Frangible Separation Means Patents (Class 429/116)
  • Patent number: 11506629
    Abstract: An apparatus and method wherein the apparatus includes a channel; at least one pair of electrodes provided within sides of the channel; an electrolyte configured to move through the channel such that when the electrolyte is positioned between the at least one pair of electrodes the electrolyte provides a current path between the at least one pair of electrodes; and wherein the at least one pair of electrodes are configured such that movement of the electrolyte through the channel enables a time varying voltage to be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
    Inventors: Darryl Cotton, Adam Robinson, Di Wei
  • Patent number: 11201369
    Abstract: A structure for sealing a button-type lithium cell includes a cell cover, a sealing ring and a cell casing. The cell cover includes an overlapping structure. The overlapping structure includes a first overlapping portion, a second overlapping portion and a third overlapping portion and the third overlapping portion includes a locking portion and a sealing portion. The cell casing includes a sealing structure. The sealing structure includes a first sealing portion, a second sealing portion, a third sealing portion and a fourth sealing portion. The first overlapping portion abuts against the fourth sealing portion through the sealing ring, the second overlapping portion abuts against the third sealing edge through the sealing ring, the locking portion of the third overlapping portion abuts against the second sealing edge through the sealing ring, and the sealing portion of the third overlapping portion abuts against the first sealing edge through the sealing ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Eve Energy CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junming Zhu, Huiming Ge, Yumei Chen, Zhijian Zhang, Zhongzhi Yuan, Jincheng Liu
  • Patent number: 10926437
    Abstract: A molded article may include a composite wall portion that is composed of a resin substrate and a wood insert embedded in the resin substrate. The wood insert is integrated with the resin substrate in a boundary portion defined as a joining portion of an end surface of the wood insert and an end surface of the resin substrate with its inner and outer surfaces substantially exposed on inner and outer surfaces of the composite wall portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA SHATAI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Makoto Segi
  • Patent number: 10916739
    Abstract: A battery includes a battery casing with a chamber that includes an electrolyte powder. The electrolyte powder surrounds a zinc material that is separated from the electrolyte powder by a permeable separator sheet. The battery also includes a conductive member with a first end in electrical communication with an anode terminal of the battery, and, a second end in electrical communication with the zinc material. A conductive layer is between an inner surface of the casing and the electrolyte powder and in electrical communication with the cathode terminal. There is also a liquid release mechanism that releases a liquid in the chamber to activate an ion flow between the electrolyte powder and the zinc material via the permeable separator sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Battery Research Technology Limited
    Inventor: Niels Bakker
  • Patent number: 10741870
    Abstract: A battery cell degassing apparatus for degassing a battery cell having a gas pocket, which includes a chamber cover to which the battery cell is detachably mounted, a vacuum chamber coupled to the chamber cover and configured to accommodate the battery cell in a vacuum environment, the chamber cover being slidable in a vertical direction with respect to the vacuum chamber, a piercing unit provided at the vacuum chamber to pierce a part of the gas pocket, and a pressing unit provided at the vacuum chamber to be spaced apart from the piercing unit and configured to flatten a left surface and a right surface of the battery cell and to discharge a gas inside the battery cell to the outside of the battery cell is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyo-Jin Park, Myung-Hyun Kim, Joon-Sung Bae, Eui-Kyung Lee, Jin-Woo Heo, Suk-Hyun Hong
  • Patent number: 10403947
    Abstract: A method and system is provided for producing direct current electricity from electrochemical oxidation of one of at least magnesium, zinc, or aluminum metal by at least one of water and oxygen to produce at least one of magnesium hydroxide, zinc hydroxide, or aluminum hydroxide. The design of dry-cells for the same using relatively light weight materials provides a transportable, infinite energy supply system that is activated with the addition of at least one of an aqueous solvent or a polar solvent to produce an electrolyte solution. Methods, systems, and apparatuses for the same are provided for introducing electrolyte solutions and changing solid plates comprised of at least one of magnesium, zinc, or aluminum—also referred to as fuel cards—to initiate or sustain electricity generation. Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for the same that accelerate electricity generation by the introduction of one of at least air or oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Inventor: Dan Curfew
  • Patent number: 10340490
    Abstract: A battery case lid is formed by working a metal plate, and includes a substrate section and an explosion-proof valve formed in the substrate section. The explosion-proof valve has a reduced thickness section thinner than the substrate section, and the reduced thickness section is formed by extending the metal plate by applying pressure while the metal plate is kept unrestrained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignees: SOODE NAGANO CO., LTD., NIPPON LIGHT METAL COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Takayuki Sode, Yukinori Sugiyama, Shinichi Nomura, Masato Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 10312526
    Abstract: A thermal battery including a casing; a stack of cells disposed within the casing; a pressurizing element; an actuator when actuated, translates the pressurizing element to automatically engage and repressurize the stack of cells; and a latch configured to inhibit movement of the pressurizing element in a direction away from the stack of cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Toby D. Thomas, Thomas E Byrd, Charles T Fixico, III, Ralph E. Tate
  • Patent number: 10236516
    Abstract: There is provided a reserve battery activated by shock application of hitting means and having good operational feature at low temperature, comprising: a frame forming exterior case; an ampoule disposed inside the frame, containing an electrolyte solution and formed of membrane at the portion where the hitting means applies hitting; two electrodes disposed above the ampoule and formed with two laminated ‘?’ and ‘+’ layers, a cathode layer and an anode layer, each of the layers having a hole at its center portion; a separator disposed between the two electrodes and including a center separator in the middle of the separator formed such that except for one side of the center separator, the other side of the center separator is cut, wherein the other side of the center separator comes into the ampoule by the hitting of a hitting means, and contacts with the electrolyte solution contained inside the ampoule so that the electrolyte solution is absorbed into the center separator being in contact with the electrolyt
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: SEJU ENGINEERING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Won-Bae Lee
  • Patent number: 10199620
    Abstract: A system for attaching a thermal battery to a flange of a power supply section of an underwater craft, such as a torpedo, comprising a fixing sleeve arranged around and fixed to the battery and provided with fixing lugs comprising holes for the passage of screws for attachment to the flange, wherein the sleeve is in an overall shape of a C, of which an intermediate part and ends of branches comprise the fixing lugs for fixing the fixing sleeve to the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: DCNS
    Inventors: Jean-François Pierre Laurent Romand, Ludovic Madier
  • Patent number: 10074831
    Abstract: An electric storage element includes an electrode body including a positive electrode and a negative electrode, the electrode body including a coated region, which includes active materials applied to surfaces of the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a non-coated region not including the active material on the surface of the positive electrode or the negative electrode, a case including a case body for housing the electrode body and a lid plate that covers an opening of the case body, the case body including a bottom wall having a long side and a short side, the case body further including a side wall standing on the short side of the bottom wall, the lid plate being formed with an electrode terminal, and an insulating member arranged in the case to insulate the electrode body from the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: GS YUASA INTERNATIONAL LTD.
    Inventors: Shogo Tsuruta, Syun Ito, Hirokazu Kambayashi
  • Patent number: 9991482
    Abstract: Provided is a magnesium-air fuel cell in which a conductive state is achieved when a lid is fastened, and a nonconductive state is achieved when the lid is loosened, so that the power supply can be turned ON and OFF based on a fastening state of the lid. A lid includes a lower end portion that comes into contact with a main body at a time of fastening, an anode body inserted in the main body, and an electrode plate made of metal coupled to an end of the anode body. The electrode plate includes a first terminal at least positioned at the lower end portion. The main body includes a second terminal positioned on a surface that comes into contact with the lower end portion of the lid at the time of fastening the lid. Electrical conduction is achieved when the first terminal and the second terminal come into contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: AQUA POWER SYSTEM, JAPAN
    Inventors: Tadashi Ishikawa, Yoshiaki Hasebe
  • Patent number: 9136558
    Abstract: An impact resistant battery incorporates one or more improvements that are designed to reduce or eliminate the risk of a fire or explosion caused by a projectile impact, electrical short, or otherwise. The battery is also designed to reduce the amount of structural damage caused by a projectile impact. The battery may have a housing that includes a self-sealing ionomer material. The battery may also be filled with materials that suppress flames and/or prevent the internal temperature from reaching an ignition point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Philips Plastics Corporation
    Inventors: Justin Peskar, Martin E. Olson Gunderson, Majid Entezarian
  • Publication number: 20140315062
    Abstract: There is provided a reserve battery activated by shock application of hitting means and having good operational feature at low temperature, comprising: a frame forming exterior case; an ampoule disposed inside the frame, containing an electrolyte solution and formed of membrane at the portion where the hitting means applies hitting; two electrodes disposed above the ampoule and formed with two laminated ‘?’ and ‘+’ layers, a cathode layer and an anode layer, each of the layers having a hole at its center portion; a separator disposed between the two electrodes and including a center separator in the middle of the separator formed such that except for one side of the center separator, the other side of the center separator is cut, wherein the other side of the center separator comes into the ampoule by the hitting of a hitting means, and contacts with the electrolyte solution contained inside the ampoule so that the electrolyte solution is absorbed into the center separator being in contact with the electrolyt
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: SEJU ENGINEERING CO., LTD
    Inventor: Won-Bae Lee
  • Patent number: 8603658
    Abstract: An activation mechanism for a reserve battery cell generally includes a housing with a chamber containing an electrolytic solution and a delivery device configured to discharge the electrolytic solution from the housing. The delivery device includes a compressed spring configured to be released in response to an external force to initiate the discharge of the electrolytic solution from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Eaglepicher Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Anthony DeGruson, David Andrew Timothy Darch, Michael Parrot, Greg Miller, Michael Scott Reeves, William Studyvin
  • Patent number: 8593104
    Abstract: A reserve power source for charging a device, such as a depleted power source or a vehicle. The reserve power source including: a reserve battery which requires activation to produce power, such as a thermal battery or a liquid reserve battery; an activator for activating the reserve power upon one of an electrical or mechanical activation; and a pair of terminals operatively connected to the reserve battery for outputting the produced power. The reserve power source can also include a cable connected to each of the pair of terminals for connecting outputting the produced power to the depleted power source and/or conditioning circuitry for conditioning the produced power prior to output at the terminals. The reserve battery can also include a stop for preventing the activator from activating the reserve power source, where the stop is selectively removable when activation is desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Omnitek Partners LLC
    Inventor: Jahangir S. Rastegar
  • Patent number: 8372531
    Abstract: A reserve battery that is activated via a low energy mechanical force. The reserve battery generally includes a battery case having an electrolyte compartment at a first end and an electrode compartment at a second end, a first terminal having an external button connected to the case at the first end, and a second terminal connected to the case at the second end. A movable ampoule is movably positioned within the electrolyte compartment. A bias member is located within the case between the external button and the ampoule and a porous cutter is positioned within the case between the electrodes and the ampoule and supported by an inverted U-shaped support structure. When an external force is applied to the external button, the bias member transfers an internal force to the ampoule to cause the ampoule to engage the cutter and allow the electrolyte to release thus activating the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Mphase Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred Allen, Eran Turi
  • Patent number: 8093173
    Abstract: There is provided a honeycomb structure where a catalyst is loaded on surfaces of inner pores of the surface layer and on a surface of the surface layer; a relation between a catalyst area proportion A of the catalyst to a gap area proportion B of a gap in a cross-section of the surface layer on the inlet side is 1%<A/B<90%; and a relation between an average catalyst area proportion, A1, from the surface to a point having a depth of one third of the thickness of the surface layer including the surface of the surface layer on the inlet side and a catalyst area proportion A2 in a central portion of the surface layer is A1/A2>1.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Miyairi, Takashi Mizutani, Takuya Hiramatsu
  • Patent number: 8007934
    Abstract: An activatable battery for an electronic artillery fuse and mortar fuse includes an ampoule filled with an electrolyte, and an activation device for rupturing the ampoule. In order to evaluate the duration of a mechanical impulse acting on the battery, the activation device can be freed by a timing member having an inertia body which is axially and rotatably displaceable and against which a compression spring is operative. A compact structure and reliable installation of the ampoule in the battery is achieved in that the battery has an upper battery portion and a lower battery portion, the activation device is provided in the upper battery portion and the ampoule is disposed immovably in the lower battery portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Junghans Microtec GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Glatthaar, Herbert Höni, Alexander Zinell
  • Publication number: 20100021806
    Abstract: A reserve battery having a prolonged shelf life that may be used in a wide variety of consumer related and non consumer related electrical devices. The reserve battery includes an outer enclosure, an internal breaking element extending directly from an inner surface of the outer enclosure and a breakable barrier positioned within the outer enclosure. At least one reservoir and at least one chamber are defined by the breakable barrier and the outer enclosure. An electrolyte material is contained within the reservoir and a plurality of electrodes are contained within the chamber. The plurality of electrodes receive the electrolyte material to activate the battery when manual pressure is applied to the internal breaking element to move the internal breaking element inwardly thus breaking the breakable barrier to allow passage of the electrolyte from within the reservoir to saturate the separator within the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Steve Simon, Victor Lifton, Fred Allen
  • Patent number: 7504177
    Abstract: A reserve battery including a dual-purpose fill port member that also operates as a battery activation mechanism. The reserve battery includes a frangible barrier positioned inside a case. The frangible barrier divides the case into a first compartment holding cell electrodes and a second compartment capable of holding an electrolyte in isolation from the first compartment. Positioned in the second compartment proximate to the frangible barrier is a fill port member that is movable in response to an applied force for rupturing the frangible barrier. The fill port member also has a fluid passageway for use in transferring an amount of the electrolyte to the second compartment. The dual purpose of the fill port member is that it efficiently uses the available space and permits the design and production of a more compact reserve battery for use in space-limited applications, such as artillery shells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Eaglepicher Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Mark John Peabody
  • Publication number: 20090042065
    Abstract: A method of activating a micro-cell in which the micro-cell includes a first compartment, a second compartment, a fluid in the first compartment, an element in the second compartment and a porous barrier separating the first compartment from the second compartment. The porous barrier, in a first state, is operable to prevent the fluid from entering the second compartment whereas the porous barrier, in a second state, is operable, in response to an event, to allow the fluid to enter the second compartment and interact with the element in the second compartment so as to generate an activation signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: MPHASE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Steve Simon, Victor A. Lifton
  • Patent number: 7479344
    Abstract: A conformable battery wherein the outer casing has an upper face plate, a lower face plate, and at least one perimetric wall, and an interior of the battery comprising a grid of walls extending from the upper face plate to the lower face plate and connecting to the at least one perimetric wall, thereby dividing the interior of the battery into at least two compartments and increasing the battery's structural stiffness and ability to sustain increased internal pressure. Each compartment contains an electrochemically active plate stack, and a network of electrical conductors provides electrical connection between the plate stacks in each of the compartment. The battery may further comprise a reservoir containing an acid additive which, when released into each of the compartments, shifts the battery from a low power mode into a high power mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Patrick P. McDermott
  • Publication number: 20080081248
    Abstract: An activatable battery for an electronic artillery fuse and mortar fuse includes an ampoule filled with an electrolyte, and an activation device for rupturing the ampoule. In order to evaluate the duration of a mechanical impulse acting on the battery, the activation device can be freed by a timing member having an inertia body which is axially and rotatably displaceable and against which a compression spring is operative. A compact structure and reliable installation of the ampoule in the battery is achieved in that the battery has an upper battery portion and a lower battery portion, the activation device is provided in the upper battery portion and the ampoule is disposed immovably in the lower battery portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: JUNGHANS MICROTEC GMBH
    Inventors: Karl Glatthaar, Herbert Honi, Alexander Zinell
  • Patent number: 7301303
    Abstract: A portable battery jump start having a case having soft sides and a soft top cover configured to be selectively closed and opened. The sides of the case are joined to one another by seams that may be taped to become watertight. A first seal is configured for selectively connecting the top cover to the sides. The first seal can include a waterproof zipper. A rigid insert member is disposed inside the case and defines a center compartment, a left compartment and a right end compartment. A battery is snuggly disposed in the center compartment. Each clamp in a pair of electrical clamps is connected to the battery by one of the cables in a pair of cables and stored in one of the end compartments. A control module is disposed in the center compartment and electrically connected to the battery so as to permit selective supply of electricity from the battery to the cables.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: International Specialty Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard M. Hulden
  • Patent number: 6972119
    Abstract: A hydrogen producing apparatus comprising: a reforming section having a reforming catalyst which causes a reaction between a carbon-containing organic compound as a feedstock and water; a feedstock supply section for supplying the feedstock to the reforming section; a water supply section for supplying water to the reforming section; a heating section for heating the reforming catalyst; a shifting section having a shift catalyst which causes a shift reaction between carbon monoxide and water contained in a reformed gas supplied from the reforming section; and a purifying section having a purifying catalyst which causes oxidation or methanation of carbon monoxide contained in a gas supplied from the shifting section, wherein the shift catalyst comprises a platinum group metal and a metal oxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Taguchi, Takeshi Tomizawa, Kunihiro Ukai, Toshiyuki Shono, Koichiro Kitagawa, Tetsuya Ueda, Seiji Fujihara, Yutaka Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6844108
    Abstract: To compliment the drawback of the conventional large-size reserve battery cell inapplicable to a small electronic system, disclosed is a super-slim reserve battery cell sized merely several millimeters in its entirety including micro-size battery elements sized about several ?m by using a micro-machining technology of processing mechanical structures in a super-slim size. The present invention realized electrolyte container and other battery elements by using materials such as silicon, nickel, copper, aluminum, etc. to form a membrane structure of relatively thinner thickness than the periphery in an electrolyte container contiguous with the battery cell that is broken only when activating the cell. Therefore, it is possible to activate the battery cell with less power while securing sufficient impact-resistant characteristics under normal circumstances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Seju Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Won-Bae Lee, Han Chung, Ho-Jun Lee
  • Patent number: 6673486
    Abstract: As activatable battery for an electronic artillery fuse includes an ampoule filled with an electrolyte, and an activation device for rupturing the ampoule in response to the application of an impulse of predetermined minimum magnitude. The activation device includes a timing mechanism for increasing the duration for which the impulse must be applied in order to enable the rupturing to occur, thereby increasing the safety of the fuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Junghans Feinwerktechnik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Werner Rüdenauer, Karl Glatthaar, Wolfgang Müller, Walter Winterhalter, Alexander Zinell
  • Patent number: 6610437
    Abstract: A closure assembly for sealed batteries in which explosion-proof features are incorporated. A metal plate having a hole, an insulating resin sheet, a metal thin sheet, an insulating sheet having an air hole, a metal guide plate having a hole, and a metal cap are laid upon one another within an insulating gasket. Metal plate and metal guide plate are in contact with each other and electrically connected. Upon a build-up of pressure within the battery, the insulating resin sheet expands and ruptures, whereby a narrow part provided in the metal thin sheet positioned above the insulating resin sheet breaks, thus cutting supply of electric current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Tsurutani, Seiichi Mizutani, Hideaki Yoshio, Kenjin Masumoto, Hideyuki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6599656
    Abstract: A storage cell battery includes at least one cell having an enclosure containing an electrode assembly impregnated with an electrolyte and including at least one positive electrode, at least one negative electrode and at least one separator disposed between the electrodes. The cells are housed in a common container provided with a first orifice. A safety device includes an anomaly detector, a storage tank containing a non-inflammable gas under pressure and connected to the first orifice, and a control system in the form of a pyrotechnic mechanism for controlling the admission of the gas into the common container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Cittanova
  • Patent number: 6566000
    Abstract: A battery comprising a consumable anode; a gas-diffusion cathode; a non passivated surface-destroying aqueous medium in contact with the anode and cathode; a housing enclosing the anode, cathode and medium; an additive contained within a medium-impermeable chamber separated from but receivable by the medium upon activation to effect mixing of the additive with the medium to provide an electrolytic mixture to effect electrical contact between the anode and cathode; and activation means to effect said activation. The battery provides an extended shelf-life prior to activation by reason that the anode is not corroded by the electrolyte. The battery is of particular use in portable cell-phones, computers, video cameras and players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Eontech Group Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander M. Iarochenko, Evgeny B. Kulakov
  • Patent number: 6368738
    Abstract: An air depolarized cell comprises an anode, a cathode, including an air cathode assembly openly exposed to the ambient environment and/or defining at least a portion of the outer surface of the cell. The cell can comprise a bottom member defining a bottom of the cell, and a top member defining a top of the cell, the air cathode assembly extending between the bottom member and the top member as the exposed or outer portion of the cell. An anode cavity can be disposed inwardly of the separator and upwardly of the bottom member, and contain a mass of electroactive anode material. An elongate anode current collector preferably extends into the anode material. The top member can comprise a top contour washer having inner and outer downwardly depending legs receiving an upper edge portion of the cathode assembly in a slot therebetween, and an insulating grommet in the slot, electrically insulating the cathode assembly from the top contour washer and sealing against liquid leakage out of the cell through the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Rayovac Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph Lynn Passaniti, Gregory Scott Moy
  • Publication number: 20020034681
    Abstract: As activatable battery for an electronic artillery fuse includes an ampoule filled with an electrolyte, and an activation device for rupturing the ampoule in response to the application of an impulse of predetermined minimum magnitude. The activation device includes a timing mechanism for increasing the duration for which the impulse must be applied in order to enable the rupturing to occur, thereby increasing the safety of the fuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: March 21, 2002
    Inventors: Werner Rudenauer, Karl Glatthaar, Wolfgang Muller, Walter Winterhalter, Alexander Zinell
  • Patent number: 6284403
    Abstract: A closure assembly for sealed batteries in which explosion-proof features are incorporated. A metal plate (8) having a hole (81), an insulating resin sheet (9), a metal thin sheet (6b), an insulating sheet (4) having an air hole (41), a metal guide plate (3) having a hole (31), and a metal cap (1b) are laid upon one another within an insulating gasket (5b). Metal plate (8) and metal guide plate (3) are in contact with each other and electrically connected. Upon a build-up of pressure within the battery, the insulating-resin sheet (9) expands and ruptures, whereby a narrow part (69) provided in the metal thin sheet (6b) positioned above the insulating resin sheet (9) breaks, thus cutting supply of electric current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Tsurutani, Seiichi Mizutani, Hideaki Yoshio, Kenjin Masumoto, Hideyuki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6187471
    Abstract: A battery has an outer casing, an electrolyte located within the outer casing, an additive located within the outer casing and separated from the electrolyte, and a power mode increasing device located within the outer casing. The battery operates in a low power mode. The power mode increasing device combines the electrolyte and the additive causing the battery to operate in a high power mode. The power generated by the battery operating in the high power mode is greater than the power generated by the battery operating in the low power mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Zentek Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick McDermott, Gerald Halpert
  • Patent number: 6136468
    Abstract: Printed electrochemical cells including both power cells and display cells are arranged in a partially assembled condition to extend shelf life of the cells. The partially assembled condition is also used as a switching mechanism for controlling activation of some of the cells. The active components of the cells include two electrodes and an electrolyte layer that is maintained out of contact with at least one of the electrodes for interrupting an ionically conductive pathway between the electrodes. The electrolyte is preferably an electrolytic adhesive that is protected by a release layer until the cells are needed for service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Timer Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Chauncey T. Mitchell, Jr., David M. Good, Robert Parker, Mark A. Shadle, Gerrit L. Verschuur
  • Patent number: 5985481
    Abstract: A reserve, back-up battery assembly is described providing adequate voltage and power levels to replace a main battery for a limited period of time. The reserve battery assembly includes a housing, an electrolyte, an openable sealing mechanism, a plurality of pairs of anodes and cathodes, and first and second leads integrally connected to the first and second cable assemblies. The housing includes a fluid reservoir with an electrolyte solvent sealed within it, and it further includes a cell chamber containing the anodes and cathodes. The openable sealing mechanism releases the electrolyte solvent into a chute leading from the fluid reservoir to the cell chamber, and the chute contains anhydrous electrolytic crystals, for dissociation in the electrolyte solvent. The openable sealing mechanism also opens a vent passage extending between the fluid reservoir and the exterior of the housing. The anodes and cathodes may be made from Al and S, Al and AgO, or Al and MnO.sub.2, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Reserve Batteries Inc.
    Inventors: Richard F. Champagne, Robert Hotto, Burton M. Otzinger
  • Patent number: 5545493
    Abstract: Enclosure (28) of vacuum battery (10) includes a vacuum spring indicator (21). In a first position (23) of vacuum spring indicator (21) an indication is made that a sufficient vacuum has been drawn within enclosure (28). By a second position (24) of vacuum spring indicator (21), and indication is made that no vacuum exists within enclosure (28) and battery (10) is not operational.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Monty W. Bai, Thomas M. Kerns, Edward L. Brannon
  • Patent number: 5356098
    Abstract: A communication system for submitting RF signals responsive to the currents of defects or hazards in a railway system wherein a reserve cell ampule containing an electrolyte is disposed in one compartment of a housing and the electronic apparatus transmitting desired signals is disposed in a second compartment such that when the reserve cell is heated the pressure rises within the ampule to rupture it, whereby the electrolyte contained is dispersed in the first compartment and causes energization of electronic apparatus including an antenna connected to such apparatus, whereby the antenna is ejected from the housing and is able to broadcast suitable RF signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: General Railway Signal Corporation
    Inventor: Kendall E. Post
  • Patent number: 5196276
    Abstract: A compact reserve battery is disclosed comprising a cell housing, an expandable cell stack contained within a first portion of the housing, and an electrolyte reservoir contained within a second portion of the housing. The cell stack is expandable into the housing second portion, expansion of the cell stack displacing electrolyte from the electrolyte reservoir into the cell stack, thereby activating the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Eltech Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Marilyn J. Niksa, Kenneth J. Gregg, Jay M. Noscal, Roger J. Chmura
  • Patent number: 5108854
    Abstract: A battery cell of extended shelf life, which has a separate electrolyte storage tank having screened outlet ports, which tank is mounted within another container to define an annulus therebetween, which annulus defines a passageway to a screened outlet port and thence to a battery cell, is provided. The screens are of fine mesh size which pass electrolyte therethrough but due to the surface tension of the electrolyte entrained therein, block the passage of gas therethrough and thus separate the two. Such battery is dormant until the electrolyte is expelled from the storage tank through the annulus, through the conduit and into the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Michael S. Kelly
  • Patent number: 5068162
    Abstract: A reserve activated electrochemical cell in a battery embodiment uses a tubular electrolyte storage compartment arranged in a concentric spiral having similar diameter turns thereof located on a common axis. The tubular spiral is assembled concentrically with a battery plate stack container in a volumetrically efficient package with a first end of the spiral having an outwardly projecting flange located adjacent to one wall of the stack container. An intermediate annular spacer is located between the flange and the wall of the stack container to provide a fluid-tight seal therebetween, to define a fluid channel therethrough and to separate different materials forming the stack container and the electrolyte storage spiral. A first rupturable diaphragm is attached with a fluid-tight seal across the inner diameter of the first end of the tubular spiral facing the battery stack to maintain hermeticity therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Milind V. Kulkarni
  • Patent number: 4968567
    Abstract: A reserve activated electrochemical cell with a cell condition checking apparatus uses a sealed electrolyte storage reservoir having an expandable pressurized capsule within the reservoir for pressurizing the electrolyte. The reservoir is provided with a rupturable diaphragm providing a fluid-tight seal across an opening in a wall of the electrolyte reservoir. The reservoir is formed integrally with a container for a reserve cell electrode assembly or stack with the wall therebetween containing the rupturable diaphragm. A selectively operable lance is arranged with a pointed first end adjacent to the diaphragm and a second or opposite end projecting out of the cell stack container. A resilient bellows is attached externally of the cell stack container to cover the projecting end of the lance while providing a fluid-tight seal to the external wall of the cell stack container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Paul F. Schisselbauer
  • Patent number: 4950565
    Abstract: A reserve activated electrochemical cell has a sealed electrochemical fluid, e.g., an electrolyte, storage reservoir having an expandable free-floating capsule within the reservoir for selectively pressurizing the fluid. The reservoir is provided with a rupturable diaphragm arranged as a fluid-tight seal across an opening defining a fluid conduit through a wall of the reservoir. The reservoir is formed integrally with a container for a cell electrode assembly or stack, e.g., opposite polarity battery electrodes, with a wall therebetween containing the rupturable diaphragm. A selectively operable gas generator within the reservoir is connected to one end of the expandable capsule for providing a gas pressure therein to expand the capsule. The gas generator is operated by a signal applied to the gas generator by electrical connecting leads passing through fluid-tight seals in a wall of the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: Paul F. Schisselbauer, Kurt F. Garoutte
  • Patent number: 4948683
    Abstract: A reserve activated electrochemical cell with a cell condition checking apparatus uses a sealed electrochemical fluid, e.g., an electrolyte, storing reservoir having an expandable pressurized capsule within the reservoir for pressurizing the fluid. The reservoir is provided with a rupturable diaphragm arranged as a fluid-tight seal across an opening in a wall of the reservoir. A selectively operable lance is arranged with a pointed end adjacent to the diaphragm for activating the cell by piercing the diaphragm to release the fluid into the electrode assembly. A reservoir leak indicator is located in the reservoir to provide an indication of a leakage path between the pressurized capsule and the fluid stored in the reservoir allowing a migration of the fluid into the capsule. In a first embodiment of the reservoir leak detector, a visual indication of fluid leakage is provided through a transparent window in a wall of the reservoir by a visual change in a fluid reactive substance located in the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventors: James R. Picozzi, Norman A. Remer
  • Patent number: 4925750
    Abstract: A replaceable low-cost reserve battery is easily activated by twisting a knob. Charging is accomplished inside the vehicle through use of the cigar lighter circuit. A hook is provided to both lock the activating knob and support the reserve battery during the charging process, which will take approximately 10 minutes. Means to regulate and visually indicate the delivery of current is provided to prevent excessive current from blowing the fuse in the cigar lighter circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Assignee: Power Cell, Inc.
    Inventor: George H. Theiss
  • Patent number: 4861686
    Abstract: A multi-option, multi-cell, vacuum activated, deferred action battery which consists of a non-frangible vial which can be punctured allowing a vacuum pressure in a battery cell assembly to draw said battery fluid into said battery cells thus activating the device. This activation can occur with or without external forces such as spin or setback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Gilbert R. Snyder
  • Patent number: 4842964
    Abstract: The present invention provides in-situ electrolyte storage for batteries. The size of the reserve battery is significantly smaller due to the placement of an elastomeric sealed container within the interelectrode space of the battery. The sealed container contains the electrolyte. When punctured, the electrolyte flows out of the sealed container and into the electrode space. Substantially simultaneously, the elastomeric sealed container shrinks back allowing the electrolyte to flow into the interelectrode space allowing for the reaction. Preferably, the sealed container is made of elastomeric material that is flexible yet with good memory. This will allow the sealed container to shrink back to a small size when punctured. In addition, the sealed container should have have a low permeability to the electrolyte so as to minimize the amount of electrolyte that escapes from the sealed container while the electrolyte is being stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventor: Gary P. Tarcy
  • Patent number: 4820598
    Abstract: A battery in accordance with the invention comprises: p1 an electrochemical block (3) constituted by a large number of electrochemical couples; p1 a network for irrigating said electrochemical couples with electrolyte; p1 a heat exchanger (7) for externally dumping the heat evolved during discharge; p1 a pump (5) for causing the electrolyte (10) to circulate through the irrigation network and said heat exchanger; and p1 a device (2) for storing electrolyte and transferring it to said electrochemical block (3) on activation, said device including a supply of electrolyte connected to a gas generator and also to an inlet to said pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: SAFT, S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Descroix, Yannick Leben
  • Patent number: 4803135
    Abstract: A pressure activated reserve battery, capable of being activated by increasing external or environmental seawater pressure as the device is lowered or sinks to depth, without benefit of an external pressure hull. Pressure compensation, balancing of external seawater pressure and internal electrolyte pressures continually after activation of the device precludes the use of a pressure hull. A pressure activated battery, made up of reserve cells, for selectively providing stored reserve electrolyte into cell electrode environments upon application of a specified activation pressure. Each cylindrical reserve cell housing includes an electrolyte reservoir and a cell electrode assembly. A first barrier having a pressure rupturable disc is arranged to provide a fluid-tight separation between the electrode assembly and the electrolyte reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Kurt F. Garoutte