Abstract: A modular current interrupt device includes an electrically-conductive rupture disc, an electrically-conductive pressure disc attached to the rupture disc to form an electrical pathway. An electrically-insulating ring partitions a perimeter of the rupture disc from a perimeter of the pressure disc, and a seating element secures the electrically-insulated ring to the pressure disc. At least one of the rupture disc and electrically-insulating ring defines a conduit, whereby exposure of one side of the pressure disc to sufficient force through the conduit causes the pressure disc to separate from the rupture disc to thereby sever the electrical pathway. A low pressure current interrupt device (CID) activates at a minimal threshold internal gauge pressure in a range of, for example, between about 4 kg/cm2 and about 9 kg/cm2.

Abstract: A battery cell connector for a battery module includes a pair of cantilevered arms and base portions that are linked at the base portion by a bridge. An interconnect board for connecting a plurality of battery cells includes a circuit board and a plurality of battery cell connectors. A battery block system includes a battery block that has a tray and a plurality of battery cells, and an interconnect board in mating relationships with the tray. A battery system includes first and second bus bars, a first and second pluralities of battery cells, and an interconnect board having a plurality of battery cell connectors linking the first and second plurality of battery cells.

Abstract: A battery cell connector for a battery module includes a pair of cantilevered arms and base portions that are linked at the base portion by a bridge. An interconnect board for connecting a plurality of battery cells includes a circuit board and a plurality of battery cell connectors. A battery block system includes a battery block that has a tray and a plurality of battery cells, and an interconnect board in mating relationships with the tray. A battery system includes first and second bus bars, a first and second pluralities of battery cells, and an interconnect board having a plurality of battery cell connectors linking the first and second plurality of battery cells.

Abstract: A battery includes a cell casing that has recessed portion on a major surface of the casing, the recessed portion being substantially planar and bordering a remainder of the major surface at ridge portions on at least three sides of the recessed portion, whereby the recessed portion, the ridge portions, and the remainder of the major surface cooperate under an increase of gauge pressure to cause a plane defined by a boundary between the ridge portions and the remainder of the major surface to move.

Abstract: A battery cell connector for a battery module includes a pair of cantilevered arms and base portions that are linked at the base portion by a bridge. An interconnect board for connecting a plurality of battery cells includes a circuit board and a plurality of battery cell connectors. A battery block system includes a battery block that has a tray and a plurality of battery cells, and an interconnect board in mating relationships with the tray. A battery system includes first and second bus bars, a first and second pluralities of battery cells, and an interconnect board having a plurality of battery cell connectors linking the first and second plurality of battery cells.

Abstract: A battery block includes a first prismatic battery cell defining a first substantially planar surface, a second prismatic battery cell defining a second substantially planar surface, the second substantially planar surface being in opposing relation to the first substantially planar surface, and a thermal barrier suspended between the first and second substantially planar surfaces, wherein the thermal barrier is spaced from both the first and second substantially planar surfaces.

Abstract: A modular current interrupt device includes an electrically-conductive rupture disc, an electrically-conductive pressure disc attached to the rupture disc to form an electrical pathway. An electrically-insulating ring partitions a perimeter of the rupture disc from a perimeter of the pressure disc, and a seating element secures the electrically-insulated ring to the pressure disc. At least one of the rupture disc and electrically-insulating ring defines a conduit, whereby exposure of one side of the pressure disc to sufficient force through the conduit causes the pressure disc to separate from the rupture disc to thereby sever the electrical pathway. A low pressure current interrupt device (CID) activates at a minimal threshold internal gauge pressure in a range of, for example, between about 4 kg/cm2 and about 9 kg/cm2.

Abstract: A low pressure current interrupt device (CID) activates at a minimal threshold internal gauge pressure. Preferably, the CID includes a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate in electrical communication with the first conductive plate, the electrical communication between the first and the second conductive plates being interrupted at the minimal threshold internal gauge pressure. The first conductive plate can include a frustum having a first end and a second end, a base extending radially from a perimeter of the first end of the frustum, and an essentially planar cap sealing the second end of the frustum. The first end has a broader diameter than the second end, and the second conductive plate is in electrical contact with the essentially planar cap through a weld.

Abstract: A modular current interrupt device includes an electrically-conductive rupture disc, an electrically-conductive pressure disc attached to the rupture disc to form an electrical pathway. An electrically-insulating ring partitions a perimeter of the rupture disc from a perimeter of the pressure disc, and a seating element secures the electrically-insulated ring to the pressure disc. At least one of the rupture disc and electrically-insulating ring defines a conduit, whereby exposure of one side of the pressure disc to sufficient force through the conduit causes the pressure disc to separate from the rupture disc to thereby sever the electrical pathway. A low pressure current interrupt device (CID) activates at a minimal threshold internal gauge pressure in a range of, for example, between about 4 kg/cm2 and about 9 kg/cm2.

Abstract: A circuit for balancing battery cells includes a plurality of resistors configured in parallel with the battery cells, and a plurality of switches configured in series with the resistors. A control circuit causes the switches to balance the battery cells based on detected voltage of the battery cells and based on past operation of the cells.

Abstract: A battery system monitors the status of a battery and ensures safe conditions under a range of events adversely affecting the safety of the battery cells, the battery pack or enclosure, or a vehicle housing the battery. In response to the safety event, the battery system provides one or more responses to secure the battery, disconnect the battery, extinguish a fire, or maintain a safe temperature. Upon detecting the safety event, the a controller activates the safety device accordingly to ensure safe conditions.

Abstract: A low pressure current interrupt device (CID) activates at a minimal threshold internal gauge pressure. Preferably, the CID includes a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate in electrical communication with the first conductive plate, the electrical communication between the first and the second conductive plates being interrupted at the minimal threshold internal gauge pressure. The first conductive plate can include a frustum having a first end and a second end, a base extending radially from a perimeter of the first end of the frustum, and an essentially planar cap sealing the second end of the frustum. The first end has a broader diameter than the second end, and the second conductive plate is in electrical contact with the essentially planar cap through a weld.

Abstract: One or more buttons, located either on a battery pack or on an electronic device powered by the battery pack, that allow the user to charge the battery of a portable device faster than normal. Electronic circuitry is provided for activating the charge mode choices.

Abstract: A battery comprises a first terminal in electrical communication with a first electrode of the battery, a second terminal in electrical communication with a second electrode of the battery, a battery can electrically insulated from the first terminal, and at least one current interrupt device in electrical communication with the battery can. The battery can includes a cell casing and a lid which are in electrical communication with each other. At least a portion of the battery can is at least a component of the second terminal, or is electrically connected to the second terminal. The current interrupt device includes a first conductive plate in electrical communication with the second electrode, and a second conductive plate in electrical communication with the first conductive plate.

Abstract: A low pressure current interrupt device (CID) activates at a minimal threshold internal gauge pressure in a range of, for example, between about 4 kg/cm2 and about 9 kg/cm2. Preferably, the CID includes a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate in electrical communication with the first conductive plate, the electrical communication between the first and the second conductive plates being interrupted at the minimal threshold internal gauge pressure. More preferably, the first conductive plate includes a frustum having a first end and a second end, a base extending radially from a perimeter of the first end of the frustum, and an essentially planar cap sealing the second end of the frustum. The first end has a broader diameter than the second end. More preferably, the second conductive plate is in electrical contact with the essentially planar cap through a weld. A battery, preferably a lithium-ion battery, comprises a CID as described above.

Abstract: A lithium-ion battery includes a first terminal in electrical communication with a first electrode of the battery, a second terminal in electrical communication with a second electrode of the battery, a cell casing that includes a lid electrically connected to the cell casing, and a positive thermal coefficient (PTC) layer in electrical communication with the first terminal and over the lid of the cell casing. A battery pack includes a plurality of such lithium-ion batteries as described above.

Abstract: A low pressure current interrupt device (CID) activates at a minimal threshold internal gauge pressure in a range of, for example, between about 4 kg/cm2 and about 9 kg/cm2. Preferably, the CID includes a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate in electrical communication with the first conductive plate, the electrical communication between the first and the second conductive plates being interrupted at the minimal threshold internal gauge pressure. More preferably, the first conductive plate includes a frustum having a first end and a second end, a base extending radially from a perimeter of the first end of the frustum, and an essentially planar cap sealing the second end of the frustum. The first end has a broader diameter than the second end. More preferably, the second conductive plate is in electrical contact with the essentially planar cap through a weld. A battery, preferably a lithium-ion battery, comprises a CID as described above.

Abstract: One or more buttons, located either on a battery pack or on an electronic device powered by the battery pack, that allow the user to charge the battery of a portable device faster than normal. Electronic circuitry is provided for activating the charge mode choices.

Abstract: A low pressure current interrupt device (CID) activates at a minimal threshold internal gauge pressure in a range of, for example, between about 4 kg/cm2 and about 9 kg/cm2. Preferably, the CID includes a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate in electrical communication with the first conductive plate, the electrical communication between the first and the second conductive plates being interrupted at the minimal threshold internal gauge pressure. More preferably, the first conductive plate includes a frustum having a first end and a second end, a base extending radially from a perimeter of the first end of the frustum, and an essentially planar cap sealing the second end of the frustum. The first end has a broader diameter than the second end. More preferably, the second conductive plate is in electrical contact with the essentially planar cap through a weld. A battery, preferably a lithium-ion battery, comprises a CID as described above.

Abstract: A low pressure current interrupt device (CID) activates at a minimal threshold internal gauge pressure in a range of, for example, between about 4 kg/cm2 and about 9 kg/cm2. Preferably, the CID includes a first conductive plate and a second conductive plate in electrical communication with the first conductive plate, the electrical communication between the first and the second conductive plates being interrupted at the minimal threshold internal gauge pressure. More preferably, the first conductive plate includes a frustum having a first end and a second end, a base extending radially from a perimeter of the first end of the frustum, and an essentially planar cap sealing the second end of the frustum. The first end has a broader diameter than the second end. More preferably, the second conductive plate is in electrical contact with the essentially planar cap through a weld. A battery, preferably a lithium-ion battery, comprises a CID as described above.