Abstract: Implantable defibrillators are implanted into the chests of patients prone to suffering ventricular fibrillation, a potentially fatal heart condition. A critical component in these devices is an aluminum electrolytic capacitors, which stores and delivers one or more life-saving bursts of electric charge to a fibrillating heart. These capacitors make up about one third the total size of the defibrillators. Unfortunately, conventional manufacturers of these capacitors have paid little or no attention to reducing the size of these capacitors through improved capacitor packaging. Accordingly, the inventors contravened several conventional manufacturing principles and practices to devise unique space-saving packaging that allows dramatic size reduction.

Abstract: An electric chemical capacitor includes first and second electrodes each including a collector 111, 121, a polarized electrode layer 112, 122 and an undercoat layer 113, 123 for bonding the collector and the polarized electrode layer with each other, and a separator put between the first and second electrodes so that the polarized electrode layers 112 and 122 face each other, wherein an end portion of each undercoat layer 113, 123 is located in the same position as or on the outer side of an end portion of the corresponding polarized electrode layer 112, 122, and located on the inner side of an end portion of the separator 130. Thus, the polarized electrode layers can be prevented from peeling from the collector. Further, the undercoat layers can be prevented from abutting against each other, and the undercoat layer of one electrode and the collector of the other electrode can be prevented from abutting against each other.

Abstract: An electrolyte solution for anodizing a metal and a capacitor comprising the anodized metal. The electrolyte comprises more than about 5%, by weight, and less than about 30%, by weight, water; about 0.1 to 20%, by weight, ionogen and an aprotic polar solvent. The ionogen comprises phosphoric acid and an alkanol amine in an amount, and ratio, sufficient to maintain a pH of about 4 to about 9.

Abstract: A sealed electrode enclosed in separator material is provided for use in a capacitor cell. The separator may either be adhered to the electrode in sheets, or may be formed into a pouch, which is used to enclose the electrode. A method of preparing the electrode sealed with separator is described in which an adhesive is used to secure the pouch to the electrode before sealing it. The prefabricated electrode and separator combination may be used in both coiled capacitor cells and flat capacitor cells that are often used in implantable medical devices. Electrodes prepared in this fashion can be efficiently and reliably aligned within the case of a capacitor cell, and have no exposed electrode surfaces that could lead to short-circuiting within the cell.

Abstract: A reinforcing material-having functional sheet of a sheet-like functional material including a functional powder and a binder resin and, laminated thereon, a reinforcing sheet comprising a woven fabric or a non-woven fabric, which are bonded, wherein the basis weight of the reinforcing sheet, the fiber diameter of the fiber constituting the reinforcing sheet and the functional sheet thickness are in specific ranges. A sheet-like electrode for electric double layer capacitors, which electrode comprises a sheet-like electrode of carbon fine powder and a fluorine-containing polymer resin and, laminated thereon, the reinforcing sheet, and an electric double layer capacitor having this electrode. The functional sheet has strength and no elimination of the functional material powder, and also efficiently exhibits high functional properties.

Abstract: A surface mount energy storage device in the form of a supercapacitor (1) includes a generally rectangular folded prismatic housing (2) and two energy storage elements (not shown) that are sealingly contained within the housing (2) and which are connected in series. A mount, in the form of an integrally formed tinned metal frame (3), extends about and captively retains housing (2) in the folded configuration shown. Two terminals, in the form of elongate contacts (4, 5) extend from the energy storage elements and terminate outside housing (2) for allowing external electrical connection to the elements.

Abstract: An electric double layer capacitor has a pair of activated carbon electrodes and an organic solution in which an electrolyte is dissolved in an organic solvent. An electrolyte solution is also provided. In the electric double layer capacitor, at least one of cycloalkane, cycloalkene, or derivatives thereof is contained in at least one of the activated carbon and the organic electrolyte solution. The organic solvent contains a main solvent and an additive solvent. The main solvent contains propylenecarbonate in a range of from 99.9 to 70 wt %, and at least one of ethylenecarbonate and dimethylcarbonate in a range of from 0.1 to 30 wt %, and the additive solvent contains cycloalkane in a range of from 5 to 30 wt % to the total amount of the organic solvent.

Abstract: Structure and method providing a capacitor connected to a component, including a capacitor stack made from one or more substantially planar cathode layers, one or more substantially planar anode layers, one or more substantially planar separator layers, and a solitary electrolyte. Additionally, the capacitor includes a case with a first aperture sized for passage of the capacitor stack and a second aperture, and one or more conductors connecting the capacitor stack to the component, with at least one conductor passing through the second aperture of the case, the at least one conductor sealingly connected to the second aperture. Further, the capacitor case is filled with a solitary electrolyte, and the capacitor stack is adapted to deliver to electronics from about 5.3 joules per cubic centimeter of capacitor stack volume to about 6.3 joules per cubic centimeter of capacitor stack volume, at a voltage of between about 465 volts to about 565 volts.

Abstract: An electric double layer capacitor in which gas generation due to decomposition of a solvent of an electrolyte solution in the capacitor is reduced and performance maintaining ratio is superior, is provided by a method which is different from a method of adding additives to the electrolyte solution. The electric double layer capacitor has activated carbon polarizing electrodes and a non-water-based solvent, and a positive electrode of the activated carbon polarizing electrodes contains an antacid agent.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing electrical components of the energy-accumulating electrostatic or electrochemical type, consisting in winding at least two layers of a film on a support made of an electrically nonconducting material that has a substantially polygonal cross-section, by providing a preset number of film turns until a predefined thickness is reached, and forming a first layer; arranging respective spacers at the corners of the polygon in which the contour of the wound film is inscribed; and winding more turns of film around the first layer and around the spacers inserted at the corners, to form a second layer. A machine by means of which the method is performed comprises a rotatingly mounted frame on which the support is fixed for winding of the layer of film.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for depositing a banding material on the interior substrate of a tubular device, and the products formed therefrom. The tubular device is, generally, of relatively small diameter and comprises at least one band deposited from a first composition on the interior substrate. When the tubular device is a tubular capacitor and the band is a plating mask, the tubular capacitor comprises at least two electrodes deposited on the substrate in the presence of a deposited plating mask and comprises at least one conductive layer, deposited from a first composition, on the substrate and separated by the plating mask.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical cell including: at least a pair of current collector plates that are placed in parallel to each other, flat electrodes containing aqueous electrolyte printed on opposing faces of said current collectors, such that a peripheral region is defined on each of said faces of said current collectors, which region is not covered by said electrode, and a separating medium interposed between said electrodes, the geometric form and size of said separating medium being identical to the form and size of said current collector plates, said separating medium having a central region permeable to said electrolyte, surrounded by a peripheral masked region which is non-permeable to said electrolyte, such that the permeable region of said separating medium coincide with the electrodes printed on the opposing faces of said current collectors, with respect to position, geometric form and size; wherein the pores in the peripheral region of the separating medium are impregnated with a suit

Abstract: In an electrode for an electric double layer capacitor of the present invention, the peak value of particle size distribution of graphite particles added to a conductive adhesive is in a range of 2.6 to 3.2 ?m, not less than 100,000 dimples having a largest outer diameter in a range of 4 to 10 ?m and a depth in a range of 4 to 15 ?m are formed on the surface of the collector sheet per 1 cm2, and the occupied area of the dimples to the entire surface area of the collector sheet is not more than 50%. By determining the saponification value of polyvinylalcohol which is used as a binder component of the conductive adhesive in a range of 90.0 to 98.5, adhesiveness of the collector sheet and the electrode forming sheet is improved. Furthermore, by substituting H atoms contained in the polyvinylalcohol with Si atoms, adhesiveness of the collector sheet and the electrode forming sheet can be further improved.

Abstract: The present subject matter includes a capacitor stack having a plurality of cathode layers, and a plurality of anode layers. Separator paper is shaped and sized to separate the anode and the cathode and prevent breakdown. The capacitor stack is compact, and is adapted for use in compact devices. For example, the capacitor stack is adapted for use in cardiac rhythm management devices which are implanted.

Abstract: Composite electrode/current collectors for capacitors, e.g., a flow-through capacitor or electric double layer capacitor are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for making a composite electrode/current collectors and capacitors having at least one composite electrode/current collector.

Abstract: Thermal protection is provided in systems utilizing high-current double-layer capacitors. For example, in one implementation, an interconnection coupled to at least one double-layer capacitor that carries capacitor current to or from the at least one double-layer capacitor is functionally coupled to the at least one double-layer capacitor to reduce a temperature of the capacitor is provided.

Abstract: An asymmetric supercapacitor has a positive electrode having a current collector an active material selected from the group consisting of manganese dioxide, silver oxide, iron sulfide and mixtures thereof, a negative electrode having a carbonaceous active material carbon and optional current collector, an electrolyte, and a separator plate. In a preferred embodiment at least one of the electrodes has nanostructured/nanofibrous material and in a more preferred embodiment, both electrodes have nanostructured/nanfibrous material. The electrolyte can be liquid or solid although liquid electrolytes are preferred. The asymmetric supercapacitor has improved energy density by electrically coupling an electrode of high faradaic capacity such as one having manganese oxide (MnO2) with an electrode such as carbon that stores charge through charge separation at the electric double-layer. The asymmetric supercapacitor also improves power density by using high surface area nanostructured/nanofibrous electrode materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing large quantities of electric energy in a small mass and volume at a high dc electric potential. Dispersed conductive particles 16 in a dispersing medium 15 contained in an insulator casing 21 between an insulating divider 11 and either a positive conductive plate 12 or a negative conductive plate 13 accumulate and store electric charges. A procedure of particle-to-particle charge pumping is employed to convey electric charges to and from the positive conductive plate 12 and the negative conductive plate 13 to the surfaces of each of a great multitude of dispersed conductive particles 16. Energizing results in oppositely charged dispersed conductive particles 16 becoming electrically bound to the surfaces of the insulating divider 11 with a large quantity of electric charges also residing on the outside surfaces of the repelling dispersed conductive particles 16, whereby the total effective capacitor plate surface area is greatly increased.

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.

Abstract: Implantable heart-monitoring devices, such as defibrillators, pacemakers, and cardioverters, detect abnormal heart rhythms and automatically apply corrective electrical therapy, specifically one or more bursts of electric charge, to abnormally beating hearts. Critical parts in these devices include the capacitors that store and deliver the bursts of electric charge. Some devices use cylindrical aluminum electrolytic capacitors which include terminals that extend from one end of the case, making the capacitor longer and generally necessitating use of larger device housings. Accordingly, the inventors devised capacitor connection structures that allow size reduction. One exemplary capacitor includes two conductive endcaps at opposite ends of its capacitive element, instead of two upright terminals at one end, thereby allowing reduction in the height or volume of the capacitor and/or increases in the dimensions of other components, such as aluminum foils.

Abstract: A capacitor includes a first capacitor element, a first anode contact for the first capacitor element, the first anode contact protruding from the first capacitor element, a second capacitor element, and a second anode contact for the second capacitor element, the second anode contact protruding from the second capacitor element. The capacitor also includes a cathode contact. The first and second capacitor elements are stacked, and a side of at least one capacitor element is attached to the cathode contact.

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.

Abstract: The present subject matter includes a capacitor stack having a plurality of cathode layers, and a plurality of anode layers. The anode layers have unetched portions for connection. For example, connection tabs are connected to the unetched areas. The connection tabs are additionally interconnected.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices (IMDs) and their various components, including flat electrolytic capacitors for same, and methods of making and using same and providing for outgassing of gases released during capacitor charge and discharge cycles are disclosed. A gas vent and liquid electrolyte barrier into the electrolyte fill tube lumen that is used to fill the interior case chamber with electrolyte and then needs to be closed to prevent leakage of electrolyte. The fill port is shaped to comprise a fill port tube having interior and exterior tube ends and a fill port ferrule intermediate the ends of the fill port tube and comprising a fill port ferrule flange extending transversely to and away from the fill port tube.

Abstract: A process for producing high stability crystalline anodic aluminum oxide includes anodizing an anodic foil, hydrating the foil, and forming a barrier oxide layer on the foil. Anodizing the anodic foil produces nano-porous amorphous oxides which can then be converted to a crystalline precursor material by hydrating the foil. Next, an oxide layer formation step is utilized to form a barrier oxide layer on the surface of the anodized and hydrated foil. The resulting anodic oxides have very low levels of defects, voids and tensile stresses and have rise times as low as about 1 second to about 3 seconds after exposure of the formed samples to boiling water for 2 hours.

Abstract: An electrical double layer capacitor is provided which is capable of ensuring its reliability and providing increased energy density per unit volume of a capacitor. A negative electrode is so configured as to cover all surfaces of a positive electrode and, therefore, there is no portion in which the positive electrode does not face the negative electrode, which enables generation of gas within the capacitor to be suppressed and ensures reliability of the capacitor. Portions in which the negative electrode do not face the positive electrode serve as non-covered portions and, therefore, electrostatic capacitance per unit volume of electrodes is made to increase, and energy density is improved.

Abstract: Electrochemical double layer capacitors are disclosed that advantageously include separators having at least one porous layer of nanofibers having average diameters of between about 50 nm and about 1000 nm that provide improved combinations of reduced thickness, barrier against the development of soft short-circuits and low ionic resistance as compared with known capacitor separators.

Abstract: A solid electrolytic capacitor includes a capacitor element which includes an anode foil and a cathode foil rolled with a separator interposed therebetween, and a solid electrolyte layer or an electrically conductive polymer layer provided therein. The cathode foil is coated with a film of a metal nitride or a non-valve metal. The cathode foil has a smaller width than the anode foil, and the anode foil has substantially the same width as the separator.

Abstract: An electrode for a capacitor is provided and includes a conductive metal foil layer and an electronically conductive intermediate layer disposed on the metal foil layer. A thin metal oxide ink coating is operatively printed on the intermediate layer and in one form includes a mixture of a carbon containing powder, a metal oxide powder, a conductive binder, a polar solvent and a dispersing agent.

Abstract: An electrode sheet of an electric double layer capacitor is produced by using granules for formation of an electrode of an electric double layer capacitor which are obtained by kneading and then crushing materials including an activated material, a conductive filler, and a binder at 50 to 97 mass-%, 1 to 30 mass-%, and 2 to 20 mass-%, respectively, and which are essentially granules whose diameter is in a range of 47 to 840 ?m. A method for manufacturing a sheet-like electrode by mixing and kneading materials including an activated carbon, carbon black, and PTFE into a kneaded material, producing a forming material by converting the kneaded material into granules, and forming and rolling the forming material.

Abstract: A capacitor comprising an aluminum case; a capacitor stack mounted within the aluminum case, the capacitor stack comprising one or more anodes and one or more cathodes, one of the one or more anodes and one or more anodes attached to the aluminum case; wherein the case is adapted to be an active capacitor element.

Abstract: A polarizing electrode for an electric double layer capacitor has good moldability and is capable of achieving higher density of electrode and higher capacity. An electric double layer capacitor employs the same. The polarizing electrode for an electric double layer capacitor is made of an activated carbon obtained by activating a hard-to-graphitize material (for example, phenol resin) with water vapor, and the activated carbon has a median particle size within a range from 4 ?m to 8 ?m in the particle size distribution as measured by a laser diffraction method and a benzene adsorption ratio of not less than 47.0% and not more than 60% by weight of activated carbon.

Abstract: Methods to at least partially reduce a niobium oxide are described wherein the process includes heat treating the niobium oxide in the presence of a getter material and in an atmosphere which permits the transfer of oxygen atoms from the niobium oxide to the getter material, and for a sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature to form an oxygen reduced niobium oxide. Niobium oxides and/or suboxides are also described as well as capacitors containing anodes made from the niobium oxides and suboxides.

Abstract: Methods of forming tantalum powders and other valve metal powders are described. The method involves high impact milling a starting powder in a fluid medium and optionally a milling media using a high energy mill. The methods of the present invention have the ability to reduce DC leakage and/or increase capacitance capabilities of valve metal powders when formed into capacitor anodes. The methods of present invention further reduce the milling time necessary to form high surface area valve metal powders and leads to reducing contaminant levels in the valve metal powders. The process is particularly well-suited for forming metal flakes, such as tantalum or niobium flakes, of high purity.

Abstract: An electrode includes a collector that is substantially flat and electrically conductive, an inner intermediate layer that is substantially corrosion resistant and conductive and that is on at least part of a surface of the collector, and an outer intermediate layer that is substantially corrosion resistant and conductive and that is on at least part of the inner intermediate layer. The electrode also includes an electrode layer containing carbon, which is on at least part of a surface of the outer intermediate layer that faces away from the inner intermediate layer.

Abstract: In a chip type solid electrolytic capacitor including a capacitor element and a packaging resin covering the capacitor element, the packaging resin has a mount surface and a side surface adjacent to the mount surface. A terminal is electrically connected to the capacitor element and coupled to the packaging resin. The terminal extends along the mount surface and the side surface to have an outer surface exposed from the packaging resin and to have an inner surface opposite to the outer terminal surface. The inner surface has a stepwise shape formed by forging.

Abstract: The present subject matter includes a capacitor stack having a first element having at least one first anode and at least one first cathode and a second element having at least one second anode and at least one second cathode. The capacitor stack is formed by the process of aligning the first element and the second element so that a first anode edge face of the first anode and a second anode edge face of the second anode form an anode connection surface for electrical connection of the first anode and the second anode. Additionally, the capacitor stack is formed by spraying metal on the anode connection surface to electrically connect the first anode and the second anode.

Abstract: Deposition of a metal-containing reagent solution or suspension onto a conductive substrate by various pad-printing techniques is described. This results in a pseudocapacitive oxide coating, nitride coating, carbon nitride coating, or carbide coating having an acceptable surface area for incorporation into an electrolytic capacitor, such as one having a tantalum anode.

Abstract: This invention provides novel capacitors comprising nanofiber enhanced surface area substrates and structures comprising such capacitors, as well as methods and uses for such capacitors.

Abstract: A long life double layer capacitor and method of making the same including a case and a first terminal with an electrically insulating hermitic seal interposed between the first terminal and the case. A first current collector foil is electrically coupled to an interior portion of the first terminal and a first electrode comprising carbon which is juxtaposed against the first current collector foil. A porous separator is then juxtaposed against the first electrode comprising carbon and separating the first electrode from a second electrode comprising carbon. A second current collector foil is juxtaposed against a side of the second electrode and is electrically coupled to the second terminal.

Abstract: Alkaline and lithium batteries are disclosed that advantageously include separators comprising at least one porous layer of fine fibers having a diameter of between about 50 nm and about 3000 nm that provide improved combinations of reduced thickness, dendritic barrier against short-circuiting and low ionic resistance as compared with known battery separators.

Abstract: An electric double layer capacitor comprises a pair of polarizable electrodes impregnated with an electrolytic solution comprising an organic solvent and a supporting electrolyte dissolved in the organic solvent, and a gasket comprising a fluororesin. The organic solvent comprises propylene carbonate (PC), and the fluororesin for the gasket comprises a tetrafluoroethylene-perfluoroalkylvinylether copolymer (PFA).

Abstract: A wet electrolytic capacitor that includes an anode, cathode, and a liquid electrolyte disposed therebetween is provided. The cathode contains a metal oxide coating, such as NbO2, in conjunction with other optional coatings to impart improved properties to the capacitor.

Abstract: An electrode for an energy storage device, including a substrate of at least one metal that forms a native oxide layer; and a treated layer formed on the substrate from the native oxide layer, the treated layer having a resistance that is less than the resistance of a native oxide layer. In some embodiments, the treated layer possesses at least one of the following properties: includes one or more dopants, is thinner than the native oxide layer, has a carbon coating that is applied to the treated layer which improved adhesion characteristics, and others. Further, there is an energy storage device having two or more of such electrodes, wherein the device has a low initial ESR and/or a low ESR at various intervals. Moreover, disclosed is a low resistance metal including a substrate of at least one metal that forms a native oxide layer; and a treated layer formed on the substrate from the native oxide layer, the treated layer having a resistance that is less than the resistance of a native oxide layer.

Abstract: In an electric double-layer capacitor, a solution of a quaternary ammonium borofluoride compound in propylene carbonate is used as an electrolyte. The electrode includes alkali-activated carbon made using meso-phase pitch as a starting material, and a conductive filler having a rest potential smaller than that of the alkali-activated carbon in the electrolyte. The amount Fc of conductive filler incorporated in the electrode is set in a range of 10% by weight?Fc?40% by weight. Such electric double-layer capacitor has a large electrostatic capacity and excellent durability.

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.

Abstract: An electrolytic capacitor comprising a plurality of polymeric structures molded about the periphery of the anode pellet is described. The polymeric structures contact between a weld strap surrounding the butt seam between mating “clamshell” casing portions and the anode pellet sidewall. That way, the anode pellet is restrained from moving along both an x- and y-axes inside the casing. Having the cathode active material contacting the opposed major casing sidewalls being in a closely spaced relationship with the anode pellet through an intermediate separator prevents movement along the z-axis. The resulting capacitor is particularly well suited for use in high shock and vibration conditions.

Abstract: The surface mount chip capacitor of the present invention includes a wire and a conductive powder element electrically connected to the wire. The surface mount chip capacitor has insulative material surrounding at least a portion of the conductive powder element and the wire extending from the conductive powder element. A first terminal is formed on the surface mount chip capacitor at the first end surface of the wire and a second terminal is formed by being electrically connected to the conductive powder element. The surface mount chip capacitor of the present invention is created by methods which include the steps of forming a wire and placing conductive powder upon the wire. An embodiment of the present invention, presses the wire from a foil sheet and electrophoretically depositing the conductive powder element upon the wire.

Abstract: Electrical devices which incorporate electrodes coated with carbon nanotubes. An anode is placed in conductive relationship with the coated electrode. A gas or liquid medium is placed between the electrode and anode which medium also participates in the transfer of electrons. Using specific gas media in combination with nanotube coated electrodes allows for the production of electromagnetic radiation sources which have extended life, reduced power requirements, and significantly decreased operating temperatures. Likewise carbon nanotube coated electrodes can be advantageously utilized in fuel cells, electrodeposition, and similar applications greatly extending the life of electrodes and improving the electron emission properties.

Abstract: An electric double layer capacitor is provided with a cell, in which a pair of polarizable electrodes, which are impregnated with an electrolyte, are disposed in opposition on either side of a separator; wherein the polarizable electrodes are provided with collector electrodes, a peripheral portion of the cell is sealed by a sealing member composed of synthetic resin, and the sealing member is formed by abutting two case halves.