Abstract: The present invention is an efficient and economical battery sealing and supporting device and method. Among a variety of possible applications, the present invention may be utilized as an improved device and method that facilitates the use of cochlear stimulators designed to allow deaf and near deaf patients to experience the sensation of sound waves through electromechanical stimulation. The present invention eliminates the introduction of sweat, body fluid and other contaminants to the battery terminal connection area, which results in corrosion and eventually disables the connected device. Given its broad scope, the technology associated with the present invention is useful in medical and other areas, such as in military applications, hand-held computer and Internet systems and personal entertainment devices.

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: An electric storage battery and method of manufacture thereof characterized by a feedthrough pin which is internally directly physically and electrically connected to an inner end of a positive electrode substrate. A C-shaped mandrel extends around the pin and substrate end enabling the pin/mandrel to be used during the manufacturing process as an arbor to facilitate winding layers of a spiral jellyroll electrode assembly. The pin additionally extends from the battery case and in the final product constitutes one of the battery terminals with the battery case comprising the other terminal. Active material is removed from both sides of the outer end of the negative electrode in the jellyroll to allow room for adhesive tape to secure the jellyroll. The electrolyte is injected through the open end of the case after the endcap is welded to the negative electrode but before sealing the endcap to the case. The electrolyte is preferably injected through the C-shaped mandrel to facilitate and speed filling.

Abstract: An energy storage device, such as an electrical storage battery, having a unique terminal structure, sealing arrangement and an S-shaped mandrel for the electrode assembly. The battery generally includes a case in which an electrode assembly is dispose, and a cover provided with a fill hole and fill plug, and a terminal structure that forms a battery terminal. The terminal hole and the fill hole have counter bore structure to provide tighter sealing. A nickel layer is provided on the aluminum fill plug to facilitate electrical contact with the external circuit. A mandrel is provided for the rolled electrode assembly, and is electrically coupled to the terminal structure via a push-in tab inserted into a space in the S-shape of the mandrel.

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 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 positive electrode active material for a lithium secondary battery is made of LiNi.sub.1-x-y-z Co.sub.x Mn.sub.y Al.sub.z O.sub.2, in which x, y and z satisfy relations of 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.3, 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.25, 0.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.15.

Abstract: A positive electrode active material for a lithium secondary battery is made of LiNi.sub.1-x-y-z Co.sub.x Mn.sub.y Al.sub.z O.sub.2, in which x, y and z satisfy relations of 0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.3, 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.25, 0<z.ltoreq.0.15.