Abstract: An electrochemical cell with a collector assembly for sealing the open end of a cell container. The collector assembly includes a retainer and a contact spring with a peripheral flange, each having a central opening therein. A pressure release vent member disposed between the retainer and the peripheral flange of the contact spring seals the openings in the retainer and contact spring under normal conditions and ruptures to release pressure from within the cell when the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sealed structure for an electrochemical device having a hollow space therein, further comprising a material generating gases via thermal decomposition in the hollow space. Also, disclosed is an electrochemical device comprising a cathode, an anode, a separator, an electrolyte, a casing for the device, and the structure for the electrochemical device.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a sealed cell including a sealing body having a safety valve that is excellent in conductivity. The sealed cell is sealed by caulking a sealing body 10 around an opening of a bottomed cylindrical outer can 20. The sealing body 10 includes a terminal cap 5 made of an iron-based material and a safety valve 3 made of an aluminum-based material. The terminal cap 5 includes an external terminal 5a projecting toward an outside of the sealed cell, a flange 5b in a periphery of the external terminal, and a hole 5c in the flange. The hole 5c has a diameter smaller on an inner side than on an outer side of the sealed cell. The safety valve 3 includes a conductive contact portion 3a projecting toward an inside of the sealed cell, a peripheral portion 3b in a periphery of the conductive contact portion 3a, and a pin-like projection 3c in the peripheral portion 3b.

Abstract: A joint for use in electrochemical devices, such as solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), oxygen separators, and hydrogen separators, that will maintain a hermetic seal at operating temperatures of greater than 600° C., despite repeated thermal cycling excess of 600° C. in a hostile operating environment where one side of the joint is continuously exposed to an oxidizing atmosphere and the other side is continuously exposed to a wet reducing gas. The joint is formed of a metal part, a ceramic part, and a flexible gasket. The flexible gasket is metal, but is thinner and more flexible than the metal part.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is provided for a fuel cell and includes gas diffusion layers with integrated seals having interlocking features. The interlocking features of the gas diffusion layers allow the MEA to be constructed with a catalyst coated membrane between two gas diffusion layers with the integrated seals of the gas diffusion layers interlocking the gas diffusion layers together to complete the MEA.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nonaqueous electrolyte battery including a battery element contained in an outer covering member composed of a laminated film and sealed therein by heat seal, and a gas absorbable material interposed between the outermost layer of the outer covering member and the battery element. Such a battery is advantageous in that even if gas occurs in the battery element, the laminated film as the outer covering member is prevented from being swelled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bipolar battery having at least two battery cells comprising: a negative end terminal, a positive end terminal and at least one biplate assembly arranged in a sandwich structure between the negative and positive end terminals. The battery also comprises a separator, with electrolyte, arranged between each negative and positive electrode forming a cell. An inner barrier of a hydrophobic material is arranged at least around one electrode on a first side of the biplate. An outer sealing, e.g. a frame, is provided around the edge of each biplate assembly and each end terminal and a hole is arranged through each biplate interconnecting each cell with adjacent cell(s) to create a common gas space for all cells in the battery. The invention also relates to a biplate assembly.

Abstract: In an alkaline dry battery using a polyamide resin sealing gasket that is placed between a battery case and an anode terminal plate without using a stiffening member and seals the battery case in an airtight manner, the sealing gasket includes a first and a second thin wall parts and is formed of polyamide resin, polyhexamethylene dodecanamide.

Abstract: The invention proposes resealable, electrically responsive, thermally actuated valves in conjunction with a battery of cells, a case containing a battery, or a cell which valves have certain rotational characteristics that preferably operate spirally and away from an initial plane allowing entry of fluid, and then, on inactivation of a circuit, return to a resting sealed position. A further proposal is to provide the microactuation valve action with a micro ferromagnetic device either printed or otherwise deposited on a substrate to be included in the fuel cell or battery porting system. A further proposal is to increase the current supplying capability of small fuel cells and batteries by providing a metal, semiconductor or polymer barrier membrane containing metal oxides or other advantageous materials to allow increased fuel or oxygen diffusion into the fuel or oxygen depolarized cell or battery.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell with a vent assembly that reliably prevents resealing of a vented seal member is provided. The vent assembly seals the end of a container that includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a separator located between the first and second electrodes and an electrolyte in contact with the electrodes and separator. The seal member includes a diaphragm with a hinge along one edge and a vent along another edge. The hinge and vent are located so that, relative to the longitudinal axis of the vent assembly, the hinge is closer to the vent than to the cell's terminal cover.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell with a collector assembly for sealing the open end of a cell container. The collector assembly includes a retainer and a contact spring with a peripheral flange, each having a central opening therein. A pressure release vent member disposed between the retainer and the peripheral flange of the contact spring seals the openings in the retainer and contact spring under normal conditions and ruptures to release pressure from within the cell when the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes a battery can container which houses a wound electrode body formed by winding a belt-shaped anode and cathode isolated by a separator together with an electrolytic solution, an anode terminal fixed to the battery can container through a gasket, and a safety valve incorporated between the anode terminal and the wound electrode body. The safety valve includes a safety cover annularly formed, a stripper disk annularly formed, and a disk holder, annularly formed, which houses the stripper disk in the safety cover to fix and integrate the safety cover and the stripper disk therewith.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a battery having a risk of releasing a gas under abnormal conditions, a case that accommodates the battery, and an oxygen reducing portion that reduces an amount of oxygen within the case.

Abstract: The method of making a composite particle for an electrode in accordance with the present invention comprises a granulating step of integrating a conductive auxiliary agent and a binder adapted to bind the conductive auxiliary agent and an electrode active material together with a particle made of the electrode active material while in close contact with each other in an inert gas atmosphere so as to form a composite particle for an electrode containing the electrode active material, conductive auxiliary agent, and binder. When the composite particle obtained by this method is used as a constituent of an electrode, an electrode having an excellent electrode characteristic and an electrochemical device having excellent electrochemical characteristics can be formed easily and reliably.

Abstract: A film covered battery has a battery element, a positive and a negative lead terminal connected to the battery element, and a casing for sealing the lead terminals and the battery element together with an electrolytic solution, with portions of the lead terminals extending therefrom. The casing has a buffer in at least a portion thereof for accumulating a gas generated within the casing through deformation of the casing. The buffer is formed continuously with a region for accommodating the battery element.

Abstract: Provided is a secondary battery of an assemble-type structure having a cell body including an electrode assembly of cathode/separator/anode sealed therein; and a cap assembly including a protection circuit electrically connected to the cell body so as to control overcharge, overdischarge and overcurrent of the battery and a cap housing covering an upper part of the battery, and being detachably coupled to the cell body. Since the cap assembly including the protection circuit and cap housing is assembled detachably from the cell body and electrically connected to and also can be physically firmly fixed to one another, provided are effects capable of greatly reducing the manufacturing process steps of the battery, and solving all the problems associated with use of battery cases and insert injection molding.

Abstract: A cell module has a cell group with a plurality of cells connected to each other. The module comprises a bus bar plate including a bus bar connecting between the cells and an end cover for covering the bus bar plate. The cell module is configure to be fixed with the end cover.

Abstract: A method for improving the useful life of a thin film lithium-ion battery containing a solid electrolyte and an anode that expands on charging and long life batteries made by the method. The method includes providing a hermetic barrier package for the thin film battery that includes an anode expansion absorbing structure and at least one film getter.

Abstract: A sealed prismatic battery is provided. The battery includes a battery casing 4 having a prismatic cylindrical shape of body with a bottom part and an upper opening, and a lid 5 which fits in the upper opening of the battery casing. The opening of the casing body 4 and the lid 5 have laterally long shape in which the back-and-forth width dimension is smaller than the lateral length. The outer periphery of the lid 5 being welded to the periphery of the upper opening of the battery casing 4 to form a welded portion. The welded portion includes a pair of fragile parts 11 having low weld strength and formed at the ends of two long sides 10a and 10b of the welded portion which are parallel to each other, respectively, The battery is appropriately prevented from exploding and strength of battery is sufficiently provided against an impact caused by fall or the like.

Abstract: A multi-cell battery in which a plurality of electrochemical cells are disposed in a battery case. The battery case includes one or more partitions which divide the interior of the case into a plurality of cell compartments that house the electrochemical cells. The battery case includes at least one gas channel have a tortuous pathway designed to trap electrolyte which may escape from the cell compartments. A unique battery terminal may be molded into the battery case.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte battery capable of minimizing damage if the battery is crushed by pressure is disclosed. The nonaqueous electrolyte battery according to the present invention includes a spiral coil formed by, through a separator, winding a positive electrode having an elongated positive-electrode collector with two sides on each of which an active material for the positive electrode has been formed and a negative electrode having an elongated negative-electrode collector with two sides on each of which an active material for the negative electrode has been formed.

Abstract: A liquid absorbing sheet has a liquid-absorbing resin layer that can effectively absorb the nonaqueous electrolyte solution used in nonaqueous electrolyte secondary cells that make nonaqueous electrolyte battery packs (in particular, lithium ion-based nonaqueous secondary battery packs). The liquid-absorbing resin layer is obtained by irradiating a particular monomer composition with UV rays or other energy rays to polymerize the monomer composition. The monomer composition contains a monofunctional monomer component (A) having a polyethylene glycol acrylate monomer and an amide bond-containing acrylic monomer; and a polyfunctional monomer component (B).

Abstract: A piping structure for a vehicle battery has the battery attached to a hybrid vehicle to be relatively immovable with respect to the vehicle, and also has a gas discharge hose connected to the battery for guiding hydrogen gas discharged from the battery outside of the vehicle. The gas discharge hose has an inner wall defining a cavity where the hydrogen gas flows. The inner wall is formed with recesses and protrusions. By such a structure, there is provided a piping structure for a vehicle battery having the gas flow less likely to be interrupted even if external forces are applied.

Abstract: A secondary battery includes a container an electrode assembly mounted in the container having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and a cap assembly fixed to the container to seal the container. The cap assembly includes a cap plate having a terminal, a current breaker electrically connected to the cap plate; and a vent plate having a safety vent electrically connected to the current breaker, the shape of the vent plate being altered by the internal pressure of the secondary battery to alter the shape of the current breaker, and the current breaker cutting off the current path of the cap assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bipolar battery provided with a pressure sensor. The battery is provided with a housing 7 containing common gas space 97. The pressure sensor 10; 20; 50; 63; 80; 111 comprises: an actuator 3, 21; 31; 41; 48; 81 configured to transfer an internal pressure P within the common gas space to a reciprocal movement, and a switching device 5; 83 configured to generate a control signal indicative of changes in relation to an initial switching state generated by said reciprocal movement when the internal pressure exceeds a predetermined upper level. The pressure sensor further comprises a reset means 4; 32; 81 to automatically reset the switching device to the initial switch state when the internal pressure goes below a predetermined lower level, whereby said control signal is based on the internal pressure (P) within said sealed common gas space. The present invention also relates to a method for charging bipolar batteries.

Abstract: A film covered battery has a battery element, a positive and a negative lead terminal connected to the battery element, and a casing for sealing the lead terminals and the battery element together with an electrolytic solution, with portions of the lead terminals extending therefrom. The casing has a buffer in at least a portion thereof for accumulating a gas generated within the casing through deformation of the casing. The buffer is formed continuously with a region for accommodating the battery element.

Abstract: A catalyst device for use with battery cells to recombine oxygen and hydrogen gas and thereby improve the performance and life of such cells. The catalyst device has the ability to filter out catalyst poisons and control the temperature of the recombination reactions. A container houses the catalyst within a chamber. A catalyst poison filter is provided in the chamber with the catalyst. The movement of gas and vapor to and from the chamber is controlled by a microporous section of the device. The pore size is chosen to allow gas and vapor to pass, but not liquids, and to also prevent a flame from passing through. Within these parameters the pore size can also be chosen to control and or limit the amount of gas that can pass through to the catalyst in a given time period. Preferably, the microporous section is formed as a disc that seals an opening in the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bipolar battery, especially a NiMH battery, having: a sealed housing, a negative end terminal, a positive end terminal, and at least one biplate assembly comprising a biplate, a positive and a negative electrode. A separator is arranged between each negative and positive electrode forming a battery cell, said separator includes an electrolyte. An inner barrier of a hydrophobic material is arranged around at least one electrode, whereby said inner barrier prevents an electrolyte path from one cell to another cell, and a frame is present to provide predetermined cell spacing between each biplate and/or biplate and end terminal. The frame is attached in such a way to each biplate to permit ambient gas to pass between adjacent cells, thereby creating a common gas space for all cells in the battery. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a bipolar battery.

Abstract: A cathode for an air recovery alkaline battery is disclosed. The cathode contains at least about 60% by weight MnO2 and at least about 2% by weight of a hydrophobic polymer; the MnO2 consists essentially of electrochemically synthesized MnO2.

Abstract: A gastight nickel/metal hydride cell for the storage of electrochemical energy, having at least one positive nickel oxide electrode and at least one hydrogen-storing negative electrode, a hydrophilic separator being arranged between the positive and negative electrodes, and an alkaline electrolyte or an alkaline electrolyte mixture, in that one or more negative electrodes are provided with a gas-permeable, hydrophobic transport element for transporting the gases of the cell atmosphere.

Abstract: A low profile collector and seal assembly for sealing the open end of a container of an electrochemical cell and providing venting of pressurized gases. An electrochemical cell has a can with a closed bottom end and an open top end, positive and negative electrodes disposed in the can, and a collector and seal assembly disposed in the open top end of the can for closing the open top end of the can. The collector and seal assembly includes a current collector and an annular seal that move relative to each other from a sealed position to a vented position when the internal cell pressure reaches a pressure threshold to vent pressurized gases.

Abstract: A pouch type secondary battery has a safety vent which prevents explosion and fire by removing a sealing mechanism of a pouch casing when the internal temperature increases due to overcharging, overdischarging or over-heating, and which exhausts internal gas before explosion and fire of the battery when the internal gas pressure excessively increases due to overcharging, overdischarging or internal short-circuit.

Abstract: A method for separating gases within a barrier, and a metallic barrier separating the gases is provided for use in solid oxide fuel cells, or SOFC. A network of pores can vent steam formed within the barrier by the reaction of hydrogen diffusing from one side and oxygen diffusing from the other side. This venting prevents the buildup of destructive pressure within the barrier, while retaining the required gas separation and electrical conductivity properties. The invention can be applied to systems other than solid oxide fuel cells and includes barriers made of noble metals and non-noble metals.

Abstract: A non-hermetically sealed, electrochemical power source, includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a separator between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a membrane in fluid communication with an environment external to the battery. The second electrode is between the separator and the membrane. The membrane includes a first portion having a different property, e.g., density, porosity, mass transport resistance, thickness, or gas permeability, than a second portion of the membrane. Methods of designing an electrochemical cell cartridge are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having: an electrode plate assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; a non-aqueous electrolyte including a lithium salt and a non-aqueous solvent; and a gas absorbing element that absorbs gas produced in the secondary battery, wetting of the gas absorbing element with the non-aqueous solvent is controlled.

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.

Abstract: An electrochemical conversion system (10) is disclosed having a housing (11) divided by a hydrogen concentration cell (12) so as to define a first chamber (13) and a second chamber (14). A first mass of hydride material (17) is contained within the first chamber while a second mass of hydride material (18) is contained within the second chamber. The hydrogen concentration cell has a first gas diffusion electrode (20), a second gas diffusion electrode (21) and a proton conductive membrane (22) therebetween. The release of hydrogen from one of the masses of hydride material and its redox reaction creates an electrical potential across the cell.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolyte is dosed with an additive which acts on the negative electrode to reduce electrolysis and, hence, water consumption of the cell during the course of operation of the cell, in particular when the cell is in a state of overcharge. The additive is arranged to reduce the flow of current between the electrodes when a potential ordinarily sufficient to cause electrolysis of the electrolyte is applied across the electrodes. The additive typically coats the negative electrode to form a barrier in conjunction with gas bubbles evolving from the negative electrode in order to reduce the flow of current to the electrode and/or a reduction in the flow of ions to the negative electrode and/or gas bubbles flowing from the negative electrode.

Abstract: A low profile collector and seal assembly for sealing the open end of a container of an electrochemical cell and providing venting of pressurized gases. An electrochemical cell has a can with a closed bottom end and an open top end, positive and negative electrodes disposed in the can, and a collector and seal assembly disposed in the open top end of the can for closing the open top end of the can. The collector and seal assembly includes a current collector and an annular seal that move relative to each other from a sealed position to a vented position when the internal cell pressure reaches a pressure threshold to vent pressurized gases.

Abstract: To improve on a vent plug system for a cell opening of a storage battery containing a plug element with an inner cartridge and a valve element, to where it is possible without the need for maintaining excessive physical tolerances to assemble it with a minimal number of components m simple fashion while still assuring reliable operation without any major effort, the plug element is provided as a cup-shaped unit with an outer contour shaped to fit into, and seal, the cell opening, with an internal cavity and with a gas port between the cavity and an outside surface. The inner cartridge is essentially cylindrical, has an outer contour shaped to permit insertion in the cavity of the plug element and is provided with a gas passage that opens into the cavity, while the valve element is a separate element retainable in the cavity by the inner cartridge and, as a function of the gas pressure, establishes a gas-flow connection between the gas passage of the inner cartridge and the gas port of the plug element.

Abstract: In a battery in which a separator is disposed between a cathode and an anode, a jelly roll is wound with the separator. The cathode, the anode and the separator are received in a battery case and surrounded with an electrolyte, and an opening of the battery case is sealed by a top cap assembly connected to the cathode. A curved groove is formed on the battery case as a safety element for preventing the explosion of the battery due to an increase of internal pressure, the groove being formed along a line of equal stress on the surface of the battery case.

Abstract: A method of forming a protective coating on a cell safety valve element by coating the cell safety valve element with a protective film to protect metal portions thereof against corrosion, a cell safety valve element coated with a protective film, a cell sealing plate using the element, and an enclosed cell using the plate. The safety valve element comprises a coating (3) obtained by applying an organic paint onto at least one surface of the cell safety valve element (10) consisting of a metal base plate (1) having a through hole (4) drilled therein and a metal foil (2) laminated on the metal base plate (1) so as to block the through hole (4).

Abstract: A thermal battery is housed in a chamber that utilizes micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS)-based technology to offer superior chemical stability and advantageous mechanical and thermal properties. The thermal battery of the present invention is activated by heat, for example heat generated by a pyrotechnic charge, for example thermite, for immediate and thorough activation of the electrolyte. The anode, cathode and electrolyte of the battery are formed of pellets having a curved interface for increased current density. The electrolyte preferably comprises a three-component eutectic salt mixture. In this manner, the thermal battery of the present invention is well suited for applications that require highly integrated thermal batteries that are relatively small in physical size, yet are capable of reliable performance over a wide range of operating conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell having a controlled electrode surface, comprising: a first electrode and a second electrode wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes has a carbonaceous surface; an electrolyte containing at least one solvent; an additive associated with the carbonaceous surface of at least one of the first and second electrodes, wherein the additive comprises a compound having a molecular weight of not less than 105.

Abstract: Primary and secondary Li-ion and lithium-metal based electrochemical cell systems. Suppression of gas generation is achieved in the cell through the addition of an additive or additives to the electrolyte system of the respective cell, or to the cell whether it be a liquid, a solid- or plastized polymer electrolyte system. The gas suppression additives are preferably based on unsaturated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: An electrode unit of a secondary battery prevents deviated winding of electrode plates of the electrode unit and prevents the position of an electrode tab from shifting during winding and a secondary battery having the electrode unit. The secondary battery includes an electrode unit having a first electrode plate having a first electrode uncoated portion on at least one side of a first electrode collector coated with at least a first electrode active material, a second electrode plate having a second electrode uncoated portion on at least one side of a second electrode collector coated with at least a second electrode active material, a separator interposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, and a case accommodating the electrode unit to be sealed and having a terminal portion electrically connected to the electrode unit.

Abstract: A device and method for promoting the recombination of oxygen and hydrogen in a battery cell. The device, in one form, provides catalyst and heater for heating the catalyst to prevent the liquid water from interfering with the recombination reaction. In another form the device takes the form of a catalyst container having a heater inside of the container.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a battery separator including a microporous polyolefinic membrane having a porosity in a range 30-80%, an average pore size in a range of 0.02-2.0 microns, and being made from a blend of a polyolefin polymer and an oligomer of a polyolefinic polymer.

Abstract: A closed battery which is capable of rapidly releasing the internal pressure there while simultaneously disconnecting the current to prevent the internal temperature of the battery from rising and causing the battery to explode. Thus, when the internal pressure of the closed battery is elevated due to a short circuit, overcharge, reverse charge, or the like, internal gas in the battery can be safely discharged and the battery prevented from bursting.

Abstract: An electrode plate group is accommodated together with liquid electrolyte in a metal case having an oval or rectangular cross section. The open end of the case is sealed by a metal sealing plate, with an insulation gasket fitted between the case and the sealing plate. The electrode plate group is constructed with a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate wound around with a separator interposed therebetween. Core materials of respective plates are protruded to opposite sides to form a positive electrode end face and a negative electrode end face at either end of the electrode plate group. The winding axis of the electrode plates is vertical to the open end of the case, and the positive and negative electrode end faces are respectively connected to the sealing plate and the bottom face of the case in direct or indirect surface contact therewith.