltage-proofness and leak current stability. The electrolytic capacitor is resistant to heat and its ESR is low in a high-frequency region.

Abstract: A raw material composite 10 for a carbon material used in an electric double layer capacitor contains microcrystalline carbon having a layered crystal structure similar to graphite, and is formed a carbon material for an electric double layer capacitor by undergoing an activation treatment. Here, the raw material composite is characterized in that a Hardgrove grindability index HGI defined by ASTMD-409-71 is 50 or above, an interlayer distance d002 of the microcrystalline carbon determined by an X-ray diffraction method is 0.343 NM or below, and a crystallite size Lc002 of the microcrystalline carbon determined by the X-ray diffraction method is 3.0 nm or below.

Abstract: Surface mount electrolytic capacitors are provided with anode and cathode terminations having respective first termination portions provided on the bottom surface of a molded package in a generally coplanar configuration. A second cathode termination portion is bent in a generally perpendicular fashion to the first cathode termination portion and may then be adhered to the external cathode layer of a capacitor body. A second anode termination portion is bent in a generally perpendicular fashion to the first anode termination portion and may then be welded to an anode wire connected to and extending from the capacitor body. An insulation pad may be provided between the first anode termination portion and the capacitor body to prevent device shorting. A planar termination frame may be provided to form the electrolytic capacitors of the present subject matter.

Abstract: An electric double layer capacitor, including at least one basic cell, an electrode plate, and an outer package which covers the basic cell and the electrode plate in a decompression state. The basic cell may be laminated in its thickness direction to form a layered cell and includes a separator, a pair of polarized electrodes disposed so as to sandwich the separator, a pair of collectors disposed so as to sandwich the polarized electrodes, and a gasket disposed between the pair of collectors so as to surround the pair of polarized electrodes. The electrode plate body is attached to each of the collectors located at the outermost side in a laminated direction of the layered cell. A sealing material having a higher gas barrier property than the collectors is disposed so as to seal an interface between the collectors and the electrode plate in the outer package.

Abstract: Electrolytic capacitor for of a high voltage and a high capacity is provided, which is suited for an auxiliary power supply of a fuel cell vehicle. A cathode and an anode foil are arranged to face each other. A dielectric film may be provided on the surface of the anode foil. The anode foil and the cathode foil 4 are wound into a roll, with a compound separator including the first and second separators and arranged there between. In the compound separator, electrolyte is impregnated and conductive fine particles are dispersed in the second separator.

Abstract: An electrode for a capacitor includes a substrate comprising at least one of glassy carbon and a metal. According to various embodiments, the substrate may be provided as glassy carbon or any of a variety of metals for use in capacitors. The capacitor also includes an activated carbon material adjacent the substrate. The activated carbon layer includes oxygen-containing functional groups. A material is provided in contact with the activated carbon layer for providing enhanced capacitance for the electrode. Various types of capacitance-enhancing materials may be utilized, including carbon nanotubes and conductive metal oxides.

Abstract: An electrolytic capacitor including a positive foil, a negative foil and an intervening separator which contains a polymeric electrolyte composite. The polymeric electrolyte composite contains electrolyte in the matrix of copolymeric acrylic ester. The separator contains at least either one of rayon fiber and cotton linter. Or, other separator takes the form of several overlaid sheets, each of the sheet being made of a cellulose fiber. The above-configured electrolytic capacitors have the advantages of high withstanding voltage, high heat resisting property and long life.

Abstract: A polarized electrode for an electric double-layer condenser, which has a structure for preventing the damage of the end portion of the electrolyte belonging to the collecting foil, in the process for manufacturing the electric double-layer condenser, and an electric double-layer condenser using the polarized electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to capacitor cells and the utilization of separator materials that interact with one or more surfactants in such cells. More specifically, the present invention is related to capacitor cells that include separators that are impregnated with a surfactant or that absorb and/or interact with a surfactant that is included in an electrolyte placed within the capacitor cell.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to capacitor cells and the utilization of enhanced metalized separators in such cells. The metalized separators of the present invention generally include a separator base material, such as a Kraft paper, track etched material, or a microporous polymeric sheet, that supports a cathode and/or anode film operably adjoined to one or both surfaces.

Abstract: An electrode for a capacitor including a sintered body of a powder of a valve action metal or its alloy and wherein a lead wire connected to the sintered body made of partially nitrided niobium is disclosed. A molded compact including a molded powder of a valve action metal or alloy thereof and a lead wire made of partially nitrided niobium is also disclosed. Use of a partially nitrided niobium as a material of the lead wire provides a capacitor having high withstand voltage and being light weight without a decrease in capacitance.

Abstract: A metal collector foil for an electric double layer capacitor has etched upper and lower surface layers and an unetched central layer disposed between the etched upper and lower surface layers. The etched upper and lower surface layers have a total thickness sufficient to provide the metal collector foil with a capacitance per unit area that corresponds to a capacitance value obtained when the etched metal collector foil is subjected to an anodic formation process with application of a withstanding voltage of 65.6 volts, the capacitance value being not less than 1.7 &mgr;F/cm2. The unetched central layer has a thickness sufficient to provide the metal collector foil with a tensile strength not less than 9,000 N/cm2. A method of producing the metal collector foil and an electric double layer capacitor incorporating therein the metal collector foil are also disclosed.

Abstract: Flow through capacitors are described herein having improved capabilities. In general, asymmetric flow through capacitors are formed, increasing overall capacitance. The asymmetry may be accomplished by utilizing electrodes of different materials, different dimensions, or the same materials with different capacitance properties.

Abstract: Electrolytic capacitor for of a high voltage and a high capacity is provided, which is suited for an auxiliary power supply of a fuel cell vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode sheet for an electric double-layer capacitor. The electrode sheet is molded from granules which are produced from ingredients including an electrochemically active material, an electrically conductive filler and a binder. And the electrode sheet is bonded with a collector foil so as to form a polarizable electrode which is rolled or bent so as to be applied to the electric double-layer capacitor. In the present invention, a coefficient of elongation S for the polarizable electrode is adapted to be greater than (R+T)/R and less than or equal to 1.11, where R represents a curvature of an inscribed circle at a bent portion of the polarizable electrode and T represents a thickness of the polarizable electrode.