Patents Assigned to Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
  • Particle Size Distribution Variations in Iron Disulfide Cathodes
    Publication number: 20130004848
    Abstract: A cathode, electrochemical cell and process for making either is disclosed. The cathode includes iron disulfide which exhibits multiple peaks representing distinct maxima of mean diameters for the volume-based particle size distribution. All of the maxima are less than 20 microns. A combination of natural pyrite ore and synthetic iron disulfide may be mixed to achieve the desired distribution, or a combination of natural pyrite ores may be processed in different manners to achieve the desired characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: EVEREADY BATTERY COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Jack W. Marple, Michael W. Wemple, Ronald Crawford, Weiwei Huang, George L. Schimek
  • Hydrogen Gas Generator
    Publication number: 20130004865
    Abstract: The invention is a hydrogen generator with a liquid reservoir, a reaction area, a byproduct containment area and a hydrogen containment area within a housing. A liquid from the liquid reservoir can react within the reaction area to produce hydrogen gas and byproducts, which flow to the byproduct containment area, and hydrogen gas passes into the hydrogen containment area and is released from the housing through a hydrogen outlet as needed. The liquid reservoir and the reaction area are each within a container made of a liquid impermeable material, the byproduct containment area is within a flexible container made of a hydrogen permeable, liquid impermeable material, and the hydrogen containment area is within a flexible container made of a hydrogen impermeable material. The byproduct containment area is in a volume exchanging relationship with one or both of the liquid reservoir and the reaction area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: EVEREADY BATTERY COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Jason L. Stimits, Guanghong Zheng
  • Use extender device
    Patent number: 8343670
    Abstract: The use extender device (100) and method (700) thereof is provided, wherein the device (100) includes a housing (102) with a top cover (108) having a back side wall, front side wall, and lateral side walls. The device (100) further includes a bottom cover (106) operably attached to the top cover (108), and a battery cavity (130). The housing (102) can also include a circuit board cavity (116) defined by at least one of the top cover (108) and the bottom cover (106), a closing mechanism (114) attached to the top cover (108) and removably attaching the top cover (108) to the bottom cover (106), such that the battery cavity (130) is accessible, and at least one aperture (110) defined by at least one of the top cover (108) and bottom cover (106), wherein air flow into the battery cavity (130) is regulated by the aperture (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter F. Hoffman, Nir Weinstein, Michael Librus, William J. Moore, Russell H. Toye, Jr.
  • Battery having an air manager with a moving plate valve
    Patent number: 8329346
    Abstract: A gas consuming battery is provided with an air regulating system for regulating the flow of air into the battery. The air regulating system includes a valve having a moving plate disposed adjacent to another plate. The moving plate and the other plate can both have apertures therethrough that at least partially align in an open valve and are misaligned in a closed valve. The air regulating system can also include an actuator for moving the moving plate to open and close the valve. A sealing medium including a fluid containment layer and a fluid partially contained therein is disposed between the moving and fixed plates to enhance valve operation and sealing effectiveness. The fluid containment layer includes a porous material, and the fluid has a maximum wicking height, that is equal to or greater than a maximum interfacial dimension between the valve plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Janse van Rensburg, David M. Blakey, Steven D. Jones, Jerald D. Baldwin, Jr., Richard A. Langan
  • Battery having fluid manager and sliding valve with friction reduction members
    Patent number: 8329357
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Bailey
  • Battery Charger
    Publication number: 20120306441
    Abstract: A battery charger (100) includes a base (102) which selectively receives first (104a) and second (104b) battery pods. The battery pods (104a, 104b), which are adapted to receive one or more batteries (212) for charging, have a form factor which facilitates the handling of the pods (104) and the batteries (212) received therein. Charging energy may be allocated between the pods (104) as a function of the temporal sequence in which the pods (104) are received by the base (102). Charging energy may also be allocated among the batteries (212) so that the batteries (212) are substantially charged at about the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: EVEREADY BATTERY COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Michael J. Brandon, II, Jason M. Barr, Peter F. Hoffman, David A. Furth, Rachel P. Devereaux, Mandy R. Iswarienko
  • Lighting device having cross-fade and method thereof
    Patent number: 8324836
    Abstract: A lighting device includes a first lighting source, a second lighting source, and a controller. The first lighting source yields a first illumination pattern. The second lighting source yields a second illumination pattern. The patterns overlay to yield a third illumination pattern. The controller shifts available power between the first lighting source and the second lighting source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Crawford, David A. Spartano, Peter F. Hoffman
  • Alkaline electrochemical cell with reduced gassing
    Patent number: 8318340
    Abstract: Electrochemical cells including a casing or cup for direct electrical contact with a negative electrode or counter electrode and serving as the current collector for the electrode. The casing includes a substrate having a plated coating of an alloy including copper, tin and zinc, the coating having a composition gradient between the substrate and the external surface of the coating wherein the copper content is greater adjacent the substrate than at the external surface of the coating and the tin content is greater at the external surface of the coating than adjacent the substrate. Methods for forming a coated casing and an electrochemical cell including a coated casing are disclosed, preferably including providing an electrode casing with a coating utilizing variable current density plating that reduces discoloration of a surface exposed to the ambient atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason L. Stimits
  • Alkaline electrochemical cell
    Patent number: 8318350
    Abstract: An alkaline electrochemical cell is provided which efficiently utilizes active materials within the cell to achieve enhanced cost efficiency. The electrochemical cell includes a container defining a sealed volume and an anode and cathode disposed in the sealed volume of the container. The cathode includes manganese dioxide and the anode includes zinc. A ratio of zinc weight to anode volume is less than 1.8. An alkaline electrolyte is disposed in the container in contact with the anode and cathode, and water is disposed within the container. A weight ratio of water to manganese dioxide is greater than 0.28, and a weight ratio of water to zinc is greater than 0.65.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert P. Johnson
  • Light distributor
    Patent number: 8317366
    Abstract: A light distributor includes a panel (202) having a textured surface (206) and a light distribution surface. A number of LEDs (204) are located in proximity to the textured surface. Some of the light (208, 212) impinging on the textured surface (206) is refracted or reflected (214, 216) into the panel (202) from where it can be transmitted through the distribution surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Dalton, Patrick Michael Conrick, David John Alessio
  • Oxygen-consuming battery with improved high rate capability
    Patent number: 8309260
    Abstract: An oxygen-consuming battery, such as a metal-air cell or fuel cell battery using oxygen from outside the battery as an active material, and having an improved high rate capability is disclosed. After the battery has been put into use, a light sacrificial drain is placed on the battery during periods when the battery is not being used to provide power in order to reduce degradation in rate capability that can occur over time, particularly when the battery is being used intermittently. Also disclosed is a combination of the oxygen-consuming battery and an electronic device that can be powered by the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Moore
  • Razor cartridge
    Patent number: 8307553
    Abstract: A razor cartridge has a frame, a razor blade resiliently mounted in the frame, a cartridge retainer disposed around a portion of a periphery of the frame; and a separable lubrication articulately connected to the frame and selectively moveable between a forward position and a locked position. The cartridge retainer has a first portion that includes a surface that defines a skin engaging surface when the separable lubrication is in the locked position and second portions at opposed ends of the first portion that retain the blade in the frame and include means to fixedly attach the cartridge retainer to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A Follo, Paul D Richard
  • Hydrogen Generator with Improved Volume Efficiency
    Publication number: 20120269694
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator with improved volume efficiency and a method of producing hydrogen gas with the hydrogen generator are disclosed. A fluid containing a reactant is transported from a reactant storage area to a reaction area. Hydrogen gas and an effluent pass from the reaction area into the effluent storage area that is in a volume exchanging relationship with one or both of the reactant storage area and the reaction area. An initially compressed filter is disposed in the effluent storage area to remove solids from the hydrogen gas. The filter is attached to a moveable partition separating the effluent storage area from the reactant storage area and/or the reaction area, and the filter expands as the volume of the effluent storage area increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: EVEREADY BATTERY COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Guanghong Zheng, Jason L. Stimits
  • Replacement Cartridge For A Razor Assembly
    Publication number: 20120266466
    Abstract: A replacement cartridge for a safety razor includes a dispensing head and a reservoir for a flowable shaving aid material. A removable shield is between the reservoir and the dispensing head and the shield interrupts fluid communication between channels of the reservoir and the dispensing head when the shield is in place. Fluid communication is permitted when the shield is removed. Removal of the shield is a onetime event. The shield can be a thermoplastic film. A razor cartridge can be disposed adjacent the dispensing head and the housing of the razor cartridge can be integrally formed with the housing of the dispensing head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Eveready Battery Company Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew J. Pennella
  • Electrochemical cell with improved internal contact
    Patent number: 8283066
    Abstract: Electrochemical battery cells with strip-like electrodes and having a pressure contact between a lead from one of the electrodes and a sidewall of the cell container. An electrochemical cell having a spiral wound electrode assembly having an internal lead in direct pressure contact with a lithium foil negative electrode free of a separate current collector and in contact with an inner portion of the cell container, wherein specified contact between the lead and lithium foil provides current flow between the container and foil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventor: David Aaron Kaplin
  • High discharge capacity lithium battery
    Patent number: 8283071
    Abstract: A lithium/iron disulfide electrochemical battery cell with a high discharge capacity. The cell has a lithium negative electrode, an iron disulfide positive electrode and a nonaqueous electrolyte. The iron disulfide of the positive electrode has a controlled average particle size range which allows the electrochemical cells to exhibit desired properties in both low and high rate applications. In various embodiments, the iron disulfide particles are wet milled, preferably utilizing a media mill or milled utilizing a non-mechanical mill such as a jet mill, which reduces the iron disulfide particles to a desired average particle size range for incorporation into the positive electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack W Marple, Michael W Wemple
  • Lithium-Iron Disulfide Cell Design
    Publication number: 20120251860
    Abstract: The invention relates to primary electrochemical cells, in addition to methods for manufacturing and discharging the same, having a jellyroll electrode assembly that includes a positive electrode with a coating comprising iron disulfide deposited on a current collector situated on the outermost circumference of the jellyroll, a lithium-based negative electrode and a polymeric separator. More particularly, the invention relates to a cell design which optimizes cell capacity and substantially eliminates premature voltage drop-off on intermittent service testing by eliminating the edge effect through, for example, deliberately relieving stack pressure and/or extending the distance lithium ions proximate to the terminal end of the positive electrode must travel to undergo an electrochemical reaction in that region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: EVEREADY BATTERY COMPANY, INC.
    Inventors: Jack W. Marple, Duane James, Weiwei Huang
  • Lighting device
    Patent number: 8277076
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lighting device having a battery housing to hold a battery, a light housing having a light source and a lens assembly into which said light source will emit light when activated, said battery and said light source being in circuit with a switch to open and close said circuit, said light housing being moveable relative to said battery housing to motivate said switch to open and/or close said circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Dalton, John R. Brown, Timothy Rugendyke
  • Battery charger
    Patent number: 8274256
    Abstract: A battery charger (100) includes a base (102) which selectively receives first (104a) and second (104b) battery pods. The battery pods (104a, 104b), which are adapted to receive one or more batteries (212) for charging, have a form factor which facilitates the handling of the pods (104) and the batteries (212) received therein. Charging energy may be allocated between the pods (104) as a function of the temporal sequence in which the pods (104) are received by the base (102). Charging energy may also be allocated among the batteries (212) so that the batteries (212) are substantially charged at about the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J Brandon, II, Jason M Barr, Peter F Hoffman, David A Furth, Rachel P Devereaux, Mandy Iswarienko
  • Battery can having off-center vent
    Patent number: 8268468
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided with an enhanced pressure relief vent formed in a closed end of the cell container that allows for effective venting of gas from the closed end of the container. The cell includes a container having a first end, a second end, a side wall extending between the first and second ends, and an end wall extending across the first end. The cell has a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an aqueous alkaline electrolyte, all disposed in the container. The cell further includes a pressure relief vent mechanism having an offset C-shaped reduced thickness groove formed in the end wall of the container. A cover can be welded to the closed end wall of the container over the pressure relief vent mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John C. Stearns, Robert E. Ray, Richard L Bouffard, Walter B Ebner, John O'Halloran, R. Justin Begg