Intracell Assembly Having Cell Electrode Connector Patents (Class 429/161)
  • Patent number: 5397659
    Abstract: An electrochemical storage device and a process for making the same has electrode plates of differing polarity which are stacked one upon the other. Each one of the electrode plates exhibits a metallized electrode structure and a current tapping vane which is resistant to bending and which is electrically conductively secured to a welding margin of the electrode structure. The same-polarity current tapping vanes of the electrode plates are electrically connected to a connecting strap extending parallel to the electrode plate stack and within the storage device housing. In order that, inter alia, the service life of the electrochemical storage device should be increased, the current tapping vanes disposed at the electrode structures are permanently shaped in accordance with their installation position essentially only outside the welding margin, in such a manner that in the installed condition they are free from mechanical stresses in the region of the welding margin onto the electrode structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: Deutsche Automobilgesellschaft mbH
    Inventors: Otwin Imhof, Holger Kistrup
  • Patent number: 5395710
    Abstract: An electrode plate is formed from a porous electrode framework with welded-on current discharge lug for use in electrochemical storage cells. The electrode framework is formed from metallized plastic and has a current discharge lug welded on in a unilateral and overlapping manner on the weld-on edge of the electrode framework. The material thickness of the current discharge lug decreases in the weld-on end towards the weld-on edge. The material of the electrode framework assigned to the weld-on end of the current discharge lug is compressed in the region of the overlap. For greater stability of the welding, the weld-on end of the current discharge lug is formed by teeth spaced apart from one another by teeth interspaces. The teeth interspaces are at least wide enough that, when there is pressing during the welding on of the current discharge lug, the material of the electrode framework can swell between the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignees: Deutsche Automobilgesellschaft mbH, Daug-Hoppecke Gesellschaft fuer Batteriesystems mbH
    Inventors: Otwin Imhof, Wilhelm Kitzhofer
  • Patent number: 5389457
    Abstract: A galvanic cell, such as an alkaline cell employing an anode that expands during discharge, such as a zinc electrode, in which a gas filled collapsible member is disposed within the anode to accommodate any expansion of the anode during discharge or during storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Lewis F. Urry
  • Patent number: 5376468
    Abstract: A dense substrate for a solid oxide fuel cell, comprising: a base portion, support portions and fixing portions all of which project from the base portion so as to be arranged sequentially in one direction; grooves formed between the support portions and the fixing portions or between the support portions; and mount portions which are provided on the support portions between the fixing portions for mounting and fixing at least cell sections thereon. A solid oxide fuel cell is easily manufactured at a reduced cost by arranging a plurality of cell sections and, if required, plate sections, on the mount portions of the above dense substrate; fixing the cell sections and, when used, plate sections, onto the mount portions with an insulating bonding agent; and joining adjacent cell sections together with interconnections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Toshio Arai, Masaki Sato, Takayoshi Yoshimura, Minoru Tamura
  • Patent number: 5364713
    Abstract: A storage battery cell based on the principle of the oxygen cycle, having a block-shaped, gastightly sealed cell housing in which the rectangular electrode plates of different polarity are stacked. The electrode plates are electrically connected via current collector lugs to positive and negative terminal pillars of corresponding polarity passed through the wall of the same housing side. In order to achieve a longer service life of the cell, the electrode plates are arranged in parallel with the housing wall of the terminal pillars and are enclosed in an equidistant manner on all four peripheral sides of the electrode plates by the walls of the cell housing. All the electrode plates have in each case a central hole on whose inner edge the current collector lugs are mounted, the current collector lugs being routed elastically in the duct formed by the central holes to the terminal pillars of the corresponding polarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz AG
    Inventors: Klaus Von Benda, Gunter Gutmann, Wolfgang Weger
  • Patent number: 5354629
    Abstract: The nonaqueous electrolyte battery of this invention is provided with a spiral electrode unit comprising a separator laminated between a cathode and an anode rolled into a spiral shape having anode around the outer perimeter. An anode terminal tab disconnects from the outermost one circumference of anode residue after discharge to prevent residual anode deposition on the cathode when power is overdrawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Kuroda, Atsushi Yamano, Satoshi Narukawa, Yuichi Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 5344725
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealed lead acid storage battery comprising a multi-cell type monoblock battery container comprising cell chambers in each of which groups of electrode plates of the same shape are contained, and the positive and negative electrode poles at the upper portions of the groups of electrode plates are all arranged on the same side of cell chambers. Especially, all of the positive and negative electrode poles at the upper portions of the groups of electrode plates in the monoblock battery container, in which the cell chambers are arranged in two parallel rows, are arranged on the same side near the central partition, and the electrode poles of adjacent cell chambers are connected by cell connectors which cross over the partitions between the adjacent cell chambers in the battery container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Ide, Takashi Nakajima, Yoichi Kikuchi, Kenji Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5328783
    Abstract: An electric cell 10 comprising a ceramic porous plate 12 which has previously been soaked in sulphuric acid such that a substantial volume of the pores contain sulphuric acid. Spaces are provided on either side of the plate 12 by a casing 14. The spaces are respectively filled, one with powdered lead-oxide 16, and the other with lead powder 18. Strips of lead 20, 22 extend from adjacent the base of the casing 14 through respectively the lead oxide 16 and the lead powder 18 and through an upper removable cap 24 of the casing 14 to provide terminals 26, 28.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Portmeirion Potteries Limited
    Inventor: Philip J. White
  • Patent number: 5316874
    Abstract: Internal intercell and terminal cell electrical connector elements in an electrochemical battery are protected from corrosion and build-up of high internal resistance by coating the electrical connector elements with a layer of a protective preferably non-conductive viscous material such as silicone, prior to pressure contacting or welding of the electrical connector elements. The silicone is removed only at the point of contact between the connector elements while retaining a surrounding protective barrier against the corrosive effects of the cell components and particularly corrosive fluid organic electrolyte materials in high energy density cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: Ultralife Batteries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph N. Barrella, Stanley Lewin
  • Patent number: 5312458
    Abstract: An electrode for an alkali metal electrochemical cell comprising a unitary conductive body having a pair of wing-like sections joined by an intermediate web section. The cell anode or cathode parts are in contact with corresponding ones of the electrode wing sections, and the electrode web section is adapted to be placed in contact with the cell conductive casing. This results in a case negative or case positive electrical configuration depending upon whether the anode or cathode parts are in contact with the electrode wing sections. In forming an anode-cathode sub-assembly the anode or cathode parts are joined to the electrode wing sections and then the electrode wing sections are folded relative to the electrode web section and toward each other in a manner to place the anode and cathode parts in operative contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Wilson Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Barry C. Muffoletto, Raymond J. Kuwik
  • Patent number: 5298138
    Abstract: An ion conducting device having a plurality of solid electrolyte plates arranged into a stack, each electrolyte plate having electrode material adherent to a significant portion thereof. A plurality of individual spacers are disposed between adjacent electrolyte plates in the stack, each spacer spacing successive electrolyte plates apart, and defining a plurality of chambers in the spaces between adjacent electrolyte plates. The electrode material on the electrolyte plates is electrically connected whereby electrode material on every other successive plate is connected in series, from one end of the stack to the other, whereupon the electrical path wraps around the stack and extends back along the stack and connects in series the electrodes not previously connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Assignee: Ceramatec, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse A. Nachles, Kelly B. Powers, James R. McJunkin
  • Patent number: 5256502
    Abstract: A modular, multicell battery comprises a plurality of terminal frames, each of which is divided into a number of side-by-side active material support areas pasted with active material to form plates with adjacent plates in each frame being of opposite polarity and adjacent plates in adjoining frames also being of opposite polarity, each terminal frame also including frame positive and negative tabs, a plurality of floating frames similar to the configuration of the terminal frames but not including frame terminal tabs, electrolyte-porous separator frames positioned between adjacent plates in adjoining frames, at least one partition frame dividing the battery into at least two batteries, a positive busbar having a series of slots for accepting the frame positive tabs and electrically connected thereto, a negative busbar having a series of slots for accepting the frame negative tabs and electrically connected to such tabs, the assembly of frames being secured together and electrolyte fill holes for allowing eac
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: GNB Incorporated
    Inventor: William H. Kump
  • Patent number: 5250373
    Abstract: An electrode for an alkali metal electrochemical cell comprising a unitary conductive body having a pair of wing-like sections joined by an intermediate web section. The cell anode or cathode parts are in contact with corresponding ones of the electrode wing sections, and the electrode web section is adapted to be placed in contact with the cell conductive casing. This results in a case negative or case positive electrical configuration depending upon whether the anode or cathode parts are in contact with the electrode wing sections. In forming an anode-cathode sub-assembly the anode or cathode parts are joined to the electrode wing sections and then the electrode wing sections are folded relative to the electrode web section and toward each other in a manner to place the anode and cathode parts in operative contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Wilson Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Barry C. Muffoletto, Raymond J. Kuwik
  • Patent number: 5244756
    Abstract: In this invention, lead based battery terminal units are molded in a fluid tight manner into the main body of a polypropylene battery case so that only the outer ends of the terminal units are external to the case. The terminal units have elongated straps slotted to receive the projecting lugs integral with positive and negative lead based electrode plates, which are interleaved with one another and with glass mat separators. After the plates and separators are installed and the extending electrode plate lugs appropriately fitted in the slots of the straps, flux and glass beads are inserted in the void areas in a strap-lug amalgamation zone. The case is subsequently closed by a polypropylene cover plate which is heat sealed thereto to form a substantially water tight assembly. The closed case is partially inserted in a tank containing a level of circulating cooling water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1993
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Renard E. Mix, Stephen T. Crisler
  • Patent number: 5238757
    Abstract: An alkaline storage battery such as a sealed nickel-cadmium storage battery has an improved upper current collector tab welded to the terminal edge of a spirally wound electrode of a spirally coiled electrode assembly. The current collector tab comprises a current collecting tab and a lead tab. The current collecting tab is higher in electric resistance than the lead tab, so that the current collecting tab can easily be welded to the terminal edge of the electrode of the electrode assembly. The lead tab provides a low internal resistance to allow charging and discharging electric currents to flow easily for improved high-rate discharge performance of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Mstsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norio Suzuki, Hiromi Maruyama, Kaichi Okami
  • Patent number: 5227266
    Abstract: A sealed lead-acid cell includes a container, a plurality of positive and negative plates alternately interleaved with one another and disposed to opposite ends of the container, primary end cover in sealing engagement with the container which includes electrically conductive means for electrically coupling the lugs of like polarity plates and which is in electrical communication with a terminal post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: GNB Industrial Battery Company
    Inventors: David M. Shaffer, Joseph J. Jergl
  • Patent number: 5227260
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Globe-Union, Inc.
    Inventors: Jennifer L. Rose, John P. Dinkelman, Gerald K. Bowen, Michael G. Andrew
  • Patent number: 5227267
    Abstract: A high discharge rate electrochemical battery structure is disclosed as having a perforated disc electrode stack comprising pluralities of disc electrodes respectively connected to a pair of busbars. Each disc electrode has a tab with two fins which are bent at 90 degrees to the disc electrode. Each fin is inserted between two parts of the corresponding busbar and welded thereto. The design of the busbars and disc electrodes provides for redundancy of electrical contact, high thermal and electrical conductivity and improved resistance to mechanical shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Assignee: Yardney Technical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Franz Goebel, David C. Batson, William T. McHugh
  • Patent number: 5208119
    Abstract: A high temperature rechargeable electrochemical power storage cell comprises an anode compartment containing a molten alkali metal anode; a cathode compartment containing an alkali metal aluminum halide molten salt electrolyte, and a cathode which comprises an electronically conductive electrolyte-permeable porous matrix which has dispersed therein an active cathode substance, with the matrix being impregnated with said molten electrolyte; a separator separating the anode compartment from the electrolyte; and at least one bimetallic current collector in one of the cell compartments. The bimetallic current collector is such that, when the cell is at ambient temperature, the current collector is in a first non-deformed configuration. However, when the cell is at its normal operating temperature, the current collector is in a second deformed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: AABH Patent Holdings Societe Anonyme
    Inventor: James H. Ducan
  • Patent number: 5202198
    Abstract: A lead acid storage battery and method of making same wherein a plurality of plate lugs are welded to a plate strap while a bed of insulating particulates (e.g., glass beads) at the roots of the lugs underlie the strap during welding to insulate the battery case from heat and prevent molten lead from entering the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Renard E. Mix, George W. Brutchen
  • Patent number: 5198313
    Abstract: An end connector for a battery in which a set of interleafing battery plates is electrically and mechanically connected with a cast-on element to form a secure attachment with no discontinuities. The preferred embodiment utilizes a set of lead or lead alloy plates having an edge that is immersed into a mold of molten material that forms the end connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Bolder Battery, Inc.
    Inventor: Tristan E. Juergens
  • Patent number: 5158842
    Abstract: A battery terminal connector provides similar connector assemblies for electrodes of similar polarity. Each connector includes a U-shaped collector plate providing spaced and parallel flanges extending to spaced and parallel edges. U-shaped tabs are mounted on each electrode and provide legs which extend up along the outer sides of the associated flanges. Each leg provides an edge in alignment with the edge of the associated flange. An edge weld, extending lengthwise of the associated flange edge, connects the adjacent legs. In one embodiment, the legs are twisted so that their end edges extend lengthwise along the edge of the associated flange. In another embodiment, the legs are not twisted and engage the associated flange along the edge of the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: Acme Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Edwin J. McHenry
  • Patent number: 5154989
    Abstract: Electrode construction and assembly for energy storage devices such as capacitors and batteries wherein the electrodes, both anode and cathode, are of one piece construction folded and interleaved to provide an electrode assembly of improved operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Howard, Roger W. Kelm, Nathan Torgerson
  • Patent number: 5149605
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a unique battery arrangement including battery plates having a pair of spaced apart battery lugs for both the positive and negative plates. While being spaced apart, the lugs are located generally adjacent one top edge of the plates; on opposite sides for the positive and negative plate constructions. The straps used to electrically connect the lugs are lower in height than those used on current battery designs, providing excellent current collection, efficient fusion with smaller lugs and resistance to vibration caused by separation of the lugs from the straps. The present invention also features plates having greater plate surface area, improved current carrying capability and reduced voltage drop. A weld element couples straps of like polarity, and in the preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the weld element is located intermediate the ends of the straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: Globe-Union Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas J. Dougherty
  • Patent number: 5053295
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a lightweight solderless connector for use as an internal cell connector in an alkaline metal or alkaline earth metal battery, wherein the connector includes a core of alkaline metal or alkaline earth metal such as lithium metal in flat foil form, which has been encapsulated inside a layer of insulating plastic film such as polyester or polypropylene, with an adhesive coating therebetween, which is preferably anhydrous adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventors: Henry F. Hope, Stephen F. Hope
  • Patent number: 5047300
    Abstract: An improved rechargeable electrochemical cell having superior recharge and discharge capabilities characterized by the use of ultra-thin non-perforated negative and positive films of lead or nickel to be used in lead acid and nickel cadmium systems. Such electrochemical cells being further characterized by improved terminal connectors that provide a low-resistance low-heat producing connection for rapid discharge applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Bolder Battery, Inc.
    Inventor: Tristan E. Juergens
  • Patent number: 5045086
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the production of electrochemical cells having superior recharge and discharge capabilities. The cells are characterized by the use of ultra-thin non-perforated negative and positive films of lead or nickel to be used in lead acid and nickel cadmium systems. The method includes the use of a single sheet of separator material that has been infiltrated with electrolyte prior to its spiral winding into a mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Bolder Battery, Inc.
    Inventor: Tristan Juergens
  • Patent number: 5001022
    Abstract: A lead acid cell having unitized positive and negative electrodes positioned within a container such that the respective edges of the positive electrode are spaced apart from the edges of negative electrode. The electrodes are each made up of at least one plate having a major surface with a composition thereon for imparting a negative or positive polarity. The plates of each electrode have first and second edges in which the second edges are connected to an associated current collector and the first edges of each electrode oppose each other in spaced apart relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Assignee: Cal-Tec Corp.
    Inventor: Ellis G. Wheadon
  • Patent number: 5001024
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lead storage battery having a battery case divided into a plurality of cells. A stack of positive and negative battery plates is inserted into each cell and rests on a plurality of rest ups, which extend upward from the bottom of the case. A pair of clips are attached to the lower edge of each stack. A positive clip is attached to the positive plates and a negative clip is attached to the negative plates. When a stack is in a cell, the clips are located in receptacles, formed between the rest ups and the side walls of the case. The clips are in contact with contacts that extend through the partitions in the case, so that the positive clip on each stack is in electrical contact with the negative clip in the next cell. The receptacles are then filled with epoxy resin to anchor bond the clips into the receptacles and to insulate the clips and the contacts from the electrolyte acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1991
    Inventor: William J. Eberle
  • Patent number: 4983475
    Abstract: An electrochemical battery has a plurality of alternating positive and negative plates; at least one tab protruding from one edge of each of the positive and negative plates; at least one tab protruding from an opposite edge of each of the positive and negative plates; a pair of negative plate straps connecting together each tab protruding from each negative plate; a pair of positive plate straps connecting together each tab protruding from each positive plate; a first diagonal bar connecting together the pair of negative plate straps; and a second diagonal bar connecting together the pair of positive plate straps. A key advantage of the invention is that resistance is reduced and electrical characteristics of the battery are improved under load conditions. Another advantage of the invention is that a manufacturer of conventional batteries either can use existing top-mounted terminal posts or can support side-mounted terminal posts with the diagonal bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 8, 1991
    Inventor: Darwin D. Delans
  • Patent number: 4939048
    Abstract: An electrochemical battery having an alkaline electrolyte and a gelled negative electrode containing zinc powder free from mercury, cadmium, and lead, and 1 ppm to 1000 ppm of at least one organic stabilizer compound selected from polyfluorine compounds of the ethoxyl fluoroalcohol type and compounds of the alcoyl sulfide and polyethoxyl alcohol type, the electrode being provided with a negative current collector immersed in the gell and connected to the negative terminal, wherein the current collector comprises a bundle of conducting fibers which are fixed together at their ends closest to the negative terminal, the fibers having a diameter lying in the range 0.05 mm to 1 mm, and being constituted, at least superficially, by a metal selected from: indium; gallium; cadmium; and pure zinc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignees: Societe Anonyme dite: Wonder, Societe Anonyme dite: Cipel
    Inventor: Rene Vignaud
  • Patent number: 4892796
    Abstract: A rechargeable non-aqueous electrochemical cell. The cell has a positive terminal, a negative terminal, a cathode collector attached to the positive terminal and an anode of alkaline metal connected to the negative terminal. The cell further possesses a non-aqueous electrolyte solution in contact with the cathode and anode. The cathode collector is composed of a chrome foil plated upon a core of nickel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Assignee: Altus Corporation
    Inventors: On-Kok Chang, John C. Hall, Jeffrey Phillips, Lenard F. Silvester
  • Patent number: 4879187
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell employing a conductive tab to provide an electronic path between a terminal of the cell and one of the active materials of the cell and wherein said conductive tab has a narrow strip portion which breaks when the current to the terminal exceeds a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company
    Inventor: Dennis Biegger
  • Patent number: 4800142
    Abstract: Electrode plate for an electric storage battery including a lug for electrically coupling the plate to other plates in the battery and an insulating collar tightly engaging the root of each plate lug. In a stack of plates, the several collars abut one another so as to separate the lugs from each other and may serve to form a mold for shaping a plate strap cast thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Bish, Charles P. McCartney, Jr., Clarence A. Meadows
  • Patent number: 4780379
    Abstract: A multicell lead-acid battery having a low profile, unitary combination cast-on-strap and intercell connector configured relative to other components of the battery to be resistant to vibrational forces. A method for forming the connector features a heat sealing step to provide a tight mechanical fit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Gates Energy Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil Puester
  • Patent number: 4748091
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of forming an adherent metal deposit on a conducting layer of a tube sealed at one end. The tube is immersed with the sealed end down into an aqueous solution containing ions of the metal to be deposited. An ionically conducting aqueous fluid is placed inside the tube and a direct current is passed from a cathode inside the tube to an anode outside the tube. Also disclosed is a multi-layered solid oxide fuel cell tube which consists of an inner porous ceramic support tube, a porous air electrode covering the support tube, a non-porous electrolyte covering a portion of the air electrode, a non-porous conducting interconnection covering the remaining portion of the electrode, and a metal deposit on the interconnection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Arnold O. Isenberg
  • Patent number: 4746585
    Abstract: An improved design for an intermediate bus bar for a comb-type cell for a metal-halogen battery system is disclosed. A plastic frame is formed around the periphery of a dense graphite bus bar and has a plurality of straps extending between the top and bottom section of the frame for reinforcing the structural integrity of the bus bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: Energy Development Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Stoner, William F. Klems, Paul S. Sapienza
  • Patent number: 4683180
    Abstract: Electrode plate for an electric storage battery including a lug for electrically coupling the plate to other plates in the battery and an insulating collar tightly engaging the root of each plate lug. In a stack of plates, the several collars abut one another so as to separate the lugs from each other and may serve to form a mold for shaping a plate strap cast thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Bish, Charles P. McCartney, Jr., Clarence A. Meadows
  • Patent number: 4668592
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell has a generally cylindrical battery stack comprised of disc-shaped components including alternating first polarity electrodes and second polarity electrodes. Adjacent first polarity electrodes are coupled by ring-shaped coupling members. The coupling members are made of porous metal which allows the passage of a liquid cell component from a central well into the battery stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1987
    Assignee: GTE Government Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Peter B. Harris, Franz Goebel, Gerard H. Boyle, William T. McHugh
  • Patent number: 4646430
    Abstract: A method of assemblying an alkaline electric storage cell wherein, subsequent to the step of arranging positive and negative plates and separators to form a pack a plurality of plate lugs of the same polarity are introduced between the open limbs of a U-shaped clip the two limbs of the clip are pressed towards one another to trap between them the selected lugs, and an aperture is formed through the trapped lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1987
    Assignee: Lucas Industries
    Inventor: Donald B. Clarke
  • Patent number: 4603093
    Abstract: A sealed, low maintenance battery (10, 100) is formed of a casing (14, 102) having a sealed lid (12, 104) enclosing cell compartments (22, 110) formed by walls (24, 132). The cells comprise a stack (26) of horizontally disposed negative active plates (30) and positive active plates (28) interspersed with porous, resilient separator sheets (30). Each plate has a set of evenly spaced tigs (40, 41) disposed on one side thereof; like polarity tigs being disposed on one side and opposite polarity tigs on the other. Columns of tigs are electrically and mechanically joined by vertical bus bars (46). The bus bars contain outwardly projecting arms (56) of opposite polarity which are electrically joined at each partition wall (24) to electrically connect the cells in series. The stack is compressed by biasing means such as resilient pad (58) attached to the lid or by joining the tigs (52) to the post (48) at a distance less than the thickness of the mat (124).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Dean B. Edwards, Wally E. Rippel
  • Patent number: 4521498
    Abstract: A through-the-wall intercell connection for adjacent cells of a battery in which integral extensions of the current collector tabs emanating from the respective plates are directly welded together at the partition opening. The individual tabs are bent along a smooth curve which, together with interposed cushioned insulating material between bent tabs, lends vibration resistance to the intercell connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1982
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Assignee: Gates Energy Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Tristan D. Juergens
  • Patent number: 4518664
    Abstract: An electrode assembly is described which generally comprises a first electrode, a pair of second planar electrodes, a generally rectangular frame member for supporting each of the second electrodes substantially along three sides thereof, the rectangular frame member having a pair of spaced inwardly extending channels through which said second electrodes slide into and which mask the edges of said second electrodes along the three supported sides, and a laterally displaced integrally formed, inwardly facing elongate channel along an unsupported side of the second electrode which is adjacent to an external face of one of the second electrodes and shaped to receive one side of the first electrode while masking the adjacent second electrode along the unsupported side thereof, a generally elongated frame member coupled to the rectangular frame member between the second electrodes along the unsupported edge thereof, and conduit means associated with the elongated frame member for conveying fluid to the cavity betw
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1985
    Assignee: Energy Development Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Curtis C. Whittlesey, Gary L. Henriksen, Walter B. Keryluk, Merle T. Wolff
  • Patent number: 4495259
    Abstract: An electrode plate group combination insulator and vibration support at least partially envelopes a plate group connecting strap. The insulator and vibration support includes a comb-like portion which underlies the strap, having teeth which intermesh with tabs projecting from the plates, and a hood portion which overlies the strap. The insulator and vibration support is preferably attached to the walls of the cell of the battery to thereby support the battery plate group and withstand vibrational forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Assignee: The Gates Rubber Company
    Inventor: Toshio Uba
  • Patent number: 4486517
    Abstract: A storage battery of the type used in an automotive vehicle has a housing forming a plurality of transversely elongated and upright cells and respective plus sets and minus sets of U-section electrode elements interleaved with each other in each cell. Each such element is unitarily formed with an imperforate sheet-metal back having a pair of opposite edges, respective expanded sheet-metal arms extending from the edges generally perpendicular to the back, and an imperforate connection tab projecting upward from the back. Each back has a horizontal width that is a fraction of the horizontal width of the respective arms. Respective plus and minus bus bars in each of the compartments are connected to the tabs of the respective electrode sets. The arms are multiply expanded, that is each one has a width that is a multiple of its width before it was slitted and expanded. The arm width is equal to at least four times the back width, normally about five times the back width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1983
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1984
    Assignee: Firma Emil Bender
    Inventor: Ulrich Bender
  • Patent number: 4464827
    Abstract: An improved method of interconnecting cells in batteries is disclosed, where the cells are connected using lead links which straddle the walls separating the cells in the battery housing. Grooves are provided in the surfaces of the links which are adjacent the walls and multiple indentations are provided in the opposite surfaces of the links. The links are coated with a sealant which flows into the grooves under the force of capillary action and forms a gas tight seal between cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1983
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1984
    Assignee: Teledyne Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jasper E. Hardin
  • Patent number: 4458411
    Abstract: An extremely high rate flat cell and a method of fabrication thereof with the cell comprising successive stacked anode and cathode layers within a cell container comprised of two members with co-fitting external flanges. Each cathode layer embodies a metallic extension or tab therefrom for external terminal connection. The extensions of all the cathode layers are substantially symmetrically positioned between said co-fitting external flanges with said flanges and metallic extensions all being simultaneously welded together and electrically interconnected during cell sealing. The anode layers are electrically connected together, preferably by pressure contacting layers to each other adjacent to a metallic terminal member for said anode. Such a cell having a lithium anode, a carbon cathode and a thionyl chloride electrolyte solvent/cathode depolarizer (3" diameter.times.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 10, 1984
    Assignee: Duracell Inc.
    Inventors: Arabinda N. Dey, Noble E. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 4452869
    Abstract: An improved battery of the type having a spiral wound core (32) surrounded by a container (38) is disclosed in which an improved terminal tab (10-32, 44-50) is attached to the end of the core inserted into the container, the terminal tab comprising an outwardly extending tab member (24) bent back over the base (12) of the terminal tab and along the side of the core. A protrusion (46) on the base contacts the bent tab member to minimize compression by the tab member of the circumferential edge of the end of the battery core when the core has been inserted into the container. An improved method of assembling such a battery also is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1984
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Thomas R. DeMoully, Robert E. Rockey, John J. Strickland
  • Patent number: 4423123
    Abstract: This invention pertains to an electric storage battery and more particularly to a connector for electrically connecting adjacent cells of the electric storage battery with each other.The electric storage battery comprises a battery case having partition walls provided to form compartments therein, cell components disposed within the respective compartments and including a plurality of positive and negative plates alternately arranged with insulating separators disposed between the adjacent positive and negative plates, and connectors provided between the adjacent cell components for electrically connecting them. Each of the connectors comprises first plate lugs of the positive plates for one of the adjacent cell components and second plate lugs of the negative plates for the other of the adjacent cell components, the first and second plate lugs facing each other through the corresponding partition wall of the battery case and being deformed to be gathered together and being welded integrally with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1983
    Assignee: Shin-Kobe Electric Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sadao Okamatsu
  • Patent number: 4411970
    Abstract: Disclosed is a battery cell having positive and negative terminals penetrating the same end of the cell, and equalized internal resistance through all paths connecting electrode modules with the terminals. The equalized resistances insure uniform aging of electrode pairs, thus maximizing the life of the battery. A single equalizing busbar is inserted between the equalized terminal, which can be either the negative or the positive terminal, and that end of the equalized busbar remote from the terminaled end of the cell. The length and linear resistance increment of the equalizing busbar are independent of corresponding parameters for the equalized and non-equalized busbars. The resistance increment between any two adjacent electrode connections along each of the equalized and non-equalized busbars must be the same. A simple way to satisfy this condition is to make the length and linear resistance increment of the equalized and non-equalized busbars substantially equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1983
    Assignee: Ford Aerospace & Communications Corporation
    Inventors: Theodore O. Meyer, Gerrit van Ommering