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 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.

Abstract: An assembled battery device comprising a plurality of single cells which are placed with a predetermined space between each of them and an element for detecting swelling is set in the predetermined space between the single cells and operates in accordance with the transformation of the single cells by swelling. Therefore, when a single cell swells and transforms, resulting from being overcharged, the element for detecting swelling is activated in accordance with such transformation and detects the state of overcharging.

Abstract: An electrode composition for a lithium-ion battery comprising particles having an average particle size ranging from 1 ?m to 50 ?m. The particles include an electrochemically active phase and an electrochemically inactive phase that share a common phase boundary. The electrochemically active phase includes elemental silicon and the electrochemically inactive phase includes at least two metal elements in the form of an intermetallic compound, a solid solution, or combination thereof. Each of the phases is free of crystallites that are greater than 1000 angstroms prior to cycling. In addition, the electrochemically active phase is amorphous after the electrode has been cycled through one full charge-discharge cycle in a lithium-ion battery.

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 fuel cell for generating an electric energy with a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, has a membrane electrode assembly for generating an electric field through the membrane electrode assembly with the chemical reaction between the oxygen and the hydrogen, a pair of first and second contact members, the first contact member contacting a first side surface of the membrane electrode assembly, and the second contact member contacting a second side surface of the membrane electrode assembly so that the electric field is formed between the first and second contact members, and a pressing member for generating a pressing force for urging each of the first and second contact members toward corresponding one of the first and second side surfaces in a pressing direction.

Abstract: A secondary battery according to the invention includes six power generation elements and a case having six mounting spaces in which the power generation elements are disposed, respectively. A positive electrode connecting portion of a positive electrode current collector plate of one of the power generation elements adjacent to each other is connected via a connecting hole in a partition wall to a negative electrode connecting portion of a negative electrode current collector plate of the other power generation element, whereby the secondary battery is provided. The positive electrode connecting portion of the positive electrode current collector is formed so as to bend more easily in an approaching direction B2, which is opposite to a detaching direction B1, than a first positive electrode plate welded portion and a positive electrode plate adjacent distal portion, where bending portions are provided on both sides, do.

Abstract: A battery comprises at least two unit cells. Each of the at least two unit cells is provided with an outer sheath film composed of polymer-metal composite material, a positive-electrode current collector, a negative-electrode current collector, a separator disposed between the positive-electrode current collector and the negative-electrode current collector, one positive electrode tab to which the positive-electrode current collector is connected and protruding from a first sealed portion of the outer sheath film, one negative electrode tab to which the negative-electrode current collector is connected and protruding from a second sealed portion of the outer sheath film, a first polymer layer disposed between the positive electrode tab and the outer sheath film, and a second polymer layer disposed between the negative electrode tab and the outer sheath film.

Abstract: A compression member for an electrochemical cell stack is provided. The compression member includes a first surface including a plurality of raised portions, a second surface including a substantially flat surface, and an edge defined by the first surface and the second surface. The plurality of raised portions is aligned to define a plurality of receiving areas. The plurality of raised portions and the plurality of receiving areas are configured such application of an axial compressive force spreads the plurality of raised portions into the plurality of receiving areas. The edge includes a portion configured to receive an electrochemical cell terminal therethrough. The compression member is formed of electrically non-conductive materials.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell structure has a first fluid chamber and a resilient member disposed in the first fluid chamber. An opening permits communication of fluid into the first fluid chamber. An anode cavity and a cathode cavity are in fluid communication with the fluid chamber through the opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed wherein a battery comprises an electrode having at least one nanostructured surface. The nanostructured surface is disposed in a way such that an electrolyte fluid of the battery is prevented from contacting the electrode, thus preventing discharge of the battery when the battery is not in use. When a voltage is passed over the nanostructured surface, the electrolyte fluid is caused to penetrate the nanostructured surface and to contact the electrode, thus activating the battery. In one illustrative embodiment, the battery is an integrated part of an electronics package. In another embodiment, the battery is manufactured as a separate device and is then brought into contact with the electronics package. In yet another embodiment, the electronics package and an attached battery are disposed in a projectile that is used as a military targeting device.

Abstract: In an electrode for a lithium battery having a lithium storing and releasing active thin film provided on a current collector, such as a microcrystalline or amorphous silicon thin film, the electrode is characterized in that the thin film is divided into columns by gaps formed therein in a manner to extend in its thickness direction and that the columnar portions are at their bottoms adhered to the current collector.

Abstract: An electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery which includes a thin film composed of active material that expands and shrinks as it stores and releases lithium, e.g., a microcrystalline or amorphous silicon thin film, deposited on a current collector, characterized in that said current collector exhibits a tensile strength (=tensile strength (N/mm2) per sectional area of the current collector material×thickness (mm) of the current collector) of not less than 3.82 N/mm.

Abstract: A battery unit including an electrode unit including a positive electrode plate, a separator, and a negative electrode plate, wherein the positive electrode plate, the separator, and the negative electrode plate are disposed in sequential order; electrode leads extending from each of the positive and negative electrode plates of the electrode unit; and a finishing tape provided on an outermost surface of the electrode unit, including an adhesive layer having a low adhesive strength, and a polymer film layer coated with the adhesive layer, wherein the finishing tape is detachably attached to the electrode unit so as to detach in response to the electrode unit deforming.

Abstract: A battery module includes a battery cell having a laminate overcoat, a pair of rubber sheets, a pair of pressure plates, and a pair of housing members from the internal to the external of the battery module. An intervention member including four poles is interposed between the pressure plate and the housing member at the central area of the battery cell to alleviate the stress concentration on the peripheral area of the battery cell. The intervention member may be formed separately from or integrated with the pressure plate.

Abstract: A plurality of cell units 10a made of stacked cells 10 are stacked. Pressing mechanisms 30 and 31, which apply a pressing force between a pair of pressuring members 20 arranged in a stack direction where the cell units 10a are stacked, are provided, and the cell units 10a are pressured in the stack direction. A state in which the cell units 10a are pressed by the pressing mechanisms 30 and 31 is managed by a managing member 32. Thus, a state where electrode plates of power generation elements 11 are pressed is maintained, and the pressed state of the power generation elements 11 can be precisely managed by the managing member 32.

Abstract: A fuel-cell assembly has a plurality of unit cells, each of the unit cells comprising an anode, an electrolyte, a cathode, and a current collector. The fuel-cell assembly has a plurality of electrical interconnection elements, at least one electrical interconnection element being connected respectively to each anode, to each cathode, and to each current collector of the unit cells. The unit cells are arranged in a stack and are mechanically supported by electrical interconnection elements such that each of the unit cells of the stack has at least one edge free to move relative to the electrical interconnection elements.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising a plurality of electrochemical cell components having at least one opening extending therethrough. At least one filament extends through the at least one opening and has two ends with first and second securing members coupled to the two ends. A biasing member is disposed to put the at least one filament in tension between the securing members and to put the plurality of electrochemical cell components in compression. The filament is preferably electronically insulating and preferably does not transmit torsional forces. The filament extends through the at least one opening at least one time and may loop around a securing member any number of times. The filament may have a finite cut length or may form a continuous filament loop.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a proton exchange membrane disposed between and in intimate contact with the electrodes, and a pressure pad disposed in electrical communication with the first electrode. The pressure pad is compatible with the cell environment and is configured to support the electrodes and the membrane. The pressure pad includes an electrically conductive member and a compression member disposed at the electrically conductive member. A method of maintaining compression within the cell includes disposing the electrically conductive member and the compression member at the first electrode, applying a load at the cell to compress the cell components, and maintaining electrical communication through the electrically conductive member.

Abstract: The bipolar electrochemical battery of the invention comprises: a stack of at least two electrochemical cells electrically arranged in series with the positive face of each cell contacting the negative face of an adjacent cell, wherein each of the cells comprises (a) a negative electrode; (b) a positive electrode; (c) a separator between the electrodes, wherein the separator includes an electrolyte; (d) a first electrically conductive lamination comprising a first inner metal layer and a first polymeric outer layer, said first polymeric outer layer having at least one perforation therein to expose the first inner metal layer, said first electrically conductive lamination being in electrical contact with the outer face of the negative electrode; and (e) a second electrically conductive lamination comprising a second inner metal layer and a second polymeric outer layer, said second polymeric outer layer having at least one perforation therein to expose the second inner metal layer, said second electrically c

Abstract: An anode structure for a metal air electrochemical cell is provided. The structure includes a plurality of compartments, which are at least partially isolated from one another. A metal air cell using the anode structure includes the anode structure having one or more of the compartments partially filled with anode material, a cathode in ionic communication with the anode material, and a separator electrically isolating the cathode and the anode material. The volume of anode material included in the one or more compartments is preferably based on the expected expansion of the anode material.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to devices that are adapted to store energy. More specifically, one embodiment of the present invention is a battery that employs a plurality of compartments which hold cell elements that generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction. In addition, one embodiment of the present invention employs arcuate end compartments that are adapted to hold a non-compressible fluid that aids in the reaction of internal pressure loads generated by the electrochemical reaction. This fluid in one embodiment may be put in compression during manufacturing of the battery. Thus, the present invention enables the internal compartment walls to impart sufficient compression on the cell elements to enhance the battery's efficiency and useful life.

Abstract: An assembled battery device in the present invention comprises a plurality of single cells which is placed with a predetermined space between each other, and an element for detecting swelling which is set in the predetermined space between the single cells and operates in accordance with transform by swelling. According to this, when a single cell swells and then transforms, resulting from being overcharged, the element for detecting swelling is activated in accordance with such transform by swelling and detects the state of overcharging.

Abstract: An improved perimeter gasket is provided for use with a bipolar plate in a fuel cell assembly. The improved dielectric perimeter gasket comprises a base portion, at means for forming a primary seal with an adjacent bipolar plate, and a flange extending radially from the base portion for assuring that adjacent bipolar plates cannot make electrical contact. The flange may be coextensive with the edges of the bipolar plates. The gasket may be provided integrally with the bipolar plate.

Abstract: An anode structure is provided that compensates for anode expansion during cell discharge, maintains substantially uniform distance between the anode and cathode, and/or facilitates anode removal for refueling operations. The anode structure generally includes metal fuel, a current collector in electric contact with the metal fuel, and a compressible member in mechanical cooperation with the metal fuel and/or current collector.

Abstract: A fuel-cell assembly has a plurality of unit cells, each of the unit cells comprising an anode, an electrolyte, a cathode, and a current collector. The fuel-cell assembly has a plurality of electrical interconnection elements, at least one electrical interconnection element being connected respectively to each anode, to each cathode, and to each current collector of the unit cells. The unit cells are arranged in a stack and are mechanically supported by electrical interconnection elements such that each of the unit cells of the stack has at least one edge free to move relative to the electrical interconnection elements.

Abstract: A unitary, porous, electrically conductive pressure pad is employed in an electrochemical cell stack. The pressure pad includes integral mixture of electrically conductive material and polymeric material, generally formed of materials compatible with the electrochemical cell. The electrically conductive pressure pad is preferably in at least in partial fluid communication with the first electrode, the second electrode, or both the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A battery comprises at least two unit cells. Each of the at least two unit cells is provided with an outer sheath film composed of polymer-metal composite material, a positive-electrode current collector, a negative-electrode current collector, a separator disposed between the positive-electrode current collector and the negative-electrode current collector, one positive electrode tab to which the positive-electrode current collector is connected and protruding from a first sealed portion of the outer sheath film, one negative electrode tab to which the negative-electrode current collector is connected and protruding from a second sealed portion of the outer sheath film, a first polymer layer disposed between the positive electrode tab and the outer sheath film, and a second polymer layer disposed between the negative electrode tab and the outer sheath film.

Abstract: A battery system for battery powered vehicles which utilize valve-regulated, lead-acid cells, each cell being of the type that includes multiple positive and negative plates with separators therebetween assembled in a separate casing having exterior terminals outside the casing whereby the cells may be electrically interconnected. The flexible walls of the cells bulge outwardly when initially filled with electrolyte and uncompressed. The system includes a battery housing having at least one restraint extending horizontally between and attached to the side walls of the housing for preventing the bowing thereof, the restraint dividing the housing into at least two sections.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a high power electrochemical energy storage device, comprising at least one stackable, monolithic battery unit. The monolithic battery unit includes at least two electrochemical energy storage cells. The cells have a lithium ion insertion anode and a lithium ion insertion cathode, a bipolar current collector between cells and end plate current collectors at the opposing ends of each battery unit. A frame may be associated with the perimeter of the current collector. The current collector comprises a high-conductivity metal. The device also has the at least two storage cells substantially aligned adjacent one another, a separator material associated between the anode and the cathode within each cell; and an electrolyte within each cell.

Abstract: A closure assembly for sealed batteries in which explosion-proof features are incorporated. A metal plate having a hole, an insulating resin sheet, a metal thin sheet, an insulating sheet having an air hole, a metal guide plate having a hole, and a metal cap are laid upon one another within an insulating gasket. Metal plate and metal guide plate are in contact with each other and electrically connected. Upon a build-up of pressure within the battery, the insulating resin sheet expands and ruptures, whereby a narrow part provided in the metal thin sheet positioned above the insulating resin sheet breaks, thus cutting supply of electric current.

Abstract: To improve upon an accumulator (1) in a bipolar stack configuration comprising a number of sub-cells (9) arranged in layers within a housing (2) and separated by conductive partitions (8), wherein each sub-cell (9) has a positive (10) and a negative (11) electrode and a separator (12) between the electrodes (10, 11), as well as electrolytes in contact with the electrodes, such that the stack comprised of the sub-cells (9) can be fastened easily and safely via mechanical means, it is suggested that the stack, comprised of several sub-cells layered on top of one another be held in place via a force that will keep the individual elements (8, 10, 11, 12) of the stack in contact with one another with only a mechanical tie rod (14).

Abstract: The bipolar electrochemical battery of the invention comprises:

Abstract: An improved battery cell current collectors which are formed as a unitary structure with mating electrodes attached on one surface. The current collectors are formed of non-metallic material including particle-dispersed plastic tape, plastic dispersed carbon tape, fiber dispersed conductive plastic and carbon tape, or particle and metallic powder dispersed conductive tape to resist corrosion. The need to charge the battery immediately after manufacture is eliminated by the improved battery cell design. Additional utility is provided by fire retardant being mixed with one or both of the electrode composite forming the current collectors and the layer forming the current collectors and by the biasing of the current collectors against their terminating contacts by the compressed current collector material communicating a bias of the current collectors against the internal surface of the battery container thereby increasing current flow and decreasing corrosion.

Abstract: An interruption structure includes an operating member disposed outside a casing, a first end of the operating member being disposed above a power generating unit and displaceable toward the outside as an internal pressure rises, a fixing member positioned opposing the operating member across the power generating unit, a holding member disposed over a sealed part of the casing and fixed to the fixing member, and an element having an electrically conductive path, held by the holding member, the element being electrically connected to at least one of the lead terminals at one end of the element and to an external electrode at the other end of the element.

Abstract: A battery module includes a battery cell having a laminate overcoat, a pair of rubber sheets, a pair of pressure plates, and a pair of housing members from the internal to the external of the battery module. An intervention member including four poles is interposed between the pressure plate and the housing member at the central area of the battery cell to alleviate the stress concentration on the peripheral area of the battery cell. The intervention member may be formed separately from or integrated with the pressure plate.

Abstract: An electrochemical element having a winding electrode set comprises a strip positive electrode, a strip negative electrode and a strip separator which is located between them, which are wound up in a spiral to form an electrode winding. The electrochemical element has a cylindrical housing for holding the electrode winding, and a sealed cell pole which is isolated from the housing. The physical distance between the edge of at least one winding electrode and one pole is bridged by a current collector with spring elements. The current collector provides the connection between the electrode and one pole. The spring elements can be conductively connected to collector disks, to the cover and to the bottom of a cup of the electrochemical element.

Abstract: A unitary, porous, electrically conductive pressure pad is employed in an electrochemical cell stack. The pressure pad includes integral mixture of electrically conductive material and polymeric material, generally formed of materials compatible with the electrochemical cell. The electrically conductive pressure pad is preferably in at least in partial fluid communication with the first electrode, the second electrode, or both the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: An improved electrochemical generator is disclosed. The electrochemical generator includes a thin-film electrochemical cell which is maintained in a state of compression through use of an internal or an external pressure apparatus. A thermal conductor, which is connected to at least one of the positive or negative contacts of the cell, conducts current into and out of the cell and also conducts thermal energy between the cell and thermally conductive, electrically resistive material disposed on a vessel wall adjacent the conductor. The thermally conductive, electrically resistive material may include an anodized coating or a thin sheet of a plastic, mineral-based material or conductive polymer material. The thermal conductor is fabricated to include a resilient portion which expands and contracts to maintain mechanical contact between the cell and the thermally conductive material in the presence of relative movement between the cell and the wall structure.

Abstract: A metal-air fuel cell battery (FCB) electrical power producing module for supplying electrical power to a host system that incorporates a module housing with a multi-element discharging head enclosed within the module housing and a recess formed therein into which a metal-fuel card can be slid for discharging. The module housing has a pair of electrical terminals for contacting the power terminals of a host system.

Abstract: An in-situ thermal management system for an energy storage device. The energy storage device includes a plurality of energy storage cells each being coupled in parallel to common positive and negative connections. Each of the energy storage cells, in accordance with the cell's technology, dimensions, and thermal/electrical properties, is configured to have a ratio of energy content-to-contact surface area such that thermal energy produced by a short-circuit in a particular cell is conducted to a cell adjacent the particular cell so as to prevent the temperature of the particular cell from exceeding a breakdown temperature. In one embodiment, a fuse is coupled in series with each of a number of energy storage cells. The fuses are activated by a current spike capacitively produced by a cell upon occurrence of a short-circuit in the cell, thereby electrically isolating the short-circuited cell from the common positive and negative connections.

Abstract: A lithium secondary battery, includes: a cylindrical battery case (16) provided with electrode caps at both end portions thereof; an electrode body (1) impregnated with a nonaqueous electrolyte solution and contained in the battery case and including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator, the positive electrode and the negative electrode being wound or laminated through the separator; and moreover, an elastic body (23) disposed between the battery case (16) and the electrode caps with portions in which the battery case (16) contacts the elastic body (23) being brought into press-contact to form a caulked portion to seal the battery case (16). With Rbody (mm) being diameter of a body part of the battery case (16), Rtop (mm) being diameter of the caulked portion, Rbody and Rtop fulfill relationship of Rbody>Rtop.

Abstract: An element body for a compressible stack of battery elements is provided. The element body defines a cavity for receiving the compressible stack of battery elements. The cavity has a height that is smaller than an uncompressed height of the compressible stack of battery elements. A cover compresses the compressible stack of battery elements to about the height of the cavity. The stack has a plurality of positive plates each having a positive lug, a plurality of non-conductive separators, and a plurality of negative plates each having a negative lug is provided. The positive plates, separators, and negative plates are configured into the compressible stack.

Abstract: A battery pack comprises a plurality of rectangular shaped batteries, wherein each of the plurality of rectangular shaped batteries is formed into a thin rectangular-parallelepiped shape, and wherein the plurality of rectangular shaped batteries are stacked side-by-side in a thickness direction, and a pair of pressurizing plates, wherein one of the pressurizing plates is located at each end of the stacked rectangular shaped batteries oriented in the thickness direction, wherein the pressurizing plates are elastically pushed against each other to pressurize the plurality rectangular shaped batteries.

Abstract: The bipolar electrochemical battery of the invention comprises:

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a proton exchange membrane disposed between and in intimate contact with the electrodes, a pressure pad disposed in electrical communication with the first electrode, and a pressure distributor disposed adjacent to the pressure pad. The pressure pad may be an electrically conductive sheet and an elastomeric material disposed at the electrically conductive sheet. The pressure distributor may be a screen mesh. A method of distributing a load on a pressure pad includes disposing a screen mesh at an elastomeric material of the pressure pad and pressing the screen mesh into the elastomeric material.

Abstract: An improved electrode assembly for batteries and the like including a central mandrel configured to exert a resilient outward force on a multilayer web wound around the mandrel. The multilayer web includes a positive electrode layer, a negative electrode layer, and a separator layer separating the positive and negative layers. The resilient outward force acts to maintain the tightness of the web roll, thus lowering electrical resistance and enhancing battery cycle life. The mandrel is preferably formed of sheet metal configured to define an S-shape having a central section and first and second resilient leaves extending therefrom. The leaves preferably define substantially planar areas for bearing against an inner turn of the web roll to exert a resilient outward force thereagainst.

Abstract: A battery system having lead-acid cells, vertically upstanding cell support frame for supporting the cells, vertically upstanding members with receptacle means for slidably receiving and retaining vertical cell supports, and manually assemble means for connectively maintaining and spacing the upstanding members for receipt of the cell supports. The cells have horizontal positive and negative sandwiched lead-metal plates contained within a cell case resting on the vertical supports. The case has an expandable region surrounding the terminal for relieving pressure on that terminal from grid expansion while simultaneously maintaining the integrity of the case seal to the terminal. The cell support frame includes an elongated strap external of the case for connecting together terminals of the cell and having an output terminal and a central portion on the strap for electric communication with another battery.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes first and second electrodes, a proton exchange membrane disposed between and in intimate contact with the electrodes, and a pressure pad disposed in electrical communication with the first electrode. The pressure pad is configured to support the electrodes and the membrane and includes an electrically conductive member and a compression member disposed at the electrically conductive member. The compression member includes alternating rows of first and second perforations. The first perforations are dimensioned to threadedly receive the electrically conductive member therethrough, and the second perforations are configured and dimensioned to facilitate the distribution of pressure across a face of the pressure pad. A method of forming a pressure pad for an electrochemical cell includes disposing alternating rows of first and second perforations in an elastomeric member and threading an electrically conductive member through each row of the first perforations.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a proton exchange membrane disposed between and in intimate contact with the electrodes, and a pressure pad disposed in electrical communication with the first electrode. The pressure pad is compatible with the cell environment and is configured to support the electrodes and the membrane. The pressure pad includes an electrically conductive member and a compression member disposed at the electrically conductive member. A method of maintaining compression within the cell includes disposing the electrically conductive member and the compression member at the first electrode, applying a load at the cell to compress the cell components, and maintaining electrical communication through the electrically conductive member.