Abstract: An electrode component for an electrochemical cell or a capacitor is described wherein the electrode is produced by physical vapor depositing an electrode active material onto a substrate to coat the substrate. The thusly produced electrode is useful as a cathode in a primary electrochemical cell and as a cathode and an anode in a secondary cell, and as an electrode in an electrochemical capacitor and an electrolytic capacitor.

Abstract: The present comprises an electrode having the configuration: first active material/current collector screen/second active material. When one of the active materials is in a powder form, it is possible for that material to move through openings in the current collector screen to “contaminate” the interface between the other active material and the current collector. The present invention consists of having the other electrode active materials in a form incapable of moving through the current collector to the other side thereof. Then, the assembly is pressed from the direction of the other electrode active material. This seals off the current collector as the pressing force moves the current collector against the powdered electrode active material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved type of fluorinated carbon (CFx) for use in electrical storage devices such as batteries and capacitors. The CFx is coated with a conductive material such as gold or carbon using vapor deposition. The resulting material exhibits better conductivity with concomitant lower impedance, higher electrical stability, and improved potential throughout the useful life of the device, as compared to uncoated CFx. The improved conductivity reduces the amount of nonactive material (e.g., carbon black) that needs to be added, thus improving the volumetric energy density. In addition, cells made with the subject CFx exhibit more constant voltages and higher overall voltage (2.0 volts with a lithium metal anode) throughout their useful life. Chemical or physical vapor deposition techniques to deposit a variety of metals or carbon may be used to create the improved CFx. The coated CFx may be used in primary or secondary batteries, as well as capacitors and hybrid devices.

Abstract: A secondary battery is characterized by using an organic material including carbon having a conjugate electron cloud and coupled with an electron attractive group; or a material obtained by baking a fluorocarbon polymer or graphite fluoride in an inert atmosphere at a temperature in the range of from the decomposition start temperature to 1000° C., as a positive electrode active material for the secondary battery.

Abstract: This invention relates to a positive electrode for an electrochemical cell or battery, and to an electrochemical cell or battery; the invention relates more specifically to a positive electrode for a non-aqueous lithium cell or battery when the electrode is used therein. The positive electrode includes a composite metal oxide containing AgV3O8 as one component and one or more other components consisting of LiV3O8, Ag2V4O11, MnO2, CFx, AgF or Ag2O to increase the energy density of the cell, optionally in the presence of silver powder and/or silver foil to assist in current collection at the electrode and to improve the power capability of the cell or battery.

Abstract: A new sandwich cathode design having a first cathode active material of a relatively low energy density but of a relatively high rate capability sandwiched between two current collectors and with a second cathode active material having a relatively high energy density but of a relatively low rate capability in contact with the opposite sides of the two current collectors, is described. The present cathode design is relatively safer under short circuit and abuse conditions than cells having a cathode active material of a relatively high rate density but a relatively low energy capability alone. A preferred cathode is: CFx/current collector/SVO/current collector/CFx. The SVO provides the discharge end of life indication since CFx and SVO cathode cells discharge under different voltage profiles. This is useful as an end-of-replacement indicator (ERI) for an implantable medical device, such as a cardiac pacemaker.

Abstract: A new sandwich cathode design is provided having a first cathode structure of a first cathode active material of a relatively low energy density but of a relatively high rate capability, for example SVO, mixed with a second cathode active material having a relatively high energy density but a relatively low rate capability, for example CFx, with the percentage of SVO being less than that of CFx and sandwiched between two current collectors. Then, a second cathode mixture of SVO and CFx active materials is contacted to the outside of the current collectors. However, the percentage of SVO to CFx is greater in the second structure than in the first. Such an exemplary cathode design might look like: (100−y)% SVO+y% CFx, wherein 0≦y≦100/current collector/(100−x)% SVO+x% CFx, wherein 0≦x≦100/current collector/(100−y)% SVO+y% CFx, wherein 0≦y≦100, and wherein the ratio of x to y is selected from the group consisting of y<x, x<y and x=y.

Abstract: A new sandwich cathode design is provided comprising a cathode active material provided in at least two different thicknesses. The different thickness cathode structures are then individually pressed on opposite sides of a current collector so that both are in direct contact with the substrate. Preferably, the cathode structure on the side facing the anode is of a lesser thickness than that on the opposite side of the current collector. Such an exemplary cathode design might look like: SVO(x)/current collector/SVO(y)/current collector/SVO(z), wherein x, y and z represent thicknesses and wherein x and z are lesser than y.

Abstract: A new sandwich cathode design is provided comprising a cathode active material mixed with a binder and a conductive diluent in at least two differing formulations. The formulations are then individually pressed on opposite sides of a current collector, so that both are in direct contact with the current collector. Preferably, the active formulation on the side of the current collector facing the anode is of a lesser percentage of the active material than that on the opposite side of the current collector. Such an exemplary cathode design might look like: SVO (100-x % active)/current collector/SVO (100-y % active)/current collector/SVO (100-x % active), wherein x is greater than y.

Abstract: A plurality of light emitting elements comprise a number of groups having light emitting colors different from each other. The light emitting element groups are arranged in ring shapes about an optical axis of an optical system in a plane or planes substantially orthogonal to the optical axis. A combining unit combines radiation light beams of different light emitting colors to generate illumination light having a given hue. The combining unit is provided downstream of the light emitting elements along a light emitting direction. A focusing unit focuses the illumination light in the direction toward the optical axis and is provided downstream of the combining unit. Accordingly, it is possible to direct illumination light having uniform and non-irregular hue, the hue corresponding to a surface color of an object to be measured, to the object to be measured.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a cell can that includes an interior surface, a current collector, a solid cathode contained in the can and in conductive contact therewith, an organic or solid polymer electrolyte comprising lithium salt solutes and aprotic organic solvents has improved storage properties when a coating comprising carbon powder is diposed on the current collector surface and on the adjacent interior surface of the cell can. Further, the cell has advantageous enhanced discharge properties over an expanded temperature range when the cathode additionally comprises a fluoropolymer resin binder.

Abstract: A thermal battery for operation at temperatures below about 250° C. and preferably not above about 200° C. includes a primarily CFx cathode, an electrolyte, and a lithium-based anode. The electrolyte is an organoborate lithium salt or an ionically conductive solid polymer electrolyte.

Abstract: An electric storage alkaline battery comprising an electrically neutral alkaline ionic conductor, an anode and a cathode, whereby electric storage is accomplished via electrochemical reduction of the cathode and oxidation of the anode. The cathode contains a known alkaline cathode material such as either MnO2, NiOOH, AgO or HgO and an amount of at least 1% of a fluorinated, polymer graphite, and wherein the cathode has a discharge capacity greater than the conventional cathode storage capacity of the known cathode material.

Abstract: The present invention improves the performance of lithium electrochemical cells by providing a new electrode assembly based on a sandwich cathode design, but termed a double screen sandwich cathode electrode design. In particular, the present invention uses sandwich cathode electrodes which are, in turn, sandwiched between two half double screen sandwich cathode electrodes, either in a prismatic plate or serpentine-like electrode assembly. In a jellyroll electrode assembly, the cell is provided in a case-positive design and the outside round of the electrode assembly is a half double screen sandwich cathode electrode.

Abstract: A method for powering an implantable medical device with a lithium electrochemical cell having a sandwich cathode electrode of SVO/CFx/SVO active materials is described. A preferred cathode is of a &ggr;-SVO/CFx/&ggr;-SVO or (&ggr;+&egr;)-SVO/CFx/(&ggr;+&egr;)-SVO sandwich configuration.

Abstract: An electrode configuration for use in a defibrillator battery to improve the battery capacity and its utilization efficiency by using a combination SVO cell and a CFx cell discharged in parallel, is described. In other words, the anode of the SVO cell is connected to the anode of the CFx cell and the cathode of the SVO cell is connected to the cathode of the CFx cell. The SVO cell provides a relatively high discharge rate while the CFx cell results in long service life. This results in 100% of the usable capacity from both cells being utilized.

Abstract: Lithium electrochemical cells having a sandwich cathode electrode of SVO/CFx/SVO active materials are described. Such a design improves the service life of defibrillator electrochemical cells. A preferred formulation uses &ggr;-SVO/CFx/&ggr;-SVO or (&ggr;+&egr;)-SVO/CFx/(&ggr;+&egr;)-SVO sandwiched cathode electrodes.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprises a positive electrode and a negative electrode capable of intercalating and de-intercalating lithium, a non-aqueous electrolyte and separators or solid electrolytes. The negative electrode contains, as a main component, composite particles constructed in such a manner that at least part of the surface of nuclear particles comprising at least one of tin, silicon and zinc as a constituent element, is coated with a solid solution or an inter-metallic compound composed of the element included in the nuclear particles and another predetermined element which is not an element included in the nuclear particles. To improve the ability of the battery, the composite particles mentioned above can include at least one trace element selected from iron, lead and bismuth. The porosity of a mixture layer at the negative electrode is 10% or more and 50% or less.

Abstract: A new cathode design has a first cathode active material of a relatively low energy density but of a relatively high rate capability contacted to the outer sides of first and second cathode current collectors and a second cathode active material having a relatively high energy density but of a relatively low rate capability in contact with the inner sides of the current collectors. The first and second current collectors have a thickness in the range of from about 0.001 inches to about 0.002 inches. A conventional Li/SVO cell powering an implantable medical device has the cathode with a current collector of about 0.003 inches. Even though the present current collectors are about one-half as thick as that of a conventional cell, their combined thickness means that the cell has no reduction in current carrying capacity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to at least partially replacing PC and/or DME with a cyclic carbonate, preferably dimethyl carbonate, and a linear ether, the most preferred being diisopropyl ether, in electrolytes useful for activating alkali metal-containing cells. This electrolyte has improved conductivity and provides electrochemical cells with enhanced discharge performance. A most preferred electrolyte comprises 1,2-dimethoxyethane, propylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate and diisopropyl ether.

Abstract: A new cathode design has a first cathode active material of a relatively low energy density but of a relatively high rate capability contacted to the outer sides of first and second cathode current collectors and a second cathode active material having a relatively high energy density but of a relatively low rate capability in contact with the inner sides of the current collectors. The second cathode active material has a greater peripheral extend than the current collectors and the opposed layers of the first cathode active material between which it is sandwiched. This construction helps prevent delamination by promoting improved contact of the respective active materials to the current collectors. The present cathode design is useful for powering an implantable medical device requiring a high rate discharge application.

Abstract: A new cathode design has a first cathode active material of a relatively low energy density but of a relatively high rate capability contacted to a first cathode current collector and a second cathode active material having a relatively high energy density but of a relatively low rate capability in contact with a second cathode current collector, is described. The first and second cathode current collectors are connected to a common terminal lead. The present cathode design is useful for powering an implantable medical device requiring a high rate discharge application.

Abstract: A lithium/fluorinated carbon electrochemical cell having the CFx material supported on a titanium current collector screen sputter coated with a noble metal is described. The gold, iridium, palladium, platinum, rhodium and ruthenium-coated titanium current collector provides the cell with higher rate capability, even after exposure to high temperatures, in comparison to cells of a similar chemistry having the CFx contacted to a titanium current collector painted with a carbon coating.

Abstract: A titanium substrate having a thickened outer oxidation layer provided thereon by a treatment process performed either in an air atmosphere at elevated temperatures or through electrolytic oxidation (anodization), is described. The thusly conditioned titanium substrate serving as a cathode current collector for an electrode incorporated into an electrochemical cell exhibits improved electrical performance in comparison to the prior art techniques, i.e., electrically conducted carbon coated titanium screen and use of highly corrosion resistant materials, upon subsequent elevated temperature exposure.

Abstract: A new sandwich cathode design having a second cathode active material of a relatively high energy density but of a relatively low rate capability sandwiched between two current collectors and with a first cathode active material having a relatively low energy density but of a relatively high rate capability in contact with the opposite sides of the two current collectors, is described. The present cathode design is useful for powering an implantable medical device requiring a high rate discharge application.

Abstract: Disclosed is a negative active material for a lithium secondary battery. The negative active material includes graphitized coke having a graphitization catalyst element and non-flat artificial graphite. The negative active material for a lithium secondary battery has good electrolyte-immersibility due to the gap between the graphite particles from graphitized coke having a graphitization catalyst element, and non-flat artificial graphite. Therefore, the present invention may provide a lithium secondary battery which has good high-rate capacity and initial efficiency.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electrochemical cell having at least one of its electrodes produced by coating a slurry mixture of an active material, possibly a conductive additive, and a binder dispersed in a solvent and contacted to a perforated current collector foil. It is particularly important that the active slurry does not move through the perforations of the current collector. For this reason, a barrier is placed against the opposite side of the current collector to block the perforations as the current collector is being coated with the slurry. After volatilizing the solvent, a second, different active material is coated to the opposite side of the current collector, either as a slurry, a pressed powder, a pellet or a free standing sheet. An example of this is a cathode having a configuration of: SVO/current collector CFx. The opposed active materials on the current collector can also be of the same chemistry.

Abstract: An alkali metal/solid cathode electrochemical cell, particularly a Li/CFx cell, having an electrolyte-to-cathode (E/C) weight ratio of about 0.938 to about 0.73, and an anode-to-cathode (A/C) capacity ratio of about 1.03, is described. This provides the cell with an improvement in terms of delivered capacity of about 6% to about 15% under a 1 kohm discharge load, and of about 2% to about 5% under a 2 kohm load in comparison to prior art Li/CFx cells. Fabricating the cathode electrode at such high pressures was not previously thought possible.

Abstract: A non-liquid electrolyte containing electrochemical cell which operates efficiently at room temperature. The cell includes: (a) a non-liquid electrolyte (14) in which protons are mobile; (b) an anode (10) including an active material based on the organic compound which is a source of protons during cell discharge; and (c) a solid cathode (12) including a compound which forms an electrochemical couple with the anode. The active materials can be chosen so that the cell has the feature that the electrochemical reactions at the anode and cathode are at least partially reversible. An important feature of the cell is that no thermal activation is required for its operation. Therefore, the cell efficiently operates under ambient temperatures.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a cell can that includes an interior surface, a current collector, a solid cathode contained in the can and in conductive contact therewith, an organic or solid polymer electrolyte comprising lithium salt solutes and aprotic organic solvents has improved storage properties when a coating comprising carbon powder is diposed on the current collector surface and on the adjacent interior surface of the cell can. Further, the cell has advantageous enhanced discharge properties over an expanded temperature range when the cathode additionally comprises a fluoropolymer resin binder.

Abstract: A new sandwich cathode design having a first cathode active material of a relatively low energy density but of a relatively high rate capability sandwiched between two current collectors and with a second cathode active material having a relatively high energy density but of a relatively low rate capability in contact with the opposite sides of the two current collectors, is described. The present cathode design is relatively safer under short circuit and abuse conditions than cells having a cathode active material of a relatively high energy density but a relatively low rate capability alone. A preferred cathode is: CFx/current collector/SVO/current collector/CFx. The SVO provides the discharge end of life indication since CFx and SVO cathode cells discharge under different voltage profiles. This is useful as an end-of-replacement indicator (ERI) for an implantable medical device, such as a cardiac pacemaker.

Abstract: A new sandwich cathode design is provided having a first cathode structure of a first cathode active material of a relatively low energy density but of a relatively high rate capability, for example SVO, mixed with a second cathode active material having a relatively high energy density but a relatively low rate capability, for example CFx, with the percentage of SVO being less than that of CFx and sandwiched between two current collectors. Then, a second cathode mixture of SVO and CFx active materials is contacted to the outside of the current collectors. However, the percentage of SVO to CFx is greater in the second structure than in the first.

Abstract: The present comprises an electrode having the configuration: first active material/current collector/second active material. One of the electrode active materials in a cohesive form is incapable of moving through the current collector to the other side thereof. However, in an un-cohesive form, the one electrode active material is capable of communication through the current collector. The other or second active material is in a form in-capable of communication through the current collector, whether it is in a cohesive or un-cohesive powder form. Then, the assembly of first active material/current collector/second active material is pressed from either the direction of the first electrode active material to the second electrode active material, or visa versa.

Abstract: A new sandwich negative electrode design for a secondary cell is provided comprising a “sacrificial” alkali metal along with a carbonaceous anode material. In the case of a hard carbon anode material, the sacrificial alkali metal is preferably lithium and is sized to compensate for the initial irreversible capacity of this anode material. Upon activating the cells, the lithium metal automatically intercalates into the hard carbon anode material. That way, the sacrificial lithium is consumed and compensates for the generally unacceptable irreversible capacity of hard carbon. The superior cycling longevity of hard carbon now provides a secondary cell of extended use beyond that know for conventional secondary cells having only graphitic anode materials.

Abstract: A new sandwich cathode design is provided comprising a cathode active material mixed with a binder and a conductive diluent in at least two differing formulations. The formulations are then individually pressed on opposite sides of a current collector, so that both are in direct contact with the current collector. Preferably, the active formulation on the side of the current collector facing the anode is of a lesser percentage of the active material than that on the opposite side of the current collector.

Abstract: An electrode component for an electrochemical cell or a capacitor is described wherein the electrode is produced by physical vapor depositing an electrode active material onto a substrate to coat the substrate. The thusly produced electrode is useful as a cathode in a primary electrochemical cell and as a cathode and an anode in a secondary cell, and as an electrode in an electrochemical capacitor and an electrolytic capacitor.

Abstract: The invention relates to new carbons containing fluorine. The carbons containing fluorine are obtained from a graphite or a mosaic textured graphitisable compound containing carbon. As a first step, the graphite or the carbon-containing compound is reacted with a gaseous mixture (HF+F2) in presence of an MFn fluoride at a temperature range between 15° C. and 80° C., M representing an element selected among I, Cl, Br, Re, W, Mo, Nb, Ta, B, Ti, P, As, Sb, S, Se, Te, Pt, Ir, and Os and n representing the valency of the element M, with n≧7. As a second step, the compound obtained at the end of the first step is reacted with fluorine for 1 to 20 hours at a temperature range between 20° C. and 400° C. The invention is useful as an active electrode material.

Abstract: An autoclavable elctrochemical cell which may be used in an implantable medical device. The anode active material is lithium or other material from groups IA and IIA of the Periodic Table and having a melting point greater than about 150 degrees C. The cathode active material is silver vanadium oxide or other metal oxide or carbon monoflouride. The solvent for the electrolyte has a boiling point greater than about 100 degrees C. and a dielectric constant greater than about 5 so that the cell may be dimensionally and chemically stable during repeated exposures of about one hour each to the autoclaving temperatures.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising an electrode assembly in which opposite polarity electrodes are wound together in a bi-directional fashion yielding a high energy density cell stack with low internal impedance is described. Each electrodes is constructed having a slot provided into its width at about a midportion thereof. The slots are brought into registry with each other to form a collapsible X-shaped electrode assembly, which is then bi-directionally folded to provide a wound electrode assembly.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising an electrode assembly in which overlayed electrodes are wound together in a bi-directional fashion yielding a high energy density cell stack with low internal impedance is described. The overlayed electrodes are such that either a single cathode is paired with two anodes or a single anode is paired with two cathodes prior to winding of the cell stack assembly. For example, the electrode assembly is formed by overlapping the two anode electrodes on opposite sides of the cathode electrode across a midportion and then winding the electrode strips bi-directionally about the midportion.

Abstract: The minimization or elimination of swelling in lithium cells containing CFx as part of the cathode electrode and discharged under high rate applications is described. When CFx materials are synthesized from fibrous carbonaceous materials, in comparison to petroleum coke, cell swelling is greatly reduced, and in some cases eliminated. Preferred precursors are carbon fibers and MCMB.

Abstract: An electrode configuration for use in a defibrillator battery to improve the battery capacity and its utilization efficiency by using a combination SVO cell and a CFx cell discharged in parallel, is described. In other words, the anode of the SVO cell is connected to the anode of the CFx cell and the cathode of the SVO cell is connected to the cathode of the CFx cell. The SVO cell provides a relatively high discharge rate while the CFx cell results in long service life. This results in 100% of the usable capacity from both cells being utilized.

Abstract: A carbon-based material containing an allotrope of carbon, such as single-walled carbon nanotubes, is capable of accepting and intercalated alkali metal. The material exhibits a reversible capacity ranging from approximately 650 mAh/g-1,000 mAh/g. The high capacity of the material makes it attractive for a number of applications, such as a battery electrode material. A method of producing a single-walled carbon nanotube material includes purifying an as-recovered nanotube material, and depositing the purified material onto a conductive substrate. The coated substrate is incorporated into an electrochemical cell, an its ability to accept intercalated materials, such as an alkali metal (e.g.—lithium) is measured.

Abstract: A small, portable electrochemical power cell, having an output voltage of over 4 V, and preferably over 5 V, includes an anode, a cathode having a fluorine compound and an electrolyte having an organic sulfur-containing compound to maintain ionic conductivity between the anode and the cathode. A method of fabricating such an electrochemical power cell includes the step adding an electrolyte having an organic, sulfur-containing compound to maintain electrical conductivity between the anode and the cathode. An electrochemical power cell having a lithium anode, a CoF3 cathode, an electrolyte to maintain ionic conductivity between the anode and the cathode and a cobalt complexing material within the electrolyte to complex cobalt ions is described.

Abstract: A small, portable electrochemical power cell, having an output voltage of over 4 V, and preferably over 5 V, includes an anode, a cathode comprising a fluorine compound and an electrolyte to maintain ionic conductivity between the anode and the cathode. A method of fabricating such an electrochemical power cell includes the step of adding a fluorine compound to the cathode and/or to the electrolyte solvent.

Abstract: The invention encompasses batteries, battery electrodes and methods of forming batteries and battery electrodes. In one aspect, the invention includes a method of forming a battery electrode comprising: a) forming an electrode material mixture, the electrode material mixture comprising electrode active material, a conductive medium, and EPM; and b) curing the electrode material mixture to form an electrode having a thickness of less than 24 mils. In another aspect, the invention includes a battery comprising: a) a first electrode comprising: i) a thickness of less than 24 mils; ii) electrode active material; iii) a conductive medium; and iv) a binder comprising EPM; b) a second electrode; and c) an electrolyte between the first and second electrodes. In yet another aspect, the invention encompasses a battery electrode comprising EPM and a thickness of greater than 0 and less than 24 mils.