Tape Or Flexible-type Cell Including Tape Fuel Cells Or Subcombination Thereof Patents (Class 429/127)
  • Patent number: 7517601
    Abstract: A fuel cell including at least one single cell C having an electrolyte 3, a fuel electrode 5, and an air electrode 7, wherein the single cell C is supported on a substrate 1 and the electrolyte 3 is disposed on a first surface of the substrate 1, with the fuel electrode 5 and the air electrode 7 disposed on the first surface of the substrate 1 so as to sandwich the electrolyte 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kuniaki Yoshikata, Hirotoshi Sakamoto, Koichi Mikami
  • Patent number: 7510794
    Abstract: A conformable fuel cell is provided which includes a basic structure that provides flexibility while providing a high compression along the active surface of the fuel cell's membrane electrode assembly, which can be achieved by an injection-molded frame. A suitable fuel is delivered to the anode aspect of the fuel cell. Effective water management could also be provided by appropriate diffusion layers. The fuel cell can be contour-molded to a desired shape, or can be constructed of an array of flexibly connected individual fuel cells that overall have a curvilinear shape, or can be constructed as a pliable fuel cell that can be incorporated into an application device or an article of clothing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: MTI MicroFuel Cells, Inc.
    Inventors: Shimshon Gottesfeld, William P. Acker, Robert S. Hirsch
  • Patent number: 7504179
    Abstract: A secondary cell module and the method of its production, which comprises a combination cell formed by connecting the positive and/or the negative electrode terminal(s) of multiple secondary cells in series and/or in parallel with each other through a metal bus-bar and a casing which contains the combination cell, wherein the secondary cell is formed in a sheet shape and comprises sheet-type internal electrode couple, electrolytic solution and a flexible outer wrapper of envelope type which contains them in a sealed state. The secondary cell module is of a simple structure and it can be small-sized and light-weighted or thin-shaped as necessary and the heat which generates inside the cell can be efficiently diffused to outside, thereby enabling the production of cells of high capacity with a high degree of freedom in designing its shape as well as supreme productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Enax, Inc.
    Inventors: Yuuji Tanjou, Hideaki Horie, Kyouichi Watanabe, Takanori Ito, Osamu Shimamura, Hironori Ozawa, Takao Takasaki, Kazunori Ozawa
  • Patent number: 7494945
    Abstract: A material is provided that includes a first section for storing energy and a second section for releasing energy received from the first section in which the energy is preferably electrical energy that is used for one from among heat dissipation, heat generation, light emission and powering of an electric circuit. Ideally the material includes a third layer adapted to collect energy and convert the energy to electrical energy for storage in the first section. A fourth protection section is provided on at least one side of the material. The material can be formed of woven strips, laminated sections, or in coaxial sections that are woven together to form a flexible fabric material having at least one characteristic from among breathability, wickability, moisture resistance, moisture-proof, and stretchability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Energy Integration Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Wylie Moreshead
  • Publication number: 20090042096
    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: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Patrick P. McDermott
  • 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: 20080199768
    Abstract: In a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery in which an electrode plate group including a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate which have a positive electrode mixture layer formed on a positive electrode current collector to contain a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode mixture layer formed on a negative electrode current collector to contain a negative electrode active material, respectively, and are spirally wound or stacked with a separator interposed therebetween is encapsulated in a battery exterior packaging body with an electrolyte, the battery exterior packaging body includes a gas releasing valve for releasing gas in the battery exterior packaging body to the outside when a gas pressure in the battery exterior packaging body reaches a working pressure and is formed to be deformable where the gas pressure in the battery exterior packaging body is lower than the working pressure of the gas releasing valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Naoyuki WADA, Hideaki FUJITA, Yukihiro OKADA, Yoshiyuki MURAOKA
  • Patent number: 7378186
    Abstract: In a flat non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell comprising an electricity-generating element including at least a cathode, a separator and an anode and a non-aqueous electrolyte in the inside of a cathode case, a plurality of electrode units each consisting of the cathode and the anode opposite to each another via the separator are laminated to form an electrode group, or an electrode unit in a sheet form consisting of the cathode and the anode opposite to each another via the separator is wound to form an electrode group, or a sheet-shape cathode is wrapped with the separator except for a part contacting at inner face of cathode case and a sheet-shaped anode is set on the sheet-shaped cathode in a right angled position each other and then these cathode and anode are bent alternately to form an electrode group, and the total sum of the areas of the opposing cathode and anode in this electrode group is larger than the area of the opening of an insulating gasket in a sealed portion in the cathode case or than
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Toshiba Battery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masami Suzuki, Muneto Hayami, Kazuo Udagawa, Kazuo Iizuka, Naomi Ishihara, Satoshi Hirahara, Hirotaka Sakai, Kiyoto Yoda, Masataka Shikota
  • Publication number: 20080102358
    Abstract: Lithium metal anode protection, and various semi-fuel cell constructions for use in deep, high pressure seawater or air media are provided. The described lithium semi-fuel cells achieve record high energy densities, due to the high energy density of lithium anode and the use of the cathode reactant from the surrounding media, which is not part of the cell weight, and the use of ultralight and flexible packaging materials. These features make the described semi-fuel cells the ideal choice for powering underwater and air vehicles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Ian Kowalczyk, William Eppley, Mark Salomon, David Chua, Benjamin Meyer
  • Patent number: 7348096
    Abstract: A flat, flexible electrochemical cell is provided. The within invention describes various aspects of the flat, flexible electrochemical cell. A printed anode is provided that obviates the need for a discrete anode current collector, thereby reducing the size of the battery. An advantageous electrolyte is provided that enables the use of a metallic cathode current collector, thereby improving the performance of the battery. Printable gelled electrolytes and separators are provided, enabling the construction of both co-facial and co-planar batteries. Cell contacts are provided that reduce the potential for electrolyte creepage in the flat, flexible electrochemical cells of the within invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Schubert, Jing Zhang, Guanghong Zheng, Frank H. Feddrix, Richard A. Langan, Frank B. Tudron, Gary R. Tucholski, Abdelkader Hilmi, John C. Bailey, Andrew Webber
  • Publication number: 20080044707
    Abstract: The present invention is a flexible fuel cell, which overcomes the shortcomings of a conventional fuel cell made of solid materials. The flexible fuel cell includes a battery pack of fuel cell units with a preset amount and configuration of fuel cell units, and a flexible locator. The flexible locator is made of flexible materials to ensure the ability to maintain gas-tight seals. Because of the ability to maintain good gas-tight seals and to have stronger resistance to heat and corrosion, the fuel cell of the present invention offers advantages of light weight, gas-tight sealing, and shock resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: February 21, 2008
    Applicant: NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Justin C.P. CHOU, Chien-Fu Kuo, Po-Han Huang, Ming-Hsuan Chien, Shih-Tsung Ke, Tsong-Pyng Perng
  • Publication number: 20070254197
    Abstract: The present invention is a fuel cell with embedded series/parallel mechanism, which comprises: an anode circuit board including: anode current collector circuits; anode wirings which are electrically connected to these anode current collector circuit, respectively; anode pads which are configured at the board edge of the anode circuit board and electrically connected to these anode wirings; and, a cathode circuit board including: cathode current collector circuits; cathode wirings which are electrically connected to these cathode current collector circuits, respectively; and, cathode pads which are configured at the board edge of the cathode circuit board and electrically connected to these cathode wirings, in which each cathode pad is corresponding to one opposite anode pad; and, membrane electrode assemblies which are bonded and sandwiched between the anode circuit board and the cathode circuit board; U-shape connection terminals, each of which is clipped between a pair of anode pad and cathode pad in oppos
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventors: Tsang-Ming Chang, Chun-Wei Pan, Chia-Hao Chang
  • Publication number: 20070248885
    Abstract: The invention provides a lithium ion secondary battery comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolysis solution containing an aprotic solvent having an electrolyte dissolved in it, wherein the negative electrodes uses an amorphous carbon material as a negative electrode active material. The amorphous carbon material has (A) an average particle diameter (median size of 7 ?m to 20 ?m inclusive as measured by a laser diffraction scattering method and (B) a particle size distribution as measured by a laser diffraction scattering method, in which distribution the ratio of particles of less than 3 ?m in diameter is 1% by mass to 10% mass inclusive, and is free of an electrical conducting material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Applicant: NEC TOKIN Corporation
    Inventors: Yutaka Bannai, Tatsuji Numata, Ryuichi Kasahara
  • Patent number: 7215532
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing electrical components of the energy-accumulating electrostatic or electrochemical type, consisting in winding at least two layers of a film on a support made of an electrically nonconducting material that has a substantially polygonal cross-section, by providing a preset number of film turns until a predefined thickness is reached, and forming a first layer; arranging respective spacers at the corners of the polygon in which the contour of the wound film is inscribed; and winding more turns of film around the first layer and around the spacers inserted at the corners, to form a second layer. A machine by means of which the method is performed comprises a rotatingly mounted frame on which the support is fixed for winding of the layer of film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Arcotronics Industries S.p.A
    Inventors: Sauro Righi, Mirko Mazza
  • Patent number: 7175929
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes: a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) including a polyelectrolyte membrane having first and second sides to which a fuel electrode and an air electrode are joined, respectively; a fuel electrode housing having an internal face on which a fuel channel and a fuel-side electrode film are formed; and an air electrode housing having an air passage formed therein, the air electrode housing having an internal face on which an air-side electrode film is formed. The fuel electrode housing is joined to the MEA with the internal face thereof facing the fuel electrode of the MEA so that the fuel-side electrode film is electrically connected to the fuel electrode. The air electrode housing is joined to the MEA with the internal face thereof facing the air electrode of the MEA so that the air-side electrode film is electrically connected to the air electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Fujitsu Component Limited
    Inventors: Takashi Arita, Michiko Endo, Hiroto Inoue
  • Patent number: 7166385
    Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprising: a positive electrode plate including an outer jacket comprising a sheet-shaped positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material layer formed on an inner surface of the outer jacket except for a peripheral portion thereof; a negative electrode plate including an outer jacket comprising a sheet-shaped negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material layer formed on an inner surface of the outer jacket except for a peripheral portion thereof; a separator layer comprising a polymer electrolyte interposed between the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer, wherein the peripheral portion of the positive electrode current collector and the peripheral portion of the negative electrode current collector are bonded together, with an insulating material interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sumihito Ishida, Keisuke Tanaka, Yoshio Moriwaki, Hideo Kaiya
  • Patent number: 7147965
    Abstract: Pressure-balanced primary and secondary batteries suited for supplying power to downhole tools and for powering a downhole telemetry network. The battery comprises an electrochemical generator disposed within at least a partially compliant enclosure or housing. The compliant enclosure permits pressurization of the electrochemical generator, thereby compensating for the increased temperature downhole. By permitting the electrochemical generator to be pressurized, the thermal range of the battery is extended to beyond 120.degree. C. The electrochemical generator comprises flexible components comprising an ionic conductor intermediate anode and cathode materials, a current collector, and a terminal. The battery may be installed within a recess in the wall of the downhole tool or within an annulus formed by the inside wall of the tool and a liner. In another embodiment of the invention, the battery may be located within an operative portion of a selected downhole tool, itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Joe R. Fox
  • Patent number: 7132194
    Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte battery with a higher energy density in which a useless part which has no contribution to the electromotive is reduced, and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. A positive electrode laminate (5) (a positive electrode) having a positive active material layer (2) is located in a first area which extends from an approximate center part (7) to one end on one of both sides of a separator 1, and a negative electrode laminate (6) (a negative electrode) having a negative active material layer (3) is located in a second area which extends from the approximate center part (7) to the other end on the other side which is opposite to the side having the first area of the separator (1). The separator (1) having the positive electrode laminate (5) and the negative electrode laminate (6) thereon is wound around the approximate center part (7) to constitute a wound electrode (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Mizutani
  • Patent number: 7131190
    Abstract: A method for fabricating membrane electrode assembly includes providing an anode side diffusion layer structure and a cathode side diffusion layer structure with a layer of membrane electrolyte therebetween. The diffusion layer structures include diffusion segments, which are coupled to each other by a first engaging member having one or more portions configured for engagement with a feed or aligning mechanism. Also, one or more of the segments of the diffusion layer structures may be connected to other segments or the first engaging member by one or more bridges. Bridges of each diffusion layer structure may be offset to avoid electrical contact with each other in response to diffusion layer structures being assembled with each other and with the layer of membrane electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: MTI Micro Fuel Cells, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric J. Brown, Megan A. Fannon, Robert S. Hirsch
  • Patent number: 7108941
    Abstract: A positive electrode plate (7) and a negative electrode plate (8) are coiled around with a separator (9) interposed therebetween into a flat shape having a rectangular plan to obtain an intermediate product (17) of an electrode plate group, whose corners are then cut off along straight or curved lines to obtain a substantially octagonal electrode plate group (1a, 1b), so that it is accommodated in a negative electrode case (5) having a circular plan with good space efficiency. The problem of residual water in the coiled electrode plate group (1a, 1b, 1c) of a coin type battery having high load current characteristics is resolved by a vacuum dry treatment, and the problem of dust generated during the welding of leads is resolved by a method whereby dust is not scattered inside the case. Flat batteries with higher reliability are thus obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Hayashi, Makoto Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 7105249
    Abstract: A pressure-balanced battery for powering downhole-drilling components and a downhole telemetry network in a subterranean environment includes a battery and a housing enclosing and sealing a volume containing the battery. At least a portion of the housing is expandable and contractible to enable pressure encountered downhole to balance pressure internal to the housing. In this way, the thermal range of a battery's operation may be increased to function in a downhole environment. In selected embodiments, the housing is in operable communication with downhole fluids to transfer pressure to the battery. In selected embodiments, the battery is integrated into the annular structure of an existing downhole tool. In other embodiments, the battery may be integrated into a downhole tool specifically dedicated for use as a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Joe R. Fox
  • Patent number: 7041380
    Abstract: Disclosed is a packaging material for forming an armor body for a battery, the armor body being adapted for use in such a manner that a battery body is inserted into the armor body and the peripheral edge of the armor body is then heat sealed for hermetic sealing, the packaging material being a laminate comprising at least a substrate layer, an adhesive layer, a barrier layer, a dry laminate layer, and a sealant layer, characterized in that at least the sealant layer comprises a low-fluidity polypropylene layer having low susceptibility to collapse upon exposure to heat and pressure at the time of heat sealing and a high-fluidity polypropylene layer having high susceptibility to collapse upon exposure to heat and pressure at the time of heat sealing, and the innermost layer is the high-fluidity polypropylene layer. This battery packaging material can impart moisture barrier properties and resistance to contents of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rikiya Yamashita, Yoichi Mochizuki, Kazuki Yamada, Masataka Okushita
  • Patent number: 7008721
    Abstract: A lithium battery (1) has a battery module (2), a battery package (5) for holding the battery module (2) therein, and leads (4) extending from the battery module (2) and projecting outside from the battery package (5). The battery package (5) is formed from a laminated sheet (10), and a peripheral part (9) of the battery package (5) is heat-sealed. Lead-insulating films (6) are interposed between the peripheral part (9) of the package (5) and the leads (4). Each of the lead-insulating films includes a heat-resistant base film (22), a polyolefin resin layer (21) formed on one of the surfaces of the base film (22) on the side of the laminated sheet (10), and an acid-modified polyolefin resin layer (23) formed on the other surface of the base film (22) on the side of the lead (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rikiya Yamashita, Kazuki Yamada, Masataka Okushita
  • Patent number: 6994933
    Abstract: A thin film battery including an anode layer, a cathode layer and a solid electrolyte layer. The battery also includes, a planarization layer applied to the thin film battery. The planarization layer has a surface roughness of no more than about 1.0 nanometers root mean square and a flatness no larger than about 0.005 cm/inch. A barrier layer is applied to the planarization layer. The barrier layer is provided by one or more layers of material selected from the group consisting of polymeric materials, metals and ceramic materials. The planarization layer and barrier layer are sufficient to reduce oxygen flux through the barrier layer to the anode layer to no more than about 1.6 ?mol/m2-day, and H2O flux through the barrier layer to the anode layer to less than about 3.3 ?mol/m2-day thereby improving the life of the thin film battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Oak Ridge Micro-Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: John B. Bates
  • Patent number: 6986965
    Abstract: An electrically powered device includes a shell, and a battery integrated with the shell. The electrically powered device also includes a trace, and a site adapted to receive an electrically powered component, wherein the battery, the trace and the electrically powered component form a portion of a circuit. The electrically shell may be a portion of an enclosure. The battery is formed within the shell and may be comprised of one or a plurality of deposited layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Cymbet Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Lynn Jenson, Jody Jon Klaassen, Victor Henry Weiss, Jenn-Feng Yan
  • Patent number: 6908704
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a secondary battery includes preparing a winding-type electrode assembly by interposing a separator between a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate and winding the same, initially charging the electrode assembly to remove the gas generated during charging, sealing the initially charged electrode assembly in a battery case, and fully charging the sealed electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chan-hee Lee
  • Patent number: 6887620
    Abstract: The bipolar electrochemical battery of the invention comprises: a stack of at least two electrochemical cells electrically arranged in series with the positive face of each cell contacting the negative face of an adjacent cell, wherein each of the cells comprises (a) a negative electrode; (b) a positive electrode; (c) a separator between the electrodes, wherein the separator includes an electrolyte; (d) a first electrically conductive lamination comprising a first inner metal layer and a first polymeric outer layer, said first polymeric outer layer having at least one perforation therein to expose the first inner metal layer, said first electrically conductive lamination being in electrical contact with the outer face of the negative electrode; and (e) a second electrically conductive lamination comprising a second inner metal layer and a second polymeric outer layer, said second polymeric outer layer having at least one perforation therein to expose the second inner metal layer, said second electrically c
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Electro Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin G. Klein, Paula Ralston, Robert Plivelich
  • Patent number: 6875539
    Abstract: In combination, a fluid dispenser and an electrochemical cell to produce electric energy by chemical conversion of the fluid to be dispensed. The electrical energy produced is preferably used to operate a device associated with the dispensing of the fluid as, for example, in operation of an electric pump-to-pump fluid from the reservoir. The fluid preferably is dispensed for use after dispensing in some other purpose than as a source for electrochemical energy to dispense fluid from the reservoir. For example, preferred fluid containing alcohol compounds are for use in cleaning and disinfecting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventor: Heiner Ophardt
  • Patent number: 6855441
    Abstract: A functionally improved battery is disclosed. The battery includes a flexible thin layer open liquid state electrochemical cell (10) and an electronic chip device (60) integrally formed on or within the electrochemical cell (10). The cell (10) includes a first layer of insoluble negative pole (14), a second layer of insoluble positive pole (16) and a third layer of aqueous electrolyte (12). The third layer (12) is disposed between the first (14) and second (16) layers. The third layer (12) includes a diliquescent material for keeping the cell wet, an electroactive soluble material for ionic conductivity and a watersoluble polymer for viscosity. The viscosity adheres the first (14) and second (16) layer to the third layer (12). The chip (60) serves to improve the functionality of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Power Paper Ltd.
    Inventor: Baruch Levanon
  • Patent number: 6838209
    Abstract: A tabless battery housed in a sealed package is provided. The packaging material for the battery comprises a conductive material and a sealing material. At least a portion of the interior surface of the conductive material is exposed to form an internal contact between at least one electrode and the conductive material. At least a portion of the exterior surface of the conductive material is also exposed to form an external contact between the electrode and the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Langan, Frank Feddrix
  • Patent number: 6835493
    Abstract: A rechargeable, thin film lithium battery cell (10) is provided having a polyimide supporting substrate (11), a cathode current collector (13), a lithiated transition metal oxide or transition metal cathode (14), an electrolyte (15), an anode (16) and an anode current collector (17). The polyimide supporting substrate (11) is heated or dehydrated to remove water from therein. The cathode (14) is annealed at a relatively low temperature of approximately 300 degrees Celsius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Excellatron Solid State, LLC
    Inventors: Ji-Guang Zhang, Steve Buckingham, Lonnie G. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20040247969
    Abstract: Improved metal-air fuel cell battery systems having metal-fuel realized in the form of metal-fuel tape cartridges and metal-fuel cards, which can be either manually or automatically inserted within the power generation bay of the system. In order to produce a range of output voltages, the metal-fuel tape has a plurality of electrically-isolated metal-fuel tracks and the metal-fuel cards have a plurality of electrically-isolated metal-fuel strips. An output voltage configuration subsystem is provided for configuring the voltages produced by the individual cells to produce a desired output. A subsystem is provided for detecting oxide formation on the metal-fuel tracks and strips so that only metal-fuel that has been oxidized is reduced during recharging operations. A subsystem is also provided for controlling the flow of oxygen into the power generation head in order to control the power output from the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Sadeg M. Faris, Yuen-Ming Chang, Tspin Tsai, Wenbin Yao
  • Publication number: 20040248000
    Abstract: Pressure-balanced primary and secondary batteries suited for supplying power to downhole tools and for powering a downhole telemetry network. The battery comprises an electrochemical generator disposed within at least a partially compliant enclosure or housing. The compliant enclosure permits pressurization of the electrochemical generator, thereby compensating for the increased temperature downhole. By permitting the electrochemical generator to be pressurized, the thermal range of the battery is extended to beyond 120° C. The electrochemical generator comprises flexible components comprising an ionic conductor intermediate anode and cathode materials, a current collector, and a terminal. The components of the electrochemical generator are sealed and sufficiently resilient to withstand downhole pressures to depths exceeding 20,000 feet. The battery may be installed within a recess in the wall of the downhole tool or within an annulus formed by the inside wall of the tool and a liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Joe R. Fox
  • Patent number: 6828059
    Abstract: An electrode assembly constructed of continuous anode and cathode electrodes that are overlaid in overlapping fashion and wound into a cell stack suitable for prismatic and cuboidal-shaped cases. The cathode electrode strip has some regions where the electrode material is pressed to a high density and has some regions where the active material is substantially removed from the current collector screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Wilson Greatbatch Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Miller, Tina L. Urso, Paul T. Hallifax
  • Patent number: 6818356
    Abstract: A solid amorphous electrolyte composition for a thin-film battery. The electrolyte composition includes a lithium phosphorus oxynitride material containing a sulfide ion dopant wherein the atomic ratio of sulfide ion to phosphorus ion (S/P) in the electrolyte ranges greater than 0 up to about 0.2. The composition is represented by the formula: LiwPOxNySz, where 2x+3y+2z=5+w, x ranges from about 3.2 to about 3.8, y ranges from about 0.13 to about 0.46, z ranges from greater than zero up to about 0.2, and w ranges from about 2.9 to about 3.3. Thin-film batteries containing the sulfide doped lithium oxynitride electrolyte are capable of delivering more power and energy than thin-film batteries containing electrolytes without sulfide doping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Oak Ridge Micro-Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: John B Bates
  • Publication number: 20040224223
    Abstract: A battery comprises a plurality of connected, thin cells mounted in a band of a watch. Each cell is (or a unit of cells are) disposed in one of a plurality of links of a watchband of the watch or either one of two snapping members at ends of the watchband. The invention is also applicable in wrist antennas, mobile phones, or digital cameras.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Inventors: Huei-Hsin Sun, Yu-Yu Chuang
  • Publication number: 20040219423
    Abstract: The invention provides a metal-supported solid electrolyte electrochemical cell, multi cell reactor assemblies incorporating a plurality of such cells, and processes of forming the electrochemical cells. In one embodiment, the electrochemical cell includes a central electrolyte membrane, first and second perforated metallic layers adhered to each of the major surfaces of the central electrolyte membrane, and first and second outer, non-porous electrolyte layers formed above the metallic layers. In another embodiment, first and second inner, porous electrolyte layers are sandwiched on either side of the central membrane, between the first and second metallic layers. The electrochemical cell is thus generally formed from ceramic material as thin layers supported on non-porous, robust metallic layers, designed to behave as though made of metal. Preferably, the electrochemical cell includes metallurgically bonded electrical interconnects and/or gas seals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Cathal Joseph Tunney, Robert Donald Roy, Fraser McClure
  • Patent number: 6811577
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a battery electrode plate includes the steps of mixing a solvent (3) with a polyolefin resin (1); preparing a gel-like solution (5), a gelled solution as a whole having a high viscosity, by heating the mixture of the polyolefin and the solvent at a temperature at which a part or the whole of the polyolefin resin melts; forming an insulation layer (8) by coating the gel-like solution on the surface of the positive electrode plate or negative electrode plate (7); and heating the positive electrode plate or negative electrode plate formed with the insulation layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hitoshi Fujimatsu, Takashi Iijima, Takayuki Shirane, Hiroshi Yoshizawa, Hizuru Koshina
  • Patent number: 6808843
    Abstract: Battery, especially flat cell, comprising an electrode of lithium-metal or lithium-alloy, an electrode containing an active material intercalating lithium ions, a separator between both electrodes, and a housing enclosing the electrodes and the separator with connector tabs for both electrodes, wherein at least one of the electrodes (1; 2; 3) is a multi-layer body built by multiple folds and an equal layer-thickness of the active material (4; 12; 13) between the folded layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Elion AG
    Inventor: Bodo von Düring
  • Publication number: 20040197639
    Abstract: A band-shaped laminate having a flexible elongated substrate, a negative collector, a solid electrolyte, a positive active material, and a positive collector in this order is wound in a plate shape with the flexible elongated substrate placed inside. The band-shaped laminate that is laminated in a particular order is wound with the substrate placed inside, whereby a short-circuit occurrence ratio can be decreased. Furthermore, the band-shaped laminate includes the solid electrolyte, and is wound in a plate shape, whereby the reduction in thickness and the increase in volumetric energy density can be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Honda, Sadayuki Okazaki, Kiichiro Oishi, Makoto Takahashi, Yoriko Takai, Junichi Inaba, Hiroshi Higuchi, Shuji Ito
  • Publication number: 20040185334
    Abstract: In order to enhance reliability of a battery against bending or twisting in particular, at least one cell group comprising 4 unit cells is formed on a flexible substrate. The cell group has a rectangular shape, and is divided into the 4 unit cells by strip-shaped portions arranged along 2 diagonal lines of the rectangle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuya Iwamoto
  • Publication number: 20040175611
    Abstract: A film covered battery has a battery element, a casing for sealing the battery element, and lead terminals connected to a positive electrode and a negative electrode, respectively, of the battery element, and extending from the casing. The casing is flexible, and is comprised of two halves for sealably sandwiching the battery element on both sides in the thickness direction thereof. One of the halves of the casing, sandwiching the battery element, is formed with a recess for receiving the battery element. The lead terminals are each connected to the battery element at a position inside of both surfaces of the battery element in the thickness direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: NEC LAMILION ENERGY, LTD.
    Inventors: Makihiro Otohata, Hiroshi Yageta
  • Publication number: 20040175609
    Abstract: A film covered battery has a battery element, a positive and a negative lead terminal connected to the battery element, and a casing for sealing the lead terminals and the battery element together with an electrolytic solution, with portions of the lead terminals extending therefrom. The casing has a buffer in at least a portion thereof for accumulating a gas generated within the casing through deformation of the casing. The buffer is formed continuously with a region for accommodating the battery element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Applicant: NEC LAMILION ENERGY, LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yageta, Makihiro Otohata
  • Publication number: 20040166405
    Abstract: A thermal fuse includes an insulating case having a bottom and having an opening provided therein, a fusible alloy provided in the insulating case, a lead conductor having one end connected to the fusible alloy and other end led out from the insulating case through the opening of the insulating case, a flux provided on the fusible alloy, and a sealer for sealing the opening of the insulating case. The volume of a space between the fusible alloy in the insulating case and the sealer is larger than the volume of the flux. Sealing of the fuse is prevented from deteriorating, and the insulating film is prevented from damage even when the thermal fuse is used for breaking a large current at a high voltage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Kenji Senda, Atsushi Kono, Tatsuya Wada
  • Patent number: 6773848
    Abstract: The application describes a cell unit which includes at least two flat electrochemical cells (1′, 1″, 1′″) and a circuit board (5), the cells being folded onto one or both sides of the circuit board whereby the circuitry on the circuit board is protected. Preferably, the cells and the circuit board have the same lengths and widths. The cells may be provided on two or more edges of the circuit board and optionally two cells are connected at the same edges on the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Danionics A/S
    Inventors: Uffe Nortoft, Michael Thorby Jorgensen, Ole Stig Nissen
  • Publication number: 20040146778
    Abstract: An organic electrolytic solution comprising a nonaqueous solvent and a lithium salt, wherein the organic electrolytic solution comprises a compound of Formula 1 and at least one selected from compounds of Formulas 2 through 5: 1
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Doo-yeon Lee, Hyo-sug Lee
  • Publication number: 20040131907
    Abstract: A fuel cell includes: a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) including a polyelectrolyte membrane having first and second sides to which a fuel electrode and an air electrode are joined, respectively; a fuel electrode housing having an internal face on which a fuel channel and a fuel-side electrode film are formed; and an air electrode housing having an air passage formed therein, the air electrode housing having an internal face on which an air-side electrode film is formed. The fuel electrode housing is joined to the MEA with the internal face thereof facing the fuel electrode of the MEA so that the fuel-side electrode film is electrically connected to the fuel electrode. The air electrode housing is joined to the MEA with the internal face thereof facing the air electrode of the MEA so that the air-side electrode film is electrically connected to the air electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: FUJITSU COMPONENT LIMITED
    Inventors: Takashi Arita, Michiko Endo, Hiroto Inoue
  • Publication number: 20040131897
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) device provided on a thin-film battery. A system includes the RFID device in communication with a remote radio frequency (RF) transmitter and/or receiver. In some embodiments, the RFID device of the system includes a flexible substrate, a thin-film battery deposited on the flexible substrate, an electronic circuit placed on the battery and coupled to the battery to provide power, and a Radio Frequency (RF) antenna connected to the electronic circuit. In some embodiments, the battery of the RFID device is a rechargeable battery, and the battery is recharged when energy is transmitted from the remote device. Another aspect of the invention provides a system for making an RFID device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Mark L. Jenson, Jody J. Klaassen, Jim Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20040110068
    Abstract: A safe high-performance lithium secondary cell is provided whereby bulging of a lithium secondary cell during storage at a high temperature, which is particularly problematic when a casing accommodating a cell element is a variable shape casing, is suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI CHEMICAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Keiichi Seki, Mitsuharu Kobayashi, Hiroyuki Saito, Masaki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: RE39676
    Abstract: A flexible thin layer open liquid state electrochemical cell which can be used as a primary or rechargeable power supply for various miniaturized and portable electrically powered devices of compact design. The cell includes a wet electrolyte, yet maintains a fexible, thin and open configuration, thus devoid of accumulation of gases upon storage. The cell comprising a first layer of insoluble negative pole, a second layer of insoluble positive pole and a third layer of aqueous electrolyte, the third layer being disposed between the first and second layers and including a deliquescent material for keeping the open cell wet at all times; an electroactive soluble material for obtaining required ionic conductivity; and, a watersoluble polymer for obtaining a required viscosity for adhering the first and second layers to the third layer. The electrochemical cell of the present invention is preferably produced using a suitable printing technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Power Paper Ltd.
    Inventor: Zvi Nitzan