Plural Cells Patents (Class 429/149)
  • Patent number: 8486547
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a storing unit which is provided on a battery pack and which retains power information of the battery pack, an acquiring unit which is provided in the main unit and which acquires the power information of the battery pack from the storing unit, and a control unit which is provided in the main unit and which controls the operation of the main unit based on the power information of the battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Yajima, Keiichi Komaki, Norio Fujimori, Tsuyoshi Ookubo
  • Patent number: 8486557
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery module including a plurality of sequentially stacked plate-shaped battery cells, wherein the battery module is configured to have a structure in which two or more cell units are stacked in a state in which the battery cells are electrically connected to each other, each of the cell units is configured to have a structure in which two or more battery cells are connected in parallel to each other in a state in which the battery cells are in tight contact with each other, and parallel connection between electrode terminals of the battery cells of the cell units is achieved by one to one welding at a single weld point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin Kyu Lee, Yong Shik Shin, HeeSoo Yoon, BumHyun Lee
  • Publication number: 20130171490
    Abstract: Flexible battery packs for use in electronic devices are disclosed. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the flexible battery pack may include a plurality of cells, such as galvanic or photovoltaic cells. The battery pack also may include a plurality of laminate layers coupled to the cells that include a top laminate layer and a bottom laminate layer. An adhesive may be used to couple the top and bottom laminate layers together such that each of the plurality of cells is isolated from each other. This arrangement may allow the battery to be shaped to fit a form factor of the electronic device. This arrangement also may allow one or more of the cells to be selectively removed from the plurality, which may be desirable from a manufacturing perspective.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Fletcher Rothkopf, David A. Pakula, Daniel W. Jarvis, John Raff, Jeremy C. Franklin
  • Publication number: 20130171502
    Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-component hybrid electrode for use in an electrochemical super-hybrid energy storage device. The hybrid electrode contains at least a current collector, at least an intercalation electrode active material storing lithium inside interior or bulk thereof, and at least an intercalation-free electrode active material having a specific surface area no less than 100 m2/g and storing lithium on a surface thereof, wherein the intercalation electrode active material and the intercalation-free electrode active material are in electronic contact with the current collector. The resulting super-hybrid cell exhibits exceptional high power and high energy density, and long-term cycling stability that cannot be achieved with conventional supercapacitors, lithium-ion capacitors, lithium-ion batteries, and lithium metal secondary batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventors: Guorong Chen, Aruna Zhamu, Xiqing Wang, Bor Z. Jang, Yanbo Wang
  • Publication number: 20130162216
    Abstract: An energy storage stack of at least two surface-mediated cells (SMCs) internally connected in parallel or in series. The stack includes: (A) At least two SMC cells, each consisting of (i) a cathode comprising a porous cathode current collector and a cathode active material; (ii) a porous anode current collector; and (iii) a porous separator disposed between the cathode and the anode; (B) A lithium-containing electrolyte in physical contact with all the electrodes, wherein the cathode active material has a specific surface area no less than 100 m2/g in direct physical contact with the electrolyte to receive lithium ions therefrom or to provide lithium ions thereto; and (C) A lithium source. This new-generation energy storage device exhibits the highest power densities of all energy storage devices, much higher than those of all the lithium ion batteries, lithium ion capacitors, and supercapacitors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2011
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Inventors: Aruna Zhamu, GuoRong Chen, Xiqing Wang, Bor Z. Jang, Yanbo Wang
  • Patent number: 8470467
    Abstract: A battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells arranged in a stacked configuration, each of the battery cells including a first terminal disposed on a first end of the battery cell and a second terminal disposed on a second end of the battery cell, wherein the first terminal of at least one of the battery cells is in direct electrical communication with the second terminal of another non-adjacent one of the battery cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chih-Cheng Hsu, Rebecca S. Ratz
  • Patent number: 8470469
    Abstract: A gasket is for use in a starved electrolyte bipolar battery. The gasket may be made from a hydrophobic material in the shape of a frame to prevent the creation of an electrolyte path between adjacent cells when mounted in a battery. The frame may be designed to at least partially encompass a biplate when mounted in a bipolar battery, and include a device or way to permit gas passage through the gasket. The gasket may be made from a material with deformable properties to provide a sealing to a biplate and/or endplate when mounted in a bipolar battery, whereby an outer pressure tight seal of the battery may be obtained. A starved bipolar battery and a method for manufacturing a starved bipolar battery are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Nilar International AB
    Inventors: Neil H. Puester, David Hock, Lars Fredriksson
  • Patent number: 8470471
    Abstract: Provided is an electrochemical cell having a quasi-bipolar structure, particularly, a case of the electrochemical cell in which an electrode assembly is accommodated. A reliable electrolyte isolation barrier wall is disposed between the case and the electrode assembly, and an electric connection part constructed using the case is provided for the electrochemical cell for voltage equalization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Kim's Techknowledge Inc.
    Inventor: Seong Min Kim
  • Patent number: 8465866
    Abstract: A battery module, battery pack, and electric vehicle, the battery module including a plurality of unit battery cells; a pair of end plates coupled together in a spaced relationship for receiving the unit battery cells therebetween; and a pressure control unit between the unit battery cells and the at least one end plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Tae-Yong Kim
  • Publication number: 20130149590
    Abstract: The disclosure provides an alkali metal-metal halide battery cell. The alkali metal-metal halide battery cell comprises a separator; a cathode compartment; and an anode compartment disposed on the opposite side of said separator; wherein the cathode current collector is one of an over-sized current collector, a brush-like current collector, or a combination thereof. The battery cell has improved propertied, such as reduced internal resistance and improved discharging properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
  • Patent number: 8460828
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrode assembly for secondary batteries, wherein the electrode assembly is constructed in a structure in which a cathode, having an active material layer coated on one major surface of a current collector, and an anode, having an active material layer coated on one major surface of another current collector, are bent in a zigzag fashion in vertical section, and the cathode and the anode are fitted to each other, such that the electrode active material layers face each other, while a separator is disposed between the cathode and the anode. The electrode assembly according to the present invention has the effect of simplifying a process for manufacturing a battery, thereby reducing the manufacturing costs and the manufacturing time, and therefore, improving the productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: KiJae Kim, Min Su Kim, Hey Woong Park
  • Patent number: 8460817
    Abstract: A manufacturing method for battery pouches enables the subsequent welding together of a stack of battery terminals with an interconnect member to form a battery pack. According to the method, a plurality of pouches containing energy storage medium and having positive terminals and negative terminals extending therefrom are supported side by side in a pouch supporting fixture and lids are lowered to clamp the pouches against movement. The terminals are clamped against movement by clamping the terminals at the bases thereof. Then, the end portions of the terminals are bent by die mechanisms to provide an offset shape in each terminal by which when the pouches are stacked adjacent one another, the positive terminals will contact one another and the negative terminals will contact one another. The clamping and bending are performed in a way that prevents the flow of electrical current between the positive and negative terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Rick F. Rourke, Robert J. Scheuerman
  • Patent number: 8460813
    Abstract: A battery pack may supply power to a device such as a PDA, a hand-held scanner, or a laptop computer, when inserted and rotatably locked therein. The battery pack is adapted to maintain electrical connectivity with the device, once unlocked, during counter-rotation and before removal. Electrical connectivity is provided by discrete electrical contact pads on the battery pack, each of which may form various annular shapes at different radii. The electrical contact pads are detected by spring-loaded pogo pins on the device. Electrical connectivity is maintained for a battery detect pin for only approximately fifteen degrees of counter-rotation, where its disengagement warns of impending power loss, and triggers a proper shut-down sequence to save data. One contact pad is electrically coupled to a negative terminal within the battery pack, and another is electrically coupled to a positive terminal. The battery pack houses one or more rechargeable batteries, preferably lithium-ion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventors: Harry B Lerner, Jason Chin Yen
  • Patent number: 8462498
    Abstract: A portable data terminal includes a housing; a controller operating software and supported by the housing; a battery well formed in the housing; a male connector disposed in the battery well comprised of a plurality of male contacts; a battery pack for seating in the battery well having a female connector comprised of a plurality of female contacts for electrically mating with corresponding male contacts to electrically connect the battery pack with the male connector when the battery pack is seated in the battery well, such that when the battery pack is unseated from the battery well and disconnected from the male connector, a signal male contact is electrically unmated from it's corresponding signal female contact to initiate a shut down procedure before other male contacts are electrically unmated from their corresponding female contacts, such that the other male/female contact pairs continue to provide power to the portable data terminal until shut down of the portable data terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk Burmeister, Sherri Reed, Eric Linn
  • Patent number: 8455133
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-cell battery pack having optimal temperature distribution throughout the battery pack and optimal air flow through the battery pack. Disclosed herein is a battery pack which provides optimal temperature distribution throughout the battery pack, wherein maximum cell temperature (Tmax) and temperature differential amongst all cells in the battery pack (?Tcell) are optimized for efficient thermal management providing safety, improved performance and extended life of the battery pack and electrochemical cells. Also disclosed herein is a battery pack which provides optimal flow through the battery pack and minimal pressure drop (?P) throughout the battery pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Cobasys, LLC
    Inventors: Satish Anantharaman, Pradeep Gnanaprakasam, Raghav Sampath Kumar, Raymond E. Chaney, Jozef Gorog, Nick Karditsas
  • Publication number: 20130136972
    Abstract: A nonaqueous secondary battery electrode contains, as an electrode active material, a layered composition including organic backbone layers containing an aromatic compound that is a dicarboxylic acid anion having two or more aromatic ring structures and having the two carboxylic acid anions of the dicarboxylic acid anion bonded to diagonally opposite positions of the aromatic compound and alkali metal element layers containing an alkali metal element coordinated to oxygen contained in the carboxylic acid anion to form a backbone. The nonaqueous secondary battery electrode is preferably used as a negative electrode. In addition, the layered composition is preferably formed in layers by ?-electron interaction of the aromatic compound and has a monoclinic crystal structure belonging to the space group P21/c.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA CHUO KENKYUSHO
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Ogihara
  • Patent number: 8442877
    Abstract: A simplified inventory management method. The method employs a plurality of stock-keeping unit labels, with each of the plurality of stock-keeping unit labels having a same stock-keeping unit number. Individual ones of the plurality of stock-keeping unit labels are utilized to track individual items of a plurality of items. A sale price of individual ones a first set of the plurality of items is different from a sale price of individual ones of a second set of the plurality of items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin I. Bertness, John S. Philbrook
  • Patent number: 8440338
    Abstract: A battery assembling body capable of preventing a temperature rise of a battery while preventing an inflow of foreign matters. The battery assembling body (12) includes a housing (15) which contains batteries (2a, 2b, 6), a side frame (17) which is used to detachably fit the housing (15) to a lower frame of a vehicle, a ventilation hole (18c) located upper part of the housing (15), and a ventilation space (24a, 24b) which is formed between the housing (15) and the batteries, and the ventilation space (24, 24b) is in communication with the ventilation hole (18c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Sato, Eisuke Komazawa, Takeshi Fujino, Mitsuaki Hirakawa
  • Patent number: 8435666
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery module including a plurality of battery cells mounted in a module case in a stacked state, wherein cooling members are mounted at interfaces between the battery cells, the module case is configured in a structure in which two opposite sides of the module case are open so that corresponding portions of the battery cell stack are exposed outward through the two open opposite sides of the module case, the cooling members are partially exposed outward through the two open opposite sides of the module case, and a coolant flows along the two open opposite sides of the module case while contacting the outwardly exposed portions of the cooling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jinkyu Lee, Hee Soo Yoon, BumHyun Lee, Dal Mo Kang, Minjung Kim
  • Patent number: 8435663
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a housing having a battery chamber and a battery ejector assembled near the battery chamber. The housing has a front surface, the battery chamber is defined in the front surface for receiving a battery therein. The battery ejector includes an ejecting piece comprising an elastic portion, a hinged portion and a pressing portion. The elastic portion is configured for providing an ejecting force to the battery. The hinged portion is disposed at one end of the elastic portion and hinged to the housing. The pressing portion extends and bends from the hinged portion side of the elastic portion opposite to the elastic portion for operating the battery ejector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., FIH (Hong Kong) Limited
    Inventor: Yu Zhang
  • Patent number: 8435664
    Abstract: A battery system including battery blocks (3) having a plurality of battery cells (1) stacked with cooling gaps (4) established between the battery cells to pass cooling gas; ventilating ducts (5), which are supply ducts (6) and exhaust ducts (7), disposed on both sides of the battery blocks to forcibly ventilate the cooling gaps; and ventilating apparatus (9) to force cooling gas to flow through the ventilating ducts. Cooling gas forcibly introduced by the ventilating apparatus flows from the supply ducts through the cooling gaps and into the exhaust ducts to cool the battery cells. In addition, the battery system has temperature equalizing walls (8) disposed in the supply ducts. The temperature equalizing walls are long and narrow with length in the direction of flow greater than the width, and each temperature equalizing wall gradually narrows towards the upstream end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masao Saito, Kazunobu Yokotani, Shinsuke Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20130101882
    Abstract: A stacked battery has at least two cell segments arranged in a stack. Each cell segment may have a first electrode unit having a first active material electrode, a second electrode unit having a second active material electrode, and an electrolyte layer between the active material electrodes. One or more gaskets may be included in each cell segment to seal the electrolyte within the cell segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Randy Ogg, Martin Patrick Higgins
  • Publication number: 20130101890
    Abstract: A stacked battery has at least two cell segments arranged in a stack. Each cell segment may have a first electrode unit having a first active material electrode, a second electrode unit having a second active material electrode, and an electrolyte layer between the active material electrodes. One or more gaskets may be included in each cell segment to seal the electrolyte within the cell segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Inventors: Randy Ogg, Martin Patrick Higgins
  • Patent number: 8426050
    Abstract: A battery module having a cooling manifold is provided. The battery module includes a plurality of battery cell assemblies having a plurality of heat exchangers. The battery module further includes the cooling manifold operably coupled to the plurality of battery cell assemblies. The cooling manifold has a manifold portion and a cover plate. The manifold portion has a peripheral wall, a rear wall coupled to the peripheral wall, and a flow diverter. The peripheral wall has a top portion with an inlet aperture extending therethrough. The rear wall has a plurality of outlet apertures extending therethrough. The cover plate is coupled to the peripheral wall opposite to the rear wall. The flow diverter extends from the rear wall and is disposed below the inlet aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: William Koetting, Josh Payne
  • Publication number: 20130095366
    Abstract: A stacked battery has at least two cell segments arranged in a stack. Each cell segment may have a first electrode unit having a first active material electrode, a second electrode unit having a second active material electrode, and an electrolyte layer between the active material electrodes. One or more gaskets may be included in each cell segment to seal the electrolyte within the cell segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Randy Ogg, Martin Patrick Higgins
  • Publication number: 20130095367
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrode assembly comprising fiber-shaped structures. The electrode assembly for a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first electrode including a plurality of first fiber-shaped structures extending in a first direction; a second electrode including a plurality of second fiber-shaped structures which extend in a second direction other than the first direction, and the polarities of which are different from the polarities of the first structures; and a first separator film interposed between the first structures and the second structures which intersect with each other, so as to separate the first structures and the second structures from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: SHINE CO., LTD
    Inventor: Kwon Seok Kim
  • Patent number: 8420251
    Abstract: A battery is provided with a plurality of unit cells each having a tab, a bus bar connecting the tab of one of the plurality of unit cells and the tab of another one of the plurality of unit cells, and a plurality of welding points disposed on a center of gravity of an area, in which the bus bar and the tab are overlapped, or a vicinity thereof, and at least one position of line segments, radiately extending from the center of gravity, or a vicinity thereof, such that the bus bar and the tab are connected to one another at the plurality of welding points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoichi Watanabe, Hideaki Horie, Takanori Ito, Takaaki Abe, Osamu Shimamura, Takamitsu Saitou, Hiroshi Sugawara
  • Publication number: 20130089761
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery cell has at least one energy-optimized cell unit and at least one power-optimized cell unit. The power-optimized cell unit is configured in such a way that it can be used to generate a higher power than with the energy-optimized cell unit. The energy-optimized cell unit is configured in such a way that it can be used to store a higher quantity of energy per volume of the energy-optimized cell unit and/or per mass of the energy-optimized cell unit than with the power-optimized cell unit. The at least one energy-optimized cell unit and the at least one power-optimized cell unit are arranged in a common cell housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Schiemann, Peter Birke, Carsten Patzelt, Hans-Georg Schweiger, Bjoern Ripp
  • Patent number: 8415043
    Abstract: A battery assembly comprising a housing defining an interior and at least two electrical storage cells located in the interior of the housing. A thermal transfer barrier located in the interior of the housing, the thermal transfer barrier being positioned between the at least two cells in the housing, wherein the thermal transfer barrier is formed of a material having a greater insulation capability than a material of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Gateway, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Flannery
  • Patent number: 8415040
    Abstract: A secondary battery module including a plurality of battery cells, a temperature sensor disposed on a surface of at least one of the battery cells, a conducting wire connected to the temperature sensor, a module frame coupled to the battery cells, fixing the battery cells in a position and having a wire hole through which the conducting wire passes, and a sealing member surrounding the conducting wire and coupled to the wire hole, sealing the wire hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Jihyoung Yoon
  • Patent number: 8415047
    Abstract: A battery module for accommodating a plurality of batteries connected to each other in a battery unit, the battery module including a pair of end plates facing each other; a restrainer coupled to the pair of end plates, the restrainer being configured to restrain expansion of the battery unit; and a coupling unit for coupling the end plates and the restrainer to each other, wherein a portion of the coupling unit that contacts the end plate and the restrainer is free of any screw surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignees: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Shi-Dong Park, Tae-Yong Kim, Myung-Chul Kim, Hyun-Ye Lee
  • Patent number: 8409745
    Abstract: A terminal pole head for a battery pack comprises a base element, an isolating element and the top element that assembled one upon another, so that the assembly is easy, and the appearance is smooth after assembly. Further, the base element and the top element are isolated more safely. The isolating element covers the main body of the base element with the first and the second connecting portions exposed only, so that it can avoid the occurrence of short circuit of the base element and the top element caused by mistake touch of metal object. In addition, the base element and the top element are formed with the first connecting portions, the second connecting portions, and the connecting plates, so that connecting points are scattered, which is quite important for the big power battery pack, solving the problem of temperature rise due to excessively high single point resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Energy Control Limited
    Inventor: Donald P. H. Wu
  • Patent number: 8409751
    Abstract: This electrochemical device includes a first frame, a second frame, and a laminated electrochemical element having a housing encasing an element. Outer edges of the housing are sandwiched between the first frame and the second frame. Hook members are provided on one of the first frame and the second frame, and indentations engaging the hook members are provided on the other one of the frames, thereby fixing the relative positional relationship between the first frame and the second frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: TDK Corporation
    Inventor: Daisuke Suto
  • Publication number: 20130078497
    Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a stacked electrode assembly in which positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates are stacked with separators interposed therebetween, and that is housed, together with a nonaqueous electrolyte, in a laminate outer casing. A negative electrode active material layer is formed on the surface of negative electrode substrates of the negative electrode plates. The negative electrode active material layer contains spheroidal graphite, scalelike graphite, and carboxymethyl cellulose. The average specific surface area of the spheroidal graphite and the scalelike graphite is 2.0 to 4.0 m2/g, the degree of etherification of the carboxymethyl cellulose is 0.8 to 1.5, and the packing density of the negative electrode active material layer is 1.3 to 1.8 g/cc. This yields a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery with superior cycling characteristics at high rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
  • Patent number: 8404380
    Abstract: An inter-connector interposed between two serially connected unit cells provides mechanical strength and conductivity to the serial connection between the unit cells. Embodiments of the inter-connector comprise a supporting frame providing mechanical support for the two unit cells; a welding projection for welding the interconnector to a unit cell; and a welding projection surrounding area located between the welding projection and the supporting frame, wherein the supporting frame is thicker than the welding projection surrounding area, and the welding projection is thicker than the welding projection surrounding area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tae-yong Kim
  • Patent number: 8404375
    Abstract: An electrical battery includes a plurality of electrical energy generating elements formed by at least one electrochemical cell that is packaged in a flexible sealed envelope, and a system for the mechanical and thermal conditioning of the elements. The conditioning system forms a structural body made from thermally conductive material. The body has two longitudinal members and a plurality of cross-members connecting the longitudinal members so as to form between the cross-members housings in which respectively a generating element is disposed. The body includes a circulation path for a thermal conditioning fluid. The path has two channels, respectively upstream and downstream, that are formed respectively in a longitudinal member and passages formed in each of the cross-members. The passages are in fluid communication on each side with respectively the upstream channel and the downstream channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Dow Kokam France SAS
    Inventor: Fabien Gaben
  • Patent number: 8389145
    Abstract: Battery assemblies have been provided. In an embodiment, by way of example only, a battery assembly includes a casing including a plurality of walls defining a coolant chamber and a battery cell pocket disposed in the coolant chamber including a container section, a lip, and a first spacer, the lip surrounding the container section and including a casing adjoining section and a pocket adjoining section, the casing adjoining section configured to couple to the casing, and the pocket adjoining section configured to couple to an adjacent lip of an adjacent battery cell pocket, and the first spacer protruding outwardly from the container section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Robert Graban, Brian K. Bartnick
  • Publication number: 20130052494
    Abstract: A power storage device is provided with an upper cover, a cell module and a lower cover. A tab joint portion is locally formed at each of two sides of the cell module to be welded and assembled with a tab. When welded with the tab joint portion, the tab merely needs to be placed horizontally or be slightly at an inclination angle, and one-time bending is performed on an electrical connection part on the tab, so as to be electrically connected to an electrode of the upper cover. Therefore, the situation that a plasticized metal protective film wrapped on the outer edge of the tab or the cell module is easy to crack caused of many times of bending in the prior art can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Hsiu-Hsiang PEI, Yen-Teng SU, Kun-Miao TSAI, Yao-Min CHIU, Jesse CHEN, Chih-Jung LIN
  • Patent number: 8384341
    Abstract: A micro electrical-mechanical systems (MEMS) device INCLUDES a MEMS substrate and at least one MEMS structure on the MEMS substrate. In addition, there is at least one battery cell on the MEMS substrate coupled to the at least one MEMS structure. The at least one battery cell includes a support fin extending vertically upward from the MEMS substrate and a first electrode layer on the support fin. In addition, there is an electrolyte layer on the cathode layer, and a second electrode layer on the electrolyte layer. The support fin may have a height greater than a width. The first electrode layer may have a processing temperature associated therewith that exceeds a stability temperature associated with the second electrode layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence Wayne Shacklette, Louis Joseph Rendek, Jr., David M. Smith
  • Patent number: 8377581
    Abstract: A battery system is provided for a vehicle. The battery system includes, but is not limited to, comprising: a heat transfer loop, a battery cell, a thermoelectric semiconductor device coupled to the battery cell and the heat transfer loop, a variable voltage source coupled to the thermoelectric semiconductor device, and a temperature sensor coupled to the battery cell. A controller is coupled to the variable voltage source and the temperature sensor and also configured to receive a signal indicative of a temperature of the battery cell from the temperature sensor and adjust a voltage of the variable voltage source applied to the thermoelectric semiconductor device based at least in part on an evaluation of the temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alastair Gordon Anderson, Marc Reischmann, Manfred Herrmann, Erik Heil, Michael Kueffe
  • Publication number: 20130040186
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cathode active material for secondary batteries, comprising at least one compound selected from the following Formula 1: xLi2MO3*yLiM?O2*zLi3PO4 (1) wherein M is at least one element selected from 1 period or 2 period metals having an oxidation number of +4; M? is at least one element selected from 1 period or 2 period metals having a mean oxidation number of +3; and 0.1?x?0.9, 0.1?y?0.9, 0<z?0.2 and x+y+z=1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD.
    Inventor: LG CHEM, LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130040178
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes a plurality of electrode assemblies including positive and negative electrodes separated by a separator and a pair of electrode tabs protruding to both sides. A case receives the plurality of electrode assemblies. First and second current collecting plates cover openings formed on both sides of the case. First and second insulation plates are respectively disposed between the plurality of electrode assemblies and the first and second current collecting plates. The pair of electrode tabs at one side of the electrode assemblies pass through a first through hole formed in the first insulation plate and the pair of electrode tables at the other side of the electrode assemblies pass through a second through hole formed in the second insulation plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wan-Mook Lim
  • Publication number: 20130034770
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a laminated electrode and porous separator film combination including a solid electrolyte salt within the porous separator film, the combination comprising layer of powdered cathode material adhering to a surface of a separator film with a solid electrolyte therebetween; the separator film comprising 50% to 95% by weight of electrically non-conductive ceramic fibers having a coating of magnesium oxide on the surface of the fibers in an amount in the range of 5% to 50% by weight; wherein the ceramic fibers comprise Al2O3, AlSiO2, BN, AlN, or a mixture of two or more of the foregoing; and the magnesium oxide coating interconnects the ceramic fibers providing a porous network of magnesium oxide-coated fibers having a porosity of not less than 50% by volume; the pores of the network containing a solid electrolyte salt in an amount of up to 95% by volume based on pore volume of the network.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas D. Kaun
  • Publication number: 20130034758
    Abstract: An accumulator arrangement for a motor vehicle is provided. The accumulator arrangement includes an array of a plurality of galvanically connected accumulator cells. Each cell is individually removable from the array and replaceable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Henrik RAEDSCH, Martin NUETZ
  • Patent number: 8367239
    Abstract: A spacer assembly for use with a cell mounting bracket in a battery pack is provided. The spacer assembly, comprised of one or more spacers, maintains the positions of the batteries within the battery pack during a thermal event and after the cell mounting bracket loses structural integrity due to the increased temperature associated with the thermal event. By keeping the battery undergoing thermal runaway in its predetermined location within the battery pack, the minimum spacing between cells is maintained, thereby helping to minimize the thermal effects on adjacent cells while ensuring that the cooling system, if employed, is not compromised. As a result, the risk of thermal runaway propagation is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: Weston Arthur Hermann
  • Publication number: 20130029203
    Abstract: An electrode for a lead acid battery is provided. The electrode includes a pasting material distributed on the electrode and arranged to provide uniform current density. A lead acid battery having a plurality of electrodes, each electrode having pasting material providing uniform current density across the electrodes is also provided. A method for manufacturing a battery electrode is also provided and includes applying a portion of the electrode with a pasting material providing uniform current density.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: William J. Ross, Christopher P. Kaniut, Margaret Teliska, Dennis Wetzel
  • Patent number: 8361645
    Abstract: A secondary battery includes a plurality of bare cells including a first bare cell and a second bare cell and a protective circuit module spaced above the plurality of bare cells. A first lead plate electrically connects the protective circuit module and the first bare cell, the first lead plate having a first foot plate electrically connected to the first bare cell. A second lead plate electrically connects the protective circuit module and the second bare cell, the second lead plate having a second foot plate attached to the second bare cell and arranged generally diagonally from the first foot plate with respect to the protective circuit module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bongyoung Kim
  • Patent number: 8361644
    Abstract: An interconnect device enables battery cells having terminals in the form of flexible tabs to be serially interconnected in a stack. The interconnect device comprises a relatively rigid substrate and at least two arrays of pins projecting from opposing first and second surfaces of the substrate. This enables the flexible tabs of the battery cell to be embedded in the pin arrays, providing a quick and easy means of fixing the tabs and enabling them to be interconnected to other cells in a stacked arrangement. A battery module formed from such a stack of cell assemblies is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: James E. Kane, Larry L. Deal, Ronald Gritzinger
  • Patent number: 8357464
    Abstract: A vehicle propulsion system comprising a plurality of solid state rechargeable battery cells configured to power a drivetrain. In accordance with once aspect of the invention, a transportation system that is powered at least in part by electricity stored in the form of rechargeable electrochemical cells. According to an embodiment of the present invention, these cells are combined in series and in parallel to form a pack that is regulated by charge and discharge control circuits that are programmed with algorithms to monitor state of charge, battery lifetime, and battery health.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Sakti3, Inc.
    Inventors: Ann Marie Sastry, Fabio Albano, Chia-Wei Wang, Robert Kruse, Jeffrey Lebrun
  • Publication number: 20130017433
    Abstract: A battery includes a first portion including a substrate having formed thereon a current collector and an anode electrode material. A second portion is formed on a substrate and includes a current collector and a cathode electrode material. The first portion is joined to the second portion and a separator is disposed between the first portion and the second portion as joined to separate the anode electrode material from the cathode electrode material. An electrolyte is placed in contact with the anode electrode material, the cathode electrode material and the separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventors: Ann M. SASTRY, Fabio ALBANO