Electrolyte Feeding Control From Reserve Supply Patents (Class 429/63)
  • Patent number: 11462761
    Abstract: A redox flow battery includes a redox flow cell, a supply/storage system external of the redox flow cell, and a controller. The supply/storage system includes first and second electrolytes for circulation through the redox flow cell. The first electrolyte is a liquid electrolyte having electrochemically active species with multiple, reversible oxidation states. The electrochemically active species can form a solid precipitate blockage in the redox flow cell. The controller is configured to identify whether there is the solid precipitate blockage in the redox flow cell and, if so, initiate a regeneration mode that reduces the oxidation state of the electrochemically active species in the liquid electrolyte to dissolve, in situ, the solid precipitate blockage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael L. Perry, Joseph Sullivan
  • Patent number: 11437654
    Abstract: A battery pack which includes: a battery cell which contains a non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein the battery cell is a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery; a casing which stores the battery cell; and at least one liquid leakage sensor which detects liquid leakage from the battery cell, wherein the casing and/or the battery cell have a leaked liquid retention region in which the non-aqueous electrolyte tends to be retained when the non-aqueous electrolyte leaks out of the battery cell, wherein the liquid leakage sensor outputs measurement information as a detection result without using a charging/discharging circuit which charges and discharges the battery cell, and wherein at least one sensor unit of the liquid leakage sensor is provided in the leaked liquid retention region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: TDK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masayuki Yamashima, Mikio Tsuruoka, Hiroki Kitamura
  • Patent number: 11387527
    Abstract: Described is a battery de-passivation circuit that generally comprises a battery having a de-passivation circuit attached across its positive and negative terminals. The de-passivation circuit includes a switch that can open or close the de-passivation circuit, a resistor that can regulate the amount of current drawn from the battery and a clock and timer controller system that controls the switch. The controller system controls closing the circuit long enough to bring the passivation level build-up within the battery to an acceptable lower level and controls opening the circuit long enough to allow passivation levels to build-up to an acceptable upper level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Phase IV Engineering Inc.
    Inventor: Scott David Dalgleish
  • Patent number: 10903511
    Abstract: The circulation rates of the electrolyte solutions in a flow battery can impact operating performance. Adjusting the circulation rates can allow improved performance to be realized. Flow battery systems having adjustable circulation rates can include a first half-cell containing a first electrolyte solution, a second half-cell containing a second electrolyte solution, at least one pump configured to circulate the first electrolyte solution and the second electrolyte solution at adjustable circulation rates through at least one half-cell in response to a value of Pexit/I or I/Penter, and at least one sensor configured to measure net electrical power entering or exiting the flow battery system, and an amount of electrical current passing through the whole cell. I is the electrical power passing through the whole cell. Pexit is net electrical power exiting the system in a discharging mode, and Penter is net electrical power entering the system in a charging mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Energy, LLC
    Inventor: Adam Morris-Cohen
  • Patent number: 10720685
    Abstract: A metal air battery according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of air cathodes having planar shapes respectively, which have a first bonding portion bonded along edges of the pair of the air cathodes and are disposed to face each other; a pair of separators disposed in contact with the pair of the air cathodes; an anode having a planar shape disposed between the pair of the separators and electrically insulated from the pair of the air cathodes; and then a zinc gel disposed in an accommodation space between the pair of the air cathodes. The accommodation space is a space formed by elastic deformation of the pair of the air cathodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignees: MEET CO., LTD., DUCKJIN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Dong Soo Baik, Hee Taek Lee, Jung Hwan Lee, Dae Hee Lee
  • Patent number: 9853310
    Abstract: A method of determining a distribution of electrolytes in a flow battery includes providing a flow battery with a fixed amount of fluid electrolyte having a common electrochemically active specie, a portion of the fluid electrolyte serving as an anolyte and a remainder of the fluid electrolyte serving as a catholyte. An average oxidation state of the common electrochemically active specie is determined in the anolyte and the catholyte and, responsive to the determined average oxidation state, a molar ratio of the common electrochemically active specie between the anolyte and the catholyte is adjusted to increase an energy discharge capacity of the flow battery for the determined average oxidation state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Mason Darling, Andrew Smeltz, Sven Tobias Junker, Michael L. Perry
  • Patent number: 9337469
    Abstract: Provided are a liquid activated air battery and an assembled liquid activated air battery, which can be reduced in size, as well as a method of using the liquid activated air battery and the assembled liquid activated air battery. The liquid activated air battery includes: an electrode assembly comprising a cathode and an anode; and a space that serves as a liquid container to store a liquid component of an electrolyte of the air battery before injection and also serves as a gas flowing member through which oxygen-containing gas of an active material of the air battery flows after injection. The assembled liquid activated air battery includes a plurality of the liquid activated air battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Mori Nagayama, Yoshiko Tsukada, Nobutaka Chiba
  • Patent number: 9315042
    Abstract: A system for erasing an ink from a medium includes the medium having the ink printed on a surface thereof, and an erasure fluid directly or indirectly applied to the surface. The system further includes an inert base upon which the medium is placed, and an electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell includes a cathode and an anode, both positioned adjacent the surface of the medium having the ink printed thereon, and a power source to apply a voltage across the medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Raymond Adamic
  • Patent number: 9105910
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell system is configured to utilize an ionically conductive medium flowing through a plurality of electrochemical cells. One or more disperser chambers are provided to disrupt or minimize electrical current flowing between the electrochemical cells, such as between the cathode of one cell and the anode of a subsequent cell by dispersing the ionically conductive medium. Air is introduced into the disperser chamber to prevent the formation of foamed ionically conductive medium, which may reconnect the dispersed ionically conductive medium, allowing the current to again flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: FLUIDIC, INC.
    Inventors: Cody A. Friesen, Ramkumar Krishnan, Michael John Mihalka, Joel R. Hayes, Grant Friesen
  • Publication number: 20150147609
    Abstract: Various methods of rebalancing electrolytes in a redox flow battery system include various systems using a catalyzed hydrogen rebalance cell configured to minimize the risk of dissolved catalyst negatively affecting flow battery performance. Some systems described herein reduce the chance of catalyst contamination of RFB electrolytes by employing a mediator solution to eliminate direct contact between the catalyzed membrane and the RFB electrolyte. Other methods use a rebalance cell chemistry that maintains the catalyzed electrode at a potential low enough to prevent the catalyst from dissolving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Ai Quoc PHAM, On Kok Chang
  • Patent number: 8920986
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates generally to a system for providing a flow through battery cell and uses thereof. In one embodiment, the flow through battery cell includes an inlet for receiving a flow of water, a solid oxidizer coupled to the inlet for reacting with the flow of water to generate a catholyte, wherein the solid oxidizer comprises at least one of: an organic halamine, a succinimide or a hypochlorite salt, a galvanic module coupled to the solid oxidizer for receiving the catholyte and generating one or more effluents and an outlet for releasing the one or more effluents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Andres M. Cardenas-Valencia, Lori Adornato, Robert T. Short, Larry C. Langebrake, Steven Crouch-Baker
  • Patent number: 8883333
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a flow battery system includes a reactor, a first pump operably connected to a first electrolyte tank and to the reactor, a second pump operably connected to a second electrolyte tank and to the reactor, a memory including program instructions stored therein, and a controller operably connected to the first pump, the second pump, and the memory and configured to execute the program instructions to determine a first flow rate through the first pump based upon first pump operating parameters including a differential pressure across the first pump, control the first pump based upon the first flow rate, determine a second flow rate through the second pump based upon second pump operating parameters including a differential pressure across the second pump, control the second pump based upon the second flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ashish Samuel Krupadanam, Maksim Subbotin, Nalin Chaturvedi, Jasim Ahmed
  • Patent number: 8871395
    Abstract: An air battery system may include an air battery cell containing an air cathode, an anode, a separator, and an oxygen gas supply for supplying an oxygen gas by bubbling to a liquid electrolyte. The air cathode may include an air cathode layer containing a conductive material, and an air cathode current collector for collecting current of the air cathode layer. The anode may include an anode layer containing an anode active material which stores and releases a metal ion, and an anode current collector for collecting current of the anode layer. The separator may be provided between the air cathode layer and the anode layer, wherein the air cathode layer and the anode layer may be constantly filled with the liquid electrolyte at a time of a change in a volume of the electrode caused by a discharge or a discharge and charge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shinji Nakanishi
  • Publication number: 20140315049
    Abstract: A battery system includes at least one lithium cell with an electrolyte having at least one polymer which is configured to be impregnated with an electrolyte fluid. In order to increase the capacity, the life and the safety of the battery system, the battery system further includes at least one electrolyte fluid metering device, by which at least one component of the electrolyte fluid can be supplied to the lithium cell and/or by which electrolyte fluid can be discharged from the lithium cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Marcus Wegner, Matthias Mueller, Martin Tenzer
  • Patent number: 8858432
    Abstract: Ingestible event marker systems that include an ingestible event marker (i.e., an IEM) and a personal signal receiver are provided. Embodiments of the IEM include an identifier, which may or may not be present in a physiologically acceptable carrier. The identifier is characterized by being activated upon contact with a target internal physiological site of a body, such as digestive tract internal target site. The personal signal receiver is configured to be associated with a physiological location, e.g., inside of or on the body, and to receive a signal the IEM. During use, the IEM broadcasts a signal which is received by the personal signal receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Proteus Digital Health, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Robertson, George Savage, Mark Zdeblick, Yashar Behzadi, Benedict Costello, Jeremy Frank, Hooman Hafezi, Tariq Haniff, David O'Reilly
  • Publication number: 20140272493
    Abstract: An iron redox flow battery system, comprising a redox electrode, a plating electrolyte tank, a plating electrode, a redox electrolyte tank with additional acid additives that may be introduced into the electrolytes in response to electrolyte pH. The acid additives may act to suppress undesired chemical reactions that create losses within the battery and may be added in response to sensor indications of these reactions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Energy Storage Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig E. Evans, Yang Song
  • Publication number: 20140272483
    Abstract: Various methods of rebalancing electrolytes in a redox flow battery system include various systems using a catalyzed hydrogen rebalance cell configured to minimize the risk of dissolved catalyst negatively affecting flow battery performance. Some systems described herein reduce the chance of catalyst contamination of RFB electrolytes by employing a mediator solution to eliminate direct contact between the catalyzed membrane and the RFB electrolyte. Other methods use a rebalance cell chemistry that maintains the catalyzed electrode at a potential low enough to prevent the catalyst from dissolving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: EnerVault Corporation
    Inventors: Ai Quoc PHAM, On Kok CHANG
  • Patent number: 8709629
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of redox flow battery systems having modular reactant storage capabilities. Accordingly to various embodiments, a redox flow battery system may include an anolyte storage module configured to interface with other anolyte storage modules, a catholyte storage module configured to interface with other catholyte storage modules, and a reactor cell having reactant compartments in fluid communication with the anolyte and catholyte storage modules. By utilizing modular storage modules to store anolyte and catholyte reactants, the redox flow battery system may be scalable without significantly altering existing system components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: JD Holding Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Earl MacKenzie Vincent, Gary Lepp
  • Publication number: 20140057141
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for mitigating electrolyte migration in a redox flow battery system. A first parameter of a first electrolyte in a first flow path of a redox flow battery cell block may be measured. The first flow path may have an inlet to and an outlet from the redox flow battery cell block. A second parameter of a second electrolyte in a second flow path of the redox flow battery cell block may be measured. The second flow path may have an inlet to and an outlet from the redox flow battery cell block. The first parameter may be detected to be greater than the second parameter. A first device coupled to the redox flow battery cell block in the second flow path may be operated to increase the second parameter in the second flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: EverVault Corporation
    Inventors: Ron MOSSO, Sumitha DURAIRAJ, Jay SHA, Jeremy MEYERS
  • Patent number: 8541118
    Abstract: This invention provides a lithium-ion battery in which a coating film forming agent degradation reaction is prevented. A lithium-ion battery 100 in which electrodes 1 and 2 and an electrolyte are accommodated in a battery container 13 , and which has a means of for adding a coating film forming agent 20 for adding a coating film forming agent 21 that forms a coating film on the surface of each of electrodes 1 and 2 to an electrolyte in a battery container 13 is provided. With the use of such means of adding a coating film forming agent 20, a reaction of electrochemical degradation of a coating film forming agent 21 is prevented, allowing long-term preservation. Also, with the addition of a coating film forming agent 21 to an electrolyte, a deteriorated coating film on the surface of each of electrodes 1 and 2 is repaired such that a lithium-ion battery 100 can be regenerated, resulting in extension of battery life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takefumi Okumura, Ryo Inoue, Toshio Abe
  • Publication number: 20130220164
    Abstract: A flow battery system may include at least one electrolyte tank for storing electrolytes. The system may also include a plurality of reaction cells, each having an output current. The system may further include a plurality of pumps, each associated with one of the plurality of reaction cells, for pumping the electrolytes into the reaction cell at a flow rate. The system may also include a pump sensor configured to monitor the flow rate of at least one of the plurality of pumps. The system may also include an output sensor configured to monitor an output current of at least one of the plurality of reaction cells. The system may further include a controller configured to control the flow rate of at least one of the plurality of pumps based on the output current of the reaction cell associated with the at least one of the plurality of pumps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Jerry VAN POLEN
  • Publication number: 20130149573
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a flow battery system includes a reactor, a first pump operably connected to a first electrolyte tank and to the reactor, a second pump operably connected to a second electrolyte tank and to the reactor, a memory including program instructions stored therein, and a controller operably connected to the first pump, the second pump, and the memory and configured to execute the program instructions to determine a first flow rate through the first pump based upon first pump operating parameters including a differential pressure across the first pump, control the first pump based upon the first flow rate, determine a second flow rate through the second pump based upon second pump operating parameters including a differential pressure across the second pump, control the second pump based upon the second flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventor: Robert Bosch GmbH
  • Publication number: 20130115486
    Abstract: A lithium ion secondary battery includes: an outer covering material that is filled with an electrolyte; a collector that is housed in the outer covering material, formed with an electrode layer containing an active material, and electrically connected with the electrode layer; an insulation layer that is provided on the collector; and a low potential member that is provided on the insulation layer, has a lower oxidation reduction potential than the active material of the electrode layer, and possesses a reduction ability relative to the active material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Takamitsu Saito, Shinichiro Sakaguchi, Yasukazu Iwasaki, Kazuyuki Sakamoto
  • Publication number: 20120058369
    Abstract: A system for delivering water to a fluid electrolyte battery comprising at least one battery cell. Such a system includes a tank adapted to hold the fluid, a pump adapted to pump the fluid from the tank when the pump is turned on, at least one conduit adapted to transfer the fluid from the tank to the at least one battery cell, and a controller adapted to control the pump. The controller turns the pump on after an interval so that the fluid is transferred to the at least one battery cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Gordon C. Beckley, Charles E. Snyder, Marvin C. Ho
  • Patent number: 7855005
    Abstract: Methods for determining the state of charge of an electrolyte solution in a redox battery by optical absorption spectrophotometry are disclosed. The state of charge thus obtained may serve as a gauge for the amount of electro-chemical energy left in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Deeya Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Saroj Kumar Sahu
  • Publication number: 20100279157
    Abstract: An accumulator with an accumulator housing, having at least one cell changer, with several electrodes and liquid electrolyte in each cell chamber with at least one wall element in the cell chambers to divide the cell chambers into at least two intercommunicating volume chambers. In the lower region of the volume chambers is a communicating connection for the liquid electrolyte between the volume chambers and a pressure equalisation connection between the volume chambers is arranged in the upper region of the volume chambers to assure an equivalent air pressure in the intercommunicating volume chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Ingo Koch, Arne Koerber, Dirk Bremer
  • Publication number: 20100216038
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates generally to a method and system for providing a flow through battery cell and uses thereof. In one embodiment, the flow through battery cell includes an inlet for receiving a flow of water, a solid oxidizer coupled to said inlet for reacting with said flow of water to generate a catholyte, wherein the solid oxidizer comprises at least one of: an organic halamine, a succinimide or a hypochlorite salt, a galvanic module coupled to the solid oxidizer for receiving the catholyte and generating one or more effluents and an outlet for releasing the one or more effluents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Andres M. Cardenas-Valencia, Lori Adornato, Robert T. Short, Larry C. Langebrake, Steven Crouch-Baker
  • Patent number: 7726975
    Abstract: A lithium-ion battery cell includes at least two working electrodes, each including an active material, an inert material, an electrolyte and a current collector, a first separator region arranged between the at least two working electrodes to separate the at least two working electrodes so that none of the working electrodes are electronically connected within the cell, an auxiliary electrode including a lithium reservoir, and a second separator region arranged between the auxiliary electrode and the at least two working electrodes to separate the auxiliary electrode from the working electrodes so that none of the working electrodes is electronically connected to the auxiliary electrode within the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: John F. Christensen, Jasim Ahmed, Sungbae Park, Aleksandar Kojic
  • Patent number: 7641705
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell including a cell enclosure, a fill tube, a ball, a closing button, an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte. The cell enclosure defines an internal volume and includes a cover forming a fillport through hole. The fill tube is separately formed, and defines a leading section, a trailing section, and a passageway. The leading section is secured within the fillport through hole. The ball is sealingly secured within the passageway. The closing button is also separately formed, and is sealingly secured within the fillport through hole adjacent the leading section of the fill tube. The anode, cathode, and electrolyte are maintained within the internal volume. By configuring the fill tube such that the leading section thereof is secured within the fillport through hole, an overall extension of the fill tube relative to the internal volume is greatly reduced, thereby maximizing a volumetric efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard Frank Heller, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080193828
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for determining the individual states of charge of electrolytes in a redox battery with mixed or unmixed reactants by optical absorption spectrophotometry are disclosed. The state of charge thus obtained may serve as a gauge for the amount of electro-chemical energy left in the system. Further, the information on anolyte and catholyte charge states may be used for any rebalancing mechanism if the states are different.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Saroj Kumar Sahu
  • Patent number: 7255960
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell system and methods for controlling the system are provided that are operated to produce an amount of current based upon power draw. The cell utilizes a solution phase catholyte introduced into a cell containing a metallic anode and a catalytic surface. A cathodic species is introduced into the space between the anode and the surface as a liquid along with electrolyte and liquid caustic. The mixture of caustic, electrolyte and liquid catholyte is continuously recirculated through the space, and a portion of the recirculation stream is exhausted in order to control the concentration of reaction products in each cell. Controllable injection mechanisms are used to inject the liquids from storage sources based upon the monitored power draw. The control mechanism independently controls each injection mechanism to inject appropriate amounts of caustic, electrolyte and atholyte to achieve the desired concentrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Eric G. Dow, Steven P. Tucker
  • Patent number: 7104272
    Abstract: A system for supplying fluid to a battery, a vacuum source, a vehicle, a combination, a method for supplying fluid to a battery and a method of charging a battery. The fluid supply system supplies fluid to a battery in a vehicle, the vehicle including a frame supporting the battery, the battery including a battery cell, fluid being transmittable to the battery cell. The system is defined as including a hydraulic circuit connecting the battery to a tank. The hydraulic circuit is defined as including an inlet conduit connectable to tank, an outlet conduit connectable to the battery cell, and a vacuum source connectable to the battery cell and to the tank. The vacuum source is defined as including a pump having a pump inlet conduit connectable to the tank, and a pump outlet, and a venturi having a first inlet connectable to the pump outlet, a second inlet connectable to the battery cell, and a venturi outlet is connectable to the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Club Car, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Vassily, R. Linwood Woodard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7040431
    Abstract: A fuel cell hybrid vehicle utilizing flooded aqueous battery or batteries operatively coupled to a fuel cell stack, an electric drive motor, and an integrated watering system, the integrated watering system comprising: a heat exchanger configured to extract water from exhaust air from the fuel cell stack; a reservoir, operatively connected to store the water; a sensor, operatively connected to generate a signal based on the flooded aqueous batteries' electrolyte level; a pump, operatively connected to the reservoir and the flooded aqueous batteries; and a system controller, operatively connected to receive and evaluate the signal from the sensor and actuate the pump to move water from the reservoir to the flooded aqueous battery or batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas J Tartamella, Doanh T Tran
  • Patent number: 6887609
    Abstract: A fuel cell system and method of operation in which the fuel cell system has a fuel cell unit with anode and cathode, a media flow path for supplying substantially pure hydrogen to the anode, a media flow path for the cathode, an anode exhaust-gas flow path and a cathode exhaust-gas flow path. A fan for supplying air to the cathode is provided in the flow path of the cathode, and a catalytic burner is arranged in the cathode exhaust-gas flow path. The anode exhaust-gas flow path opens into the catalytic burner and/or into the cathode exhaust-gas flow path upstream of the catalytic burner. The combined, catalytically converted fuel cell exhaust-gas flow is passed into an expansion machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems AG
    Inventor: Lars Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 6844106
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell including a cell enclosure, a fill tube, a ball, a closing button, an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte. The cell enclosure defines an internal volume and includes a cover forming a fillport through hole. The fill tube is separately formed, and defines a leading section, a trailing section, and a passageway. The leading section is secured within the fillport through hole. The ball is sealingly secured within the passageway. The closing button is also separately formed, and is sealingly secured within the fillport through hole adjacent the leading section of the fill tube. The anode, cathode, and electrolyte are maintained within the internal volume. By configuring the fill tube such that the leading section thereof is secured within the fillport through hole, an overall extension of the fill tube relative to the internal volume is greatly reduced, thereby maximizing a volumetric efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard Frank Heller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6786226
    Abstract: A system for supplying fluid to a battery, a vehicle and a method for supplying fluid to a battery. The fluid supply system supplies fluid to a battery in a vehicle selectively powered by the battery, the vehicle including a frame supporting the battery, the battery including a battery cell, fluid being transmittable to the cell, gas generated during charging of the battery being transmittable out of the cell. The system is defined as including a tank for holding fluid, and a hydraulic circuit connecting the battery to the tank. The hydraulic circuit is defined as including an inlet conduit connectable between the tank and the cell, and an outlet conduit connectable between the cell and the tank, gas produced during charging causing fluid flow through the outlet conduit and to the tank. In the fluid supply system of the present invention, the gas produced during charging causes fluid flow through the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Club Car, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall L. Crook, Daniel T. Aron, Michael A. Vassily, James R. Kerlin, Gerald C. Skelton
  • Publication number: 20040146776
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes a reaction chamber, at least one fuel chip stored in the reaction chamber, an electrolyte chamber communicated with the reaction chamber, electrolyte installed in the electrolyte chamber. The control element is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the control element avoids the electrolyte flowing from the electrolyte chamber into the reaction chamber. In the second position, the control element allows the electrolyte to flow from the electrolyte chamber into the reaction chamber for reacting with the fuel chips for generating electricity. Alternatively, a pump is used to for pumping vapor into the reaction chamber for reacting with the fuel chips for generating electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Jen-Fu Chen
  • Patent number: 6718996
    Abstract: A combination for supplying fluid to a battery, a vehicle and a method of assembling the combination. The combination includes the battery and a filling pod. The filling pod includes a filling pod housing having a filling pod port fluidly connectable to a fluid source for receiving fluid from the fluid source, a first fluid supply member fluidly connectable to a first cell and for supplying fluid from the filling pod port to the first cell, a second fluid supply member fluidly connectable to a second cell and for supplying fluid from the filling pod port and to the second cell, and an integral channel in fluid communication between the filling pod port, the first fluid supply member and the second fluid supply member. The channel includes a first channel portion in fluid communication between the filling pod port and the first fluid supply member and a second channel portion in fluid communication between the filling pod port and the second fluid supply member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Club Car, Inc.
    Inventors: Randal L. Crook, Daniel T. Aron, Michael A. Vassily, James R. Kerlin, Gerald C. Skelton
  • Publication number: 20040048144
    Abstract: A composition for prolonging battery life by reducing water loss and the degradation of properties due to dendritic precipitation, is refreshingly added to a battery electrolyte. By the refreshment of the composition, battery cycle life is substantially increased while degradation of the internal battery components is substantially reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Johan C. Fitter, Robert T. Morris, Richard E. Belmont, John T.C. Kan
  • Patent number: 6622744
    Abstract: A filling pod, a vehicle and a method for supplying fluid to a battery. The filling pod includes a filling pod housing having a filling pod port fluidly connectable to a fluid source for receiving fluid from the fluid source, a first fluid supply member fluidly connectable to a first cell and for supplying fluid from the filling pod port to the first cell, a second fluid supply member fluidly connectable to a second cell and for supplying fluid from the filling pod port and to the second cell, and an integral channel in fluid communication between the filling pod port, the first fluid supply member and the second fluid supply member. The channel includes a first channel portion in fluid communication between the filling pod port and the first fluid supply member and a second channel portion in fluid communication between the filling pod port and the second fluid supply member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Club Car, Inc.
    Inventors: Randal L. Crook, Daniel T. Aron, Michael A. Vassily, James R. Kerlin, Gerald C. Skelton
  • Publication number: 20030157400
    Abstract: Apparatus for filling the case (20) of a lead battery of the open type or of the sealed type with gas recombination, the case being filled with components for forming a gelled electrolyte, and the apparatus being characterized in that it comprises:
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Xavier Jean-Marie Rene Muneret
  • Patent number: 6403244
    Abstract: In an air-metal fuel cell battery (FCB) system, wherein a movable cathode structure is mounted within a housing through which metal-fuel tape is transported along a predetermined path while an ionically-conductive medium is disposed between the metal-fuel tape and the movable cathode structure. In illustrative embodiments, the movable cathode structure is realized as a rotatable cathode cylinder, and a transportable cathode belt. The ionically-conductive medium is realized as a solid-state ionically-conductive film applied to the cathode structures and/or metal-fuel tape, as well as ionically-conductive belt structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Reveo, Inc.
    Inventors: Sadeg M. Faris, Tsepin Tsai, Thomas J. Legbandt, Wayne Yao, Muguo Chen
  • Publication number: 20020051912
    Abstract: A composition for prolonging battery life by reducing water loss and the degradation of properties due to dendritic precipitation, is refreshingly added to a battery electrolyte. By the refreshment of the composition, battery cycle life is substantially increased while degradation of the internal battery components is substantially reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: May 2, 2002
    Inventors: Johan C. Fitter, Robert T. Morris, Richard E. Belmont, John T.C. Kan
  • Patent number: 6355373
    Abstract: The invention relates to a battery which, for maintenance or in a danger situation, can be simply and reliably transferred from an operative state into a safe, inoperative state, whilst avoiding a short circuit. This is either brought about in that a controlled operable draining device for the rapid draining of the electrolyte is provided and that following the draining of the electrolyte all power-generating processes are stopped. Alternatively a battery with such characteristics is created in that in the danger situation a line introduces a deactivating substance into the electrolyte, which stops all power-generating, electrolytic processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Hans Juergen Pauling
  • Patent number: 6242125
    Abstract: A circulation system for a flowing-electrolyte battery having at least one electrochemical cell, an anolyte reservoir, and a catholyte reservoir. The circulation system includes an anolyte pump coupled in fluid flowing relationship to the anolyte reservoir which pumps anolyte from the anolyte reservoir to the at least one electrochemical cell. A catholyte pump is coupled in fluid flowing relationship to the catholyte reservoir and also pumps catholyte to the at least one electrochemical cell. A second phase pump is coupled in fluid flowing relationship to the catholyte reservoir and is used to introduce second phase electrolyte into the aqueous catholyte pumped by the catholyte pump. The second phase pump is controlled by a controller so that the second phase is introduced into the catholyte stream in a metered fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: ZBB Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip A. Eidler, Peter J. Lex, Robert R. Rixford, Bjorn Jonshagen
  • Patent number: 6213145
    Abstract: A golf cart, powered by a plurality of electrolytic, lead-acid batteries has an on-board battery water replenishing system. Each battery includes a manifold that feeds water to each battery cell and is capable of transmitting out of the manifold gas generated during recharging. The watering system includes a water storage tank positioned above the batteries, with inlet and outlet tubing connecting each battery manifold to the tank in a separate, parallel circuit. The outlet tubing has a critical size of internal diameter (ID) to assure the formation of gas generated during recharging as bubbles in the outlet tubing so as to trap liquid between bubbles and to cause flow of liquid back to the tank. A one-way flow control valve is positioned in the inlet tubing to assure unidirectional flow. The outlet tubing ID must be less than ⅜ inch, with a preferred size being ¼ inch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Club Car, Inc.
    Inventors: Randal L. Crook, Daniel T. Aron, Gerald C. Skelton, Michael A. Vassily
  • Patent number: 6136461
    Abstract: Thermocells, also known as thermogalvanic electrochemical cells having one or more hot half-cells, electrolyte salt supplying reservoirs, porous inserts in the electrolyte conduits produce improved power output performance are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Edward Francis DeCrosta, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6120929
    Abstract: A lid for accumulator batteries has one or more holes to receive a device to ensure the circulation of electrolyte during the first charge and a second device to ensure the re-fill of electrolyte during the other charges. The lid is equipped with one or more channels each having one end facing the surface of the one or more holes and the opposite end coupled with at least one duct on the inner vertical wall of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Olimpio Stocchiero
  • Patent number: 6106968
    Abstract: For use with a valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) battery, a fluid fill system and a method of maintaining fill fluid in a VRLA battery. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a fluid determination circuit, associated with the battery, that determines a quantity of fill fluid in the VRLA battery and (2) a controller, coupled to the fluid determination circuit, that introduces replacement fill fluid into the VRLA battery based on the quantity to replace fill fluid lost from the VRLA battery. The fluid determination circuit comprises sensors that measure a temperature and pressure associated with the VRLA battery, and a state of a fluid release valve on the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Johnson, Patrick K. Ng
  • Patent number: 5853913
    Abstract: An automatic re-fill device includes a body portion adapted to be secured in the accumulator lid and a tubular element having a lower float portion and being slidable within the body. The tubular element has a closure device within the body and a membrane at an upper portion thereof for increasing upward pushing force to close the closure when the float is lifted by the liquid in the accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Inventor: Olimpio Stocchiero