Patents by Inventor Ralph T. Mead

Ralph T. Mead 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).

  • Patent number: 3969143
    Abstract: An enclosure for a lithium-iodine cell including a frame of a material which is non-reactive with iodine and containing a cell comprising a lithium anode, iodine-containing cathode material and a lithium iodine electrolyte, a pair of closure elements sealing opposite ends of the frame and folded onto the peripheral surface of the frame, and a band of iodine impermeable material overlying the abutting edges of the closure elements and embracing the frame. The enclosure is encapsulated in a polyester material for electrical insulation and sealing against iodine migration. The encapsulated enclosure is contained in an hermetically sealed outer casing of metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1976
    Assignee: Wilson Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Ralph T. Mead, Norbert W. Frenz, Frank W. Rudolph
  • Patent number: 3969142
    Abstract: A lithium cell comprising a cathode including a region of iodine-containing material having a pair of operative surfaces and a cathode current collector in the region between the surfaces, a pair of lithium anode elements operatively contacting corresponding cathode surfaces and each having a current collector, and electrical conductors connected to the cathode and anode current collectors. Each anode element is fitted in a holder in a manner exposing a surface of each lithium element to the cathode material and sealing the anode current collector from exposure to the cathode material, the holders being of a material which does not exhibit electronic conduction when exposed to iodine. A pair of separator elements insulate the cathode conductor from the lithium anode elements. A pair of cells electrically connected in series and encapsulated in a single body provide a battery having an output of about 5 volts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1976
    Assignee: Wilson Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Wilson Greatbatch, Ralph T. Mead, Frank W. Rudolph, Norbert W. Frenz
  • Patent number: 3957533
    Abstract: A lithium-iodine cell comprising a cathode including a charge transfer complex of an organic donor component and iodine, an anode including a lithium element having a surface operatively contacting the charge transfer complex material, and a coating on the lithium surface of an organic electron donor material, preferably but not necessarily the organic donor component of the charge transfer complex. The organic electron donor material preferably comprises polyvinyl pyridine polymer and in particular two-vinyl pyridine polymer. A solution of two-vinyl pyridine polymer in benzene is brushed onto the anode lithium surface and then exposed to a desiccant. A number of coatings preferably are applied successively to provide a resulting or finished coating of increased thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1974
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1976
    Assignee: Wilson Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Ralph T. Mead, Wilson Greatbatch, Frank W. Rudolph
  • Patent number: 3944433
    Abstract: A lithium-iodine cell comprising a lithium anode and a cathode comprising an iodine element, a charge transfer complex of an organic donor component and iodine, and a cathode current collector operatively positioned between the iodine element and the charge transfer complex. The iodine element comprises a solid pellet of pure, non-conductive iodine, and the organic donor component of the charge transfer complex is two-vinyl pyridine polymer. The current collector is a screen or the equivalent which allows iodine to diffuse from the iodine element through the collector to the charge transfer complex. The iodine element is optimized for maximum iodine content without regard for conductivity, and the cathode material is optimized for maximum conductivity without regard for excess iodine content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1975
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1976
    Assignee: Wilson Greatbatch
    Inventors: Ralph T. Mead, Wilson Greatbatch, Frank W. Rudolph
  • Patent number: 3937635
    Abstract: A lithium-iodine cell including a lithium anode, a lithium iodine electrolyte and a cathode comprising a source of iodine in the form of a substantially solid block or pellet of iodine and iodine-containing depolarizer material applied in the form of a relatively thin layer or coating to a lithium surface of the anode and to a surface of the iodine block. The depolarizer material serves to transport iodine ions from the source to the electrolyte, and the material is a charge transfer complex of an organic donor component and iodine such as 2-vinyl pyridine iodide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1976
    Assignee: Wilson Greatbatch
    Inventors: Ralph T. Mead, Wilson Greatbatch