Having Sectional Component Patents (Class 429/154)
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Patent number: 8174236Abstract: A battery charging device includes a power terminal unit to be connected to a power source and provided with power therefrom, a charging terminal unit to be connected to a power terminal of a battery, and a holding device to be fixed to side faces of the battery when the charging terminal unit contacts the power terminal of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2008Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jae-Yong Park, Yong-Beom Kim
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Patent number: 8114537Abstract: Disclosed herein are a frame member including an upper frame member having one major surface to which a protection circuit module (PCM) is mounted, and a lower frame member coupled with the upper frame member, the upper and lower frame members being provided at opposite major surfaces thereof with semi-cylindrical battery receiving parts corresponding to outer surfaces of the cylindrical unit cells mounted between the upper and lower frame members, a spacer provided at opposite major surfaces of a rectangular frame with pluralities of semi-cylindrical battery receiving parts corresponding to outer surfaces of the cylindrical batteries, the battery receiving parts being partially open such that the battery receiving parts communicate with neighboring battery receiving parts on the same plane, and a battery pack including the frame member and the spacer.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2011Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Dongha Kang, SungGeun Yoon, Jaesik Chung
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Patent number: 8114536Abstract: Disclosed herein are a frame member including an upper frame member having one major surface to which a protection circuit module (PCM) is mounted, and a lower frame member coupled with the upper frame member, the upper and lower frame members being provided at opposite major surfaces thereof with semi-cylindrical battery receiving parts corresponding to outer surfaces of the cylindrical unit cells mounted between the upper and lower frame members, a spacer provided at opposite major surfaces of a rectangular frame with pluralities of semi-cylindrical battery receiving parts corresponding to outer surfaces of the cylindrical batteries, the battery receiving parts being partially open such that the battery receiving parts communicate with neighboring battery receiving parts on the same plane, and a battery pack including the frame member and the spacer.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2006Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Dongha Kang, SungGeun Yoon, Jaesik Chung
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Patent number: 8003245Abstract: A battery module includes a battery assembly having a plurality of unit batteries. A housing receives the battery assembly and has an coolant flow passage formed around the battery assembly. A divider is installed in the coolant flow passage to divide the coolant flow passage into a plurality of sub-coolant flow passages.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2006Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Gun-Goo Lee, Tae-Yong Kim, Yoon-Cheol Jeon
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Publication number: 20110177379Abstract: An end-to-end cell connection system for a battery assembly uses a conductive interconnector with an inner portion welded to an end of one cell, a standoff portion contiguous with the ring portion, tabs extending from the standoff portion, with the tabs welded to an end of another cell. By placing an insulator between the interconnector and the one cell, an electrical short is prevented in the event that a longitudinally coupled cell group is jostled. At the cell connections, there is a recess. To hold the cell group in place, the housing has a tab extending into the recess. The tab is at the center so that any dimensional variations are accommodated on each side of the tab. The interconnector also may include a receptacle for a thermistor to obtain a measure of battery assembly temperature. Diverter ribs may be provided in the housing to distribute flow to all cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2010Publication date: July 21, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Patrick Daniel Maguire
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Patent number: 7955727Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery pack including: a plurality of cylindrical battery cells arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of layers; and a partition member for partitioning the battery cells; wherein each the battery cell is larger in diametral size on the positive electrode terminal side than on the negative electrode terminal side; the partition member includes a partition plate, and ribs formed in corners formed between the partition plate and support plates provided to be substantially orthogonal to the partition plate at substantially regular intervals, the ribs being operative to support the battery cells; and the ribs are formed correspondingly to the shape of the battery cell.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Masakazu Naito
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Patent number: 7887947Abstract: The connection structure between unit cells connects a plurality of batteries B1 and B2 in series with bottomed cylindrical battery cases 2 and 5 which function as electrode terminals on one side, sealing plates 3 which close the opening portions of the battery cases 2 and 5 which function as electrode terminals on another side, and the first ring 1a with a flange is conductively connected at a bottom portion of a battery case 2 of one battery B1, the second ring 1b with a flange is conductively connected at an upper portion of the sealing plate 3 of another battery B2, and the first ring 1a and the second ring 1b are fitted.Type: GrantFiled: December 26, 2006Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: M&G Eco-Battery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Kawano, Isao Matsumoto, Keisuke Aoki, Yoshimitsu Hiroshima, Hiroshi Narusawa
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Patent number: 7879491Abstract: Disclosed herein are a stacking type electrode assembly constructed in a cathode/separator/anode structure, wherein the electrode assembly is provided at a predetermined region thereof with at least one through-hole, and a pair of holding members (a male coupling member and a female coupling member) constructed in a male-female coupling type structure is inserted through the through-hole inside a battery case, an outer surface of the female coupling member being brought into tight contact with the through-hole when the male coupling member is inserted into the female coupling member while the female coupling member having an outer diameter less than an inner diameter of the through-hole is inserted through the through-hole, and a secondary battery including the same.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2007Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Junill Yoon, Changjoo Han, Jongmoon Yoon
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Patent number: 7824797Abstract: A battery unit comprises a battery case, and a plurality of battery modules stored and held in the battery case. The battery case includes a bottom wall and a partition. The plurality of battery modules are mounted on the bottom wall. The partition is provided and erected on the bottom wall. The partition separates the battery modules adjacent in a second direction traversing a first direction. The first direction is oriented from a first end of the battery case at which an inlet is formed to a second end at which an outlet is formed. The partition extends along a plane where the battery modules face each other in the second direction along the battery modules. The partition is inclined in the extending direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2009Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignees: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsubishi Jidosha Engineering Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Haruchika Nishino, Takeshi Ibuki, Seiichi Takasaki
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Patent number: 7816029Abstract: A battery module is provided with a battery cell stack and a module case. The battery cell stack includes a plurality of stacked flat secondary battery cells. The module case includes an inwardly protruding section, a low rigidity section and a high rigidity section. The inwardly protruding section is disposed on at least one of two oppositely facing sides of the module case that faces in a battery cell stacking direction and protruding toward the interior area of the module case to apply pressure to an end surface of the battery cell stack. The low rigidity section elastically supports a periphery of the inwardly protruding section due the low rigidity section having a lower rigidity than the inwardly protruding section. The high rigidity section supports a periphery of the low rigidity section with the high rigidity section having a higher rigidity than low rigidity section.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2007Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshifumi Takamatsu, Tomonori Tazuke
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Patent number: 7795845Abstract: A rechargeable battery module includes a plurality of unit cells; and a housing in which the unit cells are mounted and in which a coolant for controlling the temperature in the housing circulates. The unit cells are disposed in the housing on a slant at a predetermined angle with respect to an inflow of the coolant.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2006Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kyu-Woong Cho
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Patent number: 7767337Abstract: The present invention relates to a bipolar battery having at least two battery cells comprising: a negative end terminal, a positive end terminal and at least one biplate assembly arranged in a sandwich structure between the negative and positive end terminals. The battery also comprises a separator, with electrolyte, arranged between each negative and positive electrode forming a cell. An inner barrier of a hydrophobic material is arranged at least around one electrode on a first side of the biplate. An outer sealing, e.g. a frame, is provided around the edge of each biplate assembly and each end terminal and a hole is arranged through each biplate interconnecting each cell with adjacent cell(s) to create a common gas space for all cells in the battery. The invention also relates to a biplate assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2002Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Nilar International ABInventors: Lars Fredriksson, Neil Puester
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Publication number: 20100178548Abstract: In a battery pack according to the embodiment of the present invention, when coupling bosses of a second case are coupled to coupling holes of a first case, the first case and the second case can be easily coupled to each other by reducing the thicknesses of some portions of a rib having the coupling holes before the coupling bosses are coupled to the coupling holes. In addition, the first case and the second case can be smoothly coupled to each other at the initial step of coupling the coupling bosses and the coupling holes to each other by opening the outermost portion of the first case facing the top end of the rib having the coupling holes.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2010Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventor: Mooryong Baek
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Patent number: 7714542Abstract: A battery unit having at least two pouch type secondary battery cells and a single safety device serving each cell in the battery unit. Each individual battery or cell body fits into a space within a casing. The battery unit may use one or more casings. The battery cells are arranged such that the terminals of different battery cells are located near the terminals of other battery cells within the unit. These terminals are connected to the safety device. The safety device may be a safety circuit board that is positioned in a space within the battery unit so that the battery unit does not consume any more space than when no safety circuit board is used.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2003Date of Patent: May 11, 2010Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hyung-Bok Lee, Byoung-Hyun Kang
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Publication number: 20100112433Abstract: A battery module comprising: a plurality of battery cells of substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape; a first casing having a first holding section 42 that holds one end of the plurality of battery cells; a second casing having a second holding section 52 that holds the other end of the plurality of battery cells; and a plurality of insulating members arranged between the battery cells; wherein the battery cells are arranged lined up so that adjacent main walls thereof extending between the one ends and the other ends face each other and the plurality of insulating members are arranged in mutually separated fashion between the main walls.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Shinichiro Kosugi, Bruce Falls
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Patent number: 7700227Abstract: A flat secondary battery having a fusion-bonded sealing type laminate film as an armored body tends to be inferior in sealing reliability to a flat secondary battery having a welded sealing type can as an armored body, due to a difference in sealing method between the two batteries. Therefore, there has been a large challenge of finding the way to make the sealing reliability of the laminate film secondary battery closer to that of the can type secondary battery. The sealing reliability is improved by further increasing a sealing force without taking any measure to the existing laminate film secondary battery, in such a manner that the fusion bonding area of the existing laminate film secondary battery is sandwiched from upside and downside to be cramped from outside so as to mechanically add a sealing force from outside to the sealing force of the laminate film itself.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2008Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Hiroshi Kaneta
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Publication number: 20100081047Abstract: Embodiments of the present techniques provide electrolyzers made using thermoformed electrode assemblies and diaphragm assemblies. Each electrode assembly is made from two plastic rings and an electrode plate using a twin sheet thermoforming technique. A first plastic ring is laid in a mold having the appropriate shape to form the electrode assembly. The electrode plate is laid on top of the first plastic ring and is generally centered on the ring. The second plastic ring is laid over the electrode plate, and is generally centered over the electrode plate. The plastic is heated to soften the plastic, and a vacuum is pulled on the mold to pull the softened plastic into the shape of the mold. The mold is closed over the assembly to seal the two plastic rings together. After cooling, the molded part may be removed, resulting in a hollow plastic rim surrounding an electrode plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2008Publication date: April 1, 2010Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventor: Richard Scott Bourgeois
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Patent number: 7611798Abstract: A bus bar simultaneously performs electrical connection between unit cells and detection of voltage of the unit cells in a battery module having the same and includes: vertical bent parts formed by bending opposite ends of a strip-shaped bar body in the same direction, the vertical bent parts being provided with coupling grooves or protrusions; and a horizontal bent part formed by bending one of the vertical bent parts toward the bar body such that the horizontal bent part is parallel with the bar body. The electrode terminals of the unit cells are connected to the rear surface of the bar body of the bus bar, whereby the electrical connection between the unit cells is accomplished, and the horizontal bent part of the bus bar is directly connected to a battery management system for monitoring the potential difference and the temperature of the unit cells to control the unit cells.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2006Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Junill Yoon, Juyoung Kim
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Patent number: 7611799Abstract: A frame device for supporting objects such as batteries during seismic stress, comprising a pair of end frame members mounted in upstanding spaced apart relation by a plurality of vertically spaced elongated channel support members secured at opposite terminal ends to the vertical columns of the end frame members, shelves for supporting batteries spanning the channel support members and defining a plurality of compartments for the batteries, each end frame member being formed of a single sheet material shaped to define vertical columns and a web extending between the end columns, a pair of anchors, means for securing the end frames to the anchors, and means defining a plurality of openings in the web of each end frame generally aligned with the compartments formed by the shelves to provide horizontal ventilation of batteries mounted in the compartments.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2005Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Kim Manufacturing Co.Inventor: Andew Marraffa
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Patent number: 7438988Abstract: Secondary battery structure 100 has secondary batteries 110 equipped with metallic battery cases 111 , temperature detectors 120 for detecting temperature of the secondary batteries 110 , and supporting members 130 for supporting the temperature detectors 120 . Each of the temperature detectors 120 has a detector body 121 which detects surface temperature of the battery case 111 by contacting with a bottom surface 111c (temperature-detected surface) on the battery case 111, and a fixing portion 122 which engages with the supporting member 130 and fixes the temperature detector 120 to the secondary battery 110 while keeping the detector body 121 contact with the bottom surface 111c on the battery case 111.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2005Date of Patent: October 21, 2008Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masahiro Misu, Toyohiko Eto
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Publication number: 20080057392Abstract: A battery module is provided with a battery cell stack and a module case. The battery cell stack includes a plurality of stacked flat secondary battery cells. The module case includes an inwardly protruding section, a low rigidity section and a high rigidity section. The inwardly protruding section is disposed on at least one of two oppositely facing sides of the module case that faces in a battery cell stacking direction and protruding toward the interior area of the module case to apply pressure to an end surface of the battery cell stack. The low rigidity section elastically supports a periphery of the inwardly protruding section due the low rigidity section having a lower rigidity than the inwardly protruding section. The high rigidity section supports a periphery of the low rigidity section with the high rigidity section having a higher rigidity than low rigidity section.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2007Publication date: March 6, 2008Applicant: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toshifumi Takamatsu, Tomonori Tazuke
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Patent number: 7141331Abstract: A battery pack includes a housing (3) having a plurality of cooling opening (2a, 2b) formed therein, and at least one separation wall (5) formed of a plurality of current cells (4) arranged flow-tight adjacent to each other, with the at least one separation wall (5) being arranged between at least two cooling openings (2a, 2b) and projecting flow-tight into an interior at the housing (3) at the side of the openings, so that the separation wall (5) is cooled by an air stream flowing therearound.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2003Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Hilt AktiengesellschaftInventors: Bernd Ziegler, Rainer Ontl
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Patent number: 6833010Abstract: A prismatic battery module employs a prismatic battery case having a single space formed by connecting a plurality of prismatic cell cases in series. Collectors are connected to the lead portions on both sides of the electrode plate group, and adjacent collectors of associated electrode plate groups are connected to each other by using an electroconductive adhesive. The electrode plate groups connected in series are disposed in the prismatic battery case. Thereafter, a sealing material is applied to each space between each of the outer peripheries of the adjacent collectors and the wall surface of the prismatic battery case to partition the plurality of cell cases from one another.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2001Date of Patent: December 21, 2004Assignees: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takashi Asahina, Shinji Hamada, Toyohiko Eto, Toshiyuki Sekimori
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Patent number: 6709785Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical element, specifically an electrochemical element with improved energy density comprising multiply stacked electrochemical cells. In order to achieve such objects, the present invention provides an electrochemical element comprising electrochemical cells which are multiply stacked, said electrochemical cells formed by stacking full cells having a cathode, a separator layer, and an anode sequentially as a basic unit, and a separator film interposed between each stacked full cell wherein, said separator film has a unit length which is determined to wrap the electrochemical cells and folds inward every unit length to wrap each electrochemical cell starting from the center electrochemical cell to the outermost electrochemical cell continuously.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2001Date of Patent: March 23, 2004Assignee: LG Chemical Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hyang-Mok Lee, Soon-Ho Ahn, Kyung-Joon Kim, Jae-Hyun Lee
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Patent number: 6632560Abstract: A battery pack for an electric/hybrid vehicle that includes a plurality of batteries stacked in layers one atop the other and electrically coupled together to provide the necessary power to the vehicle. The plurality of batteries is supported on an underlying base. A plurality of spacers are disposed above and below each layer for separating the layers of batteries and providing air passages around the batteries to allow air flow around the batteries to provide heating or cooling of the batteries. A retention frame affixes the batteries to the base to restrict movement of the batteries. The frame includes a plurality of beams that are interconnected and extend along the ends of the batteries. The beams apply a vertical force against the batteries, thereby fixing them rigidly to the base.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2001Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Inventors: Shijian Zhou, Jeffrey C. Waters, David R. Price
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Patent number: 6613473Abstract: A higher amp-hour capacity battery is formed in a conventional battery package by arranging cylindrical cells in a bundled configuration. A bundle of cylindrical cells, whether nonrechargeable or rechargeable may be less expensive to produce and may offer more desirable charge and discharge characteristics than other arrangements and cell geometries, even though some space in a resulting package is not occupied by cells. A rectangular 9-volt type battery may include seven cells wired in series and bundled horizontally or vertically inside the rectangular case.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2000Date of Patent: September 2, 2003Inventor: Leon Tong
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Patent number: 6296968Abstract: A one-piece battery comprises a tank divided into cells each receiving an electrode assembly, closure means for the tank and a circulating fluid type heat exchanger facing the relatively larger faces of the electrode assembly. The fluid flows in a compartment defined by two flanges which incorporate a fluid inlet orifice communicating with a common inlet manifold and a fluid outlet orifice communicating with a common outlet manifold. The tank comprises at least two units and each unit comprises at least one cell delimited by walls. The wall facing a relatively larger face of the electrode assembly constitutes one of the flanges. Each unit further incorporates a portion of an inlet and outlet manifold. The units are fastened together so that the flanges when placed face-to-face form a sealed circulation compartment and the portions of the same manifold are aligned with each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1999Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: AlcatelInventor: Roelof Verhoog
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Patent number: 6238818Abstract: The invention relates to a housing which receives dry cells in an in-line or end to end orientation. The invention includes features which prevent the incorrect orientation by preventing dry cell terminals making contact with the necessary components. In this way, it prevents premature dissipation of dry cells or their impairment. The mechanism by which these features do this is to recess one terminal namely that terminal which would be contacted by the positive terminal of a dry cell. In this way, the negative terminal of a dry cell can never make electrical connection. Another feature of the invention is the provision of an aperture having a profile of a silhouette of a dry cell, which has advantages in low light situations, saves material, and allows for relatively easy extraction of dry cells from the cartridge.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 1999Date of Patent: May 29, 2001Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.Inventor: David R. Dalton
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Patent number: 6228528Abstract: The invention pertains to housings and enclosures for assemblies of electrochemical cells such as used in consumer electronic devices. A system of structural elements having constant cross-section along at least one axis is provided to construct protective housings for electrochemical cell assemblies. Where cell assemblies include sensitive circuit elements such as circuit boards the fabricated housings include cover portions to reduce the chance of impact or contact damage to the circuit elements. By designing structural elements having open and constant cross-sections, a family of housing components may be fabricated from a single structural element by altering a length. Different configuration housings may also be constructed by rearranging the housing components or introducing additional interconnecting components. By incorporating a unified interconnecting element into each component, interchangeability is increased.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1998Date of Patent: May 8, 2001Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.Inventors: Rick Burkholder, David Baggaley, Ernest Botos, Alexander Jacobs, III
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Patent number: 6197446Abstract: A sealed secondary battery assembly in which electricity-generating elements are accommodated in cases made of resin formed in rectangular tubular shape having a bottom, a plurality of cells constituted by sealing the apertures of cases by covers made of resin are arranged in series, these being electrically connected by electrical connection elements, wherein: the cases of the individual cells are constituted by a unitary case and the covers of the individual cells are constituted by a unitary cover, support elements made of resin in which are fixed electrical connection elements are joined to support element mounting passage sections provided on partition sections that define the space for the cells, said electrical connection elements being thereby arranged so as to pass through said partition sections.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shinsuke Fukuda, Mitsugu Takaki, Kenji Sato, Rye Iwamura, Toshinobu Yokoyama
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Patent number: 5906899Abstract: A sealed lead acid storage battery includes a monoblock container, a cover, plural assembly elements, each assembly element comprising a plurality of positive and negative electrode plates that are stacked via separators in a predetermined direction, a positive and negative electrode strap, and a positive and negative electrode terminal. The positive and negative electrode terminals protrude above the cover. The container further comprises ribs formed inside a bottom surface thereof for enabling the electrode plates to rest on the ribs. Each positive electrode plate has a pair of feet that are formed on a lower end thereof in a substantially symmetrical arrangement and further comprises a lug connected to the positive electrode strap that is disposed at a position shifting either to the left or to the right. One of the feet correspond to the position having the lug not resting on any rib, while the other foot rests on a rib.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1996Date of Patent: May 25, 1999Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Muneyoshi Noda, Yasuhiko Uchida, Yukihiro Onoda, Hiroshi Sugiyama
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Patent number: 5858574Abstract: A bipolar rechargeable battery comprises a vessel with an insulated liner and an interior region for bulk storage of a gas which serves as an electrode active material. A plurality of cells are nested within the vessel, each including a metallic bipolar plate having a circular base and an integral insulated hydrophobic upstanding side wall of truncated conical shape diverging with increased distance from the base. The essential novelty of the present batteries resides in the application of a hydrophobic insulating coating of a chlorotrifluoro olefin polymer, preferably a copolymer of ethylene and chlorotrifluoro ethylene, over the interior and exterior surfaces of the conical side wall of each bipolar plate.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1997Date of Patent: January 12, 1999Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, Inc.Inventor: Tanya R. Grignol
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Patent number: 5695889Abstract: An electric battery, for example, a zinc-bromine battery for an automobile, is protected against leakage of electrolyte, in particular against bromine liberated during a crash. For this purpose, the reservoirs provided for the electrolyte are filled with a sponge-like material that stores the electrolyte. Alternatively, or in addition, the reservoirs are surrounded by a protective sheathing made of a material that binds the escaping electrolyte, in particular through chemical reaction.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1996Date of Patent: December 9, 1997Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Werner Harbauer, Mathias Ruland, Holger Jansen
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Patent number: 5674640Abstract: An improved housing system for a multi-cell battery including a container and a cover. The container has a bottom and a plurality of external walls cooperating to define a well and a plurality of internal walls which cooperate with the external walls and the bottom to define a plurality of cell reservoirs for receiving cells of a multi-cell battery. The external walls and the internal walls terminate in an array of edges oriented in a pattern substantially in a plane. The container and the cover are of material amenable to heat bonding. The improvement comprises the cover having an underside with a plurality of zones. Each zone has a respective thickness; one zone is oriented substantially in a plane and generally in register with the pattern of the array of edges presented by the container when the cover is positioned for attachment with the container. The one zone has a thickness which is greater than the thickness of adjacent zones.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1996Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: Globe-Union, Inc.Inventors: Edward N. Mrotek, Noreen D. Gilbertsen
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Patent number: 5652073Abstract: A bipolar rechargeable battery comprises a vessel with an insulated liner and an interior region for bulk storage of a gas which serves as an electrode active material. A plurality of cells are nested within the vessel, each including a metallic bipolar cup having a circular base and an integral insulated hydrophobic upstanding side wall of truncated conical shape diverging with increased distance from the base. A positive electrode overlies the base. A dielectric separator separates the positive electrode and a negative electrode sized to fittingly engage the side wall such that any gas generated at the positive electrode must pass through the negative electrode to escape the cell to thereby recombine the generated gas with the active material gas within the cell. The upstanding side wall of each cell is oriented to enable gas passage from each of said cells to the bulk gas storage region.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1996Date of Patent: July 29, 1997Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, Inc.Inventors: Stephen John Lenhart, Carl R. Halbach, John C. Hall
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Patent number: 5567544Abstract: A battery assembled in the form of a lightweight structural panel and including isolated battery cells. Each of the cells includes a honeycomb structure wherein each film-like layer in the honeycomb structure is an electrode stack. Each of the electrode stacks includes an elongated cathode, an elongated separator, and an elongated anode. The separator is wetted with an electrolyte solution to facilitate the electrochemical reaction. The electrochemical reaction may be that of an NiMH2 battery, an NiH battery, an Li.sup.+ battery, an NiCd battery, a Lead-acid battery, or any other suitable electrochemical reaction. Alternatively, the battery cell could be composed of a foam-like cathode, foam-like separator, and a foam-like anode. With either embodiment, the invention achieves the storage of electrochemical energy in a structure with a multitude of voids defined therein so that the structure is relatively stiff, yet light weight.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1995Date of Patent: October 22, 1996Assignee: Boundless Corp.Inventor: Philip C. Lyman
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Patent number: 5512065Abstract: A method of fabricating a modular, recombinant lead-acid battery is provided for. The method includes providing a plurality of thermoplastic frames, including at least two frames which support electrochemically active plates. The frames are adapted to be stacked and welded together such that the plates are spaced apart from each other a predetermined distance. One or more separators also are provided. The separators have an uncompressed state in which their thickness is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance between plates and a compressed state. The frames and separators are stacked such that a separator is disposed between adjacent plates in its compressed state. The frames then are successively vibration welded together, again while the separator is in its compressed state. The separator has a predetermined thickness in its compressed state effective to reduce damage to the separator caused by abrasion of the separators by the plates during vibration welding.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1993Date of Patent: April 30, 1996Assignee: GNB Battery Technologies Inc.Inventors: William H. Kump, James K. Klang, David L. Lund, Jeffrey M. Henning
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Patent number: 5432028Abstract: An improved battery of the type formed of cells stacked in series. The positive and negative electrodes of each cell being separated by a separator and each cell being separated by a respective bipolar wall. A sleeve-like seal is provided around the periphery of each cell. The seal is preferably made of a nonwettable material that can be made in a flexible form, such as boron nitride. The barrier seal being in sealing contact with opposed planar faces of bipolar walls bounding each cell. The seal is preferably affixed to the bipolar walls by a paintable cement made of a mixture of boron nitride powder and a clay binder suspended in a nonaqueous organic vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1993Date of Patent: July 11, 1995Assignee: Westinghouse Electric CorporationInventor: Geoffrey Barlow
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Patent number: 5354630Abstract: A common pressure vessel type Ni--H.sub.2 storage battery having an outer pressure vessel that contains a stack of compartments. Each of the compartments including at least one battery cell, a heat transfer member, and a cell spacer for maintaining a relatively constant distance between adjacent compartments. The heat transfer members include a fin portion, which is in thermal contact with the battery cell, and a flange portion which extends longitudinally from the fin portion and is in tight thermal contact with the inner wall of the pressure vessel. The heat transfer member serves to transfer heat generated from a battery cell radially outward to the pressure vessel, which is capable of dissipating the heat into the surrounding atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 1992Date of Patent: October 11, 1994Assignee: ComsatInventors: Martin W. Earl, William H. Kelly, Wein-Shen Jiang, Ronald R. Kessler, Fred W. Brantner
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Patent number: 5300373Abstract: An electrochemical cell stack is made from a continuous laminate web including an electrode layer, an electrolyte layer, and a plurality of discrete opposite polarity electrode segments. The laminate is fan-folded into a stack such that substantially the entire surface area of the opposite polarity electrode segments are in contact with the electrolyte layer and in ion exchange with the electrode layer. Current can collected from the discrete opposite polarity electrode segments by opposite polarity electrode current collector strips that electrically connect the opposite polarity electrode segments. A method for making an electrochemical cell stack is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1992Date of Patent: April 5, 1994Assignee: Valence Technology, Inc.Inventor: Dale R. Shackle
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Patent number: 5288565Abstract: Flat pack rechargeable batteries which include internal support members are disclosed. In the most preferred form of the invention, an intermediate support extender plate is provided. The plate also includes holes to maintain a common path for electrolyte.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1993Date of Patent: February 22, 1994Assignee: Globe-Union Inc.Inventor: Robert G. Gruenstern
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Patent number: 5227260Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a sealed, oxygen recombinant lead-acid battery which includes a series of modules, e.g. 4-volt modules. The modules are prepared from frame and film assemblies which are easily stacked to the desired voltage or capacity. In the preferred embodiment, the assemblies include two 2.0 normal voltage cells, attached in series, three of which are then combined to form a 12-volt system. Modularity eliminates the need for expensive tooling and parts inventory and permits the creation of a wide variety of battery designs. Specially designed vents are employed to permit gas escape during overcharge or if recombination efficiencies are less than desired and to prevent entry of oxygen or moisture when the battery is in its recombinant mode.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1991Date of Patent: July 13, 1993Assignee: Globe-Union, Inc.Inventors: Jennifer L. Rose, John P. Dinkelman, Gerald K. Bowen, Michael G. Andrew
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Patent number: 5068160Abstract: An assembled battery including a plurality of bipolar cells is disclosed. In one embodiment, the battery comprises a plurality of conduits for introducing electrolyte into the bipolar cells, each of the conduits acting to introduce electrolyte into a different one of the bipolar cells. In another embodiment, the battery comprises at least one spacer element acting to maintain the spacing between plates and/or electrodes in the battery.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1990Date of Patent: November 26, 1991Assignee: Ensci, Inc.Inventors: Thomas J. Clough, Richard J. Moulton
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Patent number: 5059496Abstract: A nickel-hydrogen battery or cell having one or more pressure vessels containing hydrogen gas and a plurality of cell-modules therein. Each cell-module includes a configuration of cooperatively associated oxygen and electrolyte mangement and component alignment features. A cell-module having electrolyte includes a negative electrode, a positive electrode adapted to facilitate oxygen diffusion, a separator disposed between the positive and negative electrodes for separating them and holding electrolyte for ionic conductivity, an absorber engaging the surface of the positive electrode facing away from the separator for providing electrolyte to the positive electrode, and a pair of surface-channeled diffusion screens for enclosing the positive and negative electrodes, absorber, and separator and for maintaining proper alignment of these components.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1989Date of Patent: October 22, 1991Assignee: Globe-Union Inc.Inventor: John F. Sindorf
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Patent number: 4882242Abstract: A closed gas-tight battery comprised of cells having electrodes, separators and electrolyte, each cell having its own housing which is open at one face and constituted of a circumferential plastic wall forming a sealing element in conjunction with a disk-shaped conductive face wall. The face wall is mounted at its peripheral rim in the one end portion of the circumferential wall, in gas and liquid-tight fashion. An end of the circumferential wall is flush, at the open end of the cell housing, with the plane of an adjoining cell component, while the other housing end lies in one plane with the outside surface of the conductive wall of the cell. Each cell forms a separate unit, and a stack of such units is sheathed by the battery casing to be sealed gas-tight.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1988Date of Patent: November 21, 1989Assignee: Christoph Emmerich GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Manfred Kilb, Klaus D. Degen
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Patent number: 4830936Abstract: An activatable electrochemical battery implementing lithium/oxyhalide couples.The present invention relates to an activatable lithium/SOCl.sub.2 or lithium/SO.sub.2 Cl.sub.2 primary battery in which means are provided for eliminating leakage currents and means are provided for controlling the temperature rise during discharge.Thus, each electrochemical element is enclosed, in a sealed insulating housing constituted by a bottom, a cover, and a spacer constituting its side wall. The terminals of the elements are plates of nickel enabling heat to be dissipated into a heat-conducting resin.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1988Date of Patent: May 16, 1989Assignee: Saft, S.A.Inventors: Jean-Pierre Planchat, Jean-Pierre Descroix, Philippe Jehanno
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Patent number: 4816354Abstract: This invention relates to a cell construction for alkaline batteries, to alkaline batteries utilizing such cells and to methods for the manufacture thereof. Each cell has a positive electrode, a negative electrode in the form of a paste contained within a sealed bag, and a dielectric positioned at least between the electrodes. The electrodes and dielectric are sealed within a flexible package and a pointed conductor is provided which is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the cell, extends therefrom, and is adapted to pierce the package and negative electrode bag of an adjacent cell to make electrical contact with the negative electrode paste of such cell when the cells are pressed together to form a battery. The invention provides improved sealing between the cells by inhibiting the denting of the packaging and negative electrode bag prior to piercing by use of a stiff supporting plate mounted to the negative electrode side of the cell.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1988Date of Patent: March 28, 1989Inventor: Pentti J. Tamminen
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Patent number: 4535038Abstract: A battery stack has a plurality of inner frames and a plurality of outer frames. Pairs of inner and outer rings are connected by a web of porous insulating material which separates battery plates. The frames are fused together forming a unity housing with an inner electrolyte well.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 1984Date of Patent: August 13, 1985Assignee: GTE Communications Products CorporationInventors: Gerard H. Boyle, Roger K. Freeman, Franz Goebel
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Patent number: 4505996Abstract: There is disclosed a primary cell for batteries having a sealed, flexible, non-conductive envelope for the active elements of a cell. A subassembly of a combination of the active elements comprises a pouch containing a fluid electrode mass and having a separator sheet included in one wall thereof adapted to be positioned in the envelope with the separator sheet between the enclosed electrode mass and the opposite polarity electrode. The electrode mass-separator subassembly is made up of sheets of flexible material positioned on opposite faces of the electrode mass and bonded together as by face-to-face fusion of the materials of the sheets around their superimposed perimeters to enclose the electrode mass.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1983Date of Patent: March 19, 1985Inventor: Robert D. Simonton
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Patent number: 4471035Abstract: A battery of electrochemical cells employing several identical housing sections of conductive material stacked in a series arrangement with insulation between them at the points of connection. Each two adjacent housing sections form an enclosed chamber. Each chamber contains the electrochemical system of an electrochemical cell with the anode members in contact with one of the housing sections forming the chamber and the cathode members in contact with the other of the housing sections forming the chamber. The electrochemical cells within each chamber form a battery of cells arranged in series both physically and electrically with each housing section serving as the positive terminal for the cell of one chamber and the negative terminal for the cell of an adjacent chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 1983Date of Patent: September 11, 1984Assignee: GTE Communications Products CorporationInventors: Franz Goebel, Morton A. Slavin