Abstract: Structural and thermal management component. In at least one exemplary embodiment of a structural and thermal management component of the present disclosure, the component comprises a base portion defining an upper surface and a lower surface. An exemplary component further comprises a plurality of fins extending from the upper surface of the base portion at least substantially extending a length of the base portion, the plurality of fins configured to dissipate heat away from a structure positioned adjacent thereto, the plurality of fins and the base portion forming a structurally-rigid unitary body. In at least one embodiment, the structurally-rigid unitary body of the present disclosure is extruded from a single portion of a metal.

Abstract: A battery assembly includes a first cell and a second cell adjacent the first cell. A first insulator and a second insulator extend over and encapsulate first electrode and second electrode. A shell extends over the first and second insulators thereby encapsulating the first and second insulators. A mechanical connection is defined between the first insulator of the fist cell and the second insulator of the second cell.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a lithium cell is disclosed. The method can include providing a lithium cell having an operating voltage range, where the lithium cell includes a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and an electrolyte in contact with, and between, the negative electrode and the positive electrode. The negative electrode can include lithium titanate and the electrolyte can include an additive. The method can also include reducing the additive to form a coating on a surface of the negative electrode in contact with the electrolyte. The reducing step can include overcharging the lithium cell to a voltage greater than an upper limit of the operating voltage range and dropping a voltage of the negative electrode to 0.2-1V vs. lithium.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring voltage of individual cells connected in series includes a single flying capacitor. The capacitor stores the charge of one of the cells such that a primary analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the capacitor may process a representation of the voltage of the cell being measured. A secondary ADC is connected directly to the cell being measured. The measurements of the primary and secondary ADCs are then compared to verify the accuracy of the flying capacitor.

Abstract: A method of balancing a state of charge (SOC) of a plurality of cells connected in series, including identifying an undercharged cell from the plurality of cells to charge, electrically connecting a positive side of the undercharged cell to a positive bus, electrically connecting a negative side of the undercharged cell to a negative bus, electrically connecting an inductor to a voltage source during a first time period; electrically disconnecting the inductor from the voltage source in response to an elapse of the first time period, and maintaining the disconnection of the inductor from the plurality of cells for a second time period corresponding generally to the time for the inductor to discharge energy to the undercharged cell.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring voltage of individual cells connected in series includes a pair of busses connectable to the cells and a flying capacitor connectable to the busses. The capacitor stores the charge of one of the cells such that an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the capacitor may process an accurate representation of the voltage of the cell being measured.

Abstract: A system and method for charging an undercharged cell of a bank of series connected cells utilizes a charging circuit. The charging circuit includes an inductor that receives current from the entire bank of cells and then provides current to the undercharged cell. Pulse width modulation is utilized to turn the switches on and off to regulate the current that flows to the inductor and thus is provided to the undercharged cell.

Abstract: A low noise current source includes first and second voltage input terminals. The current source further includes an amplifying device having an input terminal and an output terminal, where the output terminal is coupled to the second voltage input terminal via a load. The current source also includes a bias circuit coupled between the first voltage input terminal, the second voltage input terminal, and the input terminal. The current source additionally includes a first bypass circuit coupled between the first voltage input terminal and the input terminal, where the first bypass circuit configured to provide a substantially high electrical resistance and substantially no electrical impedance between the first voltage input terminal and the input terminal.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring voltage of individual cells connected in series includes a pair of busses connectable to the cells and a flying capacitor connectable to the busses. The capacitor stores the charge of one of the cells such that an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the capacitor may process an accurate representation of the voltage of the cell being measured. In order to prevent electrical interference with the capacitor and the ADC, the charge on the busses is reduced prior to measurement by the ADC.

Abstract: Lithium-based materials and methods of forming the same. In at least one embodiment of a method of forming a lithium-based material of the present disclosure, the method comprises the steps of combining a first quantity of a first lithium-based component and a second quantity of a second lithium-based component with a titanium-based component to form a mixture, the first lithium-based component having a first melting point and the second lithium-based component having a second melting point higher than the first melting point of the first lithium-based component, and heating the mixture to a first temperature above the first melting point but below the second melting point for a period of time to form a resultant end product.

Abstract: A fuse assembly includes a main component partially encased in a protective sheath. The main component includes a pair of connectors formed of an electrically conductive material to allow the fuse assembly to be electrically connected into an electric vehicle drive system. A fusible link is electrically connected between the connectors and is preferably encased in the protective sheath. The fusible link reacts to current flowing through the fuse assembly in excess of a predetermined current for a predetermined time, as is well known to those skilled in the art.

Abstract: A method of the present invention is directed to recycling a battery that includes a plurality of lithium cells removable from one another. The battery is tested to measure internal resistance of the lithium cells to determine if the lithium cells present a predetermined level of operational capability. The lithium cells having the operational level less than the predetermined level of operational capability are replaced with new lithium cells as the battery is re-assembled. The removed lithium cells are recycled.

Abstract: The present application includes disclosure of various embodiments of a dip tube device, included in fire suppression devices and systems, and methods of using the same. In an exemplary embodiment, the dip tube is comprised of a first cylinder defining a first lumen having a first diameter, a second cylinder defining a second lumen having a second diameter, and a joining member operably connecting the first lumen with the second lumen to allow a substance to pass therethrough, the joining member allowing movement of the second cylinder relative to the first cylinder. In an exemplary embodiment, the first diameter and the second diameter are substantially unchanged upon exposure to pressure greater than one atmosphere.

Abstract: A system for measuring voltage of individual cells connected in series includes a single flying capacitor. The capacitor stores the charge of one of the cells such that an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the capacitor may process an accurate representation of the voltage of the cell being measured. A plurality of MOSFET-based switches electrically connects and disconnects the cells and the capacitor. A controller is in communication with the ADC and the switches for sequencing the switches and recording the voltage measurements of each cell.

Abstract: A process for physically bonding two parts to each other is disclosed. In addition, a process for forming electrical connections have a low resistance is disclosed. The process is generally applicable to the joining of two parts each formed from a metal, an alloy, or a combination thereof. The process finds special use in the formation of multi-celled batteries. The process involves placing two parts or electrical conductors in contact with each other and then bonding them to each other using a kinetic spray process and powder particles. In formation of a multi-celled battery the particles are preferably electrically conductive. The process enables for rapid and cost effective formation of a physical connection. In addition, the connection can have an electrical resistance of less than about 0.5 milli Ohms and strength equal or greater than ultrasonic welding.

Abstract: A method for preparing a metal-polymer laminate packaging material, a method for preparing a metal-polymer laminated electrochemical cell package, and an electrochemical cell package, wherein adhesion of the polymer to the metal sheet used in the packaging material and/or hydrophobicity of the metal sheet are improved. In accordance with the invention, the metal sheet is subjected to a surface treatment and thereafter coated with a polymer to form a metal-polymer laminate packaging material. Exemplary surface treatments include chromate or phosphate conversion coatings, anodization, or chemically cleaning the metal sheet with a caustic solution and/or an acidic solution.

Abstract: A lithium titanate is formed by mixing lithium carbonate powder or lithium hydroxide powder with titanium oxide followed by preparing a mixed slurry of titanium compound powder and a solution containing lithium, followed by depositing a lithium compound by spray-drying.

Abstract: An active material suitable for use in lithium cells comprises lithium titanate having a surface and a material disposed on the surface is provided. The material is non-reactive with an electrolyte within a range of potential vs. lithium of from 0 V to 4 V. A variety of lithium cells including lithium titanate are also provided. The lithium titanate is typically of the general formula: Li4Ti5O12-x, wherein x is greater than 0. Further, a cell module is provided. The cell module comprises a plurality of lithium cells each having a soft outer packaging and assembled in an environment where water content in the environment is controlled.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring voltage of individual cells connected in series includes a pair of busses connectable to the cells and a flying capacitor connectable to the busses. The capacitor stores the charge of one of the cells such that an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) connected to the capacitor may process an accurate representation of the voltage of the cell being measured. In order to prevent electrical interference with the capacitor and the ADC, the charge on the busses is reduced prior to measurement by the ADC.

Abstract: System and method for measuring series-connected cell voltages using a flying capacitor with self-calibration. In at least one embodiment of a system of the present disclosure, the system comprises a capacitor, a switch, an amplifier, an analog-to-digital converter, and a precision voltage device. In an exemplary method of the present disclosure, the method comprises the steps of charging a capacitor, obtaining a charge voltage reading, discharging the capacitor for a known duration, obtaining a discharge voltage reading, and signaling a malfunction of the discharge voltage reading is greater than a predetermined voltage level.