Adjuncts In Combination With Or For Connection To An External Electrical Electric Current Carrying Member Of A Battery Other Than Terminal Protectors, E.g., Terminal Adapter, Caps, Lifters, Etc. And Connectors Per Se Patents (Class 429/121)
  • Patent number: 5132194
    Abstract: An assembly for facilitating the quick connection and disconnection of appliance cables to the terminals of a storage battery and preventing corrosion at the terminals, including a pair of connectors defined by insulating caps enclosing conductive sleeves, and a releasable clamp engageable with the battery for securing the connectors against their respective terminals, including the improvement of a simple releasable clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1992
    Inventor: Fred G. Williams
  • Patent number: 5116700
    Abstract: The power source unit utilizes a pair of connecting terminal pieces, each having a planar base portion bonded to one of positive and negative terminals of a power source element, and a planar top end portion twisted perpendicular to the planar base portion and designed to connected to a circuit board for mounting of the power source element. By such construction, the total mounting height of the power source element and the circuit board can be reduced, and the connecting strength can be improved between the power source element and the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Seiko Electronics Components Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazutoshi Takeda
  • Patent number: 5108847
    Abstract: A charger for charging a rechargeable electrochemical cell including: a first conductive terminal having a central opening therein and a first contact end, the first conductive terminal connected to circuitry capable of providing charging current at a first charging rate; and a second conductive terminal positioned within the opening, the second conductive terminal having a second contact end portion extending outwardly from and electrically insulated from the first contact end, the second conductive terminal connected to circuitry capable of providing charging current at a second charging rate. The charger may have an insulator with an insulating contact end portion in place of the second conductive terminal having a second contact end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Assignee: Gates Energy Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kim B. Edwards, Kenneth E. Toops, Clifford L. Scholefield
  • Patent number: 5093215
    Abstract: A nut anti-slipping member is provided, which has a nut insertion groove and covers bottom end portions of one-side opening end of a nut insertion hole. A nut is inserted in the nut insertion hole with the nut deviated from the nut anti-slipping member. In case when the nut is of a square-pole-shape type with rectangular section, the entire nut can pass upper parts of the anti-slipping member when the nut is inserted in the nut insertion hole in a horizontally longitudinal position, and a bottom part of the nut can pass the nut insertion groove when the nut is inserted in the nut insertion hole in a vertically longitudinal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignees: Yuasa Battery Co., Ltd., Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshio Hasegawa, Kenji Kawaguchi, Shuji Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5066555
    Abstract: Described herein is a contact arrangement for a battery cell of a galvanic battery. The battery cell comprises a positive mass layer (6, 106) and a negative electrode layer (11, 111). A separator layer (5, 105) separates the positive mass layer (6, 106) and the negative electrode layer (11, 111) from each other. A positive current collector (7, 107) is connected to the positive mass layer (6, 106). A case (1, 2, 101, 102) made of an insulating material hermetically encloses the active components of the battery cell. Contact units (12, 14, 16, 22, 23, 24, 116) create electrical contact through the case (1, 2, 101, 102) with the positive current collector (7, 107) and with the negative electrode layer (11, 111), respectively. An additional insulation layer (9, 13, 113) made of a tough and adhesive material and bounded by the case (1, 2, 101, 102) is provided so as to maintain the hermetic nature of the case despite the passing-through of a contact unit (12, 14, 16, 22, 23, 24, 116).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: Sporax Oy
    Inventor: Pentti J. Tamminen
  • Patent number: 5034720
    Abstract: Small easily removable insert designed for placement in the battery compartment of a battery powered device (becoming part of the circuit of the device when in place) which includes a current/voltage control means and may have sidewalls and dimensions which allow the replacement of a battery or batteries standard to the device by smaller sized batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Inventors: Howard F. Bell, Michael C. Lane
  • Patent number: 4983473
    Abstract: A portable, lightweight, self-contained auxiliary power source for starting a motor vehicle, heavy equipment, power boat and the like having a defective starter battery is disclosed. The auxiliary power source includes a generally upright housing defining a chamber having a bottom section and a closable top section. A battery is provided that is adapted to be received within the chamber and includes a plurality of cells. The battery has a positive terminal and a negative terminal. A pair of cables are provided that have a proximal end and a distal end, each of the proximal ends include clamps being detachably connected to one of the respective terminals of the battery and the distal ends each include an alligator clamp for being detachably connected to the respective terminal of the defective battery. A light is connected to one of the alligator clamps for illuminating the work area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Inventor: James L. Smith
  • Patent number: 4983475
    Abstract: An electrochemical battery has a plurality of alternating positive and negative plates; at least one tab protruding from one edge of each of the positive and negative plates; at least one tab protruding from an opposite edge of each of the positive and negative plates; a pair of negative plate straps connecting together each tab protruding from each negative plate; a pair of positive plate straps connecting together each tab protruding from each positive plate; a first diagonal bar connecting together the pair of negative plate straps; and a second diagonal bar connecting together the pair of positive plate straps. A key advantage of the invention is that resistance is reduced and electrical characteristics of the battery are improved under load conditions. Another advantage of the invention is that a manufacturer of conventional batteries either can use existing top-mounted terminal posts or can support side-mounted terminal posts with the diagonal bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Inventor: Darwin D. Delans
  • Patent number: 4957831
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a battery pack having two power receptacles coupled to an electric circuit that includes a switch for selectively delivering power to the receptacles. The control apparatus includes (1) a structure for retaining the receptacles a predetermined distance apart; (2) a cover moveable on the retaining structure so as to selectively expose a selected one of the receptacles while simultaneously covering the nonselected one; and (3) a protuberance coupled to the cover for engaging the switch and translating movement of the cover into operable movement of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: Black & Decker, Inc.
    Inventors: Daryl S. Meredith, Scott D. Price
  • Patent number: 4929522
    Abstract: An improved electrical connection system for use with corrosive high capacity batteries. Conductor cables are securely cast within the battery into battery terminals to provide a direct and permanent electrical connection between the terminals and the cables. Cable insulation covers the conductor cables at all points above the terminal-cable connection. All connections are secured by using the methods of casting, welding, potting or crimping. Seals made from a nonconducting material extend the exterior of the battery over all electrical connections and further enhance the mechanical integrity of the electrical connections, as well as providing for chemical and electrical isolation of the electrical connections. Thus, the electrical connection system described herein avoids leakage of electrolyte onto the surface of the battery, eliminates frequent repair and maintenance, provides for full voltage delivery, and improves safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Inventors: Edwin J. Ward, Thomas C. Ward, II
  • Patent number: 4913981
    Abstract: A kit for indicating the polarities of terminals of a battery including a pair of markers formed of wafers made of a hard durable plastic and having plus or minus signs formed on one of the sides thereof, and a double-sided foam adhesive tape attached to the other sides thereof. The markers are readily secured to the surface of a battery near appropriate terminals by simply peeling off a laminate attached to the adhering side of the adhesive tape and sticking the marker on a clean spot on the surface of a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Inventors: David M. Hynes, Kenneth P. Mahoney
  • Patent number: 4861684
    Abstract: In this invention for totally eliminating the fire and/or electrical hazards associated with maintaining batteries for both automobiles and aircraft use, a weighted disconnect link is connected to an internal battery cell jumper. This link is arranged to bridge the center two cells of the battery by positioning the weighted link into the spring clips of the cell bridge lugs, thus completing the circuit within the battery. The section of the battery that houses the weighted link will be totally isolated from the electrolyte and explosive gas. An access door is provided in the battery for contact cleaning and maintenance if it should be necessary. This door provides a means to re-engage the link manually after it has been tripped by adequate G force. The G force is the key to the functioning of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Inventor: Dwight D. Law
  • Patent number: 4862310
    Abstract: A battery protection device for preventing battery charging comprises a diode formed with a p+ region (36) within an N-type region (34). The diode is completely surrounded by a P-well (32) to prevent minority carrier injection from the N-type region (34) to the N-type substrate (30). The N-type region (34) is connected to the P-well (32) and to the substrate (30) through an electrical connection (43). By preventing minority carrier injection into the substrate (30), leakage through a parasitic transistor is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Assignee: Dallas Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas E. Harrington, III
  • Patent number: 4859547
    Abstract: A battery terminal post of the type for use in electrolytic devices contained by resilient electrolyte-resistant walls, wherein an opening in the electrolytic device wall is radially enlarged to form a bushing, into which is inserted a second T-shaped lead alloy bushing, into which in turn there is inserted a complementary third bushing of pure lead, which three bushings are then forced into intimate sealing contact by being radially expanded by the action of a punch and die in a swaging operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Gates Energy Products, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Adams, Larry K. W. Ching, Jr., Neil Puester
  • Patent number: 4806440
    Abstract: A lantern battery substitute, comprises an upper assembly including an approximately square upper plate with rounded corners and four edges and having a resilient snap latch situated at approximately the center of the upper plate projecting downward normal to the plane of the upper plate. Four battery retaining legs project downward, one at approximately a center of each of the four edges. The legs are wide enough and situated at a suitable distance from one another so that a standard D-sized battery cell will not readily pass between any two legs situated on adjacent edges. A lower assembly includes a lower plate which is parallel to the upper plate and a base for supporting the lower plate. The base has depth adequate to cause the battery pack to have an overall height approximating that of a lantern size battery. A latch receiving aperture is situated on the lower plate, for receiving and engaging the snap latch for securing the upper and lower assemblies together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1989
    Assignee: CNI
    Inventors: Charles A. Hahs, Jr., Victor V. Zaderej
  • Patent number: 4791347
    Abstract: An auxiliary power supply for augmenting the power provided by the battery of an automobile, which contains a single battery mounted in an outer housing to form a self contained supply, and which includes a charger circuit within the housing that is connected to the battery in the housing to effect charging at desired intervals. The housing carries connections for input power, and for output power. In the specific form shown the housing carries arms that are connectable to the terminals of a battery to be augmented and which are arranged to engage directly onto the terminal post of such an automobile battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Inventor: Martin T. Britton
  • Patent number: 4769295
    Abstract: One feature of the present invention is a battery to be mounted on a vehicle, in which the battery casing is formed with a recess into which a starter magnetic switch is fitted. Another feature of the invention is a starter magnetic switch which can be fitted into the recess formed in the battery. The starter magnetic switch has a rocker means which is made of a conductive material. The rocker means has a moving electric contact which is biased normally open and which is closed when the solenoids built into the switch are energized, to close the drive circuit of a starter motor. The rocking means has one end projecting to the outside of a switch casing and is fastened to the positive terminal of the battery. In addition, a supporting means, which projects to the outside of the switch casing at the side opposed to the portion where the rocking means projects, is fastened to the negative terminal of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1988
    Assignees: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Honda Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Kudo, Nobuo Miura, Yoshiteru Nakatake
  • Patent number: 4761354
    Abstract: A universal, one-piece-molded, protective cap adapted to fit both small and large diameter battery terminal posts. The cap includes a body portion having an accordion pleated wall which is molded to tightly fit small diameter terminals but expandable to fit large diameter terminal posts. Restraining means at both ends of the body help maintain constrictive engagement of the post by the cap. Openings at both ends of the pleats permit substantially uninhibited flexure of the pleats to effect expansion of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1988
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: David T. Poe, Joseph T. Crouse
  • Patent number: 4760000
    Abstract: An assembly for facilitating the quick connection and disconnection of appliance cables to the terminals of a storage battery and preventing corrosion at the terminals, including a pair of connectors defined by insulating caps enclosing conductive sleeves, and a releasable clamp engageable with the battery for securing the connectors against their respective terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1988
    Inventor: Fred G. Williams
  • Patent number: 4731308
    Abstract: A mechanical component for electrochemical batteries having porous members. A disc has two or more circular grooves in one side. The grooves are intended to accept the porous members and an electrode member of the battery. The opposite side of the disc has one or more radial channels which intersect with the circular grooves. When used in a battery, the component facilitates distribution of electrolyte, while also minimizing electrolyte leakage between cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: GTE Government Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Franz Goebel, David C. Batson, Anthony J. Miserendino, Gerard Boyle
  • Patent number: 4714439
    Abstract: An electrical connector is provided for making electrical connection to a mating connector. The connector includes a body portion that has a substantially cylindrical cavity. A contact block is located in the cavity and carries three contacts. A spring engages the contact block for applying biasing force to the contact block and contacts for providing electrical connection of the contacts to the mating connector. A peripheral resilient seal is located above the contact block and provides a seal between the contact block and a cylindrical cavity. The peripheral seal includes a bead portion that engages the mating connector for providing a water seal about the contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Eduardo J. Marabotto, Mark S. Bresin, Bick R. Drake
  • Patent number: 4693948
    Abstract: An electric storage battery has terminals (T1, T2) each having a wall (W1, W2) thereabout shaped to inhibit connection of an incorrect connectors (C1, C2) which are of mutually different shape and/or size. Each terminal (T1, T2) is laterally spaced from the electrode post (P1, P2) of the battery to which it is connected, and each post (P1, P2) is joined by a cast lead linking member (E) to the terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: Lucas Industries Public Limited Company
    Inventor: Keith J. B. McEwan
  • Patent number: 4681821
    Abstract: A lithium-sulfur-dioxide battery (e.g., the BA5847/U) is modified so that can be used both in its customary manner or as a substitute for a standard Leclanche battery (e.g., the BA210/U). Since the aforementioned batteries typically have their connectors at different, distinct locations, the first-mentioned battery is provided with a second set of connectors (i.e., female sockets) which are located at the very same position as the connectors of the battery it may be substituted for. Thus, this battery has two sets of (2-hole) connectors and these are, in turn, interconnected in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1987
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: John A. Christopulos
  • Patent number: 4678728
    Abstract: An interconnector device permits a lithium-sulfur-dioxide battery (e.g., BA5847/U) to be substituted for a standard Leclanche battery (e.g., the BA200/U). The lithium-type battery can therefore be used in its customary manner or, with the interconnector, as a substitute for the Leclanche battery; battery proliferation is thereby reduced. The interconnector comprises a rectangular wafer of plastic material with a pair of prongs mounted on one flat surface of the wafer and at a location which corresponds to that of female sockets of the lithium-type battery. A pair of coil spring connectors are mounted on the opposite flat surface of the wafer and at locations which correspond to the locations of the coil spring connectors of the Leclanche battery. The prongs and coil spring connectors of the interconnector are electrically interconnected in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventor: John A. Christopulos
  • Patent number: 4643843
    Abstract: In order to maintain the long term reliability of an electrical connection subjected to difficult environmental conditions, such as in the engine compartment of a motor vehicle, a paste-like preparation is provided for application at the conductively mating surfaces of the connection. A first embodiment of the preparation includes water, glycerin, a thixotropic agent and a hydrophilic substance, such as calcium chloride or lithium chloride, exhibiting sufficient hydrophilic action and in sufficient quantity as to maintain the preparation in a fluid state by absorbing moisture from the ambient atmosphere. Variants of the preparation include, as one or more additional ingredients, acetic acid and/or powdered graphite or metallic powder or flakes of high conductivity such as copper, aluminum or silver. A second and presently preferred embodiment of the preparation includes detergent, ethylene glycol, fine sand and powdered graphite in conjunction with a high concentration of calcium chloride or lithium chloride.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Inventor: Harold L. Lowdon
  • Patent number: 4640874
    Abstract: A button type metal/air cell with a height increasing cap thereon to provide for multiple-cell batteries of varying heights. The cap is placed adjacent the cathode inlet of the cell and is accordingly apertured and preferably also contains a porous absorbent material for leakage prevention but which does not significantly affect air inflow rate. Cells, with protective height adjusting caps, are assembled into multi-cell batteries of varying heights with reduced incidence of leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: Duracell Inc.
    Inventor: Roger W. Kelm
  • Patent number: 4636447
    Abstract: A terminal member for a battery has an aperture formed therein for receiving the male member of a connector. The aperture is basically cylindrical in shape. It has a radially inward extending wall member formed on one side thereof defining an arcuate shaped slot between the radially inward extending wall member and the closed end of the aperture. The male member comprises a main portion which is basically cylindrical in shape. It has an arcuate shaped member extending radially outward thereof from one side. The male member may be inserted into the aperture of the terminal member and rotated relative to the terminal member to wedge the arcuate shaped member into the slot to secure the male member in the aperture of the terminal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1987
    Inventor: Roland D. Tate
  • Patent number: 4634642
    Abstract: An electric storage battery whose basic features are that it comprises four terminals electrically connected in pairs under the battery cover, which permits it to be used in any type of vehicle regardless of the position of its collectors, and the arrangement of two C-shaped handles pivotally connected at their ends to two vertical partition walls and capable of occupying two positions, (1) a vertical position in which they function as a handle and (2) a horizontal position in which they permit the batteries to be stacked while protecting the terminals from possible damage from the stacked weight and the shock or rubbing of one battery against the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1987
    Assignee: Sociedad Espanola del Acumulador Tudor, S.A.
    Inventor: Juan A. Lopez-Doriga Lopez-Doriga
  • Patent number: 4622277
    Abstract: This invention provides a design for spirally wound electrochemical cells which improves their safety during abuse such as voltage reversal. The invention comprises coupling a first segment of inert conductive metal to the cathode and a dendrite target comprised of an inert conductive metal to the anode. When these electrodes are spirally wound together the two segments of inert conductive metal face each other, held in physical separation by the separator, whereby during voltage reversal a dendrite grows from said first segment to said dendrite target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1986
    Assignee: Duracell Inc.
    Inventors: Paul L. Bedder, Peter R. Moses, Bhupendra Patel, Terrence F. Reise, Alwyn H. Taylor
  • Patent number: 4619873
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a preservation device for lead storage battery comprising: a lead storage battery including at least one negative plate, at least one positive plate, at least one separator between said negative and positive plates, an electrolyte holdingly impregnated by said negative & positive plates and said separator and limited in amount such that substantially there is no electrolyte liberated from said negative & positive plates and said separator, and external terminals having one ends respectively connected to said negative and positive plates and the other ends exposed to the outside of the lead storage battery vessel; and an impedance means connected between said external terminals of said lead storage battery during its preservation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1986
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Ishikura, Akira Watanabe, Takanao Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 4614694
    Abstract: The subject invention provides a baffle capable of floating on the electrolyte in a battery cell, and diverts with that floating baffle any splashing electrolyte away from a gas venting device at the top of the cell, particularly during vibration of that cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1986
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Danny O. Manthis
  • Patent number: 4584250
    Abstract: A portable battery having a case for housing a plurality of rechargeable electrochemical cells includes an attachment clip for supporting the battery during use. The clip is adapted for sliding reciprocating movement from a first retracted position when not in use to a second extended position wherein the clip may be utilized to support the battery case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1986
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John W. Hooke, Danny F. Rockett
  • Patent number: 4582767
    Abstract: A lead storage battery comprising a battery casing has a first case member (such as a tray) and a second case member (such as a cover) in a superposed relation. The tray has a protruding part for mounting one external terminal, and the cover has a protruding part for mounting the other external terminal. The tray and cover have recessed regions for receiving the protruding parts for mounting the external terminal of an opposing case member of the tray and the cover. The tray has a recessed region for holding a safety valve so that the safety valve is covered by the cover when the tray and the cover are superposed. A small hole is formed in the recessed region such that the small hole is connected with an interior of the battery casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1986
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Morioka, Sigeru Yamasita, Hiroyuki Miyata, Takahiko Ohama, Kazuhiro Uchiyama
  • Patent number: 4578325
    Abstract: A sodium-sulfur battery comprising molten sodium as an active material for a minus pole and molten sulfur as an active material for a plus pole, the molten sodium and molten sulfur being partitioned from each other by a sodium ion-permeating solid electrolyte such as .beta.-alumina as a boundary is provided with a sodium storage tank communicated with the molten sodium in the battery cell, a draining mechanism for withdrawing the molten sodium, when desired, from the battery cell into the sodium storage tank, and a circulating mechanism for purifying and returning the sodium from the sodium storage tank to the battery cell as the molten sodium, sodium can be discarged urgently from the battery at an accident of direct contact between the sodium and sulfur, with the result of improved safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1986
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Gotou, Fumio Kawamura, Norihiko Sagawa, Hideo Yusa
  • Patent number: 4564569
    Abstract: A connector preferably for battery terminal posts simultaneously connects and disconnects to and from both a battery post and the battery cable. The connector has a "U"-shaped conductor within a chassis and wedge members which operates to squeeze the connector about the post and grip the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1986
    Inventor: Frank Pechal
  • Patent number: 4562125
    Abstract: A hold-down strap and electrical terminal protector for a storage battery including an elongated body having a length substantially equal to the length of the battery and a width substantially less than the width of the battery, a connecting portion at each end of the body adapted to receive and cooperate with a hold-down connector secured to means for supporting the battery and means inboard of the connecting portions for substantially enclosing each of the battery terminals, the terminal enclosing means including a selectively openable access cover. Preferably the body has a generally inverted channel shape including a pair of generally vertical longitudinal walls interconnected by at least one cross member, the terminal enclosing means are defined in part by the longitudinal walls and the access cover is disposed over and between the walls and means are provided for latching the cover adjacent the upper portion of the other wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1985
    Assignee: Roper Corporation
    Inventor: Robert K. Davis, deceased
  • Patent number: 4532194
    Abstract: A housing for a battery operated portable transceiver includes an elongated generally rectangular housing. A battery pack received in a recess in the housing forms in part a surface for gripping the housing. A combined latch and contact arrangement retains the battery pack in position and establishes electrical contact between the battery pack and the transceiver. A protective boot fitted to the lower end of the housing protects the transceiver from physical shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1985
    Assignee: James P. Liautaud
    Inventors: James P. Liautaud, Peter F. Stultz, David L. Maloney
  • Patent number: 4513068
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided an auxiliary battery charging terminal that may selectively engage battery charging circuitry inside a portable radio pager. There is provided a current conducting cap having a downwardly and outwardly flared rim that deforms to lock under the crimped edge an insulating seal ring of a standard rechargeable cell by application of a compressive axial force. The auxiliary battery charging terminal is further provided with a central tip axially projecting upwardly from the cap. The auxiliary terminal may be further provided with a cap of reduced diameter to circumferentially engage the raised battery cathode terminal on the battery cell. A mating recess in a remote battery charging receptacle may receive the tip to captivate the battery cell against lateral displacement. The tip may be further provided with a rounded apex to relieve localized frictional forces upon insertion and removal of the battery cell from the remote battery charging receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1985
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold Field, Robert E. Richter
  • Patent number: 4511637
    Abstract: A receptacle for retaining a battery case in a battery powered vehicle contains hydraulic cylinders for lowering and raising the battery case into and out of the vehicle. Retaining arms attached to the hydraulic cylinder have retaining lips that are moved by contact with the walls of the receptacle to engage lip extensions on the battery case when the battery case is loaded into the vehicle. Upon removal of the battery case a bias spring swings the retaining arms away from the battery and releases it for removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1985
    Assignee: S & S Corporation
    Inventor: Robert E. Evans
  • Patent number: 4481269
    Abstract: The disclosure concerns a plurality of adjacent rectangular secondary battery cell covers having either identical symmetrically located narrow-necked sockets in each corner or inverte4d flared-top pins symmetrically located in each corner, and corresponding flexible plastic cable retainers having a pair of spaced cooperating enlarged-headed pins or narrow-necked sockets, respectively, on their bottoms. These pins or sockets on the retainers are spaced equally to the spacing between the sockets or pins, respectively, on adjacent corners of said covers, so that the cable retainers snap into place and bridge the tops of the walls of adjacent battery cells. The cable retainers have continuous or slit loops for holding one or a pair of battery cables along and between the tops of the battery cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1984
    Inventor: James H. Barrett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4477542
    Abstract: A quick release storage battery closure assembly for removably engaging the inspection opening defining bosses on a storage battery, the one that replaces the individual caps that normally are used for closing the inspection openings. The closure assembly is particularly adapted for use where the storage batteries are arranged as a group, such as on a golf cart or industrial vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1984
    Inventor: Richard R. Braswell
  • Patent number: 4455356
    Abstract: A non-leaking flexible plastic bellows connection between the cover and the lead terminal of a secondary battery expandable plate, including circumferential grooves around the terminal for molding thereto one end of the plastic bellows while the other end is sealed to the plastic cover of the battery or formed integral therewith. The grooves in the upper end of the lead terminal may be formed in the terminal or in a sleeve of softer lead composition integrally attached to the end of the terminal. The lead cell connectors are integrally attached to the upper outer ends of these lead sleeves or terminals above the grooves therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1984
    Inventor: James H. Barrett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4448863
    Abstract: A battery has a container sealed by a lid in which two shallow recesses are formed. Within each recess is a terminal which does not project out of the recess and which has a tapped hole afforded by a hard metal insert. Two elongate terminal connectors are provided with a hole at one end and a current take-off portion at the other end. The battery is sold with the recesses closed by two flush cover plates and two terminal connectors of desired type. The cover plates are removed and the terminal connectors connected to the terminals by means of screws. A part of each terminal connector is accommodated in the recesses thus restraining the terminal connectors from rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Assignee: Chloride Group Limited
    Inventor: Christopher Terrell
  • Patent number: 4435486
    Abstract: A system for facilitating the installation of a storage battery of the general lead acid type in a vehicle and its removal therefrom is disclosed. In one embodiment designed to accommodate side-mounted battery terminals, a rigid case mounted to the vehicle includes a pair of adjustable connectors secured to an upper portion of a lateral wall thereof. Each connector is coupled to a respective positive or negative lead of the vehicle and is adapted to securely engage a cylindrical post threadably engaged in each of the side-mounted battery terminals. The battery may be lowered into or removed from the case by means of a conventional strap positioned thereon with a tight-fitting relationship established between the case and the battery so as to insure a stable battery installation. The connectors may be manually adjusted to securely engage a respective post or to permit the easy removal of the battery from the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1984
    Inventors: Nicholas T. Pomaro, Russell Pomaro, Louis H. Stauffer
  • Patent number: 4425414
    Abstract: An improved battery comprising a battery housing having three spaced positive terminals and three spaced negative terminals, with each of the terminals having a threaded recess adapted to receive, optionally, a threaded terminal post or a threaded terminal plug for optionally selecting a pair to be utilized, and an adapter within the battery energizing the positive terminals commonly and a second adapter energizing the negative terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1984
    Inventor: Howard Solomon
  • Patent number: 4397920
    Abstract: Adapter for permitting a smaller standard size battery to be used in applications requiring dimensionally larger standard size battery cells. The adapter can be economically formed of plastic and is intended to permit an AA size cell to be used in C and D cell applications and a specially arranged metallic contact is provided at one end in conjunction with a stop member which prevents the repeated insertions of the AA size cell from crushing a resilient member integrally formed with the electrical contact member. The adapter can be formed in two halves and can be secured together by means of an outer label, thereby eliminating the necessity for glues and adhesives to hold the halves together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1983
    Inventor: Burton C. Trattner
  • Patent number: 4394059
    Abstract: A connector of a type used with dry cell batteries comprises an insulating support having a snap fastener plug terminal and a snap fastener socket terminal on one surface thereof. The support has terminal supporting projections on its one surface and the terminals are stamped and formed sheet metal members. The terminals are partially inserted through the support so that the external contact portions of the terminals are against the terminal supporting projections and the internal or second contact portions of the terminals are on the reverse surface of the support. The connector can be used as a closure for the jacket of a 9-volt battery. A manufacturing method for the connector is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1983
    Assignee: AMP Incorporated
    Inventor: Charles E. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 4377317
    Abstract: A side terminal battery adapter for connecting auxiliary cables to a side terminal of a side terminal battery includes resiliently urged opposed clamp halves adapted for fitting over and gripping the terminal. A gripping surface on the adapter permits connection of the auxiliary cables thereto using conventional gripping jaws. Alternatively, the adapter may be pivotably integrated with the gripping jaws of the auxiliary cables and retained in a selectable angular orientation with respect thereto by interengagement of circularly positioned teeth on the adapter and on the gripping jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1983
    Assignee: Auto-Line Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph Shekel, Joseph DeStefano
  • Patent number: 4350746
    Abstract: A DC voltage source is housed in a reusable casing having bottom and side walls. A pair of coplanar terminal plates are slidably attached in a track along the bottom wall of the casing as to be horizontally movable to adjust the distance between the plates to correlate to the spacing between the terminal posts on the top surface of a conventional automotive battery. In use the auxiliary power source is self-contained, portable, and placed on top of a dead vehicle battery such that the charged terminal plates on the casing are in contact with the corresponding terminal posts of the dead battery and the vehicle is started.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1982
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Chambers
  • Patent number: 4347292
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric cell assembly with an alkaline electrolyte and its current output wires (2, 3) electrically connected to the positive terminal and negative terminal of the electric cell assembly.The metal wire (3) which corresponds to the negative terminal (1) is surrounded, near said terminal and entirely outside the electric cell, with a glass bead (4) which is practically unalterable by the electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1982
    Assignee: Saft-Societe des Accumulateurs Fixes et de Traction
    Inventors: Alain Bernard, Raymond Bonnaterre