Patents Examined by Jonathan Crepeau
  • Patent number: 10818943
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes: a turbine including a changing mechanism that adjusts a pressure difference between an upstream pressure and a downstream pressure of the turbine, the turbine recovering at least a part of energy of the cathode off-gas using the pressure difference and assisting driving of the motor with the recovered energy; and a control unit configured to drive the changing mechanism to increase or decrease the recovered energy. The control unit acquires a correlation temperature correlated with a temperature of the cathode off-gas discharged from the turbine and performs freezing avoidance control of not setting the degree of opening to be equal to or less than a predetermined degree of opening when the correlation temperature is lower than a predetermined threshold temperature at which the turbine is able to become frozen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yuichiro Hayase
  • Patent number: 10811696
    Abstract: A porous metal body including a skeleton having a three-dimensional mesh-like structure, the porous metal body having a plate-like overall shape. The skeleton has a hollow structure and includes a primary metal layer and at least one of a first microporous layer and a second microporous layer. The primary metal layer is composed of nickel or a nickel alloy. The first microporous layer contains nickel and chromium and is disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the primary metal layer. The second microporous layer contains nickel and chromium and is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the primary metal layer, the inner peripheral surface facing the hollow space of the skeleton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuki Okuno, Takahiro Higashino, Masatoshi Majima, Tomoyuki Awazu
  • Patent number: 10811682
    Abstract: To provide a cathode active material capable of obtaining a lithium ion secondary battery which has a high discharge capacity and of which a decrease of the discharge capacity when a charge and discharge cycle is repeatedly carried out is suppressed, a positive electrode for a lithium ion secondary battery, and a lithium ion secondary battery. A cathode active material comprising a lithium-containing composite oxide represented by the formula aLi(Li1/3Mn2/3)O2.(1?a)LiMO2 (wherein M is an element containing at least Ni and Mn, and 0<a<1), wherein in an X-ray diffraction pattern, the integral breadth of a peak of (110) plane assigned to a crystal structure with space group C2/m is at most 1.25 deg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventor: Tomohiro Sakai
  • Patent number: 10797368
    Abstract: A metal air battery system includes: a battery cell module configured to generate electricity by oxidation of a metal and reduction of oxygen; a plurality of air purification modules in fluid communication with the battery cell module; a compressed air supply unit configured to supply compressed air to the plurality of air purification modules; and a buffer tank disposed between the compressed air supply unit and the plurality of air purification modules, and configured to receive compressed air from the compressed air supply unit and to supply the compressed air to the plurality of air purification modules, wherein a bottom portion of the buffer tank includes a plurality of holes, and a hole of the plurality of holes corresponds to an inlet of an air purification module in the plurality of air purification modules, and the hole is directly connected to the corresponding inlet of the air purification module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jeongsik Ko, Hyukjae Kwon
  • Patent number: 10790492
    Abstract: A polyolefin microporous membrane has a variation range of F25 value in a longitudinal direction of 1 MPa or less; a thickness of 3 ?m or more and less than 7 ?m; and a length of 1,000 m or more (wherein the F25 value is a value obtained by measuring a load value applied to a test specimen when the test specimen is stretched by 25% using a tensile tester; and dividing the load value by a value of a cross-sectional area of a test specimen).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Naoki Mizuno, Masami Sugata
  • Patent number: 10790497
    Abstract: A method for making lithium ion battery anode includes: scrapping a carbon nanotube array to obtain a carbon nanotube source, and adding the carbon nanotube source into water to form a carbon nanotube dispersion; providing a transition metal nitrate, adding the transition metal nitrate to the carbon nanotube dispersion to form a mixture of a carbon nanotube floccule and a transition metal nitrate solution; freeze-drying the mixture of the carbon nanotube floccule and the transition metal nitrate solution under vacuum condition to form a lithium ion batter anode preform; and, heat-treating the lithium ion battery anode preform to form the lithium ion battery anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Feng Luo, Jia-Ping Wang, Kai-Li Jiang, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Patent number: 10790532
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack includes: a plurality of power generation cells stacked on top of each other; a dummy cell provided on at least one of both ends of the plurality of power generation cells, the dummy cell being configured not to generate electric power; and a reaction gas supply manifold extending through the plurality of power generation cells and the dummy cell. The dummy cell includes one or more dummy cell reaction gas introduction channels as a reaction gas introduction channel that introduces reaction gas from the reaction gas supply manifold to a center area of the dummy cell. At least one of the dummy cell reaction gas introduction channels is provided so as to connect to a bottom face at a lower side of the reaction gas supply manifold in a direction of gravitational force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyota Shatai Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Daisuke Kanno, Takenori Yamasaki, Atsushi Ida, Daisuke Hayashi, Shuji Kurita, Takashi Kondo, Keiji Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 10784539
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode assembly, including two or more positive electrode plates and two or more negative electrode plates laminated with each of separators interposed therebetween, wherein both side end portions of the electrode assembly are bent together in the same direction by a curvature radius (R) satisfying the following Equation 1: S[{1/ln(x/y)}*t]=R??1 wherein t is an average thickness (mm) of the laminated electrode assembly, x is a horizontal length of the electrode assembly, and y is a vertical length of the electrode assembly, and S is a constant of 10 or more, and ln(x/y)?1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Min Kyu You, Sung Joong Kang, Eun Kyung Mok, In Sung Uhm
  • Patent number: 10777804
    Abstract: Electrochemical cells or batteries featuring functional gradations, and having desirable, periodic configurations, and methods for making the same. One or more methods, in alone or in combination, are utilized to fabricate components of such electrochemical cells or batteries, which are designed to achieve certain thermal, mechanical, kinetic and spatial characteristics, and their effects, singly and in all possible combinations, on battery performance. The thermal characteristics relate to temperature distribution during charge and discharge processes. The kinetic characteristics relate to rate performance of the cells or batteries such as the ionic diffusion process and electron conduction. The mechanical characteristics relate to lifetime and efficiency of the cells or batteries such as the strength and moduli of the component materials. Finally, the spatial characteristics relate to the energy and power densities, stress and temperature mitigation mechanisms, and diffusion and conduction enhancements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Sakti3, Inc.
    Inventors: Ann Marie Sastry, Fabio Albano, Chia-Wei Wang
  • Patent number: 10777846
    Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing a needle-like sulfide-based solid electrolyte. The method may include: preparing a solid electrolyte admixture comprising an organic solvent, Li2S, P2S5, and LiCl; synthesizing a solid electrolyte by stirring the solid electrolyte admixture at a temperature of about 30 to 60° C. for about 22 to 26 hours; first stirring the solid electrolyte at a speed of about 80 to 120 rpm for about 5 to 10 minutes; after the first stirring, second stirring the first stirred solid electrolyte at a speed of about 250 to 300 rpm; vacuum-drying the second stirred solid electrolyte for about 12 to 24 hours; and heat-treating the vacuum-dried solid electrolyte at a temperature of about 350 to 550° C. for about 1 to 5 hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, IUCF-HYU (Industry-University Cooperation Foundation Hanyang University)
    Inventors: Oh Min Kwon, Yong Sub Yoon, Sung Woo Noh, Seung Hyun Oh, Sun Ho Choi, Dong Wook Shin, Chan Hwi Park
  • Patent number: 10770735
    Abstract: An object of the invention is a protection method of solid oxide cells, in which method is arranged gas flows in the cell by at least two cell structure plates made of metal. In the method is formed metal oxide material on metallic structure from liquid precursor containing at least metal ions and at least one of organic and inorganic compounds fed into thermal flame having average gas velocity over 200 m/s.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: ELCOGEN OY
    Inventors: Jouni Puranen, Juha-Pekka Nikkanen, Mikko Kylmälahti
  • Patent number: 10756361
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell stack is disclosed having a plurality of stacked planar electrochemical cell modules, a first end plate at a first end of the stacked planar modules, and a second end plate at a second end of the stacked planar modules. Also included in the stack is an intermediate planar module disposed between adjacent electrochemical cells in the stack. In some aspects, the intermediate module includes a cavity disposed internally within the intermediate module that is in fluid communication with a fluid source at a pressure higher than the operating pressure of the electrochemical cell stack on either side of the intermediate module. In some aspects, the electrochemical cell stack includes an electrically conductive process liquid in fluid communication with a plurality of electrochemical cells in the stack, and the intermediate planar module includes an electrically non-conductive channel in fluid communication with the electrically conductive process liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: SKYRE, INC.
    Inventor: Mark E. Dristy
  • Patent number: 10749152
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing apparatus for a secondary battery, which seals a sealing part of a case in which an electrode assembly and an electrolyte are accommodated, and the sealing apparatus comprises a sealing member comprising a first sealing piece and a second sealing piece, which thermally fuse a surface of the sealing part to seal the sealing part, wherein the first sealing piece and the second sealing piece comprise a plurality of thermal fusion parts, which are disposed from an outer end of a surface of the sealing part toward an inner end that is opposite to the outer end to thermally fuse the surface of the sealing part, and non-thermal fusion parts, which are disposed between the plurality of thermal fusion parts and do not seal the surface of the sealing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang Kyun Lee, Cha Hun Ku
  • Patent number: 10741806
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure relief element (11) to be used as an overpressure safety means in devices where a gaseous medium must be rapidly released in case of overpressure, wherein the pressure relief element (11) has at least one notch (9) which is designed as a predetermined breaking point where the pressure relief element (11) breaks at a certain level of overpressure, thereby irreversibly opening an exhaust path for the gaseous medium. The present invention also relates to a pressure relief device of an electrochemical battery, comprising such a pressure relief element and a battery comprising such a pressure relief device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: CLARIOS ADVANCED SOLUTIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Ralf Joswig, Martin Wiegmann, Helge Brenner, Markus Hoh, Kevin Chladek
  • Patent number: 10727513
    Abstract: A fuel cell module includes a fuel cell stack configured to produce an electrical output, power electronics circuitry configured to convert the electrical output of the fuel cell stack into a regulated output of the fuel cell module, module control electronics circuitry configured for communications within the fuel cell module and further configured for communications with master control electronics circuitry external to the fuel cell module, and a structure configured to connect together the fuel cell stack, the power electronics circuitry and the module control electronics circuitry as part of the fuel cell module that is unitary, and further configured for the unitary fuel cell module to be insertable as a unit into a multi-module system chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignees: WATT Fuel Cell Corp., Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Steven Robert Knight, Caine Finnerty, Paul Dewald
  • Patent number: 10727525
    Abstract: A lithium ion battery including a core-shell structured fire extinguishing particle is disclosed. When the battery is overheated to a predetermined temperature, a shell of the fire extinguishing particle coated on one surface or both surfaces of a porous separator is melted, a fire extinguishing material disposed in an inner space of the shell is released into an electrolytic solution of the battery, and as a result, it is possible to prevent the battery from being ignited or exploded even though the battery is overheated. Further, the melted shell clogs pores of the porous separator to block lithium ions from moving, such that the battery is blocked from being driven, thereby preventing the battery from being overheated any more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION, THE INDUSTRY & ACADEMIC COOPERATION IN CHUNGNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Ki Seok Koh, Yeol Mae Yeo, Jung Je Woo, Seung Min Oh, Yoon Sung Lee, Kyung Jin Lee, Hyo Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 10727490
    Abstract: A battery according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first electrode layer, a first counter electrode layer being a counter electrode of the first electrode layer, a first solid electrolyte layer located between the first electrode layer and the first counter electrode layer, and a first heat-conducting layer including a first region containing a heat-conducting material. The first region is located between the first electrode layer and the first solid electrolyte layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Izuru Sasaki
  • Patent number: 10720626
    Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods enable efficient and reliable positioning, assembly, retention, interconnection, and management of battery cells in battery packs, for example battery packs utilized in electric vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Romeo Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Porter Harris, Kenneth Kawanishi, W. Hunter Greene, Robert Wesley Thibault, Arun Gunasekaran
  • Patent number: 10720625
    Abstract: A lithium-sulfur battery separator includes a PSL and a FL. The FL is located on a surface of the PSL. The FL comprises carbon nanotube structure and a plurality of MoP2 nanoparticles. The carbon nanotube structure defines a plurality of micropores. The plurality of MoP2 nanoparticles is located on surface of the carbon nanotube structure and filled in micropores in the carbon nanotube structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Feng Luo, Jia-Ping Wang, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Patent number: 10720640
    Abstract: Provided in one embodiment is an electrochemical cell, comprising: (i) a plurality of electrodes, comprising a fuel electrode that comprises aluminum and an air electrode that absorbs gaseous oxygen, the electrodes being operable in a discharge mode wherein the aluminum is oxidized at the fuel electrode and oxygen is reduced at the air electrode, and (ii) an ionically conductive medium, comprising an organic solvent; wherein during non-use of the cell, the organic solvent promotes formation of a protective interface between the aluminum of the fuel electrode and the ionically conductive medium, and wherein at an onset of the discharge mode, at least some of the protective interface is removed from the aluminum to thereafter permit oxidation of the aluminum during the discharge mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ACTING FOR AND ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Cody A. Friesen, Jose Antonio Bautista Martinez