Abstract: The present invention discloses a device and method pertaining to battery construction. In the preferred embodiment, the shape and construction of the battery is designed to maximize energy density and efficiency, while minimizing volume and related restrictions. Furthermore, the efficient, simplified internal construction of the present invention, using readily available tubes, pins and spacers, renders it safe and reliable for medical applications, and lends to relative ease and cost effectiveness in manufacturing. The utilization of a neutral case further adds to the safety and reliability of the present invention. Also, the strategic positioning of the electrolyte fill hole allows for quick filling. A related battery construction tool and method are also disclosed adding to the overall usefulness and efficiency of the present invention.

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). A method for using a battery capable of tolerating discharge to zero volts is also disclosed.

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: The invention provides electrical storage battery assemblies and related methods for assembling such batteries. A battery assembly includes positive and negative electrode sheets and separator sheets sandwiched together and wrapped around a central mandrel to provide a spiral sandwich electrode assembly. The electrode assembly is housed inside a case that includes a case housing open at two ends and covers closing the two openings. The central mandrel of the electrode assembly is in electrical contact with one of the electrode sheets and a first battery terminal that passes through the case. A projecting member on the central mandrel provides the electrical connection between the electrode and the first battery terminal. The other electrode is in electrical contact with the case. A first insulator lies between the electrode assembly and the projecting member. A second insulator is positioned between the projecting member and the case.

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 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, 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, 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: 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 that is greater 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 a positive current carrying element where the battery's positive electrode exhibits more than 3.5 V vs. Li/Li+.

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: 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 present invention discloses a device and method pertaining to battery construction. In the preferred embodiment, the shape and construction of the battery is designed to maximize energy density and efficiency, while minimizing volume and related restrictions. Furthermore, the efficient, simplified internal construction of the present invention, using readily available tubes, pins and spacers, renders it safe and reliable for medical applications, and lends to relative ease and cost effectiveness in manufacturing. The utilization of a neutral case further adds to the safety and reliability of the present invention. Also, the strategic positioning of the electrolyte fill hole allows for quick filling. A related battery construction tool and method are also disclosed adding to the overall usefulness and efficiency of the present invention.

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 that is greater 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 than 3.5 V vs. Li/Li+.

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: 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. The configuration includes a lithium nickel cobalt oxide positive active material combined with negative electrode comprising a titanium or titamum alloy substrate having a carbon active material formed thereon.

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 closely thermally coupled to the battery. The heat absorber includes heat absorbing material preferably exhibiting an endothermic phase change at a temperature T1 below that produced by the battery.

Abstract: The invention provides electrical storage battery assemblies and related methods for assembling such batteries. A battery assembly includes positive and negative electrode sheets and separator sheets sandwiched together and wrapped around a central mandrel to provide a spiral sandwich electrode assembly. The electrode assembly is housed inside a case that includes a case housing open at two ends and covers closing the two openings. The central mandrel of the electrode assembly is in electrical contact with one of the electrode sheets and a first battery terminal that passes through the case. A projecting member on the central mandrel provides the electrical connection between the electrode and the first battery terminal. The other electrode is in electrical contact with the case. A first insulator lies between the electrode assembly and the projecting member. A second insulator is positioned between the projecting member and the case.

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. 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. Devices such as piezoelectric and Peltier devices 300, may also be used as emergency energy discharge loads.

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). A method for using a battery capable of tolerating discharge to zero volts is also disclosed.