Patents Examined by Prince Willis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5478666
    Abstract: High temperature molten salt electrochemical cells that are economic are e using an alkali metal intercalated petroleum coke as the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Edward J. Plichta, Wishvender K. Behl
  • Patent number: 5478664
    Abstract: A method of recovering a reusable metal from a nickel-hydrogen rechargeable battery characterized in that the method comprises crushing the nickel-hydrogen rechargeable battery to obtain a crushed material, separating alkali, organic substances and iron from the crushed material to obtain a separated component from which at least the alkali, organic substances and iron are separated, obtaining the reusable metal to be recovered as an oxide from the separated component by calcination, and processing the oxide by a molten salt electrolysis method with an electrolytic molten salt bath. According to this method for recovery, electrode materials effective for nickel-hydrogen rechargeable batteries and the like can be recovered efficiently and in a large amount in lower cost compared to the ordinary separation, purification and refining utilizing chemical processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Santoku Metal Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihito Kaneko, Nobuyuki Kitazume, Chikara Okada
  • Patent number: 5478677
    Abstract: A battery separator for tubular positive electrodes composed of a microporous, composite sheet product having first and second major surface, formed from a uniform mixture of a polymer, a filler, a processing aid a porous form stable layer at least partially embedded in either the first or second major surface and having a series of vertical tubes arranged across its surface. The tubular sleeve/separator can be formed of individual tubes, flat sheets formed into a series of tubes or sheets containing half tubes and which are aligned and bonded together to form the series of tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Daramic, Inc.
    Inventors: Wai M. Choi, Ingo W. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 5478358
    Abstract: Scales and impurities adhered on an animal fiber can be removed by immersing the animal fiber in an aqueous bath containing inactive inorganic powder and treating it with ultrasonic wave. In the method the animal fiber can be very efficiently improved in the state of stably maintaining the feeling and properties of it. Further, since the method can be carried out with no use of specific chemicals, it is practical with no problem of environmental pollution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Kato Research Institute Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroya Kato
  • Patent number: 5478674
    Abstract: A lithium ion type nonaqueous electrolyte-secondary battery which comprises a positive electrode which comprises, as an active material, a compound oxide represented by the following chemical formula (I):Li.sub.x A.sub.y M.sub.z J.sub.m O.sub.p (I)wherein A represents at least one alkali element selected from the group consisting of Na and K; M represents at least one transition element selected from the group consisting of Co, Mn and Ni; J represents an element having a glass-forming ability selected from the group consisting of B, Si, Ge, P, V, Zr, Sb and Ti; 0.8.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1.3; 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.2; 0.8.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.2.0; 0.01.ltoreq.m.ltoreq.0.2; and 2.0.ltoreq.p.ltoreq.2.7; a negative electrode; and a nonaqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode-active material permits the production of nonaqueous electrolyte lithium type secondary batteries having excellent charge-discharge characteristics, discharge voltages and cycle properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Miyasaka
  • Patent number: 5476734
    Abstract: A current collector for use in a cell. The current collector has a thin sheet of conductive material having oppositely directed planar faces. The sheet is preferably graphite. The current collector also has a metal tab having oppositely directed planar faces. A face of the tab is in planar contact with a face of the sheet. The current collector may further have a second thin sheet of conductive material, preferably graphite, having oppositely directed planar faces. The second sheet is placed in planar contact with the tab such that the tab is disposed between the two conductive sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Pulley, Steven J. Specht, Geoffrey Barlow
  • Patent number: 5476522
    Abstract: A method for concentrating coal tailings and for dewatering coal products employing a copolymer of diallyldimethlylammonium halide and a vinyl alkoxysilane, preferably a copolymer of diallyldimethylammonium chloride and vinyltrimethoxysilane as a coagulant. The method for concentrating coal tailings comprises steps of: feeding the coal tailings to a thickener; treating the coal tailings with the coagulant, discharging substantially concentrated tailing; and withdrawing substantially clarified liquid from the thickener. A method for dewatering coal products containing water comprising the steps of: feeding the clean coal containing water to a twin belt filter press; treating said coal with an effective amount of a copolymer coagulant of diallyldimethylammonium halide and vinyl alkoxysilane, preferably diallyldimethylammonium chloride and vinyl trimethoxysilane is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Nalco Chemical Company
    Inventors: E. Michael Kerr, Manian Ramesh
  • Patent number: 5476517
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and process for inhibiting fatty spew on leather comprising an oiling component in combination with a Guerbet alcohol having the general formula I:R.sup.1 --CH(CH.sub.2 OH)--R.sup.2 (I)wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, independently of one another represent an alkyl group containing from 6 to 12 carbon atoms, and wherein the total number of carbon atoms per Guerbet alcohol molecule is in the range from 16 to 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien
    Inventors: Rudolf Zauns-Huber, Emil Ruscheinsky, Fredi Wolter
  • Patent number: 5476603
    Abstract: Compositions which are liquefied under pressure, are suitable as release agents and comprise a fluorocarbon (FC) from the group comprising R134a, R143a, R125, R32, R143, R134, R23, R152a, R14 and R116 and an agent having a releasing action and, if appropriate, other additives, customary for release agents are described; the compositions with the hydrogen-containing fluorocarbons (HFC) mentioned are preferred here. The use of the compositions as release agents and a process for their preparation are likewise described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Solvay Fluor und Derivate GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Buchwald, Joachim Hellmann, Boleslaus Raszkowski
  • Patent number: 5476518
    Abstract: A process for treating a dyed, velvet fabric is disclosed wherein two-toned color effects between the pile and the fabric backing are achieved. The preferred fabric comprises a cellulosic (cotton or rayon) or synthetic fiber weave backing dyed preferably with a non-disperse dye, e.g. a direct dye, and pile composed of cellulose acetate fibers dyed with a disperse dye. The dyed fabric is contacted with a dilute caustic solution, e.g., sodium hydroxide, for a period of time sufficient to at least partially or totally hydrolyze the cellulose acetate of the pile fiber, which noticeably also reduces the color intensity of the pile while having little effect on the color intensity of the backing. This is followed by rinsing, neutralization and conditioning of the treated fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: A. Wimpfheimer & Bro., Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas Caleshu
  • Patent number: 5474857
    Abstract: The invention provides a solid polymer electrolyte having high performances in which the reaction area of electrode is increased by uniformly dispersing and bonding a solid polymer electrolyte and a catalyst and the ability of gas feeding to the reaction site is improved by adding a fluoropolymer so that the catalyst is not excessively coated. A method for making the fuel cell is also provided. The electrode provided on at least one side of a solid polymer electrolyte membrane is formed by coating on one side of a gas-diffusible layer a mixed dispersion of a noble metal catalyst, a carbon fine powder and a colloidal dispersion of a solid polymer electrolyte, the colloidal dispersion being prepared using an organic solvent having a polar group other than hydroxyl group in the molecule and having a carbon chain of 1-8 carbon atoms which bonds to the polar group or having a dielectric constant of 3-10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Uchida, Yuko Aoyama, Nobuo Eda, Masahiko Ogawa
  • Patent number: 5474859
    Abstract: A structure for stabilizing of an electrochemical cell stack against high shock and vibration forces through the use of a plurality of electrode connections at both the top and bottom of the stack is described. Constructing the cell casing having a tubular shape rather than the typical deep drawn can shape, allows access to the lower portion of the stack. There, additional leads are welded to the cell case, which significantly adds to the stability of the stack within the case. The lower portion of the case is then within the case. The lower portion of the case is then hermetically sealed by fitting and welding a disc in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Wilson Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Esther S. Takeuchi, Michael F. Pyszczek
  • Patent number: 5474858
    Abstract: A non-aqueous electrochemical cell comprising an active metal anode, an organic electrolyte and a cathode comprising a minor amount of a desiccant which is insoluble in the organic electrolyte and non-reactive during cell discharge. The resulting cell has been found to be resistant to internal gas generation. Such a desiccant is particularly useful in lithium/manganese dioxide cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald R. Merritt
  • Patent number: 5472518
    Abstract: Method of disposing aqueous-alkali disposable articles is disclosed. The articles are made from films or non-woven webs or composites of films and webs where the film or non-woven web comprises a hydrolytically degradable polymer and preferably also comprises a water soluble polymer. Multilayer microfibers of at least one layer of a hydrolytically degradable polymer and at least one layer of a water soluble polymer are particularly disclosed. The articles have water resistance during preparation, storage, and use with mammals but are dispersible when submersed in water at conditions of elevated temperature, elevated pH, and during a single commercial laundry cycle. The articles solve both the problem of solid waste disposal prevalent with single use garments and the problem of repeated cleansing and recycling of multiple use garments. Contamination associated with the articles of the invention after their use will be disinfected during the commercial laundry cycle that is utilized to disperse the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Gregg A. Patnode, John E. Bruno, Denise R. Rutherford, Walter B. Sandison, Dietmar Schlei
  • Patent number: 5472807
    Abstract: A battery capable of producing high current densities with a high charge acity is described which includes an aluminum anode, a ferricyanide electrolyte and a second electrode capable of reducing ferricyanide electrolyte which is either dissolved in an alkaline solution or alkaline seawater solution. The performance of the battery is enhanced by high temperature and high electrolyte flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Stuart L. Licht, Catherine L. Marsh
  • Patent number: 5472804
    Abstract: A battery device (100) has integral circuit substrate packaging. The battery device (100) has one or more energy cells (122), and a substrate (105) having an integral battery circuit (130) electrically coupled to the one or more energy cells (122). The substrate (105) forms a housing for the one or more energy cells (122).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Micheal M. Austin, Steven R. Fischl
  • Patent number: 5472625
    Abstract: A light-duty, multi-purpose lubricant particularly formulated for use on the diverse bearing surfaces of a bicycle chain and other similar low-speed and low-temperature mechanisms operating in a dusty environment. The lubricant comprises an insoluble soap, preferably Calcium Stearate in suspension in a volatile solvent-based solution of paraffin wax and Petrolatum. After application and evaporation of the solvent the composite dry lubricant exhibits good penetration and load bearing properties without the dirt-retaining character of greases. The undissolved particles of soap combine with dirt particles to break-down portions of the lubricant into a dry flaky dust which is sloughed off the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: Paul D. Maples
  • Patent number: 5470502
    Abstract: Fluorescent pigments have a mean particle size of from 8 to 16 lm and contain apolar polymer matrices based on polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, polybutadiene-modified polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride or polyamide and one or more apolar fluorescent dyes of the coumarin or perylene series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Erwin Hahn, Werner Ostertag, Guenther Seybold
  • Patent number: 5470671
    Abstract: An electrochemical fuel cell assembly includes a membrane electrode assembly which comprises an anode, a cathode having a surface thereof exposed to ambient air, and an ion exchange membrane interposed between the anode and the cathode. A seal forms a gas-impermeable barrier around the anode to which a gaseous fuel stream is supplied. The assembly further includes a thermally conductive plate having a plurality of thermally conductive members or fins extending from a major surface of the plate. The thermally conductive members contact portions of the exposed cathode surface. Adjacent thermally conductive members cooperate with the plate and the exposed cathode surface to form air conducting channels. Heat generated exothermically in the membrane electrode assembly is dissipated to the atmosphere through the thermally conductive members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Ballard Power Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Fletcher, Gordon J. Lamont, Vesna Basura, Henry H. Voss, David P. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 5470677
    Abstract: A self supporting gel includes a gelling agent and an electrolyte dissolved in a solvent. The gel is conducting and may be used in a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1995
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Joel L. Williams, Tal M. Nahir, Yong-Jian Qiu