Storage Cell Or Battery Patents (Class 29/730)
  • Publication number: 20130247364
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a manufacturing device for a battery, includes, an electrolyte supply unit which introduces an electrolyte into a cell, a chamber which accommodates the battery cell, a first pressure adjustment unit configured to make a pressure in the battery cell lower than a pressure on the side of the electrolyte supply unit, and a second pressure adjustment unit configured to make a pressure outside the battery cell in the chamber lower than the pressure in the battery cell, thereby increasing the capacity of the battery cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Kenta FUKATSU
  • Publication number: 20130252069
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery cell manufacturing device configured to manufacture a battery cell including two or more unit cells. The battery cell manufacturing device includes a unit cell stacking unit into which unit cells are introduced from above and in which the unit cells are sequentially stacked, a wrapping unit to wrap an outside of the unit cell stack discharged from the unit cell stacking unit with a separation film, and a heating unit to thermally shrink the separation film wrapping the outside of the unit cell stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Ki Hong MIN, Jeong Sam SON, Sung Min HWANG, Jihoon CHO, Changmin HAN, Han Sung LEE, Byeong Geun KIM, Jae Hoon YOU, Su Taek JUNG, Hyun-sook BAIK, Seok Joo JUNG, Ki Hun SONG, Sang Hyuck PARK
  • Publication number: 20130209873
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a layered structure and an apparatus for manufacturing a layered structure where the layered structure comprises a solid electrolyte layer, a positive electrode active material layer, and a negative electrode active material layer, which together constitute an all-solid-state battery, enables the interfacial resistance to be lowered, enables the interfacial strength to be increased, enables an improved yield rate, and enables a low manufacturing cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Masahiko Nagasaka, Shogo Nakajima, Takayuki Nozawa, Osamu Sugino, Ikuto Mishima
  • Publication number: 20130196202
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a corresponding device for producing an electrochemical energy storage cell which exhibits at least one electrode stack (10) and/or electrode coil and a casing (20) at least partially surrounding the electrode stack or electrode coil, respectively, wherein the energy storage cell is at least partially filled with electrolyte (30) and a massaging movement is exerted on the casing (20) which at least partially surrounds the electrode stack (10) or electrode coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: LI-TEC BATTERY GMBH
    Inventor: LI-TEC BATTERY GMBH
  • Patent number: 8498112
    Abstract: A battery assembly includes at least a plurality of battery cells that includes at least a first and a second battery cell each attached to a distributed battery monitoring unit, the second battery cell being associated with an external circuit, the second battery cell connected to a battery management unit (BMU) by way of a pre-formed battery contact shaped to accommodate the external circuit. The plurality of battery cells are electrically connected to at least the BMU such that each of the plurality of battery cells are substantially aligned with each other thereby preserving a battery profile corresponding to unconnected battery cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Val Valentine, Sheba Devan, Stephen R. McClure, Scott J. Hagadone
  • Patent number: 8484834
    Abstract: Improved plant for the electrochemical formation of lead-acid batteries, which comprises a circuit for circulating the electrolytic solution for the purpose of controlling its temperature and electrolytic concentration, provided with supply means for conveying into the cells via a first distribution header a first flow of electrolytic solution at a constant piezometric pressure and return means for removing under a vacuum by means of a suction header the first flow of electrolytic solution from the cells. A cap, which comprises an inlet pipe connected via a first connecting line to the first distribution header and an outlet pipe, is removably mounted in a sealed manner on each cell. Each cap also comprises at least one ventilation pipe which connects the internal environment of the cell, present underneath the lid, to the external environment which is at atmospheric pressure, so as to dilute the formation of inflammable gases inside said cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Sovema S.p.A.
    Inventor: Pietro Farina
  • Publication number: 20130160283
    Abstract: A continuous prismatic cell stacking system and method is disclosed. The system comprises: (a) devices on the system to supply a separator layer, a cathode layer, and an anode layer; and (b) one cutter on the frame for cathode layer and anode layer; and (c) conveyer system to convey the stacked cell. The conveyer system comprises a rotary disc and a transfer belt. The said rotary disc is round shape, or multi-equilateral shape, or track & field shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: MICROVAST, INC.
    Inventor: Yang Wu
  • Publication number: 20130164607
    Abstract: A lithium battery comprises at least one battery cell on a support, the battery cell comprising a plurality of electrodes about an electrolyte. A protective casing comprises a cover spaced apart from and covering the battery cell to form a gap therebetween with a polymer filling the gap. In one version, the polymer comprises polyvinylidene chloride polymer. First and second terminals extend out of the protective casing, the first and second terminals being connected to different electrodes of the battery cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Tung-Hsiu SHIH, Kai Wei Nieh, Victor Krasnov, Jiuh-Ming Liang
  • Publication number: 20130149635
    Abstract: The disclosure, in some aspects, relates to a method and apparatus for assembling a laminated fuel cell, in which an assembly head comprising one or more punches is used for dividing portions from sheet material and for transferring the portions to an electrode plate for lamination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Peter David Hood
  • Publication number: 20130133184
    Abstract: Production apparatus and method for producing devices for storing electric energy are disclosed, wherein stacks of flat cathodes r and anodes that face one another alternately with the interposition of a separator are produced, and in which the separator is formed by a single continuous strip folded several times in a single folding direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: KEMET ELECTRONICS ITALIA S.R.L.
    Inventors: Giancarlo Bacci, Fabrizio Nanni, Mauro Vaccari
  • Publication number: 20130125388
    Abstract: The invention relates to an equipping station (4) for equipping motor vehicle battery housings (23, 61) with sets of electrode plates (41) for manufacturing a motor vehicle battery, wherein the equipping station (4) has at least one feed section (20) for unequipped battery housings (23), at least one discharge section (22) for equipped battery housings (61), at least one apparatus for feeding sets of electrode plates (40) and at least one first equipping section (21), which is arranged between the feed section (20) and the discharge section (22) and in which sets of electrode plates (41) which have been fed by means of the apparatus for feeding sets of electrode plates (40) are Inserted into the battery housing (23), wherein the first equipping section (21) has a base part (24), which acts as a bearing surface for the battery housing (23) during the insertion operation of the sets of electrode plates (41), wherein the base part (24) is formed without a conveying apparatus for the battery housing (23), and the
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Autobatterie GmbH & Co. KGaA
    Inventor: Roger Loer
  • Publication number: 20130111739
    Abstract: A continuous prismatic cell stacking system and method are disclosed. The continuous prismatic cell stacking system, comprises: a frame; a conveyer belt; a plurality of air suction pans; at least three units for distributing separator including separator spool, positioning sensor of separator layer, upper roller of separator layer, lower roller of separator layer and cutter of separator layer; at least one unit for distributing cathode including cathode spool, positioning sensor of cathode layer, upper roller of cathode layer, lower roller of cathode layer, and cutter of cathode layer; and at least one unit for distributing anode including anode spool, positioning sensor of anode layer, upper roller of anode layer, lower roller of anode layer, and cutter of anode layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Microvast, Inc.
    Inventors: Yang Wu, Xiang Li, Evan House
  • Patent number: 8435677
    Abstract: A process for the synthesis of lithium metal phosphate/carbon nanocomposites as cathode active materials in rechargeable electrochemical cells comprising mixing and reacting precursors of lithium, transition metal(s) and phosphate with high surface area activated carbon, preferably phosphorylated carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Dow Global Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Andreas Kay
  • Publication number: 20130104390
    Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a stack, each of the battery cells including a pair of spaced apart tabs extending therefrom, a rigid support plate coupled to at least one of the tabs, and a busbar coupled to at least one of the tabs of each of a pair of adjacent battery cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • Publication number: 20130108903
    Abstract: An insulation portion for an electrochemical cell having a plurality of slots into which bent electrode tabs are slid through during an assembly process of an electrochemical cell. A latch is disposed adjacent the slots and is movable from a resting position to a biased position to engage the electrode tabs. Attachment of the insulation portion to the electrochemical cell and bending of the electrode tabs can be robotically performed, such that controllers of an attachment device and bending device are in communication with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventors: Charles E. Martin, Lucien Fontaine, William H. Gardner, Keith M. Bibby, Dale Beaver
  • Patent number: 8424194
    Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a press-fit modular work piece is described that includes a surface member having a central opening. A hatch member is disposed on one side of the surface member, and is moveable between a first position where it does not cover the opening and a second position covering the opening. A work piece receiving member is disposed proximate the other side of the surface member across from the central opening for receiving components of the press-fit modular work piece. An actuator moves the work piece receiving member toward the opening so components of the work piece press against the hatch member when the hatch member is moved into the second position. The actuator moves the work piece receiving member to a position to receive components of the work piece when the hatch member is in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Joseph Blumka, Kenneth J. Oswandel
  • Publication number: 20130071727
    Abstract: A battery of the invention includes: a machine part (20) having an opening opened from at least one edge thereof and a cover (21) having an outer diameter larger than the diameter of the opening and covering the opening. The cover (21) is fitted to the outside of the casing body (20) by an outside-fitting, and the edge of the cover (21) and the casing body (20) are welded to each other to form a battery case (10). Because the cover (21) is fitted and welded to the outside of the casing body (20), the cover (21) does not fall into the casing body (20), and metal melted during the welding of the cover does not flow into the inside of the casing body (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Hirai
  • Patent number: 8375568
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of the present invention includes ejecting a melt 61 of a solid electrolyte onto at least one electrode plate selected from a positive electrode plate 20 and a negative electrode plate 30, thereby depositing the melt 61 onto the at least one electrode plate, and compressing the positive electrode plate 20 and the negative electrode plate 30 while sandwiching the melt 61, thereby forming a layered body including the positive electrode plate 20, an electrolyte layer 62 including the solid electrolyte, and the negative electrode plate 30. In accordance with this manufacturing method, a thin lithium secondary battery having excellent characteristics can be manufactured in a highly productive manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Honda, Yoriko Takai, Sadayuki Okazaki, Syuji Ito, Junichi Inaba, Hiroshi Higuchi
  • Publication number: 20130029212
    Abstract: A secondary battery, a jig suitable for fabrication of the secondary battery, and a method for producing a secondary battery constructed with a case accommodating the electrode assembly. The case includes a front portion terminated along opposite edges by a first wing portion and a second wing portion, and a back portion positioned opposite to the front portion, with insulating film bent along a length of a junction between the front portion and each of the first wing portion and the second wing portion, a pair of holes in the insulating film are held in parallel alignment with respect to the length of the junction, with the insulating film adhering to and covering the front portion and a corresponding one of the first wing portion and the second wing portion, in order to prevent leakage of electrolyte, and resulting corrosion of the electrically conducting metal components of the secondary battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sung-Ho Hong
  • Patent number: 8361647
    Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a stack, each of the battery cells including a pair of spaced apart tabs extending therefrom, a rigid support plate coupled to at least one of the tabs, and a busbar coupled to at least one of the tabs of each of a pair of adjacent battery cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Xiang Zhao, Yhu-Tin Lin
  • Patent number: 8354180
    Abstract: An electrode plate (20) for storage batteries is immersed into an aqueous solution (18) containing phosphoric acid, an ethoxy alcohol, ammonium bifluoride, sulfonic acid and sodium xylenesulfonate, and the aqueous solution (18) is stirred by a screw stirrer (22). The aqueous solution (18) is kept at about 30° C. by a heater (14), and the active material of the electrode (20) is separated therefrom. The aqueous solution (18) contains the respective solutes in the following mass ratios: 15-20 parts by mass of the phosphoric acid; 3-7 parts by mass of the ethoxy alcohol; 2-6 parts by mass of the ammonium bifluoride; 4-8 parts by mass of the sulfonic acid; and 1-3 parts by mass of the sodium xylenesulfonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignees: Panasonic EV Energy Co., Ltd., Omega Techno Modeling Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Kamo, Kyoichi Shukuri, Shunji Kuramoto
  • Patent number: 8353089
    Abstract: According to the present method, a paste-type electrode of lead-acid battery in which a space in the lower surface side of an electrode is favorably filled with a paste-like active material so that inner ribs of a current collector forming a grid shape does not remain exposed. The current collector is filled with a paste-like active material to obtain an electrode when the current collector passes below a filler including a hopper for containing the paste-like active material. An electrode surface is pressed during transfer of the electrode before the fed paste-like active material is hardened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Shin-Kobe Electric Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahiro Tamano, Shuhei Ohno, Toshihiko Kanazawa, Toshikazu Hatakenaka
  • Patent number: 8343240
    Abstract: In a vacuum container (2), a bag-shaped laminate film (12) containing a battery element (11) and having an opening (12a) is pinched at positions corresponding to two principal surfaces (11a) of the battery element (11), the battery element (11) having a positive layer and a negative layer stacked via a separator. Pressure in the vacuum container (2) is reduced. An electrolytic solution (20) is poured from an electrolytic-solution supply line (4) into the bag-shaped laminate film (12) through the opening (12a) with pressure in the vacuum container (2) kept reduced until the entire battery element (11) is immersed in the electrolytic solution (20). The reduced pressure in the vacuum container (2) is increased to make the battery element (11) absorb the electrolytic solution (20) by the difference in pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignees: NEC Energy Devices, Ltd., Nissian Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Shimura, Yuta Motohashi, Gen Takayama, Masashi Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20120306445
    Abstract: Provided is a battery exchange method for an electric vehicle. The battery exchange method includes (a) opening a protection cover of a battery mounting module installed at an upper portion of the electric vehicle, and transmitting an open signal to a battery charge station; (b) releasing a locking unit of a pre-mounted battery, and transmitting an unlocking signal to the battery charge station; (c) determining and storing a mounting location of the battery using an image sensor; (d) controlling movements and operations of a battery replacing robot when the unlocking signal is confirmed, and ejecting the pre-mounted battery from a battery seating base of the battery mounting module; (e) controlling movements and operations of the battery replacing robot to move a prepared fully charged battery into the battery mounting module, and mounting the fully charged battery on the battery seating base in the battery charge station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: Kookmin University Industry Academy Cooperation Foundation
    Inventors: Jun Seok Park, Won-Kyu KIM, Hee-Jeing Park, Hee Seok Moon, Woongchul Choi, Jayil Jeong, Chi Man Yu, Do Yang Jung, Yong-hark Shin, Jae-Hong Park
  • Patent number: 8312612
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the refurbishing of compaction tooling components, particularly the tips and heads of compaction punches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Blue Sky Vision Partners, LLC
    Inventor: Luka Gakovic
  • Patent number: 8298301
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing an accumulator having a fixed electrolyte. The inventive method is characterized by introducing an electrolyte in a flowable form into the accumulator cell and fixing the electrolyte and forming the active mass simultaneously inside the accumulator cell. The device for carrying out the inventive method comprises a filler head (1), an acid reservoir (3), a thickener reservoir (4), a metering pump for the acid (6.1+6.2), a metering pump for the thickener (5.1+5.2) and a flowmeter for the thickener (9.1+9.2) and the acid (10.1+10.2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: HOPPECKE Batterien GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jean Ruch, Dirk Schröder, Albert Schulte
  • Publication number: 20120260498
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a fuel cell stack is disclosed, wherein the apparatus includes a plurality of dunnage cassettes adapted to cooperate with a plurality of containers, a fixture, and an assembly device to simultaneously assemble a plurality of membrane electrode assemblies together with a plurality of bipolar plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Kevin B. Rober, Gary L. Jones, Yhu-Tin Lin, James W. Wells
  • Publication number: 20120258346
    Abstract: A battery includes a first battery. The first battery includes a first anode, a first cathode, and a dry electrolyte. The dry electrolyte is configured to be activated by a first biological fluid to electrically connect the first anode and the first cathode to generate an electrical current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: Glenn Godden
  • Patent number: 8252448
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for sealing tube plates of batteries, preferably lead-acid batteries, comprising a base body, on which projections are arranged, and when the apparatus is arranged in the intended manner, the projections engage at the end in the tubes of the tube plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Hoppecke Batterien GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Kesper, Ferdinand Von Alvensleben, Walter Clemens
  • Publication number: 20120208071
    Abstract: The invention relates to production of thin batteries. In order to achieve a fast and simple production process, the method comprises: bringing into use an anode web comprising anode half cells consisting of multiple material layers applied on top of each other, and which layers are mutually aligned and sized for use in a thin battery, bringing into use a cathode web comprising cathode half cells consisting of multiple material layers applied on top of each other, and which layers are mutually aligned and sized for use in a thin battery, aligning said anode web and said cathode web into a mutual predetermined position, and bringing said anode web and said cathode web into contact with each other in order to attach said anode half cells to corresponding cathode half cells for producing thin batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: ENFUCELL LTD
    Inventor: Shoujun Li
  • Publication number: 20120189899
    Abstract: A secondary battery of the invention includes: an electrode terminal; a plurality of electrode plates (4) arranged side by side; and a plurality of connection plates (7) stacked each other, and electrically connecting the electrode terminal to the plurality of electrode plates (4) by connecting one ends of the connection plates to the electrode terminal and by connecting the other ends of the connection plates to the electrode plates, wherein the connection plates (7) are folded in a meandering shape between the electrode terminal and the plurality of electrode plates (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Kanda, Masanori Kogure
  • Publication number: 20120148913
    Abstract: A secondary battery includes an electrode body in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate are alternately stacked through a separator, a case to store the electrode body, and a cover having a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal and fitted to the case, wherein the positive electrode plate includes a positive electrode main body having a substantial plate shape, and a first tab arranged to be line-symmetrical with respect to a centerline of the positive electrode plate and connected to the positive electrode main body and the positive electrode terminal, the negative electrode plate comprises a negative electrode main body having a substantial plate shape, and a second tab arranged to be line-symmetrical with respect to a centerline of the negative electrode plate and connected to the negative electrode main body and the negative electrode terminal, and the first tab and the second tab are arranged not to overlap each other when the tabs are stacked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Daisuke Chiba
  • Publication number: 20120133371
    Abstract: A test fixture for testing a plurality of longitudinal battery cells includes: a base plate; a plurality of holding structures for holding the battery cells, the holding structures being mounted on the base plate and configured to hold the battery cells with their longitudinal axes being perpendicular with respect to the base plate; and a plurality of contacts arranged on the base plate to electrically contact positive and negative terminals of each of the battery cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Erik Toomre, Karsten Rueter, Guido Hofer
  • Patent number: 8177863
    Abstract: A method for production of a membrane/electrode unit for a fuel cell is disclosed. The conducting polymer membrane is compressed with two electrodes until a given compression is achieved. The method permits an increase in resting voltage of the membrane/electrode unit in use, the amount of damage during production is reduced, and a constant thickness within a production run is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: BASF Fuel Cell GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Padberg, Jürgen Sinschek, Torsten Raap, Ulf Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20120115021
    Abstract: A battery includes: an electrode terminal that includes a fastening member; and an electrode plate that includes an electrode tab provided with a through-hole. The through-hole is a part of an outer shape of the electrode plate, and the electrode terminal and the electrode plate are electrically connected to each other through the through-hole by the fastening member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Yotsumoto
  • Publication number: 20120110836
    Abstract: Provided is a secondary battery inner cell stack stacking apparatus and method that prepare a secondary battery inner cell stack of a Z-folding stacking format. To be specific, provided is a secondary battery inner cell stack stacking apparatus and method according to a method for performing multiple insertions on a plurality of anode plates and cathode plates at once in both sides after folding a separator in a zigzag shape in advance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: SK INNOVATION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: JeonKeun Oh, Sang Bum Kim, Jidong Yang
  • Patent number: 8166635
    Abstract: In a current collector laminating step, a current-collector laminate unit 30 composed of current-collector materials 31 and 32 and a film material 33 is formed. Resist layers 34 having a predetermined pattern are formed on both surfaces of the current-collector laminate unit 30. An etching process is performed with the resist layers 34 used as a mask, whereby through-holes 20a and 23a are formed on the respective current-collector materials 31 and 32. The resist layers 34 are removed from the current-collector laminate unit 30. Since the etching process is performed on the plural current-collector materials 31 and 32, productivity of an electrode can be enhanced. During the application of the slurry, the film material 33 prevents the leakage of the electrode slurry. Therefore, the current-collector laminate unit 30 can be conveyed in the horizontal direction, whereby the productivity of the electrode can be enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsuru Nagai, Nobuo Ando, Takashi Utsunomiya, Yutaka Sato, Ken Baba
  • Patent number: 8163332
    Abstract: An electrode manufacturing apparatus comprises a conveying section for conveying a current collector sheet having a plurality of through holes; a backup roll for guiding the conveyed current collector sheet; an applicator for supplying a coating liquid to the current collector sheet on the backup roll; and a nip roll for pressing a part of the current collector sheet where the coating liquid is not supplied yet from the applicator against the backup roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Emoto, Katsuo Naoi, Kiyonori Hinoki, Masayoshi Hirano
  • Patent number: 8146648
    Abstract: An apparatus for forming electrode heads includes a first and second lost-wax areas; a first and second electrode head forming areas; and a first, second and third transfer units. The first transfer unit rotates an electrode plate group from a horizontal to a vertical orientation. The second transfer unit holds the electrode plate group oriented vertically, and delivers it to be dipped in wax in the first lost-wax area, and then delivers the wax dipped electrode plate group to the first electrode head forming area to form one electrode head on one end thereof. The third transfer unit rotates the electrode plate group with the first electrode head, and delivers it to be dipped in wax in the second lost-wax area, and then delivers the wax dipped electrode plate group with the first electrode head to the second electrode head forming area to form another electrode head on thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventors: Lung Kuo, Chia-Shou Kuo
  • Publication number: 20120047725
    Abstract: A facility for forming lithium ion cells 1 preferably comprises an object support for the lithium ion cells 1 to be formed, and a forming system which contains an electrical circuit having an AD/DC converter unit 3, with multiple DC outputs 4, as needed, to which the lithium ion cells may be connected in an electrically conductive manner. To allow energy-optimized forming in this manner, a battery management system 6 is connected to each of the DC outputs 5, and is connectable to at least one lithium ion cell 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventors: Kurt Gschweitl, Mario Schweiger, Volker Diethelm Hennige, Bernhard Kortschak, Uwe Wiedemann
  • Patent number: 8105395
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrode plate for a battery comprises the steps of intermittently transferring a strip-shaped electrode plate material (1) in a longitudinal direction at intervals of a predetermined length and stopping it in a fixed position; and while pressing a cut portion of the electrode plate material (1) from above and below and compression-molding between a top stripper (12) and a top cut die (11) which slide on each other and a bottom stripper (14) and a bottom cut die (13) which slide on each other, cutting the compressed portion with sliding blades (11a and 13a) of the top and bottom cut dies (11 and 13), respectively, on each other. According to this method, the electrode plate material is cut while restraining the generation of a large burr which causes a short circuit between the electrode plates without reducing productivity and increasing costs to obtain the electrode plate for the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: Kazutaka Teramoto
  • Publication number: 20120011706
    Abstract: Provided is a battery assembling apparatus comprising a selecting section that selects as battery cells to be assembled into a battery pack, from among a plurality of battery cells, battery cells having similar charge curves that indicate a relationship between voltage and charge period, which is a time period necessary for a battery cell to be charged from a first voltage to a second voltage that is higher than the first voltage. As a result, the lifetimes of battery cells and of a battery pack assembled from a plurality of battery cells can be extended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: THE JAPAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE, LIMITED
    Inventors: Hiroaki MURASE, Kazuhiro MUTO
  • Publication number: 20110305966
    Abstract: A fuel cell stack including an electricity generating unit and a pair of end plates is disclosed. The electricity generating unit includes membrane-electrode assemblies and separators interposed between the membrane-electrode assemblies. The separators have recess portions formed on side faces thereof and may be configured to hold an external device for replacement of a single membrane-electrode assembly within the fuel cell stack. The end plates are located sandwiching the electricity generating unit by using fastening members to press the electricity generating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Myoung-Ki Min, Hee-Tak Kim, Geun-Seok Chai, Sang-Il Han, Tae-Yoon Kim, Sung-Yong Cho, Kah-Young Song
  • Patent number: 8066784
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for production of a membrane/electrode unit, whereby a conducting polymer membrane is compressed with two electrodes until a given compression is achieved. Said method permits an increase in resting voltage of the membrane/electrode unit in use, the amount of damage during production is reduced and a constant thickness within a production run is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: BASF Fuel Cell GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Padberg, Jürgen Sinschek, Torsten Raap, Ulf Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20110287293
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a cell which includes: a first step of manufacturing a core using a core manufacturing apparatus, the apparatus including a pair of winding shafts disposed with a rotation center of the apparatus interposed therebetween, the pair of winding shafts orbitally moving about the rotation center; and a second step of fabricating a laminated electrode member with a sheet-shaped positive electrode, a sheet-shaped negative electrode and a pair of sheet-shaped separators interposed thereto to be arranged alternately with the electrodes; and winding the laminated electrode member around a circumferential surface of the core. The first step includes: inserting a sheet having a higher strength than the separators between the winding shafts; orbitally moving the pair of winding shafts; and adhesively bonding or melt-bonding overlapped portions of the sheet at the winding shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: GS YUASA INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventors: Isao Suzuki, Noriyoshi Munenaga, Taku Nakamura, Hiroshi Tasai, Shun Ito
  • Patent number: 8052764
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing thermal batteries is disclosed. In the method according to the present invention, pellets used in the manufacture of thermal batteries are grouped together based on certain material characteristics such as weight, thickness, and density. Pellets with different material characteristics can be grouped together in a single thermal battery to produce a thermal battery with characteristics that are the average of the characteristics of the pellets used to manufacture the thermal battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: EaglePicher Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Graham Dixon, Mark Hart, Ola Pettersson, Chad Sneath
  • Publication number: 20110252632
    Abstract: A tape application machine and method are provided. The machine includes a nest device that moves along a linear rail from a first position to a second position. The nest device holds a battery cell therein. The machine further includes a tape application device that dispenses electrically non-conductive tape and applies a first portion of the tape on a first side of the battery cell. The machine further includes a tape bending device that conforms a second portion of the electrically non-conductive tape onto a second side of the battery cell. The machine further includes a tape compression device that compresses the tape on the first and second sides of the battery cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventors: Janina Stancu, Kenneth J. Oswandel
  • Patent number: 8037588
    Abstract: A back-up table for a chip mounter. The back-up table for a chip mounter includes a base plate, a back-up plate spaced a predetermined distance from the base plate to support a back-up pin that supports a printed circuit board, and at least one set of link units installed between the base plate and the back-up plate and facing opposite to each other. The back-up table further comprises a first driving part installed between the opposite facing link units and operating the link units to raise and lower the back-up plate, and a second driving part serially connected to the first driving part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Techwin Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tae-Young Lee
  • Publication number: 20110247204
    Abstract: Provided is an electric storage battery including a jelly roll type electrode assembly having a mandrel. The mandrel includes a positive portion, a negative portion and a removable portion. In some embodiments, the mandrel is planar having two faces with a groove on each of the positive and negative portions. The grooves can be on the same or different faces of the mandrel. The grooves are dimensioned to accommodate a positive and negative feedthrough pin. The electrodes are wrapped around the mandrel using the removable portion to wind the mandrel. Once wrapped, the removable portion can be detached. The positive portion and the negative portion are left in the electrode assembly insulated from each other. The mandrel allows tighter wrapping of the jelly roll assembly, increasing battery miniaturization and also results in electrode assemblies in which after-placement of tabs does not result in burrs or shorting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Viavattine, Paul B. Aamodt, Brent J. Torgerson
  • Publication number: 20110229754
    Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a stack, each of the battery cells including a pair of spaced apart tabs extending therefrom, a rigid support plate coupled to at least one of the tabs, and a busbar coupled to at least one of the tabs of each of a pair of adjacent battery cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Xiang Zhao, Yhu-Tin Lin