Abstract: A battery pack and a method of operating a battery system. The battery pack includes a rechargeable battery and a processor for monitoring the battery during charging and discharging. The processor receives data values representing the battery voltage, temperature and current, and the processor performs a series of calculations using those data values. The processor is part of a hybrid integrated circuit, which also incluses an analog-to-digital converter, a ROM and a RAM. Preferably, the integrated circuit comprises a multitude of layers, upper layers of the circuit form the ROM, and lower layers of the circuit form the RAM.

Abstract: A battery pack and a method of operating a battery system. The battery pack includes a rechargeable battery and a processor for monitoring the battery during charging and discharging. The processor receives data values representing the battery voltage, temperature and current, and the processor performs a series of calculations using those data values. The processor is part of a hybrid integrated circuit, which also includes an analog-to-digital converter, a ROM and a RAM. Preferably, the integrated circuit comprises a multitude of layers, upper layers of the circuit form the ROM, and lower layers of the circuit form the RAM.

Abstract: A battery pack and a method of operating a battery system. The battery pack includes a rechargeable battery and a processor for monitoring the battery during charging and discharging. The processor receives data values representing the battery voltage, temperature and current, and the processor performs a series of calculations using those data values. In one of these calculations, the processor determines the actual full capacity of the battery. Preferably, the processor also keeps track of an uncertainty value that represents an uncertainty in the capacity of the battery; and the processor calculates the actual full capacity of the battery at the end of each discharge cycle if, at that time, the uncertainty value is less than a given percentage of a nominal full capacity of the battery.

Abstract: A smart battery device which provides electrical power and which reports predefined battery parameters to an external device having a power management system, includes: at least one rechargeable cell connected to a pair of terminals to provide electrical power to an external device during a discharge mode and to receive electrical power during a charge mode, as provided or determined by the remote device; a data bus for reporting predefined battery identification and charge parameters to the external device; analog devices for generating analog signals representative of battery voltage and current at said terminals, and an analog signal representative of battery temperature at said cell; a hybrid integrated circuit (IC) having a microprocessor for receiving the analog signals and converting them to digital signals representative of battery voltage, current and temperature, and calculating actual charge parameters over time from the digital signals, the calculations including one calculation according to the f

Abstract: A rechargeable battery pack and a method of operating a rechargeable battery system. The battery pack includes a rechargeable battery, a processor for monitoring operation and performance of the battery, and a memory area for storing data values used by the processor. The memory area is normally powered by the battery, and a capacitor is provided to supply back-up power to the memory area in case of an interruption in the supply of electrical power to the memory area from the battery. The battery pack further includes a delatching circuit for electronically decoupling the memory area and the back-up capacitor from the battery under predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A battery pack and a method of operating a battery system. The battery pack includes a rechargeable battery and a processor for monitoring the battery during charging and discharging. The processor receives data values representing the battery voltage, temperature and current, and the processor performs a series of calculations using those data values. The processor has normal, standby and sleep modes. In the normal mode, the processor performs the series of calculations at first regular cycles, and in the standby mode, the processor performs the series of calculations at second regular cycles, which are longer than the first cycles. Preferably, the processor enters the standby mode when the battery current falls below a predetermined current level, and the processor enters the sleep mode when the battery voltage falls below a first predetermined voltage level.

Abstract: A smart battery which provides electrical power and which reports predefined battery parameters to an external device having a power management system, includes: at least one rechargeable cell connected to a pair of terminals to provide electrical power to an external device during a discharge mode and to receive electrical power during a charge mode, as provided or determined by the remote device; a data bus for reporting predefined battery identification and charge parameters to the external device; analog devices for generating analog signals representative of battery voltage and current at said terminals, and an analog signal representative of battery temperature at said cell; a hybrid integrated circuit (IC) having a microprocessor for receiving the analog signals and converting them to digital signals representative of battery voltage, current and temperature, and calculating actual charge parameters over time from the digital signals, the calculations including one calculation according to the followin

Abstract: A composite fiber is made of non-organic particulates bound to an organic polymer in fiber form. Many non-organic substances are serviceable and valve metal oxides are highly suitable. The organic polymer fiber is advantageously derived from fluorine-containing polymer. The composite fibers can serve as a filter, for instance as a filter-packing material for column chromatography, or can be suitable for separations, e.g., battery separations. The fiber may be compressed, or compressed and sintered, and thereby be useful as bearings or gaskets.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and useful composite fiber. The composite fiber is comprised of non-organic particulates bound to an organic polymer in fiber form. Many non-organic substances are serviceable and valve metal oxides are highly suitable. The organic polymer fiber is advantageously derived from fluorine-containing polymer. The composite fibers can serve as a filter, for instance as a filter-packing material for column chromatography, or can be suitable for separations, e.g., battery separations. The fiber may be compressed, or compressed and sintered, and thereby be useful as bearings or gaskets.

Abstract: A dimensionally stable separator comprising inorganic/polymer composite fibers and a method of making same is disclosed. The separator can be employed as a diaphragm for use in electrolytic cells, such as for the production of chlorine and caustic. The methods of separator preparation can include direct coating onto a foraminous substrate, e.g., a cathode, from a slurry or paste of inorganic/polymer composite fibers.

Abstract: A blend of fluorocarbon polymers for incorporation into an asbestos fiber slurry for forming into a diaphragm is disclosed. The blend comprises fluorocarbon polymer fibers and fluorocarbon polymer chunks of certain sizes in certain weight ratios. Also disclosed is a diaphragm comprised of the asbestos and two types of fluorocarbon polymers, as well as a method of making same.

Abstract: A blend of fluorocarbon polymers for incorporation into an asbestos fiber slurry for forming into a diaphragm is disclosed. The blend comprises fluorocarbon polymer fibers and fluorocarbon polymer chunks of certain sizes in certain weight ratios. Also disclosed is a diaphragm comprised of the asbestos and two types of fluorocarbon polymers, as well as a method of making same.

Abstract: Improved resin reinforced, asbestos diaphragms for use in chlor-alkali cells and their method of manufacture are disclosed.

Abstract: A strengthened fiber diaphragm and method for making such a diaphragm for use in electrochemical cells, the strengthening being accomplished through solution introduction of a zirconium compound into the fabric of the diaphragm.