Preserving Cell In Storage Feature Patents (Class 429/48)
  • Patent number: 11469452
    Abstract: Battery systems, methods of in-situ grid-scale battery construction, and in-situ battery regeneration methods are disclosed. The battery system features controllable capacity regeneration for grid-scale energy storage. The battery system includes a battery comprising a plurality of cells. Each cell includes a cathode comprising cathode electrode materials disposed on a first current collector, an anode comprising anode electrode materials disposed on a second current collector, a separator or spacer disposed between the cathode and the anode an electrolyte to fill the battery in the spaces between electrodes. The battery system includes a battery system controller, wherein the battery system controller is configured to selectively charge and discharge the battery at a normal cutoff voltage and wherein the battery system controller is further configured to selectively charge and discharge the battery at a capacity regeneration voltage as part of a healing reaction to generate active electrode materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Hunt Energy Enterprises, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Fantai Kong, Mark Griffin, Jin-Myoung Lim
  • Patent number: 10916752
    Abstract: Disclosed is a lithium secondary battery provided with a separator, having improved thermal stability by including a micro-particle coating layer manufactured using Furan-based polymers, for example, polymers having polymer unit including furanyl or furoyl. The lithium secondary battery includes a cathode, an anode, an electrolyte, and a separator disposed between the cathode and the anode and including a coating layer including a micro-particle. The micro-particle includes the second polymer which may include cross-linked first polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, The Industry & Academic Cooperation in Chungnam National University (IAC)
    Inventors: KiSeok Koh, Yeolmae Yeo, Seung-Min Oh, Yoon Sung Lee, Kyung Jin Lee, Hyojin Kim
  • Patent number: 9632146
    Abstract: A PC executes a control process including the steps of: calculating an internal pressure increase amount P; calculating an internal pressure fluctuation amount ?P; calculating a deterioration evaluation value D1; calculating a deterioration evaluation value D2; determining that a battery can be shipped as a secondhand battery when D1+D2 is equal to or smaller than a threshold value A; and determining that the battery cannot be shipped as a secondhand battery when D1+D2 is larger than the threshold value A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Nakayama, Makoto Nakashima, Masato Komatsuki, Yasuhide Kurimoto
  • Patent number: 9525165
    Abstract: An electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery includes an electrode active material and a copolymer represented by where A is selected from —O—(CFRf3—CFRf4)—, —(CFRf4—CFRf5)— and combinations thereof, each of Rf1 through Rf5 is independently selected from fluorine, C1-C4 alkyls and C1-C4 fluorinated alkyls, and each of x and y is an integer ranging from 1 to 100,000.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong-Man Kim, Ho-Yul Baek, Jae-Rok Kim, Jake Kim, Kyeong-Beom Cheong
  • Patent number: 9515353
    Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte, lithium-ion secondary battery includes an electrode group in which positive and negative electrode plates are wound via a separator accommodated into a battery container into which a non-aqueous electrolyte is injected. In the positive electrode plate, a positive electrode mixture layer including a lithium transition metal complex oxide is formed at both surfaces of an aluminum foil. A flame retardant layer containing a phosphazene compound as a flame retardant and a polyethylene oxide of a binder having ionic conductivity is formed at a surface of the positive electrode mixture layer. In the negative electrode plate, a negative electrode mixture layer including a carbon material of a negative electrode active material is formed at both surfaces of rolled copper foil. Ionic conductivity is secured by the polyethylene oxide, and the phosphazene compound decomposes when a battery temperature rises due to battery abnormality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignees: NTT FACILITIES, INC., HITACHI CHEMICAL COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Tomonobu Tsujikawa, Masayasu Arakawa, Kenji Kurita, Masayuki Terada
  • Patent number: 9391323
    Abstract: A method is described to prepare a cathode material for high energy density rechargeable lithium ion batteries based on H2V3O8 with improved cycling stability by means of a surface modification produced at low temperature in aqueous media. The battery comprises a stack composed by an anode, an electrolytic layer, a separator and a cathode, whose material is based on a mixture of carbon black LixH2-xV3O8 modified by an aluminum hydroxide coating achieved in a one pot multistep reaction using aluminum in an amount comprised between 0.5 wt % and 10 wt %.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Belenos Clean Power Holding AG
    Inventors: Mario Simoes, Yoann Mettan, Anke Weidenkaff, Simone Pokrant
  • Patent number: 9276287
    Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a battery cell. The battery cell includes a set of layers forming a non-rectangular shape, wherein the set of layers comprises a cathode with an active coating, a separator, and an anode with an active coating. The battery cell also includes a first conductive tab coupled to the cathode and a second conductive tab coupled to the anode. The layers are enclosed in a flexible pouch, and the first and second conductive tabs are extended through seals in the pouch to provide terminals for the battery cell. Furthermore, the non-rectangular shape is created by removing material from one or more of the layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Ramesh C. Bhardwaj, John Raff, Stephen R. McClure, Erik L. Wang, Taisup Hwang
  • Patent number: 9203058
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery cell configured to have a structure in which an electrode assembly including a separator disposed between a cathode and an anode is mounted in a battery case, wherein an asymmetric structure with respect to a central axis crossing the electrode assembly in plane is formed at a portion of at least one side of the electrode assembly constituting the outer circumference of the electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyoung Won Kang, Hyun Chul Jung, Ki Woong Kim, Sungjin Kwon
  • Publication number: 20150147601
    Abstract: A liquid reserve battery including: a collapsible storage unit having a liquid electrolyte stored therein; a battery cell having an inlet in communication with an outlet of the collapsible storage unit, the battery cell having gaps dispersed therein; a first pyrotechnic material disposed adjacent the collapsible storage unit such that initiation of the first pyrotechnic material provides pressure to collapse the collapsible storage unit to heat and force the liquid electrolyte through the outlet and into the gaps; and one or more heat exchangers disposed between the outlet of the collapsible storage unit and the inlet of the battery cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: OMNITEK PARTNERS LLC
    Inventor: Jahangir S Rastegar
  • Patent number: 8722249
    Abstract: Positive active material pastes for flooded deep discharge lead-acid batteries, methods of making the same and lead-acid batteries including the same are provided. The positive active material paste includes lead oxide, a sulfate additive, and an aqueous acid. The positive active material paste contains from about 0.1 to about 1.0 wt % of the sulfate additive. Batteries using such positive active material pastes exhibit greatly improved performance over batteries with conventional positive active material pastes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Trojan Battery Company
    Inventors: Gordon C. Beckley, Marvin C. Ho, Colin Smith, Charles E. Snyder
  • Patent number: 8637173
    Abstract: Disclosed is a battery pack including guide recesses inside a case. The battery pack includes a core pack including a bare cell, and a protective circuit member electrically connected to the bare cell, a case accommodating the core pack, and an upper cover covering the core pack. The case includes a base plate, reinforcement plates vertically extending from edges of the base plate, and a resin part surrounding the reinforcement plates. A guide recess is disposed inside the resin part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seok Koh
  • Patent number: 8435657
    Abstract: A preservation assembly of a PEFC stack which is capable of sufficiently inhibiting degradation of performance of the PEFC stack particularly during a time period that elapses from when the stack is placed in the uninstalled state until it is placed in the installation position and is practically used. The PEFC stack is provided with an oxidizing agent passage having an inlet and an outlet and extending through a cathode and a reducing agent passage having an inlet and an outlet and extending through an anode. The PEFC stack is preserved in an uninstalled state in such a manner that an interior of the oxidizing agent passage and an interior of the reducing agent passage are set in a pressure-reduced state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Arisaka, Yoichiro Tsuji, Eiichi Yasumoto, Hatoh Kazuhito, Shinsuke Takeguchi
  • Patent number: 8404382
    Abstract: Positive active material pastes for flooded deep discharge lead-acid batteries, methods of making the same and lead-acid batteries including the same are provided. The positive active material paste includes lead oxide, a sulfate additive, and an aqueous acid. The positive active material paste contains from about 0.1 to about 1.0 wt % of the sulfate additive. Batteries using such positive active material pastes exhibit greatly improved performance over batteries with conventional positive active material pastes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Trojan Battery Company
    Inventors: Gordon C. Beckley, Marvin C. Ho, Colin Smith, Charles E. Snyder
  • Patent number: 8367232
    Abstract: A pressurized underground enclosure includes a battery venting system having a battery within a battery box in a sealed enclosure. A first pipe is fluidly connected to the battery box and an ambient atmosphere and includes a vacuum generator for reducing a pressure in the battery box. A second pipe is fluidly connected to the battery box and the ambient atmosphere and includes a one-way valve permitting airflow to the battery box and precluding airflow from the battery box to the ambient atmosphere. The enclosure includes a scissors lift including scissor linkage units having arms pivotally connected at terminal ends and at central positions. The scissor linkage units are moveable from a retracted to an extended position by pneumatic cylinders. The internal pressurization of the enclosure is selectively released and locking mechanisms are retracted before a rack of the scissors lift is extended through an opening of the enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Clear View Enclosures, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Schilling
  • Publication number: 20130011701
    Abstract: An apparatus may store at least one object including at least one top end and at least one bottom end. The apparatus may include a container configured to store the at least one object and a pouch containing a liquid. The pouch may be configured to substantially cover the at least one top end of the at least one object when stored inside the container. The pouch may be configured to contact the at least one top end of the at least one object and to open when contacted by contents expelled from the at least one object due to thermal runaway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Richard PETZINGER
  • Publication number: 20120313585
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the area of energy storage. It more specifically relates to a device that increases the safety characteristics of a lithium ion battery during storage and/or transportation. The device comprises a conducting element placed across the terminals of the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventor: Frank Pereira
  • Publication number: 20120301753
    Abstract: An electrolyte storage structure for a lithium battery made of a battery core having a stack with positive electrode plates, negative electrode plates and separating films, a battery core positive electrode welded with the positive electrode plate, a battery core negative electrode welded with the negative electrode plate, electrolyte, and a cup for receiving the battery core, positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate and the electrolyte. The cup has a receiving space for accommodating the electrolyte core, the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, and the electrolyte is disposed separately from the battery core. The electrolyte is released and flows into the receiving space for infiltrating the battery core before the battery is set to use. The battery core is infiltrated and saturated with the electrolyte. Then the saturated lithium battery undergoes following procedures of charging and activation to generate a finished lithium battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventors: Chin-Ming Chen, Te-Chuan Lai, Jing-Yih Cherng
  • Publication number: 20120282495
    Abstract: A power storage device cell is configured such that a capacitor positive electrode and a lithium positive electrode are directly connected with each other; a second electrode layer is formed of a material including particles of phosphoric-acid-type lithium compound having an olivine-type structure; the third electrode layers are formed mainly of particles of lithium titanate; and a third collector foil is formed of an aluminum foil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Makiko Kise, Kenro Mitsuda, Shigeru Aihara, Daigo Takemura
  • Publication number: 20120100402
    Abstract: Described is an electrode comprising and preferably consisting of electronically active material (EAM) in nanoparticulate form and a matrix, said matrix consisting of a pyrolization product with therein incorporated graphene flakes and optionally an ionic lithium source. Also described are methods for producing a particle based, especially a fiber based, electrode material comprising a matrix formed from pyrolized material incorporating graphene flakes and rechargeable batteries comprising such electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: BELENOS CLEAN POWER HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Reinhard Nesper, Tommy Kaspar, Yoann Mettan
  • Patent number: 8137829
    Abstract: Provided is a method of preserving a PEFC stack, which is capable of controlling degradation of performance of the PEFC stack during a time period that elapses from when the stack is placed in an uninstalled state until it is placed in an installation position and is practically used. Provided is a preservation assembly of the PEFC stack which is capable of sufficiently inhibiting degradation of performance of the PEFC stack particularly during a time period that elapses from when the stack is placed in the uninstalled state until it is placed in the installation position and is practically used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Arisaka, Yoichiro Tsuji, Eiichi Yasumoto, Kazuhito Hatoh, Shinsuke Takeguchi
  • Patent number: 8021772
    Abstract: A preservation assembly of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack is provided. The assembly includes an uninstalled polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack and sealing units. The uninstalled polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack is provided with an oxidizing agent passage having an inlet and an outlet and extending through a cathode and a reducing agent passage having an inlet and an outlet and extending through an anode. The sealing units include sealing plugs or containers and are configured to seal the inlet and the outlet of the oxidizing agent passage within which an oxygen concentration has been decreased and to seal the inlet and the outlet of the reducing agent passage within which the oxygen concentration has been decreased. The uninstalled polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack is in a state before an assembled polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack is incorporated into a fuel cell system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichiro Tsuji, Eiichi Yasumoto, Kazuhito Hatoh, Shinsuke Takeguchi, Hiroki Kusakabe, Shigeyuki Unoki, Shinichi Arisaka
  • Patent number: 8003239
    Abstract: A method of preserving a PEFC stack of the present invention is a method of preserving a PEFC stack that is provided with an oxidizing agent passage having an inlet and an outlet and extending through a cathode and a reducing agent passage having an inlet and an outlet and extending through an anode. The method comprises preserving the polymer electrolyte fuel cell stack in an uninstalled state under a condition in which an oxygen concentration within the oxidizing agent passage and within the reducing agent passage is lower than an oxygen concentration in atmospheric air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yoichiro Tsuji, Eiichi Yasumoto, Kazuhito Hatoh, Shinsuke Takeguchi, Hiroki Kusakabe, Shigeyuki Unoki, Shinichi Arisaka
  • Patent number: 7976972
    Abstract: Provided is a method of preserving a PEFC stack, which is capable of controlling degradation of performance of the PEFC stack during a time period that elapses from when the stack is placed in an uninstalled state until it is placed in an installation position and is practically used. Provided is a preservation assembly of the PEFC stack which is capable of sufficiently inhibiting degradation of performance of the PEFC stack particularly during a time period that elapses from when the stack is placed in the uninstalled state until it is placed in the installation position and is practically used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Arisaka, Yoichiro Tsuji, Eiichi Yasumoto, Kazuhito Hatoh, Shinsuke Takeguchi
  • Patent number: 7910238
    Abstract: An alkaline battery of the present invention includes a battery case, a power generating element housed in the interior of the battery case, and an assembled sealing part for closing the opening of the battery case. The assembled sealing part includes a resin sealing member. The sealing member includes a central cylindrical portion having a through-hole for inserting a shank of a negative electrode current collector therethrough, a peripheral cylindrical portion interposed between the periphery of the negative electrode terminal plate and the end portion of the opening of the battery case, and a joint portion for joining the central cylindrical portion and the peripheral cylindrical portion. The end portion of the opening of the battery case is curved such that the top of the peripheral cylindrical portion of the sealing member is wrapped therein, and the curved portion is crimped inward so that the periphery of the negative electrode terminal plate is fixed tightly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Susumu Kato, Seiji Wada, Yasushi Sumihiro
  • Patent number: 7908049
    Abstract: To provide a fuel cell vehicle capable of reducing power consumption during a time of stopping of the vehicle. The fuel cell vehicle includes a scavenging execution determination unit 411 which determines whether or not to carry out scavenging; an ISU 40 including a microcomputer 41 installed on the scavenging execution determination unit 411. The fuel cell vehicle further includes an electrical supply circuit 43, in which, at a time of start-up by an alarm clock 46, the ISU 40 is booted, and in a case in which it is determined by the scavenging execution determination unit 411 that scavenging is to be carried out, the circuit 43 supplies electricity to the relay unit 36; and in a case in which it is determined by the scavenging execution determination unit 411 that scavenging is not to be carried out, it does not supply electricity to the relay unit 36.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Kobayashi, Yuji Nagatani, Chihiro Wake
  • Patent number: 7879490
    Abstract: This invention provides a lead battery that becomes usable by injecting an electrolyte thereinto. The battery includes: positive and negative electrode plates each having a grid comprising a Pb—Ca based alloy; separators that separate the positive electrode plates from the negative electrode plates; the electrolyte comprising sulfuric acid; and a battery container accommodating the positive and negative electrode plates, the separators, and the electrolyte. The battery container is sealed, and part of the positive and negative electrode plates is immersed in the electrolyte. The height Y0 of the positive and negative electrode plates and the distance Y1 from the bottom of the positive and negative electrode plates to the level of the electrolyte satisfy the relation: 15?Y1/Y0×100?60.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yasuda, Tsunenori Yoshimura, Mitsuru Kurokawa, Sadao Furuya
  • Patent number: 7592094
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and related device for improving energy performance and substantially preventing degradation of a chemical-to-electrical energy conversion process of an energy storage device (10), comprising the steps of: mechanically exciting chemical reaction products within the energy storage device (10) at energy levels proximate which covalent bonds with a matrix (51) of the energy storage device (10) would form absent excitation, thereby substantially maintaining ionic bonding between the chemical reaction products and the matrix (51) and substantially preventing the chemical reaction products from covalently bonding with the matrix (51); and introducing the mechanical excitations into the energy storage device (10) via an active material (31) mechanically-responsive to electromagnetic signals, in response to an electromagnetic signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventors: Shawn P. Kelly, Joseph R. Galgana
  • Patent number: 7579104
    Abstract: A method of preserving a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly in which catalyst electrodes are stacked on each surface of a polymer electrolyte is to preserve the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly in an airtight package that prevents oxygen, moisture and a function inhibitor from permeating through the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Nakagawa, Masatoshi Teranishi, Yoichiro Tsuji
  • Patent number: 7364815
    Abstract: A method of preserving a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly in which catalyst electrodes are stacked on each surface of a polymer electrolyte is to preserve the fuel cell membrane electrode assembly in an airtight package that prevents oxygen, moisture and a function inhibitor from permeating through the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Nakagawa, Masatoshi Teranishi, Yoichiro Tsuji
  • Patent number: 7156887
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing hydrogen are provided. The methods and apparatus utilize reforming catalysts in order to produce hydrogen gas. The reforming catalysts may be platinum group metals on a support material, and they may be located in a reforming reaction zone of a primary reactor. The support material may an oxidic support having a ceria zirconia promoter. The support material may be an oxidic support and a neodymium stabilizer. The support material may also be an oxidic support material and at least one Group IA, Group IIA, manganese, or iron metal promoter. The primary reactor may have a first and second reforming reaction zones. Upstream reforming catalysts located in the first reforming reaction zone may be selected to perform optimally under the conditions in the first reforming reaction zone. Downstream reforming catalysts located in the second reforming reaction zone may be selected to perform optimally under the conditions in the second reforming reaction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Ian Petch, David Thompsett, Suzanne Rose Ellis, David Wails, Jillian Elaine Bailie, Mark Robert Feaviour, Paul James Millington
  • Patent number: 7147952
    Abstract: A metal-air cell having an anode/electrolyte and a cathode includes a container having an upper interior surface and a lower interior surface for housing the anode/electrolyte and the cathode; a spring disposed on the upper interior surface; a cover electrically connected to the cathode, and having at least one recess; and at least one o-ring disposed on the lower interior surface facing the at least one recess. The spring is compressed when a force is applied so that the at least one o-ring and the at least one recess are separated, thereby forming an inlet to introduce air for electrochemical reaction. The spring is expanded when the force is removed so that the at least one o-ring is inserted within the at least one recess to obstruct the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: CMC Magnetics Corporation
    Inventor: Ming Yu Huang
  • Patent number: 7124771
    Abstract: A spill containment system and method that contain leaks and spills from devices including but not limited to batteries. The system neutralizes and absorbs leaks and spills to prevent the leaks and spills from spreading. The system not only detects leaks, but also indicates whether a leak has occurred. The system can communicate with personnel or devices to raise an alarm or cause corrective measures to occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Expo Power Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Frazier
  • Patent number: 7091899
    Abstract: Hook portion is formed on sheet an electric discharge preventing sheet put between battery and electrode. Hook portion which is deformable with a prescribed force comes into contact with holder 6 retaining electric discharge preventing sheet. Therewith, a remote control transmitter is provided, in which sheet hardly comes off during storage and transportation, and battery is securely prevented from exhausting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Imamura
  • Patent number: 7087342
    Abstract: The present invention provides regenerative passive and semi-active suspension systems. A regenerative suspension system generally includes at least one regenerative damper, a module, an electric switch, and a battery. The at least one regenerative damper converts mechanical vibration energy within a vehicle into a voltage, which the damper passes to the module. The module measures the voltage from the regenerative damper, and in response, changes electric switch settings for each regenerative damper between an open circuit, a closed circuit completed by a power resistance, and a closed circuit completed by circuitry for charging a battery. Additionally, the module sets electric switch levels to adjust the damping forces within each regenerative damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xubin Song, Zhesheng Li, Jeremy Richard Edmondson
  • Patent number: 7022290
    Abstract: A structural system for accurately reproducible in situ x-ray studies of operating rechargeable electrochemical battery cell electrode components comprises an hermetically sealed cell component enclosure incorporating an x-ray transmissive window member of beryllium or the like. A research embodiment of the system comprises means for rapidly and consistently interchanging electrode compositions for operative comparison and evaluation, while a laminated cell system embodiment enables accurate testing of electrode components in commercial configurations such as unitary polymeric Li-ion battery cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Rutgers, the State University
    Inventors: John Gural, Jean-Bernard Leriche, Mathieu Morcrette, Jean-Marie Tarascon
  • Patent number: 6901946
    Abstract: A battery spill containment system and method that contain leaks and spills from batteries. The system neutralizes and absorbs leaks and spills to prevent the spills from spreading. The system may have rails that are readily removable to permit access to batteries and to allow more batteries to be stored in a given vertical space. Another system is comprised of modular pans that are connected to each other to form a larger spill containment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: ExpoPower Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas Frazier
  • Patent number: 6811919
    Abstract: A method of transporting a lithium secondary battery includes transporting the battery including an electrode body obtained by winding or laminating a positive electrode and a negative electrode via a separator, and a non-aqueous electrolyte solution in a state where: E/Cp+T3<t . . . (1) where E (J/g) is energy quantity per unit weight of said battery; Cp (J/° C.·g) is the specific heat of said battery; T3 (° C.) is a normal transportation temperature of said battery; and t (° C.) is the lowest temperature at which said battery falls into an unsafe state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Nemoto
  • Patent number: 6713020
    Abstract: A device and a method for simply and accurately evaluating performance of fuel cells have been provided. Hydrogen gas and carbon monoxide gas are caused to flow into a sample holder where an electrode catalyst sample is laid, and the amount of carbon monoxide gas discharged therefrom is detected. The amount of carbon monoxide gas adsorbed by the electrode catalyst sample is calculated based on the amount of supplied carbon monoxide gas and the amount of detected carbon monoxide gas. The output voltage of a fuel cell is calculated based on a correlation between calculated amounts of carbon monoxide gas adsorbed by the electrode catalyst and output voltages of the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hisao Kato, Tatsuya Kawahara, Toshiaki Ozaki
  • Patent number: 6645662
    Abstract: In order to provide a battery comprising an old-or-new identification seal which is applicable to both the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal and is simple in terms of attaching operation, this specification discloses an old-or-new identification seal made of an insulating base material having a heat sensitive adhesive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Ono, Katsuhiko Kumakura, Minoru Kouda, Tomotaka Kawano
  • Patent number: 6641945
    Abstract: An aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide is confined in a first chamber and separated from water contained in a second chamber by a membrane that allows hydrogen ions to pass there through. The membrane of the preferred embodiment is a perfluorosulfonic acid cation exchange membrane; however materials such as polymers, glass, ceramic or other material may be utilized herein. Oxygen gas, released from the hydrogen peroxide, is collected and directed by a conduit into the water in the second chamber. An electrical potential exists between one electrode that is immersed in the hydrogen peroxide and a second electrode that is immersed in the water. Excess water is drained (or overflows) as required from the second chamber and hydrogen peroxide can be added to and drained from the first chamber as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Gus M. Griffin
  • Patent number: 6635379
    Abstract: A battery which has undergone initial charging and discharging is placed inside a sealed vessel, which is evacuated by a vacuum pump. After this evacuated state has been maintained for a while, the density of hydrogen gas within the sealed vessel is measured by a hydrogen density sensor, based on which the presence or absence of a gas escape from the battery is determined. The battery may be heated instead of subjecting it to charging and discharging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignees: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masato Onishi, Michio Osawa, Katsuyuki Tomioka, Noriyuki Fujioka, Tomoharu Saito
  • Patent number: 6596430
    Abstract: A method of transporting a lithium secondary battery includes transporting the battery including an electrode body obtained by winding or laminating a positive electrode and a negative electrode via a separator, and a non-aqueous electrolyte solution in a state where: E/Cp+T3<t . . . (1) where E (J/g) is energy quantity per unit weight of said battery; Cp (J/° C.·g) is the specific heat of said battery; T3 (° C.) is a normal transportation temperature of said battery; and t (° C.) is the lowest temperature at which said battery falls into an unsafe state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Nemoto
  • Patent number: 6534952
    Abstract: An electrode group winding method and device for batteries provides for winding continuous belt-shaped anode plates, cathode plates and separators into groups of spiral electrodes by means of a turnable winding core. In a specified position in the vicinity of the winding core, an edge of a belt-shaped electrode plate is detected by an edge position detector for comparison with a reference position, and a chuck movable from an end of the electrode plate in a running direction of the electrode plate and a perpendicular direction thereof is used to grip the electrode plated based on the comparison result to correct the edge position of the electrode plate. Then, a second chuck restricted in its movement to only a direction parallel to the moving direction of the electrode plate by a guide is used to hold the electrode plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruhisa Ishikawa, Yasufumi Tanaka, Takeharu Nakanose, Yoshiki Osawa
  • Publication number: 20020168558
    Abstract: An aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide is confined in a first chamber and separated from water contained in a second chamber by a membrane that allows hydrogen ions to pass there through. The membrane of the preferred embodiment is a perfluorosulfonic acid cation exchange membrane; however materials such as polymers, glass, ceramic or other material may be utilized herein. Oxygen gas, released from the hydrogen peroxide, is collected and directed by a conduit into the water in the second chamber. An electrical potential exists between one electrode that is immersed in the hydrogen peroxide and a second electrode that is immersed in the water. Excess water is drained (or overflows) as required from the second chamber and hydrogen peroxide can be added to and drained from the first chamber as required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Gus M. Griffin
  • Publication number: 20020144912
    Abstract: Methods for producing by electrochemical reduction a carbon-containing material with its surface modified by organic groups, in particular functionalized organic groups. Certain embodiments of the methods include contacting the carbon-containing material with an organic diazonium salt in solvent, optionally in the presence of an electrolyte and negatively polarizing the carbon-containing material relative to an anode also in contact with an electrolytic solution separate from said diazonium salt solution, wherein the electrochemical reduction is carried out on an organic diazonium salt in protic solvent in an acid medium. Carbon-containing materials with a surface modified by organic groups and the use of these modified materials, for example for producing composite materials or for fixing molecules of biological interest, are taught.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Applicant: CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE (CNRS)
    Inventors: Olivier Fagebaume, Jean Pinson, Jean-Michel Saveant
  • Patent number: 6432582
    Abstract: A recombinant lead-acid battery comprising a plurality of lead-acid cells in a case including apertured partitions defining space for vapor migration among cells and comprising a catalyst unit communicating with said vapor migration space and enhancing recombination of hydrogen and oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: C&D Charter Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Leslie S. Holden, Sudhan S. Misra, Terrence M. Noveske
  • Patent number: 6395417
    Abstract: A spill containment system and method that contain leaks and spills from devices including but not limited to batteries. The system neutralizes and absorbs leaks and spills to prevent the leaks and spills from spreading. The system not only detects leaks, but also indicates whether a leak has occurred. The system can communicate with personnel or devices to raise an alarm or cause corrective measures to occur. The spill containment system includes a battery rack inside a battery rack cabinet having a door. To open the door and gain access to the batteries, one of the rigid containment rails is removed such that the exposed flexible corrosion-resistant liner may be flexed to permit the opening and closing of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Douglas Frazier
  • Patent number: 6346341
    Abstract: A ventilation system for a metal-air battery is disclosed. The metal-air battery has one or more air cathodes, one or more air pathways from the air cathode to a reactive gas source, a closure member associated with each of the air pathways to selectively prevent the flow of gas through the air pathways and one or more volume-changeable plenums in fluid communication with the air pathway and the air cathode. When the battery is not in use, the closure member is closed and the door is closed to save the battery life time. When the battery is activated, the air pathway is opened and the volume of the plenum is increased to introduce fresh air from the outside to the plenum. A method of producing electricity using a metal-air battery is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: AER Energy Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Witzigreuter
  • Patent number: 6329095
    Abstract: A removable tab for metal/air cell, particularly miniature zinc/air button cells which have a principal use as hearing aid batteries. The tab covers air holes in the surface of the cell. The tab has a stiff elongated member that has an extended portion which forms a handle for removing the tab from the cell in order to activate the cell. The tab also comprises a resilient material, preferably a polymeric foam. A portion of the resilient material is adhered to at least a portion of one side of the stiff elongated member and another portion of the resilient material is adhered to cover air holes in the cell surface. A polymeric film can be inserted between the foam and cell surface. The resilient material conforms better to the cell surface which can typically have curved, grooved or depressed regions in addition to the air holes. The resilient material provides more uniform adhesion of the tab to the cell surface with releasable pressure sensitive adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2001
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: David Farnworth, William I. Clark, George I. Tay, Robb K. Siefert
  • Patent number: 6274265
    Abstract: A method of evaluating an electrochemical cell for a metallic contaminant-caused defect. The electrochemical cell is configured for use with an implantable medical device and includes an anode, a solid cathode and a liquid electrolyte. The method includes storing the cell at an elevated temperature following assembly for accelerating corrosion of possible metallic contaminants. A parameter of the cell related to cell voltage is then measured. An evaluation is made as to whether the cell is defective based upon this measured parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Kraska, Donald R. Merritt, Craig L. Schmidt, Paul M. Skarstad