Bipolar Type Patents (Class 429/210)
  • Patent number: 8053111
    Abstract: A biplate assembly may include a biplate, a negative electrode and a positive electrode. A method for manufacturing the biplate assembly may involve selecting the size of the biplate and arranging the positive electrode, which is formed by a compressed first powder, to a first side of the biplate. The first powder contains positive active material. The method may also involve arranging the negative electrode, which is formed by a compressed second powder, to a carrier arranged within the biplate assembly. The second powder contains negative active material. The carrier may be a side opposite to the first side of the biplate. The biplate assembly may be implemented in a bipolar battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Nilar International AB
    Inventors: Neil H. Puester, Lars Fredriksson
  • Publication number: 20110269007
    Abstract: Water activated alkali metal battery cells, protected anode bi-polar electrodes and multi-cell stacks are configurable to achieve very high energy density. The cells, bi-polar electrode and multi-cell stacks include a protected anode and a cathode having a solid phase electro-active component material that is reduced during cell discharge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: PolyPlus Battery Company
    Inventors: Steven J. Visco, Yevgeniy S. Nimon, Lutgard C. De Jonghe, Bruce D. Katz
  • Patent number: 8039143
    Abstract: To provide an electrode unit for a prismatic battery capable of increasing the output of the battery while suppressing the battery internal resistance value and improving the degree of freedom of the size of the electrode plate. An electrode unit for a prismatic battery including an electrode group in which positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates in an almost rectangular shape are alternately stacked with separators interposed therebetween. In each of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, core material exposed portions are formed at least on two side edges. The positive electrode plates and the negative electrode plate are stacked such that their core material exposed portions are directed not to overlap each other in the stack direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic EV Energy Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Kasahara, Kiyoshi Hayashi
  • Publication number: 20110206974
    Abstract: An electrode includes a collector formed with a conductive resin layer and an active material layer formed on the conductive resin layer. The active material layer comprises an active material and a binder polymer, and the conductive resin layer is bonded by thermal fusion bonding to the active material layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shiho Inoue, Hideaki Horie, Kenji Hosaka, Osamu Shimamura, Shigeo Ibuka
  • Patent number: 7989106
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bipolar battery cell having a built-in discharge circuit that can automatically balance the charged conditions. The bipolar battery cell includes a plurality of bipolar electrodes, each including a collector having a positive-electrode layer on one surface and a negative-electrode layer on another surface. The bipolar battery cell further includes a plurality of electrolyte layers that exchange ions between the bipolar electrodes; and a discharge circuit that electrically conducts adjacent bipolar electrodes. The discharge circuit is provided on the same surface of at least one layer of the positive-electrode layers, the negative-electrode layers, or the electrolyte layers. Multiple bipolar battery cells are combined to form an assembled battery for vehicular applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Kinoshita, Hideaki Horie, Takaaki Abe, Osamu Shimamura
  • Publication number: 20110177370
    Abstract: An electrode body used for an all solid state battery element, having a bipolar electrode basic structure having: a current collector, a cathode active material layer formed on one surface of the above-mentioned current collector, an anode active material layer formed on a surface of the above-mentioned current collector and formed in a position not overlapping with the above-mentioned cathode active material layer in a plan view, and a current collector exposed portion, formed between the above-mentioned cathode active material layer and the above-mentioned anode active material layer, and exposing both surfaces of the above-mentioned current collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Koji Kawamoto
  • Publication number: 20110151324
    Abstract: An energy storage device includes a first electrode comprising a first material and a second electrode comprising a second material, at least a portion of the first and second materials forming an interpenetrating network when dispersed in an electrolyte, the electrolyte, the first material and the second material are selected so that the first and second materials exert a repelling force on each other when combined. An electrochemical device, includes a first electrode in electrical communication with a first current collector; a second electrode in electrical communication with a second current collector; and an ionically conductive medium in ionic contact with said first and second electrodes, wherein at least a portion of the first and second electrodes form an interpenetrating network and wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes comprises an electrode structure providing two or more pathways to its current collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Yet-Ming CHIANG, William D. MOOREHEAD
  • Publication number: 20110143186
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a plate (20), particularly for a bipolar battery (10), the plate (20) being of the type that comprises a base graphite material (2), a positive active material (3) applied to a first surface (4) of the base material (2) and a negative active material (5) applied to a second surface (6) of the base material (2) opposite the first surface (4), the positive active material (3) having a composition that comprises lead dioxide, conductive carbon fibers and glass microspheres, and the negative active material (5) having a composition that comprises spongy lead, graphite additives and glass microspheres.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Gerhard Ett, Angelo Massatoshi Ebesui, Gilberto Janólio, Volkmar Ett
  • Publication number: 20110091770
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery that can have high energy density and high power density. The rechargeable battery includes: bipolar electrodes including a current collector, a sealing layer that is formed at the edge of the current collector, a first electrode active material layer that is inserted into a space in that is formed within the sealing layer, and a second electrode active material layer that is formed at the opposite side of the first electrode active material layer; and a separator that is disposed between the bipolar electrodes, wherein the sealing layer is bonded with the sealing layer of neighboring bipolar electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Man-Seok HAN, Eui-Hwan SONG, Sumihito ISHIDA, Satoshi NARUKAWA, Jin-Kyu HONG, Jun-Sik KIM, Kyeu-Yoon SHEEM, Tae-Keun KIM, Mee-Young LEE
  • Patent number: 7927736
    Abstract: Apparatus and methodology subject matters relate to an improved electrochemical single or multi-cell energy storage device. Also, an outer casing may be provided as a pair of U-shaped shells, a single foil piece, or a tube-shaped structure which encases the internal electro chemical cell stack. The energy storage device and such casing when used advantageously exhibit low internal resistance, low ESR, a high voltage/capacity, and a low contact resistance between the internal stack and the outer casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: E.C.R.-Electro Chemical Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Arieh Meitav, Joel Lang, Niles Fleischer, David Lifschitz, Eugene Pecherer, Eli Rosh Chodesh, Joost Manassen, Bharat Rawal
  • Publication number: 20110039190
    Abstract: A fuel cell plate for a fuel cell assembly is provided that includes a pair of unipolar plates including a flow field, an inlet flow distributor, and an outlet flow distributor, wherein the flow distributors are produced from a porous material to control liquid water throughout the reactant flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBALTECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jon P. Owejan, Jeffrey J. Gagliardo, Thomas A. Trabold
  • Publication number: 20110039146
    Abstract: A bipolar secondary battery includes a plurality of bipolar electrodes, each including a current collector that has a positive electrode layer on one surface thereof and a negative electrode layer on the opposite surface thereof. A separator is disposed between adjacent two bipolar electrodes such that the positive electrode layer of one bipolar electrode and the negative electrode layer of the adjacent bipolar electrode adjacent are opposed to each other along the length of the separator. The positive electrode layer and the negative electrode layer are formed with protrudent portions disposed at positions offset from each other along a length of the current collector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masanobu Sato, Kenji Hosaka, Hideaki Horie, Yoshio Shimoida, Masanori Aoyagi
  • Publication number: 20110014520
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bipolar battery. It is an object of the present invention to provide a bipolar battery having a good productivity and a high reliability of the electrical connection with an apparatus when the battery is attached to various apparatuses. A bipolar battery 1 of the present invention includes a positive electrode 10, a negative electrode 11, a bipolar electrode 12, an electrolyte-containing separator 13, and a sealing member 14. Current collectors 20, 22, and 24 of the positive electrode 10, the negative electrode 11, and the bipolar electrode 12 are respectively provided with at least two projections 20a to 20d, 22a to 22d, and 24a to 24d, and these projections project from peripheral portions of the current collectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventor: Tomohiro Ueda
  • Patent number: 7858233
    Abstract: The invention provides an anion-deficient non-stoichiometric lithium iron phosphate as an electrode-active material, which is represented by the formula Li1?xFe(PO4)1?y, wherein 0<x?0.15 and 0<y?0.05. The invention provides a method for preparing said Li1?xFe(PO4)1?y, which comprises preparing a precursor of lithium iron phosphate; mixing said precursor with water under reaction conditions of 200˜700° C. and 180˜550 bar to produce lithium iron phosphate; and calcining, or granulating and calcining the resultant compound. The invention also provides electrochemical devices employing said Li1?xFe(PO4)1?y as an electrode-active material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Hanwha Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Kyu Ho Song, Wan Jae Myeong, Soo Yeong Han, Kyoo Seung Han
  • Patent number: 7858231
    Abstract: A current collector sheet for an electrode of an electrochemical device has a conductive area and an insulating area on the surface thereof. Examples of the current collector sheet includes: a current collector sheet including an insulating sheet, wherein the conductive area has a conductive layer formed on the surface of the insulating sheet, and the insulating area has an exposed portion of the insulating sheet; a current collector sheet including a conductive sheet, wherein the insulating area has an insulating layer formed on the surface of the conductive sheet, and the conductive area has an exposed portion of the conductive sheet; and a current collector sheet including a conductive sheet portion and an insulating sheet portion positioned flush with each other, wherein the conductive area has a surface of the conductive sheet portion, and the insulating area has a surface of the insulating sheet portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Ken Nishimura, Naoto Arai, Toru Oshima, Fumio Daio, Munehisa Ikoma, Hideo Kaiya
  • Publication number: 20100310923
    Abstract: A bi-polar battery has a positive electrode unit, a negative electrode unit, at least one bi-polar electrode unit stacked therebetween, an electrolyte layer separating each adjacent electrode unit, and a gasket positioned about each electrolyte layer for creating a seal about the electrolyte layer in conjunction with the electrode units adjacent thereto. The bi-polar battery also includes a wrapper for maintaining the seals created by the gaskets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: G4 SYNERGETICS, INC.
    Inventors: Randy Ogg, Martin Patrick Higgins, Steven J. Winick, Eileen Higgins
  • Publication number: 20100304216
    Abstract: A bi-polar battery has a positive electrode unit, a negative electrode unit, at least one bi-polar electrode unit stacked therebetween, an electrolyte layer separating each adjacent electrode unit, and a gasket positioned about each electrolyte layer for creating a seal about the electrolyte layer in conjunction with the electrode units adjacent thereto. The bi-polar battery also includes a wrapper for maintaining the seals created by the gaskets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: G4 SYNERGETICS, INC.
    Inventors: Randy Ogg, David Russell Smith, David Fraser Park
  • Patent number: 7829241
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a construction for a bipolar plate for a fuel cell stack that enables the bipolar plate to be a more compliant member in the fuel cell stack. The bipolar plate can be configured to provide varying levels of compliance, as demanded by the design of the fuel cell stack. The bipolar plate can be more compliant than the diffusion media members and the active elements used to form the individual fuel cells. The compliant nature of the individual bipolar plates enables localized dimensional changes that occur within the fuel cell stack to be compensated by a localized deformation of the portions of the bipolar plate within that region. The bipolar plate has an internal coolant flow field where some opposing pairs of lands are spaced apart with a gap therebetween while other opposing pairs of lands are in contact with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Yeh-Hung Lai
  • Publication number: 20100273095
    Abstract: A method of coating a surface of a fuel cell plate is disclosed herein. The method involves forming a sol gel mixture including a metal oxide modified with at least one functional group, where the at least one functional group is configured to improve adhesion; and adding carbon modified with a hydrophilic functional group to the mixture, thereby forming a suspension. The suspension is applied to the surface of the fuel cell plate, and is activated to form a porous, hydrophilic, and conductive film on the surface of the fuel cell plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS,INC.
    Inventors: Wen Li, Ping Liu, Jennifer J. Zinck, Chaoyin Zhou, Tina T. Salguero
  • Publication number: 20100255371
    Abstract: When a bipolar battery is manufactured, a bipolar electrode and a separator are prepared first. Then, one electrode (for example, a positive electrode) out of positive and negative electrodes is applied with such an amount of electrolyte as being exposed on a surface of the one electrode. Then, the separator is arranged on the surface of the one electrode applied with the electrolyte, thus forming a sub-assembly unit. Then, a plurality of the sub-assembly units are layered, and the electrolyte applied to the one electrode is made to permeate through the separator to the other electrode, thus forming an assembly unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventors: Gen Takayama, Kenji Hosaka, Teruo Segawa, Hajime Satou, Hideaki Horie, Takahiro Iwasaki, Yoshio Shimoida
  • Patent number: 7807295
    Abstract: Bipolar batteries configured to minimize the introduction of gas bubbles and methods of manufacturing such batteries are taught herein. One bipolar battery includes an electrolyte layer, which includes a plurality of separators having permeability such that the electrolytes can penetrate therein, in a bipolar electrode wherein a cathode is formed at one side of a collector and an anode is formed at another side of the collector. A stack is formed by stacking the electrolyte layers upon one another. The electrolyte layer of the stack has a layer of overlayed separators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gen Takayama, Hajime Sato, Kenji Hosaka
  • Publication number: 20100248028
    Abstract: The invention provides bipolar articles (e.g., batteries and capacitors) with new architectures and methods of making and using the same. Articles are provided with interpenetrating anode and cathode structures that allow for improved power density, and arbitrary form factors that allow for formation in substantially any desired shape. The articles are useful for embedding or integral formation in various electronic devices to provide more efficient use of space in the devices. The articles optionally include self-organizing bipolar structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: A123 Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert N. Riley, JR., Yet Ming Chiang, Antoni S. Gozdz, Michael S. Viola, Ricardo Fulop
  • Patent number: 7794877
    Abstract: A bi-polar battery has a positive electrode unit, a negative electrode unit, at least one bi-polar electrode unit stacked therebetween, an electrolyte layer separating each adjacent electrode unit, and a gasket positioned about each electrolyte layer for creating a seal about the electrolyte layer in conjunction with the electrode units adjacent thereto. The bi-polar battery also includes a wrapper for maintaining the seals created by the gaskets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventors: Randy Ogg, David Russell Smith, David Fraser Park
  • Patent number: 7767338
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bipolar battery having at least two battery cells comprising: a sealed housing, a negative end terminal, a positive end terminal, at least one biplate assembly arranged in a sandwich structure between said negative and positive end terminals, and a separator, including an electrolyte, arranged between each negative and positive electrode forming a battery cell. The biplate assembly is provided with an inner barrier of a hydrophobic material around the negative and the positive electrode, respectively, and an outer seal around the edge of each biplate. Each end terminal is provided with a terminal seal. The edge of each biplate is positioned close to the sealed housing to provide means to conduct heat from each biplate assembly to the ambient environment. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a bipolar battery and a biplate assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Nilar International AB
    Inventors: Lars Fredriksson, Neil Puester
  • Patent number: 7767337
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bipolar battery having at least two battery cells comprising: a negative end terminal, a positive end terminal and at least one biplate assembly arranged in a sandwich structure between the negative and positive end terminals. The battery also comprises a separator, with electrolyte, arranged between each negative and positive electrode forming a cell. An inner barrier of a hydrophobic material is arranged at least around one electrode on a first side of the biplate. An outer sealing, e.g. a frame, is provided around the edge of each biplate assembly and each end terminal and a hole is arranged through each biplate interconnecting each cell with adjacent cell(s) to create a common gas space for all cells in the battery. The invention also relates to a biplate assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Nilar International AB
    Inventors: Lars Fredriksson, Neil Puester
  • Publication number: 20100190047
    Abstract: A stacked energy storage device (ESD) has at least two cell segments arranged in a stack. Each cell segment may have a first electrode unit having a first active material electrode, a second electrode unit having a second active material electrode, and an electrolyte layer between the active material electrodes. Variable volume containment may be used to control the inter-electrode spacing within each cell segment. In some embodiments, one or more dynamic flexible gaskets may be included in each cell segment to seal the electrolyte within the cell segment and to deform in preferred directions. In some embodiments, hard stops may set the inter-electrode spacing of the ESD.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: G4 Synergetics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon Kenneth West, Martin Patrick Higgins, Eileen Higgins, Julius Regalado, Anthony George, Xin Zhou, Nelson Citta, Myles Citta, Allen Michael, Kenneth Cherisol, Daniel J. West, Barbara Patterson
  • Patent number: 7763382
    Abstract: The invention provides bipolar articles (e.g., batteries and capacitors) with new architectures and methods of making and using the same. Articles are provided with interpenetrating anode and cathode structures that allow for improved power density, and arbitrary form factors that allow for formation in substantially any desired shape. The articles are useful for embedding or integral formation in various electronic devices to provide more efficient use of space in the devices. The articles optionally include self-organizing bipolar structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: A123 Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilbert N. Riley, Jr., Yet Ming Chiang, Antoni S. Gozdz, Michael S. Viola, Ric Fulop
  • Publication number: 20100183920
    Abstract: A bipolar battery construction is disclosed comprising a substrate, openings in the substrate, an electrically conductive material placed within the openings, a negative and positive current collector foil placed on opposing sides of the substrate and negative and positive pasting frame members. The electrically conductive material may have a melting point below the thermal degradation temperature of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: Advanced Battery Concepts, LLC
    Inventors: Edward Otto Shaffer, II, William Buttfield Brecht
  • Patent number: 7759005
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a bipolar battery that is constructed to improve battery performance by reducing distortions within electrode material of the bipolar battery. The bipolar battery includes multiple battery elements that each includes multiple unit batteries. Each unit battery contains a conductor having a positive electrode layer and a negative electrode layer. A collector is positioned between adjacent positive and negative electrode layers of adjacent unit batteries, and an accumulated thickness absorption member is used to separate collectors of adjacent battery elements. The bipolar battery may be used in a motor vehicle, such as an electric car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Hosaka, Ryouichi Senbokuya, Osamu Shimamura, Naoto Kiriu, Hideaki Horie
  • Patent number: 7749636
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel cell arrangement, containing at least one bipolar plate layer (1) and an bonding partner—preferably an membrane electrode assembly (MEA) (5), wherein the bonding partner is bonded onto the bipolar plate layer (1) with a pressure-sensitive adhesive or a physically bonding adhesive, which are located on a three-dimensional sealing structure of the bipolar plate layer and/or edge region of the bipolar plate layer adjacent thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Reinz-Dichtungs-GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Scherer, Bernd Gaugler, Lothar Quick
  • Publication number: 20100143774
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly that includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a first bipolar electrode between the negative electrode and the positive electrode, and a second bipolar electrode between an outer surface of the electrode assembly and the positive electrode or between a center of the electrode assembly and the negative electrode, wherein the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the first and second bipolar electrodes are stacked and wound together, and a lead electrically coupled with the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly may include separators between the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the first and second bipolar electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Man-Seok Han, Eui-Hwan Song, Jin-Kyu Hong, Jun-Sik Kim, Yong-Chul Park, Kyeu-Yoon Sheem, Nam-Soon Choi, Tae-Keun Kim, Atsuo Omaru, Satoshi Narukawa
  • Patent number: 7709146
    Abstract: Disclosed are a bipolar battery, a bipolar battery component and a method of manufacturing the same. The bipolar battery minimizes the occurrence of gas bubbles to provide superior battery performance. A battery element has a plurality of bipolar electrodes stacked upon one another while interposing separators therebetween. The bipolar electrode includes a collector formed with a cathode on one surface and an anode on the other surface. The component is a charging part with charging material disposed between collectors and separators to surround at least a periphery of the cathode and a periphery of the anode. An exhaust part is mounted to the charging part to exhaust a residual gas bubble from an inner space to outside of the inner space when stacking the bipolar electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Gen Takayama, Hajime Sato, Kenji Hosaka, Kenji Hamada, Teruo Segawa
  • Patent number: 7709145
    Abstract: A bipolar plate having hydrophilic surfaces is disclosed. The bipolar plate includes multiple surfaces including channels having channel surfaces. A hydrophilic coating is provided on the surfaces to enhance the water management capabilties of a fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Mahmoud H. Abd Elhamid, Gayatri Vyas, Yang-Tse Cheng, Richard H. Blunk
  • Patent number: 7704485
    Abstract: A power generation system and a fuel processor for use within a power generation system. A common hydrocarbon fuel is introduced into the heated reaction chamber along with water vapor. The hydrocarbon fuel and water react, producing less complex resultant gases. The resultant gases are passed into a hydrogen separator. The hydrogen separator separates hydrogen from the resultant gases. The separated hydrogen is used to power a fuel cell. The fuel cell produces electricity and water that can be recycled back into the system. A standard hydrocarbon fuel can therefore be used to power a fuel cell in a highly efficient, singe-step process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Inventors: Peter R. Bossard, Jacques Mettes
  • Publication number: 20100092807
    Abstract: An electrode for use in a flow cell is presented. The electrode includes a metal plate for collecting current in the electrode that is bonded between a first and second plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Saroj Kumar SAHU, Suresh Kumar Surapalan Nair, Ali Firouzi
  • Patent number: 7691532
    Abstract: A sealed prismatic battery has a battery case made of a plurality of prismatic cell cases coupled together via partition walls. Electrode plate groups are accommodated together with liquid electrolyte in each of the cell cases. Each electrode plate group consists of alternately stacked-up positive and negative electrode plates with separators interposed therebetween, lead portions of positive and negative electrode plates being protruded on opposite sides. Collectors are bonded to these lead portions. Between the collectors and end walls (and/or partition walls) of the battery case are provided conductive plates that are connected to the collectors one or more than one location in their middle part so as to decrease the resistance between connection terminals and the electrode plate groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignees: Panasonic Corporation, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Asahina, Hiromi Kajiya, Shinji Hamada, Toyohiko Eto
  • Patent number: 7687198
    Abstract: Apparatus and methodology subject matters relate to an improved electrochemical single or multi-cell energy storage device. Also, an outer casing may be provided as a pair of U-shaped shells, a single foil piece, or a tube-shaped structure which encases the internal electrochemical cell stack. The energy storage device and such casing when used advantageously exhibit low internal resistance, low ESR, a high voltage/capacity, and a low contact resistance between the internal stack and the outer casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: E.C.R.-Electro Chemical Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Arieh Meitav, Joel Lang, Niles Fleischer, David Lifschitz, Eugene Pecherer, Eli Rosh Chodesh, Joost Manassen, Bharat Rawal
  • Publication number: 20100075218
    Abstract: A battery unit includes a casing, bipolar batteries as a plurality of stacked type batteries housed in the casing, and a plug. The bipolar battery is formed by stacking a plurality of battery elements each having sheet electrodes on opposite sides of an electrolyte, and has collectors. The plug is detachably inserted between the bipolar batteries, and electrically connects bipolar batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Kazutaka Tatematsu, Ryoji Mizutani, Eiji Yamada, Yasuhiro Endo
  • Publication number: 20100062335
    Abstract: Bipolar plates for a lead acid battery and bipolar plate stack assembly comprising such plates is described. In another aspect, the subject matter describes, a lead acid battery comprising such bipolar plate stack assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: LUMINOUS POWER TECHNOLOGIES PVT LTD
    Inventor: Ajoy Datta
  • Publication number: 20100055538
    Abstract: A bipolar plate (30, 30?) for use in a fuel cell (12, 14) includes a first metal layer (40a) having a first corrosion potential and a second metal layer (40b) that tends to grow an oxide layer (42, 42?) during operation of the fuel cell (12, 14). The second metal layer (40b) includes a second corrosion potential such that there is a corrosion potential gradient between the first metal layer (40a) and the second metal layer (40b) that resists growth of the oxide layer (42, 42?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Weilong Zhang, Patrick L. Hagans, Nikunj Gupta
  • Publication number: 20100035151
    Abstract: A power storage device has a stack including positive electrodes and negative electrodes that are stacked on top of each other with electrolytes interposed in-between. A positioning member is inserted into a positioning hole that is formed in the stack so as to penetrate the stack in the stacking direction. A terminal portion is formed at an end of the positioning member in the inserting direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: Izumi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 7659030
    Abstract: A cell structure that can improve heat dissipation and the vibration-proofing nature of a cell without using a cooling medium while keeping the rigidity and the discharge current quantity of the cell includes at least one electrode having a positive pole active material layer, a current collector and a negative pole active material layer. The cell structure also includes a separator provided between each electrode; and a casing. The cell structure satisfies the inequality: S c × 1000 > b × 1000 S wherein b (mm) indicates a short-side length of the electrode, S (m2) indicates an electrode area, c (mm) indicates a cell structure thickness and 1000 (m2/mm) is a constant. The separators have a different Shore A hardness and the separator having the lowest Shore A hardness is placed at a center of the cell structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Nissan Motor •Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyouichi Watanabe, Takaaki Abe, Osamu Shimamura, Takamitsu Saito, Hajime Sato, Kenji Hosaka, Hideaki Horie
  • Publication number: 20100015517
    Abstract: A lead-acid battery 10 of the invention includes a positive electrode plate 30 and an electrolyte solution and the positive electrode plate 30 has a positive substrate 33 bearing a tin dioxide layer on the surface thereof. In the lead-acid battery 10 of the invention, since the electrolyte solution has a specific gravity in a range of 1.250 to 1.500 at 20° C. in a fully charged state, the potential in the vicinity of a positive current collector 31 can be prevented from considerable temporary decrease at the time of high rate discharge and dissolution of the tin dioxide layer on the surface of the substrate 33 and deterioration of the positive electrode plate 30 can be prevented and therefore, the lead-acid battery 10 is provided with a long life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Kohei Fujita, Isamu Kurisawa
  • Publication number: 20090286133
    Abstract: A fuel cell assembly is disclosed that utilizes a fuel cell plate having hydrophobic portions adjacent an inlet and an outlet formed therein, and a hydrophilic portion formed in the flow channels of the fuel cell plate adjacent the hydrophobic portions, wherein the hydrophilic portion and the hydrophobic portion facilitate the transport of liquid water from the fuel cell plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Thomas A. Trabold, Jon P. Owejan, Steven J. Spencer, Jeffrey A. Rock, Gayatri Vyas Dadheech
  • Publication number: 20090274942
    Abstract: The invention relates to a polar plate (10, 12), particularly an end plate (10) or a bipolar plate (12), for a fuel cell stack (14) comprising at least one flow field (16) accessible from at least one side of the polar plate (10, 12). In this connection it is, according to the invention, contemplated that the at least one flow field (16) is accessible via a plurality of access orifices (18). The invention further relates to a termination unit and a repetitive unit for a fuel cell stack as well as a fuel cell stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Andreas Reinert, Hans-Peter Baldus
  • Publication number: 20090253038
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for manufacturing a bipolar battery are disclosed, which are capable of restraining the introduction of a bubble, resulting in superior battery performance. A bipolar battery is disclosed for preparing an electrolyte layer, which includes permeable separators such that the electrolytes can penetrate therein and a bipolar electrode wherein a cathode is formed at one side of a collector and an anode is formed at another side of the collector. Then, the electrolyte layers are stacked upon one another. When the electrolyte layer is provided to the bipolar electrode, bubbles within the electrolyte layer are exhausted from one side to another side of the separator via the separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2007
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Teruo Segawa, Hajime Sato, Kenji Hosaka, Gen Takayama
  • Publication number: 20090246636
    Abstract: Subassemblies for use in an electrochemical device are provided, as are processes for preparing the subassemblies and electrochemical cells incorporating the subassemblies. In some embodiments, the subassemblies include (a) a first electrode and (b) a separator or a first current collector or both. The first electrode is bonded to the separator or the first current collector or both. In some embodiments, the subassemblies further include a second electrode and a second current collector. In some embodiments, the electrodes or separators are sintered. Bipolar cells are also provided, including a plurality of stacked electrochemical cells that are joined in series. The positive electrode and the negative electrode of each stack include a sintered electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventors: Yet-Ming Chiang, Andrew C. Chu, Young-Il Jang, Michael Wixom
  • Patent number: 7592088
    Abstract: A seal configuration is provided for a fuel cell stack, including a first bipolar plate and a second bipolar plate, each disposed on opposite sides of a membrane electrode assembly. The seal configuration includes a first sub-gasket adhered to a recess region of the first bipolar plate and a second sub-gasket adhered to a recess region of the second bipolar plate wherein the first and second sub-gaskets are disposed on opposite sides of the membrane electrode assembly. A seal member is disposed in the recessed regions of the first and second bipolar plates and between the first and second sub-gaskets. The seal configuration minimizes the size of the bypass regions around the seal perimeter and provide better control of the positions of all components during assembly of the fuel cell stack. The approach also reduces sensitivity to ambient relative humidity variations and reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for humidity control in the production area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventors: Jeffrey A Rock, Matthew J Beutel, Scott C Ofslager
  • Publication number: 20090233172
    Abstract: An electrode for a biplate assembly includes an active material made from a compressed powder 11, and a non-metal carrier 10. A biplate assembly 20 includes electrodes 27, 28 each having a non-metal carrier 10. A method is disclosed for manufacturing an electrode 13 having a non-metal carrier 10. An apparatus 30 is disclosed for manufacturing such an electrode 13. A bipolar battery includes at least one such an electrode 13. The non-metal carrier 10 is preferably a non-conductive carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Lars Fredriksson, Neil H. Puester
  • Publication number: 20090233164
    Abstract: The present invention provides a bipolar battery made by using a polymer gel electrolyte or a liquid electrolyte in an electrolyte layer, which is highly reliable and prevents liquid junction (short circuit) caused by leak out of an electrolyte solution from the electrolyte part. The present invention provides a bipolar battery laminated, in series, with a plurality pieces of bipolar electrodes which is formed with a positive electrode on one surface of a collector, and a negative electrode on the other surface, so as to sandwich an electrolyte layer, characterized by being provided with a separator which retains the electrolyte later, and a seal resin which is formed and arranged at the outer circumference part of a part of the separator where the electrolyte is retained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Osamu Shimamura, Kenji Hosaka, Kyoichi Watanabe, Takaaki Abe, Takuya Kinoshita, Hideaki Horie, Hajime Sato, Ryouichi Senbokuya