Other Stopper, Cap Or Plug Type Patents (Class 429/89)
  • Patent number: 4286028
    Abstract: A vented battery cap is provided which is adapted to engage at least one of a plurality of fill holes in an automotive storage battery or similar lead acid battery and which has pressure release means for venting the combustible gases produced within that storage battery under conditions such as ovecharge conditions into the atmosphere. The cap itself is comprised of substantially two portions, a base member which fits into at least one of the fill holes and a top member which snap-fits through the base member. The pressure release means comprises a plurality of extremely narrow slits on both the top and underside of the cap which have widths in the order of 0.003 to 0.005 of an inch. The remainder of the battery cap is tightly sealed to prevent any extraneous leaks of battery gases received form the automotive battery form leaking into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1981
    Assignee: General Battery Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph I. Heiser, Edgar M. Erb
  • Patent number: 4276357
    Abstract: A device for maintaining the electrolyte level in the accumulator of an electric battery includes a pneumatic chamber, with levelling members in it, connected to the accumulator, and a reservoir for supplying liquid to the pneumatic chamber. The levelling members assure a constant level of liquid in the pneumatic chamber. When the electrolyte level in the accumulator drops below a preset limit, the resulting reduction in pressure in the pneumatic chamber permits reservoir liquid to enter the accumulator, until the level of electrolyte in the accumulator rises enough to raise the pressure in the pneumatic chamber to stop flow of liquid into the accumulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1981
    Assignee: Fabbrica Italiana Magneti Marelli S.p.A.
    Inventor: Franco Ferrarini
  • Patent number: 4233370
    Abstract: A vented battery cap is provided which is adapted to engage at least one of a plurality of fill holes in an automotive storage battery or similar lead acid battery and which has pressure release means for venting the combustible gases produced within that storage battery under conditions such as overcharge conditions into the atmosphere. The cap itself is comprised of substantially two portions, a base member which fits into at least one of the fill holes and a top member which snap-fits through the base member. The pressure release means comprises a plurality of extremely narrow slits on both the top and underside of the cap which have widths in the order of 0.003 to 0.005 of an inch. The remainder of the battery cap is tightly sealed to prevent any extraneous leaks of battery gases received from the automotive battery from leaking into the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1980
    Assignee: General Battery Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph I. Heiser, Edgar M. Erb
  • Patent number: 4219612
    Abstract: A vented filling plug for an electric storage cell has a vent path including a flame trap through which gas may enter or leave the cell arranged so as, in use, to communicate with the interior of the cell at a point above the normal electrolyte level. The flame trap includes a liquid trap defined by a trough and a tubular partition, and a ceramic partition. The plug also has a filling path through which electrolyte may be poured into the cell arranged so as, in use, to communicate with the interior of the cell at a point below the normal electrolyte level. The filling path includes a liquid trap defined by a trough and a partition below the normal electrolyte level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1979
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1980
    Assignee: Chloride Group Limited
    Inventor: Edwin Tatlock
  • Patent number: 4209572
    Abstract: A vented plug for a storage battery, has a cap portion with a threaded stem depending therefrom for threaded engagement in the threaded fill opening of the storage battery, the interengaged threads of the stem and fill opening defining a helical space or labyrinth passage for escape of gases originating inside the battery, and providing an extensive area for condensation of liquid particles carried with the gas. Vent openings extend from the threaded area to outside the cap portion for venting the gases to atmosphere, while the condensed liquid flows back into the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1980
    Assignee: VDO Adolf Schindling AG
    Inventor: Martin-Ulrich Reissland
  • Patent number: 4186247
    Abstract: A vented cap for a multiple cell storage battery comprises a base member having a plurality of integrally molded vent plug portions adapted to fit into individual filler walls of the battery and a cover member which snaps in place over the base member to form a chamber for gas egressing from the battery. The base member includes interior walls and a plurality of integrally molded latch members which engage the rim of the cover member to secure the cover member in abutting relationship to the interior walls. The interior walls are dimensioned to space the rim of the cover member from the rim of the base member whereby a continuous vent slot is formed around the periphery of the cap which allows battery gas to escape from the chamber with wide dispersion while inhibiting inward propagation of an externally generated flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1978
    Date of Patent: January 29, 1980
    Assignee: The Richardson Company
    Inventor: Verlin A. Mocas
  • Patent number: 4180624
    Abstract: Bi-directional valve means are provided between the interior and the ambient, opening outward at a predetermined internal overpressure, and inward at a predetermined underpressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1979
    Assignee: Varta Batterie Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: August Winsel
  • Patent number: 4168350
    Abstract: A maintenance free battery having explosion resistant characteristics for multi-celled battery containers. A battery cover has a main body with an elongate recess therein extending across its length. Within the first recess there are a plurality of vent well openings extending into the cells of the battery, and a plurality of vent plugs filling each opening which provide for the escape of gas and retard the escape of electrolyte. A recess plate fits snugly within the recess, the plate attaching to each of the vent plugs. Provisions are made to insure that the ends of the plate seal off the ends of the recess to prevent the leakage of gas between the plate ends and recess end walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1979
    Assignee: General Battery Corporation
    Inventors: Terry R. Oxenreider, Joseph I. Heiser
  • Patent number: 4147841
    Abstract: A container for a liquid includes a gas venting closure device. The closure device includes a body of a porous material that is not wetted by the contained liquid. The nonwetting relationship between the liquid and the solid prevents droplets of the liquid from being forced through the solid. One use for such devices is for lead-acid storage batteries, which must vent internally generated gases, while preventing leakage of battery acid. An exemplary battery plug also includes a sealing gasket of an elastomer formulated for long term stability against attack by battery acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1979
    Assignee: Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated
    Inventor: Jayant R. Shroff
  • Patent number: 4113925
    Abstract: A battery with at least one filler connection for electrolyte liquid, in which the battery interior space is adapted to be connected with the atmosphere by way of at least one venting connection and the opening of the venting connection which terminates in the battery interior space is located geodetically approximately at the height of the intended liquid level; a fill-in chamber is interconnected between the opening of the filler connection which terminates in the atmosphere, and the battery interior space while the fill-in chamber is connected with the battery interior space by means of a chamber connection whose opening terminating in the battery interior space is located geodetically above the intended liquid level; the free cross section of the chamber connection is dimensioned so small that a liquid seal closing off the chamber connection in a gas-tight manner will form under the influence of the excess pressure which will establish itself in the battery interior space above the liquid level during the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1976
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1978
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Werner Kohler, Gerhard Drucker, Ulrich Kiess, Manfred Stotz
  • Patent number: 4107399
    Abstract: A battery vent cap provided with a portion having sufficient length and having a venting passageway with a small cross-section to arrest or retard the passage of flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1977
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1978
    Assignee: Somerville Belkin Industries Limited
    Inventor: Joseph Edmund Claxton
  • Patent number: 4098963
    Abstract: A vented cap for a multiple cell storage battery comprises a base member having a plurality of integrally molded vent plug portions adapted to fit into individual filler wells of the battery and a cover member which snaps in place over the base member to form a chamber for gas egressing from the battery. The base member includes interior walls and a plurality of integrally molded latch members which engage the rim of the cover member to secure the cover member in abutting relationship to the interior walls. The interior walls are dimensioned to space the rim of the cover member from the rim of the base member whereby a continuous vent slot is formed around the periphery of the cap which allows battery gas to escape from the chamber with wide dispersion while inhibiting inward propagation of an externally generated flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1978
    Assignee: The Richardson Company
    Inventor: Verlin A. Mocas
  • Patent number: 4091179
    Abstract: A vent system for an electric storage battery having a flame arresting capability to minimize the possibility of battery explosion from ignition of explosive gases flowing from the vent plug. The vent system includes a vent plug design having an internal restricted passage and a flange extending around the top of the vent plug which cooperates with the upper surface of the battery cover to create an explosion chamber, so that in the event the explosive gases being vented are ignited, the resulting controlled explosion extinguishes the flame. One embodiment is provided wherein the top surface of the plug is flush with the top of the battery cover. A modified vent well is required for this embodiment, whereby the vent well in the battery cover has a recessed shoulder to receive the flange portion of the vent plug. A second embodiment is also provided wherein the vent plug can be used on conventional battery cover designs, but is not flush with the top of the battery cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1978
    Assignee: ESB Incorporated
    Inventor: Joseph F. Szabo
  • Patent number: 4091180
    Abstract: A vent system for an electric storage battery having a flame arresting capability to minimize the possibility of battery explosion from ignition of explosive gases flowing from the vent plug. The vent system includes a vent plug design having an internal restricted passage and a flange extending around the top of the vent plug which cooperates with the upper surface of the battery cover to create an explosion chamber, so that in the event the explosive gases being vented are ignited, the resulting controlled explosion extinguishes the flame. One embodiment is provided wherein the top surface of the plug is flush with the top of the battery cover. A modified vent well is required for this embodiment, whereby the vent well in the battery cover has a recessed shoulder to receive the flange portion of the vent plug. A second embodiment is also provided wherein the vent plug can be used on conventional battery cover designs, but is not flush with the top of the battery cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1977
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1978
    Assignee: ESB Incorporated
    Inventors: Albert L. Fox, Jeffrey S. Leeson, Joseph F. Szabo
  • Patent number: 4086395
    Abstract: A vented battery cap is provided which is adapted to engage at least one of a plurality of fill holes in an automotive storage battery or similar lead acid battery and which has pressure release means for venting the combustible gases produced within that storage battery under conditions such as overcharge conditions into the atmosphere, said pressure release means comprising a plurality of extremely narrow slits having widths in the order of 0.003 to 0.005 of an inch. The remainder of the battery cap is tightly sealed to prevent any extraneous leaks of battery gases received from the automotive battery from leaking into the atmosphere. The slits are so constructed to facilitate the safe expulsion of any volume of gas normally produced by an automotive storage battery, while virtually eliminating the likelihood that ignition of gases within the atmosphere will result in explosive consequences either within the battery cap or within the battery itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1978
    Assignee: General Battery Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Irvin Heiser, Edgar Martin Erb
  • Patent number: 4084039
    Abstract: A gas venting plug which separates entrained moisture has a gas escape nozzle and cooperating impingement plate, and a return duct for the separated liquid. The nozzle opening and return ducting are so dimensioned that the hydrostatic pressure in the return ducting is higher than the liquid capillary pressure in the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1978
    Assignee: Varta Batterie Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Helmut Laig-Horstebrock
  • Patent number: 4075401
    Abstract: A gas-discharging passage for a storage battery is adapted to discharge the gas which is produced inside the storage battery through a cylindrical body. The gas discharging passage is provided directly in the cover of the storage battery, or in the plug for electrolyte hole of the storage battery. A plurality of tongue-like pieces which are molded integrally with the cylindrical body are projected inwardly and inclined downwardly on the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical body, whose axis is directed vertically. Thus, the passage shape formed inside the cylindrical body is adapted to advantageously prevent electrolyte from remaining inside the cylindrical body and from leaking through the cylindrical body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1978
    Assignee: Miyagawa Kasei Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shiro Miyagawa
  • Patent number: 4072799
    Abstract: A vent system for an electric storage battery designed to remove the electrolyte which is entrained in the gases that are vented from the particular battery cell to the atmosphere through the vent plug assembly. The liquid gas separation feature has a primary inlet on the sidewall of the vent plug at its uppermost position that still remains in the battery cell, a drain opening in the lowermost portion of the vent plug, and baffles arranged inside the vent plug assembly such that the fluid entering the primary inlet flows in a horizontal direction and is scrubbed to remove the electrolyte. The electrolyte is then collected and returns to the cell through the drain opening while the scrubbed gases eventually reach the atmosphere. The liquid gas separation system can be used in a vent plug having a low profile for use on maintenance free batteries as well as on non-maintenance free batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1977
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1978
    Assignee: ESB Incorporated
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Leeson, Joseph F. Szabo
  • Patent number: 4052534
    Abstract: Various improved battery vent plugs utilizing a slit resilient acid-resistant diaphragm bi-directional valve which opens temporarily automatically under gaseous pressure serve to minimize battery fluid loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1973
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1977
    Assignee: General Battery Corporation
    Inventor: John L. Devitt
  • Patent number: 4041212
    Abstract: The plates of each polarity of an alkaline battery are connected by a sheet metal connector which passes through a slot in the bottom of a well formed in the battery lid, and which is supported by means of a pair of ears projecting from the connector which rest on the lid. Each connector is secured against vertical movement by abutment of the ears against the upper surface of the lid and by abutment of a respective plate strap to which each connector is welded against the lower surface of the lid. Horizontal movement in one plane is prevented by the provision of a shoulder on the lid on each side of each ear, and in the other plane by abutment of the connector, or the ears, against the edge of the well or a further shoulder respectively. The slots are sealed by means of a sealant which fills the wells. Upstanding ribs are provided on the upper surface of the lid so as to increase the length of the leakage path between neighboring cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1977
    Assignee: Chloride Group Limited
    Inventor: Albert Thomas Hewitt
  • Patent number: 4002494
    Abstract: An annular skirt is provided on a storage battery vent plug to eliminate the formation of current conducting electrolyte paths originating at the interior of the battery and terminating at a point of differing electrical potential on the exterior of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 11, 1977
    Assignee: ESB Incorporated
    Inventor: Frank A. Vengrofski
  • Patent number: 3992226
    Abstract: An inexpensive anti-explosion, anti-flame cap for openings in storage battery casings is formed, as by injection molding, from polymeric material in such fashion as to provide at least one critically dimensioned and located vent orifice effective to prevent establishment of a persistent flame at the orifice when hydrogen and oxygen are evolved during charging of the battery, and further effective to prevent propagation of flame through the orifice into the interior of the cap. Caps according to the invention also include internal mist chambers so arranged that liquid electrolyte is prevented from reaching the vent orifice or orifices and does not "pump through" the cap as a result of vibration of the storage battery in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1976
    Assignee: Ultra-Mold Corporation
    Inventor: James B. Godshalk