Patents by Inventor Richard Langan
Richard Langan 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).
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Patent number: 7732088Abstract: A fluid consuming battery (10) is provided with a fluid regulating system (50) for regulating fluid entry into the battery. The battery (10) includes a fluid consuming cell (20) having a cell housing with fluid entry ports for the passage of a fluid into the cell housing. A first fluid consuming electrode and a second electrode are disposed within the cell housing. The fluid regulating system (50) includes a valve having a moving plate (66) disposed adjacent to a fixed plate (62). The moving plate and fixed plate both have fluid entry ports (68, 64) that align in an open valve position and are misaligned in a closed valve position. The fluid regulating system (50) also includes an actuator that may include one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) components (82a, 82b) for moving the moving plate (66) relative to the fixed plate (62) to open and close the valve.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.Inventors: John M. Somerville, Richard A. Langan, John C. Bailey
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Patent number: 7687189Abstract: An electrochemical cell with a collector assembly for sealing the open end of a cell container. The collector assembly includes a retainer and a contact spring with a peripheral flange, each having a central opening therein. A pressure release vent member disposed between the retainer and the peripheral flange of the contact spring seals the openings in the retainer and contact spring under normal conditions and ruptures to release pressure from within the cell when the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined limit.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2004Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.Inventors: James X. Wu, Richard A. Langan
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Publication number: 20100040941Abstract: A flat, flexible electrochemical cell is provided. The within invention describes various aspects of the flat, flexible electrochemical cell. A printed anode is provided that obviates the need for a discrete anode current collector, thereby reducing the size of the battery. An advantageous electrolyte is provided that enables the use of a metallic cathode current collector, thereby improving the performance of the battery. Printable gelled electrolytes and separators are provided, enabling the construction of both co-facial and co-planar batteries. Cell contacts are provided that reduce the potential for electrolyte creepage in the flat, flexible electrochemical cells of the within invention.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2009Publication date: February 18, 2010Applicant: EVEREADY BATTERY COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Mark A. Schubert, Jing Zhang, Guanghong Zheng, Frank H. Feddrix, Richard A. Langan, Frank B. Tudron, Gary R. Tucholski, Abdelkader Hilmi, John C. Bailey, Andrew Webber
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Patent number: 7632585Abstract: A fluid consuming battery (10) is provided with a fluid regulating system (50) for regulating fluid entry into the battery. The battery (10) includes a fluid consuming cell (20) having a cell housing with fluid entry ports for the passage of a fluid into the cell housing. A first fluid consuming electrode and a second electrode are disposed within the cell housing. The fluid regulating system (50) includes a valve having a moving plate (66) disposed adjacent to a fixed plate (62). The moving plate and fixed plate both have fluid entry ports (68, 64) that align in an open valve position and are misaligned in a closed valve position. The fluid regulating system (50) also includes an actuator that may include one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) components (82a, 82b) for moving the moving plate (66) relative to the fixed plate (62) to open and close the valve.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2007Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Assignee: Eveready Battery Co., Inc.Inventors: David M. Blakey, John M. Somerville, Richard A. Langan
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Patent number: 7625664Abstract: A flat, flexible electrochemical cell is provided. The within invention describes various aspects of the flat, flexible electrochemical cell. A printed anode is provided that obviates the need for a discrete anode current collector, thereby reducing the size of the battery. An advantageous electrolyte is provided that enables the use of a metallic cathode current collector, thereby improving the performance of the battery. Printable gelled electrolytes and separators are provided, enabling the construction of both co-facial and co-planar batteries. Cell contacts are provided that reduce the potential for electrolyte creepage in the flat, flexible electrochemical cells of the within invention.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2006Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Eveready Battery Co., Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Schubert, Jing Zhang, Guanghong Zheng, Frank H. Feddrix, Richard A. Langan, Frank B. Tudron, Gary R. Tucholski, Abdelkader Hilmi, John C. Bailey, Andrew Webber
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Patent number: 7618739Abstract: A fluid consuming battery (10) is provided with a fluid regulating system (50) for regulating fluid entry into the battery. The battery (10) includes a fluid consuming cell (20) having a cell housing with fluid entry ports for the passage of a fluid into the cell housing. A first fluid consuming electrode and a second electrode are disposed within the cell housing. The fluid regulating system (50) includes a valve having a moving plate (66) disposed adjacent to a fixed plate (62). The moving plate and fixed plate both have fluid entry ports (68, 64) that align in an open valve position and are misaligned in a closed valve position. The fluid regulating system (50) also includes an actuator that may include one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) components (82a, 82b) for moving the moving plate (66) relative to the fixed plate (62) to open and close the valve. The chassis (550) may include an electrically conductive frame (500) integrally formed therein.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2007Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Eveready Battery Co., Inc.Inventors: Gregory W. Broburg, Richard A. Langan, Michael J. Brandon, II
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Publication number: 20080254341Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a fluid consuming electrode and a fluid regulating system for controlling the rate of entry of fluids into the cell. The fluid regulating system may include a valve for controlling the rate of entry of fluids into the cell and an actuator for operating the valve. The actuator comprises an ionic polymer that responds to changes in a potential applied across the actuator to open or close the valve. In one embodiment, the actuator comprises at least one conducting polymer. In one embodiment, the actuator comprises polypyrrole, at least one polypyrrole derivative, or mixtures of two of more thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2007Publication date: October 16, 2008Inventors: John C. Bailey, Steven D. Jones, Richard A. Langan, Matthew Cole, John David Wyndham Madden
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Publication number: 20080254340Abstract: A fluid consuming battery (10) is provided with a fluid regulating system (50) for regulating fluid entry into the battery. The battery (10) includes a fluid consuming cell (20) having a cell housing with fluid entry ports for the passage of a fluid into the cell housing. A first fluid consuming electrode and a second electrode are disposed within the cell housing. The fluid regulating system (50) includes a valve having a moving plate (66) disposed adjacent to a fixed plate (62). The moving plate and fixed plate both have fluid entry ports (68, 64) that align in an open valve position and are misaligned in a closed valve position. The fluid regulating system (50) also includes an actuator that may include one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) components (82a, 82b) for moving the moving plate (66) relative to the fixed plate (62) to open and close the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2007Publication date: October 16, 2008Inventors: David M. Blakey, John M. Somerville, Richard A. Langan
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Publication number: 20080254345Abstract: A fluid consuming battery (10) is provided with a fluid regulating system (50) for regulating fluid entry into the battery. The battery (10) includes a fluid consuming cell (20) having a cell housing with fluid entry ports for the passage of a fluid into the cell housing. A first fluid consuming electrode and a second electrode are disposed within the cell housing. The fluid regulating system (50) includes a valve having a moving plate (66) disposed adjacent to a fixed plate (62). The moving plate and fixed plate both have fluid entry ports (68, 64) that align in an open valve position and are misaligned in a closed valve position. The fluid regulating system (50) also includes an actuator that may include one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) components (82a, 82b) for moving the moving plate (66) relative to the fixed plate (62) to open and close the valve. The chassis (550) may include an electrically conductive frame (500) integrally formed therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2007Publication date: October 16, 2008Inventors: Gregory W. Broburg, Richard A. Langan, Michael J. Brandon
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Publication number: 20080254346Abstract: A fluid consuming battery (10) is provided with a fluid regulating system (50) for regulating fluid entry into the battery. The battery (10) includes a fluid consuming cell (20) having a cell housing with fluid entry ports for the passage of a fluid into the cell housing. A first fluid consuming electrode and a second electrode are disposed within the cell housing. The fluid regulating system (50) includes a valve having a moving plate (66) disposed adjacent to a fixed plate (62). The moving plate and fixed plate both have fluid entry ports (68, 64) that align in an open valve position and are misaligned in a closed valve position. The fluid regulating system (50) also includes an actuator that may include one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) components (82a, 82b) for moving the moving plate (66) relative to the fixed plate (62) to open and close the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2007Publication date: October 16, 2008Inventors: Oliver W. Burstall, David M. Blakey, John C. Bailey, John M. Somerville, Richard A. Langan, Michael J. Mingay
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Publication number: 20080213651Abstract: An electrochemical cell with a collector assembly for sealing the open end of a cell container. The collector assembly includes a retainer and a contact spring with a peripheral flange, each having a central opening therein. A pressure release vent member disposed between the retainer and the peripheral flange of the contact spring seals the openings in the retainer and contact spring under normal conditions and ruptures to release pressure from within the cell when the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined limit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2008Publication date: September 4, 2008Inventors: James X. Wu, Richard A. Langan
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Publication number: 20080096082Abstract: A fluid consuming battery (10) is provided with a fluid regulating system (50) for regulating fluid entry into the battery. The battery (10) includes a fluid consuming cell (20) having a cell housing with fluid entry ports for the passage of a fluid into the cell housing. A first fluid consuming electrode and a second electrode are disposed within the cell housing. The fluid regulating system (50) includes a valve having a moving plate (66) disposed adjacent to a fixed plate (62). The moving plate and fixed plate both have fluid entry ports (68, 64) that align in an open valve position and are misaligned in a closed valve position. The fluid regulating system (50) also includes an actuator that may include one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) components (82a, 82b) for moving the moving plate (66) relative to the fixed plate (62) to open and close the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventors: Richard Langan, John Bailey, Robert Janmey, Michael Brandon, Martin Goodchild, Jean-Francois Audebert
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Publication number: 20080096067Abstract: A fluid consuming battery (10) is provided with a fluid regulating system (50) for regulating fluid entry into the battery. The battery (10) includes a fluid consuming cell (20) having a cell housing with fluid entry ports for the passage of a fluid into the cell housing. A first fluid consuming electrode and a second electrode are disposed within the cell housing. The fluid regulating system (50) includes a valve having a moving plate (66) disposed adjacent to a fixed plate (62). The moving plate and fixed plate both have fluid entry ports (68, 64) that align in an open valve position and are misaligned in a closed valve position. The fluid regulating system (50) also includes an actuator that may include one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) components (82a, 82b) for moving the moving plate (66) relative to the fixed plate (62) to open and close the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventors: Richard Langan, John Bailey, John Somerville
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Publication number: 20080096069Abstract: A fluid consuming battery (10) is provided with a fluid regulating system (50) for regulating fluid entry into the battery. The battery (10) includes a fluid consuming cell (20) having a cell housing with fluid entry ports for the passage of a fluid into the cell housing. A first fluid consuming electrode and a second electrode are disposed within the cell housing. The fluid regulating system (50) includes a valve having a moving plate (66) disposed adjacent to a fixed plate (62). The moving plate and fixed plate both have fluid entry ports (68, 64) that align in an open valve position and are misaligned in a closed valve position. The fluid regulating system (50) also includes an actuator that may include one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) components (82a, 82b) for moving the moving plate (66) relative to the fixed plate (62) to open and close the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventors: John Bailey, Richard Langan, Steven Jones, Robert Janmey, James Campbell, John Somerville, Oliver Burstall
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Publication number: 20080090135Abstract: A fluid consuming battery (10) is provided with a fluid regulating system (50) for regulating fluid entry into the battery. The battery (10) includes a fluid consuming cell (20) having a cell housing with fluid entry ports for the passage of a fluid into the cell housing. A first fluid consuming electrode and a second electrode are disposed within the cell housing. The fluid regulating system (50) includes a valve having a moving plate (66) disposed adjacent to a fixed plate (62). The moving plate and fixed plate both have fluid entry ports (68, 64) that align in an open valve position and are misaligned in a closed valve position. The fluid regulating system (50) also includes an actuator that may include one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) components (82a, 82b) for moving the moving plate (66) relative to the fixed plate (62) to open and close the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2007Publication date: April 17, 2008Inventors: James Wu, Robert Janmey, Richard Langan
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Publication number: 20080085444Abstract: A fluid consuming battery (10) is provided with a fluid regulating system (50) for regulating fluid entry into the battery. The battery (10) includes a fluid consuming cell (20) having a cell housing with fluid entry ports for the passage of a fluid into the cell housing. A first fluid consuming electrode and a second electrode are disposed within the cell housing. The fluid regulating system (50) includes a valve having a moving plate (66) disposed adjacent to a fixed plate (62). The moving plate and fixed plate both have fluid entry ports (68, 64) that align in an open valve position and are misaligned in a closed valve position. The fluid regulating system (50) also includes an actuator that may include one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) components (82a, 82b) for moving the moving plate (66) relative to the fixed plate (62) to open and close the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2007Publication date: April 10, 2008Inventors: Richard Langan, Oliver Burstall
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Publication number: 20080085436Abstract: A fluid consuming battery (10) is provided with a fluid regulating system (50) for regulating fluid entry into the battery. The battery (10) includes a fluid consuming cell (20) having a cell housing with fluid entry ports for the passage of a fluid into the cell housing. A first fluid consuming electrode and a second electrode are disposed within the cell housing. The fluid regulating system (50) includes a valve having a moving plate (66) disposed adjacent to a fixed plate (62). The moving plate and fixed plate both have fluid entry ports (68, 64) that align in an open valve position and are misaligned in a closed valve position. The fluid regulating system (50) also includes an actuator that may include one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) components (82a, 82b) for moving the moving plate (66) relative to the fixed plate (62) to open and close the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2007Publication date: April 10, 2008Inventors: Richard Langan, John Somerville, Michael Brandon, Robert Janmey, Jean-Francois Audebert
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Publication number: 20080085443Abstract: A fluid consuming battery (10) is provided with a fluid regulating system (50) for regulating fluid entry into the battery. The battery (10) includes a fluid consuming cell (20) having a cell housing with fluid entry ports for the passage of a fluid into the cell housing. A first fluid consuming electrode and a second electrode are disposed within the cell housing. The fluid regulating system (50) includes a valve having a moving plate (66) disposed adjacent to a fixed plate (62). The moving plate and fixed plate both have fluid entry ports (68, 64) that align in an open valve position and are misaligned in a closed valve position. The fluid regulating system (50) also includes an actuator that may include one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) components (82a, 82b) for moving the moving plate (66) relative to the fixed plate (62) to open and close the valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 11, 2007Publication date: April 10, 2008Inventors: John Somerville, Richard Langan, John Bailey
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Patent number: 7348096Abstract: A flat, flexible electrochemical cell is provided. The within invention describes various aspects of the flat, flexible electrochemical cell. A printed anode is provided that obviates the need for a discrete anode current collector, thereby reducing the size of the battery. An advantageous electrolyte is provided that enables the use of a metallic cathode current collector, thereby improving the performance of the battery. Printable gelled electrolytes and separators are provided, enabling the construction of both co-facial and co-planar batteries. Cell contacts are provided that reduce the potential for electrolyte creepage in the flat, flexible electrochemical cells of the within invention.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2002Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Schubert, Jing Zhang, Guanghong Zheng, Frank H. Feddrix, Richard A. Langan, Frank B. Tudron, Gary R. Tucholski, Abdelkader Hilmi, John C. Bailey, Andrew Webber
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Patent number: 7314681Abstract: An alkaline battery cell with increased discharge capacity is provided. Both the internal volume and the electrode interfacial surface area are increased, without unnecessarily increasing the overall cell volume, by increasing the height but not the diameter of the electrodes, thereby avoiding an unnecessary increase in the total cell volume.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2003Date of Patent: January 1, 2008Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Fred Randell, Richard A. Langan