Patents Issued in May 1, 2018
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Patent number: 9960438Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack including an anode and a cathode, a first conduit positioned to supply oxygen to the cathode, a second conduit positioned to supply hydrogen to the anode, and a third conduit positioned separate from the first and second conduits and to supply oxygen to the second conduit. The third conduit may be positioned to supply oxygen from the first conduit to the second conduit.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Daniel William Forthoffer
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Patent number: 9960439Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling hydrogen purging are provided. The apparatus includes a purging valve that is provided for an outlet disposed adjacent to an anode of a fuel cell stack and is configured to adjust an outflow of water from the fuel cell stack. In addition, a controller is configured to adjust an opening of the purging valve according to a charge capacity obtained by integrating a current of the fuel cell stack. The controller is configured to calculate the charge capacity by multiplying the current of the fuel cell stack by a scale factor when a load for an output current of the fuel cell stack is less than a first reference load which is preset.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Heon Joong Lee, Sang Uk Kwon
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Patent number: 9960440Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a compressor for supplying the cathode gas to the fuel cell, an anode gas discharge system for discharging anode off-gas discharged from the fuel cell into a cathode gas flow passage, a pulsating operation control unit for causing a pressure of the anode gas to pulsate based on an operating state of the fuel cell, a purge control unit for purging the anode off-gas into the cathode gas flow passage based on an impurity concentration of an anode of the fuel cell and a pressure of the anode, and a compressor control unit for controlling the compressor based on a purge flow rate controlled by the purge control unit, and the purge control unit for setting the pressure of the anode to a predetermined value determined according to a pulsating state of the anode gas.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Yoshitomo Asai, Yousuke Tomita
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Patent number: 9960441Abstract: This disclosure relates to novel manganese hydrides, processes for their preparation, and their use in hydrogen storage applications. The disclosure also relates to processes for preparing manganese dialkyl compounds having high purity, and their use in the preparation of manganese hydrides having enhance hydrogen storage capacity.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH WALES COMMERCIAL SERVICES LTD.Inventor: David Antonelli
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Process for separating electrode for membrane-electrode assembly of fuel cell and apparatus therefor
Patent number: 9960442Abstract: Disclosed are a process for separating an electrode for membrane-electrode assemblies of fuel cells from the decal transfer film and an apparatus for separating the electrode. In particular, during the electrode separating process, only an electrode is separated from the decal transfer film on which the electrode is coated, without any damage, by a freezing method for freezing the specimen on the deionized water surface, and thus, wasting the expensive MEA is prevented. Thus, mechanical properties of the pristine electrode can be rapidly quantified in advance, and therefore, long term durability evaluation period during developing MEA having excellent durability is substantially reduced.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Bo Ki Hong, Byeong-Heon Jeong, Taek-Soo Kim, Jae-Han Kim, Sanwi Kim -
Patent number: 9960443Abstract: Introducing multiple redox reactions with a suitable voltage range can improve the energy density of redox flow battery (RFB) systems. One example includes RFB systems utilizing multiple redox pairs in the positive half cell, the negative half cell, or in both. Such RFB systems can have a negative electrolyte, a positive electrolyte, and a membrane between the negative electrolyte and the positive electrolyte, in which at least two electrochemically active elements exist in the negative electrolyte, the positive electrolyte, or both.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2011Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Battelle Memorial InstituteInventors: Wei Wang, Liyu Li, Zhenguo Yang, Zimin Nie
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Patent number: 9960444Abstract: A semi-vanadium(V) redox flow battery (semi-VRFB) including a positive electrolyte tank, a negative electrolyte tank and a cell stack. The positive electrolyte tank is stored with a positive electrolyte of V ions and the negative electrolyte tank is stored with a negative electrolyte of iodine(I)-vitamin C. The cell stack comprises a positive electrode, a negative electrode, an insulating film, a positive electrode plate, and a negative electrode plate. The negative electrode is made of carbon (C) sandwiched with titanium dioxide(TiO2), and can further comprise a metal or an alloy. The insulating film is located between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The positive and negative electrode plates are located in front of the positive and negative electrodes, respectively. The positive and negative electrolytes flow through the positive and negative electrode plates to charge/discharge power by the electrochemical reactions of V ions and I-vitamin C at the positive and negative electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCH, ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL, Executive Yuan, R.O.C.Inventors: Chin-Lung Hsieh, Shu-Ling Huang, Tz-Jiun Tsai, Ming-Wei Hsueh, Mei-Ling Chen
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Patent number: 9960445Abstract: A redox flow battery that uses metal complexes with amino-alcohol ligands as the electroactive species in alkaline electrolytes to store electrical energy. The battery includes a first and a second electrolyte storage unit that each includes a metal complex selected from transition metals with an amino-alcohol ligand as an electroactive species in an alkaline electrolyte. Such solutions in these electrolyte storage units are each prepared by mixing stoichiometric amounts of a metal ion and an amino-alcohol ligand in water to form a metal-ligand mixture followed by adding an amount corresponding to 3-5 moles/liter of an alkaline electrolyte solution to each metal-ligand mixture to form a metal complex with the amino-alcohol ligand in the alkaline electrolyte to be used by a storage unit. As a result, the operational and maintenance costs of the redox flow battery are reduced while reducing the complexity of the manufacturing process.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Allen J. Bard, Netzahualcoyotl Arroyo
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Patent number: 9960446Abstract: A secondary battery suitable for a portable information terminal or a wearable device is provided. An electronic device having a novel structure which can have various forms and a secondary battery that fits the forms of the electronic device are provided. In the secondary battery, sealing is performed using a film provided with depressions or projections that ease stress on the film due to application of external force. A pattern of depressions or projections is formed on the film by pressing, e.g., embossing.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR ENERGY LABORATORY CO., LTD.Inventors: Minoru Takahashi, Ryota Tajima
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Patent number: 9960447Abstract: The disclosure provides for polymer networks that can effectively conduct single ion electrolytes.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Jeffrey R. Long, Jeffrey Van Humbeck, Rob P. Ameloot
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Patent number: 9960448Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes the following steps of: constructing a battery assembly using a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a nonaqueous electrolytic solution containing a compound represented by a specific formula; and forming a film on a surface of the positive electrode by charging the battery assembly such that the compound is decomposed. In an embodiment, during the construction of the battery assembly, a content of the compound is adjusted to be 0.1 mass % or more with respect to 100 mass % of a total amount of the nonaqueous electrolytic solution.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hiroyuki Yamaguchi
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Patent number: 9960449Abstract: Provided is a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery with reduced resistance in a low SOC range, with the battery having a coating on its negative electrode active material. This invention provides a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprising a positive electrode that has a positive electrode active material layer comprising a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode that has a negative electrode active material layer comprising a negative electrode active material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The negative electrode active material has a coating. The coating comprises an oxalato complex-derived component and an N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone-derived component. The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery internally comprises tungsten. The tungsten content per unit capacity of the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is 0.0048 g/Ah to 0.0078 g/Ah.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Koji Takahata
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Patent number: 9960450Abstract: To provide a flame retardant non-aqueous electrolyte solution for secondary batteries, with which a lithium ion secondary battery which is less likely to undergo thermal runaway and which is excellent in the high temperature storage properties can be obtained; and a lithium ion secondary battery using the non-aqueous electrolyte solution for secondary batteries. A non-aqueous electrolyte solution for secondary batteries, comprising an electrolyte salt and a liquid composition, which contains either one or both of monofluorophosphate anions and difluorophosphate anions derived from at least part of the electrolyte salt, wherein at least a lithium salt is contained as one type of the electrolyte salt, and the liquid composition comprises at least one fluorine-containing solvent (?) selected from the group consisting of a fluorine-containing ether compound, a fluorine-containing chain carboxylic acid ester compound and a fluorine-containing chain carbonate compound, and a cyclic carboxylic acid ester compound.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, LimitedInventors: Yu Onozaki, Eisuke Murotani, Toyokazu Enta
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Patent number: 9960451Abstract: A method of preparing an alkali metal cell having a quasi-solid electrode, the method comprising: (a) combining a quantity of an active material, a quantity of an electrolyte, and a conductive additive to form a deformable and electrically conductive electrode material, wherein the conductive additive, containing conductive filaments, forms a 3D network of electron-conducting pathways; (b) forming the electrode material into a quasi-solid electrode, wherein the forming step includes deforming the electrode material into an electrode shape without interrupting the 3D network of electron-conducting pathways such that the electrode maintains an electrical conductivity no less than 10?6 S/cm; (c) forming a second electrode; and (d) forming an alkali metal cell by combining the quasi-solid electrode and the second electrode having an ion-conducting separator disposed between the two electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2017Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Nanotek Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Aruna Zhamu, Bor Z. Jang
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Patent number: 9960452Abstract: A method of producing a nonaqueous secondary battery includes: preparing an electrode body (S10); constructing a battery assembly with the electrode body and a nonaqueous electrolyte (S20); initially charging the battery assembly (S30); aging the battery assembly at 40° C. or higher (S40); adjusting an SOC of the battery assembly (S60), wherein, the adjusting the SOC is performed such that a residual capacity percentage of the battery assembly is 11.5% or more and 14% or less; self-discharging the battery assembly and measuring a voltage drop amount (S70); and determining a quality of the battery assembly based on the voltage drop amount (S80).Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yukiyoshi Ueno, Junko Ohira
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Patent number: 9960453Abstract: Provided is a lithium ion secondary battery that enables lithium ion replenishment in a short period of time. The lithium ion secondary battery disclosed herein is provided with a wound electrode assembly in which a long sheet-shaped positive electrode and a long sheet-shaped negative electrode are wound such that the negative electrode is positioned on the outer side of the positive electrode; a third electrode that is disposed outside the wound electrode assembly and that has an Li supply source capable of supplying lithium ion; and a porous insulating film that is disposed between the wound electrode assembly and the third electrode and that is formed from a material usable as a separator in a battery.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hideyo Ebisuzaki, Shinobu Okayama, Tetsuro Kobayashi
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Patent number: 9960454Abstract: Examples of the present technology may include a method of making a non-woven fiber mat. The wet nonwoven fiber mat may include a first plurality of first glass fibers and a second plurality of second glass fibers. The first plurality of first glass fibers may have nominal diameters of less than 5 ?m, and the second plurality of second glass fibers may have nominal diameters of greater than 6 ?m. The method may further include curing the binder composition to produce the nonwoven fiber mat. The nonwoven fiber mat may have an average 40 wt. % sulfuric acid wick height of between about 1 cm and about 5 cm after exposure to 40 wt. % sulfuric acid for 10 minutes conducted according to method ISO8787, and the nonwoven fiber mat may have a total normalized tensile strength greater than 2 (lbf/in)/(lb/sq) fora sq (100 ft2).Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2017Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Johns ManvilleInventors: Zhihua Guo, Souvik Nandi, Jawed Asrar, Albert G Dietz, III
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Patent number: 9960455Abstract: A device for preventing or extinguishing a fire in an electrochemical energy storage system comprising storage cells arranged in a storage housing, in particular lithium-ion cells, wherein a composition of expandable volume, containing a chemical compound for preventing or extinguishing a fire, is disposed with limited volume in one or a plurality of hollow spaces in or on the storage housing, and expansion of the volume of the composition can be activated by sensors.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2013Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Key Safety Systems, Inc.Inventors: Martin Specht, Klaus Meiler
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Patent number: 9960456Abstract: The disclosure provides a method, module and terminal for automatically activating a battery. The module for activating the battery comprises a detection unit, an activation unit and a control unit. The method for activating the battery comprises the following steps: a value of at least one first working parameter and a value of at least one second working parameter of the battery are periodically collected, recorded and uploaded; a key section of the at least one first working parameter is determined and a variation value of the second working parameter corresponding to the key section of the first working parameter is computed; and the variation value of the second working parameter is compared with a preset value, the using state of the battery is determined according to a comparison result, and the battery is activated according to the using state.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2012Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: ZTE CORPORATIONInventors: Zhibin He, Zhongzhi Liu
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Patent number: 9960457Abstract: A system and method are described permitting a sophisticated control of a battery composed of a multiplicity of three-terminal electrochemical cells. Each cell has first and second terminals, connected with respective electrodes, one of which is a positive terminal and one of which is a negative terminal. Each cell has a third terminal connected with a grid electrode. A battery is composed of N cells. For each of the N cells, there is provided a respective capacitor switchably coupled to the second and third terminals thereof. A controller is connected through a switching matrix to the capacitors. In operation, the controller is connected sequentially to each capacitor among the multiplicity of capacitors, during which time the capacitor is momentarily uncoupled from its respective cell. When the controller is connected to one of the capacitors, it measures the voltage thereupon. The controller can then charge up or discharge the capacitor to drive it to a desired voltage level.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2017Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Sendyne CorporationInventors: Yannis Tsividis, Carl Oppedahl
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Patent number: 9960458Abstract: Provided are battery systems having multiple independently controlled sets of battery cells and method of using these systems to power, for example, drive trains of electric and hybrid vehicles. A battery system includes two or more sets of battery cells. Each set can be discharged and/or charged independently of another set based on different factors, such as a current power demand, power output capabilities of each set, and other like factors. One or multiple sets can be used to deliver power at any given time. In some embodiments, one set may be used to charge another set in the same power system. The same or different types of battery cells may be used in different sets. For example, one set may have battery cells having a higher power output capability, while another set may have battery cells with a higher energy density.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: QuantumScape CorporationInventors: Phil Weicker, Brian Pevear, Jay Underwood, Tim Holme, Wes Hermann
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Patent number: 9960459Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes: constructing a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery including an electrode body and an electrolytic solution, the electrode body including a negative electrode, and the electrolytic solution containing a nonaqueous solvent and a negative electrode film forming agent having a decomposition voltage that is lower than a decomposition voltage of the nonaqueous solvent; performing first charging of the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery at a voltage that is equal to or higher than the decomposition voltage of the negative electrode film forming agent and lower than the decomposition voltage of the nonaqueous solvent and at ?30° C. to 0° C.; and performing second charging of the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery at a voltage that is equal to or higher than the decomposition voltage of the nonaqueous solvent and at a temperature of 25° C. or higher and lower than a boiling point of the electrolytic solution.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Yuichi Ito
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Patent number: 9960460Abstract: An energy storage apparatus includes: an energy storage device; a spacer disposed on one side of the energy storage device in a first direction, the spacer including a pair of wall portions; and a measuring part for measuring a state of the energy storage device, the measuring part disposed on one side of the energy storage device in a second direction which intersects with the first direction. The wall portions include a first wall portion disposed on the one side of the energy storage device in the second direction and a second wall portion disposed on the other side of the energy storage device opposite to the one side of the energy storage device. The energy storage device is arranged at a position where a distance between the energy storage device and the first wall portion is set shorter than a distance between the energy storage device and the second wall portion.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: GS YUASA INTERNATIONAL LTD.Inventors: Shogo Tsuruta, Yuichiro Yamamoto
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Patent number: 9960461Abstract: An system includes a first battery having a first desired operating temperature range between a first lower threshold temperature and a first upper threshold temperature and a second battery having a second desired operating temperature range between a second lower threshold temperature and a second upper threshold temperature. The system further includes a temperature control system coupled to the first and second batteries and configured to convey heat energy from the first battery to the second battery when the temperature of the second battery is less than the second lower threshold temperature to increase the temperature of the second battery toward the second desired operating temperature range and to convey heat energy away from the second battery when the temperature of the second battery is greater than the second upper threshold temperature to decrease the temperature of the second battery toward the second desired operating temperature range.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2008Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Robert Dean King, Lorne Wyatt Hofstetter
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Patent number: 9960462Abstract: In a method for monitoring a battery which includes a number of cells, in each instance, at least one electronic unit is situated so as to be in contact with at least two of the cells, in order to record a variable of this cell and forward it to a central receiver.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2012Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventor: Fabian Henrici
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Patent number: 9960463Abstract: A battery pack apparatus comprising a first cell bank and a laminated cooling plate. The first cell bank includes a first tray and at least one battery cell coupled to the tray. The laminated cooling plate being in contact with the first cell bank and including a plurality of face sheets and a plurality of internal sheets. The face sheets forming a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The plurality of internal sheets forming a plurality of fluid passages connecting the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The internal sheets further formed to include fluid pathways defining the fluid passages wherein none of the fluid pathways individually defining an uninterrupted flow path.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2012Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Flagship Enterprise Center, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey J. Ronning, Dennie E. Emerson, Laura M. Soverns, Christopher A. Bledsoe
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Patent number: 9960464Abstract: A device and a method for controlling the temperature of a unit to be controlled in its temperature, including a unit to be heated or cooled, a temperature-control circuit having a recirculatable, heat-transferring medium, the flow direction of the medium through the temperature-control circuit being reversed following at least one predefined time interval or according to a control based on a temperature of the unit to be controlled in its temperature, characterized by the fact that the intake temperature of the recirculatable, heat-transferring medium is higher than the setpoint temperature of the unit to be controlled in its temperature, as long as the actual temperature of the unit requiring temperature control is lower than its setpoint temperature, and the intake temperature of the recirculatable, heat-transferring medium is lower than the setpoint temperature of the unit to be controlled in its temperature, if the actual temperature of the unit to be controlled in its temperature exceeds its setpoint teType: GrantFiled: February 20, 2012Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventor: Volker Doege
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Patent number: 9960465Abstract: A battery pack having a battery module with a bottom surface and a top surface is provided. The battery module includes a plurality of flow channels extending through the battery module from the top surface to the bottom surface. The battery pack includes a base assembly adapted to hold the battery module therein. The base assembly has a bottom wall and a first end and a second end. The bottom surface of the battery module is disposed at an acute angle relative to the bottom wall of the base assembly in a first direction extending from the first end toward the second end. The battery pack includes a cover assembly having a top wall extending substantially parallel to the bottom wall of the base assembly, and a top surface of the battery module that is disposed at an acute angle relative to the top wall of the cover assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Scott Dudley, Robert Merriman, Heekook Yang, Anthony Arena
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Patent number: 9960466Abstract: The invention relates to a rechargeable battery includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a separator, and electrolyte. The first electrode includes a first supercapacitor electrode, a first battery electrode, a first current collector, and a first connector. The first battery electrode is sandwiched between the first supercapacitor electrode and the first current collector. The first supercapacitor electrode and the first current collector are electrically connected via the first connector.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignees: Tsinghua University, HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: Yan-Li Yin, Chang-Hong Liu, Shou-Shan Fan
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Patent number: 9960467Abstract: A non-aqueous type magnesium oxygen battery including a negative electrode, a positive electrode, a non-aqueous magnesium ion conductor, and a promoter is described. The negative electrode is configured to absorb magnesium and release magnesium ion. The positive electrode is configured to produce a discharge product that includes magnesium and oxygen during a discharge process of the battery. The non-aqueous magnesium on conductor is between the negative electrode and the positive electrode. The promoter is included with the positive electrode. The promoter is configured to promote MgO2 (magnesium peroxide) production during the discharge process of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, The Regents of The University of MichiganInventors: Junichi Naruse, Donald Siegel, Jeffrey Smith, Gulin Vardar, Charles Monroe
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Patent number: 9960468Abstract: Waveguide components that have a high degree of performance accuracy over the temperature range of interest are provided. The components require no post-formation trimming steps, are light-weight, and dimensionally stable. In addition, a method for the manufacture of these millimeter wave components is provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2012Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: REMEC BROADBAND WIRELESS NETWORKS, LLCInventors: Sean S. Cahill, Eric A. Sanjuan
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Patent number: 9960469Abstract: A power combiner/divider having a front end and a rear end and including a stepped main center conductor defining an axis and having portions with different outer diameters; an input connector having a center conductor, adapted to be coupled to a signal source, electrically coupled to the main conductor and having an axis aligned with the main conductor axis; a plurality of output connectors having respective axes that are perpendicular to the main conductor axis, the output connectors being radially spaced apart relative to the main conductor, the output connectors having center conductors; a plurality of nested cylinders proximate the front end and arranged with gaps defining at least three gaps providing coaxial transmission lines; and a plurality of nested cylinders proximate the rear end, one of which having apertures perpendicular to the main conductor axis receiving the center conductors of the output connectors, the nested cylinders proximate the rear end defining at least three gaps.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2017Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Inventor: David B. Aster
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Patent number: 9960470Abstract: Aspects of a guided surface waveguide probe site and the preparation thereof are described. In various embodiments, the guided surface waveguide probe site may include a propagation interface including a first region and a second region, and a guided surface waveguide probe configured to launch a guided surface wave along the propagation interface. In one aspect of the embodiments, at least a portion of the first region may be prepared to more efficiently launch or propagate the guided surface wave. Among embodiments, the portion of the first region, which may be composed of the Earth, may be treated or mixed with salt, gypsum, sand, or gravel, for example, among other compositions of matter. In other embodiments, the portion of the first region may be covered, insulated, irrigated, or temperature-controlled, for example. By preparing the site, a guided surface wave may be more efficiently launched and/or propagated.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: CPG TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: James F. Corum, Kenneth L. Corum, Basil F. Pinzone, Jr., James D. Lilly, Stephen W. Wilson
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Patent number: 9960471Abstract: In a transmission line, first and second signal conductors are located inside a dielectric base body. The first and second signal conductors are located between first and second ground conductors in a thickness direction of the dielectric base body. A main conductor portion of the second ground conductor is located between the first and second signal conductors in a width direction of the dielectric base body. First and second auxiliary conductor portions of the second ground conductor respectively extend from the main conductor portion to first-signal-conductor-side and second-signal-conductor-side lateral surfaces of the dielectric base body. A first lateral-surface conductor connects the first auxiliary conductor portion to a plating-connection conductor connected to the first ground conductor. A second lateral-surface conductor connects the second auxiliary conductor portion to a plating-connection conductor connected to the first ground conductor.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Baba, Satoshi Sasaki, Kuniaki Yosui
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Patent number: 9960472Abstract: A continuously manually or remotely adjustable microwave attenuator and linear phase shifter uses a mobile signal coupler (wave-probe) and a slabline structure terminated with 50 Ohms. The coupled port of the wave-probe is connected with the output port of the unit using flexible RF cable. The wave-probe is attached to the vertical axis of a mobile carriage, which is moved at variable distance from the input port, corresponding to the expected transmission phase, whereas the depth, at which the wave-probe is inserted into the slabline, determines the coupling factor and thus the value of the attenuation. Amplifier and low pass filters compensate for coupling loss and equalize for frequency slope.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2017Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Inventor: Christos Tsironis
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Patent number: 9960473Abstract: A system comprises a differential phase shifter based on a differential coupled line coupler that can include a ground metal layer, a bottom metal layer and a top metal layer. The differential line coupler can include differential input lines comprising two metal stack layers (top and bottom), which are arranged diagonally, and the differential output lines are arranged in a complementary diagonal configuration. This layout configuration overcomes the asymmetry caused by the difference in metal layer thickness and width difference, as well as a periphery effect such as the distance to a ground plane or substrate. The proposed diagonal layout configuration balances the characteristic impedance and phase accumulation on each coupled wire of the differential coupled line coupler, which improves the performance of the phase shifter, e.g. lower insertion loss and wider phase tuning range.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Oded Katz, Nadav Mazor
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Patent number: 9960474Abstract: Unitary antenna dipole radiating elements are formed. Such elements include a base portion and a plurality of shaped arm portions unitarily formed on a side of the base portion. The antenna elements are configured to transmit and receive RF signals in a high frequency range.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent Shanghai Bell Co. Ltd.Inventors: Raja Reddy Katipally, Aaron T. Rose
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Patent number: 9960475Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) lighting device is provided. The device includes an LED light source assembly installed on the top of a heat sink body, and an LED driving and power supply unit configured to drive the LED light source assembly and provide electrical power for the LED lighting device. The device also includes a heat sink including the heat sink body and a heat sink covering, where the heat sink covering has an opening; and a plane including the highest point of the top of the heat sink body is higher than a plane including the opening of the heat sink covering. Further, the device includes a radio frequency (RF) antenna installed on periphery of the heat sink body. A plane that includes the highest point of the RF antenna is at the same level or lower than the plane that includes the highest point of the top of the heat sink body.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: SENGLED OPTOELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Xiaofei Chen, Xingming Deng, Jinxiang Shen
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Patent number: 9960476Abstract: A conductive coupling frame (CF) or a discontinuous metal layer disposed surrounding and closely adjacent a transponder chip module (TCM), and substantially coplanar with an antenna structure (AS, CES, LES) in the transponder chip module (TCM). A metal card body (MCB, CB) or a transaction card with a discontinuous metal layer having a slit (S), extending from an inner end to a periphery of the metal layer, and not terminating in a distinct opening sized to accommodate a transponder chip module (TCM).Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Féinics AmaTech TeorantaInventors: David Finn, Mustafa Lotya, Darren Molloy
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Patent number: 9960477Abstract: A device is provided that includes (a) an antenna that includes at least one conductor, (b) a housing that includes an inner-upper surface and an inner-lower surface separated by a first distance, (c) a battery disposed within the housing, where a base surface of the battery is proximate to the inner-lower surface of the housing, where a first portion of the battery has a height, which is substantially equal to the first distance, and where a second portion of the battery is of lesser height than the first portion of the battery such that space exists between the second portion of the battery and the inner-upper surface of the housing, and (d) where the one conductor is arranged over the second portion of the battery in the space, such that the one conductor and the battery do not contact one another, and where, as arranged, the antenna is capable of a far-field communication.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Peter Bevelacqua, Timothy John Prachar
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Patent number: 9960478Abstract: A wireless device includes at least one slim radiating system having a slim radiating structure and a radio-frequency system. The slim radiating structure includes one or more booster bars. The booster bar has slim width and height factors that facilitate its integration within the wireless device and the excitation of a resonant mode in the ground plane layer, and has a location factor that enables it to achieve the most favorable radio-frequency performance for the available space to allocate the booster bar. The at least one slim radiating system may be configured to transmit and receive electromagnetic wave signals in one or more frequency regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: Fractus Antennas, S.L.Inventors: Jaume Anguera Pros, Norman Toporcer, Aurora Andujar Linares
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Patent number: 9960479Abstract: An antenna device includes a ground plane configured to have an end side; a ground element configured to have a first end and a second end; a first radiation element configured to have a first line extending upright with respect to the ground element from a grounded end, a second line coupled to the first line, and a feed point; a second radiation element configured to have a third line, and a fourth line coupled to the third line; a first parasitic element configured to have a first parasitic line, and a second parasitic line coupled to the first parasitic line and extending along the ground element toward the first end; and a second parasitic element configured to have a fifth line located close to a tip of the second parasitic line, and a sixth line extending along the ground element from a tip of the fifth line.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2017Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventor: Yohei Koga
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Patent number: 9960480Abstract: A solar antenna array may comprise an array of antennas that may capture and convert sunlight into electrical power. Methods for constructing the solar antenna array may use a stencil and self aligning semiconductor processing steps to minimize cost. Designs may be optimized for capturing a broad spectrum of visible light and non-polarized light. Testing and disconnecting, defective antennas from the array may also be performed.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2012Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: NovaSolix, Inc.Inventor: Laurence H. Cooke
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Patent number: 9960481Abstract: Various embodiments provide an antenna hitch mount for securing an antenna, such as a satellite dish, to a vehicle. According to one embodiment, the hitch mount includes a hitch mounting portion, a plate, and an antenna mounting portion. The hitch mounting portion is configured to be inserted in to a hitch. The hitch mounting portion includes holes that are on opposite sides of the hitch mounting portion and are aligned with each other. The plate is used to couple the hitch mounting portion and the antenna mounting portion to each other. The antenna mounting portion is configured to support an antenna. Namely, an antenna is secured to the antenna mounting portion by a fastening device, such as a mast clamp.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: DISH Technologies L.L.C.Inventors: William Roberts, Matthew Bailey
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Patent number: 9960482Abstract: A window assembly for a vehicle includes a substrate that is substantially transparent and has a surface. A transparent layer is disposed on the surface and comprises a metal compound such that the transparent layer is electrically conductive. The transparent layer defines a first region and a second region that are spaced from one another by a section cut that is devoid of the transparent layer. The first and second regions are substantially congruent to one another and are configured to operate as diversity antenna elements. A feeding arrangement is coupled to the first and second regions to energize the first and second regions. At least one of the first and second regions defines a performance enhancing slit that is devoid of the transparent layer. The slit is configured to operate as at least one of an impedance matching element and a radiation pattern altering element.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignees: AGC AUTOMOTIVE AMERICAS R&D, INC., AGC FLAT GRASS NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventor: Ledion Shkembi
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Patent number: 9960483Abstract: An antenna (10) includes: a first radiant element (3) and a second radiant element (4), which are connected to an antenna feeding point (2); a first branch part (5a), one end of which is connected to the first radiant element (3) at a position not corresponding to an end portion of the first radiant element (3); a second branch part (5b), one end of which is connected to the second radiant element (4) at a position not corresponding to an end portion of the second radiant element (4); and a connection element (7), which connects part of the first radiant element (3) and part of the second radiant element (4). A different end of the first branch part (5a) and a different end of the second branch part (5b) face each other and form a capacitor part. The capacitor part is positioned outside the area surrounded by the connection element (7), the first radiant element (3), and the second radiant element (4).Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2013Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignees: NEC CORPORATION, NEC Platforms, Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Toyao, Jun Uchida
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Patent number: 9960484Abstract: An antenna comprising: a driven element; an input feed coupled to the driven element wherein the input feed is configured to be connected to a receiver; a non-Foster circuit having a negative impedance, wherein the non-Foster circuit is configured to actively load the antenna at a location on the antenna other than at the input feed; and wherein the antenna fits within an imaginary sphere having a radius a, and wherein the product ka is less than 0.5, where k is a wave number.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: The United States of America as represented by Secretary of the NavyInventors: Jia-Chi Samuel Chieh, Lu Xu, Albert Ryu, John D. Rockway, Diana Arceo, Justin A. Church
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Patent number: 9960485Abstract: An antenna device comprises a first dielectric substrate; first and second antenna elements arranged on a first surface of the first dielectric substrate; a ground conductor arranged on a second surface of the first dielectric substrate; and an EBG structure arranged between the first and second antenna elements. The EBG structure comprises first patch conductors that are each arranged in contact with the first surface of the first dielectric substrate and are each electromagnetically coupled with the ground conductor; second patch conductors that are each arranged in a prescribed distance from the first surface of the first dielectric substrate in a direction opposite to the second surface, and are each electromagnetically coupled with corresponding one of the first patch conductors; and first connection conductors that electrically connect the first patch conductors with the second patch conductors.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2015Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroyoshi Tagi, Hideki Iwaki
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Patent number: 9960486Abstract: A circuit board for an antenna assembly comprising: an antenna, a slot extending from a front end of the circuit board for trapping ground currents generated by the antenna, at least one electronic component placed at a front end of the circuit board, at least one of a biasing line and a ground line for the at least one electronic component wherein the biasing line and/or the ground line are routed from the electronic component through the slot.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2016Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: THOMSON LICENSINGInventors: Dominique Lo Hine Tong, Philippe Minard, Jean-Marc Le Foulgoc
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Patent number: 9960487Abstract: A distributed antenna system (DAS) including a wide band antenna device having respective transmit and receive antennas disposed in a single package and arranged to provide mutual isolation so that in use noise from the transmit antenna is isolated from the transmit antenna, whereby reception is possible at the same frequency as transmission.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: ZINWAVE LIMITEDInventors: Trevor Gears, Zafer Boz, Graham Ronald Howe, Emiliano Mezzarobba, Andrew Robert Bell