Abstract: A battery module for use in an electric vehicle is disclosed. The battery module includes a plurality of cells arranged in a predetermined pattern within the module. The battery module also includes an optical pyrometer arranged inside the module. The optical pyrometer is installed within the module after being tuned to detect a predetermined frequency or band of frequencies. The pyrometer will be used to detect an increase in short wave radiation density from one of the battery cells within the module wherein that battery cell has a temperature above a predetermined threshold. The optical pyrometer will be used to communicate an electric signal to a control system of the electric vehicle wherein that control system will implement a predetermined mitigation process to contain the thermal event of that one cell within the battery module.

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 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: Crystals having a narrowband transmission window in the UV range and methods for producing such crystals are disclosed. The method comprises the steps of preparing a saturated nutrient solution of a nickel compound and a dopant salt; and incubating the nutrient solution under conditions suitable for crystal growth. The nickel compound is nickel silicon fluoride, nickel fluoroborate, or potassium nickel sulfate. The dopant salt is a salt of cobalt, calcium, barium, strontium, lead, copper, germanium, praseodymium, neodymium, zinc, lithium, potassium, sodium, rubidium, or cesium. The doped nickel compounds crystals have a narrow transmission window in the UV range and can be used as filters for optical sensors in applications such as the passive missile approach warning systems.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sheet-shaped safety kit that is attached to opposite major surfaces of an electrode assembly for secondary batteries. The safety kit includes a group of metal sheets electrically connected to a cathode terminal of the electrode assembly, another group of metal sheets electrically connected to a cathode terminal of the electrode assembly, and an insulation sheet disposed between the two metal sheet groups. The metal sheets of one of the metal sheet groups are interconnected with each other at lower ends of the metal sheets, the lower-end interconnection part interconnecting the lower ends of the metal sheets has a width less than that of the metal sheets, and lower-end corners of the interconnected metal sheets are larger than lower-end corners of the metal sheets that are not interconnected with each other.

Abstract: A sulfonic acid type organic surfactant is incorporated into the gelled anode mixture of an alkaline electrochemical cell, optionally with an organic phosphate ester surfactant. Zinc fines may also be incorporated into the anode. The electrolyte included in the anode mixture may have a reduced hydroxide concentration. When a cell is provided whose anode mixture includes the two surfactants and zinc fines alone or in combination with a lowered hydroxide concentration in the electrolyte, discharge leakage is reduced and gel gassing is suppressed relative to that of gels lacking both surfactants. Additionally, cell discharge performance is improved relative to that of cells lacking both the zinc fines and lowered hydroxide concentration.

Abstract: A method for absorbing and releasing hydrogen comprises applying repeatedly hydrogen pressurization and depressurization to a hydrogen storage metal alloy of a body-centered cubic structure-type phase exerting a two-stage or inclined plateau characteristic in a hydrogen storage amount vs hydrogen pressure relation in an appropriate fashion to absorb and release hydrogen. At least at one stage during the release of hydrogen, the temperature (T2) of the above-mentioned hydrogen storage metal alloy is made higher than the temperature (T1) of the hydrogen storage metal alloy during the hydrogen absorption process (T2>T1). This enables the release and utilization of occluded hydrogen at a low-pressure plateau region or an inclined plateau lower region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprises a sealing unit including a conductive support plate, wherein the conductive support plate contains at least one kind of a conductive material selected from the group consisting of a metal, an alloy and a composite metallic material, each of the metal, the alloy and the composite metallic material has a modulus of elasticity (Young's modulus) at 25° C. that falls within a range from 1×1011 Pa to 3.27×1011 Pa, and the conductive support plate has an area resistance value RS at 20° C. falling within a range from 0.032 (??·cm2) to 1.24 (??·cm2).

Abstract: A rechargeable electrochemical cell is provided having a pressure-responsive apparatus for determining a charge termination point. In particular, a reversible pressure-responsive switch may be disposed in a cap at the open end of a rechargeable metal hydride cell. The reversible pressure-responsive switch may also contain a vent system for releasing the cell internal pressure. Alternatively, a rechargeable cell may include a strain gauge disposed in its outer surface whose resistance changes as the outer surface of the battery expands due to internal pressure accumulation during charging. Additionally, a rechargeable cell is used combination with a charging source that can supply constant voltage, constant current, alternating current, or voltage that varies between a minimum threshold and a maximum threshold.

Abstract: A method for absorbing and releasing hydrogen comprises applying repeatedly hydrogen pressurization and depressurization to a hydrogen storage metal alloy of a body-centered cubic structure-type phase exerting a two-stage or inclined plateau characteristic in a hydrogen storage amount vs hydrogen pressure relation in an appropriate fashion to absorb and release hydrogen. At least at one stage during the release of hydrogen, the temperature (T2) of the above-mentioned hydrogen storage metal alloy is made higher than the temperature (T1) of the hydrogen storage metal alloy during the hydrogen absorption process (T2>T1). This enables the release and utilization of occluded hydrogen at a low-pressure plateau region or an inclined plateau lower region.

Abstract: An electrochemical battery cell comprising a cell housing defining an inner space, a first terminal and a second terminal; and at least one pre-formed pellet disposed within the inner space of the cell housing. The pellet includes an outer electrode portion formed from a material to geometrically define the pellet in a solid form. The outer electrode portion is in electrical communication with the first terminal of the cell housing. The pellet also includes an inner electrode encapsulated by a separator and embedded within the material of the outer electrode portion. The inner electrode is in electrical communication with the second terminal of the cell housing and electrically insulated from the outer electrode material. In a preferred embodiment, the inner electrode comprises an anode and the outer electrode portion comprises a cathode portion.

Abstract: A rechargeable electrochemical cell system is provided. The system includes a plurality of cells, wherein each cell is comprised of a first electrode, a second electrode, and a third electrode electrically isolated from the second electrode. The cell system may be discharged upon application of a load across a discharge circuit, which is formed from the first electrodes and the second electrodes. The cell may be recharged upon application of a voltage across a recharging circuit, which is formed of at least one of the first electrodes and at least one of the third electrodes.

Abstract: A heavy metal-free rechargeable Zinc electrode for use in storage cells having alkaline electrolyte has been developed. The electrode includes a current collector and an active mass based on metallic zinc and zinc oxide powders, calcium hydroxide, indium hydroxide, indium sulfate, bismuth-oxide and a binder. The electrodes have been successfully used in Ni—Zn and Ag—Zn cells. The electrodes lead to environmentally benign alkaline cells. The electrodes have additional advantages over the prior art electrodes in terms of initial capacity and cyclability.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-aqueous electrolyte battery for suppressing the swell of a film-shaped exterior material. A gas adsorbing carbon material added to an anode mixture layer 9 of an anode 4 and/or to a cathode mixture layer 13 of a cathode 5 adsorbs a gas generated in the battery to suppress the gas storage in the battery, so that it is possible to suppress the swell of a film-shaped exterior material 3 caused by the storage of the gas generated within the battery.

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: A hydrogen absorbing alloy containing at least a rare-earth element, magnesium (Mg), nickel (Ni) and aluminum (Al), having an intensity ratio (IA/IB) of not smaller than 0.6 (where IA represents an intensity of the highest peak in a range of 2&thgr;=30°˜34° in the X-ray diffraction pattern using CuK&agr;-radiation as the X-ray source and IB represents the intensity of the highest peak in a range of 2&thgr;=40°˜44°), and not substantially including La as the rare-earth element.

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: A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery including an airtight outer container, the shape of which can be changed by an increase of battery internal pressure; a material capable of occluding and releasing lithium as a negative electrode material; and a lithium-transition metal composite oxide having a layer structure in which nickel and manganese are contained as transition metals and containing fluorine as a positive electrode material.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a safety feature that finds particular utility in batteries with flexible shells. Conductors to be attached to the electrodes of a battery are thin strips, and the strength of such a conductive strip (20) is reduced at one point e.g. by cutting a slit (22) on its side. At one side of the slit the conductive strip is attached to the top part (61) of the battery shell, and at the other side of the slit to the bottom part (62) of the battery shell. If overcharging, for instance, generates an overpressure inside the battery, the battery shell bulges and tears (B) the conductive strip in two starting at the slit. This way, the structures and equipment around the battery will avoid damage possibly caused by battery chemicals or high temperature. The arrangement according to the invention makes separate internal battery protection components redundant and has low costs.

Abstract: A secondary battery including an electricity generating element, which includes at least a positive electrode implemented by a lithium-manganese compound oxide, a negative electrode, an electrolyte and a separator, and films encasing the electricity generating element is disclosed. The secondary battery further includes a composition causing the electrolyte to react with water to thereby produce hydrogen ions, and a hydrogen ion uptaking agent so positioned as to contact the electrolyte existing in the battery. The battery is desirable in charge-discharge cycle characteristic, storage characteristic, and safety. In addition, the battery swells little despite a repeated charge-discharge cycle or storage.

Abstract: A gelating agent for an alkaline cell is a cross-linked polymer (A) comprising (meth)acrylic acid and/or its alkali metal salt as a main constituent monomer unit and obtained by an aqueous solution polymerization or a reversed phase suspension polymerization and satisfies the following required conditions (1), (2). The gelating agent has good draining property, satisfactorily high speed charging property of the alkaline electrolytic solution and is therefore effective to produce cells with little unevenness of the charging amount of the electrolytic solution and having uniform quality by mass production and an alkaline cell using the gelating agent is provided with durable discharge time and remarkably excellent impact resistance for a long duration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrogen storage alloy electrode composed of a hydrogen storage alloy having a CaCu5 region and a Ce2Ni7 region in the crystal structure and satisfies the relational formula: p:q=1:(4+a), where p is the sum of the mole fraction of an element occupying the Ca site of the CaCu5 region and the mole fraction of an element occupying the Ce site of the Ce2Ni7 region, q is the sum of the mole fraction of an element occupying the Cu site of the CaCu5 region and the mole fraction of an element occupying the Ni site of the Ce2Ni7 region, and −0.2≦a≦0.4. Accordingly, although the hydrogen storage alloy electrode contains a little or no Co, it is possible to obtain an electrode having little deterioration due to pulverization of the alloy and a high capacity.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to obtain an electrode whose resistivity increases with temperature, and a battery using the same. Specifically, the invention consists in limiting the proportion of a conductive filler contained in electron conductive particles of an electron conductive particle layer to a range of from 55 to 70 parts by weight. A battery constituted by using the electrode has an increased discharge capacity and is capable of reducing a short-circuit current.

Abstract: A sulfonic acid type organic surfactant is incorporated into the gelled anode of an alkaline electrochemical cell, optionally with an organic phosphate ester surfactant. When the two surfactants are provided in a gelled anode in combination, discharge leakage is reduced and gel gassing is suppressed relative to that of gels lacking both surfactants. Additionally, cell discharge performance is improved relative to that of cells lacking both surfactant additives.

Abstract: An anodic zinc electrode for use in an electrochemical cell comprising: a current collector; and an active material composition applied to the current collector, wherein the active material composition includes Zn and ZnO, and wherein the weight ratio of the Zn to ZnO ranges from approximately 1-2 to approximately 1 which enables the anodic zinc electrode to be associated with an electrochemical cell assembled in a charged or discharged state.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having a structure which enables an electrode device to easily be inserted into a battery can thereof even if the thickness of the battery is reduced. Thus, excellent productivity and reliability can be realized. A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery according to the present invention has a structure that a largest opening of the battery can is hermetically sealed by a battery cover having a terminal.

Abstract: A method of activating a hydrogen storage alloy or a hydrogen storage alloy electrode. The method includes the step of contacting the hydrogen storage alloy or hydrogen storage alloy electrode with an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide where the concentration of the alkali metal hydroxide is at least about 40 weight percent. The method produces a hydrogen storage alloy and hydrogen storage alloy electrode with increased surface area.

Abstract: A fluorosurfactant, preferably an anionic fluorosurfactant, can be added to the anode mixture of a zinc/air cell. A desirable surfactant is an anionic fluoroaliphaticcarboxylate. The addition of the surfactant reduces gassing and improves cell performance. The anode casing can also be treated with the surfactant solution prior to inserting the anode mixture therein. The anode casing of a zinc/air depolarized cell can also be heat treated after the casing has been formed but before anode material comprising zinc is inserted therein. The anode casing has a layer of copper on its inside surface. The process comprises heat treating the anode casing by passing a gas at a temperature between about 200° C. and 700° C., preferably between about 300° C. and 600° C. in contact therewith to form a heat treated anode casing and then cooling said heat treated anode casing to ambient temperature.

Abstract: An alkaline battery has a cathode including a hydrogen absorbing material and an anode including zinc free of lead, mercury, or cadmium.

Abstract: A lithium secondary battery has an electrode assembly including a positive electrode plate having a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode sheet fixed to at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector and having a positive electrode active material as a main component, a negative electrode plate having a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode sheet fixed to at least one surface of the negative electrode current collector and having a negative electrode active material as a main component, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate. A current controller for cutting off current at a minimum temperature is present on each of the positive and negative electrode plates.

Abstract: A layered hydrogen absorbing alloy electrode for an alkaline electrochemical cell. The layered electrode comprises a outer layer comprising a metal oxide, metal sulfide or mixtures thereof. The outer layer reduces the internal pressure of electrochemical cell.

Abstract: An electrode for a battery produced by a method comprising the steps of continuously forming a metallic porous foil consisting of metal powders having fine voids; attaching powders of an active substance not containing a binder; fixing the powders into the fine voids and the surface of the foil under pressure by passing rollers; forming a binder coating layer on surfaces of the powders by introducing the foil into a binder-tank; drying the binder coating layer; and setting a thickness of the foil by passing pressure rollers.

Abstract: A non-aqueous battery is provided in a pouchy casing comprising opposing sheets of at least three-layer laminates, each laminate comprising (1) an inner thermoplastic resin layer, (2) a middle metal foil layer, and (3) an outer electrically insulating material layer, wherein the pouchy casing has an elongated, hermetic adhesion area along a periphery of the pouchy casing, and the middle metal foil layer has a peripheral elongated region in the elongated, hermetic adhesion area of the pouchy casing, and at least a pair of terminals electrically connected to the cathode and anode of the battery extends through and protrudes from the terminal-withdrawal sites in the elongated, hermetic adhesion area toward the outside of the pouchy casing, and the battery has at least one of the following features: (i) the peripheral elongated region of the middle metal foil layer has cut-out portions around the terminal-withdrawal sites and (ii) the surface of the peripheral edge of the pouchy casing is provided with electric i

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a closed battery capable of rapidly releasing the internal pressure thereof and at the same time disconnecting the current to effectively prevent a rise in temperature and explosion so that it may assure the safety and reliability of the battery, when, the internal pressure is elevated due to short circuit, overcharge, reverse charge, or the like in such a completely closed battery. A closed battery of the present invention is provided with a closing member serving as a valve chip, which is composed of a metal substrate 1 in which a valve element 5 is provided and defined by a break line 3, and a metal foil 2 adhered to the inner surface of the metal substrate 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell having a controlled electrode surface, comprising:

Abstract: An air cell in which at least one end of a tubular air electrode is positively sealed to assure optimum leakage-proofing characteristics. The air cell includes an air electrode in the form of a hollow tube, a holding member abutted against at least one end of the air electrode along the circumference on the inner peripheral surface of the air electrode, a ring-like gasket arranged facing the holding member with the air electrode in-between, the ring-like gasket abutting along the circumference against the outer peripheral surface of the air electrode and a sealant member clinching the ring-like gasket and the air electrode along with the holding member for closing the end of the air electrode. The ring-like gasket seals the sealant member and the air electrode to each other by being clinched by the sealant member and the holding member.

Abstract: A reciprocal design for an electrochemical heat exchanger comprised of a gas-based driving system, a liquid-based cooling system, and a non-permeable flexible diaphragm to physically separate the contents of the driving system from the contents of the cooling system while maintaining a pressure based communication between the contents of the two systems. The gas-based driving system utilizes a hydrogen electrochemical pump to induce circulation of a liquid coolant through the cooling system. Said liquid coolant exchanges heat with the object to be cooled and transfers heat out of the heat exchange system by way of matched banks of radiator tubes.

Abstract: In a metalliferous electrode material and a method of making the material, the metalliferous electrode material includes a metal oxide as a catalyst for its hydrogenation and dehydrogenation which metal oxide is intensely mixed with the electrode material by mechanical grinding of the two compounds.

Abstract: The present invention certainly provides a metal hydride storage cell having excellent cycle characteristic and a method of producing such a cell. In order to realize the objectives, the cell is produced under a condition which makes the particle size distribution y/x of the activated hydrogen absorbing alloy electrode below 0.90.

Abstract: A safety device having a thin plate of a brittle material adapted to be ruptured by a difference between pressures exerted on opposite sides thereof; and a conductive path provided on the thin plate and adapted to be cut off by the rupture of the thin plate. One surface of the thin plate is present in a reference pressure chamber. The safety device with its reference pressure chamber being sealed is incorporated in a secondary battery. When the secondary battery is overcharged, the pressure difference between the opposite sides of the thin plate is increased, so that the thin plate is ruptured to cut off the conductive path.

Abstract: A secondary battery which may be handled in a same way as conventional single cell, if the gas pressure within battery went unusually high the gas is immediately discharged outside, and bursting of the battery is prevented.

Abstract: An electrical accumulator having a case in the form of a button cell which is closed such that it is gastight, including a case cover and a case cup with an interposed electrically insulating seal, which contain an electrode set including positive and negative electrodes as well as interposed separators, with at least two electrodes of one polarity being mechanically. and electrically connected at at least two points on their circumference in such a manner that a mechanically robust electrode packet results. The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing such a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A vehicle (V) includes a battery enclosure (152) enclosing a battery system (B). Each battery (Bn) includes a cell (1) that comprises a rolled lamination (LM) of a positive sheet electrode (11) having layers (13) of positive-pole-oriented active substance coated on both side of a charge collecting sheet (12), a negative sheet electrode (21) having layers (23) of negative-pole-oriented active substance coated on both sides of another charge collecting sheet (22), and electrolyte-containing separator (31) between the layers of active substances. The batter further includes a cell enclosure (2) totally enclosing the cell. A gas effluent system (100) for the battery system comprises a gas release system (RSn) for generated gas in the cell of each battery to be released outside the cell enclosure, and a gas discharge system (DS) for released gas to be discharged outside the battery enclosure. The gas release system comprises gas release circuitry including a network (NT) of blanks (Cp: P=1,2, . . . , q, . .

Abstract: A secondary battery including an electricity Generating element, which includes at least a positive electrode implemented by a lithium-manganese compound oxide, a negative electrode, an electrolyte and a separator, and films encasing the electricity generating element is disclosed. The secondary battery further includes a composition causing the electrolyte to react with water to thereby produce hydrogen ions, and a hydrogen ion uptaking agent so positioned as to contact the electrolyte existing in the battery. The battery is desirable in charge-discharge cycle characteristic, storage characteristic, and safety. In addition, the battery swells little despite a repeated charge-discharge cycle or storage.

Abstract: A gastight-sealed alkaline nickel/metal hydride storage battery in the form of a button cell having positive and negative electrodes which are arranged in the cell case and separated by a separator. Both electrodes have a support and conductor framework, which consists of a porous metal foam or metal felt, the positive electrode having a metallic region which is free of active material on the side bearing against the cell case.

Abstract: A metal hydride rechargeable cell is provided that discharges during a test discharge at a rate of 8 C to 18 C and a cell temperature of 0° C. where the voltage remains above 0.2 volts during the half of the discharge curve. The cell comprises a negative electrode of hydrogen storage alloy material having a particle size volume distribution whose d(50) value does not exceed 2(2Dht)½, where Dh is the hydrogen diffusion coefficient for the alloy at 0° C. and t is a time period from about 200 to about 450 seconds. A method of manufacturing the cell of the present invention involves an activation protocol comprising at least one formation cycle, a heat treating step, and a cycling step. This method avoids unnecessary processing of the metal alloy material prior to incorporation into the negative electrode.

Abstract: A metal-gas cell storage battery, such as a zinc-air cell battery, has one or more battery cells wherein each battery cell comprises a metallic anode sandwiched between a pair of gas cathodes. Each gas cathode is disposed within a rigid retaining structure. The retaining structures of each gas cathode are attached to one another by an expandable soft pocket capable of holding an electrolyte. The anode is disposed within the soft pocket. The cell is mechanically refueled by expanding the soft pocket to allow easy removal from the cell of the spent anode and easy insertion into the cell of a fresh anode.

Abstract: A battery-connecting plate for connecting batteries in series. The batteries, each with a positive and a negative electrodes at opposite ends, are assembled in a row with the positive and negative electrodes reversed in an alternating manner. The battery-connecting plate includes a base plate of synthetic resin; connection portions each having a busbar provided on the base plate, the busbar having a predetermined number of holes for passing therethrough of a corresponding number of the electrodes for connection therewith; and a pitch adjusting means provided on the base plate at every predetermined number of the connection portions for adjusting a deviation in position between the electrodes and the holes of the busbars.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having a structure which enables an electrode device to easily be inserted into a battery can thereof even if the thickness of the battery is reduced. Thus, excellent productivity and reliability can be realized. A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery according to the present invention has a structure that a largest opening of the battery can is hermetically sealed by a battery cover having a terminal.

Abstract: A hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode for an alkaline secondary battery. The electrode is prepared by adding a transition metal salt to a paste comprising a hydrogen-absorbing alloy powder and binder. The electrode improves charge-discharge cycle performance and high rate discharge capacity at low temperature of an alkaline secondary battery.