Locking Means Being Bendable Tabs Patents (Class 429/240)
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Patent number: 6656232Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a battery electrode from foamed metal electrode material includes first and second rollers which are parallel to each other at a shaft center, and rotatable in directions opposite to each other, and a guide bar which is between the first and second rollers. A method for manufacturing a battery electrode includes supplying a foamed metal electrode material including voids, and having a filled portion filled with active material and an unfilled portion without the active material, and a boundary line between the filled and unfilled portions. Part of the unfilled portion is folded in parallel to the boundary line passing through the unfilled portion, and at right angle against the unfilled portion. A lead welding portion is formed along the direction of the longer side, by applying, to the unfilled bent portion, a force in the direction perpendicular to the filled portion in a way to crush the voids, and compress the bent portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2001Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Usui, Tsuneo Ando, Ikuo Katsumata, Hiroki Takeshima
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Patent number: 6656640Abstract: The invention provides an electrode comprising a porous three-dimensional conductive support containing an electrochemically active material, said support having at least a first edge connected to a connection piece and at least a second edge substantially parallel to said first edge, and means for preventing said active material disposed along said second edge from moving. Said means is selected from: a piece having a U-shaped fold placed stride said second edge; a surface covering; and treatment to modify the texture of said support. The electrode is used as a positive electrode in a second electrochemical cell of the nickel metal hydride type.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2000Date of Patent: December 2, 2003Assignee: AlcatelInventors: Olivier Amiel, Inés Belkhir, Jean-Pierre Freluche, Nathalie Pineau, Christian Dupuy, Stéphane Babin
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Publication number: 20030059674Abstract: An encapsulated electrode assembly which retains a highly reactive material to enhance reaction efficiency within a liquid electrolyte battery cell. The electrode assembly comprises a structural member of a first active material formed into a chamber within which is retained a highly reactive non-structural second active material that preferably comprises a particulated form of reactive material which provides increased electrochemical reaction per unit area in relation to the first reactive material. By way of example, when the invention is practiced within a lead-acid battery, the electrode pouch preferably comprises a reactive structural lead alloy, and the highly reactive material comprises lead containing compounds that support charge generation within the battery. The encapsulated electrode may additionally incorporate grids within, and in contact with, the chamber to further reduce current density within the electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2001Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventors: Gamdur Singh Mann, Carl Elmer Miller
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Publication number: 20020055037Abstract: An environmentally responsible and non-toxic alkaline cell, both catalytically and electrically rechargable, consisting of one or more iron anodes, as well as a zinc cathode, all immersed in an aquaous solution of potassium hydroxide in a plastic container. The cathodic material is cast zinc and is preferably wrapped in a special sheet of studded rubber provided with either a semi-perforated edge or a specially serrated edge on both sides to permit ionic communication between anodes and cathode. This rubber sheet should also be equipped with diagonal grooves on at least one side of the material. The anodes consist of thin, mild steel stampings, made to a special pattern, and are preferably blued to resist rust. The tips of these anodes are then coated with a paste prepared from one part 100 mesh iron powder to one part 100 mesh activated carbon powder. To form the paste, the powders are first thoroughly mixed dry and then properly wetted with distilled water.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 1999Publication date: May 9, 2002Inventor: KENNETH DALE RHOTEN
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Patent number: 6150056Abstract: Disclosed is an alkaline storage battery which exhibit exceptional charge/discharge and cycle life characteristics by improved current collection and active material retention of the electrode substrate. The electrode comprises a substrate composed of a conductive core material and fibrous nickel members unitary sintered on both surfaces of the conductive core material, and a layer of an active material filled into the substrate. The fibrous nickel members of the substrate are bent or curved at least at their tip ends inside the active material layer to retain the active material.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1998Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toru Inagaki, Hiroki Takeshima, Kazushige Sugimoto, Katsuhiro Okamoto
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Patent number: 6007944Abstract: The invention relates to a rechargeable lithium-ion cell, a method for its manufacture, and its application. The cell is distinguished by the fact that it has a metallic housing (21) which is electrically insulated internally by two half shells (15), which cover electrode plates (8) and main output tabs (7) and are composed of a non-conductive material, where the metallic housing is electrically insulated externally by means of an insulation coating. The cell also has a bursting membrane (4) which, in its normal position, is located above the electrolyte level of the cell (1). In addition, the cell has a twisting protection (6) which extends over the entire surface of the cover (2) and provides centering and assembly functions for the electrode package, which comprises the electrode plates (8).Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 1998Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Varta Batterie AktiengesellschaftInventors: Dieter Bechtold, Dietrich Bartke, Peter Kramer, Reiner Kretzschmar, Jurgen Vollbert
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Patent number: 5766798Abstract: A prismatic galvanic cell having a large number of electrode pairs separated by separators is provided with electrode plates having current tapping lugs which extend from upper or lateral edges of the plates, and which include flexible tongues extending along and parallel to the plate edges. The flexible tongues of grouped electrode plates of the same polarity are connected to the terminal posts of the cell in a manner which precludes short circuiting and which accommodates the increased bending stresses typical of such cells.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 1996Date of Patent: June 16, 1998Assignee: Varta Batterie AtkiengesellschaftInventors: Dieter Bechtold, Klaus Brandt, Dietrich Bartke, Jorg Kumpers, Frank Mengel, Jurgen Vollbert
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Patent number: 5476734Abstract: A current collector for use in a cell. The current collector has a thin sheet of conductive material having oppositely directed planar faces. The sheet is preferably graphite. The current collector also has a metal tab having oppositely directed planar faces. A face of the tab is in planar contact with a face of the sheet. The current collector may further have a second thin sheet of conductive material, preferably graphite, having oppositely directed planar faces. The second sheet is placed in planar contact with the tab such that the tab is disposed between the two conductive sheets.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 1994Date of Patent: December 19, 1995Assignee: Westinghouse Electric CorporationInventors: Christopher J. Pulley, Steven J. Specht, Geoffrey Barlow