Gang Type Patents (Class 429/87)
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Patent number: 7981534Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes a housing, a plurality of cells within the housing, and a cover which closes the housing. The battery also includes a plurality of filling openings arranged in the cover separated from one another by a distance and a plurality of plugs. Each of the plurality of plugs is configured to close one of the plurality of filling openings. A flexible connecting element connects at least two of the plugs. The flexible connecting element is configured such that the distance between the plugs which are connected to one another can be variably matched to the distance between their associated filling openings by rotating at least one of the plugs connected by the flexible connecting element.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: VB Autobatterie GmbH & Co. KGaAInventors: Gerolf Richter, Peter Streuer
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Publication number: 20110135979Abstract: There is provided a lead-acid battery in which the joint state between a lid body and a lid body cover can be checked based on both the joint state between a protruding portion in the periphery of a second exhaust hole and a joining portion of the lid body cover, and the joint state between a protruding portion of the lid body and a joining portion of the lid body cover.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2009Publication date: June 9, 2011Inventors: Yasuhide Nakayama, Eiji Hojo, Masashi Shiota, Shin Ohsaki, Shinichi Egami
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Patent number: 7875375Abstract: An inexpensive battery pack including a battery module wherein a safety valve is provided for each cell in which battery pack gas leakage can be prevented. A battery pack 100 has a plurality of battery modules 110 each including a plurality of cells 120 respectively provided with a safety valve 123. The plurality of cells 120 included in each battery module 110 are arranged such that safety-valve mounting walls 121a are oriented in the same direction. Each battery module 110 comprises a gas duct member 130 covering all the safety valves 123 of the cells 120 included therein and forming a gas discharge path 131 between the gas duct member 130 and the safety-valve mounting walls 121a, and a sealing member 160 for hermetically sealing the gaps between each cell case 121 and the gas duct member 130.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2005Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shinji Hamada, Toyohiko Eto, Yoshitaka Sunagawa
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Patent number: 7736798Abstract: A lid for an accumulator battery includes a substantially flat main closure element for closing a container of the battery, in which closure element holes are formed, a secondary closure element which is mounted on the main element and in which there are plugs that are fitted in the holes, and a duct which is formed in the secondary element, is in flow communication with the holes, and is provided for the discharge of the gases that are generated inside the battery container. The main and secondary elements of the lid together form a box-like structure defining a chamber which is in flow communication with the holes and inside which the main and secondary elements are connected to one another by partitions that extend perpendicularly relative to the plane in which the main element extends and are arranged in a manner such as to define a labyrinth which connects the holes of the main element with the gas-discharge duct.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2006Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Exide Italia S.R.L.Inventors: Giuseppe Fossati, Giordano Ferla
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Patent number: 7618739Abstract: A fluid consuming battery (10) is provided with a fluid regulating system (50) for regulating fluid entry into the battery. The battery (10) includes a fluid consuming cell (20) having a cell housing with fluid entry ports for the passage of a fluid into the cell housing. A first fluid consuming electrode and a second electrode are disposed within the cell housing. The fluid regulating system (50) includes a valve having a moving plate (66) disposed adjacent to a fixed plate (62). The moving plate and fixed plate both have fluid entry ports (68, 64) that align in an open valve position and are misaligned in a closed valve position. The fluid regulating system (50) also includes an actuator that may include one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) components (82a, 82b) for moving the moving plate (66) relative to the fixed plate (62) to open and close the valve. The chassis (550) may include an electrically conductive frame (500) integrally formed therein.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2007Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Eveready Battery Co., Inc.Inventors: Gregory W. Broburg, Richard A. Langan, Michael J. Brandon, II
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Patent number: 7504175Abstract: A battery includes a housing having a plurality of cell vessels and a plurality of positive and negative electrode plates provided within the cell vessels. The battery also includes a lower cover configured to close the cell vessels with a seal, the lower cover having openings for the cell vessels. The battery further includes a degassing channel system which is coupled to the lower cover by at least one member, the openings of the lower cover opening into the degassing channel system. Annular projections are integrally formed on each of the openings of the lower cover adjacent to the lower cover, and the at least one member is configured to couple the degassing channel system to the lower cover such that the projections seal the openings to the degassing channel system by surface pressure.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2007Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: VB Autobatterie GmbH & Co. KGAAInventor: Hans Mühe
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Publication number: 20080241644Abstract: A battery casing, particularly suitable for a lead acid type battery, comprises a lid having a recess inset into a top surface, at least one vent at the base of the recess through which gas is expelled from the battery, a cover for sealingly covering the recess and defining a gas collection space within the covered recess, guide means for guiding the gas from the collection space away from the battery wherein the cover may be positioned in more than one orientation.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2005Publication date: October 2, 2008Inventors: Eliot Crowe, Roger James Knight
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Patent number: 7399551Abstract: In a battery cooling structure, a battery case housing a large number of battery modules is formed into the shape of a rectangular tube having a cooling air inlet and a cooling air outlet, and V-shaped cooling air guide channels having a decreasing flow-path cross sectional area are provided on inner faces of air guide plates that define upper and lower faces of the rectangular tube. The flow of cooling air is deflected by these V-shaped cooling air guide channels toward a central part on the downstream side, thus effectively cooling the battery modules disposed in the central part, for which the cooling effect is poor to make uniform the temperature of the battery modules, resulting in a suppressed variation in capacity and lifetime. Moreover, since it is not necessary to provide a bypass passage in the battery case, it is possible to simplify the structure of the battery case, reduce the dimensions, and improve the degree of freedom in the layout.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2004Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuhiko Yagi, Eiji Koike, Harumi Takedomi, Takeo Nishibori
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Patent number: 7189473Abstract: A battery venting system that is useful for cordless power tools. The system can include a cell that may have a sleeve with a plurality of apertures surrounding a peripheral side face of the cell to enhance heat dissipation from the cell. A plurality of cells may be electrically connected to form a cell pack. A carrier includes an upper carrier and a lower carrier to sandwich a plurality of cells that are aligned parallel to each other. The carriers include at least one vent hole that are aligned with a gap formed from adjacent cells to define an elongated fluid flow path. A charger may be provided to receive a housing containing the carrier and may be provided with a fan to direct a flow into the fluid flow path.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2003Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Eastway Fair Company LimitedInventors: Roger Q. Smith, Xiao Ping Liu
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Patent number: 7087347Abstract: A battery jar structure includes a main body, a top cover, a plurality of urging members, a plurality of inner covers, a first top plate, and a second top plate. Thus, the guide portion of each of the support recesses of the top cover and each of the urging members form a double separation effect and an air convection effect.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2003Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Inventor: Tung-Ming Shen
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Patent number: 6936373Abstract: A monobloc battery including a plurality of interconnected electrochemical cells formed from electrodes and electrolyte and having end poles, wherein distances between selected cells and the end poles and, optionally, distances between the selected cells, are set such that no voltages of more than about 30V occur between the distances under normal operating conditions of the monobloc battery, and at least one gas collecting line connected to selected cells and located to collect explosive gas mixtures, if any, generated by the cells, the gas collecting line being substantially electrically insulating and, in at least one area, having a lining composed of an electron-conductive material electrically conductively contacting the electrodes or the electrolyte in an individual cell.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2002Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: VB Autobatterie GmbHInventor: Eberhard Meissner
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Patent number: 6890681Abstract: A leak resistant automotive battery comprising a housing containing cells having filling plugs; a battery cover sealed to an opened top end of the housing and having filling holes overlying the respective cells; at least one partition wall provided in the battery cover to divide the battery cover into at least two vent chambers, each vent chamber overlying a set of the cells, to prevent flow of electrolyte from one set of cells to an adjacent set of cells when the battery is tilted; a common vent line in the battery cover connecting the spaces above the cells in each set of cells, each of the common vent line being sealed at one end and connected at its other end through a vent chamber to one end of each of parallel vent lines having at its other end a vent cap assembly which permits escape of vented gases from the cells in each set.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2002Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignees: Exide Industries Ltd., Shin-Kobe Electric Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Surendra Kumar Mittal, Debashish Mazumdar, Partha Dasgupta
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Patent number: 6881513Abstract: A leak retardant automotive battery includes a housing containing a plurality of cells that each have a filling plug and a battery cover closing the housing above the cells. The battery cover includes a central blockage that divides the housing into two compartments that each contain a set of cells. The cells in each compartment are connected by vent holes in the battery cover that are respectively connected to associated vent cap assemblies so as to separately vent each compartment through its associated vent cap assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2002Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignees: Exide Industries Ltd., Shin-Kobe Electric Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Partha Dasgupta, Subhradas Bandyapadhyayay, Debashish Mazumdar, Surendra Kumar Mittal
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Publication number: 20040224211Abstract: An object of the present invention is to obtain a fuel cell power generation equipment most suitable for a portable power source without requiring any auxiliary equipment such as a separator and a fluid feeder. According to the present invention, a fuel cell power generation equipment is provided, in which an anode for oxidizing fuel and a cathode for reducing oxygen are formed with an electrolyte membrane in between and liquid is used as a fuel, wherein one or more air vent holes are provided on a wall surface of a fuel container 1, multiple unit cells having an electrolyte membrane, an anode and a cathode are mounted on a wall surface of said fuel container, and the unit cells are electrically connected each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2004Publication date: November 11, 2004Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.Inventors: Tomoichi Kamo, Shuichi Ohara, Makoto Morishima
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Publication number: 20040191615Abstract: A device for covering a battery is disclosed having terminal connections projecting from an upper surface of the battery. The cover comprises an outer periphery configured to mate with the upper surface of the battery, a top surface facing away from the terminal connections, and a bottom surface facing toward the terminal projections. The device may also define at least one terminal opening configured to allow connection of a battery cable to at least one of the terminal connections when the device is in a mating position with respect to the battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: Scott Eric Johnson, Anthony C. Edwards, John W. Reinagel
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Patent number: 6485860Abstract: A plug-holder strip for an accumulator battery includes a plurality of plugs to be fitted in complementary holes in a cover of a battery, and a support structure which interconnects the plugs, the plugs being connected to the support structure by a yielding connection which allow the plugs to move relative to the support structure to enable the plugs to be aligned with the holes in the cover, and wherein each plug is fitted in a through-hole in the support structure, and the connection includes an annular sealing member which surrounds the hole and forms a seal between the plug and the support, and a retainer which are associated with the support structure and compress the plug onto the sealing member to ensure leaktightness while maintaining the ability of the plug to move relative to the support.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2001Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Societa' Industriale Accumulatori S.p.A.Inventors: Giuseppe Fossati, Giordano Ferla
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Publication number: 20020094473Abstract: A venting casing with plugs for a battery includes a base defining lead chambers with acid contained therein, a cover fitted to the base, and plugs fitted in the cover. Each plug has a passage communicating an interior of the base with the atmosphere. A valve cap fitted in each plug regulates flow of vapors emitted from the lead chambers to the atmosphere, and a filter purifies the vapors. Each filter has an upper surface protected by a disc.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventor: Ching-Yuan Lin
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Publication number: 20020031699Abstract: This invention relates to a multi-cell storage battery with a housing and, enclosing the housing in gas-tight fashion, a housing cover assembly consisting of an upper and a lower cover panel (1, 2), with a degassing duct between the upper and lower cover panels (1, 2) which duct encompasses a multiple array of interconnected, mutually matched labyrinth chambers (5), fluidically links all cells, opens out at its forward end into at least one gas vent (6), and is closed off by a spark suppressor (8).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2001Publication date: March 14, 2002Inventors: Werner Hampe, Jurgen Freitag, Wilhelm Cramer
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Patent number: 6277517Abstract: A battery of the type having electrolyte therein, comprising a case defining at least one electrolyte containing cell, and a primary cover bonded to the case. The primary cover has a barrel extending into the electrolyte cell. A secondary cover is bonded to the primary cover top, and includes an aperture concentric with the primary cover barrel. A baffling plug is disposed in the secondary cover aperture and extends into the barrel. The baffling plug has a lid with a bottom, an inner tubular splash guard extending away from said lid bottom, an outer splash guard concentrically spaced from said inner tubular splash guard. A retaining member formed part of the plug base retains the plug in the aperture, and seals the aperture to prevent the escape of the electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1999Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Brian J. Thomas, William J. Ross
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Patent number: 6274263Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 6, 1998Date of Patent: August 14, 2001Inventor: William E. M. Jones
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Patent number: 6255014Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a cover for venting gases from thin metal film battery cells having vents disposed at the center of one end of the cells. The vents comprise cylindrical wells that recess into, and substantially fill, the top portions of battery cell cavities within a battery housing. The cavities are sized to hold the battery cells securely and are configured to provide an electrical serial connection. The wells include pipes which extend outward from the bottom of the wells and lead from openings in the bases of the wells. The openings in the pipes are covered with flexible valve caps and well lids cover the wells. The center point arrangement of the recessed wells permit gases from the battery cells to escape through the openings, yet restrict the electrolyte from exiting the housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1999Date of Patent: July 3, 2001Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Dougherty, Michael G. Andrew, James A. Lenz
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Patent number: 6197447Abstract: A battery container comprising a box with a lid. Ventilation openings are provided in the sides of the box. Part of the sides in which ventilation openings are provided may be attached to the lid. Apertures having drainage channels beneath are provided in the lid. The openings and apertures provide sufficient ventilation to meet the relevant regulations. The provision of apertures in the lid allows the overall height of the container to be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Oldham Crompton Batteries LimitedInventors: Geoffrey William Purdy, Mark Downing
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Patent number: 6045940Abstract: In a battery configuration including a casing having bottom, side and top surfaces, the top surface having a plurality of cell openings therein, an improved flowpath is provided for liquid electrolyte when the battery is tilted onto any one of its side surfaces. The flowpath includes a cover chamber for each cell opening defined by a substantially rectangular peripheral wall surrounding the cell opening; a cylindrical wall surrounding and substantially concentric with the cell opening and located within the substantially rectangular wall, the cylindrical wall interrupted by a relatively small circumferential gap, and a wall extending between the cylindrical wall and an adjacent side of the peripheral wall, the wall tangential to the cylindrical wall and adjacent the gap.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1998Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Assignee: Exide CorporationInventor: Fred F. Feres
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Patent number: 5904998Abstract: This invention pertains to metal-air electrochemical cells wherein one or more air entry ports is located in the bottom of the cathode can, to provide for entry of oxygen-rich air into the cathode can, where the oxygen participates in the chemical reaction whereby the cell produces electrical energy. In this invention, multiple small air entry ports are provided. Generally, the use of multiple ports distributed over the bottom of the cathode can, opposite the reaction surface of the cathode assembly, while not increasing the overall open area of the ports, results in an increase in the ratio of the cell limiting current to the rate at which moisture is lost from the cell. Accordingly, moisture loss as a function of electrical energy produced, is less.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1997Date of Patent: May 18, 1999Assignee: Rayovac CorporationInventors: Robert B. Dopp, John Edward Oltman
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Patent number: 5843593Abstract: The present invention is directed to a leak resistant battery cover for storage batteries. The battery cover provides a labyrinth of passages which provide a path from each cell vent to the atmospheric vent. The labyrinth is configured to provide a portion of each path above a level in which the electrolyte in the respective cells attains when the battery is tipped on any one of its sides or rotated ninety (90) degrees from an upright position. The labyrinth configuration prevents electrolyte from reaching the atmospheric vent and spilling out of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1997Date of Patent: December 1, 1998Assignee: Douglas Battery Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Robert W. Fritts, David M. Revak
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Patent number: 5840439Abstract: The present invention is directed to a leak resistant battery cover for storage batteries. The battery cover sealably engages a conventional battery housing having multiple cells separated by internal housing walls. The cover has a substantially flat interior area, a portion of which extends over part of each battery cell when the cover is placed upon a battery housing. The cover includes a cell chamber for each battery cell. Drain-back/vents communicate each cell chamber with its corresponding battery cell. The drain-back/vent, whether separate or integrated allows escape of electrolyte gases from the battery cells into the corresponding battery chamber and provide for the return of liquid electrolyte back to the cells from the cell chambers. None of the cell chambers communicate directly through the battery cover to atmosphere.One or more additional chambers are provided in the cover above the central cells of the battery housing.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 1997Date of Patent: November 24, 1998Assignee: Douglas Battery Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Robert W. Fritts, David M. Revak
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Patent number: 5795667Abstract: This invention pertains to metal-air electrochemical cells wherein one or more air entry ports is located in the bottom of the cathode can, to provide for entry of oxygen-rich air into the cathode can, where the oxygen participates in the chemical reaction whereby the cell produces electrical energy. In this invention, multiple small air entry ports are provided. Generally, the use of multiple ports distributed over the bottom of the cathode can, opposite the reaction surface of the cathode assembly, while not increasing the overall open area of the ports, results in an increase in the ratio of the cell limiting current to the rate at which moisture is lost from the cell. Accordingly, moisture loss as a function of electrical energy produced, is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1995Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: Rayovac CorporationInventors: Rodney Stuart McKenzie, Robert B. Dopp
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Patent number: 5768906Abstract: An electrochemical heat exchanger including a housing, at least one electrochemical cell within the housing with a first electrode and a hydrogen electrode at least partially immersed in a liquid electrolyte, and positive and negative terminals of the electrochemical cell connected through the housing to respective positive and negative ends of a power supply. The housing includes a gas space which is in communication with a heat exchange chamber. The heat exchange chamber can be a flexible chamber capable of expanding in response to an increase in pressure in the electrochemical cell and contracting in response to a decrease in pressure in the electrochemical cell or it can be a conduit whereby an element to be cooled is placed in thermal contact with either hydrogen gas or a liquid coolant.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 1996Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: Borst, Inc.Inventor: Boris Tsenter
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Patent number: 5746064Abstract: An electrochemical heat exchanger including a housing, at least one electrochemical cell within the housing with a first electrode and a hydrogen electrode at least partially immersed in a liquid electrolyte, and positive and negative terminals of the electrochemical cell connected through the housing to respective positive and negative ends of a power supply. The housing includes a gas space which is in communication with a heat exchange chamber. The heat exchange chamber can be a flexible chamber capable of expanding in response to an increase in pressure in the electrochemical cell and contracting in response to a decrease in pressure in the electrochemical cell or it can be a conduit whereby an element to be cooled is placed in thermal contact with either hydrogen gas or a liquid coolant.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1997Date of Patent: May 5, 1998Assignee: Borst, Inc.Inventor: Boris Tsenter
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Patent number: 5733676Abstract: This invention pertains to metal-air electrochemical cells wherein one or more air entry ports is located in the bottom of the cathode can, to provide for entry of oxygen-rich air into the cathode can, where the oxygen participates in the chemical reaction whereby the cell produces electrical energy. In this invention, multiple small air entry ports are provided. Generally, the use of multiple ports distributed over the bottom of the cathode can, opposite the reaction surface of the cathode assembly, while not increasing the overall open area of the ports, results in an increase in the ratio of the cell limiting current to the rate at which moisture is lost from the cell. Accordingly, moisture loss as a function of electrical energy produced, is less.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1995Date of Patent: March 31, 1998Assignee: Rayovac CorporationInventors: Robert B. Dopp, John Edward Oltman
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Patent number: 5731100Abstract: The present invention is directed to a leak resistant battery cover for storage batteries. The battery cover sealably engages a conventional battery housing having multiple cells separated by internal housing walls. The cover has a substantially flat interior area, a portion of which extends over part of each battery cell when the cover is placed upon a battery housing. The cover includes a cell chamber for each battery cell. Drain-back/vents communicate each cell chamber with its corresponding battery cell. The drain-back/vent, whether separate or integrated allows escape of electrolyte gases from the battery cells into the corresponding battery chamber and provide for the return of liquid electrolyte back to the cells from the cell chambers. None of the cell chambers communicate directly through the battery cover to atmosphere.One or more additional chambers are provided in the cover above the central cells of the battery housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1997Date of Patent: March 24, 1998Assignee: Doulgas Battery Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Robert W. Fritts, David M. Revak
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Patent number: 5702841Abstract: A battery cover for a battery casing has a plurality of electrolyte containing cells, a primary cover and a secondary cover. The primary cover has a plurality of barrels arranged along a longitudinal axis and the secondary cover has a plurality of tubular elements extending downwardly and insertable in the barrels of the primary cover. Each of the tubular elements has an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member. The outer tubular member has an axially extending cutout portion which runs from its tip to the surface of the secondary cover. The battery cover also has a plurality of baffles defining a circuitous passageway for gases which are evolved in the cells of the battery to be released to an external port located on the secondary cover.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1995Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Assignee: Globe-Union Inc.Inventors: Brian J. Thomas, Gerald D. Slayton, Jerome R. Heiman, Rick Barnett
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Patent number: 5683830Abstract: The present invention is directed to a leak resistant battery cover for storage batteries. The battery cover provides a labyrinth of passages which provide a path from each cell vent to the atmospheric vent. The labyrinth is configured to provide a portion of each path above a level in which the electrolyte in the respective cells attains when the battery is tipped on any one of its sides or rotated ninety (90) degrees from an upright position. The labyrinth configuration prevents electrolyte from reaching the atmospheric vent and spilling out of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1997Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: Douglas Battery Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Robert W. Fritts, David M. Revak
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Patent number: 5650241Abstract: A metal-air battery assembly having plurality of free standing metal-air cells forming a cell group within a battery case assembly. Each free standing cell has flexible, compressible walls capable of containing electrolyte, the walls comprising air cathodes including cathode current distributors. Each cell has a split anode assembly and current. The anode assembly has one or more reactive anode fuel plates and an anode current collector. Each of the cells is free standing and easily replaced. The battery case assembly has a mechanism for compressing the cells when the lid is closed and releasing the cell group for servicing when the lid is open.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1995Date of Patent: July 22, 1997Inventor: Richard L. McGee
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Patent number: 5565282Abstract: A multiple vent plug assembly for vent ports of an electrical storage battery, the assembly includes a gang vent insert having a base wall and an upstanding peripheral rim defining a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls; an overcap including an inner rib for engagement with the upstanding peripheral rim of the gang vent insert; the insert including first and second parallel partitions extending between the pair of side walls to thereby divide the insert into three vent chambers including end chambers on either side of a center chamber, each chamber having a hollow vent barrel extending downwardly from the base wall and terminating at a drain hole.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1994Date of Patent: October 15, 1996Assignee: Exide CorporationInventors: Fred F. Feres, Gerald D. Hudack
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Patent number: 5549986Abstract: A combined dual ganged manifold and cover arrangement for batteries features channeling of gas flow to an explosion attenuation device located between the manifolds and a cover designed for maximizing return to the battery of any electrolyte which may contact the cover from vibration, tilting, overheating, overcharge and the like. Splash barrels within the cover include a unique acid level indicator, and feet are provided on the manifold to prevent the manifolds from inadvertently being used with other cover designs. The arrangement is particularly useful for batteries having terminal posts lying along the battery centerline. The cover utilizes external and internal gas pick-up systems and perpetual hill and infinite well concepts to control acid flow. A narrow channel reduces standing wave electrolyte surface violence.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1994Date of Patent: August 27, 1996Assignee: Globe-Union, Inc.Inventors: Jerome R. Heiman, Gerald D. Slayton
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Patent number: 5525438Abstract: A battery closure apparatus for a multi-cell storage battery includes a cap assembly for the simultaneous rotation of a plurality of caps within receptacles on the multi-cell storage battery. The apparatus includes a plurality of caps pivotally attached to a pair of elongate arms. A grip member is coupled to the cap assembly. Application of force to the grip member will simultaneously rotate each cap to releasably secure the caps to the battery receptacles.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1995Date of Patent: June 11, 1996Assignee: Tulip CorporationInventors: Charles W. Kostrivas, Mark E. Sauter, Bernard N. Spiegelberg, Gary R. Whitcher
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Patent number: 5284720Abstract: The explosion attenuating vent cap for storage batteries according to the present invention features an electrolyte drain and baffle design adapted for maximizing return to the battery of any liquid which may enter the vent from vibration, tilting, overheating, overcharge and the like. The vent barrel(s) include a step to assist in closure of the fill openings, and baffles within the vent prevent accumulation of electrolyte within the cap. The arrangement of the entrance to the gas escape passage (leading through an explosion attenuation device such as a disc of microporous polymer) is located on the center lines of the barrel and at the highest possible location within the vent to minimize the intrusion of electrolyte into the attenuation material. This location of the entrance prevents accumulation of electrolyte at that location. Preferably, the vent cap is of the ganged variety, i.e. useful for simultaneously capping three or more fill openings of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 1993Date of Patent: February 8, 1994Assignee: Globe-Union Inc.Inventors: David A. Thuerk, Debra L. Smith, Thomas J. Dougherty, Randy K. Hulsebus
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Patent number: 5217823Abstract: A vent cap for use in a recombinant battery which includes a hollow barrel configured for gas-tight insertion into a vent hole in a battery cover. A retaining flange is formed at the closed end of the barrel, and a one-way relief valve formed on the barrel near its closed end. A layer of a polyalkylene explosion attenuating material surrounds the outside of the barrel below the flange and surrounding the relief valve. The polyalkylene material provides effective attenuation of explosions that occur in the vicinity of the relief valve. The invention further provides a vent cap assembly wherein the foregoing vent cap is mounted on a plastic vent cover of an otherwise conventional battery container.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1991Date of Patent: June 8, 1993Assignee: Globe-Union Inc.Inventors: Matthias Geibl, Guy D. McDonald, Colleen M. Hays
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Patent number: 4859546Abstract: A porous compressible plastic material is inserted into the head space above the cells in a storage battery to attenuate the explosion of combustible gases accumulating therein. The attenuation material is distributed to create a unique bimodal por distribution, including a major proportion of small pores effective in attenuation and a minor proportion of large pores effective in gas and electrolyte management. Both open cell and fibrous materials may be utilized.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1988Date of Patent: August 22, 1989Assignee: Globe-Union Inc.Inventors: Richard R. Binder, Paul E. Bantz, William H. Tiedemann, Guy D. McDonald, William J. Wruck
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Patent number: 4778735Abstract: A gang vent cap for commonly venting a plurality of cell apertures of a storage battery in which a vent cap having a cover and a base which define a selectively configured hollow enclosure. A venting path is defined within the hollow enclosure which interconnects one or more battery cell ports with the venting port of the vent cap. Associated with each battery cell port of the vent cap is a projecting battery engaging member which sealingly engages one of the cell apertures of a storage battery. Each cell port includes a splashguard disposed between the battery cell and the cell port to retard the ingress of battery acid into the vent cap. A cylindrical condensation chamber is defined within the hollow enclosure above each cell port to trap and condense battery acid contained in the gases venting from the battery cell. Pathways defined within the vent cap include primary and secondary acid retention chambers, a corridor system and a venting chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1987Date of Patent: October 18, 1988Inventors: Mark J. Shestok, Gerald D. Hudack, Scott J. Cronrath
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Patent number: 4636446Abstract: An improved stopper structure for a storage battery container according to the present invention is basically defined as a unit including a plurality of hollow stopper supports which comprise threaded support, a spongy rubber, and a rubber pad within each hollow stopper support. Each stopper support has a cylindrical shape with a hollow center to accomodate the abovementioned elements, respectively. The gas that evolves during battery operation is blocked by a stopper, additionally, the water vapor has no way to escape, therefore, the amount of battery fluid loss is reduced. At a time that the evolved gas within the hollow stopper support possesses enough pressure, the rubber pad will be forced to curve upwardly. As a result, the gas may be evolved along a slot provided across the bottom surface of a trough carrying the stopper supports.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 1985Date of Patent: January 13, 1987Assignee: Cheng Kwang Storage Battery Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yung-Lin Lee
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Patent number: 4562126Abstract: A cover for an electric storage battery casing having a slide member that is longitudinally adjustable to permit alignment of fill openings formed in the member over electrolyte inlets. The inlets have individual sealing means that cooperate with the slide member underside to close each inlet during battery use.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1984Date of Patent: December 31, 1985Inventors: Armand N. Chartrain, Lee A. Genne
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Patent number: 4517262Abstract: A vent cap for enclosing filler openings of a storage battery comprises a base terminating at a rim including a generally U-shaped channel and a cover, the periphery of which engages the channel of the base. The periphery of the cover is provided with an essentially planar face having a chamfered termination and a plurality of circumferentially spaced, secant-shaped portions formed therein. The inner and outer faces of the cover are provided with reliefed portions adjacent to the secant-shaped portions formed in the cover's periphery. The secant-shaped portions formed in the periphery of the cover and the reliefed portions formed in the inner and outer faces of the cover cooperate with the U-shaped channel to develop a series of apertures between the base and cover.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1983Date of Patent: May 14, 1985Assignee: General Battery CorporationInventor: David B. Beidler
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Patent number: 4477542Abstract: A quick release storage battery closure assembly for removably engaging the inspection opening defining bosses on a storage battery, the one that replaces the individual caps that normally are used for closing the inspection openings. The closure assembly is particularly adapted for use where the storage batteries are arranged as a group, such as on a golf cart or industrial vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1983Date of Patent: October 16, 1984Inventor: Richard R. Braswell
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Patent number: 4444853Abstract: A storage battery, particularly adapted for automotive applications, includes unique cover, venting and terminal constructions which, in their various embodiments, can accommodate virtually any automobile cable arrangement. Each of the several embodiments utilizes an identical container, electrode construction, intercell assembly and venting arrangement. Various types of exterior battery terminals, accommodating both conventional pressure clamps and threaded connectors, are connected to the battery electrodes through an intermediate primary cover. An outer secondary cover encloses the entire top of the battery, except for direct access to the exterior terminals, and the venting assembly is totally enclosed between the primary and secondary covers.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 1983Date of Patent: April 24, 1984Assignee: Globe-Union Inc.Inventors: Vincent M. Halsall, Roy E. Hennen
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Patent number: 4315058Abstract: A vent plug includes a thermophastic tubular body for insertion in an aperture in the lid of a battery. The vent plug has at its upper end an integral lid with a gas venting aperture formed therein. A removable insert is secured within the tubular body and defines a tortuous gas venting path. The insert and the body are constructed to define a space with which the gas venting aperture and the gas venting path communicate, the space accommodating a porous flame retarding body.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1980Date of Patent: February 9, 1982Assignee: Chloride Group LimitedInventors: Derek K. Schwendener, Neil L. Ainsworth, Richard J. Foss
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Patent number: 4306002Abstract: A vent cap for a storage battery, which vent cap includes a base portion and a cover portion which are retained to each other to provide a gas collecting enclosure. The base portion comprises a tray and peripherally extending walls, and is divided into a plurality of cavities by at least one transversely extending rib, which cavities include a first segment having an assembly which communicates with one of the cells of the battery and a second segment which is substantially enclosed to form a holding area and which is separated from the first segment by a plurality of baffles having an aperture which permits limited communication between the first and second segments.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1980Date of Patent: December 15, 1981Assignee: General Battery Corp.Inventors: Joseph I. Heiser, Terry R. Oxenreider
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Patent number: 4214045Abstract: A container for a maintenance-free lead-acid storage battery includes a multi-compartment base wherein individual cells of the battery are contained. An overlying cover in vapor-sealed engagement with the base includes a plurality of integrally-molded filler wells which extend from a recess in the top surface of the cover into respective cell compartments of the battery. A one-piece molded vent cover seated within the recess includes a plurality of vent plug portions which extend through the filler wells into respective ones of the cell compartments. An annular flange associated with each filler well coacts with ribs on the vent plug portions to lock the vent cover in place.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1978Date of Patent: July 22, 1980Assignee: The Richardson CompanyInventors: Gottfried W. Jutte, John V. McHugh
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Patent number: RE37901Abstract: The present invention is directed to a leak resistant battery cover for storage batteries. The battery cover provides a labyrinth of passages which provide a path from each cell vent to the atmospheric vent. The labyrinth is configured to provide a portion of each path above a level in which the electrolyte in the respective cells attains when the battery is tipped on any one of its sides or rotated ninety (90) degrees from an upright position. The labyrinth configuration prevents electrolyte from reaching the atmospheric vent and spilling out of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Douglass Battery Manufacturing CompanyInventors: Robert W. Fritts, David M. Revak