With Solid-state Electrolyte Patents (Class 429/104)
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Publication number: 20140356681Abstract: A brazing structure for an electrochemical cell is described. It includes a nickel or nickel alloy component; a ceramic component; a braze alloy layer, containing an active metal element, between the nickel and the ceramic component, and a barrier layer disposed between the nickel layer and the braze alloy layer. The barrier layer is capable of preventing or minimizing the diffusion of the active metal element into the nickel or nickel alloy component. Electrochemical cells that include such a brazing structure are also described, as are related methods for joining nickel components to ceramic components in the manufacture of thermal batteries.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 31, 2013Publication date: December 4, 2014Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Sundeep Kumar, Mohamed Rahmane, Vipin Raju Suddala
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Publication number: 20140356654Abstract: A hybrid battery with a sodium anode is designed for use at a range of temperatures where the sodium is solid and where the sodium is molten. When the battery is at colder temperatures or when the vehicle is idle and needs to be “started,” the anode will be solid sodium metal. At the same time, the battery is designed such that, once the electric vehicle has been “started” and operated for a short period of time, heat is directed to the battery to melt the solid sodium anode into a molten form. In other words, the hybrid battery operates under temperature conditions where the sodium is solid and under temperature conditions where the sodium is molten.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Applicant: Ceramatec, Inc.Inventor: Sai Bhavaraju
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Publication number: 20140356682Abstract: An electrochemical cell is described, including an anodic chamber and a cathodic chamber separated by an electrolyte separator tube, all contained within a cell case. The cell also includes an electrically insulating ceramic collar positioned at an opening of the cathodic chamber, and defining an aperture in communication with the opening; along with a cathode current collector assembly; and at least one metallic ring that has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) in the range of about 3 to about 7.5 ppm/° C., contacting at least a portion of a metallic component within the cell, and an adjacent ceramic component. An active braze alloy composition attaches and hermetically seals the ring to the metallic component and the collar. Sodium metal halide batteries that contain this type of cell are also described, along with methods for sealing structures within the cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2014Publication date: December 4, 2014Inventors: Sundeep Kumar, Thomas Martin Angeliu, Mohamed Rahmane, Arunabh Basak, Raghavendra Rao Adharapurapu, Tobias Eicke Juetting
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Publication number: 20140295237Abstract: An energy storage cell is disclosed, including an anodic chamber for containing an anodic material and a cathodic chamber for containing a cathodic material, separated from each other by an electrolyte separator tube, and all contained within a case for the cell. The cell further includes a ceramic collar positioned at an opening of the cathodic chamber, defining an aperture in communication with the opening, and a current collector brazed to the ceramic collar, extending into the cathodic chamber. The current collector is in the form of a porous, metallic mesh, and the case and the ceramic collar are hermetically sealed to each other by an active braze material. Sodium metal halide batteries based on a number of these cells are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Sundeep Kumar, Alireza Pezhman Shirvanian
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Patent number: 8816635Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes an anode connectable to a current tap and a charging medium in electrical contact with the anode. A switching device is configured to stop a charging operation of the electrochemical cell upon activation by the charging medium.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Chandra Sekher Yerramalli, Badri Narayan Ramamurthi, Reza Sarrafi-Nour, Andrew Philip Shapiro, Anil Raj Duggal
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Publication number: 20140199577Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical cell that includes an anolyte compartment housing an anode electrode; a catholyte compartment housing a cathode electrode; and a solid alkali ion conductive electrolyte membrane separating the anolyte compartment from the cathode compartment. In some cases, the electrolyte membrane is selected from a sodium ion conductive electrolyte membrane and a lithium ion conductive membrane. In some cases, the at least one of anode or the cathode includes an alkali metal intercalation material.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2014Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: Ceramatec, Inc.Inventor: Sai Bhavaraju
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Patent number: 8679668Abstract: The invention relates to an improved industrial apparatus for the large-scale storage of energy and a process for storing and transporting electric energy by means of this apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2011Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: BASF SEInventors: Christoph Übler, Dietmar Bender, Günther Huber, Andreas Fischer, Bernd Schube, Glyn Atherton, Francis Michael Stackpool, Cord-Henrich Dustmann
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Publication number: 20140065456Abstract: A sodium-halogen secondary cell that includes a negative electrode compartment housing a negative, sodium-based electrode and a positive electrode compartment housing a current collector disposed in a liquid positive electrode solution. The liquid positive electrode solution includes a halogen and/or a halide. The cell includes a sodium ion conductive electrolyte membrane that separates the negative electrode from the liquid positive electrode solution. Although in some cases, the negative sodium-based electrode is molten during cell operation, in other cases, the negative electrode includes a sodium electrode or a sodium intercalation carbon electrode that is solid during operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 6, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: Ceramates, Inc.Inventors: Sai Bhavaraju, Mathew Robins, Alexis Eccelston
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Patent number: 8652673Abstract: A solid electrolyte layer and electrode layers are formed within an electrically insulating frame part, and current collecting plates are held by the electrically insulating frame part. Since the current collecting plates are held by the frame part, the shifting or coming-apart of the current collecting plates can be restrained. In order to cause the current collecting plates to be held by the frame part, a powder of material of the electrode layer is filled in between the frame part and the current collecting plates.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasushi Tsuchida
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Patent number: 8652686Abstract: A composite solid electrolyte includes a monolithic solid electrolyte base component that is a continuous matrix of an inorganic active metal ion conductor and a filler component used to eliminate through porosity in the solid electrolyte. In this way a solid electrolyte produced by any process that yields residual through porosity can be modified by the incorporation of a filler to form a substantially impervious composite solid electrolyte and eliminate through porosity in the base component. Methods of making the composites are also disclosed. The composites are generally useful in electrochemical cell structures such as battery cells and in particular protected active metal anodes, particularly lithium anodes, that are protected with a protective membrane architecture incorporating the composite solid electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2012Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: PolyPlus Battery CompanyInventors: Steven J. Visco, Lutgard C. De Jonghe, Yevgeniy S. Nimon
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Publication number: 20130337309Abstract: An electrolyte structure that is useful in battery cells having liquid electrodes and solid electrolyte and in alkali-metal thermoelectric converters is made by applying a dense film of a solid alkali-metal ion conductor on a thick porous metal support.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: Materials and Systems Research, Inc.Inventors: Anil V. VIRKAR, Joon-Ho Koh, Gege Tao, Neill Weber
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Patent number: 8586227Abstract: A battery that will operate at ambient temperature or lower includes an enclosure, a current collector within the enclosure, an anode that will operate at ambient temperature or lower within the enclosure, a cathode that will operate at ambient temperature or lower within the enclosure, and a separator and electrolyte within the enclosure between the anode and the cathode. The anode is a sodium eutectic anode that will operate at ambient temperature or lower and is made of a material that is in a liquid state at ambient temperature or lower. The cathode is a low melting ion liquid cathode that will operate at ambient temperature or lower and is made of a material that is in a liquid state at ambient temperature or lower.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2011Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventor: Joseph C. Farmer
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Patent number: 8530108Abstract: A fuel cell includes membrane electrode assemblies disposed in a planar arrangement. Each membrane electrode assembly includes an electrolyte membrane, an anode catalyst layer, and a cathode catalyst layer disposed counter to the cathode catalyst via the electrolyte membrane. Interconnectors (conductive members) are provided on the lateral faces of the electrolyte membranes disposed counter to each another in the neighboring direction of the membrane electrode assemblies. Each interconnector includes a support portion protruding toward the central region of the electrolyte member on the cathode side of the electrolyte membrane. The support portion is in contact with the cathode-side surface of an edge of the electrolyte membrane, and the electrolyte membrane is held by the support portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Societe BICInventors: Hiroki Kabumoto, Takashi Yasuo, Gerard F McLean, Jeremy Schrooten
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Patent number: 8460814Abstract: An electrochemical device (such as a battery) includes at least one electrode having a fluid surface, which may employ a surface energy effect to maintain a position of the fluid surface and/or to modulate flow within the fluid. Fluid-directing structures may also modulate flow or retain fluid in a predetermined pattern. An electrolyte within the device may also include an ion-transport fluid, for example infiltrated into a porous solid support.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2009Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLCInventors: Geoffrey F. Deane, Bran Ferren, William Gates, W. Daniel Hillis, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, David B. Tuckerman, Thomas A. Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
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Publication number: 20130065102Abstract: The present invention is to provide a solid electrolyte secondary battery having a safer structure. This secondary battery has a positive storage container and a positive storage container which are separated from each other. A part of negative electrode active material and positive electrode active material are housed in different containers. Even the battery is broken. Both of the electrode active materials have not been mixed. The battery is safe.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2011Publication date: March 14, 2013Applicant: Kabushikikaisha Jinkoshigen KenkyushoInventor: Hiroshi Ohkawa
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Patent number: 8343646Abstract: An energy storage system according to the present disclosure includes a cell having an electrode and a deposition facilitating structure proximate the electrode for facilitating deposition of material on the electrode. The deposition facilitating structure includes first and second outer layers and an intermediate support arrangement positioned between the outer layers and connected to the outer layers.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2012Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Zinc Air IncorporatedInventors: Howard F. Wilkins, Gretchen M. Bothwell, Ronald D. Brost, Kristine M. Brost, Steven L. Peace, Paul A. Trudeau, Jr., Richard M. Bendert, Gerald P. Backer
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Patent number: 8334075Abstract: A composite solid electrolyte includes a monolithic solid electrolyte base component that is a continuous matrix of an inorganic active metal ion conductor and a filler component used to eliminate through porosity in the solid electrolyte. In this way a solid electrolyte produced by any process that yields residual through porosity can be modified by the incorporation of a filler to form a substantially impervious composite solid electrolyte and eliminate through porosity in the base component. Such composites may be made by disclosed techniques. The composites are generally useful in electrochemical cell structures such as battery cells and in particular protected active metal anodes, particularly lithium anodes, that are protected with a protective membrane architecture incorporating the composite solid electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2012Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: PolyPlus Battery CompanyInventors: Steven J. Visco, Lutgard C. De Jonghe, Yevgeniy S. Nimon
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Publication number: 20120219833Abstract: The present invention provides a molten sodium secondary cell. In some cases, the secondary cell includes a sodium metal negative electrode, a positive electrode compartment that includes a positive electrode disposed in a liquid positive electrode solution, and a sodium ion conductive electrolyte membrane that separates the negative electrode from the positive electrode solution. In such cases, the electrolyte membrane can comprise any suitable material, including, without limitation, a NaSICON-type membrane. Furthermore, in such cases, the liquid positive electrode solution can comprise any suitable positive electrode solution, including, but not limited to, an aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. Generally, when the cell functions, the sodium negative electrode is molten and in contact with the electrolyte membrane. Additionally, the cell is functional at an operating temperature between about 100° C. and about 170° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2011Publication date: August 30, 2012Inventors: W. Grover Coors, Chett Boxley, Mathew Robins, Alexis Eccleston
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Patent number: 8253008Abstract: There is provided an AMTEC (alkali metal thermal-electric converter) with a heat pipe and more particularly, to an AMTEC with a heat pipe minimized a heating part and a condensation part of the AMTEC and improved in efficiency of thermal to electric conversion through installing the heating and cooling heat pipes in the AMTEC, in which a metal fluid is heated by latent heat of an operating fluid of the heat pipe, instead of the heat conduction from a heat source, thereby reducing a temperature difference needed for heat transfer to vaporize the metal fluid even by a heat source of a lower temperature than a conventional heat source; improving a cooling performance in a condensation part to result in the high efficiency of thermal to electric conversion; using no additional driving components for driving the heat pipe.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2008Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: Korea Institute of Energy ResearchInventors: Ki-Woo Lee, Won-Pyo Chun
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Patent number: 8187739Abstract: To provide a power storage apparatus which can achieve improved heat radiation of a power storage unit, a power storage apparatus has a power storage unit including an electrode element placed with an electrolyte layer, and a case housing the power storage unit and a cooling fluid which is used for cooling the power storage unit and is in contact with at least the electrode element.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2007Date of Patent: May 29, 2012Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaihsaInventor: Masaru Takagi
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Patent number: 8182943Abstract: A composite solid electrolyte include a monolithic solid electrolyte base component that is a continuous matrix of an inorganic active metal ion conductor and a filler component used to eliminate through porosity in the solid electrolyte. In this way a solid electrolyte produced by any process that yields residual through porosity can be modified by the incorporation of a filler to form a substantially impervious composite solid electrolyte and eliminate through porosity in the base component. Methods of making the composites is also disclosed. The composites are generally useful in electrochemical cell structures such as battery cells and in particular protected active metal anodes, particularly lithium anodes, that are protected with a protective membrane architecture incorporating the composite solid electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2006Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: PolyPlus Battery CompanyInventors: Steven J. Visco, Lutgard C. DeJonghe, Yevgeniy S. Nimon
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Publication number: 20120104990Abstract: Electrochemical cells having molten electrodes having an alkali metal provide receipt and delivery of power by transporting atoms of the alkali metal between electrode environments of disparate chemical potentials through an electrochemical pathway comprising a salt of the alkali metal. The chemical potential of the alkali metal is decreased when combined with one or more non-alkali metals, thus producing a voltage between an electrode comprising the molten the alkali metal and the electrode comprising the combined alkali/non-alkali metals.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2011Publication date: May 3, 2012Applicant: MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Dane A. Boysen, David J. Bradwell, Kai Jiang, Hojong Kim, Luis A. Ortiz, Donald R. Sadoway, Alina A. Tomaszowska, Weifeng Wei, Kangli Wang
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Patent number: 8084153Abstract: An operation guidance program of a sodium-sulphur battery includes a unit that input an operation output and a time zone, a unit that continuously inputs the remaining battery capacity and the battery temperature, a unit that predicts the remaining battery capacity of the sodium-sulphur battery and the battery temperature of the sodium-sulphur battery at the final time, a unit that compares the predicted remaining battery capacity with a standard smallest capacity recorded in advance and outputs guidance when the remaining battery capacity is smaller, and a unit that compares the predicted battery temperature with a standard highest temperature recorded in advance and outputs guidance when the battery temperature is higher than the standard highest temperature.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2008Date of Patent: December 27, 2011Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Tomio Tamakoshi, Sunao Atsumi
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Publication number: 20110311845Abstract: The invention relates to an improved industrial apparatus for the large-scale storage of energy and a process for storing and transporting electric energy by means of this apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: BASF SEInventors: CHRISTOPH ÜBLER, Dietmar Bender, Günther Huber, Andreas Fischer, Bernd Schube, Glyn Atherton, Francis Michael Stackpool, Cord-Henrich Dustmann
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Publication number: 20110223460Abstract: A battery that will operate at ambient temperature or lower includes an enclosure, a current collector within the enclosure, an anode that will operate at ambient temperature or lower within the enclosure, a cathode that will operate at ambient temperature or lower within the enclosure, and a separator and electrolyte within the enclosure between the anode and the cathode. The anode is a sodium eutectic anode that will operate at ambient temperature or lower and is made of a material that is in a liquid state at ambient temperature or lower. The cathode is a low melting ion liquid cathode that will operate at ambient temperature or lower and is made of a material that is in a liquid state at ambient temperature or lower.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLCInventor: Joseph C. Farmer
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Patent number: 7671272Abstract: Disclosed herein is a material, and a solid electrolyte and a photovoltaic device using the same. When the material is used as a hole transporting layer material of the photovoltaic device, the reduction of an electrolytic layer resulting from leakage or volatilization of an electrolytic solution is prevented, thus the battery characteristics, long-term stability, and reliability of the photovoltaic device are improved.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2006Date of Patent: March 2, 2010Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Byung Hee Sohn, Sang Cheol Park, Jung Gyu Nam
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Patent number: 7494746Abstract: An electrolyte for a rechargeable lithium battery includes a compound represented by Formula 1, a lithium salt, and a non-aqueous organic solvent: A[OSi(CmH2m+1)3]3??(1) wherein A is P or B, and m is an integer ranging from 0 to 6.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2007Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Vasily Tarnopolsky
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Patent number: 7049024Abstract: Reel-to-Reel method for making membrane electrode assemblies. A first catalyst is deposited in a repeating cell pattern on a first side of a proton exchange membrane film. A second catalyst is deposited on the back side of the proton exchange membrane. An electron conductor material is deposited on a support film which is adhered by means of an adhesive film to the proton exchange membrane film. The various layers are aligned and laminated together to form the membrane electrode assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Marzio Leban
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Patent number: 7033674Abstract: Compositions of biomolecules such as nucleic acids that form molten salts are provided. These compositions molten compositions that have useful electrical properties. Such compositions include a salt of (i) an organic polymer ion such as a polynucleic acid anion, and (ii) a polyether or polysiloxane couterion. Methods of making and using such compositions, along with electrical devices such as memory devices, are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2001Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: The University of North Carolina at Chapel HillInventors: H. Holden Thorp, Royce W. Murray, Anthony M. Leone, Mary Elizabeth Williams
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Patent number: 6958197Abstract: A control system for a sodium-sulfur battery, which is composed of a plurality of battery modules connected in series, includes a control device having at least a temperature measuring unit for measuring a temperature of each battery module, a voltage measuring unit for measuring a voltage thereof, and a current measuring unit for measuring a current thereof assembled as a single control device. Preferably, the system includes a unit for detecting the end of discharge and the end of charge. Thus, the time lag in the detection of the end of discharge and the end of charge may be prevented. The reliability of a NaS battery during long-term operation is improved. A fluctuation in the power consumption of heaters during the driving of the NaS battery is reduced. The space required for installing power equipment such as a transformer may be omitted.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2003Date of Patent: October 25, 2005Assignees: NGK Insulators, Ltd., The Tokyo Electric Power Co., Inc.Inventor: Tomio Tamakoshi
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Patent number: 6902842Abstract: A current collector positive electrode enabling a NaS battery to be excellent in the charge recovery characteristic and low in internal resistance is provided, which collector has a high resistance layer formed by needle-punching glass fibers with 5 to 15 ?m fiber diameter into a felt substrate made of carbon fibers or graphite fibers by needle-punching from one surface of the substrate toward another surface of the substrate. The density of the glass fibers needle-punched into the substrate is gradually decreased in the direction from the above mentioned surface to the other surface of the substrate, and the deepest portions of the needle-punched glass fibers reach the depths of 85 to 100% of the substrate thickness.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2002Date of Patent: June 7, 2005Assignees: NGK Insulators, Ltd., The Tokyo Electric Power Company, IncorporatedInventors: Michitaka Hidaka, Kazuhito Furuta, Masaki Shimizu, Akiyasu Okuno, Hideki Rachi
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Publication number: 20040253445Abstract: The present invention relates to a carbon fiber nonwoven band-shaped article obtained by cutting a needle-punch nonwoven fabric of carbon fiber, wherein the carbon fiber is primarily oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to a cut face of the band-shaped article. The band-shaped article can be manufactured by needle-punching a laminate web in which staples of fire-resistant fibers are oriented in substantially one direction, carbonizing an obtained nonwoven fabric by sintering and then cutting a carbonized nonwoven fabric in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of an orientation of the staples.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2004Publication date: December 16, 2004Inventors: Tadao Samejima, Susumu Seki
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Publication number: 20040076874Abstract: A separation module which contains at least one bundle of ceramic capillaries (9), in which, for controlling the material transport and the flow in the separation module, a certain distance is established between the capillaries (9) by joining. The separation module can be used in a variety of ways in the separation of substances by filtration, also in combination with further measures of chemical process engineering.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Applicants: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft, Hermsdorfer Inst. Fur Technische Keramik e.V.Inventors: Andreas Nickel, Olaf Stange, Ingolf Voigt, Gundula Fischer, Michael Stahn, Birgit Kohler
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Publication number: 20030186111Abstract: A control system for a sodium-sulfur battery, which is composed of a plurality of battery modules connected in series, includes a control device having at least a temperature measuring unit for measuring a temperature of each battery module, a voltage measuring unit for measuring a voltage thereof, and a current measuring unit for measuring a current thereof assembled as a single control device. Preferably, the system includes a unit for detecting the end of discharge and the end of charge. Thus, the time lag in the detection of the end of discharge and the end of charge may be prevented. The reliability of a NaS battery during long-term operation is improved. A fluctuation in the power consumption of heaters during the driving of the NaS battery is reduced. The space required for installing power equipment such as a transformer may be omitted.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Applicants: NGK Insulators, Ltd., The Tokyo Electric Power Company, Inc.Inventor: Tomio Tamakoshi
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Patent number: 6599664Abstract: An anhydrous inorganic gel-polymer electrolyte is prepared using a non-aqueous sol-gel process. The inorganic gel-polymer is prepared by reacting a metal halide (SiCl4) and an alcohol (tert-butyl alcohol) in a diluent solution containing a lithium salt (lithium bisperfluoroethanesulfonimide) and at least one carbonate. The resulting porous silicon oxide network encapsulates the liquid electrolyte. The gel polymer electrolyte can serve as both a separator and an electrolyte in a Li-ion cell. The material is stable and has demonstrated minimal flammability. Lithium-ion electrochemical cells made with the inorganic gel-polymer electrolyte function similarly to Li-ion cells made with a liquid electrolyte. The cells have low capacity fade, 0.69%, and low irreversible capacity, 7.6%.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Assignee: Yardney Technical Products, Inc.Inventor: Grant M. Ehrlich
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Publication number: 20030108788Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a sodium-sulfur battery suitable for use in an electric power storage system and an electric vehicle, wherein said battery permits reconciling improvement in battery efficiency with enlargement in battery capacity.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2002Publication date: June 12, 2003Inventors: Tadahiko Miyoshi, Manabu Madokoro, Yasuji Kusakabe, Hisamitsu Hatou, Minoru Kobayashi, Kenzou Kikuchi, Shigeru Sakaguchi, Seiichi Komatsu, Tetsuya Sado
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Patent number: 6537468Abstract: The invention is directed at an ion-conductive solid polymer-forming composition, a binder resin and an ion-conductive solid polymer electrolyte comprising (A) a polymeric compound containing polyvinyl alcohol units and having an average degree of polymerization of at least 20, in which compound some or all of the hydroxyl groups on the polyvinyl alcohol units are substituted with oxyalkylene-containing groups to an average molar substitution of at least 0.3, (B) an ion-conductive salt, and (C) a compound having crosslinkable functional groups. The composition and the polymer electrolyte obtained therefrom have a high ionic conductivity and a high tackiness. Moreover, the polymer electrolyte has a semi-interpenetrating polymer network structure, giving it excellent shape retention.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2000Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.Inventors: Kimiyo Hata, Takaya Sato
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Publication number: 20030054255Abstract: A current collector of positive electrode enabling a NaS battery to be excellent in the charge recovery characteristic and low in internal resistance is provided, which collector has a high resistance layer formed by needle-punching glass fibers with 5 to 15 &mgr;m fiber diameters into a felt substrate made of carbon fibers or graphite fibers by needle-punching from the one surface of the substrate. The density of the glass fibers needle-punched into the substrate is gradually decreased in the direction from the above mentioned surface to the other surface of the substrate, and the deepest portions of the needle-punched glass fibers reach the depths of 85 to 100% of the substrate thickness.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventors: Michitaka Hidaka, Kazuhito Furuta, Masaki Shimizu, Akiyasu Okuno, Hideki Rachi
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Patent number: 6533964Abstract: The invention provides a novel polymeric compound comprising polyvinyl alcohol units and having an average degree of polymerization of at least 20, in which some or all of the hydroxyl groups on the polyvinyl alcohol units are substituted with oxyalkylene-containing groups to an average molar substitution of at least 0.3; a binder resin composed of this polymeric compound; an ion-conductive polymer electrolyte composition having a high ionic conductivity and high tackiness which lends itself well to use as a solid polymer electrolyte in film-type cells and related applications; and a secondary cell.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2000Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Nisshinbo Industries, Inc.Inventors: Kimiyo Hata, Takaya Sato
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Patent number: 6475662Abstract: An improved thermal battery with improved operating efficiency. The thermal battery utilizes both a first activatible heat source and a second independently activatible heat source. The second heat source is optionally activated under storage environment conditions, such as low temperature, which thereby allow battery operation of improved efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Eagle-Picher Technologies, LLCInventor: Richard D. Spencer
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Patent number: 6475654Abstract: An automatic reactant dispenser for use in an electrolysis cell for electrolyzing a reactant product into reactants, the dispenser comprising a container generally surrounding the electrodes with a cover that controls dispensation of a reactant produced at the electrode during electrolysis of the reactant product. In one embodiment, the cover has a plurality of apertures that allow passage of droplets of liquid reactant through the cover. The apertures are spaced on the cover so as to maintain separation of the droplets as they pass through the cover. In another embodiment, the bottom of the cover has a plurality of pockets which collect liquid reactant. Buoyant forces from the accumulated liquid reactant cause the cover to pivot open to release the accumulated liquid reactant. The pivoting of the cover may also temporarily interrupt the electrical circuit energizing the electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Inventor: Wayne Thomas Bliesner
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Patent number: 6376123Abstract: Disclosed are positive electrodes containing active-sulfur-based composite electrodes. The cells include active-sulfur, an electronic conductor, and an ionic conductor. These materials are provided in a manner allowing at least about 10% of the active-sulfur to be available for electrochemical reaction. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating active-sulfur-based composite electrodes. The method begins with a step of combining the electrode components in a slurry. Next, the slurry is homogenized such that the electrode components are well mixed and free of agglomerates. Thereafter, before the electrode components have settled or separated to any significant degree, the slurry is coated on a substrate to form a thin film. Finally, the coated film is dried to form the electrode in such a manner that the electrode components do not significantly redistribute.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: PolyPlus Battery CompanyInventor: May-Ying Chu
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Patent number: 6368736Abstract: A reactant product valve for an electrolysis cell. The valve comprises first and second members disposed generally horizontally in the reactant product above the electrodes. The second member floats on liquid reactant product, sinks in liquid reactant and is movable between a closed position and open positions to control flow of reactant product through the valve. A plurality of apertures in the second member are offset horizontally from a plurality of apertures in the first member. The valve has at least one open position at which the second member is spaced from the first member so that the apertures in the first member communicate with the apertures in the second member, thereby allowing movement of reactant product through the valve. In the closed position the second member is adjacent the first member and the apertures do not communicate, thereby prohibiting movement of reactant product through the valve.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Inventor: Wayne Thomas Bliesner
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Patent number: 6329099Abstract: A highly reliable sodium-sulfur battery includes a cell container for the positive electrode which is hardly deteriorated by corrosion. The cell container for the positive electrode is assembled by integrating plural members made of a high corrosion resistant alloy containing Cr, or a Co base alloy containing Cr, Ni and Mo, wherein carbide containing at least one of Cr, W and Mo is precipitated, and a readily deformable portion is provided to the cell container for the positive electrode, whereby reliability of the sodium-sulfur battery can be significantly improved.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1999Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Tetsuo Oyama, Tadahiko Miyoshi, Manabu Madokoro, Hisamitsu Hatoh, Shigeoki Nishimura, Katsuhiko Shiota, Kiyoshi Otaka
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Patent number: 6324091Abstract: This invention provides novel high density memory devices that are electrically addressable permitting effective reading and writing, that provide a high memory density (e.g., 1015 bits/cm3), that provide a high degree of fault tolerance, and that are amenable to efficient chemical synthesis and chip fabrication. The devices are intrinsically latchable, defect tolerant, and support destructive or non-destructive read cycles. In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a fixed electrode electrically coupled to a storage medium comprising a storage molecule comprising a first subunit and a second subunit wherein the first and second subunits are tightly coupled such that oxidation of the first subunit alters the oxidation potential(s) of the second subunit rendering the oxidation potential(s) of the second unit different and distinguishable from the oxidation potentials of the first subunit.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2000Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Daniel Tomasz Gryko, Peter Christian Clausen, David F. Bocian, Werner G. Kuhr, Jonathan S. Lindsey
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Patent number: 6239350Abstract: An alkali metal thermal to electric converter (AMTEC) cell of the type employing an alkali metal flowing between a hot end of the AMTEC cell and a cold end of AMTEC cell. The AMTEC cell being separated into a low-pressure zone and a high-pressure zone and comprising a condenser communicating with the low-pressure zone for condensing alkali metal vapor migrating through the low-pressure zone from the solid electrolyte structure, a return channel coupled to the condenser for directing the condensed alkali metal from the condenser toward the hot end of the AMTEC cell, an evaporator coupled to the return channel and communicating with the high-pressure zone for evaporating the condensed alkali metal into the high-pressure zone, the evaporator including an evaporation surface, and a solid electrolyte structure separating the low-pressure zone and the high pressure zone and having alkali metal simultaneously existing in a vapor and liquid state in its interior.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1998Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Advanced Modular Power SystemsInventors: Robert K. Sievers, Thomas K. Hunt, Terry J. Hendricks
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Patent number: 6168884Abstract: A thin-film rechargeable battery includes a cathode film; including a lithium transition metal oxide, an electrolyte film coupled to the cathode film, the electrolyte film being substantially nonreactive with oxidizing materials and with metallic lithium, an anode current collector coupled to the electrolyte film; and an overlying layer coupled to the anode current collector. The thin-film rechargeable battery is activated during an initial charge by electrochemical plating of a metallic lithium anode between the anode current collector and the electrolyte film. The plating of the anode during charging and the stripping of the anode layer during discharging are essentially reversible. Therefore, almost no diminishment of discharge capacity occurs, even after many discharge and charge cycles. Other advantages include no need for special packaging for shipping and handling.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 1999Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Assignee: Lockheed Martin Energy Research CorporationInventors: Bernd J. Neudecker, Nancy J. Dudney, John B. Bates
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Patent number: 6117590Abstract: The present invention relates to novel electroactive energy storing polyacetylene-co-polysulfur (PAS) materials of general formula (C.sub.2 S.sub.x).sub.n wherein x is greater than 1 to about 100, and n is equal to or greater than 2. This invention also relates to novel rechargeable electrochemical cells containing positive electrode materials comprised of said polyacetylene-co-polysulfur materials with improved storage capacity and cycle life at ambient and sub-ambient temperatures.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1998Date of Patent: September 12, 2000Assignee: Moltech CorporationInventors: Terje A. Skotheim, Boris Trofimov, Anastasiya Grigorevna Malkina, Igor P. Kovalev
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Patent number: 6025094Abstract: Disclosed is an alkali metal negative electrode having a protective layer. Specifically, the disclosed negative electrode includes a glassy or amorphous surface protective layer which conducts alkali metal ions but effectively blocks the alkali metal in the electrode from direct contact with the ambient. The protective layer has improved smoothness and reduced internal stress in comparison to prior protective layers such as those formed by sputtering. In a specific embodiment, the protective layer is formed on the lithium metal electrode surface by a plasma assisted deposition technique.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1998Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignee: PolyPlus Battery Company, Inc.Inventors: Steven J. Visco, May-Ying Chu
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Patent number: 6013192Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry composition of materials to be used n a battery system. The dry composition comprises a mixture consisting of sodium hydroxide and sodium oxide. In a first reservoir in the battery system, the mixture is present in an amount sufficient to form with water a heated sodium hydroxide electrolyte solution having a 15% by weight concentration of sodium hydroxide. In a second reservoir in the battery system, the mixture is present in an amount sufficient to form with water a heated sodium hydroxide electrolyte solution having to up to about 75% by weight concentration of sodium hydroxide. The present invention also relates to a battery system and a method for generating electrical power which utilize the aforementioned dry composition of materials.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1997Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Steven P. Tucker, Raymond W. Roberts, Eric G. Dow, James R. Moden