And Common External Casing, Tray Or Clamp Means Patents (Class 429/159)
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Patent number: 6541154Abstract: A multi-cell structure battery (1A) comprising: a plurality of columnar cells accommodated in a casing (11); bus bars (23A, 23B) to connect respective terminals of the cells; signal transmitting wires (16) to connect the respective cells to an external device; a cell holder (12) to hold the cells; and a covering (13) fixed to the cell holder so as to oppose against the terminals of the cells, the bus bars being disposed on an inner surface of the covering opposed to the terminals of the cells and the signal transmitting wires being disposed in an outer surface of the covering.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignees: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Shin-Kobe Electric Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Etsuo Oogami, Tatsuo Horiba
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Publication number: 20030054239Abstract: In an assembled battery including at least two unit cells provided within a supporter, each unit cell is a thin laminate cell packaged with a laminate, and each unit cell is covered by a group of at least one resin. Thus, the assembled battery has a stable performance without structure breakdown or a fracture of the connection tab even when vibration is applied.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Applicant: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kyoichi Watanabe, Hideaki Horie, Hiroshi Sugawara
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Publication number: 20030054238Abstract: A 9V rechargeable battery comprising a plurality of column cells connected in series and enclosed by a container and a cover with a negative terminal and a positive terminal. Said container (1) further comprises a pair of lateral sidewalls formed with openings and another pair of lateral sidewalls formed with recesses so as to receive said cells snugly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventors: Jianbo Yu, Ping Zhang, Jiangfeng Wu, Xuefeng Gao
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Patent number: 6528206Abstract: Electric accumulator battery, which comprises a receptacle (1) with cover, of a size which fits in the compartment traditionally reserved for this purpose in a motor vehicle. This receptacle is subdivided internally into a series of cells (2) that are distributed in two or more parallel rows between which are formed intermediate ventilation ducts (3), which are open to the outside through the bottom and the cover.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Sociedad EspaƱola del Acumulador Tudor, S.A.Inventors: Rafael Ruiz Rodriguez, Antonio Ripoll Anton
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Patent number: 6524743Abstract: A battery case comprising a pair of case members joined together along a seam to form a housing. Each case member includes a pair of sidewalls adapted to define a base surface on which the case rests so as to permit a plurality of resting orientations of the battery case. The seam is positioned above the lowermost base surface of the casing to contain any leaked battery acid regardless of case orientation. Further, the battery case includes supports for supporting the lower surface of the battery above any leaked acid, as well as partitions that define a discrete cavity for each battery to isolate the battery from an adjacent battery that may be leaking. The battery case also includes an electrical connector mounted for two dimensional movement that facilitates completion of a blind and automatic connection of the battery case with a complementary connector.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: February 25, 2003Assignee: Toshiba International CorporationInventor: Mark A Vackar
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Patent number: 6521372Abstract: A battery having an array of rectangular cells with cylindrical ends housed in a rectangular battery container and a battery having a single rectangular electrochemical cell with a cylindrical end. Each cell has a rectangular section substantially housing the active cell materials and a cylindrical end with a round cover/seal assembly assembled thereto.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2000Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.Inventor: Lewis F. Urry
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Publication number: 20030031921Abstract: A battery module has a plurality of electrically connected unit cells fixed in a container. A buffer member is provided at the void between the inner wall of the container and the unit cell. By virtue of the buffer member in the battery module formed of a heat conductive elastic body, the requirement of vibration resistance can be met by the buffer member while the heat generated by the unit cell can be easily discharged via the buffer member. Thus, a battery module suppressed in degradation of the performance of the unit cell caused by heat can be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2002Publication date: February 13, 2003Applicant: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Naoya Nakanishi, Kouichi Satoh, Yoshito Chikano, Kazunari Ohkita, Ikuo Yonezu, Koji Nishio
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Patent number: 6517967Abstract: A high capacity primary (single-use; non-rechargeable) battery pack for high current portable appliances such as cellular phones employs electrochemical cells that use ambient oxygen for one of the electrodes. The pack makes possible a simple low cost design by providing for oxygen supply in a completely passive yet compact configuration. Cells may be arranged inside a housing in a tightly packed arrangement by providing internal spaces that are sized to permit diffusion and, if possible, bulk air flow. The highest volumetric energy density is achievable by permitting bulk flow of air into the housing. It has been found that in practical use, in applications such as cellular telephones, that bulk air flow can play a significant role in gas exchange required for operation. A number of design criteria are developed for providing for a mix of molecular diffusion and bulk flow in the design of battery packs according to the invention.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1999Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Electric Fuel LimitedInventors: Yaron Shrim, Menachem Givon, Tzvi Rosenberg, Neal Naimer, Mariano Abramson, Jonathan Goldstein, Mark Slutski
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Patent number: 6517966Abstract: A plurality of prismatic cell cases having short lateral walls and long lateral walls are coupled together such that each of the short lateral walls of these cell cases is common to two adjacent cell cases as partitions, thereby constituting an integral battery case of a battery module. Each of the cell cases respectively accommodating therein elements for electromotive force, and electrode connecting terminals of positive and negative polarities are arranged at lengthwise opposite ends of the battery module. A large number of projections are formed dispersedly on both side faces of the battery module for forming coolant passages between two battery modules when butted with corresponding plurality of projections formed on both sides of an adjacent battery module. The height of the projections positioned opposite the partitions in the integral battery case is set lower than the height of the other projections.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2000Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignees: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shuhei Marukawa, Ko Watanabe, Toyohiko Eto
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Publication number: 20030027040Abstract: A cell includes an electrode plate group which is formed by laminating a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate with a separator interposed between them, and includes leads protruding toward directions opposite to each other from one side of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, collectors which are joined to the leads on both sides of the electrode plate group, and include connection protrusions formed so as to protrude outside, and a bag-shape battery case containing the electrode plate group joined to the collectors such that only the connection protrusions of the collectors are protruded outside. A battery module is constituted by placing a plurality of the cells in a prismatic battery case while the connection protrusions of the collectors of the cells are connected with each other, thereby making the current-carrying path between the electrode plate groups straight and short and increasing the output.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventors: Takashi Asahina, Shinsuke Fukuda, Shinji Hamada, Toyohiko Eto, Masato Onishi
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Publication number: 20030013013Abstract: A circuit assembly includes a first substrate formed with a first wiring pattern, a second substrate formed with a second wiring pattern, and a joint member for electrically and/or mechanically connecting the first substrate to the second substrate. The joint member includes a set of separated leads extending generally parallel to each other, and a first and a second retainers transversely connecting the leads to each other. The first and the second retainers are formed by molding a resin so that they are integral with the leads by allowing the molding resin to enter the spaces between the leads.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2002Publication date: January 16, 2003Applicant: ROHM CO., LTD.Inventor: Satoshi Nakamura
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Publication number: 20030003353Abstract: In a battery pack, first through nth secondary batteries, where n is an integer which is 2 or more, are sequentially stacked from the pack output terminals. (n+2)th and (n+1)th secondary batteries are disposed from the positions of pack output terminals in a row in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the first through nth secondary batteries are arranged. First polarity terminals of the (n+2)th and (n+1)th secondary batteries are connected to each other. A pack output terminal having a second polarity opposite to the first polarity and the second polarity terminals of the nth, the (n+1)th, and the (n+2)th are connected in common by a conductive body. In the above battery pack, the second polarity terminals of the (n+2)th and (n+1)th secondary batteries are connected to each other by a first conductive body.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventor: Jong-Sam Kim
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Publication number: 20030003350Abstract: The subject invention provides a tray assembly for use in forming a sealed lead-acid battery system which houses multiple battery cells in horizontal positions for motive-power applications. In one aspect of the subject invention, the battery system includes a plurality of sealed lead-acid battery cells, and a housing having a plurality of walls which define an interior for accommodating the battery cells. At least one tray insert bears against a base of the housing which partitions the interior into at least two compartments for accommodating the battery cells. In a second aspect of the subject invention, a sealed lead-acid battery system for motive-power applications may be provided which utilizes at least one spacer partially disposed between two battery cells to cause separation thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2002Publication date: January 2, 2003Applicant: C&D Charter Holdings, Inc.Inventors: Drew Heimer, Joseph Rozecki
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Patent number: 6479180Abstract: In a vehicle fuel cell supporting apparatus and method supporting a fuel cell formed by a plurality of unit cells, each of which is provided with an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte film, and is laminated together with a separator intervening therebetween in a forward and rearward direction of the vehicle, relative movement, in a forward direction of the vehicle, of the cell element located at the front most position of the fuel cell with respect to the vehicle is blocked.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2000Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tetsuo Uozumi
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Patent number: 6475659Abstract: A battery system having lead-acid cells, vertically upstanding cell support frame for supporting the cells, vertically upstanding members with receptacle means for slidably receiving and retaining vertical cell supports, and manually assemble means for connectively maintaining and spacing the upstanding members for receipt of the cell supports. The cells have horizontal positive and negative sandwiched lead-metal plates contained within a cell case resting on the vertical supports. The case has an expandable region surrounding the terminal for relieving pressure on that terminal from grid expansion while simultaneously maintaining the integrity of the case seal to the terminal. The cell support frame includes an elongated strap external of the case for connecting together terminals of the cell and having an output terminal and a central portion on the strap for electric communication with another battery.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1999Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: C&D Charter Holdings Inc.Inventor: Drew Heimer
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Patent number: 6465123Abstract: A Battery container is provided for a plurality of cylindrical accumulator elements which are arranged parallel to one another in rows and/or layers essentially horizontally. At least one first fixing element is arranged on a bottom plate and a cover plate of the battery container. The fixing elements extend transversely to the longitudinal axes of the accumulator elements and, with a form-locking action, fix and support the accumulator elements in the horizontal and the vertical direction. In the case of a layer-type arrangement of the accumulator elements, additional fixing elements are provided which are arranged between two layers of accumulator elements respectively and which also extend transversely to the longitudinal axes of the accumulator elements and, while acting upon the accumulator elements in a form-locking manner, fix and support the accumulator elements in the horizontal and vertical direction.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2000Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Bernd M. Baumann, Johann German
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Patent number: 6451473Abstract: In a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery in which a battery element which is constructed by forming an anode active material layer and a cathode active material layer on an anode collecting body and a cathode collecting body, respectively, and laminating and winding them together with two separators, is housed in a battery can. An electrical connecting member for electrical connection between an inner electrode lead and an external terminal is designed to have spring property so that a winding core is pressurized and fixed to the center of the battery can, and the battery is structured such that connection between the inner lead and the connecting member can be made on an end face of the winding core inside of the battery can.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: NEC Tokin CorporationInventors: Susumu Saito, Takayuki Inoi
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Patent number: 6451474Abstract: A battery pack that reduces thickness and lightens weight as required for battery power sources of portable electronic equipment. A battery pack is constituted by accommodating a battery and battery protection device between a top case and bottom case forming a pack case. Since the battery is formed accommodated within an external casing wherein positive and negative electrode plates are formed by laminated sheet, reduced thickness and reduced weight of battery pack can be achieved. Also, since the face of bottom case opposite the battery is formed as a resiliently deformable face which is formed of small thickness, when expansion takes place such that the thickness of the battery as a whole increases, resiliently deformable face deforms maintaining a planar condition by resilient deformation, so that there is no possibility of an adverse effect on the equipment due to drum-shaped swelling being produced in battery pack, by such swelling.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Katsumi Kozu, Shigeru Kajiwara, Shoji Konishi, Takashi Takemura, Junji Fujiwara, Ryoichi Kaiwa, Tetsuo Hirabayashi
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Patent number: 6436570Abstract: For use with a composite battery stand having a shelf adapted to receive at least one battery, an electrical distribution system, a composite battery stand incorporating the system and a method of manufacturing the composite battery stand. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a rigid conductor, longitudinally formed in the shelf, that provides structural support to the shelf and (2) a connector coupled to the rigid conductor and adapted to receive a mating connector of a battery thereby providing electrical connectivity thereto.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Inventors: Subhas Chandra Chalasani, Keith Bruce Kelley, Roy Kuipers
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Patent number: 6428925Abstract: A battery pack having a plurality of battery cells stored side by side in a case. The case, in particular, includes a bottomed trough and a lid, the trough having a space as a cell storage portion defined between inner and outer wall portions paired to form a loop and a space as a hollow surrounded by the inner wall portion and penetrating the trough from top to bottom, the lid closing a top opening of the cell storage portion. The battery cells are arranged in a loop along the inner and outer wall portions, whereby a rise and variation in their temperature can be restrained.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2000Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: Toshiba Battery Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuta Takeno, Yukinori Akamoto, Haruhiko Tanaka, Kazumi Sato, Kiyoshi Ishitsuka, Hiroshi Kanasaki
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Publication number: 20020102457Abstract: A multi-cell structure battery (1A) comprising: a plurality of columnar cells accommodated in a casing (11); bus bars (23A, 23B) to connect respective terminals of the cells; signal transmitting wires (16) to connect the respective cells to an external device; a cell holder (12) to hold the cells; and a covering (13) fixed to the cell holder so as to oppose against the terminals of the cells, the bus bars being disposed on an inner surface of the covering opposed to the terminals of the cells and the signal transmitting wires being disposed in an outer surface of the covering.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2001Publication date: August 1, 2002Inventors: Etsuo Oogami, Tatsuo Horiba
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Publication number: 20020094475Abstract: An assembled battery unit has a plurality of battery cells and one holding plate, and the battery cells are fixed on the holding plate. In the assembled battery unit constructed as described above, the battery cells are fixed on one holding plate. In a case of the above-mentioned assembled battery unit construction, for example, when the assembled battery unit is incorporated in information communication equipment, etc., individual battery cells do not move up and down when the holding plate is held by hand, so that work for installing the assembled battery unit in a housing can be performed easily. Also, since the assembled battery unit is not housed in a casing, but is fixed by one holding plate, the assembled battery unit can be housed in the housing for information communication equipment, etc. in a compact form.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2002Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventor: Minoru Aoyama
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Patent number: 6410184Abstract: The power source holds a plurality of parallel oriented power modules in a holder-case. The holder-case is provided with cover-casings on both sides and intermediate-casings between them. Holder ribs project from the insides of cover-casings and from both sides of intermediate-casings for arranging power modules in a plurality of rows and retaining them in fixed positions. Cover-casings on both sides and intermediate-casings are joined to sandwich and hold the plurality of rows of power modules in fixed positions via the holder ribs.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2000Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tatsuhito Horiuchi, Yoshiharu Takasaki
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Patent number: 6406812Abstract: This direct current power supply for electric vehicles includes a modular set of electrical storage batteries (16) which are electrically interconnected. The batteries are disposed in battery boxes (18, 20) which can be stacked to constitute a stack of modules (12, 14).Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Oldham France S.A.Inventors: Claude Maurice Pierre Dreulle, Pierre Georges Gerard Lenain
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Publication number: 20020071988Abstract: The present invention includes a housing having a casing and a cap. A connecting conductor is joined to the cap, and a plunger conductor assembly is electrically connected to the connecting conductor. A battery may be placed in the casing and electrically connected to an electrically conductive concentric ring. When the cap is attached to the casing, the plunger conductor is electrically connected with the concentric ring so as to provide electricity from the battery to the connecting conductor. A method of delivering electricity using such a housing is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2000Publication date: June 13, 2002Inventors: Robert Zayatz, Michael David Brown
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Patent number: 6399238Abstract: A stand alone battery module including: (a) a mechanical configuration; (b) a thermal management configuration; (c) an electrical connection configuration; and (d) an electronics configuration. Such a module is fully interchangeable in a battery pack assembly, mechanically, from the thermal management point of view, and electrically. With the same hardware, the module can accommodate different cell sizes and, therefore, can easily have different capacities. The module structure is designed to accommodate the electronics monitoring, protection, and printed wiring assembly boards (PWAs), as well as to allow airflow through the module. A plurality of modules may easily be connected together to form a battery pack. The parts of the module are designed to facilitate their manufacture and assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 1999Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Assignee: AlcatelInventors: Salah Oweis, Louis D'Ussel, Guy Chagnon, Michael Zuhowski, Tim Sack, Gaullume Laucournet, Edward J. Jackson
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Patent number: 6379837Abstract: A battery device in which a large number of secondary batteries are efficiently housed and cemented strongly so that malfunctioning secondary batteries found after assembling can be exchanged and so that unusual heat evolution can be detected reliably. To this end, a pair of modular casing halves 43, 44 having battery housing half sections 49, 64 and a large number of terminal openings 46, 47 communicating with the battery housing half sections are coupled to each other to constitute a modular casing 13 having a battery housing section 45. A large number of secondary batteries 12 are housed in the battery housing section so that both end terminals of the secondary batteries will be exposed to outside through the terminal openings. Each modular casing half is provided with bottomed adhesive charging openings 72 in register with the respective terminal openings and adhesive efflux opening parts 78 communicating with the terminal openings and with the adhesive charging openings.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2000Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Hideya Takahashi, Ryoichi Yamane, Yoshikazu Kanaishi
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Patent number: 6372377Abstract: Mechanically and thermally improved rechargeable batteries and modules. The battery is prismatic in shape with an optimized thickness to width to height aspect ratio which provides the battery with balanced optimal properties when compared with prismatic batteries lacking this optimized aspect ratio. The optimized thickness, width and height allow for maximum capacity and power output, while eliminating deleterious side affects. The battery case design allows for unidirectional expansion which is readily compensated for by applying external mechanical compression counter to that direction. In the module, the batteries are bound within a module bundling/compression means under external mechanical compression which is optimized to balance outward pressure due to expansion and provide additional inward compression to reduce the distance between the positive and negative electrodes, thereby increasing overall battery power.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1999Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignee: Ovonic Battery Company, Inc.Inventors: Stanford R. Ovshinsky, Dennis A. Corrigan, Srinivasan Venkatesan, Subhash K. Dhar, Arthur Holland, Donn Fillmore, Lin Higley, Philippe Gow, Ronald Himmler, Nick Karditsas, Kenneth Laming, Anthony Osgood
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Patent number: 6368743Abstract: Described is a battery package (10) comprising: A housing (12) in which a plurality of batteries (18) are assembled, wherein each battery has a front side and a back side (22); aligned to fit into receptacles (16, 30) therefor, a blade (20), located on the front and back sides (22) of the batteries; and a printed circuit board (14, 24) at the front and back side of the batteries, each board having receptacles (16,30) for receiving the edge of the blades (20) of the batteries and for electrically connecting the batteries within the housing and providing mechanical support for the batteries.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John T. Guerin, John Ingram, Morgan Rey Benson, Brad T. Hanauer
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Patent number: 6365297Abstract: A battery pack is provided having at least first and second battery modules, and which in one embodiment has ten modules. Each battery module includes a respective first terminal extending from one end of the module and a respective second terminal extending from the other end of the module. The battery pack further includes a conductive interface having a first opening configured to receive the first terminal of the first battery module and a second opening configured to receive the second terminal of the second battery module to thereby provide an electrical series connection. The interface electrically couples the terminals of the two battery modules. The battery pack may further include an electrically non-conductive buss terminal holder configured to receive and position the first and second battery modules and the conductive interface.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 1999Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael C. Wolczak, Christopher E. Schaefer, Robert C. Beer, Brad T. Hanauer
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Publication number: 20020025474Abstract: A plurality of secondary batteries are connected either one of in series and in parallel with metal plates, and are joined by connection plates to form a unit with spacing provided between the secondary batteries disposed in parallel. Also, when arranging an odd number of the secondary batteries, an arrangement is also possible where a connection plate at an end point of an even number of the secondary batteries is joined to the remaining battery so that the secondary batteries can be arranged in a different shape. The spacing improves the heat radiation capability of the secondary batteries, and a pressing force is prevented from being applied to the secondary batteries by forming supporting struts in the spacing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2001Publication date: February 28, 2002Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., Ltd.Inventor: Tatsuhisa Chikada
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Publication number: 20020025473Abstract: End caps for a battery pack. The end caps have opposing flanges for securing therebetween batteries. At the lateral edges of the flanges, a space is provided for at least a portion of a battery being secured in the pack to protrude outwardly, so that the battery pack is secured without extra width for the end caps. The end caps are compressively engaged to make electrical connection with the terminals of the uppermost and the lowermost batteries. A strapping tape is utilized for wrapping the battery pack around a longitudinal exist to tightly compress batteries between the end caps. The tape is covered by and further compressed with a tightly compressing shrink wrap material.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2001Publication date: February 28, 2002Inventor: Roland K. Peterson
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Publication number: 20020022159Abstract: A modular electric storage battery is adaptable to a variety of applications, and for example, as a starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) battery of a car, truck, motorcycle, lawn and garden equipment or other internal combustion engine powered product. The modular battery is constructed from a plurality of battery cells assembled into a battery housing. The cells are sealed, maintenance-free, rechargeable cells. The housing includes quick connect termination, and the starting application is adapted with a base unit having complementary termination. The modular battery and base unit also include aligning features to ensure proper interconnection of the battery terminals. The base unit may be adapted to receive several sizes of modular battery. In addition, a second modular battery, that may be configured as a flashlight or other device, is provided and can inter-connected with the base unit to provide a jump starting capability.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Applicant: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: John R. Pierson, Michael G. Andrew, James J. Bolstad, James T. Daley, William P. Segall
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Publication number: 20020012832Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an improved battery pack is employed. The battery pack includes a housing with opposing walls, a plurality of cells disposed within the housing, at least two terminals electrically connected to the cells, a latching mechanism disposed on each opposing wall for latching the battery pack to a cordless device, each latching mechanism including a latch and a button disposed on the wall for moving the latch between unlatching and latching positions, the latching buttons being disposed along a first plane, the first plane being substantially vertical, wherein the number of cells disposed along the first plane is smaller than the number of cells disposed along a second plane substantially parallel to the first plane. The battery pack may also include a stacked cell disposed on the plurality of cells. The stacked cell may be disposed along the first plane. However, the stacked cell is not included in the number of cells disposed along the first plane.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2001Publication date: January 31, 2002Inventors: Paul S. White, Mary Elizabeth Larkin, Michael J. Agnes
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Patent number: 6340538Abstract: A battery tray assembly is described which has a bottom member and four side walls which are attached to the bottom member thereby forming an enclosure; the enclosure adapted to removably receive a battery therein; one of the walls having integral battery holddown members to retain the battery in position when placed in the enclosure; spaced adjacent to one of the walls a slot for snuggly retaining an electrical control module for modulating the engine performance; a manually operable cover which securely fits over the enclosure and the module when it is placed in the slot, the cover when open facilitates inspection or removal of the battery from the enclosure; integral with the slot for the control module a second enclosure formed of a second bottom member and four sides, the second enclosure adapted to snuggly retain a second module for modulating the performance of the engine; and a second cover being manually removable which fits over the second enclosure.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2000Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Gary Jack King
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Patent number: 6312849Abstract: A battery cell sleeve assembly includes a continuous cylindrical thermal sleeve extending between proximal and distal ends and has a plurality of substantially unidirectional longitudinally extending elongated heat conduction fibers having a thermal conductivity no less than that of aluminum embedded in an adhesive matrix. The thermal sleeve is received on the outer peripheral surface of a cylindrical battery cell and in a contiguous relationship with the battery cell. A cylindrical base member having an annular flange is attached to the thermal sleeve such that the distal ends of the heat conduction fibers are contiguous with the annular flange. With this construction, the annular flange operates as a heat shunt for drawing heat away from the thermal sleeve by conduction between the heat conduction fibers and the annular flange. In one embodiment, the heat conduction fibers are graphite and the thermal sleeve is between about 0.010 and 0.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1999Date of Patent: November 6, 2001Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, Inc.Inventor: John C. Hall
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Patent number: 6303248Abstract: A solderless battery pack. The pack has a generally thin wall cell body portion with two tubular segments each adapted to hold a plurality of batteries. An upper end cap and a lower end cap are provided for fitting tightly over the upper and lower ends of the cell body portion, respectively. The end caps are compressingly engaged to make electrical connection with the terminals of the uppermost and the lowermost batteries by use of opposing all-thread fasteners, or more preferably, by use of shrink wrap tubing. More preferably, instead of all-thread fasteners, a filament type strapping tape is utilized for wrapping the battery pack around a longitudinal exist to tightly compress batteries in each column of batteries. Then, the tape is covered by and further compressed with a tightly compressing shrink wrap material.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1999Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Inventor: Roland K. Peterson
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Patent number: 6300003Abstract: A lead-acid cell includes a case, positive and negative plates within the case, microporous separator material between adjacent plates and electrolyte in a starved amount, with the case having jar and covers joined by a weldment along overlapping cover and jars. The positive plates include a grid frame with an intermediate member extending between spaced apart generally peripheral portions of the frame, with pasted active material on the grid frame separated substantially into two portions by the intermediate member. Compressive force is adjustably continuously applied to the positive and negative plates within the case. The plates are suspended within the case at positions removed from the wall of the case, while plate growth is permitted in a manner that plate shorting is avoided.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1997Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Inventors: Sudhan S. Misra, Franz Wagner
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Publication number: 20010026886Abstract: A fluid-cooled battery pack system can maintain the variation in battery temperature in a battery pack within the permissible temperature range even when the variation in the gaps between battery modules is considered. A plurality of battery modules are each provided with a plurality of convex portions and concave portions on the sides thereof, where the connections to other battery modules are made. When the battery modules are connected by bringing the opposite convex portions into contact with each other, coolant flow paths, through which a coolant flows, are formed. The target width of the coolant flow paths is set so that the variation in temperature relative to the target temperature of each battery module is maintained within a predetermined range when the coolant flows through the coolant flow paths; the variation in temperature is caused by a fabrication tolerance relative to the target width of the coolant flow paths between the battery modules.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2001Publication date: October 4, 2001Applicant: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co.,Ltd.Inventors: Kiwamu Inui, Toyohiko Etoh
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Patent number: 6296970Abstract: A connector assembly connects a plurality of battery cells in a serial/parallel arrangement. Each battery cell includes a cover and a canister having a side and a bottom. Each battery cell is constructed such that a segment of the side of the canister forms a top crimped portion that retains the cover and is electrically isolated from the cover. The connector assembly includes a conductive weld cup. The conductive weld cup includes a bordered portion and recessed portion. The bordered portion includes a first side wall and a ledge that is substantially planar. The recessed portion is recessed within the ledge. The recessed portion includes a recessed portion and a floor that is substantially planar. The first side wall includes an integrated tab projecting from it. An inner surface of the bordered portion engages an outer surface of the side and the bottom of the canister of an upper adjacent battery cell. An outer surface of the floor engages a cover of a lower adjacent battery cell.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2000Date of Patent: October 2, 2001Assignee: Moltech Power Systems, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Killebrew, Martin C. Orler, Thomas F. Shea, James R. Brown, Harvey C. Hilderbrand, Vincent Puglisi, David L. DeVries
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Patent number: 6287719Abstract: A battery construction is disclosed that includes a housing and a spiral-wound electrode assembly disposed in the housing and defining at least two electrochemical cells that are electrically connected in series. Both of the cells include wound layers of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a polymer electrolyte provided between the positive and negative electrode layers. The layers of each successive electrochemical cell are wound around the layers of the previous cell and are preferably separated therefrom by an insulating layer. By utilizing a polymer electrolyte, the need for expensive microporous separator layers is eliminated as is the need for providing separate sealed containers to construct a multi-cell battery. Thus, a less-expensive and space-efficient multi-cell spiral-wound electrode construction may be obtained.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1998Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.Inventor: John C. Bailey
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Publication number: 20010010878Abstract: A battery module has a plurality of electrically connected unit cells fixed in a container. A buffer member is provided at the void between the inner wall of the container and the unit cell. By virtue of the buffer member in the battery module formed of a heat conductive elastic body, the requirement of vibration resistance can be met by the buffer member while the heat generated by the unit cell can be easily discharged via the buffer member. Thus, a battery module suppressed in degradation of the performance of the unit cell caused by heat can be provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2001Publication date: August 2, 2001Applicant: Sanyo Electric Co., LTD.Inventors: Naoya Nakanishi, Kouichi Satoh, Yoshito Chikano, Kazunari Ohkita, Ikuo Yonezu, Koji Nishio
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Patent number: 6265098Abstract: An electric energy storage device includes a plurality of electrical energy cells. Each of the cells has an anode plate, a cathode plate, and electrolyte material. Current collectors are provided between the cells to conduct electrical current between the cells. The current collectors optionally include a seal that prevents electrolyte flow between the cells while permitting flow of vapor between the cells. The cells and current collectors may be contained in a common pressure vessel without separate pressure vessels being provided for each of the cells.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1997Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: EV Energy Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Thomas E. Audit, Jon K. West
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Patent number: 6265091Abstract: A modular electric storage battery is adaptable to a variety of applications, and for example, as a starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) battery of a car, truck, motorcycle, lawn and garden equipment or other internal combustion engine powered product. The modular battery is constructed from a plurality of battery cells assembled into a battery housing. The cells are sealed, maintenance-free, rechargeable cells. The housing includes quick connect termination, and the starting application is adapted with a base unit having complementary termination. The modular battery and base unit also include aligning features to ensure proper interconnection of the battery terminals. The base unit may be adapted to receive several sizes of modular battery. In addition, a second modular battery, that may be configured as a flashlight or other device, is provided and can inter-connected with the base unit to provide a jump starting capability.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1997Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: John R. Pierson, Michael G. Andrew, James J. Bolstad, James T. Daley, William P. Segall, Jr.
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Patent number: 6251535Abstract: A battery case comprising a case body, a closure for closing an open end of the case body, a pivotal plate pivotally movably supported in the vicinity of an opening edge of another open end of the case body for covering this open end, and a spring attached to the case body externally thereof for biasing the pivotal plate inwardly of the case body. Contact pieces are provided on the closure and the pivotal plate each on the inner surface thereof and adapted to contact the positive electrode and the negative electrode of a battery respectively.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1999Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hisao Yamada, Akihiro Suzuki
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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: 6224997Abstract: Described herein is a flexible battery pack for powering downhole electronic equipment. The pack includes a plurality of electrochemical cells connected and tied together in a stacked working relationship by a pair of semi cylindraceous encapsulating shells which form a primary containment for the electrochemical cells. The shells are secured at each end to a cylindrical insulating plug which secures the shells together. The shells preferably comprise a glass fiber reinforced plastic material. The primary containment is then sealed in a stainless steel tube which is provided to hold the interior components in place during operation. The encapsulating members are provided with an internal grooved recess which receives and holds any electrical conductors which may be required for operation of the battery pack.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 1999Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Inventor: Nick Papadopoulos
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Patent number: 6218042Abstract: The device for assembling electrochemical cells together (6) side-by-side to form a battery is made up of two identical elements. Each of said elements comprises a base (2) supporting the ends of said cells, said base (2) being formed of an end wall (4) surrounded by an edge band (5), at least one elongate coupling prong (3) for coupling to the other element, which prong is integrally molded with the edge band (5) from which it projects perpendicularly, and complementary means (8, 9) co-operating to hold the two elements (1) assembled together and consisting firstly of a tooth formed on the prong of one of the elements and projecting in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the assembly direction, and secondly of a recess in the edge band of the other element for receiving said tooth so as to snap-fasten.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1998Date of Patent: April 17, 2001Assignee: AlcatelInventors: Jean-Paul Naudet, Francis Potiron
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Publication number: 20010000238Abstract: A battery having an array of rectangular cells with cylindrical ends housed in a rectangular battery container and a battery having a single rectangular electrochemical cell with a cylindrical end. Each cell has a rectangular section substantially housing the active cell materials and a cylindrical end with a round cover/seal assembly assembled thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2000Publication date: April 12, 2001Inventor: Lewis F. Urry
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Patent number: 6187470Abstract: A solderless battery pack. The pack has a generally thin wall cell body portion with two tubular segments each adapted to hold a plurality of batteries. An upper end cap and a lower end cap are provided for fitting tightly over the upper and lower ends of the cell body portion, respectively. The end caps are compressingly engaged to make electrical connection with the terminals of the uppermost and the lowermost batteries by use of opposing all-thread fasteners. The all thread fasteners each extend through the upper and lower end caps and and along side of the cell body portion in a spaced apart relationship. The all thread fasteners are removably affixed by nuts below and above the end caps. In this manner, batteries are provided a complete electrical circuit without current draining soldered or welded contacts.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1998Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Inventor: Roland K. Peterson