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 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 switches electrically connects and disconnects the cells from 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. At least one precision voltage reference device is included to provide the ADC a reference voltage to provide self-calibration.

Abstract: An electrode precursor sheet in which the active electrode material is bound by a polymer binder that includes an oxidized polymer or a blend of a first polymer with an oxidized polymer additive. The oxidized polymer advantageously has a minimum oxygen content of 1 atom % and may be an oxidized form of the first polymer.

Abstract: A lithium titanate has the following formula: Li4Ti5O12?x wherein x is greater than 0. The lithium titanate is formed by providing a mixture of titanium dioxide and a lithium-based component. The mixture is sintered in a gaseous atmosphere comprising a reducing agent to form the lithium titanate having the above formula. A lithium-based cell includes an electrolyte, an anode, and a cathode, with at least one of the anode and the cathode comprising the lithium titanate having the above formula. The lithium titanate is deficient of oxygen, which increases electronic conductivity of the lithium titanate by at least three orders over electronic conductivity of a stoichiometric lithium titanate, while avoiding loss of reversible electric power-generating capacity that typically occurs when doping is used to replace titanium in the lithium titanate with atoms that provide higher electronic conductivity.

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: A battery module of the present invention is adaptable to be utilized in various configurations including and not limited to an overlapping battery cell packaging configuration and a vertical stack battery cell packaging configuration used in an automotive vehicle. The battery module has a plurality of battery heatsink assemblies with the cells disposed therebetween. A plurality of rods extend through the each heatsink assemblies to secure the heatsink assemblies and the cell with one another to form the battery module.

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 battery pack assembly for providing electric power to a load includes a battery pack, preferably made up of a plurality of lithium ion cells. A heating device formed of a flexible material flexes and covers at least part of the battery pack. The heating device includes a meandering heating strip. A thermal sensor is surrounded by the heating strip to sense the temperature of the battery pack. Electric current is applied to the heating strip to heat the battery pack when its temperature falls too low, thus improving performance of the battery pack. The heating device also includes a plurality of tabs extending beyond the peripheral sides of the heating device for direct connection to the cells. Thus, electric current for the heating strip is provided directly from the cells of the battery pack.

Abstract: A battery module of the present invention is adaptable to be utilized in various configurations including and not limited to an overlapping battery cell packaging configuration and a vertical stack battery cell packaging configuration used in an automotive vehicle. The battery module has a plurality of battery heatsink assemblies with the cells disposed therebetween.

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 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: An intumescent fire retardant system for making polymeric moldings that is halogen-free and provides fire shielding, thermal shielding and a low heat release rate. The intumescent fire retardant system of the present invention comprises, on the basis of 100 parts by weight blended mixture, 20-45 parts of a polymeric binder based on high density polyethylene and an ?-olefin-containing copolymer, such as linear low density polyethylene, and 5-25 parts of a nitrogenous gas-generating agent, 10-30 parts of a water vapor-generating agent, 1-5 parts of an antioxidant, and 0-15 parts of a reinforcing agent. The fire retardant system of the present invention is essentially halogen-free.

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 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 switches electrically connects and disconnects the cells from 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. At least one precision voltage reference device is included to provide the ADC a reference voltage to provide self-calibration.

Abstract: A method of constructing a battery using a control unit to cause battery components to be drawn through an automated conveyor system and between indexed positions on the conveyor system is provided. Positive terminals for a battery are attached to a first carrier strip having indexing apertures. Negative terminals for a battery are attached to a second carrier strip having indexing apertures. Spools, controlled by control unit, are engaged in the indexing apertures of the first and second carrier strips and rotated for movement of carrier strips and terminals through indexed construction positions.

Abstract: A lithium titanate has the following formula: Li4Ti5O12-x wherein x is greater than 0. The lithium titanate is formed by providing a mixture of titanium dioxide and a lithium-based component. The mixture is sintered in a gaseous atmosphere comprising a reducing agent to form the lithium titanate having the above formula. A lithium-based cell includes an electrolyte, an anode, and a cathode, with at least one of the anode and the cathode comprising the lithium titanate having the above formula. The lithium titanate is deficient of oxygen, which increases electronic conductivity of the lithium titanate by at least three orders over electronic conductivity of a stoichiometric lithium titanate, while avoiding loss of reversible electric power-generating capacity that typically occurs when doping is used to replace titanium in the lithium titanate with atoms that provide higher electronic conductivity.

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 charging and discharging strategy for a rechargeable battery pack is disclosed. The strategy involves monitoring and learning the battery pack's condition (a cycle life parameter) in terms of its progression through its life cycle. The life cycle parameter may be determined as a function of both time (i.e., the battery pack's age) as well as the number of discharge/recharge cycles. The strategy intentionally under-utilizes the battery during the initial stages of its life, based on the cycle life parameter, by charging it to a first level less then the maximum state of charge. This approach reduces charge voltages, reducing stress on the battery's active materials, thereby increasing its life.

Abstract: A rechargeable multiple cell battery pack has an application associated therewith that draws power from the battery pack. While the battery pack is in operation, voltage, current, state-of-charge (SOC), and impedance data are collected on a per-cell basis and an algorithm is performed to determine a state-of-charge for each individual cell of the battery pack consistent with predetermined criteria. The individual cells are charged to the respective, determined state-of-charge (SOC) levels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of the present invention are designed to equalize cell-to-cell imbalances in a multi-cell lithium battery system. A time-to-balance parameter is calculated for each cell at the beginning of charge, and balancing occurs for each cell having a positive time-to-balance at the beginning of charge. Alternatively, the time-to-balance parameter is calculated during operation of the battery system and equalization of the cells occur in-sit based on the time-to-balance values.

Abstract: An energy system is formed of a plurality of battery cells, and has an application associated therewith that draws power from the energy system, thereby creating a load profile that is presented to the energy system. As the application is being used, voltage and current measurements are taken at a predetermined rate, and stored in a history table to create a series of time-based measurements. The measurements stored in the history table are then processed to produce an energy spectra and a power spectra corresponding to the load profile presented to the energy system by the application. A charging strategy in accordance with this energy spectra and power spectra is then defined and used to charge the energy system appropriately.

Abstract: A method of constructing a battery using a control unit to cause pallets on an automated conveyor system to move between indexed positions on the conveyor system. Control unit causes terminals to be deposited on said pallet in a first position, control unit causes pallet to be moved to a second position, and a delivery mechanism controlled by control unit deposits bicells on said terminals with use of an alignment plate, said alignment plate on a separate circulating conveyor, controlled by control unit. Bicells are aligned to be in electrical contact with said terminals.