Abstract: Disclosed is a medically implantable integrated biocompatible power module incorporating a power source (e.g., battery), a power management circuit (PMC), a magnetically inductive coupling system (MICS) for remote communication and/or inductive charging and a homing device for locating the implanted inductive charging coil. Three configurations are disclosed, each generally suitable for a specified range of energy capacities. The implantable power module (IPM) allows for improved design flexibility for medical devices since the power source may be located remotely and be recharged safely in situ. Special safety aspects may be incorporated, including endothermic phase change heat absorption material (HAM), emergency energy disconnect and emergency energy drain circuits. Communication (one or two way) may be carried out using the inductive charging link, a separate inductive pathway, or other pathway such as RF or via light waves.

Abstract: A secondary cell employs a non-aqueous electrolyte solution including a non-aqueous solvent and a salt, and a flame retardant material that is a liquid at room temperature and pressure and substantially immiscible in the non-aqueous electrolyte solution. The non-aqueous electrolyte solution is formed by dissolving a salt, preferably an alkali metal salt, in a non-aqueous solvent. The non-aqueous solvent preferably includes a cyclic carbonate and/or a linear carbonate. The cyclic carbonate preferably contains an alkylene group with 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and the linear carbonate preferably contains a hydrocarbon group with 1 to 5 carbon atoms. Preferred salts include LiPF6 and LiBF4 at a concentration from about 0.1 to about 3.0 moles/liter in the non-aqueous solvent.

Abstract: An electrolyte for a battery comprises LiBOB salt in gamma butyrolactone and a low viscosity solvent. The low viscosity solvent may comprise a nitrile, an ether, a linear carbonate, or a linear ester. This electrolyte is suitable for use in lithium ion batteries having graphite negative electrodes. Batteries using this electrolyte have high conductivity, low polarization, and high discharge capacity.

Abstract: Lithium is laminated onto or into an electrode structure comprising a metal conducting layer with an active material mixture of, for example, a nano-composite of silicon monoxide, together with graphite and a binder, such as polyvinyl di-fluoride (PVDF). The lamination of lithium metal onto or into the electrode structure will reduce the amount of irreversible capacity by readily supplying a sufficient amount of lithium ions to form the initial solid electrolyte interface. In order to laminate lithium metal onto or into the negative electrode, the lithium is first deposited onto a carrier, which is then used to laminate the lithium metal onto or into the electrode structure. The next step is placing the coated electrode material and the lithium-deposited plastic between two rollers or two plates. Plates are heated to about 120° C. or within the range of 25° C. to 250° C. A pressure of 50 kg/cm2 to 600 kg/cm2 is applied to the rollers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a hermetically sealed electrical feedthrough for use with a metal battery case. The apparatus includes a ceramic-metal feedthrough subassembly, a metal case of low melt point material, and a clad metal case cover comprising a first layer of high melt point material and a second layer of low melt point material. The first layer is hermetically sealed to the case and the second layer is hermetically sealed to a collar on the feedthrough subassembly. In another embodiment, the case body, clad cover, and feedthrough pin are made of metals that can withstand the temperatures required for hermetically sealing the ceramic cylinder directly to the cover. The cover comprises a first material suitable for installing the feedthrough subassembly and a second material matched to the case body for forming a reliable weld thereto.

Abstract: An electric storage battery and method of manufacture thereof characterized by a feedthrough pin which is internally directly physically and electrically connected to an inner end of a positive electrode substrate. A C-shaped mandrel extends around the pin and substrate end enabling the pin/mandrel to be used during the manufacturing process as an arbor to facilitate winding layers of a spiral jellyroll electrode assembly. The pin additionally extends from the battery case and in the final product constitutes one of the battery terminals with the battery case comprising the other terminal. Active material is removed from both sides of the outer end of the negative electrode in the jellyroll to allow room for adhesive tape to secure the jellyroll. The electrolyte is injected through the open end of the case after the endcap is welded to the negative electrode but before sealing the endcap to the case. The electrolyte is preferably injected through the C-shaped mandrel to facilitate and speed filling.

Abstract: An energy storage device, such as an electrical storage battery, having a unique terminal structure, sealing arrangement and an S-shaped mandrel for the electrode assembly. The battery generally includes a case in which an electrode assembly is dispose, and a cover provided with a fill hole and fill plug, and a terminal structure that forms a battery terminal. The terminal hole and the fill hole have counter bore structure to provide tighter sealing. A nickel layer is provided on the aluminum fill plug to facilitate electrical contact with the external circuit. A mandrel is provided for the rolled electrode assembly, and is electrically coupled to the terminal structure via a push-in tab inserted into a space in the S-shape of the mandrel.

Abstract: An electric storage battery and method of manufacture thereof characterized by a feedthrough pin which is internally directly physically and electrically connected to an inner end of a positive electrode substrate. A C-shaped mandrel extends around the pin and substrate end enabling the pin/mandrel to be used during the manufacturing process as an arbor to facilitate winding layers of a spiral jellyroll electrode assembly. The pin additionally extends from the battery case and in the final product constitutes one of the battery terminals with the battery case comprising the other terminal. Active material is removed from both sides of the outer end of the negative electrode in the jellyroll to allow room for adhesive tape to secure the jellyroll. The electrolyte is injected through the open end of the case after the endcap is welded to the negative electrode but before sealing the endcap to the case. The electrolyte is preferably injected through the C-shaped mandrel to facilitate and speed filling.

Abstract: The invention includes a brazed ceramic ring that separates the positive and negative ends of the battery while still providing a leak-tight seal. The ceramic is aluminum oxide or zirconium oxide or zirconium oxide with 3% yttrium. The invention includes a brazing material that is greater than 50% gold. The invention includes a titanium alloy case (Ti-6Al-4V) which is titanium with 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium as its major alloying elements. The case has the desirable properties of titanium such as high strength for a relatively low weight; and the case has the requisite ability and electro-activity to be used as a positive current carrying element where the battery's positive electrode exhibits more than 3.5 V vs. Li/Li+.

Abstract: A lithium ion battery configured to yield a high energy density output by minimizing head space, i.e., wasted interior volume, within the battery case and/or by reducing electrical energy losses internal to the battery.

Abstract: A lithium ion battery particularly configured to be able to discharge to a very low voltage, e.g. zero volts, without causing permanent damage to the battery. More particularly, the battery is configured to define a Zero Volt Crossing Potential (ZCP) which is lower than a Substrate Dissolution Potential (SDP) to thus avoid low voltage substrate damage. The configuration includes a lithium nickel cobalt oxide positive active material combined with negative electrode comprising a titanium or titamum alloy substrate having a carbon active material formed thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for containing heat generated by a battery to reduce the amplitude of a temperature excursion to enhance safety in temperature critical applications, such as in implantable medical devices. The apparatus employs a heat absorber closely thermally coupled to the battery. The heat absorber includes heat absorbing material preferably exhibiting an endothermic phase change at a temperature T1 below that produced by the battery.

Abstract: This invention is an improved method for making a battery case feedthrough. It utilizes stainless steel or titanium metal clad with aluminum. The use of the clad metal enables the fabrication of the battery case and cover and feedthrough pin assembly where a high temperature ceramic-metal hermetic seal is needed between a stainless steel feedthrough pin and a ceramic insulator; and between a ceramic insulator and a surrounding hollow cylinder. A high temperature hermetic seal is also used to fasten the feedthrough pin assembly to the upper stainless steel part of the stainless steel-aluminum clad cover. Titanium can be substituted for stainless steel. Lower temperature metal-metal hermetic seals are needed between the aluminum-clad part of the cover and the aluminum battery casing.

Abstract: A method, device and system is disclosed for rapidly and safely discharging remaining energy stored in an electrochemical battery 104 in the event of an internal short circuit or other fault. In its best mode of implementation, if a sensor 116 detects one or more parameters such as battery temperature 204 or pressure 206, exceeding a predetermined threshold value 334, the terminals 144 of the battery or cell are intentionally short-circuited external to the battery through a low or near zero resistance load 150 which rapidly drains energy from the battery 104. The rate energy is drained via the external discharge load 150 may be controlled with an electronic circuit 136 responsive to factors such as state of charge and battery temperature. Devices such as piezoelectric and Peltier devices 300, may also be used as emergency energy discharge loads.

Abstract: A method and apparatus suitable for use in high volume production for determining leakage from a nominally sealed product container, e.g., a battery case. The method and apparatus first functions to analytically test for leakage of a particular component of interest, e.g., a liquid electrolyte comprising a mixture of ethylene carbonate (EC) and methyl-ethyl carbonate (MEC) in a lithium-ion battery. A second gas leakage test can then be performed.

Abstract: Current flows from the secondary battery via the current mirror circuit to the regenerative capacitor. The current mirror circuit multiplies by a numerical constant the current flowing from the secondary battery and supplies the amplified current through the regenerative capacitor. When a voltage value of the regenerative capacitor reaches a predetermined maximum value, the current flows from the regenerative capacitor to the external load. The current flow from the regenerative capacitor continues until the voltage decreases to a predetermined minimum value. Immediately before the voltage of the regenerative capacitor reaches the predetermined minimum value, a terminal voltage of the secondary battery in an open state is measured. This structure enables a charging-and-discharging microcurrent from the secondary battery to be easily monitored, while simultaneously detecting a remaining capacity of the secondary battery.

Abstract: A capacitor optimized for use in an implantable medical device such as an implantable defibrillator is disclosed. In its simplest form, the capacitor comprises a thin planar dielectric sheet that has an array of cells open to one or both sides. Metallization is applied to the surface of the cells such that the walls of adjacent cells form a capacitor with the wall that separates the cells serving as the dielectric. The metallization pattern that forms the electrical connection to the cells may be patterned to limit the allowable current flow to each individual cell, thereby providing a fuse in the case of local dielectric failure.

Abstract: A continuous sheath of open-celled porous plastic, preferably ePTFE, is used on the outside of an implantable lead, extending along the lead body and the electrodes, in such a way that the lead is isodiametric along its length, and is very strong in tension as is required for lead removal. Because the plastic is open-celled, when the pores are filled with saline, the lead can deliver defibrillation energy through the pores in the plastic. Pore size is chosen to discourage tissue ingrowth while allowing for defibrillation energy delivery through it.