Patents Issued in March 7, 2017
  • Patent number: 9590231
    Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention discloses a 3D barrier substrate and a method for manufacturing the same, and a display device in order to improve the utilization of facilities, increase the production efficiency, and decrease the cost of production. The method of manufacturing 3D barrier substrate comprises: forming a transparent electrode thin film on a substrate, and forming a passivation layer on the transparent electrode thin film; forming an transparent electrode and a passivation layer via hole by a patterning process, wherein the via hole is used for coupling the transparent electrode to the signal line; and forming a signal line, wherein the signal line is coupled to the transparent electrode through the via hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignees: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD., BEIJING BOE DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Huibin Guo, Shoukun Wang, Xiaowei Liu, Xiaming Zhu, Zongjie Guo
  • Patent number: 9590232
    Abstract: A three dimensional electrode structure having a first layer of interdigitated stripes of material oriented in a first direction, and a second layer of interdigitated stripes of material oriented in a second direction residing on the first layer of interdigitated stripes of material. A method of manufacturing a three dimensional electrode structure includes depositing a first layer of interdigitated stripes of an active material and an intermediate material on a substrate in a first direction, and depositing a second layer of interdigitated stripes of the active material and the intermediate material on the first layer in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Palo Alto Research Center Incorporated
    Inventors: Corie Lynn Cobb, Chang-Jun Bae
  • Patent number: 9590233
    Abstract: A battery cathode is made by mixing electrochemically active cathode material, graphite, water and an aqueous based binder to provide a mixture. The mixture is extruded continuously into a cathode. Water is then removed from the cathode. The cathode is cut into individual pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: DURACELL U.S. OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Yousef Georges Aouad
  • Patent number: 9590234
    Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery having high capacity and excellent cycle characteristics. A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a positive electrode plate containing a lithium-cobalt composite oxide and a lithium-nickel-cobalt-manganese composite oxide (LiaNibCocMn1-b-cO, 0.9<a?1.2, 0<b?0.8, 0<c?0.9) having an average primary particle size of 1.2 ?m to 5.0 ?m and a negative electrode which contains one of silicon (Si) and silicon oxide (SiOx, 0.5?x<1.6) and which includes a negative electrode active material that stores and releases lithium ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yusuke Nishio, Masanori Maekawa
  • Patent number: 9590235
    Abstract: Provided is a lithium mixed transition metal oxide having a composition represented by Formula I of LixMyO2 (M, x and y are as defined in the specification) having mixed transition metal oxide layers (“MO layers”) comprising Ni ions and lithium ions, wherein lithium ions intercalate into and deintercalate from the MO layers and a portion of MO layer-derived Ni ions are inserted into intercalation/deintercalation layers of lithium ions (“reversible lithium layers”) thereby resulting in the interconnection between the MO layers. The lithium mixed transition metal oxide of the present invention has a stable layered structure and therefore exhibits improved stability of the crystal structure upon charge/discharge. In addition, a battery comprising such a cathode active material can exhibit a high capacity and a high cycle stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong-Kyu Park, Sun sik Shin, Sin young Park, Ho suk Shin, Jens M. Paulsen
  • Patent number: 9590236
    Abstract: A method of extending the life of a battery, including positioning a dendrite seeding material in an electrolyte solution disposed between a metal-containing electrode and an electrolyte permeable separator membrane, growing metal dendrites from the lithium dendrite seeding material toward the lithium-containing electrode, and contacting metal dendrites extending from the metal containing electrode with metal dendrites extending from the metal dendrite seeding material, wherein the electrolyte contains metal ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Indiana University Research and Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Jian Xie
  • Patent number: 9590237
    Abstract: A lithium-ion secondary battery of the present invention comprises a positive electrode including a positive electrode active material composite formed by compositing a lithium silicate-based material and a carbon material, a negative electrode including a negative electrode active material containing a silicon, and an electrolyte. The lithium-ion secondary battery satisfies 0.8<B/A<1.2, where A is irreversible capacity of the positive electrode and B is irreversible capacity of the negative electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignees: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Akira Kojima, Junichi Niwa, Kazuhito Kawasumi, Yuta Ikeuchi, Masanori Morishita, Toshikatsu Kojima, Tetsuo Sakai
  • Patent number: 9590238
    Abstract: Provided are a composite for an anode active material and a method of preparing the same. More particularly, the present invention provides a composite for an anode active material including a (semi) metal oxide and an amorphous carbon layer on a surface of the (semi) metal oxide, wherein the amorphous carbon layer comprises a conductive agent, and a method of preparing the composite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoon Ah Kang, Yong Ju Lee, Rae Hwan Jo, Je Young Kim
  • Patent number: 9590239
    Abstract: Provided is a negative electrode for a nonaqueous secondary battery which achieves both suppression of reductive decomposition of an electrolyte or an electrolytic solution and suppression of an increase in resistance. Also provided are a method for producing such a negative electrode and a nonaqueous secondary battery employing such a negative electrode. A polymer coating layer is formed so as to coat at least part of surfaces of negative electrode active material particles containing silicon oxide (SiOx; 0.5?x?1.6). The polymer coating layer contains a cationic polymer having a positive zeta potential under neutral conditions. Since silicon oxide has a negative zeta potential, a thin uniform coating layer can be formed owing to Coulomb's force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Tomokuni Abe, Hiroki Oshima, Yuya Sato, Kisena Yoshida, Nobuhiro Goda, Manabu Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 9590240
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a lithium titanate (LTO) material for a lithium ion battery. The LTO material has hierarchical micro/nano architecture, and comprises a plurality of micron-sized secondary LTO spheres, and a plurality of pores incorporated with metal formed by a metal dopant. Each of the micron-sized secondary LTO spheres comprises a plurality of nano-sized primary LTO particles. A plurality of the nano-sized primary LTO particles is encapsulated by a non-metal layer formed by a non-metal dopant. The LTO material of the present invention has high electrical conductivity for increasing the capacity at high charging/discharging rates, and energy storage capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: NANO AND ADVANCED MATERIALS INSTITUTE LIMITED
    Inventors: Chenmin Liu, Lifeng Cai, Shing Yan Choi
  • Patent number: 9590241
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electrode for a secondary battery, more specifically an electrode for a secondary battery, comprising a current collector; an electrode active material layer formed on at least one surface or the whole outer surface of the current collector; a conductive material-coating layer formed on the top surface of the electrode active material layer and comprising a conductive material and a first polymer binder; and a porous coating layer formed on the top surface of the conductive material-coating layer and comprising a second polymer binder. Also, the present invention provides a secondary battery and a cable-type secondary battery comprising the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yo-Han Kwon, Jang-Hyuk Hong, Hye-Ran Jung, Je-Young Kim, Jong-Hun Kim
  • Patent number: 9590242
    Abstract: Disclosed are precursor particles of a lithium composite transition metal oxide for lithium secondary batteries, wherein the precursor particles of a lithium composite transition metal oxide are composite transition metal hydroxide particles including at least two transition metals and having an average diameter of 1 ?m to 8 ?m, wherein the composite transition metal hydroxide particles exhibit monodisperse particle size distribution and have a coefficient of variation of 0.2 to 0.7, and a cathode active material including the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Seong Hoon Kang, Byung Chun Park, Ho Suk Shin, Sang Min Park, Hong Kyu Park
  • Patent number: 9590243
    Abstract: Provided is a cathode active material containing a Ni-based lithium mixed transition metal oxide. More specifically, the cathode active material comprises the lithium mixed transition metal oxide having a composition represented by Formula I of LixMyO2 wherein M, x and y are as defined in the specification, which is prepared by a solid-state reaction of Li2CO3 with a mixed transition metal precursor under an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, and has a Li2CO3 content of less than 0.07% by weight of the cathode active material as determined by pH titration. The cathode active material in accordance with the present invention and substantially free of water-soluble bases such as lithium carbonates and lithium sulfates and therefore has excellent high-temperature and storage stabilities and a stable crystal structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong-Kyu Park, Sun sik Shin, Sin young Park, Ho suk Shin, Jens M. Paulsen
  • Patent number: 9590244
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a Ni—Mn composite oxalate powder, including a plurality of biwedge octahedron particles represented by the general formula: NiqMnxCoyMzC2O4.nH2O, wherein q+x+y+z=1, 0<q, x<1, 0?y<1, 0?z<0.15, 0?n?5, and M is at least one of Mg, Sr, Ba, Cd, Zn, Al, Ga, B, Zr, Ti, Ca, Ce, Y, Nb, Cr, Fe and V. The above powder may be further calcined with a lithium salt to form a lithium transition metal oxide powder for use as a positive electrode material in lithium ion-batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignees: Industrial Technology Research Institute, National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Hung-Chun Wu, Yu-Ting Chen, Nae-Lih Wu, Wen-Chin Chen, Shih-Chieh Liao, Yih-Chyng Wu
  • Patent number: 9590245
    Abstract: The present arrangement provides compounds (I) AaMm(YO4)yZz(I) that are obtained from precursors of the constituent elements by a method having steps that can include dispersion of the precursors in a liquid support having one or more ionic liquids made up of a cation and an anion the electric charges of which balance out to give a suspension of the precursors in the liquid. The suspension is heated to a temperature of 25 to 380° C. and the ionic liquid and the inorganic oxide of formula (I) are separated from the reaction of the precursors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignees: Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique, Uníversite De Picardie Jules Verne
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Tarascon, Nadir Recham, Michel Armand
  • Patent number: 9590246
    Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a lithium metal phosphate, and the method comprises initiating and allowing to proceed, in the presence of a polar solvent, a conversion reaction of a lithium ion (Li+) source such as lithium hydroxide, a divalent transition metal ion (M2+) source such as a divalent transition metal sulfate, and a phosphate ion (PO43?) source such as phosphoric acid into a lithium metal phosphate at 150° C. or higher. The conversion reaction is initiated and allowed to proceed by bringing solution A containing one of a lithium ion, a divalent transition metal ion, and a phosphate ion into contact with solution B containing the others of these ions at 150° C. or higher, or by adjusting the pH of solution C that has a pH of lower than 4 and contains a lithium ion, a divalent transition metal ion, and a phosphate ion to 4 or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventors: Akihiko Shirakawa, Isao Kabe, Akihisa Tonegawa
  • Patent number: 9590247
    Abstract: A transition metal hydroxy-anion electrode material for lithium-ion battery cathodes includes the charge-neutral structure Mx(OH)n(XO4)m, where M is one or more transition metals, x is the total number of transition metal atoms, X is sulfur or phosphorus, and x, n, and m are integers. (OH)n(XO4)m is a hydroxysulfate or hydroxyphosphate, and M can be one or more (e.g., a solid solution of) transition metals selected from the group consisting of copper, iron, manganese, nickel, vanadium, cobalt, zinc, chromium, and molybdenum. A lithium-ion battery may have a cathode including Mx(OH)n(XO4)m as a cathode material, and an electronic device may include a lithium-ion battery having a cathode including Mx(OH)n(XO4)m as a cathode material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS, A BODY CORPORATE OF THE STATE OF ARIZONA ACTING FOR AND ON BEHALF OF ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Candace Chan
  • Patent number: 9590248
    Abstract: An active material composition includes a porous graphene nanocage and a source material. The source material may be a sulfur material. The source material may be an anodic material. A lithium-sulfur battery is provided that includes a cathode, an anode, a lithium salt, and an electrolyte, where the cathode of the lithium-sulfur battery includes a porous graphene nanocage and a sulfur material and at least a portion of the sulfur material is entrapped within the porous graphene nanocage. Also provided is a lithium-air battery that includes a cathode, an anode, a lithium salt, and an electrolyte, where the cathode includes a porous graphene nanocage and where the cathode may be free of a cathodic metal catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: UCHICAGO ARGONNE, LLC
    Inventors: Khalil Amine, Jun Lu, Peng Du, Jianguo Wen, Larry A. Curtiss
  • Patent number: 9590249
    Abstract: An object is to improve characteristics of a power storage device. The present invention relates to an electricity storage device comprising a current collector and a negative electrode-active material layer formed over the current collector. The negative electrode-active material layer includes a negative electrode comprising a first negative electrode layer in contact with the current collector; a second negative electrode layer in contact with the first negative electrode layer, having a smaller capacitance than the first negative electrode layer and containing one material selected from a nitride of lithium and a transition metal represented by LiaMbNz (M is a transition metal, 0.1?a?2.8, 0.2?b?1 and 0.6?z?1.4), a silicon material, and lithium titanate; a positive electrode that is paired with the negative electrode; and a solid electrolyte interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tamae Moriwaka, Tatsuya Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9590250
    Abstract: A layer system includes at least three layers, the three layers including a top electrode layer, a bottom electrode layer, and an electrolyte layer situated between the top electrode layer and the bottom electrode layer. The electrolyte layer has a solid-state electrolyte, and at least one of the top and bottom electrode layers includes a paste-like composite layer. A layer system of this type may be used to manufacture in particular energy stores, such as rechargeable lithium-ion accumulators, having an enhanced capacity. Moreover, a method for producing a layer system or an energy store is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Tjalf Pirk, Gilbert Moersch, Oliver Schecker
  • Patent number: 9590251
    Abstract: To provide a binder for a storage battery device whereby favorable adhesion is obtainable and swelling by an electrolytic solution can favorably be suppressed. A binder for a storage battery device, which is made of a fluorinated copolymer comprising structural units (A), structural units (B) and structural units (C), wherein the molar ratio of the structural units (C) to the total of all the structural units excluding the structural units (C) is from 0.01/100 to 3/100: structural units (A): structural units derived from a monomer selected from the group consisting of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, vinylidene fluoride and chlorotrifluoroethylene; structural units (B): structural units derived from ethylene or propylene; and structural units (C): structural units derived from a C5-30 organic compound having at least two double bonds and at least one of the double bonds being a double bond of a vinyl ether group or a double bond of a vinyl ester group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Takehiro Kose, Mizuna Toyoda, Hiroki Nagai
  • Patent number: 9590252
    Abstract: A cathode for a lithium-sulfur battery cell includes positive active material comprising sulfur and carbon coated onto an electrode substrate and gold nanoparticles affixed to the positive active material and configured to direct growth and deposition of lithium sulfide. A lithium ion battery cell, battery stack and method of making the cathodes are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Nagappan Ramaswamy, Peter Aurora, Taehee Han
  • Patent number: 9590253
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bifunctional catalyst for use with air metal batteries and fuel cell. The bifunctional catalyst comprising a core and a shell, where the core comprises a metal oxide and the shell comprises a carbon nanostructure. In a further aspect the bifunctional catalyst is catalytically active for oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventors: Zhongwei Chen, Zhu Chen
  • Patent number: 9590254
    Abstract: In a power generation unit of a fuel cell stack, bosses of a first metal separator and bosses of a second metal separator are provided to sandwich a first membrane electrode assembly at first sandwiching positions on both sides of the first membrane electrode assembly, oppositely to each other in a stacking direction. Bosses of a second metal separator and bosses of a third metal separator are provided to sandwich a second membrane electrode assembly at second sandwiching positions on both sides of the second membrane electrode assembly, oppositely to each other in the stacking direction. Bosses of the first metal separator and bosses of the third metal separator protrude toward a coolant flow field, and contact each other at positions offset from the first and second sandwiching positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Sugiura, Narutoshi Sugita
  • Patent number: 9590255
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes a separator having an uneven shape integrally formed on the front and the back surfaces thereof, so that gas can flow in a recessed portion of one surface and cooling water can flow in a recessed portion of the other surface. The separator has a gas passage portion connected to a manifold via a gas outlet/inlet portion. A first continuous portion that connects the gas outlet/inlet portion to the manifold is different from a second continuous portion that connects the gas outlet/inlet portion to the gas passage in communicating width. The gas outlet/inlet portion has an elliptical embossed portion that protrudes toward the gas passage side. A major axis direction of the embossed portion inclines relative to a straight axis connecting one end of the first continuous portion and one end of the second continuous portion toward a straight axis connecting the other ends of the first and second continuous portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroki Okabe
  • Patent number: 9590256
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gasket structure for a fuel cell separator with an improved air tight seal/sealability. The gasket structure includes first and second main lines and a plurality of sub lines. The first and second main lines are disposed in a horizontal direction in the separator on different lines of a reaction surface and a cooling surface of the separator, respectively. The plurality of sub lines are disposed in a vertical direction of the separator on both surfaces at a uniform interval. Here, the first and second main lines and the plurality of sub lines integrally form a gate for reactance gases and cooling water, and a plurality of vacant spaces are formed to have a uniform size on the first and second main lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sang Mun Jin, Yoo Chang Yang
  • Patent number: 9590257
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell is disclosed comprising, a first flow structure, a second flow structure, and a membrane electrode assembly disposed between the first and second flow structures. The electrochemical cell further comprises a pair of bipolar plates, wherein the first flow structure, the second flow structure, and the membrane electrode assembly are positioned between the pair of bipolar plates. The electrochemical cell also includes a spring mechanism, wherein the spring mechanism is disposed between the first flow structure and the bipolar plate adjacent to the first flow structure, and applies a pressure on the first flow structure in a direction substantially toward the membrane electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Nuvera Fuel Cells, LLC
    Inventors: Ed Domit, Scott Blanchet
  • Patent number: 9590258
    Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for managing a fuel cell vehicle system, and more particularly, an apparatus and a method for managing a fuel cell vehicle system capable of optimally maintaining a driving method based on environmental information and product information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Energy Research
    Inventors: Min Jin Kim, Young-Jun Sohn, Gu-Gon Park, Byung Chan Bae, Sung-Dae Yim, Young-Woo Choi, Seok-Hee Park, Young-Gi Yoon, Tae-Hyun Yang, Won-Yong Lee, Chang-Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 9590259
    Abstract: A fuel cell system comprises: noise detection means for detecting the magnitude of noise in a driver's cabin of a fuel cell vehicle in which the fuel cell system is installed; and a control apparatus for controlling the operation of auxiliary machines. The control apparatus performs high-potential avoidance control to increase electric power consumed by the auxiliary machines so that a power-generation voltage of a fuel cell 1 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined value, based on noise detected by the noise detection means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Masashi Toida
  • Patent number: 9590260
    Abstract: A reactor system is integrated internally within an anode-side cavity of a fuel cell. The reactor system is configured to convert higher hydrocarbons to smaller species while mitigating the lower production of solid carbon. The reactor system may incorporate one or more of a pre-reforming section, an anode exhaust gas recirculation device, and a reforming section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: ACUMENTRICS SOFC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Neil Edward Fernandes, Michael S. Brown, Praveen Cheekatamaria, Thomas Deng, James Dimitrakopoulos, Anthony F. Litka
  • Patent number: 9590261
    Abstract: Provided is solid electrolyte utilizing a composite oxide of a RP-type structure, that is useful for achieving strong electromotive force and enhanced current-voltage characteristics of a fuel battery, has enhanced ion conductivity and sufficiently inhibited electronic conductivity, and is capable of intercalation of a large amount of water or hydrogen groups, as well as a solid electrolyte membrane, a fuel battery cell, and a fuel battery. The solid electrolyte and the solid electrolyte membrane of the present invention has been obtained by subjecting a particular composite oxide of a RP-type structure or a membrane thereof to a treatment of at least one of hydroxylation and hydration, and has a property that the mass determined by TG measurement at 400° C. is less than that at 250° C. by not less than 4.0%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignees: SANTOKU CORPORATION, National University Corporation Hokkaido University
    Inventors: Motofumi Matsuda, Tadatoshi Murota, Tatsuya Takeguchi
  • Patent number: 9590262
    Abstract: A reversible fuel cell includes a positive electrode containing manganese dioxide, a negative electrode containing a hydrogen storage material, a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and an electrolyte. Each of the negative electrode and the positive electrode is an electrode for power generation and is also an electrode that applies electrolysis to the electrolyte using electric current to be fed from the outside. This cell is capable of storing electric energy to be supplied at the time of overcharge by converting the electric energy into gas, and is also capable of reconverting the gas into electric energy in order to utilize the electric energy. Accordingly, there are provided a reversible fuel cell and a reversible fuel cell system each of which is excellent in energy utilization efficiency, energy density and load following capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignees: THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO, EXERGY POWER SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Atsushi Tsutsumi, Kaduo Tsutsumi
  • Patent number: 9590263
    Abstract: A system and method for aligning and reducing the relative movement between adjacent fuel cells within a fuel cell stack. The inter-cell cooperation between fuel cells along a stacking dimension is enhanced by one or more datum placed along the edge of a bipolar plate that makes up a part of a cell-containing assembly. The datum is shaped along a thickness dimension that substantially coincides with the cell stacking dimension to promote a nested fit with a comparable datum on an adjacently-stacked bipolar plate. This nesting facilitates an interference fit that enhances the resistance to sliding movement between respective cells that may otherwise arise out of the occurrence of a significant acceleration along the dimension that defines the major surfaces of the plates, cells and their respective assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David A. Martinchek, Robert C. Thompson, Martin Heinzmann
  • Patent number: 9590264
    Abstract: Provided is an electric storage device capable of suitably preventing damage to end portions of an electrode assembly due to vibration. A current collector and a backing member are cooperated and connected to each end portion of the electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate are stacked in layers. The backing member is composed of a base and a skirt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignees: GS YUASA INTERNATIONAL LTD., HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masamitsu Tononishi, Satoshi Murakami, Tomonori Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 9590265
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cable-type secondary battery having a horizontal cross section of a predetermined shape and extending longitudinally, comprising: an inner electrode having an inner current collector and an inner electrode active material layer surrounding the outer surface of the inner current collector; a separation layer surrounding the outer surface of the inner electrode to prevent a short circuit between electrodes; and an outer electrode surrounding the outer surface of the separation layer and having an outer electrode active material layer and an open-structured outer current collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yo-Han Kwon, Byung-Hun Oh, Je-Young Kim, Heon-Cheol Shin
  • Patent number: 9590266
    Abstract: An electrolyte for a lithium secondary battery, the electrolyte including a lithium salt, a non-aqueous organic solvent, and a polar additive based on a substituted hetero-bicyclic compound. Oxidation of the electrolyte is prevented by formation of a polar thin film on a surface portion of the positive electrode, which facilitates transfer of lithium ions. The lithium secondary batteries using the electrolyte have excellent high temperature life characteristics and high temperature conservation characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoon-sok Kang, Min-sik Park, Jun-young Mun, Jin-hwan Park, Dong-joon Lee
  • Patent number: 9590267
    Abstract: Disclosed are a non-aqueous electrolyte for a rechargeable lithium battery and a rechargeable lithium battery including the non-aqueous electrolyte, and the non-aqueous electrolyte for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a lithium salt; a non-aqueous organic solvent; and trialkylsilyl borate as an additive, wherein the non-aqueous organic solvent may include a solvent having a low melting point of less than or equal to about ?50° C. and ionic conductivity of greater than or equal to about 6 mS/cm at 25° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Na-Rae Park, Jin-Hyunk Lim, Mi-Hyeun Oh
  • Patent number: 9590268
    Abstract: Electrochemical cells that use electrolytes made from new polymer compositions based on poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) and other high-softening-temperature polymers are disclosed. These materials have a microphase domain structure that has an ionically-conductive phase and a phase with good mechanical strength and a high softening temperature. In one arrangement, the structural block has a softening temperature of about 210° C. These materials can be made with either homopolymers or with block copolymers. Such electrochemical cells can operate safely at higher temperatures than have been possible before, especially in lithium cells. The ionic conductivity of the electrolytes increases with increasing temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Seeo, Inc.
    Inventors: Jin Yang, Hany Basam Eitouni, Mohit Singh
  • Patent number: 9590269
    Abstract: A polyelectrolyte includes a first segment and a second segment, wherein the structure of the first segment is at least one of formula (1) and formula (2); the structure of the second segment is at least one of formula (3) and formula (4). The polyelectrolyte undergoes microphase separation to form a nanoscale ordered self-assembled microstructure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignees: Industrial Technology Research Institute, National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Chung-Hsiang Chao, Li-Duan Tsai, Chia-Chen Fang, Chih-Ching Chang, Chi-Yang Chao, Kun-Lin Liu
  • Patent number: 9590270
    Abstract: An object is to provide a nonaqueous electrolyte and a nonaqueous-electrolyte secondary battery which have excellent discharge load characteristics and are excellent in high-temperature storability, cycle characteristics, high capacity, continuous-charge characteristics, storability, gas evolution inhibition during continuous charge, high-current-density charge/discharge characteristics, discharge load characteristics, etc. The object has been accomplished with a nonaqueous electrolyte which comprises: a monofluorophosphate and/or a difluorophosphate; and further a compound having a specific chemical structure or specific properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI CHEMICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Fujii, Youichi Ohashi, Shinichi Kinoshita
  • Patent number: 9590271
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrolyte for a lithium battery and a lithium battery comprising the same. The electrolyte includes a non-aqueous organic solvent, a lithium salt, and a first additive capable of forming a chelating complex with a transition metal and which is stable at voltages ranging from about 2.5 to about 4.8 V.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoung-Han Yew, Eui-Hwan Song, Cheol-Soo Jung, Yong-Beom Lee
  • Patent number: 9590272
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-aqueous electrolyte solution for a lithium secondary battery, comprising a sulfolane-based additive; and a lithium secondary battery using the same. The non-aqueous electrolyte solution for a lithium secondary battery according to the present invention comprises an ionizable lithium salt; an organic solvent; and a sulfolane compound of formula (I), the sulfolane compound being present in an amount of 0.1 to 5 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the total weight of the lithium salt and the organic solvent. The non-aqueous electrolyte solution for a lithium secondary battery according to the present invention can exhibit superior storage characteristic and life cycle at a high temperature, with maintaining good output characteristic at a low temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Ha An, Doo Kyung Yang, Chul-Haeng Lee, Young-Min Lim, Jong-Ho Jeon
  • Patent number: 9590273
    Abstract: Provided are a non-aqueous electrolyte solution which includes a lithium salt including lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI) and an additive including a vinylene carbonate-based compound and a sultone-based compound, and a lithium secondary battery including the non-aqueous electrolyte solution. The lithium secondary battery including the non-aqueous electrolyte solution of the present invention may improve low-temperature output characteristics, high-temperature cycle characteristics, output characteristics after high-temperature storage, and capacity characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Min Lim, Chul Haeng Lee, Doo Kyung Yang, Kyoung Ho Ahn, Gwang Yeon Kim
  • Patent number: 9590274
    Abstract: A passively impact resistant composite electrolyte composition includes an electrolyte solvent, up to 2M of an electrolyte salt, and shear thickening ceramic particles having a polydispersity index of no greater than 0.1, an average particle size of in a range of 50 nm to 1 ?m, and an absolute zeta potential of greater than ±40 mV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Gabriel M. Veith, Beth L. Armstrong, Wyatt E. Tenhaeff, Nancy J. Dudney
  • Patent number: 9590275
    Abstract: An electrolyte for a lithium battery and a lithium battery including the electrolyte. The electrolyte is employed in the lithium battery so as to improve cycle characteristics of the lithium battery that is operable at high voltages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seungtae Lee, Myunghoon Kim, Taehyun Bae, Aeran Kim, Woocheol Shin, Soojin Kim
  • Patent number: 9590276
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochemical device comprising a cathode having a complex formed between a surface of a cathode active material and an aliphatic di-nitrile compound; and a non-aqueous electrolyte containing 1-10 wt % of a compound of Formula 1 or its decomposition product based on the weight of the electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Young-Soo Kim, Soon-Ho Ahn, Soo-Hyun Ha
  • Patent number: 9590277
    Abstract: A power storage device having a small thickness is manufactured. A manufacturing method of the power storage device includes: forming a first layer and a second layer over a first substrate; forming a first insulating layer, a positive electrode and a negative electrode over the second layer; forming a solid electrolyte layer over the first insulating layer, the positive electrode, and the negative electrode; forming a sealing layer to cover the solid electrolyte layer; forming a planarization film and a support over the sealing layer; separating the first layer and the second layer from each other so that the second layer, the positive electrode, the negative electrode, the solid electrolyte layer, the sealing layer, the planarization film, and the support are separated from the first substrate; attaching the separated structure to a second substrate which is flexible; and separating the support from the planarization film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Konami Izumi
  • Patent number: 9590278
    Abstract: An efficient perovskite solar cells can be synthesized from used car batteries by using both the anodes and cathodes of car batteries as material sources for the synthesis of lead iodide perovskite materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Angela M. Belcher, Po-Yen Chen, Paula T. Hammond-Cunningham, Jifa Qi
  • Patent number: 9590279
    Abstract: A lithium ion (Li-ion) battery module includes a container with one or more partitions that define compartments within the container. Each of the compartments is configured to receive and hold a prismatic Li-ion electrochemical cell element, and a cover is configured to be disposed over the container to close the compartments. The container includes a polymer blend including a base polymer and one or more additives blended into the base polymer. The base polymer is electrically nonconductive and the one or more additives are configured to increase a thermal conductivity of the container to promote transfer of heat generated from the electrochemical cell elements through the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Kem M. Obasih, Matthew R. Tyler
  • Patent number: 9590280
    Abstract: A battery pack includes a plurality of bare cells electrically connected to one another and a housing that accommodates the bare cells therein. The housing includes a frame portion and a pair of side portions respectively connected to one end and the other end of the frame portion. The housing includes a guide portion to guide a flow of fluid, the guide portion being located where the one end of the frame portion and one side portion of the pair of side portions are adjacent to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Myung-Chul Kim