And Terminal Seal Patents (Class 429/181)
  • Patent number: 6183905
    Abstract: A terminal assembly for sealing and electrically isolating a conducting terminal from a container of an electrolytic device uses a lock nut and a single-piece deformable gasket. When the lock nut is threaded down the terminal, an inwardly tapered sleeve of the lock nut cooperates with an outwardly tapered zone of the gasket to force the gasket to surround the opening of the container and to seal the terminal before compression is applied. Reliable sealing and electrical insulation are provided because predetermined axial and radial compression forces are generated on the opening of the container. A robust sealed terminal is provided while over compression of the single-piece gasket is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Peter Ling
  • Patent number: 6132900
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a construction of an explosion-proof safety vent for small-size non-aqueous electrolyte batteries such as prismatic lithium-ion secondary batteries or with an oval cross section hence with a small area of seal plate, and to a method of producing a seal plate. It aims at securing safety of a battery by allowing an explosion-proof vent to operate without fail with a simple construction at no sacrifice of the capacity. In order to fulfill this aim, it provides an explosion-proof safety vent wherein upper peripheral edge of an opening of a bottomed cell container made of metal and the periphery of a seal plate made of metal are hermetically sealed by laser welding, a rivet serving as a terminal is inserted in a through hole provided on the central portion of the seal plate and hermetically fixed by crimping via a gasket, an exhaust hole is provided between the terminal and the periphery of the seal plate, and the exhaust hole is closed by a metal foil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yoshizawa, Kazunori Haraguchi, Takuya Nakashima, Takashi Takeuchi, Yoshitaka Matsumasa, Kikuo Senoo, Takabumi Fujii, Mamoru Iida, Kenji Mizuno
  • Patent number: 6103418
    Abstract: A closed secondary battery having a sealing structure for preventing electrolyte leak for a long period is presented. An annular packing is chemically bonded in a ring form to the surface of a disk-shaped flange formed inside of a battery of a terminal pole projecting from inside to outside of the battery, by penetrating through a cover member of closed secondary battery. Fitting an annular spring while pulling the terminal to outside of the battery, the terminal pole is fixed in the cover member. At this time, the annular packing is compressed against the cover member, and the passage of electrolyte leak is shut by this compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Sato, Hiroshi Inoue, Nobuyasu Morishita, Munehisa Ikoma
  • Patent number: 6090503
    Abstract: A body implanted device including a container having an opening through which extends an electrical feedthrough. The feedthrough includes a terminal of bio-stable material. A glass insulator is positioned around the terminal. The glass insulator is chosen from a CABAL-12 type composition or variation thereof. The terminal is comprised of a material which has thermal expansion characteristics compatible with the glass seal. For glass seals having a thermal expansion in the range of 6.8 to 8.0.times.10.sup.-6 in/in/.degree. C. the terminal is comprised of a thin layer of titanium metallurgically clad over niobium or tantalum. For glass seals having a thermal expansion in the range of 8.0 to 9.0.times.10.sup.-6 in/in/.degree. C. the terminal is comprised of platinum, platinum-iridium or alloys of either, or of pure titanium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Taylor, Joseph F. Lessar, Louis E. Halperin, Robert E. Kraska
  • Patent number: 6030723
    Abstract: A lead bushing (1) is mounted on a terminal post (7) in a terminal socket (6a) of a storage battery top wall (6). The lead bushing (1) is a hollow tube (2) that is completely closed at one end by an end wall (3), whereby external welding of the terminal post (7) to the bushing is avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Miyagawa Kasei Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuji Nagano, Kiyoshi Ano
  • Patent number: 6027831
    Abstract: The invention relates to a square type enclosed storage battery of medium to large capacity, more particularly to a technology for realizing high volume capacity density or high output density, and is hence intended to present a square type enclosed storage battery of medium to large capacity of high reliability and small temperature rise, comprising a electrode plate group laminating plural layers of positive plates 8a and negative plates 8b through separators 8c, and a synthetic resin case 10 for accommodating the electrode plate group 8, in which a nickel-made terminal 2 has a pair of screws 2a as external output terminals of positive and negative electrodes, a pole portion 2b, a sealing groove 2c, and a current collector 2f, their central axes are designed to be nearly on a same line, plural current collectors 2f project from a flange 2d to the electrode plate group side, and the terminal 2 is fixed by a synthetic resin cover
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Inoue, Kenji Sato, Munehisa Ikoma, Hiromi Kajiya
  • Patent number: 6010802
    Abstract: Collector assemblies and methods of making and using them, and electrochemical cells made with such current collector assemblies, are disclosed. The invention provides a current collector assembly which permits safe, effective venting of pressure in the cell; reduces early activation of venting structures in the current collector assembly; contains fewer piece parts than known structurally-robust current collectors; is easy to implement; and provides superior tolerance to outside impact forces. Current collectors of the invention provide a stiffer, more rigid washer, repositioned closer to the bottom plate at its central region while the washer maintains the traditional function of controlling positioning of the seal body of the current collector assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Rayovac Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph L. Passaniti, Gregory J. Davidson, Kenneth H. Kenyon
  • Patent number: 5948562
    Abstract: A metal foil laminate package for an electrochemical cell has a multilayered structure (32, 34) comprising a metal foil (40) sandwiched between layers of a thermoplastic (38) and a heat-sealable polymer (42). An electrically conducting tab (28) extends from the cell and has a layer of insulative tape (29) disposed on both sides of the tab. Apertures (50,52,60,62) formed through the various layers of the package expose both sides of the tab, providing sites for subsequent welding of the tab to external circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Fulcher, Paul Gies, Steven L. Hassenzahl
  • Patent number: 5902695
    Abstract: A battery terminal shield comprises a base including a lower wall having an orifice for receiving a battery terminal and a cover including an upper wall and a peripheral wall extending downwardly from the periphery of the upper wall. Preferably, the cover includes an integral generally cylindrical hinge pin having opposite axial ends. The base preferably includes a pair of hinge sockets into which the hinge in snap fits to hingedly connect the cover to the base. Each of the hinge sockets comprises a locking finger flexing axially outwardly of the hinge pin upon insertion of the hinge pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: UT Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry Anthony Siedlik, Zenon Hotra, Michael Jerome Gniewek
  • Patent number: 5885731
    Abstract: An improved battery design which utilizes the cover of the container as a mold to simultaneously create a plurality of solid cast electrical circuits, including external terminals, all without welded connections. The battery cover includes a plurality of plate strap mold wells or mold wells which receive molten lead. Adjacent plate strap mold wells are separated by a partition wall. An aperture is formed in the partition wall which allows molten lead to flow between adjacent plate strap mold wells and connect thereof. Terminal mold wells have terminal apertures through which molten lead flows to form an external terminal with the aid of a external terminal mold. A meltable sealant material is pre-applied to the plurality of mold wells and which becomes fluid upon introduction of molten lead. Upon cooling, the sealant material prevents migration of electrolyte between mold wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Enersafe Corp.
    Inventors: Jack K. Shannon, James M. Shannon
  • Patent number: 5876873
    Abstract: Sealed lead-acid cells are disclosed which include an internal cell restraint contacting the interior surface of the cover and positioned between the positive plates and the cover, the internal cell restraint cooperates with an external cell restraint, such as a coated metal face plate, to direct positive plate growth which occurs in service away from the cover, the features disclosed allowing plastic-to-plastic terminal post-cover seals to be used and allow cells of capacities of up to 2,000 Ampere Hours or more to be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: GNB Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward M. Mattan
  • Patent number: 5837399
    Abstract: An electrical terminal provides an electrical interconnection between the exterior and the interior of the pressure vessel of an energy storage cell. The terminal includes an external electrical conductor exterior to the pressure vessel and an internal electrical conductor within the interior of the pressure vessel. An electrically nonconductive support mounts the electrical conductors to the wall of the pressure vessel. The two electrical conductors are cooperatively engaged, preferably by matching threads. A compliant seal is positioned between the external electrical conductor and the internal electrical conductor, on the one hand, and the wall of the pressure vessel, on the other, and a biasing washer set applies a force between the seal and the electrical conductors to maintain hermeticity in the event that the seal deforms during service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Hughes Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Walter R. Oswald, Robert K. Taenaka
  • Patent number: 5834134
    Abstract: A sealed, through partition terminal for an electrochemical cell featuring the use of gasketing material to prevent the spread of electrolyte past the terminal seal assembly is disclosed. An orifice formed in a lid of an electrochemical cell accepts a terminal member that is secured to the lid with a fastener threaded onto the terminal member. A shoulder molded on the bottom face of the lid and adjacent to the orifice prevents axial movement of the terminal member while torquing the fastener. A gap formed between the wall of the orifice and the terminal member is filled with gasketing material that is compressed by torquing the fastener. The compressed gasketing material seals any gaps between the terminal member and lid orifice preventing electrolyte leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Hawker Energy Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Willard Hooke, Mary Jo Frances Elwing
  • Patent number: 5821011
    Abstract: A body implanted device including a container having an opening through which extends an electrical feedthrough. The feedthrough includes a terminal of bio-stable material. A glass insulator is positioned around the terminal. The glass insulator is chosen from a CABAL-12 type composition or variation thereof. The terminal is comprised of a material which has thermal expansion characteristics compatible with the glass seal. For glass seals having a thermal expansion in the range of 6.8 to 8.0.times.10.sup.-6 in/in/.degree.C. the terminal is comprised of a thin layer of titanium metallurgically clad over niobium or tantalum. For glass seals having a thermal expansion in the range of 8.0 to 9.0.times.10.sup.-6 in/in/.degree.C. the terminal is comprised of platinum, platinum-iridium or alloys of either, or of pure titanium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Taylor, Joseph F. Lessar, Louis E. Halperin, Robert E. Kraska
  • Patent number: 5814421
    Abstract: A method an apparatus is disclosed for forming a battery terminal having a threaded hard metal insert received within an outer portion formed of softer metal such as lead. A preformed outer portion is deformed by an orbital head forming apparatus to secure the hard metal insert within the outer portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: Tulip Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard N. Spiegelberg, Mark E. Sauter
  • Patent number: 5811206
    Abstract: A feedthrough pin insulator and corresponding assembly for an electrochemical cell powering an implantable medical device are described herein. The feedthrough pin insulator electrically insulates a feedthrough pin extending between the internal and external portions of the cell from cell components having the same electrical potential as a cathode disposed within the cell. The feedthrough pin insulator extends between an anode disposed within the cell and a ferrule disposed in an aperture of a cover for sealing the cell. A gate or dam is disposed at one end of the insulator for preventing or inhibiting the formation of anode flash on the feedthrough pin or in other undesired locations or on certain cell components during the anode formation process. A method of forming an anode is also described which corresponds to the foregoing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter C. Sunderland, David P. Haas
  • Patent number: 5783329
    Abstract: So that an accumulator having a gas-tight and liquid-tight, electrolyte-filled casing in which are arranged electrodes which are separated from each other by a separator and which are each electrically connected to pole contacts accessible from the outside of the casing can be produced in an advantageous manner from the point of view of the manufacturing procedure, wherein the accumulator is to have a durably and reliably sealed casing which is not restricted in terms of its shape, it is provided that in the region of the pole contacts the casing comprises a soft plastic material and a hard plastic material which are fixedly connected together, the soft plastic material forming a seal for the pole contacts and/or the feed-through ducting means of the pole contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Christoph Emmerich GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventor: Manfred Kilb
  • Patent number: 5776632
    Abstract: A final closure sealing member and a method for hermetically sealing an opening, such as an electrolyte fill opening in an electrochemical cell or a battery, are disclosed. After a cell is fully assembled and filled with electrolyte, the present sealing member is force-fit into sealing registry with the electrolyte fill opening to form a secondary seal for the cell. Preferably, an outwardly facing portion of the sealing member is flush or slightly recessed with the side wall surrounding the fill opening. Then, the outwardly facing portion is welded to the opening side wall to form a primary hermetic seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Wilson Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventor: Allen Honegger
  • Patent number: 5770332
    Abstract: The outside edges of a sealing plate are weld attached to close off an opening in a metal case of a prismatic battery of this invention. The sealing plate has an electrode rivet which passes through an electrode hole and sandwiches an insulating gasket to attach in an electrically insulating fashion. The battery case houses an electrode group with either its positive or negative electrode plate connected to the electrode rivet. The sealing plate has a periphery region or reinforcement rib which is formed thicker than the rivet region where the electrode rivet attaches, and the outside edges of this reinforcement rib are weld attached to the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Narukawa, Tooru Amazutsumi, Hideki Fukuda, Yasuhiro Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 5716729
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell has a cathode material formed into a pellet shape which expands as the cell is discharged. A cathode current collector circumferentially surrounds the cathode pellet and is in contact with the peripheral edge of the cathode pellet to prevent peripheral cathode expansion. The peripheral cathode current collector maintains a stable cell impedance during cell discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter C. Sunderland, Anthony W. Rorvick, Donald R. Merritt, Craig L. Schmidt, David P. Haas
  • Patent number: 5707758
    Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolytic secondary battery is formed by winding a thin-film positive electrode, a thin-film negative electrode, and a thin-film separator. A cap is arranged at the distal end portion of a pole bored through the cap and interposed between a nut and a disk-like portion of the pole through a ceramic washer being in contact with the nut and a ceramic patch being in contact with the disk-like portion. The ceramic washer and the ceramic patch consist of alumina or zirconia. For a bolt for interposing a bus bar or a conductive line to fix the bus bar or the conductive line, a female screw portion formed in the pole is arranged in a space of a spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Iwatsu, Tatsuo Shimizu, Hideya Takahashi, Yosuke Kita, Kiyoshi Katayama, Etsuo Ogami
  • Patent number: 5677078
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell and a method of manufacturing the same. Plates of opposite polarity are wound spirally and end connectors with protruding hubs are attached to each end. Elastomeric sleeves are fitted around both of the hubs. The assembly is placed within a casing having a jacket and an end with a hole through it, whereby one end connector hub and its associated sleeve extends through the casing end hole. The end connector hub is radially expanded against the sleeve by installing a blind rivet in the end connector hub, thereby causing the sleeve to radially expand into the casing. A casing cover having a hole through it is placed on the other end. A blind rivet similarly expands the end connector hub into its sleeve, and the sleeve is expanded into the cover. The plates may be of the very thin type, and the end connectors may be attached by casting them onto the thin plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Bolder Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Tristan Juergens, Thomas P. Walker
  • Patent number: 5672443
    Abstract: A battery sealing cap having a base with a top surface and a bottom surface, an annular rim attached to and extending outward from the top surface of the base, and a central portion having a first end and a second end attached to and generally located on the base such that the first end extends outward from the top surface and the second end extends outward from the bottom surface. The battery sealing cap also includes a centrally located channel with a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to a closed bottom portion at the second end, the closed bottom portion having a tab extending into the channel which is out of alignment with the longitudinal axis of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignees: Phillips Plastics Corporation, Rayovac Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy L. Salisbury, Charles A. Draheim, Joseph L. Passaniti
  • Patent number: 5667912
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell including a current collector assembly having a current collector, a seal and a compression means wherein the compression means and collector exert minimum tension and maximum compressive stresses on the seal thereby avoiding leakage of electrolyte either through or around the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Georgopoulos
  • Patent number: 5663015
    Abstract: A sealed, through partition terminal for an electrochemical cell featuring the use of gasketing material to prevent the spread of electrolyte past the terminal seal assembly. An orifice formed in an inner lid of an electrochemical cell accepts a terminal member that is secured to the inner lid with a fastener threaded onto the terminal member. A shoulder molded on the bottom face of the inner lid and adjacent to the orifice prevents axial movement of the terminal member while torquing the fastener. A gap formed between the wall of the orifice and the terminal member is filled with gasketing material that is compressed by torquing the fastener. The compressed gasketing material seals any gaps between the terminal member and inner lid orifice preventing electrolyte leakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Assignee: Hawker Energy Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Willard Hooke, Mary Jo Elwing
  • Patent number: 5660946
    Abstract: Sealed lead-acid cells and batteries include an expandable cover capable of accommodating the grid growth which occurs in service, the expandable cover comprises a first region which expands outwardly toward a second region and a flange which defines the terminal opening, and the cells or batteries include a terminal cover sealing assembly comprising inner-and outer-cell sealing members which together form an annulus in which the flange is seated and retain one or both include resilient seals such as an O-ring that provide a terminal-cover seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: GNB Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Kump, Deborah Huke, Edward Mattan
  • Patent number: 5643694
    Abstract: An electrical feedthrough apparatus, for an electrochemical cell, is formed by a method that includes forming a feedthrough subassembly by providing a ferrule having an exterior surface and an interior opening about a longitudinal axis therethrough. The interior opening extends along the longitudinal axis of the ferrule from a first end of the ferrule to a second end of the ferrule. An electrical conductor is glassed in the opening of the ferrule. A locating member is positioned onto the ferrule in contact with the exterior surface of the ferrule in proximity to the first end of the ferrule and the locating member has a length extending beyond the second end of the ferrule. The feedthrough subassembly is then located at a position in a mold using the locating member and held in the position with the use of the locating member while insulating material is injected into the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Bernard F. Heller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5637418
    Abstract: A package for a flat electrochemical device comprises a flexible circuit board. Building from a base layer (62), the flexible circuit board has a conductor layer disposed on the outermost side of the base layer providing a first and second contact portion (56 and 58), a cover coat layer (50) is disposed over the conductor layer and the base layer over the outermost side of the base layer, a first collector (64) is disposed on the first half (47) on the innermost side of the base layer, and a second collector (66) is disposed on the second half (48) on the innermost side of the base layer. The first collector is electrically connected to a runner by a first plated through-hole (70), and the second collector is electrically connected to the second contact portion through a second plated through-hole (72). And finally, a fringe portion (68) is provided by the base layer about the periphery of the first and second halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephanie D. Brown, Edmond Louie, Shekhar L. Pendalwar
  • Patent number: 5626984
    Abstract: A lead terminal post extending upward through the top of an insulator wall of a battery includes a plurality of flat vertical sides fused continuously from its top to below the top of the insulator wall, to a harder, metallic, cap having a plurality of flat vertical sides. The metallic cap is covered with a plastic cap that extends below the metallic cap, below the top of the insulator wall, and is sealed to the insulator wall. A terminal bar having parallel walls extends from a flat wall of the cap, through the plastic cap, normal to the flat wall, and contains a removably mounted connector having a leaf spring connection with the terminal bar and an element within the connector adjacent to and connected to the leaf spring, that prevents horizontal rotation of the connector on the bar. A plastic overseal on the connector makes a seal with the plastic cap when the connector is fully mounted on the terminal bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Inventor: Salvatore Albini
  • Patent number: 5604051
    Abstract: There is described an lithium--alloy/molten salt/metal sulfide electrochemical cell which eliminates the use of perforated baskets to restrain active materials and uses simple mechanical seal made from ceramic material. It also uses high melting point salt as the electrical insulator between the electrodes and the cell can. In the cell, the positive current collector is made from flexible graphite and a corrosion resistant metal. The cell is assembled in a low carbon steel case with side closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventors: Christopher J. Pulley, Steven J. Specht, Geoffrey Barlow
  • Patent number: 5599641
    Abstract: A terminal connector assembly provided for conducting electrical current from an electrolytic device through the wall of a case containing the device for preventing leakage of electrolyte from the case. The terminal connector includes a terminal insert mounted within the case wall. The insert contains a first end portion projecting through the wall forming an exterior connection member. A second end portion is laterally spaced from the first end portion and forms an interior connection member remote from the exterior connection member. A mechanism is provided for substantially reducing the transmittal of mechanical loads from the first end potion to the second end portion. A member is provided for electrically interconnecting the interior connection member with the electrolytic device within the case. Finally, a mechanism seals the connection between the electrically interconnecting member and the interior connection member to prevent leakage of electrolyte from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Gylling Optima Batteries AB
    Inventors: Larry K. W. Ching, Jr., Neil H. Puester
  • Patent number: 5589292
    Abstract: In a tool for boosting (jump starting) a vehicle, it is know that there is a battery as a power source and booster cables to bring the energy to the engine. In this invention, the battery and the cables are incorporated into one unit which includes the battery, the cables and protective holsters (housing) to lodge the cables. The holsters are an integral part of the unit and swivel at 90.degree. (degrees) to permit easy access. In this way, everything can be carried in one hand. Also, because the unit can be easily placed close to the engine, the cables can be much shorter than regular booster cables. It is easier to use since there are only two connections to make instead of four. Finally, the holsters, which house the booster clips protect the user from short circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Booster Pac International Corporation
    Inventor: Luc Rozon
  • Patent number: 5589294
    Abstract: A cold formed side wall terminal for a storage battery, the terminal being formed from a lead slug having a cavity at one end, a stainless steel nut positioned in the cavity and encapsulated therein on cold working the lead slug, the terminal further including a spline ring at the other end and a number of seal rings formed on the outside of the terminal intermediate the ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Tulip Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard N. Spiegelberg, Mark E. Sauter
  • Patent number: 5585207
    Abstract: A safety device of the present invention for a storage battery includes a charge-discharge lead one end of which is connected to a positive electrode side of the storage battery and the other end of which is connected to a positive terminal of the storage battery; a pressure-sensing device which deforms in response to the increase of the pressure in the storage battery; and a cutting device for cutting the charge-discharge lead. The cutting device is pressed by the deformation of the pressure-sensing device to cut the charge-discharge lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Japan Storage Battery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Wakabe, Jun-ichi Miura, Yasuharu Sakai, Tetsuzo Kojima, Takao Maki
  • Patent number: 5549985
    Abstract: A lithium halide button cell formed of simplified sub-assemblies including one such subassembly in which molten cathode material is poured into a retaining ring and allowed to solidify therein before incorporation into the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard F. Heller, Craig L. Schmidt, Thomas M. Nutzman, Joseph F. Lessar
  • Patent number: 5506071
    Abstract: A surge absorber 20 is produced by sealing a glass tube 10 by sealing electrodes 11 and 12 in state that the glass tube 10 is incorporated with a surge absorbing element 13 and with inert gas 14. The sealing electrode is constructed of an electrode member 11a made of alloy containing iron and nickel, and a copper thin film 11b or 21b of a predetermined thickness formed on both surfaces of this electrode member or only on one-side surface in contact with the glass tube and facing on an inside of the glass tube. A Cu.sub.2 O film 11c may preferably be formed on a surface of the copper thin film. This sealing electrode can be sealed in an inert gas atmosphere and has a satisfactory sealability to the glass tube with an electron emission accelerating action. In case where the copper thin film is formed on both surfaces of the electrode member, a lead wire can easily be soldered on an outer surface of the sealing electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Materials Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Tanaka, Takaaki Itoh, Masatoshi Abe
  • Patent number: 5478669
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell of cylindrical type, with a metal can, an anode, a separator and a cathode arranged concentrically in one another, an aqueous alkaline electrolyte solution, and a closure assembly. The closure assembly comprises a plastic top inserted in the open end of the can and has an outer cylindrical zone, a lower rim, a central portion defining a central bore, and an intermediate portion interconnecting the central portion with the lower rim. A current collector nail is inserted through the central bore and penetrates into the anode. A negative cap of a metal sheet material forms the negative terminal of the cell. The negative cap has a flange portion ending in an inwardly bent rim, the can has a bead at a specific distance from its open end, and the bead serves as an abutment member for the closure assembly when inserted in the can. The plastic top defines a conforming support surface for the inwardly bent rim substantially at the connection zone of the outer cylindrical zone and the lower rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Battery Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Flack
  • Patent number: 5474859
    Abstract: A structure for stabilizing of an electrochemical cell stack against high shock and vibration forces through the use of a plurality of electrode connections at both the top and bottom of the stack is described. Constructing the cell casing having a tubular shape rather than the typical deep drawn can shape, allows access to the lower portion of the stack. There, additional leads are welded to the cell case, which significantly adds to the stability of the stack within the case. The lower portion of the case is then within the case. The lower portion of the case is then hermetically sealed by fitting and welding a disc in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Wilson Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Esther S. Takeuchi, Michael F. Pyszczek
  • Patent number: 5472802
    Abstract: A sealed battery case comprising: a case of formable metal; a lid for the case, the lid having an annular shroud defining the periphery of at least one opening; at least one terminal having a sealing lip at its circumference; where the terminal is crimp sealed into said annular shroud. Also described is a method of attaching a terminal in a lid opening of a battery case; the opening having an opening and an annular shroud surrounding the opening. The annular shroud is of an inner diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the opening and extending outward from the lid, and the terminal has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the opening and a sealing lip around its circumference. The sealing lip has a diameter in between the diameter of the opening and the diameter of the shroud; the method comprising the steps of: placing a seal of an insulating material; around the sealing lip; inserting the terminal into the shroud; and crimping the shroud around the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Ovonic Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Art Holland, Kevin Dean, Donn Fillmore
  • Patent number: 5449575
    Abstract: In a magnesium battery, a magnesium foil envelope encloses a current collector, cathode layers on the current collector, and an electrolyte material separating the cathode layers from the foil envelope to form the battery. The magnesium foil envelope serves as the packaging so that no extra packaging is required. The current collector has an elongated portion which protrudes through the magnesium foil to serve as a battery terminal and the magnesium foil is sealed around the battery terminal and is electrically insulated from it by an insulating layer or adhesion layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Inventor: Russell D. Moulton
  • Patent number: 5441825
    Abstract: A device for compressing the cell stack disposed within the battery case of a multicell battery and providing a gas-tight, electrically isolated seal for one of the battery terminals. The device comprising an expandable unit disposed between the cell stack and a surface of the battery case. The unit having a cavity disposed therein and a sealable port through which a pressurized fluid may be provided to the cavity thereby expanding the unit. The unit is preferably comprised of two concentric annular metal bellows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Geoffrey Barlow
  • Patent number: 5422202
    Abstract: A cold formed side wall terminal for a storage battery, the terminal being formed from a lead slug having a cavity at one end, a stainless steel nut positioned in the cavity and encapsulated therein on cold working the lead slug, the terminal further including a spline ring at the other end and a number of seal rings formed on the outside of the terminal intermediate the ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Tulip Corporation
    Inventors: Bernard N. Spiegelberg, Mark E. Sauter
  • Patent number: 5422201
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell including a current collector assembly having a current collector, a seal and a compression means wherein the compression means and collector exert minimum tension and maximum compressive stresses on the seal thereby avoiding leakage of electrolyte either through or around the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip Georgopoulos
  • Patent number: 5403677
    Abstract: Exposure or lack of adequate protection for the terminal portion of a battery against the environment is remedied by a protective `boot`, which is formed of a waterproof pliable material and is configured to fit snugly over the casing of the battery and seal the terminal portion of the battery against the surrounding environment. The battery `boot` may be molded from a rubber material or plasticized polyvinylchloride in the form of a cap portion and a sidewall portion integral with the cap portion. The sidewall portion is shaped to conform with an outer surface portion of the battery casing and is dimensioned such that, when the cover is pliably stretched so as to fit over the battery, the cap portion covers the terminals of the battery, while the sidewall portion fits tight against the battery casing and seals the outer surface portion of the battery against the entry of moisture, foreign matter and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventors: Keith K. Lundie, Kenneth R. Selig
  • Patent number: 5397661
    Abstract: A compact, hermetic feedthrough apparatus comprising interfitting sleeve portions constructed of chemically-stable materials to permit unique battery designs and increase battery life and performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1995
    Assignee: The University of Chicago
    Inventor: Thomas D. Kaun
  • Patent number: 5326653
    Abstract: A battery unit includes a battery having an anode including an anode current collector tab, a cathode including a cathode current collector tab, and an electrolyte disposed between the anode and the cathode. The battery is sealed by packaging material such that portions of the anode current collector tab and the cathode current collector tab extend past the exterior of the packaging material. The extended portions of the anode current collector tab and the cathode current collector tab are secured to the exterior of the packaging material to reinforce the extended portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Valence Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: On-Kok Chang
  • Patent number: 5310609
    Abstract: An intercell connector for electrically interconnecting a plurality of battery cells, each of the battery cells including a plurality of spaced apart positive and negative electrode plates encased in a plastic casing. The intercell connector includes first and second buss bars disposed in spaced apart relation to each other and each including a base portion and an electrode connecting portion extending from the base portion, the base portions of the first and second buss bars respectively including first and second electrode terminals aligned with each other; and an insulator for insulating the first and second buss bars from each other. The connector is disposed in the casing of each of the cells so as to extend transversely to the electrode plates with the casing being bonded to a portion of the insulator such that only the electrode terminals are exposed outside the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Comsat
    Inventors: Martin W. Earl, Ronald R. Kessler, Max A. Morris
  • Patent number: 5306580
    Abstract: A cell employing a cup-shaped terminal that has a concave surface coated by electrodeposition of a metal such that the deposited metal contacts the cell's anodic mixture so that the anodic mixture can be made with little or no mercury. A method for producing cup-shaped terminals with a metal electrodeposited on only one side is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert N. Mansfield, Jr., Robert F. Scarr
  • Patent number: 5306581
    Abstract: A lithium battery having a weldable feedthrough which is compatible with liquid electrolytes containing organic solvents and lithium salts under long term use conditions. The feedthrough comprises a pin of niobium or tantalum and ductile alloys thereof and a low silica insulating glass positioned around a portion of the pin in sealing engagement with the pin. The feedthrough is assembled into an aperture of the battery case where it provides an electrically conductive pathway from the anode or cathode to the exterior of the case and provides a hermetic seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Taylor, Douglas J. Weiss, Joseph Lessar, Jennifer P. Miller, Robert E. Kraska
  • Patent number: 5296317
    Abstract: A battery terminal with high torque resistance utilizing three sided frusto-conical recesses and mating protrusions extending from the battery terminal and method of making the terminal by a cold forming process that forms a finished battery terminal from a preworked lead slug by driving one end of a punch through the slug to remove excess material and form an axial through hole, a second and third portion of the punch to close the die chamber and a fourth portion of the punch to radially expand the lead slug into a finished battery terminal. The dies for forming the battery terminal include a movable multiple-segmented die for collapsing radially inward around the slug and a frusto-conical die for forming the top portion of the battery terminal. An ejector sleeve removes the finished battery terminal after the cold forming process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Water Gremlin Co.
    Inventors: Robert W. Ratte, Ronald Cain, Norman E. Peterson