Having Cell Assembly Support Feature Patents (Class 429/186)
  • Publication number: 20040053117
    Abstract: An electric storage battery and method of manufacture thereof characterized by a feedthrough pin which is internally directly physically and electrically connected to an inner end of a positive electrode substrate. A C-shaped mandrel extends around the pin and substrate end enabling the pin/mandrel to be used during the manufacturing process as an arbor to facilitate winding layers of a spiral jellyroll electrode assembly. The pin additionally extends from the battery case and in the final product constitutes one of the battery terminals with the battery case comprising the other terminal. Active material is removed from both sides of the outer end of the negative electrode in the jellyroll to allow room for adhesive tape to secure the jellyroll. The electrolyte is injected through the open end of the case after the endcap is welded to the negative electrode but before sealing the endcap to the case. The electrolyte is preferably injected through the C-shaped mandrel to facilitate and speed filling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Quallion LLC
    Inventors: Hisashi Tsukamoto, David M. Skinlo, Andrew Szyszkowski, Vladimir Zolotnik
  • Publication number: 20040053116
    Abstract: An electric storage battery and method of manufacture thereof characterized by a feedthrough pin which is internally directly physically and electrically connected to an inner end of a positive electrode substrate. A C-shaped mandrel extends around the pin and substrate end enabling the pin/mandrel to be used during the manufacturing process as an arbor to facilitate winding layers of a spiral jellyroll electrode assembly. The pin additionally extends from the battery case and in the final product constitutes one of the battery terminals with the battery case comprising the other terminal. Active material is removed from both sides of the outer end of the negative electrode in the jellyroll to allow room for adhesive tape to secure the jellyroll. The electrolyte is injected through the open end of the case after the endcap is welded to the negative electrode but before sealing the endcap to the case. The electrolyte is preferably injected through the C-shaped mandrel to facilitate and speed filling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Quallion LLC
    Inventor: David M. Skinlo
  • Publication number: 20040049908
    Abstract: An electric storage battery and method of manufacture thereof characterized by a feedthrough pin which is internally directly physically and electrically connected to an inner end of a positive electrode substrate. A C-shaped mandrel extends around the pin and substrate end enabling the pin/mandrel to be used during the manufacturing process as an arbor to facilitate winding layers of a spiral jellyroll electrode assembly. The pin additionally extends from the battery case and in the final product constitutes one of the battery terminals with the battery case comprising the other terminal. Active material is removed from both sides of the outer end of the negative electrode in the jellyroll to allow room for adhesive tape to secure the jellyroll. The electrolyte is injected through the open end of the case after the endcap is welded to the negative electrode but before sealing the endcap to the case. The electrolyte is preferably injected through the C-shaped mandrel to facilitate and speed filling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Quallion LLC
    Inventors: Hisashi Tsukamoto, Andrew Szyszkowski, David M. Skinlo
  • Publication number: 20040053119
    Abstract: An electric storage battery and method of manufacture thereof characterized by a feedthrough pin which is internally directly physically and electrically connected to an inner end of a positiv electrode substrate. A C-shaped mandrel extends around the pin and substrate end enabling the pin/mandrel to be used during the manufacturing process as an arbor to facilitate winding layers of a spiral jellyroll electrode assembly. The pin additionally extends from the battery case and in the final product constitutes one of the battery terminals with the battery case comprising the other terminal. Active material is removed from both sides of the outer end of the negative electrode in the jellyroll to allow room for adhesive tape to secure the jellyroll. The electrolyte is injected through the open end of the case after the endcap is welded to the negative electrode but before sealing the endcap to the case. The electrolyte is preferably injected through the C-shaped mandrel to facilitate and speed filling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Quallion LLC
    Inventors: Hisashi Tsukamoto, David M. Skinlo, Andrew Szyszkowski
  • Publication number: 20040053118
    Abstract: An electric storage battery and method of manufacture thereof characterized by a feedthrough pin which is internally directly physically and electrically connected to an inner end of a positiv electrode substrate. A C-shaped mandrel extends around the pin and substrate end enabling the pin/mandrel to be used during the manufacturing process as an arbor to facilitate winding layers of a spiral jellyroll electrode assembly. The pin additionally extends from the battery case and in the final product constitutes one of the battery terminals with the battery case comprising the other terminal. Active material is removed from both sides of the outer end of the negative electrode in the jellyroll to allow room for adhesive tape to secure the jellyroll. The electrolyte is injected through the open end of the case after the endcap is welded to the negative electrode but before sealing the endcap to the case. The electrolyte is preferably injected through the C-shaped mandrel to facilitate and speed filling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Applicant: Quallion LLC
    Inventors: Hisashi Tsukamoto, David M. Skinlo, Andrew Szyszkowski, Vladimir Zolotnik, Leon Parkhouse
  • Publication number: 20040048148
    Abstract: An electric storage battery and method of manufacture thereof characterized by a feedthrough pin which is internally directly physically and electrically connected to an inner end of a positive electrode substrate. A C-shaped mandrel extends around the pin and substrate end enabling the pin/mandrel to be used during the manufacturing process as an arbor to facilitate winding layers of a spiral jellyroll electrode assembly. The pin additionally extends from the battery case and in the final product constitutes one of the battery terminals with the battery case comprising the other terminal. Active material is removed from both sides of the outer end of the negative electrode in the jellyroll to allow room for adhesive tape to secure the jellyroll. The electrolyte is injected through the open end of the case after the endcap is welded to the negative electrode but before sealing the endcap to the case. The electrolyte is preferably injected through the C-shaped mandrel to facilitate and speed filling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Quallion LLC
    Inventor: David M. Skinlo
  • Publication number: 20040038125
    Abstract: A pouch type secondary battery having enhanced reliability by protecting the battery from external impacts is described. A reinforcement structure may be installed on a pouch casing and an electrode assembly housed in the pouch casing. Short-circuits inside the pouch casing may be minimized. The pouch type secondary battery has an electrode assembly with positive and negative electrode plates with a separator interposed therebetween, and positive and negative terminal portions extending from the positive and negative electrode plates. A first reinforcement member is closely adhered to one or more planes of the electrode assembly. A second reinforcement member may be adhered to the pouch casing and used with or without the first reinforcement member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Applicant: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Bum Kim, Chang-Ho Kim, Youn-Han Chang, Won-Chull Han
  • Patent number: 6692863
    Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary cell includes a rolled-up electrode unit composed of a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator interposed therebetween, and a negative electrode current collector plate and a positive electrode current collector plate joined to the respective ends of the electrode unit. The negative electrode collector plate is joined to an edge of the negative electrode projecting at one of the opposite ends of the electrode unit. The collector plate has a two-layer structure of a copper layer made of copper or an alloy consisting predominantly of copper, and a metal layer made of a metal not forming an intermetallic compound with lithium and having a lower laser beam reflectivity than copper or an alloy consisting predominantly of the metal. The collector plate has its copper layer contacted with the edge of the negative electrode and welded thereto with a laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoya Nakanishi, Kouichi Satoh, Toshiyuki Nohma, Ikuo Yonezu
  • Patent number: 6627345
    Abstract: A battery pack includes a first cell having top and bottom terminals, a first support disposed on the top terminal, and a second support disposed on the bottom terminal. At least one of the first and second supports may include a rib for maintaining the first cell in place. The first and second supports may lock together. Accordingly, the first support may include a first protrusion, and the second support may include a second protrusion which engages the first protrusion. The battery pack may also include a pad disposed on at least one of the top and bottom terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Zemlok, Kevin S. Agan, Robert Bradus, Horst Grossmann
  • Patent number: 6599658
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Toshiba International Corporation
    Inventor: Mark A Vackar
  • Patent number: 6582155
    Abstract: A soil compaction device has a receptacle in which a cage can be placed to hold a battery. At the external side of the cage there are spring-damper elements provided that keep the excessively strong acceleration loads away from the battery. The cage and the battery can be pulled out of the receptacle in a simple manner in one piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Wacker Construction Equipment AG
    Inventors: Thomas Bromberger, Thomas Maurer, Norbert Jungwirth, Klaus Blaffert
  • Patent number: 6534212
    Abstract: A winding assembly for a battery includes a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, a separator sheet, and a current collector. The positive and negative plates and the separator sheet are wound in overlying relationship such that the separator sheet is positioned between the positive and negative plates, an exposed top edge of the positive electrode plate is spaced longitudinally from an adjacent unexposed top edge of the negative plate, and an exposed bottom edge of the negative electrode plate is spaced longitudinally from an unexposed bottom edge of said positive electrode plate. The current collector is connected to one of the exposed edges of one of the positive and negative electrode plates, and, accordingly, is spaced apart from the adjacent unexposed bottom edge of the other (i.e., the non-attached) electrode plate. The current collector includes a terminal mounting portion and a radially extending collecting web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Hawker Energy Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Hooke
  • Patent number: 6530145
    Abstract: A fixture, for liquid electrolyte impregnation of an electrochemical cell, includes a base on which a cap is removably provided. The base includes a nest that receives the electrochemical cell. The cap includes a fill port in communication with the nest. In order to impregnate the cell, a vacuum is created in the nest via the fill port. Subsequently, the electrolyte is injected through the fill port and into the nest. The vacuum may be applied via the fill port, or alternatively, a vacuum port may be provided in the cap through which the vacuum is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Mark Beigay, Bobby Dean, J. Richard Raines, H. Wayne Swofford
  • Patent number: 6521371
    Abstract: An adaptable battery tray for supporting a battery includes a body having a pair of end walls and side walls, with each end wall rotatably attached to an adapter. The adapter is rotatable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the adapters are external to the interior of the battery tray and permits the battery tray to support a battery having dimensions approximating the dimensions between the side walls and the end walls. When a battery of lesser length is to be supported, the adapters are rotated into the second position, and include a pair of stop plates which define therebetween a wall suitable for housing the battery of lesser dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventor: Richard A. Lavanture
  • Publication number: 20030031921
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoya Nakanishi, Kouichi Satoh, Yoshito Chikano, Kazunari Ohkita, Ikuo Yonezu, Koji Nishio
  • Publication number: 20030031920
    Abstract: An element body for a compressible stack of battery elements is provided. The element body defines a cavity for receiving the compressible stack of battery elements. The cavity has a height that is smaller than an uncompressed height of the compressible stack of battery elements. A cover compresses the compressible stack of battery elements to about the height of the cavity. The stack has a plurality of positive plates each having a positive lug, a plurality of non-conductive separators, and a plurality of negative plates each having a negative lug is provided. The positive plates, separators, and negative plates are configured into the compressible stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Roderick L. Hoffman, Rex W. Holliday, Jason E. Connell
  • Patent number: 6497978
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an explosion-proof safety valve assemblage having a lead cap which allows some of the manufacturing man-hour in the process such as precision working and positioning to be deleted, since the lead cap is integrally formed with an explosion-proof safety valve and serves to provide a current circuit in a battery in place of a conventional one composed of lead plate or lead wire which requires such precision working and positioning operations, and to provide a closed secondary battery using the above mentioned safety valve assemblage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignees: Toyo Kohan Co., Ltd., Fukuda Metal Foil & Power Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Takada, Kinji Saijo, Kazuo Yoshida, Nobuyuki Yoshimoto, Yoshihiko Isobe
  • Patent number: 6485859
    Abstract: An improved electrode assembly for batteries and the like including a central mandrel configured to exert a resilient outward force on a multilayer web wound around the mandrel. The multilayer web includes a positive electrode layer, a negative electrode layer, and a separator layer separating the positive and negative layers. The resilient outward force acts to maintain the tightness of the web roll, thus lowering electrical resistance and enhancing battery cycle life. The mandrel is preferably formed of sheet metal configured to define an S-shape having a central section and first and second resilient leaves extending therefrom. The leaves preferably define substantially planar areas for bearing against an inner turn of the web roll to exert a resilient outward force thereagainst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Scientific Research
    Inventor: Andrew J. Szyszkowski
  • Patent number: 6482541
    Abstract: A frame assembly for receiving and supporting batteries in at least one horizontal row comprises a pair of generally parallel spaced apart, aligned base supports with each base support having a front end and a rear end. Four vertical corner supports, including a front pair and a rear pair are secured to the base supports with the front pair of corner supports being generally equally spaced from the rear pair of corner supports. At least one pair of horizontal supports are secured to the corner supports. The horizontal support pair includes a front horizontal support and a rear horizontal support. Each horizontal support has two ends with each end of the front horizontal support being secured to one of the corner supports of the front pair of corner supports and with each end of the rear horizontal support being secured to one of the corner supports of the rear pair of corner supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: EnerSys Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Bator, Jr., Gary William Parsons
  • Patent number: 6482544
    Abstract: A battery package including laminate sheets adhered each other along their peripheral to form a container portion for receiving an electrode assembly and a seal portion. The seal portion surrounds the container portion and protrudes outwardly from side faces of the container portion. The seal portion has enough width to maintain the container portion free from moisture for long periods of time. The laminate sheets include a heat-adhesive polymer layer and a metal layer which stops moisture and provides a shape-maintaining ability to the laminar sheets. The seal portion is folded or curled to reduce a projection area of the battery package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha, Japan Storage Battery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Shiota, Shigeru Aihara, Daigo Takemura, Shoji Yoshioka, Makiko Kise, Jun Aragane, Hiroaki Urushibata, Yasuhiro Yoshida, Michio Murai, Kenji Kawaguchi, Hironori Ozaki, Hideo Ichimura, Masaharu Moriyasu, Shinji Nakadeguchi, Takashi Nishimura, Hisashi Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 6479180
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tetsuo Uozumi
  • Patent number: 6475659
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: C&D Charter Holdings Inc.
    Inventor: Drew Heimer
  • Patent number: 6472089
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided that has a negative terminal cover with a hole therein or a raised portion with notches therein to provide adequate air ingress during the coating of a non-conductive material on the raised portion of the negative terminal. The addition of the hole or notches in the negative terminal cover prevents a vacuum from forming and thereby prevents migration of the non-conductive material toward the center of the negative terminal cover. The process of making an electrochemical cell with a negative terminal cover that has a hole therein or has a raised portion with notches therein is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: James C. Stricker, Thomas J. Kmetich
  • Patent number: 6461760
    Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprising: a case comprising a bottom and a sidewall; a rolled body comprising: a positive electrode comprising a first electric plate and a positive electrode active material applied on the first electric plate; a negative electrode comprising a second electric plate and a negative electrode active material applied on the second electric plate; and a separator inserted between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; wherein the rolled body is formed by laminating and rolling the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator; and wherein the rolled body is enclosed in the body; non-aqueous electrolyte enclosed in the case; a header used for sealing the case; a plurality of positive electrode leads connecting the positive electrode and the header; a plurality of negative electrode leads connecting the negative electrode and a bottom of the case; and holding means for holding the rolled body so that the rolled body does not relatively move
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: NEC Tokin Corporation
    Inventor: Takayuki Inoi
  • Patent number: 6447948
    Abstract: A plate support bridge for an electric storage battery cell jar having a base, adjacent perpendicular side walls and opposite parallel side walls, and including a plurality of elongate support members positioned on the base of the jar for supporting at least one battery plate in spaced-apart relation above the base. A first array of said support members is provided having a first end adjacent to one of the side walls of the jar and extending outwardly from said side wall at an oblique angle thereto and terminating at a second end remote from any side wall of the jar. The first array of support members is spaced-apart from each other at all points along their respective lengths. A second array of said support members is provided and is positioned intermediate said side walls and has at least one segment positioned at an angle oblique to said side walls. The second array of support members is spaced-apart from each other at all points along their respective lengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Accuma Corporation
    Inventors: David M. Revak, Amy G. Stewart
  • Patent number: 6423438
    Abstract: A method of sealing an end of a battery container is disclosed. The method includes: (a) providing a plurality of supports in a wall of the container toward the end of the container; (b) scoring the wall of the container at a position between the end of the container and the supports; (c) inserting a top assembly into the container such that the top assembly contacts the supports; and (d) folding an edge of the container over the top assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Robert Payne, Gary M. Searle
  • Patent number: 6372380
    Abstract: The present invention provides a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprising: a battery case; a battery element accommodated in the battery case, the battery element comprising laminations of a first polarity type electrode, a second polarity type electrode and a separator sandwiched between the first polarity type electrode and the second polarity type electrode, the first polarity type electrode comprising a first polarity type collector which is provided with at least a first polarity type electrode active material layer except for a first side region extending along one side of the first polarity type collector, and the second polarity type electrode comprising a second polarity type collector which is provided with at least a second polarity type electrode active material layer except for a second side region extending along one side of the second polarity type collector, the first side region of the first polarity type collector projecting from first side edge of the separator and the second sid
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Kitami, Hiromi Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20020022179
    Abstract: A rectangular alkaline storage battery includes a plurality of rectangular positive electrode plates, negative electrode plates, and separators. The positive and negative electrode plates are layered alternately via the separators, resulting in a group of electrode plates. The group of electrode plates, together with an alkaline electrolyte, is housed in a rectangular container. In the battery, internal resistance is 5 m&OHgr; or less, the electrode plate group thickness is 30 mm or less, and the amount of electrolyte is 1.3 to 8.0 g/Ah. This can achieve a rectangular alkaline storage battery that provides the optimum balance in the quantity of heat generation, heat release, and heat accumulation, high power, and excellent battery characteristics even when charged/discharged repeatedly and used for a long time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2001
    Publication date: February 21, 2002
    Inventors: Shinichi Yuasa, Nobuyasu Morishita, Akihiro Taniguchi, Munehisa Ikoma
  • Patent number: 6340538
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Jack King
  • Patent number: 6338915
    Abstract: A battery structure is arranged such that an elastic valve body or the like cannot easily come off from the cover body during the production of the battery, which thereby enhances the production yield. A cover body of the invention includes a flange portion airtightly fixed to an injection port and a bulge portion protruding from the flange portion and provided with a space in which an elastic valve body is fitted (mounted). The bulge portion has an opening for ventilation provided on the side wall thereof and a protrusion at the lower end of the side wall thereof protruding inwardly of the side wall, whereby the elastic valve body can be held by the protrusion and the annular rim of the elastic valve body so that it can be prevented from coming off from the cover body. Accordingly, the elastic valve body can be prevented from coming off from the cover body due to vibration developed during the transportation of the cover body or like occasions, making it possible to enhance the production yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Nagase, Takeo Hamamatsu, Masao Inoue, Hideyuki Asanuma
  • Patent number: 6322922
    Abstract: A metal reinforcing plate is welded in place close to the opening on the inside of the battery case, and a plastic insulation gasket and a sealing member provided with an anti-explosion mechanism or the like are sequentially mounted on the metal reinforcing plate. By this arrangement, higher battery capacity can be realized by eliminating the waste of space because it is unnecessary to form a conventional indentation around the upper wall of a battery case. A sealed battery construction having an anti-explosion mechanism and being highly reliable in terms of leakage prevention can be thereby obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideaki Yoshio, Seiichi Mizutani, Shinji Tsurutani, Saburo Nakatsuka, Mamoru Iida
  • Patent number: 6296966
    Abstract: A sealed one-piece battery comprises a container having at least one wall and divided into contiguous compartments which receive electrode assemblies by at least one partition attached to the wall. A device for measuring the temperature of the electrode assemblies comprises at least one sensor disposed in a housing formed within the thickness of at least one of the partitions. The opening of the housing is on the external face of the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventors: Roëlof Verhoog, Alain Genton
  • Patent number: 6284407
    Abstract: This invention provides a support stand for portable electronic devices that is incorporated into a battery. The support stand is optionally detachable. When the support stand is closed, the electronic device fits into the hand or a belt holster in its normal fashion. When the support stand is open, the support stand allows the portable electronic device to rest at an angle relative to a horizontal surface. When applied to a cellular phone or two-way radio, the invention offers improved access to the display screen and microphone/speaker assembly, as well as offering improved antenna performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Anthony Murray, Michael Robert Gardner, J. Douglas Boger
  • Patent number: 6232012
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell and electrode assembly in which an alkali metal anode and a cathode assembly are wound together in a unidirectional winding having substantially straight sides such that the winding will fit into a prismatic cell. The anode and cathode are arranged in the winding to provide for even utilization of reactive material during cell discharge by placing cathode and anode material in close proximity throughout the electrode assembly in the proportions in which they are utilized. The winding also contributes to even utilization of reactive material by employing multiple tabs on the cathode assembly to ensure that cathode material is evenly utilized throughout the electrode assembly during cell discharge and also so that connections to the tabs are readily made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: William G. Howard, Roger W. Kelm, Douglas J. Weiss, Ann M. Crespi, Fred J. Berkcwitz, Paul M. Skarstad
  • Patent number: 6210829
    Abstract: A battery jar for a battery cell having a plurality of plate support bridges, preferably chevron shaped, is presented. The bridges are disposed on a bottom surface of the battery jar. The bridges include a pair of legs attached at an angle such that each leg provides structural support for each other when supporting the plates of the battery cell. Advantageously, the invention provides good resistance to columnar buckling from impact loads of the plates without requiring that the bridges be made thick relative to prior art bridges. Therefore, migration of the residue from the plates (mud) is enhanced. Also, the invention reduces the indentation depth required over the prior art by providing dual bearing surfaces for the plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Harding Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: James S. Hardigg
  • Patent number: 6207315
    Abstract: A spacecraft battery system arranges battery cells in two planes with a common mounting plate between them allowing for a more compact arrangement so the battery assembly can be removed from a limited mounting area resource of the spacecraft such as the north/south faces and placed remotely. Accordingly, a first battery assembly comprised of a plurality of battery cells in electrical continuity are mounted on and spread in a single plane over a first mounting surface of a planar mounting panel and a similarly constructed second battery assembly is mounted on and spread in a single plane over a second, opposed, mounting surface of that same planar mounting panel, the plane of the second battery assembly being spaced from the plane of the first battery assembly. The system includes a plurality of heat pipes embedded in the planar mounting panel and thermally connected with each of the battery cells for distributing heat uniformly across the planar mounting panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Space Systems/Loral, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter S. Gelon, John C. Hall
  • Patent number: 6197446
    Abstract: A sealed secondary battery assembly in which electricity-generating elements are accommodated in cases made of resin formed in rectangular tubular shape having a bottom, a plurality of cells constituted by sealing the apertures of cases by covers made of resin are arranged in series, these being electrically connected by electrical connection elements, wherein: the cases of the individual cells are constituted by a unitary case and the covers of the individual cells are constituted by a unitary cover, support elements made of resin in which are fixed electrical connection elements are joined to support element mounting passage sections provided on partition sections that define the space for the cells, said electrical connection elements being thereby arranged so as to pass through said partition sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinsuke Fukuda, Mitsugu Takaki, Kenji Sato, Rye Iwamura, Toshinobu Yokoyama
  • Patent number: 6197444
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Toshiba International Corporation
    Inventor: Mark A Vackar
  • Patent number: 6190795
    Abstract: A battery having a housing with a lower rim and a pair of terminals projecting from one face is releasably mounted in a base. The base has a floor with side rails and an upright at one end. Spring loaded contacts are mounted in the upright to engage the terminals on the battery housing. The side rails have clips that engage the lower rim when the battery is placed in the base to hold the battery housing against the floor. A hinged releasable latch formed in the base engages the rear of the rim to hold the terminals against the contacts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventor: James T. Daley
  • Patent number: 6183903
    Abstract: A plastic battery container for a recombinant sealed lead-acid battery having reduced end wall deflection, the end wall comprising a base portion from which extends a series of integrally molded ribs disposed at approximately +/−45° to the horizontal, substantially all intersection points of the ribs with the base portion having a rounded character to enhance processing characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: GNB Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kris Campbell, John E. Kopala
  • Patent number: 6174619
    Abstract: In order to improve vibration resistance of a battery, the bottoms as well as the tops of the negative and positive plates are respectively series combined. The bottoms may be combined using straps made of electrically conductive or non-conductive materials, and to facilitate integration of the bottoms of the plates into the casing, foot slots may be provided at the bottom of the battery casing for insertion of plate connectors used to connect the plates to the straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 6168883
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Lewis F. Urry
  • Patent number: 6117587
    Abstract: A plurality of reinforcing ribs 8 and 9 are formed on an end wall of a battery container 2 of a battery B, and a pair of notches 11 are defined in the reinforcing rib 9 at an upper end. A battery suspending jig J has a pair of hooks 14 formed on a base plate 12 formed of a metal plate material. An attaching/detaching portion 14.sub.1 of the hook 14 is passed through an attaching/detaching bore 11.sub.1 of the notch 11 and then moved upwards, whereby an engage portion 14.sub.2 of the hook 14 is brought into engagement into an engage bore 11.sub.2 of the notch 11, and a receiving portion 14.sub.3 of the hook 14 is urged against a lower surface of the reinforcing rib 9. Thus, the battery B can be suspended and moved by connecting the battery suspending jig J to a chain block or a winch through a wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuo Kitami, Osamu Hasegawa, Tomoji Yoshizawa, Shigeru Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6087041
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell is disclosed having a cylindrical can having an open end and a closed end, and a first electrode having a generally hollow cylindrical shape molded in place within the can such that an outer cylindrical surface of the first electrode contacts an inner cylindrical surface of the can. The first electrode has a recess adjacent to the inner cylindrical surface of the can at an end of the first electrode proximate the open end of the can to accommodate any flashing that is formed along the interior side walls of the can when the first electrode is molded in place. The electrochemical cell further includes a second electrode having a polarity opposite the first electrode disposed within a hollow cavity of the first electrode, a separator lining the hollow cavity within the first electrode so as to physically separate the first and second electrodes, and a collector assembly supported by the first electrode for sealing the open end of the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Tucholski, Frank J. Puglia
  • Patent number: 6083640
    Abstract: A secondary battery includes a case, a rolled electrode assembly disposed within the case, and an electrode assembly fixing member receiving a portion of the rolled electrode assembly so that expansion and contraction of the rolled electrode assembly can be suppressed during charging and discharging operations of the battery, and deformation of the rolled electrode assembly caused by outer impact can be prevented. The electrode assembly fixing member comprises a cap fitted onto at least one of upper and lower ends of the rolled electrode assembly. The electrode assembly fixing member further comprises a gripper holding the rolled electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Samsung Display Device Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jin-Uk Lee, Jun-Won Kang, Chang-Seob Kim
  • Patent number: 6025091
    Abstract: A gasket for sealing a metal cell can with a metal terminal cap, wherein the gasket contains polybutylene terephthalate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignees: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., Fuji Film Celltec Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirokazu Kondo, Takuji Yamada
  • Patent number: 6007937
    Abstract: A multicell electric storage battery with a prismatic container (1) and cylindrical cells, which comprises throughpassing vertical conduits (15-16) opening through the lid and bottom and disposed among adjacent cells and intended for the circulation of air or another coolant and for the passage of threaded anchoring rods (17). The cylindrical walls of the cells include a planar upper segment with an opening through which the electrical connection of adjacent cells is made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Sociedad Espanola del Acumulador Tudor, S.A.
    Inventors: Rafael Ruiz Rodriguez, Jesus Gutierrez Heredia, Ernesto Collado Parra, Jose Fullea Garcia
  • Patent number: 5972535
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for more efficiently fusing the straps of pre-formed terminal post members with plate lugs of a battery plate group utilizing a non-reusable, inexpensive plastic mold insert. The method includes positioning the battery plate group into an open top container with the lugs of the positive plates in one row and the lugs of the negative plates in another row, positioning the plastic insert into the container with the lugs of the plate group extending upwardly through the mold insert, positioning the terminal post members on the plastic mold insert with fingers of the straps thereof disposed between plate lugs of the respective rows, supplying additional unmelted lead into remaining spaces between the plate lugs, and heating, melting, and fusing the plate lugs, strap fingers, and added lead by induction heating to form interconnections between the positive and negative plates in the respective terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: GNB Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Kump, David L. Lund, Charles J. DiMarco
  • Patent number: 5942350
    Abstract: A graded metal hardware component for an electrochemical cell is shown for mechanically supporting electrochemical cell structures and defining fluid cavities and fluid passages in a cell employing a solid polymer electrolyte membrane. The graded metal hardware component includes a substrate such as stainless steel, a surface layer made of a precious metal such as gold, and a graded boundary layer adjacent to and between the substrate and surface layer, wherein the graded boundary layer is an interdiffusion of the substrate and surface layer so that the graded boundary layer is between 0.5 wt. %-5.0 wt. % of the material making up the substrate, and between 99.5 wt. %-95.0 wt. % of the material making up the surface layer, and the graded boundary layer has a thickness of between 10%-90% of a shortest distance between the substrate and an exterior surface of the surface layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Roy, Andrei Leonida, Thomas J. Garosshen, Trent M. Molter
  • Patent number: RE37804
    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: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: GNB Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Edward M. Mattan