Anode Type Electrode Patents (Class 361/508)
  • Patent number: 7483260
    Abstract: A capacitor a casing of first and second casing members, a feedthrough electrically insulated from the casing and extending there from, first and second anodes electrically connected to each other within the casing, a cathode, and an electrolyte is described. The first anode is electrically connected in parallel to the second anode by a first anode wire having opposite ends contacting the respective first and second anodes. A feedthrough wire extending outside the casing and electrically isolated there from is electrically connected to the first anode wire intermediate the first and second anodes. The cathode is disposed between the first and second anodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Ziarniak, Rodney E. Stringham, Barry C. Muffoletto, Douglas Eberhard, Joseph E. Spaulding, Yanming Liu, Donald Monroe, Edward J. Gloss, Laurie O'Connor, Eric Ziarniak, William B. Elliott, Eric Stemen, Troy Lindke
  • Patent number: 7479166
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a solid electrolytic capacitor is provided for which an electrolytic polymerization solution can be used semipermanently while preventing a decrease in electrical conductivity of an electrically conductive polymer layer and an increase in ESR of the resultant electrolytic capacitor due to degradation of the electrolytic polymerization solution. The method of manufacturing a solid electrolytic capacitor as provided includes the step (A) of forming a dielectric layer on a surface of an anode element made of a valve metal, the step (B) of forming a cathode layer including an electrically conductive polymer layer on the dielectric layer, and the step (C) of adjusting the pH of a solution that contains a monomer and a dopant agent and that is used in forming the conductive polymer layer, by allowing the solution to contact an ion exchange or ion capture substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignees: SANYO Electric Co., Ltd., SUN Electronic Industries Corp.
    Inventor: Tadahito Ito
  • Patent number: 7480130
    Abstract: A wet electrolytic capacitor that includes an anode, cathode, and an electrolyte is provided. The cathode contains a plurality of metal particles disposed on a surface of a substrate and sinter bonded thereto. The metal particles have a median size of from about 20 to about 500 micrometers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: AVX Corporation
    Inventors: James Allen Fife, Zebbie Lynn Sebald, Gang Ning
  • Patent number: 7477505
    Abstract: A capacitor bank for an electrical power generator comprises: a positive assembly having a positive electrical terminal; a negative assembly having a negative electrical terminal; at least one capacitor sandwiched between and electrically coupled to the positive and negative assemblies; and electrical interconnects coupled to each of the terminals and for coupling to a load or to another capacitor bank. The positive and negative assemblies of the capacitor bank are each stackable on the positive and negative assemblies of another capacitor bank. When two capacitor banks are stacked with their positive assemblies facing each other, the interconnects couple the capacitor banks in series, and when two capacitor banks are stacked with a positive assembly facing a negative assembly, the interconnects couple the capacitor banks in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: General Hydrogen Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Timmerman, Alan John Mulvenna
  • Patent number: 7474520
    Abstract: A storage device, which has a simple structure and a low connection resistance and is robust, and which is ease to mount is provided. In the storage device, an L-shaped aluminum busbar 157 protrudes from the center of the top of a sealing plate 41 to the right. The busbar 157 has a barrel portion 157a and a projecting part 157b horizontally protruding from the top end of the barrel portion 157a. A terminal hole 159 is made in an end of the projecting part 157b, so that the positive electrode of another unitary cell to be connected in series can be connected. The barrel portion 157a of the busbar 157 is welded to the sealing plate 41, and the length of the projecting part 257b is minimized. Accordingly, the device is robust and has a low resistance, and consequently can deal with a large current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Masami Kashihara, Katsuji Ikeda, Yoshihiro Hozumi
  • Patent number: 7471502
    Abstract: Electrical storage devices having excellent low-temperature properties can be obtained by using a quaternary salt (or ionic liquid) of general formula (1) below as an electrolyte salt for electrical storage devices or a liquid electrolyte for electrical storage devices. In formula (1), R1 to R4 are each independently an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbons or an alkoxyalkyl group of the formula R?—O—(CH2)n—, with the proviso that at least one group from among R1 to R4 is the above alkoxyalkyl group. X is a nitrogen or phosphorus atom, and Y is a monovalent anion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Takaya Sato, Gen Masuda, Ryutaro Nozu, Tatsuya Maruo
  • Publication number: 20080316677
    Abstract: Disclosed is an ultracapacitor having electrodes containing mineral microtubules, an electrolyte between the electrodes, and a separator in the electrolyte to provide electrical insulation between the electrodes, while allowing ion flow within the electrolyte. The electrodes may be formed from a paste containing microtubules, a conductive polymer containing mineral microtubules, or an aerogel containing the mineral microtubules. The mineral microtubules may be filled with carbon, a pseudocapacitance material, or a magnetoresistive material. The mineral microtubules may also be coated with a photoconductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: NaturalNano Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Gunderman, John M. Hammond
  • Patent number: 7463478
    Abstract: A porous electrolytic solution reservoir which is capable of being impregnated with an electrolytic solution is provided in an exterior case so as to make contact with a separator. The average diameter of the pores in the electrolytic solution reservoir is greater than the average diameter of pores in the separator. The electrolytic solution reservoir is impregnated with a predetermined amount of electrolytic solution, so that the occupation ratio of electrolytic solution within the pores in the separator becomes 50% or more when fully charged, and the occupation ratio of electrolytic solution within the pores in the electrolytic solution reservoir becomes 100% or less when fully discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenro Mitsuda, Yoshiyuki Takuma, Daigo Takemura, Kazuki Kubo, Tetsuo Mitani, Fumiyuki Miyamoto, Takashi Masuda
  • Patent number: 7445679
    Abstract: Methods to form metal oxide material are described. In one process, an oxide film on a metal material is diffused throughout the metal material to form a preferred uniform metal oxide material. The present invention further relates to products formed by the process. Also, the present invention relates to the use of the products in capacitor anodes and other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Cabot Corporation
    Inventors: John W. Koenitzer, Yongjian Qiu
  • Publication number: 20080266754
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of electrochemical capacitors with a DEL. The proposed electrodes with DEL are based on non-metal conducting materials, including porous carbon materials, and are capable of providing for high specific energy, capacity and power parameters of electrochemical capacitors. P-type conductivity and high concentration of holes in electrode materials may be provided by thermal, ionic or electrochemical doping by acceptor impurities; irradiating by high-energy fast particles or quantums; or chemical, electrochemical and/or thermal treatment. The present invention allows for an increase in specific energy, capacity and power parameters, as well as a reduction in the cost of various electrochemical capacitors with DEL. The proposed electrodes with DEL can be used as positive and/or negative electrodes of symmetric and asymmetric electrochemical capacitors with aqueous and non-aqueous electrolytes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Universal Supercapacitors LLC
    Inventors: Samvel Avakovich Kazaryan, Gamir Galievich Kharisov, Sergey Nikolaevich Razumov, Sergey Vitalievich Litvinenko, Vyacheslav I. Shumovsky
  • Publication number: 20080266755
    Abstract: A capacitor is described with an NbO anode. The capacitor has an NbO anode and an NbO anode lead extending from the NbO anode. A dielectric is on the NbO anode and a conductor is on the dielectric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Yuri Freeman, Philip M. Lessner, Jeffrey Poltorak, Randolph S. Hahn
  • Patent number: 7443652
    Abstract: In various embodiments, the present subject matter includes a capacitor stack having a first substantially planar electrode having a first unetched portion, and a first aperture extending through the first substantially planar electrode and defined by material at least partially including the unetched portion. Also, the present subject matter includes a second substantially planar electrode having a second unetched portion. The present subject matter includes embodiments wherein the first substantially planar electrode and the second substantially planar electrode are in alignment such that an unetched portion of the first aperture is at least partially adjacent an unetched portion of the second electrode defining a connection surface. The present subject matter additionally includes embodiments wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are connected along the connection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory J. Sherwood
  • Patent number: 7440258
    Abstract: A thermally fitted interconnect couples energy storage cells without the use of additional materials of fasteners. Variations of the interconnect can be used to facilitate fitting of multiple energy storage cell with multiple cell to cell spacings in a rapid and inexpensive manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Maxwell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy C. Thrap, James L. Borkenhagen, Mark Wardas, Adrian Schneuwly, Philippe Lauper
  • Publication number: 20080247118
    Abstract: A composite comprising a porous carbon structure comprising a surface and pores and a coating on the surface comprising MnO2, wherein the coating does not completely fill or obstruct a majority of the pores, and wherein the coating is formed by self-limiting electroless deposition. A capacitor comprising an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte, wherein the anode, the cathode, or both comprise a composite comprising a porous carbon structure comprising a surface and pores and a coating on the surface comprising MnO2, and a current collector in electrical contact with the composite.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Long, Anne E. Fischer, Debra R. Rolison
  • Publication number: 20080232032
    Abstract: A capacitor anode that is formed from ceramic particles (e.g., Nb2O5, Ta2O5) capable of being chemically reduced to form an electrically conductive composition (e.g., NbO, Ta) is provided. For instance, a slip composition containing the ceramic particles may be initially formed and deposited onto a carrier substrate in the form of a thin layer. If desired, multiple layers may be formed to achieve the target thickness for the anode. Once formed, the layer(s) are subjected to a heat treatment to chemically reduce the ceramic particles and form the electrically conductive anode. Contrary to conventional press-formed anodes, the slip-formed anodes of the present invention may exhibit a small thickness, high aspect ratio (i.e., ratio of width to thickness), and uniform density, which may in turn may lead to an improved volumetric efficiency and equivalent series resistance (“ESR”).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: AVX Corporation
    Inventors: Brady Jones, Carl L. Eggerding, Allen Butler, Gang Ning, Kaye Poole, Craig William Nies
  • Patent number: 7428138
    Abstract: A capacitor may be formed of carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes, grown on substrates, may be formed in a desired pattern. The pattern may be defined by placing catalyst in appropriate locations for carbon nanotube growth from a substrate. Then, intermeshing arrays of carbon nanotubes may be formed by juxtaposing the carbon nanotubes formed on opposed substrates. In some embodiments, the carbon nanotubes may be covered by a dielectric which may be adhered by functionalizing the carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Larry E. Mosley, James G. Maveety, Edward R. Prack
  • Patent number: 7426103
    Abstract: An electric double layer capacitor is configured as follows. A changeover switch is connected to a positive electrode of the electric double layer capacitor, a power supply or electric load is connected to a terminal a of the changeover switch, and an auxiliary electrode is connected to a terminal b thereof through a resistor. The changeover switch is being switched to the terminal a, and discharge and charge of the electric double layer capacitor are repeated. When a discharge capacity becomes equal to or less than a lower limit threshold or an internal resistance becomes equal to or more than an upper limit threshold, the changeover switch is switched to the terminal b from the terminal a to make a channel between the positive electrode and the auxiliary electrode be a closed circuit through the resistor, and resistance discharge is conducted from the positive electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryutaro Nozu, Mami Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20080218938
    Abstract: A current collector for use in an electric double layer electrochemical capacitor having a sulfuric acid electrolyte. The current collector uses a conducting carbon (e.g., graphite foil) basis with p-type conductivity. A protective film covers at least a portion of the graphite foil basis. The protective film is comprised of a conducting composite material made with a conducting carbon and a conducting organic polymer with p-type conductivity. The protective film is grown on the current collector basis such that it preferably fills the pores of the current collector basis. A lug portion of the current collector basis may be protected with an insulating polymer material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: UNIVERSAL SUPERCAPACITORS LLC
    Inventors: Samvel Avakovich Kazaryan, Gamir Galievich Kharisov, Vladimir Alexandrovich Kazarov, Sergey Nikolaevich Razumov, Sergey Vitalievich Litvinenko
  • Patent number: 7408762
    Abstract: A capacitor feedthrough assembly with a cavity including a capacitor stack, including one or more substantially flat anode layers and one or more substantially flat cathode layers in a case with a cover, the case having a first opening sized for passage of the capacitor stack and a second opening defined by a lip. Additionally, the capacitor includes a conductive member attached to the capacitor stack and disposed at least part way through the second opening in the case, and an isolating element disposed between the lip and at least a portion of the connected stack and conductive member. Also, the capacitor includes a curable resin sealingly disposed in the cavity defined by the second opening, the isolating element, and the conductive member, the curable resin electrically isolating the case from the conductive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Taller, Michael J. O'Phelan
  • Patent number: 7408764
    Abstract: This invention describes a means by which performance characteristics of capacitors can be improved. This is achieved by reducing the temperature, preferably but not exclusively to cryogenic temperatures below 100 K. The dielectric strength, dielectric losses, equivalent series resistance, and plate losses in many capacitors, such as film capacitors, improve as the temperature is decreased. Current carrying capacity is improved. A capacitor bank exhibits energy densities up to four times those of conventional, room-temperature capacitor banks. Cryogenic capacitors can be combined with cryogenically operated semiconductors or with superconductors to reduce the size, weight, and losses of a complete system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventors: Otward M. Mueller, Eduard K. Mueller, Michael J. Hennessy
  • Patent number: 7405922
    Abstract: A high reliability and low power consumption anti-lock brake system is disclosed. The two pilot valves are controlled so as not to be energized concurrently. The secondary battery of the anti-lock brake system is charged by a power supply and/or a generator. An electric double layer capacitor having a housing made of functionally graded aluminum ceramic material is used as the secondary battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: NEC Tokin Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Kawaguchi, Nobuo Seko, Tatsuo Itoh, Takashi Nagai, Yoshiaki Okita, Hiroyasu Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7400490
    Abstract: Disclosed is an ultracapacitor having electrodes containing mineral microtubules, an electrolyte between the electrodes, and a separator in the electrolyte to provide electrical insulation between the electrodes, while allowing ion flow within the electrolyte. The electrodes may be formed from a paste containing microtubules, a conductive polymer containing mineral microtubules, or an aerogel containing the mineral microtubles. The mineral microtubules may be filed with carbon, a pseudocapacitance material, or a magnetoresistive material. The mineral microtubules may also be coated with a photoconductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: NaturalNano Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Gunderman, John M Hammond
  • Patent number: 7397650
    Abstract: An electric double layer capacitor uses a multi-layer electrode structure, which has a plurality of electrode layers composed of a binder and an electrode material and coated on a current-collecting member, each of the electrode layers including a macromolecular substance. A first electrode layer in contact with the current-collecting member and the second electrode layer in contact with the first electrode layer are formed of different constituents or have different proportions of the same constituent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignees: Nisshinbo Industries, Inc., Itochu Corporation
    Inventors: Takaya Sato, Tatsuo Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7384686
    Abstract: A porous composite product in the form of a film with a high specific surface. Used in a wide range of electrochemical products especially in the field of selective membranes, packaging or catalysis. The porous composite product has a high homogeneity in the distribution of the filler and a continuous structure. The product is capable of being obtained by extrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Bollore
    Inventors: Jean-François Penneau, François Capitaine, Philippe Le Goff
  • Patent number: 7385801
    Abstract: There is provided an organic electrolyte capacitor having electrodes on current collectors that have holes penetrating the front and rear surfaces, in which electrode materials formed on the through-holes of the current collectors seldom fall off and high energy density and high power density can be obtained. The organic electrolyte capacitor includes positive electrodes, negative electrodes and an electrolyte capable of transferring lithium ions, in which the positive electrodes contain a substance capable of carrying lithium ions and/or anions reversibly as a positive electrode active material, the negative electrodes contain a substance capable of carrying lithium ions as a negative electrode active material, the positive and negative electrodes possess the positive or negative electrode active material layers on an electrode substrate that has conductive layers made of conductive materials on current collectors, which have through-holes, and the negative electrodes carry lithium electrochemically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuo Ando, Kenji Kojima, Shinichi Tasaki, Hiromoto Taguchi, Tsutomu Fuji, Yukinori Hato, Chisato Marumo
  • Patent number: 7385802
    Abstract: This disclosure provides folded anode assemblies, conjoined cathode assemblies, and flat stack capacitor configurations comprising such assemblies, and methods of preparing the various assemblies. The anode assemblies, conjoined cathode assemblies and capacitor configurations disclosed herein can be used in implantable cardioverter defibrillators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Pacesetter Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce A. Ribble, Thomas T. Davis, Wallace Ken Hall
  • Patent number: 7382600
    Abstract: A charge storage device comprising: a first electrode; a second electrode being opposed to and spaced apart from the first electrode; a porous separator disposed between the electrodes; a sealed package for containing the electrodes, the separator and an electrolyte in which the electrodes are immersed; and a first terminal and a second terminal being electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode respectively and both extending from the package to allow external electrical connect to the respective electrodes, wherein the gravimetric FOM of the device is greater than about 2.1 Watts/gram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: CAP-XX Limited
    Inventors: George Lange Paul, Rory Albert James Pynenburg, Peter John Mahon, Anthony Michael Vassallo, Philip Andrew Jones, Sarkis Keshishian, Anthony Gaetano Pandolfo
  • Patent number: 7379289
    Abstract: The present invention provides a highly conductive separator of which surface is coated with conductive polymer molecules, and provides an electrolytic capacitor having a low ESR characteristic using the separator. The conductive separator is formed by sticking the conductive polymer molecules to an insulating separator substrate by chemical oxidative polymerization, and the stuck amount of the conductive polymer molecules per basis weight of the separator substrate is set in the range of 3 to 30 g/m2. Conductive polymer molecules that are hardly de-doped can be formed in the electrolyte for driving by chemical oxidative polymerization, so that an electrolytic capacitor having high capacitance and low ESR can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihiro Nitta, Hiroyuki Matsuura, Hiroki Kusayanagi
  • Patent number: 7365960
    Abstract: A flat capacitor includes a case having a feedthrough hole, a capacitor stack located within the case, a coupling member having a base surface directly attached to the capacitor stack and having a portion extending through the feedthrough hole, the coupling member having a mounting hole, a feedthrough conductor having a portion mounted within the mounting hole, and a sealing member adjacent the feedthrough hole and the feedthrough conductor for sealing the feedthrough hole. Other aspects of the invention include various implantable medical devices, such as pacemakers, defibrillators, and cardioverters, incorporating one or more features of the exemplary feedthrough assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Phelan, Richard J. Kavanagh, James M. Poplett, A. Gordon Barr, Brian D. Schenk, Brian L. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7365961
    Abstract: A solid electrolytic capacitor includes a planar solid electrolytic capacitor element having anode and cathode portions; anode and cathode terminals; and insulating coating resin. The anode terminal is electrically connected at the top surface thereof to the anode portion. The cathode terminal is electrically connected at the top surface side thereof to the cathode portion. The coating resin integrally coats the capacitor element so as to expose the bottom surfaces of the anode and cathode terminals. The anode and cathode terminals are disposed as close to each other as not more than 3 mm. The anode and cathode terminals have stair steps on both sides thereof and are connected to the anode and cathode portions at joint faces, respectively. The anode joint faces and the cathode joint faces are coated with coating resin. The solid electrolytic capacitor is provided with the anode joint faces and/or the cathode joint faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Kurita, Tsuyoshi Yoshino, Hirotoshi Toji, Kazuo Kawahito, Takashi Iwakiri, Hiroshi Serikawa, Kenji Kuranuki
  • Patent number: 7355841
    Abstract: An exemplary capacitor has a capacitor stack positioned in a case with a conductor positioned between the case and a lid. In one embodiment the conductor is positioned between the lid and an upper rim of the case and is welded to the lid and case. In one aspect, a capacitor constructed with round wire connectors for interconnecting anode and cathode layers. In one aspect, a configuration for electrically connecting a terminal wire to a capacitor case in which an end of the wire is attached to the case in end-on fashion. The terminal wire may have an expanded end for attaching to the capacitor case in a manner that minimizes the effect on the height profile of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian L. Schmidt, Michael J. O'Phelan, James M. Poplett, Robert R. Tong
  • Patent number: 7352560
    Abstract: The present subject matter includes a capacitor stack having a plurality of anode layers, and a plurality of cathodic metal substrates partially coated in a titanium coating. Cathode portions lacking titanium enable weld interconnections which are substantially free of titanium, improving capacitor properties. In some embodiments, anodes are interspersed among cathodes, and are electrically separated from the cathodes, with portions of cathode material attached to the welding area of the anode. These portions of the cathode material are no longer electrically connected to the cathode. As the anode and these cathode portions are welded and aged, leakage current is reduced due to improved oxide growth in the welding area due to the absence of titanium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Poplett, Jeannette C. Polkinghorne, Gregory J. Sherwood
  • Patent number: 7347880
    Abstract: A method of joining a connection member to a capacitor foil using a staking tool having a tip of less than 0.030? (0.762 mm) in diameter. Another embodiment couples multiple connection members of a capacitor together by edge-connecting each connection member to its substantially flush neighboring connection members. In one aspect, a capacitor includes a multi-anode stack connected at a first weld by a weld joint less than 0.060? (1.524 mm) in diameter and a tab attached to one of the anodes of the multi-anode stack at a second weld. In one aspect, an exemplary method joining one or more foils using a staking tool having a tip of less than approximately 0.060? (1.524 mm) in diameter. In another aspect, a capacitor including a capacitor case having an electrolyte therein and a high formation voltage anode foil having a porous structure and located within the capacitor case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. O'Phelan, James M. Poplett, Robert R. Tong, Rajesh Iyer, Alexander Gordon Barr
  • Publication number: 20080068779
    Abstract: An anode/separator assembly for a capacitor comprising a pellet of anode active material having opposed first and second major faces extending to a surrounding side wall and a separator enveloping the pellet is described. The separator is comprised of a first sheet of separator material including a first central region contiguous with the first major face wall of the anode pellet and a first perimeter region folded in contact with the surrounding side wall of the anode pellet, and a second sheet of separator material including a second central region contiguous with the second major face wall of the anode pellet and a second perimeter region overlapping a portion of the first perimeter region of the first separator sheet. The first and second sheets of separator material are then sealed to each other at a seam formed at the overlap between them using the anode pellet surrounding sidewall as a backing surface for a heat sealing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: March 20, 2008
    Applicant: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Monica Restorff, Douglas Eberhard, Troy Lindke
  • Patent number: 7342774
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to improved capacitors; in particular, the present invention provides advanced valve metal (AVM) anodes and methods for fabricating AVM anodes having complex surface and interior features for use in high energy density capacitors. Such anodes find use in high voltage capacitors incorporated into implantable medical devices (IMDs), among other uses. The AVM anodes may be pressed into virtually any arbitrary shape and may have a gradually changing (or substantially constant) density profile throughout the AVM anode. Such AVM anodes may also be perforated or shaped to receive one or more cathode members. The AVM anodes enhance packaging efficiency for compact high energy density capacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Joachim Hossick-Schott, John D. Norton, Anthony W. Rorvick, Steve J. May
  • Patent number: 7327552
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present subject matter includes a capacitor stack, including at least a first substantially planar anode layer and at least a second substantially planar anode layer. In the embodiment, the capacitor stack formed by the process comprising aligning the first anode layer and the second anode layer so that a first anode edge face of the first anode layer and a second anode edge face of the second anode layer form an anode connection surface for electrical connection of the first anode and the second anode and spraying metal on the anode connection surface to electrically connect the first anode layer and the second anode layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory J. Sherwood
  • Patent number: 7312976
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a double electric layer heterogeneous electrochemical supercapacitor (HES) and a method of manufacture. Single-cell or multi-cell versions of the HES can be produced. Output characteristics of the HES are optimized by carefully controlling particular parameters of the HES' design and construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Universal Supercapacitors LLC
    Inventors: Samvel Avakovich Kazaryan, Gamir Galievich Kharisov, Vladimir Alexandrovich Kazarov, Sergey Vitalievich Litvinenko, Sergey Nikolaevich Razumov
  • Patent number: 7301753
    Abstract: The present subject matter includes a first capacitor stack including a first plurality of anode layers and a first plurality of cathode layers and a second capacitor stack including a second plurality of anode layers and a second plurality of cathode layers. In various embodiments, a flexible bus is welded to the first capacitor stack and to the second capacitor stack. The flexible bus is adapted to conduct electricity between the first capacitor stack and the second capacitor stack. Also, the present subject matter includes embodiments where the first capacitor stack and the second capacitor stack are disposed in a case filled with an electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory J. Sherwood
  • Patent number: 7301754
    Abstract: A capacitor and a method for assembling a capacitor. A capacitor is assembled from a case, which contains an anode that is electrically coupled to the case and defines wells or slots receiving a plurality of cathode plates. A header is placed on the case. The header also supports a glass seal that insulates the lead tube and cathode lead coming from the cathode. Once assembled, the capacitor is filled with electrolyte. A weld extends around the header to secure the header to the case. A bent cathode configuration enables a plurality of cathode plates electrically coupled together from a common cathode plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Tantalum Pellet Company
    Inventor: Todd Knowles
  • Patent number: 7292431
    Abstract: The invention is an electrochemical capacitor with its electrodes made on a conducting substrate with a layer of a redox polymer of the poly[Me(R-Salen)] type deposited onto the substrate. Me is a transition metal (for example, Ni, Pd, Co, Cu, Fe), R is an electron-donating substituent (for example, CH3O—, C2H5O—, HO—, —CH3), Salen is a residue of bis(salicylaldehyde)-ethylendiamine in Schiff's base. The electrolyte comprises of an organic solvent, compounds capable of dissolving in such solvents with the resulting concentration of no less than 0.01 mol/l and dissociating with the formation of ions, which are electrochemically inactive within the range of potentials from ?3.0 V to +1.5 V (for example, salts of tetramethyl ammonium, tetrapropyl ammonium, tetrabutyl ammonium), and a dissolved metal complex [Me(R-Salen)]. The method of using the capacitor contemplates periodically alternating the connection polarity of the electrodes, causing the electrochemical characteristics of the electrodes to regenerate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Gen 3 Partners, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander Mikhailovich Timonov, Sergey Anatolijevich Logvinov, Dmitriy Ivanovich Pivunov, Svetlana Viktorovna Vasiljeva, Nik Shkolnik, Sam Kogan
  • Patent number: 7289312
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an electrical charge storage device (ECSD) with enhanced power characteristics. More particularly, the present invention relates to enhancing the current density, voltage rating, power transfer characteristics, frequency response and charge storage density of various devices, such as capacitors, batteries, fuel cells and other electrical charge storage devices. For example, one aspect of the present invention is solid state and electrolytic capacitors where the conductor surface area is increased with smooth structures, thereby reducing the distance separating the conductors, and improving the effective dielectric characteristics by employing construction techniques on atomic, molecular, and macroscopic levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: William B. Duff, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7286335
    Abstract: An electric double layer capacitor capable of preventing leakage of an electrolytic solution from the inside and interfusion of unnecessary material from the outside, and capable of forming insulation between a terminal and an outer casing, is provided. A lower-insulation ring 131 is fit into a terminal 112 until the lower-insulation ring comes in the upper side of a flange portion 113. Then, the terminal 112 in this state is inserted into a center of the through hole 111a of a sealing plate 111 from the inside of an outer casing 121. Then, an O-ring 133 is press fit into a spacing 135 formed by a cylindrical portion 112a and the through hole 111a. Further, an upper-side insulation ring 137 is fit to the upper side of this press fit O-ring 133. Then, a setting spring 139 is attached to the terminal 112 so as to press down the upper-side insulation ring 137.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Hozumi, Katsuji Ikeda
  • Patent number: 7283349
    Abstract: An electric double layer capacitor has a pair of current collectors, a positive polarizable electrode which is provided on one of the pair of current collectors, includes activated carbon of a weight W+ and has a capacitance C+, a negative polarizable electrode which is provided on the other of the pair of current collectors, includes activated carbon of a weight W? and has a capacitance C?, a separator interposed between the positive and negative polarizable electrodes, and an organic electrolytic solution which impregnates at least the positive and negative polarizable electrodes and the separator, wherein C?/C+=0.6 to 1.0 and W?/W+=1.1 to 2.0. Even when continuously charged at a high applied voltage, the electric double layer capacitor has a high retention of capacitance and a low rise in internal resistance, and thus has an excellent durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yoshida, Hidenori Nakata
  • Patent number: 7283350
    Abstract: A surface mount chip capacitor includes a metal substrate, a conductive powder element including a valve metal and partially surrounding the metal substrate with the metal substrate extending outwardly from the conductive powder towards the anode end of the surface mount chip capacitor, a silver body cathode at least partially surrounding the conductive powder element, a coating formed by vapor-phase deposition surrounding the silver body cathode, an insulative material formed about a portion of the substrate extending outwardly from the conductive powder, a conductive coating formed around the metal substrate at the anode end of the surface mount chip capacitor, an end termination anode electrically connected to the conductive coating at the anode end of the surface mount chip capacitor, and an end termination cathode electrically connected to the silver body cathode at the cathode end of the surface mount chip capacitor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Vishay Sprague, Inc.
    Inventors: Reuven Katraro, Lilia Kushnarev, Nissim Cohen, Haim Goldberger
  • Patent number: 7271994
    Abstract: An electrical energy storage device such as a wet tantalum electrolytic capacitor or an electrochemical cell such as a lithium/silver vanadium oxide cell is described. The enclosure comprises a drawn casing portion having a planar face wall supporting a surrounding sidewall and is shaped to nest the anode, cathode and intermediate separator components. A mating cover is a stamped planar piece of similar material having a periphery edge welded to the edge of the casing portion surrounding sidewall. In order to prevent heat generated during the welding process from damaging the separator, the anode portion adjacent to the weld site is contoured. This provides sufficient space between the weld and the separator supported on the anode at the contour so that what heat is transmitted to the separator by convection and conduction mechanism will not damage the separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Eric Stemen, Troy Lindke, Edward Gloss, Rodney Stringham, Neal Nesselbeck, Joseph Spaulding, Barry Muffoletto, Doug Eberhard
  • Patent number: 7268205
    Abstract: Devices formed of or including biocompatible polyhydroxyalkanoates are provided with controlled degradation rates, preferably less than one year under physiological conditions. Preferred devices include sutures, suture fasteners, meniscus repair devices, rivets, tacks, staples, screws (including interference screws), bone plates and bone plating systems, surgical mesh, repair patches, slings, cardiovascular patches, orthopedic pins (including bone filling augmentation material), adhesion barriers, stents, guided tissue repair/regeneration devices, articular cartilage repair devices, nerve guides, tendon repair devices, atrial septal defect repair devices, pericardial patches, bulking and filling agents, vein valves, bone marrow scaffolds, meniscus regeneration devices, ligament and tendon grafts, ocular cell implants, spinal fusion cages, skin substitutes, dural substitutes, bone graft substitutes, bone dowels, wound dressings, and hemostats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Metabolix, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon F. Williams, David P. Martin, Frank A. Skraly
  • Patent number: 7268996
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrolyte for use in very high voltage electrolytic capacitors and to an electrolytic capacitor impregnated with the electrolyte of the present invention for use in an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). The electrolyte according to the present invention is composed of a mixture of an alkoxy-substituted alcohol, such as 2-methoxyethanol, 2-ethoxyethanol, or 2-butoxyethanol, and a long chain dicarboxylic acid, where the acid functional groups are separated by 34 carbons (referred to as “dimer acid”) or 54 carbons (referred to as “trimer acid”). The solution is then neutralized with ammonium hydroxide or other amine, such as ammonia, dimethylamine, trimethylamine, diethylamine, triethylamine, ethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, diisopropylethylamine and N-methylimidazole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Pacesetter, Inc.
    Inventors: Roland Francis Dapo, Christopher Feger
  • Patent number: 7268995
    Abstract: An electric double layer capacitor is composed of a pair of current collectors, a positive polarizable electrode provided on one of the pair of current collectors, a negative polarizable electrode provided on the other of the pair of current collectors, a separator between the positive and negative polarizable electrodes, and an organic electrolytic solution which impregnates at least the positive and negative polarizable electrodes and the separator. The capacitor has a theoretical amount of ions Qt defined as Qt (moles)=C×V÷96,500, wherein C is the rated capacitance (farads) of the capacitor and V is the rated voltage (volts), and an amount of ions Qe in the organic electrolytic solution, such that Qe/Qt=1.7 to 3.5. The capacitor has a high voltage rating, excellent cycle characteristics during high-current charging and discharging, and a low internal resistance in low-temperature environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yoshida, Kanako Yuyama
  • Patent number: 7256982
    Abstract: A capacitor is provided which includes a plurality of electrodes and a fluid electrolyte provided to electrically associate the plurality of electrodes. One of the plurality of electrodes includes poly (ethylene 3,4-dioxythiophene) or a titanate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Inventors: Philip Michael Lessner, Brian Melody, John Tony Kinard, Joachim Hossick Schott
  • Patent number: 7256981
    Abstract: An electric double layer capacitor comprising a pair of electrodes and an electrolytic solution in contact with said pair of electrodes, wherein: the electrolytic solution contains a compound having the formula (1) and an organic solvent. Here, R1 is a group selected from among dimethylene, trimethylene, tetramethylene and pentamethylene, and R2 is tetramethylene or pentamethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventors: Atsuko Kosuda, Yoshihiko Ohashi