Patents by Inventor Lance E. Cambra

Lance E. Cambra has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Current interrupter for electrochemical cells
    Patent number: 5750277
    Abstract: A current interrupt mechanism for electrochemical cells is disclosed. A thermally activated current interrupt mechanism is integrated into an end cap assembly for an electrochemical cell. The thermally responsive mechanism preferably includes a free floating bimetallic disk which deforms when exposed to elevated temperature causing a break in an electrical pathway within the end cap assembly. This prevents current from flowing through the cell and effectively shuts down an operating cell. Alternatively, the thermally responsive mechanism may include a meltable mass of material which melts when exposed to elevated temperature to break an electrical pathway within the end cap assembly. The end cap assembly may also include integrated therein a pressure responsive current interrupt mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignees: Texas Instruments Incorporated, Duracell Inc.
    Inventors: Viet H. Vu, Lucien P. Fontaine, William T. McHugh, Robert J. Pinault, Jane A. Blasi, Steven K. Sullivan, Geoffrey J. Paquin, Stephen S. Johnson, Gary K. Maus, Lance E. Cambra