Organic Material Patents (Class 429/249)
  • Patent number: 7402360
    Abstract: The invention provides a non-aqueous electrolyte battery characterized in that: an active material of the positive electrode includes lithium manganese oxide; the shut-down temperature of the separator is 162° C. or lower; and the area contraction ratio of the separator at 120° C. is 15% or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Imachi, Seiji Yoshimura, Shin Fujitani
  • Patent number: 7402539
    Abstract: Disclosed is a battery separator consisting essentially of a nonwoven fabric having a substantially unilayered structure, wherein an apparent total surface area of fibers per a surface density of the nonwoven fabric is 20 m2 or more, a thickness of the nonwoven fabric is 0.1 mm or less, a uniformity index of the nonwoven fabric is 0.15 or less, and the nonwoven fabric contains fine fibers having a fiber diameter of 4 ?m or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Japan Vilene Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Takase, Yoshihiko Kondo, Noriko Miyaguchi, Masanao Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7399555
    Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprising: an electrode plate assembly; a non-aqueous electrolyte; and an outer jacket accommodating the electrode plate assembly and the non-aqueous electrolyte therein, the electrode plate assembly comprising a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate and a separator interposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, the separator comprising a polyolefin resin, wherein (1) the separator comprises at least one layer comprising a polypropylene resin, (2) the layer comprising a polypropylene resin contains an antioxidant with a melting point of 60° C. or higher, and (3) the layer comprising a polypropylene resin and the positive electrode are in contact with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Sano, Masaya Sugafuji, Norihiro Yamamoto, Masaki Kitagawa, Kiyomi Kato, Hiroshi Matsuno, Jun Nunome, Yutaka Kawatate
  • Patent number: 7387851
    Abstract: An electrochemical device includes a first electrode in electrical communication with a first current collector, a second electrode in electrical communication with a second current collector and a crosslinked solid polymer in contact with the first and second electrodes. At least one of the first and second electrodes includes a network of electrically connected particles comprising an electroactive material, and the particles of one electrode exert a repelling force on the other electrode when the first and second electrodes are combined with an uncrosslinked precursor to the solid polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: A123 Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Antoni S. Gozdz, Richard K. Holman, Andrew L. Loxley, Ronnie Wilkins
  • Patent number: 7384433
    Abstract: A compressible and deformable layer is densified and laminated to a layer of a material that is relatively resistant to stretching. The densification and bonding take place in a single step. As used in fabrication of electrodes, for example, electrodes for double layer capacitors, a deformable and compressible active electrode film is manufactured from activated carbon, conductive carbon, and a polymer. The electrode film may be bonded directly to a collector. Alternatively, a collector may be coated with a wet adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is subsequently dried onto the foil. The dried adhesive and foil combination may be manufactured as a product for later sale or use, and may be stored as such on a storage roll or other storage device. The active electrode film is overlayed on the metal foil, and processed in a laminating device, such as a calender. Lamination both densifies the active electrode film and bonds the film to the metal foil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Maxwell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Porter Mitchell, Xiaomei Xi, Linda Zhong
  • Patent number: 7374843
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microporous membrane, which is provided with high safety even under a condition that the interior temperature of a battery becomes high, and which has high permeability and high mechanical strength at the same time. The polyolefin microporous membrane is characterized by a membrane thickness of 5 to 50 ?m, a void content of 30 to 60%, a gas transmission rate of 40 to 300 sec/100 cc/20 ?m, a piercing strength of not less than 2.5 N/20 ?m and a break through temperature of not lower than 110° C. The separator in accordance with the present invention is used to exhibit high safety under a high temperature condition as well as high permeability, and therefore it is particularly useful as a separator for miniaturized high capacity batteries of a non-aqueous electrolytic solution type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Chemicals Corporations
    Inventors: Masayuki Adachi, Takashi Ikemoto, Hiroshi Sogo
  • Patent number: 7288338
    Abstract: A binderless glass fiber mat suitable for use as a separator for valve regulated (“recombinant”) lead acid (“VRLA”) batteries is disclosed. The separator is produced by a dry process by collecting the fibers from fiberizing apparatus, without subjecting them to a wet paper making or other post forming process, and selecting portions of the collected fibers which are sufficiently uniform in thickness and grammage for use as battery separators. The fibers can be entwined to produce a superior separator material. Additives can be introduced during the collection process to enhance the properties of the separator. A battery comprises at least one stack of alternating positive and negative plates, with the separator between adjacent plates. Separators according to the invention are significantly more resilient and have longer fibers than otherwise identical separators made from different samples of the same glass fibers, but by a conventional wet paper making process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: KVG Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: George Zguris
  • Patent number: 7279251
    Abstract: The present invention provides a lithium secondary battery and its fabrication method. More particularly, the present invention provides a lithium secondary battery comprising a super fine fibrous porous polymer separator film and its fabrication method, wherein the porous polymer separator film is fabricated by the following process: a) melting at least one polymer or dissolving at least one polymer with organic solvents to obtain at least one polymeric melt or at least one polymeric solution; b) adding the obtained polymeric melt or polymeric solution to barrels of an electrospinning machine; and c) discharging the polymeric melt or polymeric solution onto a substrate using a nozzle to form a porous separator film. The lithium secondary battery of the present invention has the advantages of better adhesion with electrodes, good mechanical strength, better performance at low and high temperatures, better compatibility with organic electrolyte solution of a lithium secondary battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Kyung Suk Yun, Byung Won Cho, Seong Mu Jo, Wha Seop Lee, Won Il Cho, Kun You Park, Hyung Sun Kim, Un Seok Kim, Seok Ku Ko, Suk Won Chun, Sung Won Choi
  • Patent number: 7214444
    Abstract: Battery separators made of a wettable, uniform mat of melt blown fibers. The melt blown fibers are thermally bonded to one another. These fibers are made of a thermoplastic material. The fibers have a diameter in the range of 0.1 to 13 microns (?) and lengths greater than 12 millimeters (mm). The mat has a basis weight ranging from 6 to 160 grams per square meter (g/m2), a thickness of less than 75 microns (?), and an average pore size of 0.3 to 50 microns (?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Daramic, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry Zucker
  • Patent number: 7198870
    Abstract: A polymer matrix electrolyte (PME) includes a polyimide, at least one salt and at least one solvent intermixed. The PME is generally homogeneous as evidenced by its high level of optically clarity. The PME is stable through harsh temperature and pressure conditions. A method of forming a PME includes the steps of dissolving a polyimide in at least one solvent, adding at least one salt to the polyimide and the solvent, wherein said polyimide, salt and solvent become intermixed to form the PME, the PME being substantially optically clear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignees: Solicore, Inc., Avestor Limited Partnership
    Inventors: C. Glen Wensley, Alain Vallée, Dany Brouillette, Scott Gustafson
  • Patent number: 7183020
    Abstract: A battery separator of the invention is obtained by press forming a meltblown nonwoven fabric comprising 4-methyl-1-pentene polymer or a 4-methyl-1-pentene/?-olefin copolymer, the battery separator having an average fiber diameter of 0.8 to 5 ?m, a basis weight of 9 to 30 g/m2, a porosity of 30 to 60%, and a load at 5% elongation in the MD direction (longitudinal direction) of not less than 1.2 (kg/5 cm width). A lithium ion secondary battery of the invention includes the battery separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignees: Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Sudou, Hironori Suzuki, Satoru Nagami, Kazuo Ikuta, Takahiko Yamamoto, Shun Okijima, Satoru Suzuki, Hiroshi Ueshima
  • Patent number: 7183019
    Abstract: Disclosed is a negative active material composition for a rechargeable lithium battery, a method of producing a negative electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery using the same, and a rechargeable lithium battery using the same. The negative active material composition includes a negative active material, an additive capable of forming a surface electrolyte interface film on a negative electrode during charge and discharge, a binder, and an organic solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chang-Seob Kim, Ju-Hyung Kim, Un-Sick Park
  • Patent number: 7175937
    Abstract: Provided are a separator having an inorganic protective film and a lithium battery using the separator. The separator has suppressed self discharge and reduced internal shorting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-kun Cho, Jong-ki Lee, Jea-woan Lee, Sang-mock Lee
  • Patent number: 7170739
    Abstract: Electrochemical double layer capacitors are disclosed that advantageously include separators having at least one porous layer of nanofibers having average diameters of between about 50 nm and about 1000 nm that provide improved combinations of reduced thickness, barrier against the development of soft short-circuits and low ionic resistance as compared with known capacitor separators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Pankaj Arora, Simon Frisk, Lu Zhang
  • Patent number: 7160968
    Abstract: The invention relates to solid polyelectrolyte membranes and processes for their production. As solid polyelectrolyte materials, there have been known fluoropolymers which have perfluoroskeletons and side chains bearing sulfonic acid groups and heat-resistant resins which have hydrocarbon skeletons and contain alkylsulfonic acid or alkylphosphoric acid groups introduced thereto. The fluoropolymers are excellent in heat resistance and chemical resistance but have the problem of being expensive, while the heat-resistant resins have the problem of being poor in chemical resistance. Further, solid polyelectrolyte materials having higher electric conductivities have been desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Iko Ito, Masahiro Rikukawa
  • Patent number: 7135253
    Abstract: To provide a lithium secondary battery with a high critical discharge current even under a low temperature condition, with an excellent cycle characteristic and reduced manufacturing cost. The lithium secondary battery includes a wound type electrode body comprising a positive electrode plate, and a negative electrode plate both of which have been wound around a core via a separator, the electrode body being impregnated with a non-aqueous electrolyte, and a cylindrical case for housing the electrode body and the non-aqueous electrolyte; the case having at least one opening at either end thereof, which can be sealed. The separator is subjected to drying treatment after the electrode body is inserted into the cylindrical case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Nakagawa, Kenshin Kitoh, Hiroshi Nemoto, Toshihiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7132195
    Abstract: A sealed lead-acid battery includes a separator made from hydrophilic treated sheet made from synthetic fiber which wraps at least either one of a positive electrode and a negative electrode. A mat type separator made from fine glass fiber is disposed between the wrapped electrode and its opposite electrode. This structure is adopted in a battery which uses a paste type electrode where an expanded grid having no outer frame on both edges is used, thereby prolonging cycle life even after cycling of charge and deep discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Hottori, Akihiro Taniguchi, Kazunari Ando
  • Patent number: 7129005
    Abstract: A battery includes an anode, a cathode, and a polymer matrix electrolyte (PME) separator disposed between the anode and the cathode. The PME separator includes a polyimide, at least one lithium salt in a concentration of at least 0.5 moles of lithium per mole of imide ring provided by the polyimide, and at least one solvent intermixed. The PME is generally homogeneous as evidenced by its high level of optically clarity. The battery can be a lithium ion or lithium metal battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignees: Avestor Limited Partnership, Solicore, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Glen Wensley, Scott Gustafson, Craig R. Nelson, Robert W. Singleton, Alain Vallee, Dany Brouillette
  • Patent number: 7112389
    Abstract: Alkaline and lithium batteries are disclosed that advantageously include separators comprising at least one porous layer of fine fibers having a diameter of between about 50 nm and about 3000 nm that provide improved combinations of reduced thickness, dendritic barrier against short-circuiting and low ionic resistance as compared with known battery separators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Pankaj Arora, Simon Frisk, Lu Zhang
  • Patent number: 7094497
    Abstract: A separator, used for a lithium ion secondary battery that produces electromotive force by lithium doping/dedoping, which is composed of a porous film comprising an organic polymer (component A) which can swell in an electrolyte solution to retain it, surrounding a nonwoven fabric which cannot swell in the electrolyte solution, the porous film including an electrolyte solution non-swelling organic polymer with a melting point of 210° C. or above (component B) and an electrolyte solution non-swelling organic polymer with a melting point of 180° C. or below (component C), wherein component B is incorporated in the fiber composing the nonwoven fabric. The separator is highly safe and exhibits low reduction mechanical properties with respect to organic solvents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Teijin Limited
    Inventors: Takahiro Daido, Satoshi Igarashi, Satoshi Nishikawa, Hiroyuki Honmoto, Hiroyoshi Minematsu
  • Patent number: 7074510
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite ion-exchange membrane that can exhibit good conductivity at high temperatures, methods to produce the polymer membrane, membrane-electrode assemblies that comprise one or more of such polymers, and polymer electrolyte fuel cells that comprise one or more of such electrode assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hee-Woo Rhee, Min-Kyu Song, Young-Taek Kim, Seung Bae Park, Jin Ho Park
  • Patent number: 7070884
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a nonwoven composite fabric for use on batteries or fuel cells comprising one or more layers of fine denier spunbond filaments and at least one layer of barrier material, wherein said nonwoven composite fabric has an improved barrier performance as measured by an increase in the hydrostatic head to barrier layer basis weight ratio. In the present invention, a first fine denier layer is formed, comprising continuous spunbond thermoplastic filaments, with the size of the continuous filaments between about 0.7 and 1.2 denier, preferably less than or equal to 1 denier. A barrier layer is deposited onto the first fine denier layer. The barrier layer preferentially comprises microfibers of finite length, wherein the average fiber diameter is in the range of about 1 micron to about 10 microns, and preferably between about 1 micron and 5 microns, said layers being consolidated into a composite fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Polymer Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Julia A. Thompson, Richard Ferencz, Nick Mark Carter
  • Patent number: 7054139
    Abstract: A surface mount energy storage device in the form of a supercapacitor (1) includes a generally rectangular folded prismatic housing (2) and two energy storage elements (not shown) that are sealingly contained within the housing (2) and which are connected in series. A mount, in the form of an integrally formed tinned metal frame (3), extends about and captively retains housing (2) in the folded configuration shown. Two terminals, in the form of elongate contacts (4, 5) extend from the energy storage elements and terminate outside housing (2) for allowing external electrical connection to the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Energy Storage Systems PTY LTD
    Inventors: David Albert James, Stephen Robert Wilson, Alina Kay Sloan, Richard Michael Stephens
  • Patent number: 7022434
    Abstract: In order to obtain a nickel-metal hydride storage battery having a long cycle life and a low self-discharge rate, in a nickel-metal hydride storage battery comprising: a positive electrode containing nickel hydroxide; a negative electrode containing a hydrogen storage alloy; a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes; and an electrolyte comprising an aqueous alkaline solution, a water absorbent polymer, a water repellent and an aqueous alkaline solution are added into the separator. This battery can be produced with low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chiaki Iwakura, Naoji Furukawa, Yoichi Izumi, Yoshio Moriwaki
  • Patent number: 7022431
    Abstract: A method of forming an electrochemical cell is disclosed. The method comprises contacting a negative pole layer and a positive pole layer one with the other or with an optional layer interposed therebetween. The pole layers and the optional layer therebetween are selected so as to self-form an interfacial separator layer between the pole layers upon such contacting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Power Paper Ltd.
    Inventors: Ehud Shchori, Shalom Luski
  • Patent number: 6998193
    Abstract: A novel microporous membrane comprising a hot-melt adhesive and an engineering plastics, the methods of preparing such microporous membrane and the uses of the microporous membrane in, e.g., batteries, super capacitors, fuel cells, sensors, electrochromic devices or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Policell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Luying Sun
  • Patent number: 6991874
    Abstract: The compositions comprise: (a) from 1 to 99% by weight of a pigment (I) having a primary particle size of from 5 nm to 100 ?m which is a solid Ia or a compound Ib which acts as cathode material in electrochemical cells or a compound Ic which acts as anode material in electrochemical cells or a mixture of the solid Ia with the compound Ib or the compound Ic, (b) from 1 to 99% by weight of a polymeric material (II) which comprises: (IIa) from 1 to 100% by weight of a polymer or copolymer (IIa) which has, as part of the chain, at the end(s) of the chain and/or laterally on the chain, reactive groups (RG) which are capable of crosslinking reactions under the action of heat and/or UV radiation, and (IIb) from 0 to 99% by weight of at least one polymer or copolymer (IIb) which is free of reactive groups RG.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Helmut Möhwald, Gerhard Dötter, Rainer Blum, Peter Keller, Stephan Bauer, Bernd Bronstert
  • Patent number: 6949305
    Abstract: A method for producing a separator for a fuel cell including, first, mixing carbon particles with thermoplastic resin particles to produce mixed particles, and kneading the mixed particles into pellets. Second, the pellets are extruded and formed into a sheet-form base material. Third, the sheet-form base material is grooved by rolling with a roller having a pattern on a peripheral surface thereof. The pattern on the roller is transferred on the separator to have a predetermined groove pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshihisa Terazawa, Shinji Nezu, Masami Ishii
  • Patent number: 6933079
    Abstract: A separator for an alkaline storage battery includes a plurality of polyolefin resins. The polyolefin resins include a first polyolefin resin that is sulfonated, and a second polyolefin resin that is sulfonated. The degree of sulfonation of the first polyolefin resin is different from that of the second polyolefin resin. Thus, a novel separator having high liquid retention properties and high air permeability, and an alkaline storage battery using the same can be obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignees: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoto Sato, Katsunori Komori, Nobuyasu Morishita
  • Patent number: 6929884
    Abstract: A film which slowly releases solids is prepared by dissolving cellulose in a solvent such as an alkali metal salt, for example L1Cl in a polar solvent such as DMAC, dispersing the solid in the solution and gelling the solution with water to form a film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Zinc Matrix Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Cheiky, Wilson Hago
  • Patent number: 6924065
    Abstract: A porous separator for a winding-type lithium secondary battery having a gel-type polymer electrolyte includes a matrix made of polyvinyl chloride, or a matrix made of mixtures of polyvinylchloride and at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinylidenefluoride, a vinylidenefluoride/hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polymethacrylate, polyacrylonitrileand polyethyleneoxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyeong-gon Noh
  • Patent number: 6905798
    Abstract: The present invention provide a separator for an electrochemical device which comprises a wet nonwoven fabric comprising one or more kinds of fibrillated organic fibers which are at least partially fibrillated into a fiber diameter of 1 ?m or less, and one or more kinds of unfibrillated organic fibers having a fineness of 0.5 dtex or less, which exhibits excellent heat resistance, electrolyte holding properties, internal short-circuit preventing property, and winding property, which results in a lowered internal resistance and prolonged life of an electrochemical device, and a method for producing the same and an electrochemical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Paper Mills Limited
    Inventors: Takahiro Tsukuda, Masatoshi Midorikawa, Mitsuo Yoshida, Toshihiro Shigematsu, Kazuchiyo Takaoka, Kenji Hyodo
  • Patent number: 6878483
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a separator which is excellent in sticking and adhesion capability with the solid electrolyte, physically strong and highly heat-resistive and to provide a solid electrolyte condenser which is excellent in the impedance characteristic and leak current characteristic. In a solid electrolyte condenser comprising an anode foil, a cathode foil, a separator, the separator is made of a nonwoven fabric containing polyester resin or its derivative manufactured by the wet method. The condenser element is formed by rolling the anode foil and the cathode foil together with the separator between them. The solid electrolyte is provided between the anode foil and the cathode foil of the condenser element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignees: Nippon Kodoshi Corporation, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Munehiro Morokuma, Yukihiro Nitta, Taiji Mizobuchi, Teruyuki Jinzenji, Masaaki Yanase
  • Patent number: 6878484
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a thin battery separator having an excellent nitrate group trapping performance and a high piercing strength. The inventive separator for a secondary battery, which can accomplish such an object, is made of a resin composition mainly containing a polyolefin having a hydrophilic functional group, wherein the resin composition has a content (ratio to a total resin amount) of a low-density polyethylene of 20 mass % or less, a piercing strength of 5 to 100 N, a Metsuke of 20 to 75 g/m2, a thickness of 15 to 150 ?m, and an unneutralized hydrophilic functional group amount of 1×10?3 to 5×10?2 mol/m2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Toyo Boseki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshio Tanaka, Hiroki Yamaguchi, Naohiko Takimoto, Masahiro Yamashita
  • Patent number: 6875534
    Abstract: A rubber composition comprising (A) a polyisobutylene polymer having an allyl radical at an end, (B) an optional organpolysiloxane, (C) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane having at least two SiH radicals per molecule, and (D) a platinum group metal catalyst forms a seal member on a periphery of one side of a polymer electrolyte fuel-cell separator. Due to improved acid resistance, weather resistance, creep resistance and gas permeability, the seal member remains effective for a long period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Nakamura, Noriyuki Meguriya, Hironao Fujiki
  • Patent number: 6866965
    Abstract: A polymeric electrolyte and a lithium battery lithium employing the same. The polymeric electrolyte includes a cross-linked polyether urethane prepared by reacting a pre-polymer having a polyethylene oxide backbone and terminated with NCO, with a cross-linking agent, organic solvent and lithium salt. Since the polymeric electrolyte is electrochemically stable, a lithium battery having improved reliability and safety can be obtained by employing the polymeric electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin-young Lee
  • Patent number: 6830849
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a high crystalline polypropylene microporous membrane and a preparation method of the same, and it provides a preparation method of a polypropylene microporous membrane comprising the steps of preparing a precursor film using high crystalline polypropylene having a crystallinity of 50% or more and a very high isotacticity, annealing, stretching at a low temperature, stretching at a high temperature, and heat setting, and a polypropylene microporous membrane having superior permeability and mechanical properties prepared by the preparation method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: LG Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Young Lee, Byeong-In Ahn, Sung-Gap Im, Soon-Yong Park, Heon-Sik Song, You-Jin Kyung
  • Publication number: 20040241550
    Abstract: A battery separator for a lithium battery is disclosed. The separator has a microporous membrane and a coating thereon. The coating is made from a mixture of a gel forming polymer, a first solvent, and a second solvent. The first solvent is more volatile than the second solvent. The second solvent acts as a pore former for the gel-forming polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: C. Glen Wensley, Kevin D. Chambers
  • Patent number: 6821680
    Abstract: A battery including a separator having a satisfactory ammonia trapping property is speculated to exhibit a less self-discharge and a higher capacity-holding rate. The ammonia trapping property is speculated to be increased with an increasing degree of sulfonation of a constitutive polyolefin fiber. However, a highly sulfonated conventional polyolefin has a deteriorated fiber strength and highly sulfonated portions thereof are peeled or eliminated, and the resulting fiber cannot have a significantly high degree of sulfonation. The invention is therefore intended to provide a separator having an improved ammonia trapping property. The invented separator includes a polyolefin resin fiber having large amounts of introduced sulfonic groups. Specifically, the separator is one containing a fiber obtained by sulfonating a polyolefin resin fiber having an intrinsic viscosity number of 0.2 to 1.0 dl/g, one including a fiber obtained by sulfonating a polyolefin resin fiber and having a BET specific surface area of 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Toyo Boseki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshio Tanaka, Hiroki Yamaguchi, Naohiko Takimoto, Masahiro Yamashita, Shiro Hamamoto
  • Patent number: 6821672
    Abstract: A binderless glass fiber mat suitable for use as a separator for valve regulated (“recombinant”) lead acid (“VRLA”) batteries is disclosed. The separator is produced by a dry process by collecting the fibers from fiberizing apparatus, without subjecting them to a wet paper making or other post forming process, and selecting portions of the collected fibers which are sufficiently uniform in thickness and grammage for use as battery separators. The fibers can be entwined to produce a superior separator material. Additives can be introduced during the collection process to enhance the properties of the separator. A battery comprises at least one stack of alternating positive and negative plates, with the separator between adjacent plates. Separators according to the invention are significantly more resilient and have longer fibers than otherwise identical separators made from different samples of the same glass fibers, but by a conventional wet paper making process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: KVG Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: George C. Zguris
  • Patent number: 6818735
    Abstract: A lithium battery employs for a battery separator and a battery insulating packing and the like a battery polymeric material comprising repeating units wherein p-phenylene is combined with one type of group selected from the group composed of oxygen, a methylene group, an isopropylidene group, a carbonyl group, a carbonyldioxy group, a carboxylic acid anhydride group, an amide group, an ureylene group and a sulfonyl group, or a polymeric material comprising at least two types of repeating units wherein p-phenylene is combined with one type of group selected from the group composed of oxygen, a methylene group, an isopropylidene group, a carbonyl group, a carbonyldioxy group, a carboxylic acid anhydride group, an amide group, an ureylene group, a sulfonyl group, sulfur and a carbonyloxy group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seiji Yoshimura, Hiroshi Nakajima, Maruo Kamino, Nobuhiro Nishiguchi, Masahiro Imanishi
  • Publication number: 20040224100
    Abstract: A plasma-treated planar textile structure containing synthetic fibers and a method for manufacturing the structure, wherein the structure has a high initial wettability, expressed by a height of rise of at least 80 mm after immersion for 30 minutes in an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution, and, upon storage for three months in air at 25° C., has a high initial wettability, expressed by a height of rise of at least 75 mm after immersion for 30 minutes in an aqueous potassium hydroxide solution. The plasma-treated planar textile structures preferably have a high hydrophilic stability when stored in alkaline media. The plasma-treated planar textile structures can be used, in particular, as separators for electrochemical energy storage devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: Carl Freudenberg KG
    Inventors: Brigit Severich, Gerhard Schoepping, Wolfgang Hallstein, Stephan Rutz, Peter Kritzer
  • Patent number: 6815123
    Abstract: The present application discloses a lithium-ion battery using heat-activatable microporous membrane which comprises a hot-melt adhesive, an engineering plastics, a tackifier and a filler. It also discloses methods of preparing such microporous membrane and the lithium-ion batteries. The battery built with the use of the microporous membrane of the present invention shows high rate capability, long cycle life, and low as well as stable impedance during charge-discharge cycling. The microporous membrane of the present invention also shows thermal shutdown behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Policell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Luying Sun
  • Patent number: 6814865
    Abstract: The invention includes novel anion exchange membranes formed by in situ polymerization of at least one monomer, polymer or copolymer on a woven support membrane and their methods of formation. The woven support membrane is preferably a woven PVC membrane. The invention also includes novel cation exchange membranes with or without woven support membranes and their methods of formation. The invention encompasses a process for using the membranes in electrodialysis of ionic solutions and in particular industrial effluents or brackish water or seawater. The electrodialysis process need not include a step to remove excess ions prior to electrodialysis and produces less waste by-product and/or by-products which can be recycled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Seventy-Seventh Meridian Corporation LLC
    Inventors: Tejraj Aminabhavi, Padmakar V. Kulkarni, Mahadevappa Y. Kariduraganavar
  • Patent number: 6811927
    Abstract: A battery highly inhibited from suffering self-discharge. The battery is characterized by containing a built-in polymer which has in the molecule a carbodiimide unit represented the following formula (I): —[—R—N═C═N—)]n—  (I) wherein R means an organic group and n means an integer of 1 to 10,000).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventors: Masakatsu Urairi, Keisuke Kii, Yutaka Kishii, Yutaka Yamamura, Masao Abe, Sadahito Misumi, Fumiteru Asai
  • Patent number: 6806002
    Abstract: The invention concerns an aprotic electrolytic composition located in the separator and in at least one composite electrode containing a powder of an active electrode material, and if necessary an electronic conduction additive of an electrochemical generator. The electrolytic composition comprises a first polymer matrix consisting of a polyether and at least a second polymer matrix, macroscopically separated, and also at least an alkaline salt as well as a polar aprotic solvent: The polymer matrices are capable of being swollen by at least one of the polar aprotic solvents. The solvent or mixture of solvents is unevenly distributed between the polymer matrices. The invention also concerns an electrochemical generator comprising a negative electrode and positive electrode reversible to alkaline ions and a separator with polymer electrolyte, the electrolytic component of which is the composition described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignees: Hydro-Duebec, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Alain Vallee, Michel Armand, Yves Choquette, Andre Belanger, Michel Gauthier, Michel Perrier, Karim Zaghib, Estelle Potvin, Simon Besner
  • Publication number: 20040166415
    Abstract: A lithium ion rechargeable battery comprises: a negative electrode adapted to give up electrons during discharge, a positive electrode adapted to gain electrons during discharge, a microporous separator sandwiched between said positive electrode and said negative electrode, an organic electrolyte being contained within said separator and being in electrochemical communication with said positive electrode and said negative electrode, and an oxidative barrier interposed between said separator and said positive electrode, and thereby preventing oxidation of said separator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: Celgard Inc.
    Inventors: Zhengming Zhang, Pankaj Arora
  • Patent number: 6743549
    Abstract: This invention relates to electrolyte solution compositions useful in lithium-ion batteries. These electrolytes feature lower volatility than solutions known in the art while retaining excellent battery performance using graphite based negative electrode active materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Christopher Marc Doyle, Andrew Edward Feiring, Paul Gregory Bekiarian, William Brown Farnham, Susan Kuharcik Choi
  • Patent number: 6743876
    Abstract: New and novel copolymers of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene containing up to 24% by weight hexafluoropropylene having lower DSC melting temperatures at 8 weight percent or greater nominal HFP content, and having improved solution clarity and fluidity, longer gel times and lower extractables than prior art vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymers of comparable HFP content whose syntheses are disclosed in sufficient detail to duplicate, to novel compositions of matter and articles of manufacture containing such copolymers, processes for the preparation and use of the copolymers, of the compositions of matter containing such copolymers and of the articles of manufacture containing such copolymers are disclosed. Improved electrochemical cells based on the new and novel copolymers are particularly disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: Atofina Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Roice Andrus Wille, Michael T. Burchill
  • Publication number: 20040086782
    Abstract: A battery separator for a lithium-ion secondary battery is a microporous membrane with an adjuvant. The microporous membrane is made of a thermoplastic. The adjuvant, in an effective amount, is mixed into the separator or coated thereon. The adjuvant is a material adapted to reduce or eliminate energy concentrations around the separator. The energy concentration is sufficient to initiate a reaction of the components of the lithium ion secondary battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: Celgard Inc.
    Inventors: Zhengming Zhang, Donald K. Simmons, Kevin D. Chambers, Pankaj Arora