Elastic, Resilient Or Spring Biasing Valve Means Patents (Class 429/54)
  • Publication number: 20090017365
    Abstract: A safety mechanism for a laminate battery. An exterior case (5) consists of two molded sheets (5a) made of laminate sheets, superposed upon one another, and bonded together around the outer edges. The exterior case has a protrusion (10) that communicates with the interior of the exterior case and protrudes outwardly from one side. A safety vent (13) is made up of an exhaust hole (11) formed in at lease one of the two molded sheets (5a) in the protrusion (10), and a valve element (12) making elastic pressure contact with the edge of the exhaust hole (11) to seal it. The safety mechanism does not operate within the range of internal pressure variation during normal use, but operates reliably at a time point when a predetermined valve operating pressure is reached to release a necessary amount of gas to the outside, this valve operating pressure being within the safe range relative to the pressure resistance of the exterior case (5) made of laminate sheets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaharu Miyahisa, Yoshiki Ohsawa, Tsuyoshi Hatanaka, Yasuhiko Yamasaki
  • Publication number: 20090004553
    Abstract: A power storage unit has: a plurality of power storage modules each constituted of a power generation element which in a power generation element case containing the power generation element; and a power storage unit case containing the power storage modules and an insulative liquid, wherein at least two of the power storage modules have a first valve that switches from a closed state to an open state in response to the pressure in the power generation element case increasing up to a first threshold and a second valve that switches from a closed state to an open state in response to the pressure at the outside of the power generation element case increasing up to a second threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20080199763
    Abstract: A battery cell comprising a battery housing case formed with a through hole communicating with an interior space, a hollow rivet, and a seal rubber. The hollow rivet has a seal surface annularly extending outside the battery housing case, and a hollow portion formed with an exhaust port continuous to the inner edge of the seal surface and positioned at the through hole to allow gas in the interior space to flow out through the exhaust port. The seal rubber has a contact unit extending annularly facing the seal surface to press the seal surface and is provided so as to close the exhaust port. The contact unit is formed to project toward the seal surface so as to contact the seal surface at a position away from the inner edge of the seal surface. Such an arrangement prevents an electrolyte leakage over a long period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabuishiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masanori Ito, Tomohiro Matsuura, Toyohiko Eto
  • Publication number: 20080160371
    Abstract: In accordance with different embodiments of the present invention, duckbill check valve 10, having an orifice 11, and conical check valve 12, having an orifice 13, are responsive to the differential pressure of fluid F as it flows between inlet 14 and outlet 16. In an innovative aspect of the invention, orifice 11 and orifice 13 each have a variable effective diameter. In one embodiment, the duckbill check valve 10 and conical check valve 12 have a conical end that is aligned with the direction of fluid flow. In another embodiment, the duckbill check valve 10 can have a conical end that faces the direction of fluid flow. A pin may traverse orifice 11 or 13.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Societe BIC
    Inventors: Paul P. Spahr, Andrew J. Curello
  • Patent number: 7378180
    Abstract: A battery includes an air electrode and an air access passageway that is closed by a non-liquid valve actuable by differential pressure to provide an opening therein to admit air to the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Brian Edward Causton, Frank Davis, Neville Keith Lacey, Larry Liaobo Yu
  • Patent number: 7228875
    Abstract: Sealing and breathing valve assembly for accumulators comprising: at least one substantially tubular collar associated to the cover of said accumulator and suitable for connecting the external environment with one or more breathing ducts made in said cover; an elastic cap of a substantially tubular shape closed by a bottom amovably coupled to the external surface of said tubular collar. Said cap has at least one first part of a substantially cylindrical surface next to said bottom with a thickness reduced with respect to the remaining part next to the bottom of said cap, said first cap having a radial elastic deformation with respect to the remaining part working as a sealing function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Franco Stocchiero
  • Patent number: 7122270
    Abstract: A low profile collector and seal assembly for sealing the open end of a container of an electrochemical cell and providing venting of pressurized gases. An electrochemical cell has a can with a closed bottom end and an open top end, positive and negative electrodes disposed in the can, and a collector and seal assembly disposed in the open top end of the can for closing the open top end of the can. The collector and seal assembly includes a current collector and an annular seal that move relative to each other from a sealed position to a vented position when the internal cell pressure reaches a pressure threshold to vent pressurized gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Ray, Jr., James Xixian Wu
  • Patent number: 7101640
    Abstract: A venting plug for a wet, lead-acid storage battery, a battery containing the same, a method of molding the venting plug body, and a mold for molding the venting plug body are disclosed. The sealing surfaces of the venting plug do not include a mold parting line along which acid from inside of the battery could seep between the seal and sealing surfaces. The venting plug body, however, includes a coupling structure that includes a mold parting line. The sealing surfaces of the venting plug body are molded by a single plate such that no mold parting line results along the sealing surfaces, while the coupling structure is molded by plurality of mold components such that a mold parting line results in the vicinity of the coupling structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Exide Technologies
    Inventors: William H. Kump, Steven R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 7074516
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell is presented having a gasket that is sealed against the container to prevent electrolyte leakage during normal operation. When the internal pressure of the cell reaches a predetermined threshold, the seal is removed, thereby permitting electrolyte to escape through a vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Rovcal, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Davidson, David R. Mihara
  • Patent number: 7007715
    Abstract: A shaft part is coaxially provided within a pressure release port provided in a sealing plate sealed to an opening portion of a case for a condenser or a battery, a valve body closely fitted and fixed within the pressure release port has a seal lip which is directed toward the outside of a pressure container and is closely contacted with an outer peripheral surface of the shaft part with predetermined tensional force, and in the case that internal pressure of the case is increased more than a predetermined value, the seal lip is operated so as to open the valve, thereby releasing the internal pressure to the atmospheric air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: NOK Corporation
    Inventors: Junichi Nakayama, Toshihiro Mukaida, Tsuyoshi Kanda, Atsushi Saito, Kazuo Yamashita
  • Patent number: 6953637
    Abstract: A selective gas permeable membrane allows hydrogen to vent from a battery while preventing other gases from entering the battery. The surface of the filter membrane also catalytically combusts hydrogen and oxygen if both are evolved inside the battery and retains the resulting water for use in the battery. The membrane is made with a porous plastic substrate coated with a thin metal film permeable to hydrogen, and additional coatings. These coatings protect the surfaces, and catalytically combust hydrogen and oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Energy Related Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Hockaday, Patrick S. Turner, Zachary R. Bradford, Marc D. DeJohn, Carlos J. Navas, F. Wade Uhrich, Heathcliff L. Vaz, L. Luke Vazul
  • Patent number: 6949310
    Abstract: Secondary batteries are subjected to power cycling, and those which have a liquid electrolyte within the interior volume are equipped with a pressure relief valve. A void space over the liquid electrolyte may be subjected to gas pressure variations with respect to the ambient. The pressure relief valve structure comprises a vertically oriented gas flow chamber, and an outer relief vent adapted to open only when gas pressure within the battery and the gas flow chamber exceeds a predetermined pressure with respect to the ambient pressure. The gas flow chamber extends below the top surface of the battery, and has a dome-like cap which extends downwardly and has a plurality of openings so as to permit unimpeded gas flow between the interior of the battery and the gas flow chamber. There is a porous membrane covering the dome which permits gas flow between the interior of the battery and the gas flow chamber, but precludes flow of liquid electrolyte from the interior volume of the battery to the gas flow chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: PowerGenix Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Phillips
  • Patent number: 6924059
    Abstract: A thin rechargeable lithium battery having a battery main body enclosed between sealing members (a) and (b), at least sealing member (a) having a concave portion that extends to either side from a central position so as to have a peripheral collar portion (a-i) which surrounds the concave portion, sealing member (b) having a peripheral collar portion (b-i) corresponding to the collar portion (a-i) of sealing member (a) and the two sealing members (a) and (b) being opposingly arranged such that the face of said concave portion of sealing member (a) faces sealing member (b) through the battery main body, wherein collar portions (a-i) and (b-i) are mutually welded, and either sealing member (a) or (b) is provided with a power output terminal having electrical continuity with the battery main body and an insulating portion for insulating said terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Soichiro Kawakami, Takao Ogura
  • Patent number: 6878481
    Abstract: A rechargeable electrochemical cell is provided having a pressure-responsive apparatus for determining a charge termination point. In particular, a reversible pressure-responsive switch may be disposed in a cap at the open end of a rechargeable metal hydride cell. The reversible pressure-responsive switch may also contain a vent system for releasing the cell internal pressure. Alternatively, a rechargeable cell may include a strain gauge disposed in its outer surface whose resistance changes as the outer surface of the battery expands due to internal pressure accumulation during charging. Additionally, a rechargeable cell is used combination with a charging source that can supply constant voltage, constant current, alternating current, or voltage that varies between a minimum threshold and a maximum threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Rayovac Corporation
    Inventors: William H. Bushong, Cheeseman Paul, Thomas Kaufman, Michael Root, Aaron Rositch, Marc L. Syvertsen, Viet H. Vu
  • Patent number: 6855454
    Abstract: A low profile collector and seal assembly for sealing the open end of a container of an electrochemical cell and providing venting of pressurized gases. An electrochemical cell has a can with a closed bottom end and an open top end, positive and negative electrodes disposed in the can, and a collector and seal assembly disposed in the open top end of the can for closing the open top end of the can. The collector and seal assembly includes a current collector and an annular seal that move relative to each other from a sealed position to a vented position when the internal cell pressure reaches a pressure threshold to vent pressurized gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Ray, Jr., James Xixian Wu
  • Publication number: 20040241535
    Abstract: Secondary batteries are subjected to power cycling, and those which have a liquid electrolyte within the interior volume are equipped with a pressure relief valve. A void space over the liquid electrolyte may be subjected to gas pressure variations with respect to the ambient. The pressure relief valve structure comprises a vertically oriented gas flow chamber, and an outer relief vent adapted to open only when gas pressure within the battery and the gas flow chamber exceeds a predetermined pressure with respect to the ambient pressure. The gas flow chamber extends below the top surface of the battery, and has a dome-like cap which extends downwardly and has a plurality of openings so as to permit unimpeded gas flow between the interior of the battery and the gas flow chamber. There is a porous membrane covering the dome which permits gas flow between the interior of the battery and the gas flow chamber, but precludes flow of liquid electrolyte from the interior volume of the battery to the gas flow chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Jeffrey Phillips
  • Publication number: 20040234842
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed battery is provided, equipped with a opening sealing unit 10 including a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) element without reducing the volume of the outside can, and capable of preventing the generation of a large current in case a short circuit occurs as well as enhancing operational security. The opening sealing unit 10 according to the invention comprises a bottom plate 11 for closing the opening of the outside can 18, a positive electrode cap 12 forming a space for storing a pressure valve, said positive electrode cap being used as a terminal for the positive electrode, a resilient valve 14 having a steel plate 14a on the upper surface, a spring 15 and a PTC element ring 16 disposed on the flange 12a in the positive electrode cap 12. An insulation gasket 17 is mounted onto the periphery of the opening sealing unit 10 to hermetically close the opening of the outside can 18.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Katsuya Kawano, Motoo Tadokoro, Fumiyoshi Yoshinari
  • Patent number: 6777128
    Abstract: A secondary battery and a fabrication method of the secondary battery includes a battery unit having a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate and a separator interposed there between, a can for accommodating the battery unit, and a cap assembly having a cap cover, a safety vent and a gasket, where the end of the safety vent is bent inwards to be filled with the gasket provided along the outer periphery of the safety vent, so that the safety vent is inserted into the gasket in a secure manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Hyun-Joong Kim
  • Publication number: 20040131922
    Abstract: An alkaline cell having a flat housing, preferably of cuboid shape. The cell can have an anode comprising zinc and a cathode comprising MnO2. The housing can have a relatively small overall thickness, typically between about 5 and 10 mm. Cell contents can be supplied through an open end in the housing and an end cap assembly inserted therein to seal the cell. The end cap assembly includes a vent mechanism which can activate, when gas pressure within the cell reaches a threshold level typically between about 100 and 300 psig (6.89×105 and 20.69×105 pascal gage). The cell can have primary and supplemental vent mechanisms such as welded or thinned regions on the surface of the housing which may activate at different pressure levels. The cathode can be formed of a plurality of stacked slabs having aligned hollow centers with an elongated opening for anode material to be inserted therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: David Anglin, Mark Ashbolt, Anthony Malgioglio, Alexander Shelekhin, Steven J. Specht, Matthew Sylvestre, Philip Trainer, Robert A. Yoppolo
  • Patent number: 6730430
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an explosion-proof safety structure for column shape lithium battery, particularly relates to a safe and explosion-preventing structure which prevents the battery from ignition or explosion caused by the condition of overcharging described as follows: while the lithium battery is under overcharging condition, a sudden rise of the battery internal temperature takes place and the pressure increases; at the beginning of the sudden rise of temperature, the internal resistance value of the positive temperature coefficient of resistivity board redoubles to slow down the input of current; when the temperature keeps on rising, the electrolyte starts to gasify so as to increase the internal pressure of the battery up to a level which exceeds what the breaker sheet thin portion can take, the thin portion of the breaker sheet breaks to cause an open charging circuit and the charging activity stops; however, the battery internal pressure can not be released, which once exceeds the break p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Nan Ya Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Chin Lung Chang
  • Patent number: 6713208
    Abstract: A vent valve includes a vent cap closed by a cover plate with an orifice through it. The vent cap has a circular section and includes two diametrally opposed vent holes on its circumferential wall. An elastic seal having three vertices arranged in a triangle and connected in pairs by respective circular arcs—and preferably in the shape of a REULEAU triangle—is compressed between the bottom of the vent cap and the cover plate. The seal therefore blocks the orifice. If the fluid pressure at the orifice is sufficiently high, the fluid compresses the seal further and makes a path for itself between the seal and the cover plate and then escapes through the vent holes. The vent valve is suitable for use in a storage cell, in which case the cover plate can be used to close its casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Stéphane Payen, Alain Raymond
  • Patent number: 6689506
    Abstract: The sealed alkaline storage battery is provided with a closing lid having a safety vent unit which closes a gas release hole in a sealing plate, and a positive electrode cap which houses the safety vent unit in a compressed state between itself and the sealing plate. The safety vent unit is provided with a ventage plate which closes the gas release hole, and a spring which spring-loads the ventage plate towards the gas release hole and has a compressive load to length deformation ratio ≦5O N/mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Inoue, Hisashi Kakiuchi
  • Publication number: 20030175582
    Abstract: Secondary batteries are subjected to power cycling, and those which have a liquid electrolyte within the interior volume are equipped with a pressure relief valve. A void space over the liquid electrolyte may be subjected to gas pressure variations with respect to the ambient. The pressure relief valve structure comprises a vertically oriented gas flow chamber, and an outer relief vent adapted to open only when gas pressure within the battery and the gas flow chamber exceeds a predetermined pressure with respect to the ambient pressure. The gas flow chamber extends below the top surface of the battery, and has a dome-like cap which extends downwardly and has a plurality of openings so as to permit unimpeded gas flow between the interior of the battery and the gas flow chamber. There is a porous membrane covering the dome which permits gas flow between the interior of the battery and the gas flow chamber, but precludes flow of liquid electrolyte from the interior volume of the battery to the gas flow chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Publication date: September 18, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey Phillips
  • Patent number: 6610438
    Abstract: A seal type storage battery has a battery case which has a sealing assembly for sealing an opened portion of an outer case, which holds an electricity generating element. The sealing assembly includes a pressure-sensitive conductive rubber member in the battery case. The pressure-sensitive conductive rubber member has a resistance that changes continuously depending on a rise of inner pressure in the battery case. A lead connecting with the, pressure-sensitive conductive rubber extends outside of the battery case, and the lead is capable of outputting a pressure detecting signal to outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuhito Okumura, Satoru Nishimura, Takuya Tamagawa, Hisashi Kakiuchi, Hiroki Katayama, Hiroyuki Inoue, Etsuya Fujisaka
  • Patent number: 6596434
    Abstract: A cylindrical type alkaline storage battery includes a metallic case, a sealing plate for the metallic case, and a spiral-shaped group of electrodes. The group of electrodes includes a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate and a separator. The sealing plate includes a cap-shaped terminal plate, which includes a cap part and a flange, and a disc-shaped filter on the underside of the flange. The disc shaped filter has a gas venting hole in its center. A safety valve is included between the flange and the filter. A space between the metallic case and the rims of the flange and of the filter is sealed with a gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Yoshinaka, Norio Suzuki, Hideo Kaiya
  • Patent number: 6579640
    Abstract: A sealed rectangular battery has a conductive battery case including an external casing and a sealing cap. The external casing encloses a generator element and is sealed by attaching the sealing cap using heat. The battery includes an electrode terminal with an opposite polarity to the battery case, and a safety valve. The safety valve includes a cap that is charged with the same polarity as the battery case and a valving element that covers a vent hole. The electrode terminal and safety valve are provided separately at different positions on the battery case. This construction is simpler than conventional batteries where the safety valve is integrally formed with an electrode terminal, which means that the electrode terminal can be miniaturized. This battery also has improved internal resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Nagase, Takeo Hamamatsu, Masao Inoue, Hideyuki Asanuma, Naoyoshi Hinotsu
  • Patent number: 6528202
    Abstract: A sealed rechargeable battery module wherein a safety vent device is provided to release the internal pressure of the battery when the pressure has reached a predetermined value. The safety vent device includes a valve case formed with a vent and a sealing protrusion surrounding this vent. A valve body inserted in the valve case includes a sealing portion that is brought in tight contact with the sealing protrusion, a rigid holder for supporting the sealing portion, a and a resilient portion for pressing the rigid holder toward the vent. A valve cover is formed with apertures for closing the upper open end of the valve case. In a state, the resilient portion of the valve body is compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignees: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoto Arai, Mitsugu Takaki, Izumi Yamamura, Shinji Hamada, Munehisa Ikoma
  • Publication number: 20030017393
    Abstract: A lithium secondary battery contains an electrode body obtained by winding a positive electrode and a negative electrode via a separator, a non-aqueous electrolytic solution, and a battery case accommodating the electrode body and the non-aqueous electrolytic solution. A lid and a metal foil are adhered to each other with a resin to form a pressure-releasing valve and make air-tight the inside of the battery case. This secondary battery is easy to produce and has excellent operational safety and excellent reliability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nemoto, Shinji Ohtubo, Toshihiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6509115
    Abstract: A secondary battery having a cap assembly, including an electrode assembly; a case in which the electrode assembly is located; a cap assembly having a cap plate coupled to and hermetically sealing the case. A terminal member has a head with a stepped protrusion penetrating the cap plate and insulated from the cap plate by an insulating member. The stepped protrusion presses the insulating member in multiple steps. The terminal member is connected to a positive or negative electrode terminal of the electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyong-jin Kim, Young-bae Sohn, Jang-ho Yoon, Young-pil Choi
  • Publication number: 20020182493
    Abstract: Mechanically and thermally improved rechargeable batteries, modules and fluid-cooled battery pack systems. The battery is prismatic in shape with an optimized thickness to width to height aspect ratio which provides the battery with balanced optimal properties when compared with prismatic batteries lacking this optimized aspect ratio. The optimized thickness, width and height allow for maximum capacity and power output, while eliminating deleterious side affects. The battery case design allows for unidirectional expansion which is readily compensated for by applying external mechanical compression counter to that direction. In the module, the batteries are bound within a module bundling/compression means under external mechanical compression which is optimized to balance outward pressure due to expansion and provide additional inward compression to reduce the distance between the positive and negative electrodes, thereby increasing overall battery power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Dennis A. Corrigan, Srinivasan Venkatesan, Subhash K. Dhar, Arthur Holland, Donn Fillmore, Lin Higley, Philippe Gow, Ronald Himmler, Nick Karditsas, Kenneth Laming, Anthony Osgood
  • Publication number: 20020177033
    Abstract: A dry-charged lead acid battery 10 is formed by removing the electrolyte through a aperture 13a, and then sealing the aperture 13a with a sealing plug with valve 20 having a rubber valve (check valve) provided therein. Since the formation process in the battery container is employed, the required number of production steps and the cost can be reduced as compared with the conventional dry-charged lead acid battery. Further, since a check valve for preventing the entrance of the external air and opening at a predetermined pressure to allow the leakage of the gas in the battery container to the exterior is used to keep the battery container airtight, the self-discharge of the battery during the storage period between the filling of the electrolyte and the beginning of the use of the battery can be prevented, making it possible to inhibit defective airtightness due to damage of battery container by the production of gas in the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: JAPAN STORAGE BATTERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasutaka Doyama, Tomoyuki Enomoto
  • Publication number: 20020160254
    Abstract: A seal and bleed valve unit (1, 20) for electric batteries comprising: a tubular neck (2, 21) associated to the cover (C) of the battery and adapted to put the outside in communication with bleed ducts (S) made in the cover (C); an elastic cap (3, 23) consisting of a tubular body (4) closed by a bottom (5) and removably coupled to the outside of the tubular neck (2, 21). The tubular neck (2, 21) ends with a thinner collar (6, 22) relative to the outer surface (2a) of the tubular neck (2, 21), said collar cooperating with the inner surface (7) of the cap (3, 23) to define an annular chamber (8, 24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Franco Stocchiero
  • Patent number: 6465122
    Abstract: An electrode body in which current collecting bodies are welded to upper and lower end surfaces of a spiral electrode group formed by interposing a separator between a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate is installed into a battery case. After the current collecting body is welded to the battery case, the cylindrical body is loaded on the diameter of the current collecting body, then the blade portions are welded, then the electrolytic solution is injected, and then a pair of electrodes are arranged on the port-sealing body and the battery case while bringing the bottom surface of the port-sealing body into contact with the peripheral side surface of the cylindrical body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Kitaoka, Shigeto Tamezane, Takaaki Ikemachi
  • Publication number: 20020122974
    Abstract: A secondary battery and a fabrication method of the secondary battery includes a battery unit having a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate and a separator interposed there between, a can for accommodating the battery unit, and a cap assembly having a cap cover, a safety vent and a gasket, where the end of the safety vent is bent inwards to be filled with the gasket provided along the outer periphery of the safety vent, so that the safety vent is inserted into the gasket in a secure manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Inventor: Hyun-Joong Kim
  • Publication number: 20020114991
    Abstract: An alkali metal secondary electrochemical cell, and preferably a lithium ion cell, provided with a removable gas relief valve, is described. The gas release valve is positioned on the casing, in fluid flow communication between the inside thereof and the exterior. This gas release valve serves to eliminate cell gases that build up inside the casing during the cell's formation stage. Once the lithium-ion cell has completed formation, the gas release valve is removed and replaced with a hermetic closure. Removal of the gas release valve and sealing of the cell takes place in an environment in which no outside gas is capable of being introduced inside the casing. The cell can also be provided in a tank filled with inert gas and a filter which separates the cell gas from the inert gas. When cell formation is completed, the cell hermetically sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Paul Hallifax, Tina L. Urso, David M. Spillman, Bruce Meyer
  • Patent number: 6413666
    Abstract: A battery in which an electrolytic solution may be prevented from leakage. Within a battery case in the form of a bottomed tube, a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolyte are arranged. An opening in the battery case is sealed by a battery lid having a degassing hole, which degassing hole is covered by a sheathing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Kuniyasu Oya
  • Publication number: 20020061434
    Abstract: A recombinant lead-acid battery comprising a plurality of lead-acid cells in a case including apertured partitions defining space for vapor migration among cells and comprising a catalyst unit communicating with said vapor migration space and enhancing recombination of hydrogen and oxygen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Applicant: C&D Charter Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie S. Holden, Sudhan S. Misra, Terrence M. Noveske
  • Patent number: 6376119
    Abstract: This invention concerns a plug system for capping cell vents (26, 27) of a storage battery, consisting of a plug body (1) that can be inserted in a cell vent (26, 27), holding a plug (2) and a valve element (3), thus providing a normally closed fluidic connection between the inside (30) of the cell and the atmosphere surrounding the storage battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignees: Accumulatorenwerke Hoppecke Carl Zoellner, Sohn GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Eberhard Nann, Ulrich Wulf
  • Patent number: 6372377
    Abstract: Mechanically and thermally improved rechargeable batteries and modules. The battery is prismatic in shape with an optimized thickness to width to height aspect ratio which provides the battery with balanced optimal properties when compared with prismatic batteries lacking this optimized aspect ratio. The optimized thickness, width and height allow for maximum capacity and power output, while eliminating deleterious side affects. The battery case design allows for unidirectional expansion which is readily compensated for by applying external mechanical compression counter to that direction. In the module, the batteries are bound within a module bundling/compression means under external mechanical compression which is optimized to balance outward pressure due to expansion and provide additional inward compression to reduce the distance between the positive and negative electrodes, thereby increasing overall battery power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Ovonic Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Dennis A. Corrigan, Srinivasan Venkatesan, Subhash K. Dhar, Arthur Holland, Donn Fillmore, Lin Higley, Philippe Gow, Ronald Himmler, Nick Karditsas, Kenneth Laming, Anthony Osgood
  • Patent number: 6338915
    Abstract: A battery structure is arranged such that an elastic valve body or the like cannot easily come off from the cover body during the production of the battery, which thereby enhances the production yield. A cover body of the invention includes a flange portion airtightly fixed to an injection port and a bulge portion protruding from the flange portion and provided with a space in which an elastic valve body is fitted (mounted). The bulge portion has an opening for ventilation provided on the side wall thereof and a protrusion at the lower end of the side wall thereof protruding inwardly of the side wall, whereby the elastic valve body can be held by the protrusion and the annular rim of the elastic valve body so that it can be prevented from coming off from the cover body. Accordingly, the elastic valve body can be prevented from coming off from the cover body due to vibration developed during the transportation of the cover body or like occasions, making it possible to enhance the production yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Nagase, Takeo Hamamatsu, Masao Inoue, Hideyuki Asanuma
  • Patent number: 6326099
    Abstract: A gasket for an electrochemical cell is formed of a styrenic polymer blend including a styrenic polymer and an impact modifying agent which increases the toughness of the styrenic polymer. The styrenic polymer based gasket has several advantages over conventional nylon gaskets, including better processability, and improved chemical resistance to alkaline medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Schubert
  • Publication number: 20010046620
    Abstract: The sealed alkaline storage battery is provided with a closing lid having a safety vent unit which closes a gas release hole in a sealing plate, and a positive electrode cap which houses the safety vent unit in a compressed state between itself and the sealing plate. The safety vent unit is provided with a ventage plate which closes the gas release hole, and a spring which spring-loads the ventage plate towards the gas release hole and has a compressive load to length deformation ratio ≦50 N/mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Inoue, Hisashi Kakiuchi
  • Patent number: 6306537
    Abstract: A seal for a galvanic cell is formed of a styrenic polymer blend including a styrenic polymer and an impact modifying agent which increases the toughness of the styrenic polymer. The styrenic polymer based seal has several advantageous over conventional galvanic cell seals, including better processability, and improved chemical resistance to alkaline medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Schubert
  • Patent number: 6304430
    Abstract: A mobile device (20) in which, in order to make the device thinner, at least one of the walls belonging to its structure (23, 26) has for a part of its area been made of thin plastic foil in order to reduce the thickness of the device. The same plastic foil also facilitates the printing of the product markings on it, e.g. by using laser-marking, prior to fixing the plastic foil in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Nokia Mobile Phones
    Inventors: Merja Laine, Anne Tamminen
  • Patent number: 6294283
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell constructed in accordance with the present invention includes a can for containing electrochemical materials including positive and negative electrodes and an electrolyte, the can having an open end and a closed end; a pressure relief mechanism formed in the closed end of the can for releasing internal pressure from within the can when the internal pressure becomes excessive; a first outer cover positioned on the closed end of the can to be in electrical contact therewith and to extend over the pressure relief mechanism; a second outer cover positioned across the open end of the can; and an insulator disposed between the can and the second outer cover for electrically insulating the can from the second outer cover. According to another embodiment, the second cover is dielectrically isolated from a current collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Tucholski, George R. Sondecker
  • Patent number: 6294282
    Abstract: A vent valve is capable of mechanical attachment to a lead acid battery through vent hole structure provided in the case cover. The vent valve is a molded hollow tubular housing having a cup portion, the bottom of which rests atop the battery case, and a neck portion extending through an opening into the battery case. The neck carries cam members on its outer surface which are engaged by similar opposed surfaces or pins on a portion of the case so that, when the cup bottom is seated on a sealing gasket on the case cover and the vent valve is rotated, it is secured and sealed to the case cover. A barrier extends across the inside of the vent valve housing and blocks passage of gases. A pair of oppositely directed valve openings through the barrier establish vent passages which are defined by nozzles protruding through the barrier in opposite directions. Each nozzle is covered by a resilient cup valve member arranged to yield to a higher pressure within a cup at predetermined pressure differentials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: C & D Charter Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Sudhan S. Misra, Franz M. Wagner, Stephen L. Mraz
  • Patent number: 6274264
    Abstract: In a current cutoff mechanism of a cell according to the present invention, a convex portion of the diaphragm is press-fitted into a fitted part, a conductive path is formed between a cell lid and a generating element inside the cell via the diaphragm and an internal electrode and when internal pressure in a cell case exceeds a predetermined value and the diaphragm is displaced, the convex portion of the diaphragm is pulled out from the fitted part and the conductive path is cut off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadamitsu Azema
  • Patent number: 6274263
    Abstract: A lead acid storage battery cell having a sealed housing in which a positive electrode and a negative electrode are immersed in a liquid electrolyte. The negative electrode is partially exposed to a gas space within the battery cell housing. A pressure relief valve allows excess gas to escape the battery cell while preventing air from outside the cell from entering the gas space. Exposing a section of the negative plate to oxygen gas that evolves within the battery and collects in the gas space reduces water consumption of the cell and extends the maintenance-free life of the battery. The addition of a catalyst to recombine oxygen and hydrogen offers further improvement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: William E. M. Jones
  • Patent number: 6261713
    Abstract: A novel delivery system for physical, inorganic sunscreens for use in sunscreen preparations is disclosed. One or more inorganic sunscreen agents, such as micronized zinc oxide and micronized titanium dioxide, is dispersed in a solid dispersion vehicle preferably selected from the group consisting of stearyl benzoate, behenyl benzoate and arachidyl benzoate, to thereby produce a solid dispersion of inorganic sunscreen agents for use in sun-screen preparations. The micronized sunscreens are embedded in a solid product which does not require mixing or regrinding before use. A solid formulation avoids the problems inherent in a fluid emulsion or dispersion, i.e., migration or settling out of the contents, which requires mixing and/or regrinding before use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Finetex, Inc.
    Inventors: Ismail I. Walele, Samad A. Syed
  • Patent number: 6242126
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an explosion-proof seal plate for a sealed cell and a production method thereof and aims at providing an explosion-proof seal plate and production method thereof, wherein problems of a risk of explosion of a cell due to an excessive pressure inside the cell caused by abnormal generation of a gas through a chemical reaction accompanying over charge or erroneous use of the cell or damaging of electronic equipment using the cell as the power source are solved, ignition and other accidents can be prevented with a high accuracy by reliably cutting off an electric current when the cell internal pressure increases, and the increase in the resistance due to permeation of an electrolyte can be limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Mori, Yoshihiro Kashihara, Yasushi Hirakawa, Kazuo Saito, Kazuhiko Watanabe