Patents Examined by Amanda J Barrow
  • Patent number: 10978715
    Abstract: An innovative fuel cell system with MEAs includes a polymer electrolyte membrane, a gas diffusion layer (GDL) made of porous metal foam, and a catalyst layer. A fuel cell has a metal foam layer that improves efficiency and lifetime of the conventional gas diffusion layer, which consists of both gas diffusion barrier (GDB) and microporous layer (MPL). This metal foam GDL enables consistent maintenance of the suitable structure and even distribution of pores during the operation. Due to the combination of mechanical and physical properties of metallic foam, the fuel cell is not deformed by external physical strain. Among many other processing methods of open-cell metal foams, ice-templating provides a cheap, easy processing route suitable for mass production. Furthermore, it provides well-aligned and long channel pores, which improve gas and water flow during the operation of the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: CellMobility, Inc.
    Inventors: Yong-Hun Cho, Hyelim Choi, Ok-Hee Kim, Yung-Eun Sung, Heeman Choe
  • Patent number: 10978748
    Abstract: A lithium or sodium battery includes a cathode containing manganese; an anode containing an active anode material; a separator; an electrolyte; and a transition metal ion sequestration agent; wherein the transition metal ion sequestration agent contains a micron or nano-sized inorganic compound and the transition metal ion sequestration agent is located on and/or within the separator; on and/or within the anode; in the electrolyte; or any combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: UCHICAGO ARGONNE, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel R. Vissers, Khalil Amine, Zonghai Chen, Ujjal Das
  • Patent number: 10978683
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing n battery cells (n?2), each including a respective reference electrode for measuring a relative electrode potential, including: (i) manufacturing a reference cell composed of an electrolyte solution, the reference electrodes, and a lithium electrode; (ii) charging the reference cell; (iii) charging the reference cell to 40% to 60% of a capacity discharged in the process (ii), thereby performing formation on the reference electrodes; (iv) manufacturing the n battery cells, each of the battery cells including a respective one of the reference electrodes, an electrode assembly, the electrolyte solution and a battery case; and (v) in each of the battery cells, measuring a relative potential of the respective one of the reference electrodes and a positive electrode of the respective electrode assembly, and a relative potential of the respective one of the reference electrodes and a negative electrode of the respective electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Inventors: Ji Won Min, Sun Hwak Woo, Seok Koo Kim, Sei Woon Oh, Eun Ju Lee
  • Patent number: 10971745
    Abstract: A fuel cell reversal event is diagnosed by integrating current density via a controller in response to determine an accumulated charge density. The controller executes a control action when the accumulated charge density exceeds a threshold, including recording a diagnostic code indicative of event severity. The control action may include continuing stack operation at reduced power capability when the accumulated charge density exceeds a first threshold and shutting off the stack when the accumulated charge density exceeds a higher second threshold. The event may be detected by calculating a voltage difference between an average and a minimum cell voltage, and then determining if the difference exceeds a voltage difference threshold. The charge density thresholds may be adjusted based on age, state of health, and/or temperature of the fuel cell or stack. A fuel cell system includes the stack and controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Manish Sinha, Jingxin Zhang, Andrew J. Maslyn
  • Patent number: 10971707
    Abstract: A method for producing a laminated all-solid-state battery 100, including: housing an all-solid-state battery laminate 15, having one or more all-solid-state unit cells, in a casing 20 composed of a laminated film 21, the one or more all-solid-state unit cells obtained by laminating a negative electrode current collector layer having a negative electrode current collector tab 1a, a negative electrode active material layer, a solid electrolyte layer, a positive electrode active material layer and a positive electrode current collector layer having a positive electrode current collector tab 5a in this order, pressing the all-solid-state battery laminate 15 housed in the casing 20 in the direction of lamination from outside the casing 20, injecting a filler into the casing 20 while maintaining pressure, and sealing the casing 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuhito Kato
  • Patent number: 10938009
    Abstract: A first separator (130) covers a first surface of a cathode electrode (110). The first separator (130) has a melting point of a first temperature. A second separator (140) covers a second surface of the cathode electrode (110). The second separator (140) has a melting point of a second temperature higher than the first temperature. An adhesive layer (132) is formed by melting a portion of the first separator (130). The adhesive layer (132) pastes the first separator (130) and the second separator (140) to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Envision AESC Energy Devices Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihiro Modeki
  • Patent number: 10930907
    Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of cylindrical batteries, a wiring board, a plurality of positive electrode-side current collector members, and a plurality of negative electrode-side current collector members. The wiring board is a wiring board having a multilayer structure in which wiring patterns are formed in a plurality of layers, and includes a positive electrode-side wiring pattern and a negative electrode-side wiring pattern. The respective wiring patterns are formed as different layers of the wiring board. Each positive electrode-side current collector member electrically connects a sealing body functioning as a positive electrode external terminal of each cylindrical battery and the positive electrode-side wiring pattern. Each negative electrode-side current collector member electrically connects a case body functioning as a negative electrode external terminal of each cylindrical battery and the negative electrode-side wiring pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jiro Muratsu, Chifumi Murayama
  • Patent number: 10923754
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymer blend proton exchange membrane comprising a soluble polymer and a sulfonated polymer, wherein the soluble polymer is at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polysulfone, polyethersulfone and polyvinylidene fluoride, the sulfonated polymer is at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of sulfonated poly(ether-ether-ketone), sulfonated poly(ether-ketone-ether-ketone-ketone), sulfonated poly(phthalazinone ether keton), sulfonated phenolphthalein poly(ether sulfone), sulfonated polyimides, sulfonated polyphosphazene and sulfonated polybenzimidazole, and wherein the degree of sulfonation of the sulfonated polymer is in the range of 96% to 118%. The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing the polymer blend proton exchange membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: BEIJING PU NENG CENTURY SCI & TECH CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Mianyan Huang, Yanling Zhao, Linlin Li
  • Patent number: 10923690
    Abstract: A refined microcrystalline electrode manufacturing method is provided. The refined microcrystalline electrode manufacturing method includes the following step. First, an active material electrode layer is subjected to a conventional thermal annealing (CTA) process in an oxygen-containing environment at a first temperature interval to form an active material crystallization precursor; the active material crystallization precursor is subjected to a rapid thermal annealing (RTA) process in the oxygen-containing environment at a second temperature interval to form an active material coating layer with uniformly distributed fine microcrystal grains, wherein the temperature range of the second temperature interval is greater than the temperature range of the first temperature interval. In addition, a thin film battery and a thin film battery manufacturing method are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH, ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL, EXECUTIVE YUAN, R.O.C
    Inventors: Tien-Hsiang Hsueh, Yuh-Jenq Yu, Chi-Hung Su, Der-Jun Jan
  • Patent number: 10886563
    Abstract: A polymer solid electrolyte having high ion conductivity and interfacial stability is provided. An additive including an organic compound having a highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy of ?8.5 eV or higher is used, which facilitates film formation in a positive electrode due to low oxidation potential. The resulting polymer solid electrolytes have enhanced film formation on the surface of a positive electrode surface and enhanced interfacial stability, while maintaining battery performance. Lithium secondary battery having enhanced performance are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Seungha Kim, Youngcheol Choi, Jonghyun Chae, Kyoung Hoon Kim, Yeonju Lee, Daeil Kim, Lucia Kim
  • Patent number: 10862124
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a conducting material composition which is allowed to provide an electrode having a higher content of uniformly dispersed carbon nanotubes, thereby providing a lithium rechargeable batteryelectrode having more improved electrical characteristics and life characteristics, a slurry composition for forming a lithium rechargeable batteryelectrode using the same, and a lithium rechargeable battery. The conducting material composition includes carbon nanotube; and a dispersing agent including a plurality of polyaromatic hydrocarbon oxides, in which the dispersing agent contains the polyaromatic hydrocarbon oxides having a molecular weight of 300 to 1000 in an amount of 60% by weight or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Inventors: Kwon Nam Sohn, Kil Sun Lee, Won Jong Kwon, Byung Hun Oh, Su Jin Park, In Young Kim
  • Patent number: 10854904
    Abstract: Disclosed are a polymer electrolyte membrane, a method for manufacturing the same and a membrane-electrode assembly comprising the same, the polymer electrolyte membrane includes a hydrocarbon-containing ion conductive layer; and a fluorine-containing ion conductor discontinuously dispersed on the hydrocarbon-containing ion conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: KOLON INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Moo Seok Lee, Yong Cheol Shin, Na Young Kim, Dong Hoon Lee
  • Patent number: 10826112
    Abstract: A negative electrode active material includes a carbon material; a plurality of first particles including a first silicon oxide particle and a carbon layer and a plurality of second particles including a carbon particle and a second silicon oxide particle, and when a first mass of the first silicon oxide particle per gram of the negative electrode active material is referred to as M1 gram, and a second mass of the second silicon oxide particle per gram of the negative electrode active material is referred to as M2 grams, 0.40?M1/(M1+M2)?0.85 is satisfied, and when a first discharge capacity associated with the carbon material and the carbon particle is referred to as CpC, and a second discharge capacity associated with the first silicon oxide particle and the second silicon oxide particle is referred to as CpSO, 0.15?CpSO/(CpC+CpSO)?0.5 is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Matsushita, Masaki Kuratsuka
  • Patent number: 10818441
    Abstract: An energy storage device can have a first graphite film, a second graphite film and an electrode divider ring between the first graphite film and the second graphite film, forming a sealed enclosure. The energy storage device may be compatible with an aqueous electrolyte or a non-aqueous electrolyte. A method of forming an energy storage device can include providing an electrode divider ring, a first graphite film and a second graphite film. The method can include pressing a first edge of the electrode divider ring into a surface of the first graphite film, and pressing a second opposing edge of the electrode divider ring into a surface of the second graphite film to form a sealed enclosure. The sealed enclosure may have as opposing surfaces the surface of the first graphite film and the surface of the second graphite film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: Maxwell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Porter Mitchell, Thomas J. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 10811670
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrode for a lithium secondary battery having reinforced safety is provided. In some embodiments, the method includes spraying a first mixture on a surface of an active material layer to form an insulating layer, wherein the insulating layer is a porous film and consists of a polymer or consists of the polymer and a first binder material, spraying a second mixture on the insulating layer to form a safety reinforcing layer, wherein the safety reinforcing layer consists of the second binder material and the inorganic oxide, and spraying a third mixture comprising microfilaments and a third binder material on the safety reinforcing layer to form an impregnation property improving layer, wherein a weight ratio of the microfilaments to the third binder material ranges from 10:90 to 30:70, and wherein the microfilaments have diameters of 0.1 to 10 ?m and lengths of 50 to 500 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Oh Byong Chae, Su Min Lee, Eun Kyung Kim, Sun Young Shin
  • Patent number: 10804505
    Abstract: A battery pack includes a cell group, a bus bar and a terminal member. The cell group includes a plurality of unit cells stacked in a thickness direction. Each of the unit cells includes a battery main body having a power generation element and a flat shape, and an electrode tab protruding out from the battery main body and arranged along a stacking direction. The bus bar is joined to the electrode tabs and electrically connects the electrode tabs. The terminal member is joined to the bus bar to transfer input and output of electric power in the cell group. The terminal member is joined to the bus bar at a terminal joining position that is spaced away from a joining position between the bus bar and the electrode tabs when viewing a surface on which the electrode tabs are arranged from a direction that is orthogonal to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Envision AESC Japan Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Nakai, Yasuhiro Yanagihara
  • Patent number: 10727535
    Abstract: Electrochemical cells that cycle lithium ions are provided. The electrochemical cells have an electrode that includes a silicon-containing electroactive material that undergoes volumetric expansion and contraction during the cycling of the electrochemical cell; and an electrolyte system that promotes passive formation of a flexible protective layer comprising a lithium fluoride-polymer composite on one or more exposed surface regions of the silicon-containing electroactive material. The electrolyte system includes a lithium salt, at least one cyclic carbonate, and two or more linear carbonates. At least one of the two or more linear carbonate-containing co-solvents is a fluorinated carbonate-containing co-solvent. The electrolyte system accommodates the volumetric expansion and contraction of the silicon-containing electroactive material to promote long term cycling stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Li Yang, Mei Cai, Peng Lu, Fang Dai
  • Patent number: 10727470
    Abstract: A battery terminal having a post-engaging portion configured to receive a battery post. The post-engaging portion has an arcuate portion having a first portion, a second portion and a slot separating the first portion from the second portion. Wherein in response to the lever being moved toward a closed position, the first portion and second portion are subjected to a tensile force, causing the first portion and the second portion to elongate while not exceeding the yield strength of the first portion and the second portion generating stored energy in the first portion and the second portion. The stored energy results in a constant normal force being applied by the first portion and the second portion of to the battery post to provide and maintain a gastight electrical contact interface between the first portion and the second portion and the battery post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: TYCO ELECTRONICS BRASIL LTDA.
    Inventors: Joannes Willem Maria Roosdorp, Fabio Fortunato Christiano
  • Patent number: 10720682
    Abstract: An encapsulation structure for preventing thermal damage to a battery includes a cooling module air guide formed on a front outer peripheral surface of a cooling module so as to protrude in a forward direction of a vehicle; an outside air line communicating with the cooling module air guide such that outside air flowing into the cooling module air guide is introduced through the outside air line; and a battery case formed to enclose the battery. The battery case communicates with the outside air line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Dang-Hee Park, Yong-Beom Park, Bong-Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 10714721
    Abstract: The present invention provides a secondary battery including: a housing, the housing being provided with an explosion proof valve at a bottom thereof, a cell pallet received in the housing and located at a bottom of the housing, the cell pallet being provided with a first through-hole and at least one groove, the first through-hole being aligned with the explosion proof valve and extending through the cell pallet to communicate a space above the cell pallet and a space below the cell pallet, the at least one groove being provided on an upper surface and/or a lower surface of the cell pallet, and the first through-hole communicating with at least one side edge of the cell pallet through the at least one groove; a bare cell received in the housing and seated on the cell pallet; and a top cover assembled to a top side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited
    Inventors: Quankun Li, Pinghua Deng, Peng Wang, Kai Wu, Yongshou Lin