Precursor Composition Patents (Class 429/189)
  • Patent number: 6291107
    Abstract: The invention provides a non-aqueous electrolyte battery using a carbonaceous material capable of doping or dedoping lithium for an anode, a composite oxide comprising lithium and a transition metal for a cathode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte obtained by dissolving a carrier salt in a non-aqueous solvent as an electrolyte. The non-aqueous electrolyte comprises at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of isoprene, styrene, 2-vinylpyridine, 1-vinylimidazole, butyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, ethyl cinnamate, methyl cinnamate, ionone, and myrcene, which, upon charging, forms a film on the surface of the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: NEC Moli Energy Corp
    Inventor: Ryuichi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 6210830
    Abstract: The invention relates to novel lithium fluorophosphates of the general formula Li+[PFa(CHbFc(CF3)d)e]−,  (I) wherein a is 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, b is 0 or 1, c is 0, 1, 2 or 3, d is 0, 1, 2 or 3 and e is 1, 2, 3 or 4, with the condition that the sum of a+e is equal to 6, the sum of b+c+d is equal to 3 and b and c are not simultaneously 0, with the proviso that the ligands (CHbFc(CF3)d) may be different, a process for producing said compounds, their use in electrolytes, and also lithium batteries produced using said electrolytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Merck Patent Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventors: Peter Sartori, Nikolai Ignatyev
  • Patent number: 6136469
    Abstract: An electrolyte for an electrochemical cell is described comprising two or more polyanion-based compounds of the general formula:M.sub.m [X.sub.x Y.sub.y O.sub.z ].nH.sub.2 OwhereM is selected from the group consisting of ammonia and the elements of Groups IA and IIA of the Periodic Table;X and Y are different and are selected from the group consisting of the elements of Groups IIIB, IVB, VB, and VIB of the Periodic Table, and boron, aluminum, gallium, silicon, germanium, tin, phosphorous, arsenic, antimony, bismuth, selenium, tellurium, polonium, indium, and astatine;O is oxygen; andm is an integer from 1 to 10, inclusive;x is an integer from 0 to 1, inclusive;y is an integer from 2 to 13, inclusive;z is an integer from 7 to 80, inclusive; andn is an integer from 2 to 100, inclusive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventor: Changming Li
  • Patent number: 6110616
    Abstract: Ion-conducting membranes for fuel cells are disclosed. The membrane is composed of a hydrogenated and sulfonated statistical copolymer of styrene and butadiene. A preferred membrane is obtained by hydrogenating a copolymer of styrene and butadiene to obtain less than five percent residual unsaturation, then sulfonating the polymer with an acetyl sulfate sulfonation agent to a level of at least 30 mol % percent sulfonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Dais-Analytic Corporation
    Inventors: Bashir Musse Sheikh-Ali, Gary Edmund Wnek
  • Patent number: 6099988
    Abstract: An acid solution for casting solid polymer electrolyte membranes comprising proton conducting polymers stable at temperatures in excess of 100.degree. C. directly from acid solution. The invention further relates to the enhanced performance of these membranes with respect to conductivity. Particularly, the invention relates to the use of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) as an acid solvent doped with H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 from which polybenzimiadazole (PBI) solid polymer electrolyte membranes may be cast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Case Western Reserve University
    Inventors: Robert F. Savinell, Morton H. Litt
  • Patent number: 6033808
    Abstract: The present invention provides a process for generating acid-free lithium salt solutions for lithium and lithium ion batteries and for preparing high purity lithium salts. The invention comprises removing acid species from lithium salt solutions such as lithium hexafluorophosphate solutions using weak base resins. The process does not require the addition of a base such as ammonia which when added to the electrolytic solution generally must be removed from the final product. Once the lithium salt has been treated by the weak base resin, the substantially acid-free lithium salt solution may be recovered from the weak base resin to provide a solution which may be used as an electrolytic solution or which may be used to prepare high purity lithium salts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis J. Salmon, D. Wayne Barnette
  • Patent number: 5985487
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a solid electrolyte containing an alkane multifunctional acrylate polymeric matrix, a salt, a solvent, and preferably a viscosifier, as well as, electrolytic cells prepared from such solid electrolytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Valence Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Chaloner-Gill, M. Neal Golovin
  • Patent number: 5972054
    Abstract: A method for laminating a solid polymer electrolyte film. In one of a number of embodiments the method disclosed comprises laminating a layer of a fluid solid polymer electrolyte on a base film or on a thin layer comprising a metal or a metal oxide which is laminated on a base film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Showa Denko K.K.
    Inventors: Junji Yotsuyanagi, Motoyuki Hirata
  • Patent number: 5928391
    Abstract: A method for production of porous electrodes and separators in polymer type electrochemical cells and batteries wherein electrodes and separator elements are mixed with polymeric filler materials such as dibutyl phthalate (DBP). The polymeric filler material is then removed to provide the requisite porosity for the electrodes and separator. The polymeric filler material, normally removed by use of volatile solvents, is instead removed by extraction with supercritical fluids, such as CO.sub.2, which do not result in any hazardous residue or gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Ultralife Batteries, Inc.
    Inventor: Stanley Lewin
  • Patent number: 5916475
    Abstract: An ionically conductive material which contains at least one ionic compound in solution in an aprotic solvent, wherein the ionic compound is selected from the group consisting of compounds of the formulae (1/mM).sup.61 ((ZY)2N).sup..crclbar., (1/mM).sup..sym. ((ZY).sub.3 C).sup..crclbar., or (1/mM).sup..sym. ((ZY).sub.2 CQ).sup..crclbar., wherein M, Z, Y and Q are as defined herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignees: Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique, Hydro-Quebec
    Inventors: Christophe Michot, Michel Armand, Jean-Yves Sanchez, Yves Choquette, Michel Gauthier
  • Patent number: 5755985
    Abstract: Polymer electrolyte compositions for lithium electrochemical generators of the LPB type (lithium polymer electrolyte battery), comprising a mixture of polymers wherein one of the components has a high molecular weight, such as those used currently in LPB batteries, and wherein the other component is a low molecular weight polymer resulting in a more efficient and faster multi-dimensional cross-linking by irradiation, so as to give a network which is interpenetrated or not and films of electrolyte being have better mechanical properties and lower thicknesses, while preserving the good properties of adhesion on the electrodes and the choice of the coating techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignees: Hydro-Quebec, Dai-Ichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Alain Vallee, Michel Duval, Fernand Brochu, Michiyuki Kono, Eriko Hayashi, Tsutomu Sada
  • Patent number: 5714277
    Abstract: A purpose of the present invention is to provide a secondary battery of high safety and high energy density.The battery of the present invention is a secondary battery microcapsules containing lithium at least formed of negative electrode active material, a separator, positive electrode active material, electrolytic solution (electrolyte), a collector and a battery case, characterized in that microcapsules are dispersed within the electrolytic solution or separator, said microcapsules discharging the chemical substance having hydroxyl group or chemical substance which is polymerization initiator, when the temperature within battery rises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Soichiro Kawakami
  • Patent number: 5660949
    Abstract: The instant invention is an electrolyte additive for use with lead acid batteries containing antimony. The electrolyte additive consists of a mixture of synthetic oil, naphthenic oil, zinc free rust and oxidation inhibitor and an ethylene-propylene copolymer. So as to allow for faster mixing of the material an anti-foaming agent may be added and the additive is receptive to the addition of dye allowing the consumer to distinguish the additive from a sulfuric acid solution. The electrolyte additive is placed above the plate cells in lead acid batteries having antimony to inhibit gassing and misting with an ancillary benefit of increasing performance and durability of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Valany Import Export, Inc.
    Inventor: Yves Lajeunesse
  • Patent number: 5648011
    Abstract: The structurally stable gelled electrolyte of the present invention includes a base electrolyte, a three-dimensional polymer precursor that is radiation curable and an electrically non-conducting solvent gelling agent. The base electrolytes of this invention are comprised of an aprotic liquid and a dissolved ionizable alkaline metal salt. The preferred radiation curable polymer pre-cursors of this invention include trimethylol propane ethoxy triacrylate (TMPEOTA) and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA). The solvent gelling agent should be a solid powder or polymer with high surface area to adsorb the liquid electrolyte. Solid powders that can be used in the gelling agent include inorganic oxygen compounds such as silica (SiO.sub.2), titania (TiO.sub.2), alumina (Al.sub.2 O.sub.3), magnesium oxide (MgO), barium oxide (B.sub.2 O.sub.3) and the like. Other compounds that can be used in the gelling agent include super absorbent polymers, clays, zeolite and such.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Micron Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Miller Blonsky
  • Patent number: 5616274
    Abstract: A stable ion-conductive polymer electrolyte for an electrolytic capacitor comprises: a polymer made up of a prepolymer which has a polyol skeletal structure including polyalkylene oxide units, at least one ammonium salt, and at least one organic solvent. The skeletal structure is exemplified as trimethylol propane, trimethylolol ethane or tetramethylol methane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruhisa Kanbara, Yuichiro Tsubaki, Kenichi Takeyama
  • Patent number: 5597658
    Abstract: Rolled single cell and bi-cell electrochemical devices and method of manufacturing, wherein the anode, cathode and composite electrolyte layers are separately fed and simultaneously rolled while the composite polymer electrolyte layer is wet or semi-solid, and may be possibly solidified later.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Inventor: Joseph B. Kejha
  • Patent number: 5593795
    Abstract: Electrolyte compositions in which a salt is disposed in a thiol-ene matrix. The compositions retain their shape under operating conditions and exhibit an ionic conductivity of at least 1.times.10.sup.-6 when measured in the absence of solvent at 25.degree. C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Kejian Chen, Haitao Huang
  • Patent number: 5571392
    Abstract: A solid ion conductive polymer electrolyte for use particularly in rechargeable batteries, capacitors and other electrochemical devices is comprised mainly of a hydroxyalkyl polysaccharide or a hydroxyalkyl polysaccharide derivative, a diester compound containing a polyoxyalkylene component, a monoester compound containing a polyoxyalkylene component and an ion conductive metallic salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignees: Nisshinbo Industries, Inc., Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaya Sato, Hiroshi Yoshida, Soichiro Takenishi, Yasunobu Kodama, Tsukasa Ito, Takashi Sakai
  • Patent number: 5569559
    Abstract: Aqueous alkaline solid electrolyte comprising a polar polymer matrix which is solid at ambient temperature, and a compound or mixture of basic compounds selected from alkaline metal, alkaline-earth or ammonium hydroxides. Preferably, the matrix is a polyether homopolymer or copolymer of different ethers or polyethers. The invention also concerns electrodes and/or electrochemical generators containing such an alkaline polymer solid electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: Conservatoire National des Arts et Metiers and Electricite de France (Service National)
    Inventor: Jean-Francois Fauvarque
  • Patent number: 5549991
    Abstract: A battery is provided comprising an aluminum anode, an aqueous solution of permanganate as the cathodic species and a second electrode capable of reducing permanganate. Such a battery system is characterized by its high energy density and low polarization losses when operating at high temperatures in a strong caustic electrolyte, i.e., high concentration of hydroxyl ions. A variety of anode and electrocatalyst materials are suitable for the efficient oxidation-reduction process and are elucidated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Stuart L. Licht, Catherine L. Marsh
  • Patent number: 5526224
    Abstract: A stable ion-conductive polymer electrolyte having a sufficiently high ionic conductivity, which will not be decreased during a long-term storing at a high temperature, and being free from any physical change such as crack, contraction and dissolution, is disclosed. It comprises: at least one polyol selected from the group consisting of an adduct composed of sorbitol and polyethylene oxide and an adduct composed of tetramethylol methane and polyethylene oxide, at least one ammonium salt or morpholinium salt, and at least one organic solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruhisa Kanbara, Kenichi Takeyama
  • Patent number: 5510046
    Abstract: An electrolyte system for use in an electrochemical cell such as a battery or capacitor, and which includes an aqueous electrolyte and a modifier species. The modifier should be adapted to act as a surfactant, as well as reduce oxidation of the electrode materials in the electrochemical cell. The aqueous electrolyte may be, for example, KOH, and the modifier species may be a porphine or porphine derivatives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Changming Li, Keryn Lian, Lijun Bai, Joseph G. Kincs
  • Patent number: 5496661
    Abstract: A simple method is disclosed for preparing LiPF.sub.6 based electrolytes for use in lithium non-aqueous batteries. LiPF.sub.6 is synthesized in a mixture of solvents employed in the electrolyte itself. Using the invention method, residual reactants and by-products of the reaction are easily removed to a required level for practical battery applications while the LiPF.sub.6 remains in solution. The method is suitable for preparing electrolytes for lithium ion batteries wherein solvents such as diethylcarbonate, ethylene carbonate, and propylene carbonate are employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Moli Energy (1990) Limited
    Inventor: Huanyu Mao
  • Patent number: 5399444
    Abstract: A device for delivering a water soluble electrolyte is provided comprising core of a solid electrolyte composition enclosed by a polymeric coating which is permeable to water. The coating has at least one hole to permit passage of an aqueous solution of the electrolyte. The device is useful to maintain the concentration of an electrolyte composition in an electrochemical apparatus such as a fuel cell or a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Andrew V. Smith
  • Patent number: 5194341
    Abstract: A film of linear organosilsesquioxane polymer, or "ladder" organosiloxane, coated upon the surface of a LiMn.sub.2 O.sub.4 secondary battery electrode 19 and cured to a glassy layer is subjected to plasma oxidation to remove pendant organic groups comprising the coated polymer. The resulting ultrathin silica separator layer 17 is replete with minute pores which take up and retain by capillarity a typical LiClO.sub.4 electrolyte solution. A counter-electrode 15 placed in intimate contact with the silica electrolyte element completes a secondary battery structure 10 in which lithium ions readily migrate through the electrolyte during repeated discharge/charge cycles without loss of element integrity or efficacy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Assignee: Bell Communications Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian G. Bagley, Jean-Marie Tarascon
  • Patent number: 5013619
    Abstract: Melt-extruded polymeric electrolyte material for electrochemical power cells may be coextruded with other components of the cell, notably a lithium metal anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Assignee: Scimat Limited
    Inventors: John A. Cook, Geroge B. Park, Robert H. McLoughlin, William J. Whitcher
  • Patent number: 4937156
    Abstract: A process for introducing a hardening sulfuric acid electrolyte into battery cells at a sulfuric acid density of between 1.20 and 1.31, comprises the steps of combining(A) sulfuric acid, optionally together with up to 3% by weight of suspended silica;(B) a suspension of 6-12% by weight of silica in water; and(C) a water-in-oil emulsion of a polymer polyelectrolyte,in such proportions that the resultant mixture has concentrations of 3-5% by weight of silica and 0.1-1.0% by weight of polymer, and a sulfuric acid density of from 1.20 to 1.31, and intensively mixing the resultant mixture of components A, B and C at a mixing energy of 1-10 kJ/m.sup.3, whereby inversion of the mixture to an oil-in-water emulsion is initiated; and then immediately filling the mixture into battery cells.The starting components A, B, and C can be stored for a prolonged period. After leaving the mixer, the mixture hardens after about 120-180 seconds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: DETA-Akkumulatorenwerk GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus Boeller, Gerd Poesch, Gerd Hoogestraat
  • Patent number: 4844995
    Abstract: A polymer solid electrolyte comprises a crosslinked polyester in which a salt is dissolved, and which has a crosslinked structure of the formula: ##STR1## where R stands for an inert group other than a hydrogen atom. It is suitable as an electrolyte and a separator for a battery, especially a lithium battery which can be recharged. Batteries including such electrolyte are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Yuasa Battery Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiko Noda, Youetsu Yoshihisa
  • Patent number: 4834772
    Abstract: A polymeric gelled electrolyte and the method for preparing the novel polymeric elelctrolyte in a crosslinked and noncrosslinked state is disclosed. The polymeric electrolyte is prepared from chitosan which may be crosslinked with aldehydes or remain uncrosslinked and form a superior electrolyte upon gelling in alkaline liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Cape Cod Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian G. Dixon, John R. Deans, Leah B. Jenney
  • Patent number: 4758372
    Abstract: In order to reduce the duration of the method of producing lead paste for batteries by mixing lead oxide, sulphuric acid, water and possibly conventional additives below a limit temperature with at least partial cooling, acid is first added at substantially the maximum speed possible for distribution in the mix, without causing burning therein, and so quickly that the amount of heat supplied to the mix is greater than the amount of heat which is removed by cooling, and then, when the material being mixed reaches a predetermined operating temperature which is below the limit temperature, the addition of acid is regulated in dependence on constant temperature measurements in the material being mixed, in such a way that the temperature remains at the level of the operating temperature substantially until the end of the operation of adding acid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1988
    Inventors: Hubert Eirich, Walter Eirich, Paul Eirich
  • Patent number: 4724191
    Abstract: Hydronium bonded polycrystalline shaped articles may be produced by the simple expedient of selecting a hydronium containing powder prepared by one of a plurality of prior art methods and then intermingling the hydronium powder with ortho-phosphoric acid to obtain a viscous mixture (resembling the consistency of toothpaste). The mixture is then formed into a predetermined shape, for example a disc or tube, and the shaped polycrystalline ceramic is allowed to cure. Curing may take place at an elevated temperature below 100.degree. C. for approximately 3 hours either as a step subsequent to forming, or as part of the forming step in 30 minutes at 120.degree. C. The result is bonded hydrogen conducting - hydronium, H.sub.3 O+, solid rigid structure with a smooth finish copying the mold from which it was shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: Minister of Energy Mines & Resources
    Inventors: Areekattuthazhayil K. Kuriakose, Thomas A. Wheat, Aftab Ahmad, Jon D. Canaday, Albert J. Hanson
  • Patent number: 4581303
    Abstract: A process of making a porous carbonate-containing structure for use in a molten carbonate fuel cell, wherein a suitable porous structure is prepared having disposed therein a metal salt selected from the alkali metals and the alkaline earth metals or mixtures thereof with at least a portion of the salt being a monobasic organic acid salt. The monobasic acid salt is converted to the carbonate in situ by heating in the presence of oxygen. Both electrode and electrolyte structures can be prepared. Formic acid is preferred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1986
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Wayne D. Pasco, Ronald H. Arendt
  • Patent number: 4339511
    Abstract: A process for forming a precursor powder which, when suitably pressed and sintered forms highly pure, densified .beta.- or .beta."-alumina, comprising the steps of:(1) forming a suspension (or slurry) of Bayer-derived Al(OH).sub.3 in a water-miscible solvent;(2) adding an aqueous solution of a Mg compound, a Li compound, a Na compound or mixtures thereof to the Bayer-derived Al(OH).sub.3 suspension while agitating the mixture formed thereby, to produce a gel;(3) drying the gel at a temperature above the normal boiling point of water to produce a powder material;(4) lightly ball milling and sieving said powder material; and(5) heating the ball-milled and sieved powder material at a temperature of between 350.degree. to 900.degree. C. to form the .beta.- or .beta."-alumina precursor powder. The precursor powder, thus formed, may be subsequently isopressed at a high pressure and sintered at an elevated temperature to produce .beta.- or .beta."-alumina.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1982
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Peter E. D. Morgan
  • Patent number: 4188235
    Abstract: This invention provides a novel asphalt composition suitable for use as a binder for carbon electrodes which consists essentially of a homogeneous blend of three organic materials comprising (1) a highly aromatic hydrocarbon solvent having a specific combination of physical properties and chemical constituency, (2) a benzene-soluble fraction of solvent-refined coal and/or solvent-refined wood, and (3) a benzene-insoluble fraction of solvent-refined coal and/or solvent-refined wood. The novel asphaltic compositions is characterized by low sulfur content and high binding strength, which are desirable properties for application as a carbon electrode binder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1980
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Wilton F. Espenscheid, Tsoung-Yuan Yan
  • Patent number: 4147843
    Abstract: There is provided an acid mixture to use as the electrolyte of a galvanic battery of the type in which the electrolyte flows through the battery cells as a liquid solution, said mixture being composed of sulfuric acid and powdered chromic acid. The acids are mixed together to form a paste-like mass which is, when the battery is being used, introduced into the water stream flowing into the battery. Flaky chromic acid may be pulverized by grinding in a ball mill before mixing with the sulphuric acid, or the acid components may be mixed before such grinding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1977
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1979
    Assignee: Oy Airam AB
    Inventor: Allan K. Hakkinen
  • Patent number: 4115632
    Abstract: An electrolyte compact for fuel cells includes a particulate support material of lithium aluminate that contains a mixture of alkali metal compounds, such as carbonates or hydroxides, as the active electrolyte material. The porous lithium aluminate support structure is formed by mixing alumina particles with a solution of lithium hydroxide and another alkali metal hydroxide, evaporating the solvent from the solution and heating to a temperature sufficient to react the lithium hydroxide with alumina to form lithium aluminate. Carbonates are formed by reacting the alkali metal hydroxides with carbon dioxide gas in an exothermic reaction which may proceed simultaneously with the formation with the lithium aluminate. The mixture of lithium aluminate and alkali metal in an electrolyte active material is pressed or otherwise processed to form the electrolyte structure for assembly into a fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1977
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1978
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Kimio Kinoshita, John P. Ackerman
  • Patent number: 4098961
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a lead-acid storage battery capable of being stored after completing the battery processing and thereafter activated by the addition of water including coordinating the formation and processing of the battery elements with a deep discharge to provide residual sulfuric acid electrolyte within the battery elements with a desired specific gravity level and thereafter reducing the amount of the electrolyte in the battery to thereby retain a specified level of residual sulfuric acid electrolyte within the elements of the thus-processed battery. The battery is suitably sealed and may thereafter be stored; and, when desired for service, activation is accomplished by addition of water and suitably charging. The sulfate in the battery elements resulting from the deep discharge and the residual sulfuric acid electrolyte retained within the elements combine, upon the addition of water and recharge, to yield the required specific gravity of the electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1977
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1978
    Assignee: Gould Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony Sabatino