Having Movable Mechanical Means To Provide Relative Motion Between Electrode And Electrolyte Patents (Class 429/67)
  • Patent number: 11133565
    Abstract: A metal-air battery is comprised by a metal-air battery unit having a plurality of juxtaposed metal-air battery cells with a small number of components and a simple structure for injection of the electrolytic solution into each cell. Each metal-air battery cell has an air electrode, a metal electrode arranged to face the air electrode, and a casing configured to support the air electrode and the metal electrode. Each casing includes an air chamber and a liquid chamber. Each air chamber has an upper part opened to the outside. The casing has a liquid feeding port communicating with the liquid chamber for admitting an electrolytic solution when the metal-air battery unit is lowered into a container of electrolytic solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: FUJIKURA COMPOSITES INC.
    Inventors: Masaki Takahashi, Tsutomu Narita, Yuka Amamori, Hiroshi Sakama
  • Patent number: 10886571
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing element designed to be installed into a housing of a liquid electrolyte-operated electrochemical accumulator in order to mix the electrolyte as a result of forces and/or motion exerted on the accumulator during operation, wherein the mixing element is designed as a hollow body provided with at least one respective opening at opposite end regions such that a channel is formed in the hollow body which leads into the at least one respective opening in the opposite end regions and is circumferentially delimited there by the material of the mixing element, wherein the mixing element comprises one or more securing and/or spacer ribs protruding from the external side of the mixing element and designed to contact parts of the accumulator housing in order to fix the mixing element in the accumulator and/or set a specific position of the mixing element relative to the housing parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Clarios Germany GmbH & Co. KGAA
    Inventors: Julius M. Schwab, Ingo Koch, Nadine Dehnert, Thorsten Werle
  • Patent number: 10840524
    Abstract: A building comprises a structural material configured to form a framework of the building; a hydrogen storing alloy integrated with the structural material; a temperature regulator provided inside of the structural material such as to regulate temperature of the structural material; and a piping provided inside of the structural material such as to cause hydrogen taken out from the hydrogen storing alloy to flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takaharu Tateishi, Takahiro Ishizaki, Mizuki Kiuchi, Yusuke Kaneko, Kazuhiko Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 8986861
    Abstract: An electricity accumulation device includes an electricity accumulation element, an outer jacket material configured to house the electricity accumulation element, and a deformation sensor disposed on an expansive surface of the outer jacket material. The deformation sensor includes a sensor membrane having a base material made of an elastomer or a resin and conductive fillers filling the base material, the sensor membrane being subjected to bending deformation along with expansion of the outer jacket material, and a pair of electrodes connected to the sensor membrane. A three-dimensional conductive path is formed in the sensor membrane through contact between the conductive fillers. An electric resistance is increased along with an increase in amount of deformation of the sensor membrane from a natural state. The electricity accumulation device senses expansion of the outer jacket material on the basis of variations in electric resistance along with bending deformation of the sensor membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Sumitomo Riko Company Limited
    Inventors: Masaru Murayama, Atsushi Muramatsu, Yuuki Saitou
  • Patent number: 8968896
    Abstract: The present disclosure teaches a method, system, and apparatus for the mitigation of internal shorting for improved battery safety. In one or more embodiments, the disclosed method for mitigating internal shorting in a battery involves sensing, with at least one sensor, an internal shorting condition of the battery. The method further involves producing, by at least one processor, at least one commanding signal to initiate motion of a filament breaking mesh. Also, the method involves moving, by at least one drive mechanism, the filament breaking mesh, upon receiving at least one commanding signal. Further, the method involves breaking, with the filament breaking mesh, at least one filament present within the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Harold E. Hager
  • Publication number: 20140255812
    Abstract: Taylor Vortex Flow galvanic electrochemical cells (100, 300, 500) such as batteries, flow cells and fuel cells for converting chemical energy into electrical energy and comprising a cylindrical spinning particulate filter (140, 230) between static cylindrical current collectors (106, 108) for use with electrolytes containing galvanic charge transfer particles (200, 242, 380, 420) functioning as numerous miniature electrodes and means for pumping electrolyte through the filter to produce accelerated reaction electrochemistry for higher cell power density are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Global Energy Science, LLC (A California Limited Liability Company)
    Inventor: Global Energy Science, LLC (A California Limited Liability Company)
  • Patent number: 8703313
    Abstract: Disclosed are a separator for a battery and a battery. The separator includes a porous film, a first roller, and a second roller. The first and second rollers are associated with both ends of a porous film. The first roller is wound with a portion of the porous film and is configured to rotate to unroll the film. The second roller is configured to rotate in an opposite direction to a rotary direction of the first roller to roll up the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Inventor: Chun Shig Sohn
  • Patent number: 8586220
    Abstract: An accumulator with an accumulator housing, having at least one cell changer, with several electrodes and liquid electrolyte in each cell chamber with at least one wall element in the cell chambers to divide the cell chambers into at least two intercommunicating volume chambers. In the lower region of the volume chambers is a communicating connection for the liquid electrolyte between the volume chambers and a pressure equalization connection between the volume chambers is arranged in the upper region of the volume chambers to assure an equivalent air pressure in the intercommunicating volume chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Autobatterie GmbH & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Ingo Koch, Amo Koerber, Dirk Bremer
  • Publication number: 20130187618
    Abstract: A spiral-wound convection battery device has flow in and out of the ends with flow proceeding through flow-permeable electrodes. In the preferred configuration electrolyte flows, reverse flows, or pressure-pulse reverse flows between an electrode and counter electrode through a flow-permeable separator. The preferred configuration is as a novel stacked-cell spiral-wound battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Homeland Technologies, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130113431
    Abstract: A nickel-zinc battery includes a battery housing, a nickel oxide positive electrode supported in the battery housing, a metal substrate negative electrode supported in the battery housing, a spacer disposed between the positive and negative electrodes, an electrolyte contained within the battery housing and a means for circulating electrolyte in fluid communication with the housing for circulating the electrolyte between the positive and negative electrodes. The electrolyte contains zinc and the metal substrate is adapted for deposition of the zinc during charging of the battery. The spacer maintains the positive electrode in a spaced relationship apart from the negative electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Research Foundation of the City University of New York
    Inventors: Sanjoy Banerjee, Yasumasa Ito, Martin Klein, Michael E. Nyce, Daniel Steingart, Robert Plivelich, Joshua Gallaway
  • Patent number: 8394523
    Abstract: A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly having a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate and a separator interposed therebetween. A pouch case includes an accommodating portion for accommodating the electrode assembly and a cover portion for sealing the accommodating portion. A reinforcing member is formed between the pouch case and the electrode assembly. In the secondary battery, the reinforcing member includes a first frame formed along one surface of the pouch case, which comes in contact with the electrode assembly, a support portion formed in form of a plate while being spaced apart from the first frame, and a second frame to connect the first frame and the support portion to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwang-Soo Yeo
  • Patent number: 8298694
    Abstract: A power supply device in which power storage bodies are disposed in a casing that houses a cooling medium is provided. The power supply device includes a moving portion that moves the power storage bodies in the cooling medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takashi Murata
  • Publication number: 20120270079
    Abstract: A zinc-bromine flowing electrolyte battery comprising a negative electrolyte pump to circulate negative electrolyte within a negative electrolyte circulation path, a positive electrolyte pump to circulate positive electrolyte within a positive electrolyte circulation path and having complexed bromine located within a positive electrolyte tank, the positive electrolyte tank in fluid communication with the positive electrolyte circulation path. In use, preferential activation of either of the negative electrolyte pump or the positive electrolyte pump will determine whether positive electrolyte only or a positive electrolyte and complexed bromine mix are circulated within the positive electrolyte circulation path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: REDFLOW PTY LTD
    Inventor: Alexander Rudolf Winter
  • Publication number: 20120189875
    Abstract: Galvanic electrochemical cells (100, 300, 700, 900) for converting chemical energy into electrical energy, such as batteries, flow cells and fuel cells with a cylindrical rotating filter (120X, 326, 726, 910) having ion-porous (120P, 326P, 726P, 910P) and ion-non-porous filter (120N, 326N, 726N, 910N) for use with both thixotropic and non-conducting electrolytes that generates fluid flows in electrolytes between static cylindrical current collector segments (106, 304X, 306X, 710X, 902X; 108, 314X, 316X, 712X, 906) and the filter (120, 326, 726, 910) are disclosed that generate electric currents varying in amplitude that can be converted into alternating current electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: GLOBAL ENERGY SCIENCE, LLC
    Inventors: HALBERT FISCHEL, SHELDON L. EPSTEIN
  • Patent number: 8187560
    Abstract: Steam, partial oxidation and pyrolytic fuel reformers (14 or 90) with rotating cylindrical surfaces (18, 24 or 92, 96) that generate Taylor Vortex Flows (28 or 98) and Circular Couette Flows (58, 99) for extracting hydrogen from hydrocarbon fuels such as methane (CH4), methanol (CH3OH), ethanol (C2H5OH), propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10), octane (C8H18), kerosene (C12H26) and gasoline and hydrogen-containing fuels such as ammonia (NH3) and sodium borohydride (NaBH4) are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Global Energy Science, LLC
    Inventor: Halbert Fischel
  • Patent number: 8187737
    Abstract: Electrochemical cells (100, 500, 600) for converting chemical energy into electrical energy, such as batteries (102), flow cells (502) and fuel cells (602) with a cylindrical rotating ion-permeable filter (120, 414, 520, 620) that generates Taylor Vortex Flows (144, 146, 404, 544, 546, 664, 666) and Circular Couette Flows (148, 150, 568, 570, 668, 670) in thixotropic catholytes and anolytes between a cylindrical current collector (106, 506, 606, 108, 508, 608) and the filter (120, 414, 520, 620) are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Global Energy Science, LLC
    Inventor: Halbert Fischel
  • Publication number: 20120129021
    Abstract: An electrochemical energy generation system can include a sealed vessel that contains inside (i) at least one electrochemical cell, which has two electrodes and a reaction zone between them; (ii) a liquefied halogen reactant, such as a liquefied molecular chlorine; (iii) at least one metal halide electrolyte; and (iv) a flow circuit that can be used for delivering the halogen reactant and the electrolyte to the at least one cell. The sealed vessel can maintain an inside pressure above a liquefication pressure for the halogen reactant. Also disclosed are methods of using and methods of making for electrochemical energy generation systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Primus Power Corporation
    Inventor: Rick Winter
  • Publication number: 20110206959
    Abstract: Electrode compositions and devices (100) that incorporate the electrode compositions are provided. More specifically, electrode compositions that include carbon that provide a connective network to which metal and/or metal derivatives are deposited are provided. Convection battery devices (100) that incorporate the carbon electrode compositions are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Galen J. Suppes
  • Patent number: 7999508
    Abstract: A universal battery charger including: a housing with a first locating surface; and a slide cover formed corresponding to the housing and having a second locating surface corresponding to and leaning against the first locating surface. The housing is provided with terminal pieces for adjusting the position. The terminal pieces may be moved by fingers from the bottom of the housing. The second locating surface of the slide cover is in tight contact with the first locating surface when the charger is not used, thereby creating a complete contour of the charger without any gaps. In charging, the slide cover is pushed outwards over a certain distance according to the dimensions of batteries such that a charging space is created between the second locating surface and the first locating surface of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Samya Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fu-I Yang
  • Patent number: 7999509
    Abstract: A universal charger for NiH and lithium batteries including: a housing with a first locating surface; and a slide set formed corresponding to the housing with a charging groove thereon for NiH batteries to be positioned in and having a second locating surface corresponding to and leaning against the first locating surface. The housing is provided with terminal pieces for adjusting the position. The terminal pieces may be moved by fingers from the bottom of the housing. As the second locating surface of the slide set contacts the first locating surface, a charging groove is formed on the surface for one to four NiH batteries to be charged, when the slide set is pushed outwards over a certain distance such that a charging space is created between the second locating surface and the first locating surface of the housing with the prearranged lithium batteries established for the charging purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Samya Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fu-I Yang
  • Patent number: 7964301
    Abstract: Dynamic accelerated reaction batteries (10, 100, 200) with rotating electrodes (14x, 20x, 104x, 106x,) or rotating membranes (208) or fuel cells (412C, 412D) that generate Taylor Vortex Flows (54, 122, 228, 454) and Circular Couette Flows (56, 124, 230) in electrolyte chambers (38x, 126x, 206, 438x) are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Global Energy Science, LLC (California)
    Inventors: Halbert Fischel, Philip Michael Lubin, Daniel Timothy Lubin
  • Patent number: 7510798
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: GS Yuasa Corporation
    Inventors: Hideki Masuda, Hiroshi Tasai, Koichi Nishiyama
  • Patent number: 6986964
    Abstract: Electrochemical cell systems are disclosed herein that are capable of selective ionic isolation, oxidant isolation, oxidant removal, moisture control, and combinations thereof. Selective ionic isolation is generally effectuated by selectively eliminating or minimizing ionic communication between an anode and a cathode of the electrochemical cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Reveo, Inc.
    Inventor: Sadeg M. Faris
  • Patent number: 6878482
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: eVionyx, Inc.
    Inventor: George Tzong-Chyi Tzeng
  • Patent number: 6800393
    Abstract: Electrochemical cell systems are disclosed herein that are capable of selective ionic isolation, oxidant isolation, oxidant removal, moisture control, and combinations thereof. Selective ionic isolation is generally effectuated by selectively eliminating or minimizing ionic communication between an anode and a cathode of the electrochemical cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Reveo, Inc.
    Inventor: Sadeg M. Faris
  • Patent number: 6689507
    Abstract: A battery comprising powdered active materials and capable of storing a large power, and equipment or device having the battery as parts of its structure, wherein an anode cell (2) of two vessels connected via an ion-passing separator (1) is filled with an anode powdered active material and an electrolytic solution (4), a cathode cell (3) is filled with a cathode powdered active material and an electrolytic solution (5) and conductive current collectors (6, 7) in contact with the powdered active materials are provided in the two vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuo Tsutsumi, Toshio Atsuta, Chikanori Kumagai, Mitsuharu Kishimoto, Atsushi Tsutsumi
  • Patent number: 5665484
    Abstract: The invention consists of a method and apparatus for circulating electrolyte within individual cells of a liquid electrolyte battery while maintaining all cells at a uniform temperature. The invention is an improved method and apparatus for circulating the electrolyte within a cell by the introduction of an actuating fluid into a pump placed in the cell; the actuating fluid concurrently functions as a heat transfer medium through which the temperature of the electrolyte in each cell of the battery is controlled and homogenized. The current invention thus homogenizes both electrolyte concentration and electrolyte temperature throughout all cells of a battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Inductran Corporation
    Inventor: John G. Bolger
  • Patent number: 5650241
    Abstract: A metal-air battery assembly having plurality of free standing metal-air cells forming a cell group within a battery case assembly. Each free standing cell has flexible, compressible walls capable of containing electrolyte, the walls comprising air cathodes including cathode current distributors. Each cell has a split anode assembly and current. The anode assembly has one or more reactive anode fuel plates and an anode current collector. Each of the cells is free standing and easily replaced. The battery case assembly has a mechanism for compressing the cells when the lid is closed and releasing the cell group for servicing when the lid is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Inventor: Richard L. McGee
  • Patent number: 5527636
    Abstract: A calculator includes a shell defining two slots. The calculator uses a switch and a power supply. The switch includes two tubular portions projecting therefrom and being slidably received in the slots so that the switch can be moved between ON and OFF positions. The power supply uses a plate defining two apertures. Two screws are inserted through the apertures and secured in the tubular portions, thus joining the switch with the plate for retaining the switch on the shell. A casing is received in the shell so that the plate is enclosed in the casing. At least one container is formed on the casing and defining an inlet through which aqueous solution of salt can be filled into the container and an outlet through which the casing is in fluid communication with the container. At least one pair of positive and negative electrodes is attached to the plate. At least one absorber is received in the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: Sung N. Kao
  • Patent number: 5512384
    Abstract: The battery includes an anode and cathode structure spaced a fixed distance apart, a movable conveyor having electrolyte impregnated therein and means for advancing the conveyor to engage the anode and/or cathode at the anode and/or cathode interface with electrolyte. In the preferred arrangement the moving conveyor containing the electrolyte is progressively advanced through the interface spacing between the anode and cathode while the interface spacing is maintained substantially constant even as the anode is consumed. Battery operation is terminated by separating the engaging surfaces of the anode and/or cathode from the moving conveyor and is reestablished by reengaging the anode and/or cathode surfaces with the moving conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Biocybernetics Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Salvatore Celeste, Anthony Cucinotta, Steven Panora
  • Patent number: 5368952
    Abstract: A metal suspension half-cell for an accumulator is described, in which the metal suspension, consisting of metal particles and an electrolyte, has been stabilised by adding additive particles which comprise a ceramic material which promotes chain formation in the suspension. As a result of the said chain-forming ceramic material, the metal suspension can be operated essentially stationary within the half-cell. Diverse special geometries of the half-cell are illustrated. As a result of the composition of the suspension and the cell design, an increased cyclability of the cell is obtained. A method for operating a metal suspension half-cell according to the invention during charging/discharging thereof and a metal suspension accumulator which comprises a half-cell according to the invention are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Stork Screens B.V.
    Inventor: Pieter J. Sonneveld
  • Patent number: 5264302
    Abstract: Described is an electrode material for use in a storage battery half-cell of the type in which a suspension of particles of active material circulates. Upon charging such a half cell the electrode material according to the invention prevents the formation of a strongly adhering precipitate of active material, such as zinc, on the electrode material. The electrode material comprises for that purpose, at least at its surface, an electrically conducting ceramic material. The invention also concerns a storage battery half-cell comprising such electrode material and a storage battery comprising one or more storage cells each comprising two of such half cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Stork Screens B.V.
    Inventor: Pieter J. Sonneveld
  • Patent number: 5098799
    Abstract: An electrode for a lead acid flow through battery, the grids including a plastic frame, a plate suspended from the top of the frame to hang freely in the plastic frame and a paste applied to the plate, the paste being free to allow for expansion in the planar direction of the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Globe-Union Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald K. Bowen, Michael G. Andrew, Michael D. Eskra
  • Patent number: 5032476
    Abstract: A hydrostatic pump for application in a battery experiencing sudden changes in velocity or direction as in a golf cart. The cells of the battery are provided with hydrostatic pumps separated from the walls of the cell and using the motion induced surface waves in the electrolyte to develop localized hydrostatic heads and create circulation in the electrolyte. The structure of the pumps additionally nullifies the otherwise detrimental effect of upward surge of electrolyte cause by the same change in velocity or direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1991
    Assignee: Globe-Union, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald F. Kirby
  • Patent number: 5011747
    Abstract: A metal/air battery is described having gas bubbled through the electrolyte. It includes: (a) a tank defining a reservoir for liquid electrolyte; (b) one or more metal-air cells disposed for immersion in electrolyte, each cell including at least one air cathode having a first surface disposed for contact with electrolyte and a second surface exposed to air and a metal anode disposed for immersion in electrolyte in facing spaced relation to the first cathode surface to constitute therewith an anode-cathode pair electrically coupled by electrolyte, (c) a bubbler tube extending horizontally in the electrolyte reservoir beneath each cell and serving to inject gas bubbles into electrolyte between the anode and cathode of each cell, and (d) means for providing a pulsating flow of gas to the bubbler tube(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Assignee: Alcan International Limited
    Inventors: David S. Strong, John A. Dawson
  • Patent number: 4963444
    Abstract: A hydrostatic pump for application in a battery experiencing sudden changes in velocity or direction such as in a golf cart. The cells of the battery are provided with hydrostatic pumps using the motion induced surface waves in the electrolyte to develop localized hydrostatic heads and create circulation in the electrolyte. The structure of the pumps additionally nullifies the otherwise detrimental effect of upward surge of electrolyte caused by the same change in velocity or direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: Globe-Union Inc.
    Inventor: William C. Delaney
  • Patent number: 4948682
    Abstract: Electrode material for use in a storage battery half-cell containing a suspension, storage battery half-cell having an electrode of such material and a storage battery comprising such a storage battery half-cell.Described is an electrode material for use in a storage battery half-cell of the type in which a suspension of particles of active material circulates. Upon charging such a half cell the electrode material according to the invention prevents the formation of a strongly adhering precipitate of active material, such as zinc, on the electrode material. The electrode material comprises for that purpose, at least at its surface, an electrically conducting ceramic material. The invention also concerns a storage battery half-cell comprising such electrode material and a storage battery comprising one or more storage cells each comprising two of such half cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Stork Screens, B.V.
    Inventor: Pieter J. Sonneveld
  • Patent number: 4910102
    Abstract: There is disclosed an improved battery assembly and process for operating same wherein a battery assembly comprised of bipolar electrodes disposed between an inert cathode current collector acting as a hydrogen electrode and an anode plate formed of a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, magnesium, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys and mixtures thereof is configured for electrolyte flow wherein the electrolyte includes hydrogen peroxide in an amount to provide 0.5 to about 30 volume percent solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Alupower, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhaskara M. L. Rao, Wojciech Halliop
  • Patent number: 4910104
    Abstract: There is disclosed a deferred actuated battery assembly comprised of a plurality of bipolar electrodes disposed between an inert cathode current collector acting as a hydrogen electrode and an anode plate formed of a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, magnesium, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys and mixtures thereof and configured for electrolyte flow therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Alupower, Inc.
    Inventors: Bhaskara M. L. Rao, Robert P. Hamlen
  • Patent number: 4897321
    Abstract: A system and a method of controlled electrochemical power generation are disclosed. The system includes an electrochemical cell comprising an alkali metal anode, a cathode initially spaced about 10-25 mils from the anode to define a flow channel, an electrolyte comprising an aqueous solution of the hydroxide of the alkali metal and, for example, a separator system adapted for providing a substantially uniform pattern of flow of the electrolyte through the flow channel is utilized in a system and method of controlled power generation. Flow control valves may, for example, be used to control the volumetric flow rate of the electrolyte through the flow channel thereby attaining substantially uniform voltage from the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 30, 1990
    Assignee: Gould Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Shuster, Joseph A. Neff
  • Patent number: 4770954
    Abstract: A power supply has two energy sources, one of which has a relatively low energy density but provides a relatively high current and the other of which has a relatively high energy density but provides a relatively low current. One end of each of the energy sources is connected to an output terminal through a respective diode. The other ends of the energy sources are connected together to another output terminal. The power supply operates so that when the relatively low current is required by a load connected across the output terminals, the high energy density source provides the current; but when the relatively high current is required by the load, the current is provided from the low energy density source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventor: Andre M. Noordenbos
  • Patent number: 4746585
    Abstract: An improved design for an intermediate bus bar for a comb-type cell for a metal-halogen battery system is disclosed. A plastic frame is formed around the periphery of a dense graphite bus bar and has a plurality of straps extending between the top and bottom section of the frame for reinforcing the structural integrity of the bus bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1988
    Assignee: Energy Development Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Stoner, William F. Klems, Paul S. Sapienza
  • Patent number: 4693947
    Abstract: A system and method for agitating the acid in a large lead-sulfuric acid storage battery of the calcium type. An air-lift is utilized to provide the agitation. The air fed to the air-lift is humidified prior to being delivered to the air-lift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1987
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventors: Alvin Weintraub, Robert S. MacCormack
  • Patent number: 4557984
    Abstract: An improved battery structure permitting facilitated replacement of an air supply tube through an air lift pump. The air lift pump includes, as guide means, a funnel portion receiving the inserted distal end of the replacement air supply tube for automatically guiding the distal end downwardly therethrough and into the passage of a depending barrel in which percolation of the electrolyte of the battery is effected by the bubbling of air downwardly through the air supply tube into the barrel. The upper end of the barrel is provided with an outlet tube extending downwardly into the electrolyte, thereby avoiding splashing of the electrolyte, such as against the flash arrester vent of the battery, thereby reducing maintenance and permitting long, troublefree life of the battery. The air supply tube and outlet tube may be formed of a transparent synthetic resin, permitting observation of the air flow during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1985
    Assignee: GNB Batteries Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph V. Offidani
  • Patent number: 4555454
    Abstract: A consumable metal electrode incorporates a fibrous reinforcing network of electrically insulating material extending through at least a portion of the body of the electrode and disposed in close proximity to a surface of the electrode which will be contacted by liquid electrolyte and eroded during operation of an electrochemical cell incorporating the electrode. Local turbulence is generated by the fibrous network at the electrode surface during operation of the cell in order to maximize electrical output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1985
    Assignee: Gould, Inc.
    Inventor: Nicholas Shuster
  • Patent number: 4419418
    Abstract: Individual rechargeable electric cell with an outer metal housing, an electrolyte tube open at the top arranged coaxially in the housing, liquid sodium in the tube, a current collector extending down through the open end of the tube into the sodium, an alpha-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ring at the open end of the tube, a first flexible flange which connects the current collector to the ring attached to the tube via an aluminum ring, a second flexible flange connected to the housing and to the alpha-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ring via another ring, and sulfur in the space between the housing and tubular electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1983
    Assignee: Brown, Boveri & Cie AG
    Inventors: Reinhard Knodler, Friedrich Harbach, Ludwig Weiler
  • Patent number: 4385099
    Abstract: An improved electrical energy storage system comprising, at least one cell having a positive electrode and a negative electrode separated by aqueous electrolyte, a store means wherein halogen hydrate is formed and stored as part of an aqueous material having a liquid level near the upper part of the store, means for circulating electrolyte through the cell, conduit means for transmitting halogen gas formed in the cell to a hydrate forming apparatus associated with the store, said hydrate forming apparatus including, a pump to which there is introduced quantities of the halogen gas and chilled water, said pump being located in the store and an outlet conduit leading from the pump and being substantially straight and generally vertically disposed and having an exit discharge into the gas space above the liquid level in the store, and wherein said hydrate forming apparatus is highly efficient and very resistant to plugging or jamming.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1983
    Assignee: Energy Development Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter L. Fong, Henry A. Catherino, Richard J. Kotch
  • Patent number: 4329406
    Abstract: A transducer and battery performance indicator which senses various levels of specific gravity and other conditions of a liquid or electrolyte of varying degrees of translucency and converts the measurements into electrical analog signals which are fed to an indicator read-out. The device may include temperature and level sensors, as well as an agitator for circulating electrolyte, and a number of them are used remotely to monitor a bank of batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1982
    Inventors: Ernest A. Dahl, George H. Barry
  • Patent number: 4306001
    Abstract: An electric storage cell which permits control of the output power without substantially increasing the power loss. An electric storage cell combining two conductive electrodes spaced from each other, and an electrolyte between the electrodes capable of generating an electric current. Means are provided for varying the conductive interfaces between the electrodes and the electrolyte. This may be effected either by varying the effective area of the electrolyte between the electrodes, for example by a movable mask disposed between the electrodes, or alternatively, the effective area of the electrodes connected to a load may be varied, for example, by a switch connecting selected electrode strips with the output circuit. The storage cell may be arranged to generate either direct or alternating current, or some other desired wave form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Inventor: Jack M. Brown
  • Patent number: 4269906
    Abstract: A pump device for intermittently pumping fluid, comprises a pump house having a primary portion and a secondary portion forming a space therebetween. The pump house includes an inlet opening for admitting fluid into the space and an outlet opening. An elastic membrane is disposed in the space between the primary and secondary parts and includes a secondary side facing the inlet and outlet openings. Pulsating pressure waves are applied against the membrane for displacing the membrane such that the secondary side thereof initially closes the inlet opening and thereafter expresses fluid from the space through the outlet opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1981
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Tudor
    Inventor: Rune Schmechtig