Abstract: A thermal management system for the at least one energy cell. The thermal management system includes a cold plate cell holder comprising at least one energy cell reservoir structured to retain the energy cell(s) and surround at least a first portion of a surface of the energy cell(s), and to thermally cool the energy cell(s). The system additionally includes a bus bar header to which one or more bus bar can be physically and thermally connected, and at least one oscillating heat pipe (OHP) cover disposable around a second portion of the surface of the energy cell(s). The OHP cover(s) is/are thermally and mechanically connectable to the cold plate cell holder when disposed around the energy cell(s). The OHP cover(s) is/are structured and operable to thermally cool the energy cell(s) via heat absorption from the second portion of the surface of the energy cell(s) when disposed around the energy cell(s).

Abstract: In an aspect of the present disclosure is a system for locking a battery for an electric aircraft, the system including a battery pack including a high voltage (HV) connection configured to electrically connect to the electric aircraft; and a lock attached to the battery pack and configured to electrically disconnect the battery pack from the electric aircraft when locked, wherein the lock is configured to only be unlocked manually.

Abstract: A traction battery module has a housing body having four side walls and two end walls, and a plurality of cell elements which are arranged in the housing body, are arranged parallel to one another and parallel to two of the four side walls and are combined to form a cell element stack. A respective holding frame is positioned at the two end-side longitudinal ends of the cell element stack, on which holding frame the longitudinal ends of the cell elements are held such that the cell element stack is spaced apart in all four transverse directions from the four side walls. Each holding frame has a spring arrangement on its spring side facing a side wall and does not have a spring arrangement on its fixed side opposite the spring side. The holding frame is pressed by the spring arrangement onto the side wall assigned to the fixed side.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle power supply device able to be fixed easily, at a reduced cost, and universally applicable. The vehicle power supply device includes: a case; a battery, disposed in the case; a cover, covering the case; a support, supporting the battery and connected with the cover; and a rivet, connecting the case and the support. A side surface of the case is provided with a case side hole penetrating into the case. The support is provided with a support side hole corresponding to the case side hole. The rivet is inserted into the case side hole and the support side hole to connect the case and the support. The cover is provided with a cover side hole connected with the case by using a bolt.

Abstract: An electrical power system has a dual battery configuration that enables sufficient power supply for a spacecraft bus and a payload module being carried by the spacecraft. During a sunlight power mode, power is drawn from a solar array of the bus to power a low-discharge payload of the spacecraft and a high-discharge payload of a payload module. During the sunlight power mode, a low rate discharge battery and a high rate discharge battery are charged by a battery charge management unit of the spacecraft bus. During an eclipse power mode, the low rate discharge battery powers the low-discharge payload of the spacecraft and the high rate discharge battery powers the high-discharge payload of the payload module. The high-rate discharge battery may also be used to power the high-rate discharge payload in the sunlight power mode to meet its high current demands to meet a flexible mission operations.

Abstract: A battery pack includes: battery cells including first battery cells and second battery cells, each of the first and second battery cells including a first end portion and a second end portion that are opposite each other in a length direction of the respective battery cell, adjacent first end portions being arranged in a stepped manner; and a case providing an accommodation space in which the battery cells and a cooling fluid to cool the battery cells are configured to be accommodated, the case including a first cover covering the first end portions of the battery cells, the first cover being arranged along a height difference between the first end portions of the first and second battery cells and defining a height difference space, corresponding to the height difference, on an outer side of the first cover.

Abstract: Provided are systems for vehicle energy storage having parallel cooling comprising a plurality of modules. Each module may comprise two half modules coupled together. Each half module can include a plurality of battery cells. A current carrier of each half module may be electrically coupled to the cells. The cells may be disposed between the current carrier and a plate. Each half module can have the cells, current carrier, and blast plate disposed in an enclosure. The enclosure can have a coolant sub-system for circulating coolant in parallel to the plurality of cells such that each of the battery cells is at approximately the same predetermined temperature. The modules may be disposed in a tray. A coolant system may be provided for circulating coolant across the plurality of modules in parallel such that each of the modules can be maintained at approximately the same predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An energy storage system includes a module stack having a plurality of battery modules stacked vertically; a venting detecting unit configured to detect a venting when the venting occurs in at least a part of the plurality of battery modules; and a coolant supplying unit configured to supply a coolant to a battery module at which a venting occurs when the venting of the battery module is detected by the venting detecting unit.

Abstract: A battery device is provided with: an exterior body having two outer side walls; at least one battery cell group that is arranged between the two outer side walls of the exterior body and that is composed of a plurality of laminated battery cells; a first temperature-adjusting medium flow path that is provided in at least one of the two outer side walls of the exterior body and in which a temperature-adjusting medium capable of exchanging heat with the battery cells via the outer side wall flows; and a holding mechanism that brings the battery cell group into contact with the outer side wall so that heat can be exchanged and that holds the battery cell group in the exterior body by applying, to the battery cell group in the exterior body, a pressing force in a direction towards the outer side wall having the first temperature-adjusting medium flow path.

Abstract: A battery assembly for an aircraft includes a cold plate having an upper planar member, a lower planar member, and at least one fluid channel positioned between the upper and lower planar members and configured to receive a cooling fluid. The battery assembly also includes an upper battery mounted to the upper planar member for transferring heat from the upper battery to the cooling fluid through the upper planar member. The battery assembly further includes a lower battery mounted to the lower planar member for transferring heat from the lower battery to the cooling fluid through the lower planar member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a battery module, as well as a battery pack and a vehicle comprising the same. The battery module includes a plurality of battery cells arranged side by side to face each other in at least one direction, a cooling plate located below the plurality of battery cells, and a heat transfer tape adhered to the battery cells to transfer heat of the battery cells to the cooling plate.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a technique related to a cooler including a main channel in which an object to be cooled is attached to an upper surface thereof, and a structure which prevents air bubbles from entering the main channel. A cooler for cooling an object may include: a main channel in which coolant flows, wherein the object is attached to an upper surface of the main channel; and a sub channel bypassing the main channel, wherein a ceiling of the sub channel is higher than a ceiling of the main channel at a branch point between the main channel and the sub channel. Air bubbles trapped in the coolant flow into the sub channel having a higher ceiling height, thus they do not enter the main channel.

Abstract: A battery cell thermal management assembly includes: a body structure including a plurality of cell-shaped recesses configured to receive a plurality of battery cells; and a thermal management passage positioned within the body structure and configured to circulate a thermal management fluid to extract internally-generated thermal energy from the plurality of battery cells.

Abstract: A battery (100), in particular a lithium-ion battery, having: a plurality of battery cells (10), which are assembled to form a cell stack and are received in a housing (20), wherein the battery cells (10) are bonded to the base (21) of the cell housing (20) by a heat conductive bonding material (TIM), a plurality of spacer elements (11), wherein a spacer element (11) of the plurality of spacer elements (11) is arranged in each case between two adjacent battery cells (10) of the plurality of battery cells (10), two end plates (22), which delimit the cell stack at the ends, wherein the end plates (22) are connected by at least one tensioning band (23), wherein the at least one tensioning band (23) at least partially surrounds the cell stack circumferentially. To this end, it is provided according to the invention that the at least one tensioning band (23) is bonded to the side walls of the battery cell (10) by a band bonding material.

Abstract: A battery cell assembly includes a plurality of cylindrical cell blocks, each of the plurality of cylindrical cell blocks including a plurality of cylindrical cells, a block cover configured to cover an upper side of the plurality of cylindrical cell blocks and electrically connect the plurality of cylindrical cell blocks, a cooling plate located opposite to the block cover and disposed at a lower side of the plurality of cylindrical cell blocks and a heat transfer member disposed between the cooling plate and the plurality of cylindrical cell blocks and having a plurality of thermal interface materials corresponding to bottom portions of the plurality of cylindrical cells.

Abstract: The present invention features a pouch comprising a single layer of polymer material having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface is disposed to define an interior space surrounded by the second surface of the pouch, and wherein the first surface is disposed to define the exterior of the pouch, wherein the single layer has a uniform thickness between the first surface and second surface, wherein the polymer material comprises a liquid crystal polymer, and wherein the pouch has a water vapor transmission rate of less than 0.1 g/m2/day between the interior space and the first surface of the pouch.

Abstract: A battery pack (2; 602) includes: an outer case (12; 612); one or more battery cells (90a-90j); and a cell case (80), which is housed in the outer case (12; 612) and houses the battery cell(s) (90a-90j). The outer case (12; 612) has: an upper surface (wall) (14b), in which a terminal-opening part (22a) for exposing a terminal (102) is provided; a bottom wall (15e); and a plurality of side surfaces (walls) (15a-15d) extending upward from the bottom wall (15e). The battery cell(s) (90a-90j) is (are) disposed parallel to the bottom wall (15e). An opening (40a-40j) is provided in a specific side surface (15b, 15d), from among the plurality of side surfaces (15a-15d), that faces an end surface of the battery cell(s) (90a-90j) in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A heat-radiating structure of a cylindrical battery cell includes a first plate configured to contact an upper partial area of a battery cell and to which a current of the battery cell is discharged, the first plate having an area not contacting the battery cell, a second plate disposed between the first plate and the battery cell, the second plate not contacting the battery cell, and a heat transfer part disposed between the second plate and the battery cell and configured to transfer heat generated in the battery cell to the second plate while contacting the battery cell is provided. The second plate contacts the area of the first plate not contacting the battery cell and a portion of the current discharged from the battery cell to the first plate is discharged from the second plate. A heat-radiating system of a cylindrical battery is also provided.

Abstract: Lithium tetrafluoro(malonato)phosphate compounds are useful as additives in lithium ion battery applications. The compounds are represented by Formula (I): MPF4[—O(C?O)—(CX?X?)—(C?O)O—]; wherein M is Li or Na; each X? and X? independently is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, fluoro-substituted alkyl, and F; or wherein the X? and X? together are —CR2—(CR?2)m—CR?2—; each R, R? and R? independently is selected from the group consisting of H methyl, trifluoromethyl, and F; and in is 0 or 1. These compounds can be prepared in high purity and a high yield by reaction of a metal hexafluorophosphate with a bis-silyl malonate compound. A similar oxalato compound, lithium tetrafluoro(oxalato)phosphate), can be made in the same manner, but using a bis-silyl oxalate in place of the bis-silyl malonate. Advantageously, the compounds can be formed, in situ, in a LiPF6-containing electrolyte solution.

Abstract: A battery cell is configured such that a jelly-roll type electrode assembly is accommodated in a battery casing, and includes: the battery casing including upper, lower, and side surfaces, wherein the side surface of the battery casing includes an isolation wall providing a buffer space between the battery casing and the electrode assembly. The buffer space accommodates deformation of the electrode assembly when the electrode assembly is expanded, such that deformation of the side surface of the battery casing is prevented from occurring.

Abstract: A battery pack having a population of secondary battery cells chargeable between a charged state and a discharged state, and a frame to hold secondary battery cells in the battery pack is provided, members of the population of secondary battery cells having an electrode assembly comprising a substantially polyhedral shape, and where the frame holds a cell array comprising a subset of the population of secondary batteries that are arranged adjacent to one another. A sealed secondary battery cell, electrode assembly, and methods of charging are also described.

Abstract: A cell assembly, having a cell frame, into which bus bars and a thermal plate are integrated, and a lithium-ion pouch cell having a first face and a second face opposite the first face are provided. The pouch cell further includes positive and negative cell terminals arranged at a top end of the pouch cell, and a compression element. The cell frame is configured to receive and house the pouch cell and the compression element in a space defined by the thermal plate and the cell frame.

Abstract: A battery pack including a left battery module including a plurality of cells; a left heat transfer frame adjacent to a right side of the left battery module; a cooling member adjacent to the left heat transfer frame; a right heat transfer frame adjacent to a right side of the cooling member; a right battery module including a plurality of cells disposed adjacent to a right side of the right heat transfer frame; a lower plate and an upper cover respective disposed below and above the left battery module, the left heat transfer frame, the cooling member, the right heat transfer frame, and the right battery module; and wherein the upper cover comprises an over-pressing prevention protrusion disposed at a position corresponding to each of the left heat transfer frame, the cooling member, and the right heat transfer frame.

Abstract: A film-covered battery includes a coverage case having a film covering material and a power generation element contained in the coverage case. The coverage case has a first sealing part that guides a terminal and a second sealing part that does not guide a terminal. The second sealing part is formed on at least one face (face F) with a maximum area among exterior faces of the power generation element. The assembled battery has a third sealing part being a part of the second sealing part and overlapping the power generation element. In the assembled battery, a heat dissipation plate is placed on the face F where the third sealing part is formed. A projection area of the third sealing part and the heat dissipation plate on the face F occupies 40% or more of the face F.

Abstract: Provided is a rechargeable battery system comprising at least a battery cell and an external cooling means, wherein the battery cell comprises an anode, a cathode, an electrolyte disposed between the anode and the cathode, a protective housing that at least partially encloses the anode, the cathode and the electrolyte, and at least one heat-spreader element disposed partially or entirely inside the protective housing and wherein the external cooling means is in thermal contact with the heat spreader element configured to enable transporting internal heat of the battery through the heat spreader element to the external cooling means. Also provided is a method of operating a rechargeable battery system, the method comprising implementing a heat spreader element in one or each of a plurality of battery cells and bringing the heat spreader element in thermal contact with one or a plurality of external cooling means.

Abstract: An electricity storage block includes: an element stacked body in which a plurality of square electricity storage elements is stacked and arranged such that wide surfaces of the adjacent square electricity storage elements are opposed to each other; and a pressing device that presses the element stacked body toward the thermally-conductive sheet arranged on the heat transfer plate. The element stacked body includes holders having wide surface abutment parts in abutment with one of the wide surfaces in a pair in at least the predetermined square electricity storage element. The outer surfaces of the bottom plates of the square electricity storage elements are set as heat transfer surfaces thermally connected to the heat transfer plate via the thermally-conductive sheet. The heat-transfer surfaces protrude toward the heat transfer plate more than the end surfaces of the wide surface abutment parts at the heat transfer plate side.

Abstract: A battery for an aircraft. The present embodiments further relate to an aircraft with at least one such battery. The battery may include a battery casing with a casing wall that forms an interior volume, a plurality of battery cells that is arranged in the interior volume, and a functional layer that is arranged at the casing wall between the plurality of battery cells and the battery casing. The functional layer may include an intumescent material that, in case of a breach of the battery casing, is adapted to ensuring flame containment within the interior volume and mitigation of uncontrolled heat and gas emission from the interior volume through the breach of the battery casing.

Abstract: A battery module for a vehicle includes a cell module in which battery cells are overlapped with each other while having a predetermined directivity, and a cooling channel module directly bonded to at least one surface parallel to an overlap direction of the battery cells of the cell module, the cooling channel module having a refrigerant circulated therein, where a cell bonding surface of the cooling channel module has a wave-shaped cross section curved along a curvature formed by end portions of the overlapped battery cells.

Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells stacked on each other, a heatsink configured to cool the plurality of battery cells, a module case having one side to which the heatsink is mounted, the module case being configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells, and a thermal resin disposed inside the module case. The thermal resin is filled in the module case to cover at least a portion of electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells, and the thermal resin extends alongside the heatsink.

Abstract: A chamber and a system for real-time analysis of gas generated inside a secondary battery. The chamber and system are capable of adjusting temperature while directly applying heat to the secondary battery. The system may include a chamber, a pump module, and an analysis module. The chamber may include a first housing which is insulative, and configured to house the secondary battery mounted in an inner space surrounded by the first housing, a second housing which is thermally conductive and surrounding the first housing, an inlet connected to the pump module, a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the secondary battery or a temperature inside the chamber, and a first heat generation member configured to heat the secondary battery, the first heat generation member being configured to be inserted into the second housing.

Abstract: A secondary battery module includes a plurality of battery blocks each obtained by stacking a plurality of battery cells. The secondary battery module includes a holding member adapted to hold the plurality of battery blocks and including a pair of opposed end plates, a pair of opposed side plates, and a section plate arranged between the adjacent battery blocks to partition the battery blocks; and an inter-block bus bar provided across the section plate and adapted to electrically connect the adjacent battery blocks. The inter-block bus bar has a fuse portion.

Abstract: A battery cooling system is described, including a thermally conductive cooling plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. A first group of battery cells may be disposed on the first surface of the cooling plate, a second group of battery cells may be disposed on the second surface of the cooling plate, and a thermally conductive interstitial layer may be coupled between the cooling plate and the first group of battery cells, and between the cooling plate and the second group of battery cells. The cooling plate is configured to draw heat from the first group and the second group of the battery cells.

Abstract: Cooling system for bus bars, in particular cell connectors or module connectors of batteries, comprising a bus bar with a first connection area for a pole of a first battery, a second connection area for a connection of an electrical component, an insulation encasing the bus bar between the connection areas, wherein the bus bar is free of the insulation at least in the two connection areas, characterized in that on a side facing away from the pole of at least one of the connection areas, a gel-shaped heat conducting agent is applied directly to the surface of the bus bar.

Abstract: A battery module assembly with a plurality of unit modules stacked therein is provided. Each of the plurality of unit modules includes a cartridge including a cooling plate having a plate shape and two pouch type battery cells mounted on each of both side surfaces of the cooling plate with the cartridge therebetween. A partition having a tetragonal frame shape and including an internal empty space is disposed between adjacent unit modules among the plurality of unit modules.

Abstract: A ventilating container for containing a plurality of energy storage units, comprises a container body defining a storage area; and a ventilating panel securing to the container body and defining a storage space within the storage area for supporting the energy storage units. The ventilating panel encloses an air passage which connects an air inlet to a plurality of air outlets, the air outlets being distributed at designated positions on at least one side of the ventilating panel for ventilating said energy storage units.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing battery thermal runaway are provided. The method includes: detecting or predicting whether there is a thermal runaway risk for each battery cell or battery module of a battery pack; and in response to detecting or predicting that there is a thermal runaway risk for at least one battery cell or battery module of the battery pack, transferring battery energy of the at least one battery cell or battery module to the battery pack or another battery pack as thermal energy or electric energy.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle has an improved water-cooled battery layout. The hybrid vehicle includes: a housing positioned in an outdoor space of a vehicle body; a battery for providing an electric driving force to the vehicle and positioned inside the housing; a cooling block disposed below the battery to discharge the heat generated from the battery; a cooling pipe for supplying coolant to the cooling block and formed along an upper portion of the housing; and a cooling nipple formed integrally with the housing to be fastened to the cooling pipe.

Abstract: A battery that includes collectors with tabs that are wide with respect to the area of the collector. The wide tabs present a low electrical and thermal resistance to improve the flow of current and/or heat to and from the collector thereby improving electrical and thermal performance of the battery. The battery further includes terminals with a channel that supports the flow of medium (e.g., liquid) to heat and/or cool the battery. The terminals may include fins or pins to increase the surface area of the terminal to improve thermal transfer to and from the battery and collectors of the battery. The batteries may be formed into a battery module that includes a system for monitoring and regulating the temperature of the batteries of the module.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a battery module. The battery module comprises: a frame having an accommodation space; and a plurality of batteries successively arranged in the accommodation space in a thickness direction of the battery, wherein a partition is arranged between adjacent batteries, wherein the partition has a compressibility and a coefficient of compressibility ?1 at a pressure equal to or smaller than 2 MPa, which meets a relation C0×?1?A0×0.2, wherein C0 is an initial thickness of the partition, and A0 is an initial thickness of the battery.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a case and a battery module. The case includes an accommodating cavity and a drain hole in communication with the accommodating cavity. The battery module is mounted inside the accommodating cavity. A reservoir cavity is provided below the battery module to store a liquid, and in communication with the drain hole. A reservoir cavity is provided, such that the liquid can flow into a reservoir portion to prevent dangers such as short-circuit occurring in the battery module inside the case, and optimize the structure and performance of the battery pack when liquid is accumulated inside the case.

Abstract: A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: at least one battery cell; a bus bar assembly connected to an electrode lead of the at least one battery cell and positioned on both side surfaces of the at least one battery cell; and a heatsink assembly positioned in direct contact with both of the at least one battery cell and the bus bar assembly while surrounding both of the at least one battery cell and the bus bar assembly.

Abstract: A method for assembling a traction battery for an electrically operated vehicle, in which at least one battery module is inserted into a battery housing in a module setting process, with the formation of an air gap between the battery module and a housing base of the battery housing, which is filled with a highly viscous thermal paste, which builds up a viscosity force due to internal friction when it is distributed in the air gap, which acts on the housing base until the thermal paste is distributed in the air gap by the flow of material and the accompanying reduction in the viscosity force. The housing base is supported on its housing base lower side by a counter holder in order to limit a deflection of the housing base due to the viscosity force of the thermal paste.

Abstract: In general, the present disclosure is directed to forming lithium ion battery (LIB) cells with structure and chemistry that achieves formation of a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer that allows for operating in relatively high ambient temperature environments, e.g., up to and exceeding 60° C., while significantly reducing self-discharge amounts, e.g., relative to other LIB cells formed with SEI layers measuring about 1-2 nanometers in thickness. For example, one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure enables a self-discharge amount for a LIB cell of 10% or less over a four (4) week period of time when operating at an ambient temperature of 60 degrees Celsius.

Abstract: A battery system, including a battery housing, which includes a base body, a first cover element, and a second cover element. The first cover element closes a first open end face of the base body, and the second cover element closes a second open end face of the base body. The battery system also includes a battery cell holder, which includes a plurality of battery cells, the battery cell holder being situated inside the battery housing, and a battery management system which is configured to monitor the plurality of battery cells and to detect temperatures of the individual battery cells. At least one blower is situated inside the battery housing, and the at least one blower being activated by the battery management system as a function of the temperature of the individual battery cells exceeding a threshold value.

Abstract: A high-voltage accumulator includes at least one battery module which has at least two battery cells and a cooling module through which a coolant or refrigerant flows and which is provided for cooling the battery cells. The cooling module has a first fluid connection point for coolant or refrigerant. A first fluid channel is provided, which is fluidically connected to the first fluid connection point. The first fluid channel has a cross-section that deviates from a circular shape.

Abstract: A battery module having a plurality of battery cells (2), in particular lithium-ion battery cells (20) which in a longitudinal direction (3) of the battery module (1) are disposed so as to be mutually adjacent, and the plurality of battery cells (2) are mutually braced by means of a tensioning element (4), wherein a thermal compensation element (5) is disposed between a battery cell (2) and the tensioning element (4), and the tensioning element (4), on a side of the tensioning element (4) that faces away from the battery cell (2), is connected to a heating element (100).

Abstract: A battery module assembly includes a plurality of cells, a plurality of cartridges including a first cartridge (a cartridge A) and a second cartridge (a cartridge B) alternately stacked with a corresponding cell therebetween, and a caulking pipe inserted into a through hole provided in a corner of each of the stacked plurality of cartridges, for assembling the plurality of cartridges. A bus bar among main elements configuring a voltage sensing assembly is disposed in a frame configuring a short side among four frames configuring the first cartridge, and a sensing wire among the main elements configuring the voltage sensing assembly is disposed in two frames configuring a short side and one frame configuring a long side among four frames configuring the second cartridge.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cooling block for a battery module includes preparing a first cooling block and a second cooling block. The first cooling block is configured to be in contact with battery modules on a first side thereof. The second cooling block is configured to be bonded to a second side of the first cooling block and forms a cooling channel, through which cooling water can flow, at an interface with the second side of the first cooling block. The second cooling block is disposed and fixed on the second side of the prepared first cooling block with a jig. The fixed first cooling block and second cooling block are bonded by heating and welding the first and second cooling blocks. Only the second cooling block is selectively quenched.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rechargeable battery (1) comprising several cylindrical cells (2) for storing electrical energy and at least one cooling device (4) for cooling or controlling the temperature of the cells (2), wherein the cooling device (4) has at least one coolant channel (5), at least one coolant inlet (6) and at least one coolant outlet (7), and has at least one single-layer or multi-layer film (8) which is at least partially arranged between the cells (2).

Abstract: A manufacturing process flow and accompanying methods for assembling a battery module are designed to increase efficiency, reduce a footprint of the manufacturing process, reduce manufacturing time, allow for increased flexibility, and reduce costs. The process flow takes advantage of robotic functionality to combine multiple manufacturing and quality assurance operations.