Abstract: The present invention discloses a device and method pertaining to battery construction. In the preferred embodiment, the shape and construction of the battery is designed to maximize energy density and efficiency, while minimizing volume and related restrictions. Furthermore, the efficient, simplified internal construction of the present invention, using readily available tubes, pins and spacers, renders it safe and reliable for medical applications, and lends to relative ease and cost effectiveness in manufacturing. The utilization of a neutral case further adds to the safety and reliability of the present invention. Also, the strategic positioning of the electrolyte fill hole allows for quick filling. A related battery construction tool and method are also disclosed adding to the overall usefulness and efficiency of the present invention.

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 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 Damage Potential Threshold (DPT). A method for using a battery capable of tolerating discharge to zero volts is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides electrical storage battery assemblies and related methods for assembling such batteries. A battery assembly includes positive and negative electrode sheets and separator sheets sandwiched together and wrapped around a central mandrel to provide a spiral sandwich electrode assembly. The electrode assembly is housed inside a case that includes a case housing open at two ends and covers closing the two openings. The central mandrel of the electrode assembly is in electrical contact with one of the electrode sheets and a first battery terminal that passes through the case. A projecting member on the central mandrel provides the electrical connection between the electrode and the first battery terminal. The other electrode is in electrical contact with the case. A first insulator lies between the electrode assembly and the projecting member. A second insulator is positioned between the projecting member and the case.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved type of fluorinated carbon (CFx) for use in electrical storage devices such as batteries and capacitors. The CFx is coated with a conductive material such as gold or carbon using vapor deposition. The resulting material exhibits better conductivity with concomitant lower impedance, higher electrical stability, and improved potential throughout the useful life of the device, as compared to uncoated CFx. The improved conductivity reduces the amount of nonactive material (e.g., carbon black) that needs to be added, thus improving the volumetric energy density. In addition, cells made with the subject CFx exhibit more constant voltages and higher overall voltage (2.0 volts with a lithium metal anode) throughout their useful life. Chemical or physical vapor deposition techniques to deposit a variety of metals or carbon may be used to create the improved CFx. The coated CFx may be used in primary or secondary batteries, as well as capacitors and hybrid devices.

Abstract: A sealed electronics package comprising a tubular case wall including first and second conductive portions electrically separated by an insulative partition, a hermetic seal between the insulative partition and the first conductive portion, a hermetic seal between the insulative partition and the second conductive portion, end caps; and a hermetic seal between the end caps to the tubular case wall.

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: The present invention is an efficient and economical battery sealing and supporting device and method. Among a variety of possible applications, the present invention may be utilized as an improved device and method that facilitates the use of cochlear stimulators designed to allow deaf and near deaf patients to experience the sensation of sound waves through electromechanical stimulation. The present invention eliminates the introduction of sweat, body fluid and other contaminants to the battery terminal connection area, which results in corrosion and eventually disables the connected device. Given its broad scope, the technology associated with the present invention is useful in medical and other areas, such as in military applications, hand-held computer and Internet systems and personal entertainment devices.

Abstract: A photovoltaic powered charging unit is mounted in a head covering, such as a cap or hat, for a patient who has an inductively chargeable medical device implanted in his head. The implanted device includes an implanted battery which powers the device. The photovoltaic cells provide continuous charging for the implanted battery and power for the implanted device when subjected to light. The charging unit includes a nonphotovoltaic cell that may be used to charge the implanted battery and power the implanted device in the absence of sufficient power from the photovoltaic cells. The cap has a sending coil located so that when the wearer dons the cap, the sending coil aligns with a receiving coil implanted in the patient's skull or brain. The implanted receiving coil is coupled to provide charging current to the implanted battery and power to the implanted device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a positive electrode (30) comprising: a foil substrate (32); and a slurry coated on both faces, wherein the coating (34, 36) comprises an active material comprising particles having an average diameter of greater than 1 ?m to about 100 ?m. Also disclosed is an electrode assembly and battery using, and a method for making, the positive electrode. Also disclosed is a method for making a negative electrode (70) comprising the acts of: providing a foil substrate (72); and laminating lithium foil (74, 78) onto both faces, leaving a portion free of lithium. Also disclosed is a hermetically sealable electric storage battery and a manufacturing method for filling and sealing it.

Abstract: A negative electrode for use in secondary battery with nonaqueous electrolyte having a high voltage and energy density and a superior cycle property, characterized in that the active material comprises composite carbon materials containing massive ball-shaped graphite particles, carbon fibers, and graphite flakes. The massive ball-shaped graphite particles provide porosity to the composite, the carbon fibers improve packing density, conductivity, and stiffness to prevent the body made thereof from swelling and decomposing, and the graphite flakes reduce friction in the mixture. An aqueous, non-fluorine-containing binder is used, along with a titanium negative substrate.

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 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. Heat generated by such rapid drain is absorbed by a heat absorbing material 151 such as an endothermic phase-change material like paraffin. 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.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cross-linked polysiloxane polymers having oligooxyethylene side chains. Lithium salts of these polymers can be synthesized as a liquid and then caused to solidify in the presence of elevated temperatures to provide a solid electrolyte useful in lithium batteries.

Abstract: A negative electrode for use in secondary battery with nonaqueous electrolyte having a high voltage and energy density and a superior cycle property, characterized in that the active material comprises composite carbon materials containing hard spherical particles, carbon fibers, and graphite flakes. The hard spheres provide structure to the composite, the carbon fibers improve packing density, conductivity, and stiffness to prevent the body made thereof from swelling and decomposing, and the graphite flakes reduce friction in the mixture. An aqueous, non-fluorine-containing binder is used, along with a titanium negative substrate.

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: 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.