Abstract: A lithium ion battery particularly configured to be able to discharge to a very low voltage, e.g. zero volts, without causing permanent damage to the battery. More particularly, the battery is configured to define a Zero Volt Crossing Potential (ZCP) which is lower than a Damage Potential Threshold (DPT).

Abstract: A lithium ion battery particularly configured to be able to discharge to a very low voltage, e.g. zero volts, without causing permanent damage to the battery. More particularly, the battery is configured to define a Zero Volt Crossing Potential (ZCP) which is lower than a Damage Potential Threshold (DPT).

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical power system for powering an implantable medical device including an implantable rechargeable battery pack, a wearable power source, a power cart, and an external power supply. The system may be used in three modes: 1) Fully disconnected (powered by implanted battery only); 2) Power provided by a wearable power source and/or a portable wheeled power cart via an inductive link, and 3) Nonportable power provided by a non-portable source such as an AC outlet with an uninterruptible power supply. The system includes automatic choice of the optimum source of power depending on the circumstances, and greatly increases “untethered time” a bionic-dependent patient may spend.

Abstract: A lithium ion battery particularly configured to be able to discharge to a very low voltage, e.g. zero volts, without causing permanent damage to the battery. More particularly, the battery is configured to define a Zero Volt Crossing Potential (ZCP) which is lower than a Damage Potential Threshold (DPT).

Abstract: The battery includes a positive electrode having a first active material on a positive substrate. The first active material includes LiNixCo1-x-yMyO2 wherein M is chosen from the group consisting of Mn, Al, Mg, B, Ti, and Li, and wherein 0.5?x?1 and 0?y?0.3. The battery also includes a negative electrode having a second active material on a negative substrate. The second active material includes carbon. The negative electrode is susceptible to damage when a voltage exceeding a Damage Potential Threshold (DPT) is applied to the negative electrode. The DPT is lower than the maximum positive operating potential of the battery. The positive and negative electrodes define a Zero Volt Crossing Potential (ZCP) relative to a reference level when the voltage between the positive electrode and the negative electrode is zero. The positive electrode and the negative electrode are configured such that the value of the ZCP is less than the value of the DPT at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A lithium ion battery particularly configured to be able to discharge to a very low voltage, e.g. zero volts, without causing permanent damage to the battery. More particularly, the battery is configured to define a Zero Volt Crossing Potential (ZCP) which is lower than a Damage Potential Threshold (DPT).

Abstract: The battery includes a cover assembly on a battery case. The cover assembly includes a battery cover coupled with an electrically insulating flap of material. The battery can include a first electrical connector that provides electrical communication between a terminal in the cover and one or more first electrodes in the battery. The first connector is at least partially positioned between a first region of the flap and a second region of the flap. The battery can also includes a second electrical connector that provides electrical communication between the cover and one or more second electrodes in the battery. The second connector passes between the flap and the case such that a portion of the flap is between the first connector and the second connector.

Abstract: A lithium ion battery particularly configured to be able to discharge to a very low voltage, e.g. zero volts, without causing permanent damage to the battery. More particularly, the battery is configured to define a Zero Volt Crossing Potential (ZCP) which is lower than a Substrate Dissolution Potential (SDP) to thus avoid low voltage substrate damage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for containing heat generated by a battery to reduce the amplitude of a temperature excursion to enhance safety in temperature critical applications, such as in implantable medical devices. The apparatus employs a heat absorber (38) closely thermally coupled to the battery (30). The heat absorber includes heat-absorbing material preferably exhibiting an endothermic phase change at a temperature below that produced by the battery.

Abstract: A method, device and system is disclosed for rapidly and safely discharging remaining energy stored in an electrochemical battery 104 in the event of an internal short circuit or other fault. In its best mode of implementation, if a sensor 116 detects one or more parameters such as battery temperature 204 or pressure 206, exceeding a predetermined threshold value 334, the terminals 144 of the battery or cell are intentionally short-circuited external to the battery through a low or near zero resistance load 150 which rapidly drains energy from the battery 104. Heat generated by such rapid drain is absorbed by a heat absorbing material 151 such as an endothermic phase-change material like paraffin. The rate energy is drained via the external discharge load 150 may be controlled with an electronic circuit 136 responsive to factors such as state of charge and battery temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for containing heat generated by a battery to reduce the amplitude of a temperature excursion to enhance safety in temperature critical applications, such as in implantable medical devices. The apparatus employs a heat absorber (38) closely thermally coupled to the battery (30). The heat absorber includes heat-absorbing material preferably exhibiting an endothermic phase change at a temperature below that produced by the battery.

Abstract: A lithium ion battery particularly configured to be able to discharge to a very low voltage, e.g. zero volts, without causing permanent damage to the battery. More particularly, the battery is configured to define a Zero Volt Crossing Potential (ZCP) which is lower than a Damage Potential Threshold (DPT).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for containing heat generated by a battery to reduce the amplitude of a temperature excursion to enhance safety in temperature critical applications, such as in implantable medical devices. The apparatus employs a heat absorber (38) closely thermally coupled to the battery (30). The heat absorber includes heat-absorbing material preferably exhibiting an endothermic phase change at a temperature below that produced by the battery.

Abstract: The method includes filling a case through a fill-hole in a cover of a case. The case is configured to hold an electrode assembly having at least one positive electrode and at least one negative electrode. The method also includes plugging the fill-hole with a plug. The plug includes a terminal for the battery.

Abstract: A sealed electronics package comprising a tubular case wall including first and second conductive portions electrically separated by an insulative partition, a hermetic seal between the insulative partition and the first conductive portion, a hermetic seal between the insulative partition and the second conductive portion, end caps, and a hermetic seal between the end caps to the tubular case wall.

Abstract: A lithium ion battery configured to yield a high energy density output by minimizing head space, i.e., wasted interior volume, within the battery case and/or by reducing electrical energy losses internal to the battery.

Abstract: The invention includes a brazed ceramic ring that separates the positive and negative ends of the battery while still providing a leak-tight seal. The ceramic is aluminum oxide or zirconium oxide or zirconium oxide with 3% yttrium. The invention includes a brazing material, which is grater than 50% gold. The invention includes a titanium alloy case (Ti-6Al-4V) which is titanium with 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium as its major alloying elements. The case has the desirable properties of titanium such as high strength for a relatively low weight; and the case has the requisite ability and electro-activity to be used as a positive current carrying element where the battery's positive electrode exhibits more then 3.5 V vs. Li/Li+.

Abstract: This invention is a sealed battery case and a method for making it, including a brazed ceramic ring that separates the positive and negative ends of the battery while providing a leak-tight seal. A brazing material is used that comprises greater than 50% gold. The case is strong, and can be negative, neutral, or positive, withstanding more than 3.5 V vs. Li/Li+.

Abstract: The battery includes a positive electrode having a first active material on a positive substrate. The first active material includes LiNixCo1-x-yMyO2 wherein M is chosen from the group consisting of Mn, Al, Mg, B, Ti, and Li, and wherein 0.5?x?1 and 0?y?0.3. The battery also includes a negative electrode having a second active material on a negative substrate. The second active material includes carbon. The negative electrode is susceptible to damage when a voltage exceeding a Damage Potential Threshold (DPT) is applied to the negative electrode. The DPT is lower than the maximum positive operating potential of the battery. The positive and negative electrodes define a Zero Volt Crossing Potential (ZCP) relative to a reference level when the voltage between the positive electrode and the negative electrode is zero. The positive electrode and the negative electrode are configured such that the value of the ZCP is less than the value of the DPT at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: The method includes filling a case through a fill-hole in a cover of a case. The case is configured to hold an electrode assembly having at least one positive electrode and at least one negative electrode. The method also includes plugging the fill-hole with a plug. The plug includes a terminal for the battery.