Patents Examined by Jacob Marks
  • Lithium ion secondary battery
    Patent number: 9153817
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lithium ion secondary battery including: a positive electrode including a positive electrode active material layer comprising a positive electrode active material capable of absorbing and releasing lithium ions, and a positive electrode current collector; a negative electrode including a negative electrode active material layer comprising an alloy-formable active material, and a negative electrode current collector; a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode active material layer has an easily swellable resin having a degree of swelling with the non-aqueous electrolyte of 20% or more, and the negative electrode active material layer has a hardly swellable resin having a degree of swelling with the non-aqueous electrolyte of less than 20%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tatsuki Hiraoka, Taisuke Yamamoto, Katsumi Kashiwagi, Masaya Ugaji
  • Battery cover for a high voltage automotive battery
    Patent number: 9153810
    Abstract: A cover for a battery module having a plurality of battery cells arranged in a stacked configuration includes a non-conductive main body having a plurality of spaced apart recessed regions formed therein and a plurality of electrically conductive connectors, each of the connectors disposed in one of the recessed regions and coupled to the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Roger M. Brisbane
  • Passive fuel cell assembly
    Patent number: 9153829
    Abstract: A passive fuel cell assembly including a membrane electrode assembly, an anode current collector, a cathode current collector, a hydrophilic and gas-impermeable layer, and a gas-liquid separation layer is provided. The anode current collector and the cathode current collector are disposed at two opposite sides of the membrane electrode assembly. The hydrophilic and gas-impermeable layer is disposed on the anode current collector. The gas-liquid separation layer is disposed on the hydrophilic and gas-impermeable layer, such that the hydrophilic and gas-impermeable layer is disposed between the gas-liquid separation layer and the anode current collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Ku-Yen Kang, Ching-Jung Liu, Chun-Ho Tai, Chiou-Chu Lai
  • Lithium ion conductive composite electrolyte and lithium ion secondary battery using same
    Patent number: 9153840
    Abstract: Provided is a lithium ion conductive composite electrolyte that can prevent leakage of electrolyte solution, and that have excellent cycle performance and lithium ion conductivity, and a lithium ion secondary battery. A lithium ion conductive composite electrolyte 1 is formed so that a lithium ion conductive polymer gel electrolyte is held in a porous body 2 formed from lithium ion conductive inorganic solid electrolyte particles and an organic polymer. The lithium ion conductive inorganic solid electrolyte particles are formed from a composite metal oxide that has a garnet structure, and is represented by the chemical formula Li7?yLa3?xAxZr2?yMyO12 (wherein 0?x?3, 0?y ?2, A is one of Y, Nd, Sm, and Gd, and M is Nb or Ta). A lithium ion secondary battery 11 includes the lithium ion conductive composite electrolyte 1 between a positive electrode 12 and a negative electrode 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuki Saimen, Yuki Ito, Yuji Isogai
  • Fuel cell system and method of controlling rotation speed of compressor
    Patent number: 9153827
    Abstract: Even when the atmospheric pressure is lowered, a sufficient amount of oxidant gas is supplied to a fuel cell without causing any failure in a compressor. A control unit judges whether or not both the following conditions are satisfied: the accelerator opening degree detected by an accelerator opening degree sensor is equal to or larger than a predetermined opening degree; and the state where the atmospheric pressure detected by a pressure sensor is equal to or lower than a predetermined pressure value has been maintained for a predetermined time period or longer. If the judgment result is positive, the control unit changes the maximum rotation speed permitted in the compressor from a normal maximum rotation speed to an increased maximum rotation speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tetsuya Bono
  • Secondary battery
    Patent number: 9153813
    Abstract: A secondary battery including a pouch; an electrode assembly in the pouch, the electrode assembly comprising a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate and a separator between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate; and a first electrode tab and a second electrode tab extending from the electrode assembly, wherein a portion of at least one of the first electrode tab or the second electrode tab protruding from the pouch is non-planar along its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hoseong Kim
  • Secondary battery
    Patent number: 9153802
    Abstract: A battery cover adapted for correct assembly on a battery is disclosed. The battery cover has an outer surface including a longitudinal centerline and a transverse centerline perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline. A first bushing is provided having an aperture with a first dimension that mates with a corresponding first dimension of a positive cast-on-strap post. A second bushing is also provided having a second dimension that mates with a corresponding second dimension of a negative cast-on-strap post. The first bushing and second bushing are carried by the battery cover and positioned on opposite sides of the longitudinal and transverse centerlines. A secondary battery is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Glenn W. Andersen, Edward L. Hams, Edward C. Frelka
  • Battery pack with a heat dissipation structure
    Patent number: 9153850
    Abstract: A battery pack with a heat dissipation structure comprises two battery modules, four heat dissipation elements, and four spacing sleeves that are combined by four screws. The four heat dissipation elements and the four spacing sleeves are disposed between the two battery modules. The dissipation elements are in direct contact with the respective battery modules, so that the heat of the respective battery module will be conducted to the heat dissipation plates then dissipated into the air through the heat dissipation fins of the heat dissipation plates. Between the two battery modules is formed a heat dissipation channel, which can avoid the heat accumulation due to direct contact of the two battery modules while allowing the hot air in the heat dissipation channel to be exchanged to the cool air outside the battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: ENERGY CONTROL LIMITED
    Inventor: Donald P. H. Wu
  • Active material for battery, non-aqueous electrolyte battery and battery pack
    Patent number: 9150425
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an active material for a battery includes a titanium composite oxide. The titanium composite oxide contains a monoclinic ?-type titanium composite oxide as its main phase and has a ratio (A2/A1) which is 0.4 or less, where A1 is an area intensity of a first peak existing in a frequency range of 105 cm?1 to 133 cm?1 and A2 is an area intensity of a second peak existing in a frequency range of 134 cm?1 to 154 cm?1 on a Raman spectrum measured using an argon laser having a wavelength of 514.5 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Hiroki Inagaki, Wen Zhang, Yasuhiro Harada, Keigo Hoshina, Yuki Otani, Norio Takami
  • Rechargeable battery
    Patent number: 9147870
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery having excellent heat resistance, pressure resistance, and airtightness is provided by using a crimping technique to connect a metal exterior body and an electrode terminal. The rechargeable battery comprises an electrode group which includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode; an exterior container which includes an exterior canister for housing the electrode group, and a sealing plate for sealing an open part of the exterior canister; a pair of electrode terminals crimp-joined to the exterior container from inside the exterior container; and an electrolyte solution filled into the exterior container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Tsukuda, Kazuo Yamada, Kazuya Sakashita, Yuki Watanabe
  • In-vehicle fuel cell system
    Patent number: 9147897
    Abstract: A fuel cell system mounted in a vehicle includes a fuel cell stack, a coolant supply mechanism, and a fuel gas supply mechanism. The coolant supply mechanism includes a coolant supply pipe and a coolant discharge pipe, provided on a front side in a traveling direction of the vehicle, relative to the fuel cell stack. The fuel gas supply mechanism includes a fuel gas supply pipe, provided on a rear side in the traveling direction, relative to the fuel cell stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunori Fukuma, Kenji Nagumo, Takaharu Sato
  • Secondary battery
    Patent number: 9147863
    Abstract: A secondary battery, including a bare cell, a protective circuit module (PCM) disposed on a top surface of the bare cell, the PCM comprising an external terminal a top surface thereof, and a printed circuit board (PCB) terminal disposed on the external terminal, the PCB terminal being electrically connected to the external terminal and an external device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seok Koh, Youngcheol Jang, Kyungho Park
  • Microporous films, methods for their production, and applications thereof
    Patent number: 9147868
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microporous membrane having a relatively low heat shrinkage values along planar axes of the membrane. The invention also relates to a battery separator formed by such microporous membrane, and a battery comprising such a separator. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for making the multi-layer, microporous polyolefin membrane, a method for making a battery using such a membrane as a separator, and a method for using such a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Toray Battery Separator Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Ishihara, Kohtaro Kimishima
  • Rechargeable battery
    Patent number: 9147869
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly that undergoes charging and discharging; a case containing the electrode assembly; a terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly and protruding from an interior of the case to an exterior of the case; a lead tab electrically connecting the terminal and the electrode assembly; and an insulating pack that insulates the electrode assembly from the case, the electrode assembly being disposed in the insulating pack and the insulating pack being disposed in the case, the insulating pack including one or more indentation portions formed at one edge and one or more grooves positioned to correspond to the indentation portion and insertion-coupled to the indentation portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignees: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD., ROBERT BOSCH GmbH
    Inventor: Jong-Seok Moon
  • Electrode catalyst for fuel cell, method of preparing the same, membrane electrode assembly, and fuel cell including the same
    Patent number: 9147886
    Abstract: An electrode catalyst for a fuel cell, the electrode catalyst including a catalyst particle including palladium, gallium, and cerium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignees: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD., KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Chan-ho Pak, Seon-ah Jin, Sung-hyeon Park, Seong-ihi Woo, Chang-hyuck Choi
  • Jet fuel based high pressure solid oxide fuel cell system
    Patent number: 9118054
    Abstract: A power system for an aircraft includes a solid oxide fuel cell system which generates electric power for the aircraft and an exhaust stream; and a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the exhaust stream of the solid oxide fuel cell to a heat requiring system or component of the aircraft. The heat can be transferred to fuel for the primary engine of the aircraft. Further, the same fuel can be used to power both the primary engine and the SOFC. A heat exchanger is positioned to cool reformate before feeding to the fuel cell. SOFC exhaust is treated and used as inerting gas. Finally, oxidant to the SOFC can be obtained from the aircraft cabin, or exterior, or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Mallika Gummalla, Jean Yamanis, Benoit Olsommer, Zissis Dardas, Robert Bayt, Hari Srinivasan, Arindam Dasgupta, Larry Hardin
  • Safety shutdown separators
    Patent number: 9070954
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to electrochemical cells which comprise (a) an anode; (b) a cathode; (c) a solid porous separator, such as a polyolefin, xerogel, or inorganic oxide separator; and (d) a nonaqueous electrolyte, wherein the separator comprises a porous membrane having a microporous coating comprising polymer particles which have not coalesced to form a continuous film. This microporous coating on the separator acts as a safety shutdown layer that rapidly increases the internal resistivity and shuts the cell down upon heating to an elevated temperature, such as 110° C. Also provided are methods for increasing the safety of an electrochemical cell by utilizing such separators with a safety shutdown layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Optodot Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Allen Carlson, Ifenna Kingsley Anakor, Greg Robert Farrell
  • Rechargeable fuel cell
    Patent number: 9065128
    Abstract: A device and method of forming a power generator includes a container, a fuel cell stack within the container, a metal hydride hydrogen producing fuel within the container, wherein the fuel cell stack is sandwiched between the container and an anode support surrounding the fuel and in close thermal contact with the fuel. The fuel cell stack has a cathode electrode for exposure to oxygen and an anode electrode for exposure to hydrogen. A cathode is electrically coupled to the cathode electrode of the fuel cell stack and supported by the container such that at least a portion of it is exposed on an outside of the container. An anode is electrically coupled to the anode electrode of the fuel cell stack and supported by the container such that at least a portion of it is exposed on the outside of the container spaced apart from the exposed cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Steven J. Eickhoff
  • Indirect internal reforming solid oxide fuel cell and method for shutting down the same
    Patent number: 9040206
    Abstract: Provided is a method for shutting down an indirect internal reforming SOFC, in which a hydrocarbon-based fuel is reliably reformed, and the oxidative degradation of the anode can be prevented by a reformed gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: JX NIPPON OIL & ENERGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Susumu Hatada
  • Fuel cell stack used as coolant heater
    Patent number: 9034530
    Abstract: A system and method for increasing the temperature of a fuel cell stack quickly, especially at cold stack start-up. The method includes determining whether the fuel cell stack is below a first predetermined temperature threshold, and, if so, starting a cooling fluid flow through the stack and engaging a shorting circuit across the stack to short circuit the stack and cause the stack to operate inefficiently. The method then determines a desired heating rate of the fuel cell stack and calculates a cathode airflow to the fuel cell stack based on the desired heating rate. The method reduces the flow of cathode air to the stack if a minimum cell voltage is below a predetermined minimum cell voltage threshold and disengages the shorting circuit and applies vehicle loads to the stack when the stack temperature reaches a predetermined second temperature threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Derek R Lebzelter, Balasubramanian Lakshmanan, Frederick T. Wagner