Patents Examined by Jose Colucci Rios
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Patent number: 9312572Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides for an electrochemical cell comprising: a fuel electrode comprising a metal fuel, a second electrode, an ionically conductive medium communicating the electrodes, the ionically conductive medium comprising at least two different additives, wherein at least one additive is selected from the group consisting of: macroheterocyclic compounds, phosphonium salts, hetero-ionic compounds and their derivatives; and, at least one additive is selected from the group consisting of: macroheterocyclic compounds, phosphonium salts, hetero-ionic compounds, and their derivatives. The fuel electrode and the second electrode are operable in a discharge mode wherein the metal fuel is oxidized at the fuel electrode functioning as an anode, whereby electrons are generated for conduction from the fuel electrode to the second electrode via a load. An ionically conductive medium and methods of operating an electrochemical cell are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2014Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: FLUIDIC, INC.Inventors: Todd Trimble, Paul Johnson, Cody A. Friesen
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Patent number: 9299501Abstract: A method of producing an alkaline single ion conductor with high conductivity includes: a) providing a hydrocarbon oligomer or polymer having immobilized acidic substituent groups selected from the group consisting of a sulfonic acid group, sulfamide group, a phosphonic acid group, or a carboxy group, in its alkaline ion form wherein at least a part of the acidic protons of the substituent groups have been exchanged against alkali cations, and b) solvating the hydrocarbon oligomer or polymer of step a) in an aprotic polar solvent for a sufficient time to effect a solvent uptake of at least 5% by weight and to obtain a solvated product, wherein the molar ratio of solvent/alkaline cation is 1:1 to 10,000:1, and which solvated product has a conductivity of at least 10?5 S/cm at room temperature (24° C.).Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2011Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Wissenschaften e.V.Inventors: Annette Fuchs, Klaus-Dieter Kreuer, Joachim Maier, Andreas Wohlfarth
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Patent number: 9299969Abstract: A secondary battery including an electrode assembly; a case containing the electrode assembly; a cap plate sealing an opening of the case; a terminal plate electrically connected to the electrode assembly; an electrode terminal electrically connected to the terminal plate; and an insulation layer between the cap plate and the terminal plate and electrically insulating the cap plate and the terminal plate from each other, and the terminal plate includes a first metal layer connected to the electrode terminal, and a second metal layer on the first metal layer, the second metal layer being between the first metal layer and the insulation layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2012Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jiwon Yun
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Patent number: 9287565Abstract: A carbon black having a combination of properties with values in ranges selected to promote high conductivity, high hydrophobicity, and reduced outgassing in lead acid batteries while maintaining high charge acceptance and cycleability. The carbon black has a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area ranging from 100 m2/g to 1100 m2/g combined with one or more properties, e.g., a surface energy (SE) of 10 mJ/m2 or less, and/or a Raman microcrystalline planar size (La) of at least 22 ?, e.g., ranging from 22 ? to 50 ?. In some cases, the carbon black has a statistical thickness surface area (STSA) of at least 100 m2/g, e.g., ranging from 100 m2/g to 600 m2/g.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2013Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: Cabot CorporationInventors: Paolina Atanassova, Berislav Blizanac, Kenneth C. Koehlert, Geoffrey D. Moeser, Miodrag Oljaca, Yipeng Sun, Danny Pierre, Jeffrey S. Sawrey
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Patent number: 9287558Abstract: The invention relates to lithium-bearing iron phosphate in the form of micrometric mixed aggregates of nanometric particles, to an electrode and cell resulting therefrom and to the method for manufacturing same, which is characterized by a nanomilling step.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2013Date of Patent: March 15, 2016Assignee: PRAYONInventors: Sébastien Patoux, Sébastien Martinet, Sébastien Launois, Alain Gourgue, Alain Germeau, Isabelle Willems
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Patent number: 9276261Abstract: Provided are active materials for electrochemical cells. The active materials include silicon containing structures and treatment layers covering at least some surface of these structures. The treatment layers may include aminosilane, a poly(amine), and a poly(imine). These layers are used to increase adhesion of the structures to polymer binders within active material layers of the electrode. As such, when the silicon containing structures change their size during cycling, the bonds between the binder and the silicon containing structure structures or, more specifically, the bonds between the binder and the treatment layer are retained and cycling characteristics of the electrochemical cells are preserved. Also provided are electrochemical cells fabricated with such active materials and methods of fabricating these active materials and electrochemical cells.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2015Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Nexeon LimitedInventors: John Lahlouh, Klaus Joachim Dahl, Sarah Lynn Goertzen, Marie Kerlau
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Patent number: 9263715Abstract: A battery pack includes a casing having an opening, an engaging member having a stopper, and a regulating member configured to regulate a movement of the engaging member. The engaging member is supported in a slidable and rotatable manner relative to the casing, and is applied with a biasing force such that the stopper projects from the opening. The regulating member includes a contact portion configured to block a rotation of the engaging member and an operating portion configured to displace the contact portion to release a blocking of the rotation of the engaging member. When the operating portion is a non-operated state, the engaging member is slidable against the biasing force to retract the stopper. When the operating portion is in an operated state, the engaging member is rotatable against the biasing force to retract the stopper.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2012Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: MAX CO., LTD.Inventors: Terufumi Hamano, Akira Teranishi, Hajime Takemura, Keisuke Koitabashi
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Patent number: 9263721Abstract: An electrochemical storage device comprises a plurality of layer electrodes each including a first charged sector and a second charged sector. The plurality of layer electrodes are assembled with respect to each other such that the first charged sector of a first plate of the plurality of layer electrodes is laid below the second charged sector of a second plate of the plurality of layer electrodes located immediately above the first plate. The charges of the first charged sectors of the first and second plates have a first sign and the charges of the second charged sectors of the first and second plates have a second sign that is opposite the first sign. The device also comprises a separator sector located, and enabling ionic charge exchange, between the first charged sector of the first plate and the second charged sector of the second plate.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2012Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: Energy Power Systems LLCInventors: Subhash Dhar, William Koetting, Kwok Tom, Frank Martin, Jorge Espinel, Michael Nielson
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Patent number: 9257692Abstract: Disclosed is a flat battery which includes power generating element 18 accommodated in an inner space formed by sealing outer peripheral edges of package members 16 and 17, collector 11a, 13a connected to an electrode plate of power generating element 18 and an electrode tab 14, 15 taken out from the outer peripheral edges of package members 16 and 17. Electrode tab 14, 15 has conducting portion 151 overlapping and joined to collector 11a, 13a and stress relieving portion 152 formed of a material having higher elasticity than that of conducting portion 151. It is thus possible to prevent the occurrence of wrinkles in collector 11a, 13a or electrode tab 14, 15 and separations in weld joints due to a difference in expansion/contraction rate between collector 11a, 13a and electrode tab 14, 15.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2011Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Kumiko Takahashi
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Patent number: 9257691Abstract: A battery pack includes a plurality of battery units that are side by side along a first direction, a connection member that connects the battery units in series, in parallel, or in series and parallel, the connection member being adjacent to one surface of each battery unit of the plurality of battery units, an upper cap on and accommodating the connection member, upper portions of all of the battery units being inserted into the upper cap, a lower cap that is spaced apart from the upper cap by a predetermined gap, lower portions of all of the battery units being inserted into the lower cap, and a label that at least partially surrounds the battery units exposed between the upper cap and the lower cap. The upper cap and the lower cap fix an arrangement of the battery units.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2014Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.Inventors: Han-Jun Wang, Dae-Yon Moon, Hee-Youn Won
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Patent number: 9257730Abstract: A heater module (22L, 22R) of the present invention is provided along a heated surface (13CLa) of an object to be heated (13CL, 13CR). The heater module includes: a plate-like heater body (34) that faces the heated surface of the object to be heated; an L-shaped member (31) including a module main surface (31m) to which the plate-like heater body is provided, and a bent arm portion (31c) bent with respect to the module main surface; and a power source connection terminal (35) provided in the bent arm portion and connected to the plate-like heater body.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2012Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yukiko Kinoshita, Naoto Todoroki
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Patent number: 9252405Abstract: A secondary battery including a first electrode assembly, a second electrode assembly, a case accommodating the first and second electrode assemblies, a terminal part electrically connected to the first and second electrode assemblies, and exposed to an outside of the case, and a plurality of short circuit inducing members between the first electrode assembly and the case, between the second electrode assembly and the case, and between the first electrode assembly and the second electrode assembly.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2012Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: In Kim, Dukjung Kim, Joongheon Kim, Sookyoung Yoo, Hyungsik Kim, Zin Park
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Patent number: 9246153Abstract: A secondary battery is disclosed. In one aspect, the battery includes a bare cell having a substantially prismatic shape, a first terminal located in a first region of a first surface of the bare cell and a second terminal located in a second region of the first surface of the bare cell. The battery also includes a first insulation tape located between the bare cell and the first terminal, wherein the first insulation tape covers the first surface of the bare cell, and second and third surfaces of the bare cell extending in a direction that crosses the first surface of the bare cell. The battery also includes a second insulation tape located between the first insulation tape and the first terminal.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2014Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Byungkook Ahn, Daeyon Moon
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Patent number: 9240612Abstract: Electrochemical devices which incorporate cathode materials that include layered crystalline compounds for which a structural modification has been achieved which increases the diffusion rate of multi-valent ions into and out of the cathode materials. Examples in which the layer spacing of the layered electrode materials is modified to have a specific spacing range such that the spacing is optimal for diffusion of magnesium ions are presented. An electrochemical cell comprised of a positive intercalation electrode, a negative metal electrode, and a separator impregnated with a nonaqueous electrolyte solution containing multi-valent ions and arranged between the positive electrode and the negative electrode active material is described.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2013Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: PELLION TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventors: Robert Ellis Doe, Craig Michael Downie, Christopher Fischer, George Hamilton Lane, Dane Morgan, Josh Nevin, Gerbrand Ceder, Kristin Aslaug Persson, David Eaglesham
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Patent number: 9238597Abstract: Provided are methods for purifying N-methyliminodiacetic acid (MIDA) boronates from solution. Also provided are methods for deprotection of boronic acids from their MIDA ligands. The purification and deprotection methods can be used in conjunction with methods for coupling or otherwise reacting boronic acids. Iterative cycles of deprotection, coupling, and purification can be performed to synthesize chemical compounds of interest. The methods are suitable for use in an automated chemical synthesis process. Also provided is an automated small molecule synthesizer apparatus for performing automated synthesis of small molecules using iterative cycles of deprotection, coupling, and purification in accordance with methods of the invention.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2011Date of Patent: January 19, 2016Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of IllinoisInventors: Martin D. Burke, Eric P. Gillis, Steven G. Ballmer
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Patent number: 9236634Abstract: Described herein are materials for use in electrolytes that provide a number of desirable characteristics when implemented within batteries, such as high stability during battery cycling up to high temperatures, high voltages, high discharge capacity, high coulombic efficiency, and excellent retention of discharge capacity and coulombic efficiency over several cycles of charging and discharging. In some embodiments, a high voltage electrolyte includes a base electrolyte and a set of additive compounds, which impart these desirable performance characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2014Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: Wildcat Discorvery Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Gang Cheng, Bin Li, Steven Kaye
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Patent number: 9236627Abstract: A solid oxide redox flow battery is disclosed. The battery includes a solid oxide electrochemical cell integrated with a redox couple bed having a porous nanostructure with metal. The redox couple bed is configured to receive steam resulting in oxidation of the metal to produce hydrogen and the discharge of electricity from the battery. The redox couple bed in the discharged battery is further configured to receive hydrogen produced from the solid oxide electrochemical cell resulting in reduction of the metal oxide and recharge of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: University of South CarolinaInventors: Kevin Huang, Xue Li
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Patent number: 9231264Abstract: A hydrogen generator and a fuel cell system including a fuel cell battery and the hydrogen generator. The hydrogen generator includes a cartridge, a housing with a cavity to removably contain the cartridge, and an initiation system. The cartridge includes a casing; a plurality of pellets including a hydrogen containing material; a plurality of solid heat transfer members in contact with but not penetrating the casing; a hydrogen outlet in the casing; and a hydrogen flow path from each pellet to the hydrogen outlet. A plurality of heating elements is disposed inside the housing. When the cartridge is in the cavity, each heating element is disposed so heat can be conducted from the heating element and through the casing and corresponding heat transfer member to initiate the release of hydrogen gas. The initiation system can selectively heat one or more pellets to release hydrogen gas as needed.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2014Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Intelligent Energy, Inc.Inventors: Richard A. Langan, Jason L. Stimits, Chad E. Law, Russell H. Barton, Thomas J. Kmetich, Allison M. Fisher, Guanghong Zheng, Olen Vanderleeden
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Patent number: 9231280Abstract: A power storage apparatus, electric device, electric vehicle, and power system are disclosed. In an example embodiment, a power storage apparatus includes a battery block comprising a plurality of battery cells and an isolating unit that enables wireless information transfer regarding battery information of the battery block.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Yoshihiro Komatsu, Hidekazu Kikuchi, Koji Umetsu, Naoyuki Sugeno, Morihiko Sato
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Patent number: 9231269Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a non-aqueous electrolyte air battery with large discharge capacity and excellent rate characteristics. Disclosed is a non-aqueous electrolyte air battery including an air cathode, an anode and a non-aqueous electrolyte present between the air cathode and anode, wherein the non-aqueous electrolyte includes an ionic liquid as the solvent, the ionic liquid including bis(fluorosulfonyl)amide as the anion portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2011Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Shinji Nakanishi