Having Specified Venting, Feeding Or Circulation Structure (other Than Feeding Or Filling For Activating Deferred Action-type Battery) Patents (Class 429/72)
  • Publication number: 20040161666
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell (10) suitable for use in an implantable medical device (110) includes a case (12) and a cover (30) attached to the case. The cover (30) is formed of a first material and has an outer surface (41) and an inner surface (42) defining a thickness thereof. The cover (30) also has a fluid fill hole (34) formed therein. The fluid fill hole (34) has an outer diameter (44) at the outer surface and a smaller inner diameter (45) at the inner surface. A hermetic seal (62) is formed within the fluid fill hole (34) of a second material that is softer than the first material and that is deformed to assume the approximate shape of the fluid fill hole (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Haas, Jeffrey S. Lund
  • Publication number: 20040161661
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a single point watering system for use with a lead-acid battery having a plurality of battery cell access ports. The system comprises a plurality of refill valves and a plurality of refill valves and a manifold having (i) a water feed tube with at least one external port and a plurality of outlets each communicating with one of the plurality of refill valves, and (ii) at least one passageway housing a flame arrestor to permit the discharge of gases from the battery cells to the surrounding environment only through the flame arrestor. The manifold is removably and sealably mountable to the battery so that each refill valve is in fluid communication with one of the battery cell access ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Daniel N. Campau
  • Patent number: 6764789
    Abstract: The present invention provides a redox flow type battery which a liquid-circulating battery comprising a battery cell and storage tanks for positive and negative electrolytes, wherein the battery cell is separated by a membrane to provide a positive cell and a negative cell, each cell having a liquid-permeable porous electrode disposed therein, wherein the positive and negative electrolytes are sulfuric acid aqueous solutions with vanadium ion concentrations of 0.5 mol/l to 8 mol/l and the electrolyte which migrates through the membrane over cycles of charge and discharge is returned from the storage tank where the liquid increases to the storage tank where the liquid decreases in order to keep the change in the amounts of the positive and negative electrolytes in a certain range while charge and discharge are carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sumie Sekiguchi, Kouichi Furusato, Mitsutaka Miyabayashi, Kanji Satou, Toshihiko Tanimoto, Shouzou Naitou
  • Publication number: 20040115521
    Abstract: A secondary battery including a cap assembly with a structure improved for tight sealing and a plug therefor are provided. The secondary battery includes a battery unit formed by rolling a stack of a negative plate, a separator, and a positive plate, a cap assembly, and an electrode tab drawn out from one of the negative plate and the positive plate and electrically connected to an electrode port from the cap assembly. The cap assembly includes: a cap plate having a port aperture and an electrolyte injection hole; the electrode port connected via the port aperture to the electrode tab; a gasket installed to surround the electrode port so as to insulate the electrode port from the cap plate; and a plug which is plugged into the electrolyte injection hole by pressing and whose upper rim matches an upper edge of the electrolyte injection hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Sung-Jae Cho
  • Publication number: 20040076873
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery allowing replenishment of electrolytes and a safety vent therefor. The battery includes a metal jacket, a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a cover, a base, a sealing member, and a compressing member. The metal jacket is filled with electrolytes. The positive electrode and the negative electrode are disposed in the metal jacket and immersed in the electrolytes. The cover has an opening therein and connects to the metal jacket. The cover and the metal jacket encase the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The base has a through-hole and an exhaust communicating therewith. The through-hole communicates with the opening of the cover. The sealing member is disposed in the through-hole. The compressing member is disposed in the through-hole. The compressing member presses the sealing member to seal the opening of the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Chih-Jung Chiu
  • Patent number: 6706440
    Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid injection apparatus for injecting liquid into a container, comprising an injection chamber, a container for a liquid to be injected and entirely sealed except an injection port is placed in the injection chamber with the injection port directed to the bottom, an injection cell comprising at least one unit injection cell to accommodate the liquid to be injected is installed in the injection chamber, there is provided pressure regulating means to reduce the pressure in the injection chamber and to regulate pressure in the injection chamber to the atmospheric pressure or to a level higher than the atmospheric pressure, the pressure in the injection chamber is reduced to a level lower than the atmospheric pressure by the pressure regulating means at least once, and then, by maintaining the atmospheric pressure or the pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure, the liquid is injected through the injection port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: NEC Mobile Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyohide Takimoto, Yuichi Maekawa
  • Patent number: 6706433
    Abstract: A refuelable electrochemical power source includes one or more electrochemical cells adapted to employ particulate material electrodes. The one or more cells include a cell body defining an interior cell cavity, a flow path in the cell cavity through which particulate material and fluid flow, an electroactive zone within the cell cavity, and a fluid mechanic device adjacent or within the flow path capable of filling the electroactive zone or maintaining the electroactive zone in a constantly full or maximum electroactivity condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventors: Martin Pinto, Stuart Smedley, Jeffrey A. Colborn
  • Publication number: 20040048144
    Abstract: A composition for prolonging battery life by reducing water loss and the degradation of properties due to dendritic precipitation, is refreshingly added to a battery electrolyte. By the refreshment of the composition, battery cycle life is substantially increased while degradation of the internal battery components is substantially reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Johan C. Fitter, Robert T. Morris, Richard E. Belmont, John T.C. Kan
  • Patent number: 6682846
    Abstract: A charging element device comprises a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal which are located at one end of a cylindrical battery case having a positive electrode and a negative electrode equipped therein and which are respectively connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode, with an electrolyte solution charging opening being formed at the other end of the battery case. The electrolyte solution charging opening is sealed by a plug having a safety valve, and the safety plug reduces an inner pressure of the battery case when the inner pressure is not less than a predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Matsuoka, Kenji Matsumoto, Harumi Takedomi, Osamu Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20040013936
    Abstract: A vent cap (10) for a battery having a centrally disposed cavity (22) to militate against contamination of battery components from impurities contained in the ambient air and also including a plurality of alternating partitions (26) which creates a condensation medium for the deposit of droplets of electrolyte carried by gases venting from the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: James H. Barrett Jr
  • Patent number: 6635387
    Abstract: A composition for prolonging battery life by reducing water loss and the degradation of properties due to dendritic precipitation, is refreshingly added to a battery electrolyte. By the refreshment of the composition, battery cycle life is substantially increased while degradation of the internal battery components is substantially reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventors: Johan C. Fitter, Robert T. Morris, Jr., Richard E. Belmont, John T. C. Kan
  • Publication number: 20030186099
    Abstract: A battery comprising a control means and a plurality of metal-air cell assemblies that are electronically connected in parallel. Each cell assembly comprises a casing with a controllable air vent thereon and at least a metal-air cell inside the casing. The controllable air vent is closed during a battery storage period and is opened in response to a programmed signal in order to allow outside air or oxygen to enter the assembly through the air vent to activate the operation of the corresponding cell assembly. The control means, preferably including a sampling unit, a power control unit and a logic control unit, is capable of sensing the battery output voltage and sending programmed signals to open or close up the air vents at the same time or at different moments of time in a programmed fashion. The battery has an exceptionally long operating life and is particularly useful for powering microelectronic or communication devices such as mobile phones, laptop computers, and palm computers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Jean Liu, Wayne Huang
  • Patent number: 6620543
    Abstract: An electrochemical cell has a can having a first end, a second end, a side wall extending between the first and second ends, and an end wall extending across the first end. Positive and negative electrodes and an electrolyte are disposed in the can. A pressure relief mechanism is formed in the end wall of the can for releasing internal pressure from within the container when the internal pressure becomes excessive. A cover is positioned on the end wall of the can to be in electrical contact therewith and extends over the pressure relief mechanism. The cover includes a protruding nubbin, a peripheral flange, and upstanding wall between the nubbin and flange. The cover is engaged with the end wall of the can at a location near the upstanding wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Eveready Battery Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Huaxin Li
  • Publication number: 20030157401
    Abstract: An accumulator, particularly a lead accumulator, has a housing, which encloses multiple cells, and a block cover, which terminates the housing, including a bottom cover (1) and a top cover (2), between which a gas chamber for acid separation is implemented, which is divided into multiple cavities (3-8), corresponding to the number of cells, and which has at least one vent opening, a fill opening (9-14) being provided for each cell in the bottom cover (1). In order to improve an accumulator of this type, a gas outlet (15-20), which discharges into the associated cavity (3-8), is provided for each cell at a distance from the fill opening (9-14) in the bottom cover (1), its size being dimensioned so that in the event of brief tipping of the accumulator, no more acid may escape from the cell than is received by the cavity (3-8) assigned thereto (FIG. 2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Manfred Gelbke, Richard Kermas, Peter Schumann, Peter Holzleitner, Norbert Maleschitz, Thomas Bawart
  • Patent number: 6602633
    Abstract: A crush type pressure detecting device less in occurrence of malfunction, simple in structure, and inexpensive to manufacture is presented. On a crush plate 120 made of ceramics or the like, a conductor path 130 is formed, for example, in linear or U-shape, and electrodes 131 are provided at both ends. Both ends of the crush plate 120 are inserted into a holder 110 made of plastic or printed board so as to support at both sides. An opening 111 is provided in the holder 110 to expose the electrode 131, thereby obtaining a crush type pressure detecting device 100 of the invention. Terminal plates 140 are connected to the electrodes 131 of this detecting device 100, and the terminal plates 140 are used as mounting members, and are disposed in contact with the object to be detected, for example, the outer wall of a housing 210 of a rechargeable battery 200.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Hosiden Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Ohbayashi, Keiji Mine, Seisaku Hirai
  • Patent number: 6588461
    Abstract: An electrolyte injection apparatus for injecting an electrolyte into a battery case tightly closed except an electrolyte injection hole, said apparatus comprising an electrolyte injection nozzle airtightly mounted on the electrolyte injection hole, exhaust means for exhausting the space inside the battery case with the electrolyte injection nozzle mounted on the electrolyte injection hole, an electrolyte pot connected to the electrolyte injection nozzle via an electrolyte injection valve and for storing the electrolyte to be injected into the battery case, and electrolyte feeding means for feeding a given amount of the electrolyte into the electrolyte pot via an electrolyte feeding valve, and pressurized gas feeding means for injecting the electrolyte in the electrolyte pot under pressure into the battery case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: NEC Mobile Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Yuichiro Morizane
  • Patent number: 6586132
    Abstract: In a sealed battery pack comprising a plurality of serially disposed cells in which power generating elements are housed in prismatic cell cases and the openings thereof are sealed, the plurality of serially disposed cells are housed in a cooling box, and the top openings in the cooling box and the openings in the various cell cases of the cells are sealed by integrating lids. Coolant passages on both sides between the side surfaces of the cells and the side walls on both sides of the cooling box in the cell arrangement direction, and coolant passages between the cases of the cells are formed so as to communicate with each other, so that all of the side surfaces of the cells are forcibly cooled by a coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignees: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinsuke Fukuda, Yoshiaki Ogata, Mitsugu Takaki, Yasunori Uchida, Joji Kasugai
  • Patent number: 6573008
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell for the production of electric energy by reaction between hydrogen peroxide or oxygen, and aluminium or lithium or a mixture thereof, and hydroxyl ions in water, where the cathodes are cylindrical and based on radially oriented carbon fibres attached to a stem of metal. The novel feature of the invention is that by utilizing such cathodes in a cell with circulating electrolyte, it is possible to keep the concentration of oxidant in the electrolyte low and thus obtain high utilization of the reactants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Den Norske Stats Oljeselskap A.S.
    Inventor: Øistein Hasvold
  • Publication number: 20030077509
    Abstract: An economical method for manufacturing an electrode assembly of virtually any shape to fit into a similarly shaped casing without compromising volumetric efficiency is described. This is accomplished by providing an electrode assembly of multiplate anode and cathode plates that substantially match the internal shape of the casing. That way, no matter what shape the device being powered by the cell dictates the electrode assembly assumes, as little internal volume as possible is left unoccupied by electrode active materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Joseph M. Probst, Scott P. Hall
  • Patent number: 6551740
    Abstract: A battery assembly 10 including a generally hollow housing 14 and several batteries 12 which are disposed within the interior cavity 16 of the housing 14. Particularly, the batteries 12 reside upon the axis 50 and partition the cavity 16 into a first tapered region 54 and a second expanding portion 56, effective to cause the speed of the air flowing through the cavity 16 to be substantially constant as the air passes the surface of the batteries 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Robert John Melichar
  • Patent number: 6541151
    Abstract: A battery assembly system used for an electric vehicle having a configuration in which electrolyte is not released from an exhaust passage even if the electrolyte is released in a mist state from a cell. A battery assembly case is provided behind a rear seat in a cabin. An exhaust duct having a cooling fan is connected to the battery assembly case, and an air inlet port is provided to the battery assembly case at the side opposite to the portion where the exhaust duct is connected. As the cooling fan, a sirocco fan or an axial-flow fan is used. The air for forcibly cooling the battery assembly is allowed to flow in the cabin, the air inlet port, the battery assembly case, the exhaust duct, the cooling fan, and the exhaust duct in this order. A mist state electrolyte released from the cell together with the air is allowed to collide with and is attached to a cascade of the fan or the wall surface of the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignees: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Keiichi Minamiura, Toshiaki Nakanishi
  • Publication number: 20030059676
    Abstract: An electric accumulator battery, constituted of a series of independent modules, each of which comprises a recipient with a lid subdivided into cells in which positive and negative helically wound electrodes and an intermediate separator are housed. The recipient of each module comprises an outer wall, of straight rectangular prismatic shape, and an inner wall which defines three cylindrical cells (9) of coplanar axes, tangent to each other and closed on the lower base. Axial ventilation passages are defined between these two walls, which pass through the base through openings (5 and 6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: S.E. Acumulador Tudor, S.A.
    Inventors: Rafael Ruiz Rodriguez, Antonio Ripoll Anton, Ernesto Collado Parra
  • Publication number: 20030044675
    Abstract: A storage battery is constructed for extended periods non use and still maintain a charge and have a long operational life by allowing for the separation of the electrolyte from electrodes within the battery in rapid, and safe manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas G. Packard
  • Publication number: 20030031920
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventors: Roderick L. Hoffman, Rex W. Holliday, Jason E. Connell
  • Patent number: 6509115
    Abstract: A secondary battery having a cap assembly, including an electrode assembly; a case in which the electrode assembly is located; a cap assembly having a cap plate coupled to and hermetically sealing the case. A terminal member has a head with a stepped protrusion penetrating the cap plate and insulated from the cap plate by an insulating member. The stepped protrusion presses the insulating member in multiple steps. The terminal member is connected to a positive or negative electrode terminal of the electrode assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyong-jin Kim, Young-bae Sohn, Jang-ho Yoon, Young-pil Choi
  • Patent number: 6497976
    Abstract: An electrolyte injection method for injecting an electrolyte into a battery case tightly closed except an electrolyte injection hole, said method comprising an electrolyte injection nozzle airtightly mounted on the electrolyte injection hole, exhausting the space inside the battery case with the electrolyte injection nozzle mounted on the electrolyte injection hole, an electrolyte pot connected to the electrolyte injection nozzle via an electrolyte injection valve and for storing the electrolyte to be injected into the battery case, and feeding a given amount of the electrolyte into the electrolyte pot via an electrolyte feeding valve, and injecting the electrolyte in the electrolyte pot under pressure into the battery case, whereby the pressurized gas feeding means is connected to the electrolyte pot via a pressure valve, and the electrolyte is injected by pressurizing the electrolyte after exhausting internal space of the battery case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: NEC Mobile Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Yuichiro Morizane
  • Publication number: 20020177033
    Abstract: A dry-charged lead acid battery 10 is formed by removing the electrolyte through a aperture 13a, and then sealing the aperture 13a with a sealing plug with valve 20 having a rubber valve (check valve) provided therein. Since the formation process in the battery container is employed, the required number of production steps and the cost can be reduced as compared with the conventional dry-charged lead acid battery. Further, since a check valve for preventing the entrance of the external air and opening at a predetermined pressure to allow the leakage of the gas in the battery container to the exterior is used to keep the battery container airtight, the self-discharge of the battery during the storage period between the filling of the electrolyte and the beginning of the use of the battery can be prevented, making it possible to inhibit defective airtightness due to damage of battery container by the production of gas in the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: JAPAN STORAGE BATTERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasutaka Doyama, Tomoyuki Enomoto
  • Patent number: 6482542
    Abstract: In an integrated sealed secondary battery 1 in which a plurality of cells 2 are arranged in a row, cooling medium passages 21 are formed on both sides of the row of the cells 2, and cooling medium passages 18 are formed between adjacent cells such as to effect communication between the cooling medium passages 21, 21 on both sides. The cross-sectional areas of the cooling medium passages 21, 21 on both sides are made different so as to generate pressure difference at both ends of the cooling medium passages 18 between the cases. The cooling medium passages 21 on both sides are formed in a meandering manner by the provision of projection strips that extend alternately downwards from the top wall and upwards from the bottom wall of the cooling medium passages 21.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignees: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsugu Takaki, Shinsuke Fukuda, Shinichi Yuasa, Shinji Hamada
  • Publication number: 20020168563
    Abstract: A power generator includes a plurality of chambers, each of which has therein a positive electrode and a negative electrode. Each of the chambers has an entry port that is connected to a source of water through a timer valve. The water is periodically provided through the timer valve to the entry ports. The chambers additionally have en exit port that opens in response to pressure of the water from the timer valve. Water from the exit ports passes from the power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventor: Iraj Hessabi
  • Patent number: 6475661
    Abstract: A redox flow battery composed of a plurality of cells in electrical series defined by a stacked and repetitive arrangement of a conductive intercell separator having a generally bipolar function, a positive electrode, an ion exchange membrane, a negative electrode and another conductive intercell separator, is operated by flowing a positive half-cell electrolyte containing reducible and oxidizable ions of a first redox couple through the compartments containing the positive electrodes and a negative half-cell electrolyte containing reducible and oxidizable ions of a second redox couple through the compartments containing the negative electrodes in cascade in a counter or equi-current mode. The difference of cell voltage between the first and the last cell of the stack is sensibly reduced and by-pass currents are substantially eliminated thus resulting in an increased overall faradic efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Squirrel Holdings Ltd
    Inventors: Alberto Pellegri, Barry Michael Broman
  • Patent number: 6472097
    Abstract: Explosion of rechargeable battery can be prevented in a relatively simple structure, at low cost, and without allowing spouting of electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Hosiden Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Ohbayashi, Naoya Takehara, Keiji Mine, Seisaku Hirai
  • Publication number: 20020150813
    Abstract: A secondary battery includes a can into which an electrode assembly is inserted, a cap assembly mounted to an opening of the can; and an electrolyte injection hole formed on at least one of the can and cap assembly, and a safety member to close the electrolyte injection hole. The electrolyte injection hole is formed on a negative portion of the cap assembly or on the can. The safety member is inserted into and welded on the electrolyte injection hole. Also, a secondary battery, includes a can, a cap assembly on an end of the can, an electrolyte injection hole formed on the cap assembly, means for closing the electrolyte injection hole, and a safety member provided on the can, the safety member for reducing pressure inside the can once the pressure inside the can exceeds a predetermined level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Inventors: Un-Sick Park, Young-Bae Song
  • Patent number: 6465121
    Abstract: A method for activating electrochemical cells including the steps of sealing the electrochemical cells in a container with an activating electrolyte solvent and salt, treatment steps, such as the application of compression and decompression cycles to the container, for providing good distribution of the electrolyte within the electrochemical cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventors: Lev M. Dawson, Tracy E. Kelley, Oliver J. Gross, Robert J. Horning, Porter H. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6461758
    Abstract: An improved vent cap system for use in an electrochemical battery is provided which includes a ring flange for forming a ring seal between the vent cap assembly and the fill tube. When the vent cap assembly is positioned in the battery housing, the ring flange and the fill tube deform to create a seal therebetween to provide a fluid tight seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Matthias Geibl, Thomas J. Dougherty, Gerald D. Slayton, Mark S. Inkmann, Guy L. Pfeifer, Gerald A. Cummins, Edward C. Frelka, Edward N. Mrotek, Helmuth Faust, Arch A. Pope, David J. Novak, William J. Ross, Bradley R. Niemuth, Ronald F. Kirby
  • Publication number: 20020136943
    Abstract: A unitary lid for the casing of an electrochemical, is described. The lid has a terminal lead ferrule and a fillport formed from a single blank in a machining process. The lid does not require any welding except for securing it to the open end of a casing container. This helps the lid contribute to the cell's volumetric efficiency, which is especially important for cells powering implantable medical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: David Warchocki, James Carroll, Paul J. Quattrini, George McNamara
  • Patent number: 6455187
    Abstract: A recombinator device and associated method for re-acidification of an electrolyte in a flowing electrolyte zinc-bromine battery. The recombinator device receives hydrogen, formed as a result of electrolysis within cell stacks of the zinc-bromine battery, as well as aqueous bromine from the zinc-bromine battery. Upon receipt, the hydrogen and bromine are introduced into a reaction chamber in the recombinator device so as to form hydrobromic acid. The hydrobromic acid is then reintroduced back into the electrolyte of the zinc-bromine battery for re-acidification of same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Premium Power Acquisition Corporation
    Inventor: Gerd Tomazic
  • Publication number: 20020132163
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrochemical cell having plate electrodes housed inside mating “clam shell” casing components. When mated together, the casing components are form-fitting with respect to the internal battery structure so as to reduce the overall size of the electrochemical package. A one piece header containing both a glass-to-metal seal opening for a terminal lead and an electrolyte fill opening is used in conjunction with the clam shell casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventors: William M. Paulot, Dominick J. Frustaci, Kenneth L. Grubb, Harvey A. Hornung
  • Patent number: 6444348
    Abstract: A closing plate for a battery comprises a metal substrate provided with a safety valve at a peripheral portion thereof. The safety valve is protected by applying a protection film to the metal substrate of the closing plate. The closing plate comprises a metal substrate, metal foil which is adhered to the lower surface of the metal substrate, and a protection film attached to the upper surface of the metal substrate, which protection film has previously been provided with a cut in a prescribed shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Toyo Kohan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kinji Saijo, Hiromasa Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20020110734
    Abstract: A header insulator for an electrochemical cell is described. The header insulator provides a boss for the terminal ferrule, a boss for the fill ferrule, and at least one boss disposed along the length of the insulator to provide for alignment of the electrode assembly inside the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph M. Probst, William M. Paulot
  • Publication number: 20020106554
    Abstract: Provided are a method for filling an electrolyte solution and a battery structure of a lithium secondary battery comprising an internal electrode body formed by winding a positive electrode, and a negative electrode, with sandwiching a separator therebetween around the outer periphery of a core, and an electrolyte solution to impregnate said internal electrode body; said method being excellent in the productivity, and battery performance as well, and being characterized by an easy filling of an electrode solution, with minimization of excessive electrode solution in the battery, by virtue of the provision of an electrolyte solution injection opening in a specific position, through which the electrolyte solution is injected and extracting efficiently by using a nozzle for injection and/or extraction of electrolyte solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nemoto, Kenshin Kitoh, Akio Enomoto
  • Publication number: 20020106553
    Abstract: Provided are a method for filling an electrolyte solution and a battery structure of a lithium secondary battery comprising an internal electrode body formed by winding a positive electrode, and a negative electrode, with sandwiching a separator therebetween around the outer periphery of a core, and an electrolyte solution to impregnate said internal electrode body; said method being excellent in the productivity, and battery performance as well, and being characterized by an easy filling of an electrode solution, with minimization of excessive electrode solution in the battery, by virtue of the provision of an electrolyte solution injection opening in a specific position, through which the electrolyte solution is injected and extracting efficiently by using a nozzle for injection and/or extraction of electrolyte solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nemoto, Kenshin Kitoh, Akio Enomoto
  • Publication number: 20020064705
    Abstract: To improve on a vent plug system for a cell opening of a storage battery containing a plug element with an inner cartridge and a valve element, to where it is possible without the need for maintaining excessive physical tolerances to assemble it with a minimal number of components in simple fashion while still assuring reliable operation without any major effort, it is proposed to design the plug element (16) as a cup-shaped unit with an outer contour (18) shaped to fit into, and seal, the cell opening, with an internal cavity (20) and with a gas port (28) between the cavity (20) and the outside surface (24), where the inner cartridge (12) is essentially cylindrical, has an outer contour (36) shaped to permit insertion in the cavity (20) of the plug element (16) and is provided with a gas passage (26) that opens into the cavity (20), while the valve element (14) is a separate element retainable in the cavity (20) by the inner cartridge (12) and, as a function of the gas pressure, establishes a gas-flow connec
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Wilhelm Cramer, Eberhard Nann, Manfred Hulscher
  • Publication number: 20020045075
    Abstract: A refuelable electrochemical power source includes one or more electrochemical cells adapted to employ particulate material electrodes. The one or more cells include a cell body defining an interior cell cavity, a flow path in the cell cavity through which particulate material and fluid flow, an electroactive zone within the cell cavity, and a fluid mechanic device adjacent or within the flow path capable of filling the electroactive zone or maintaining the electroactive zone in a constantly full or maximum electroactivity condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Martin Pinto, Stuart Smedley, Jeffrey A. Colborn
  • Publication number: 20020045096
    Abstract: Described is a lithium ion battery 10 comprising:
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Murray G. Sandberg, Morgan Rey Benson
  • Patent number: 6365296
    Abstract: An orientation independent metal-air power source utilizing convective airflow for enhancing power output for powering a load. A battery housing for enclosing at least one metal-air cell has an air cavity at each end. Between the two cavities is an elongated central passageway. The cavities are preferably disk-shaped and include a circular resistance element in their outer periphery. A central gravity switch with a conductive ball and a plurality of contact pairs is coupled to the resistance elements. Each of the contact pairs is associated with a particular angular orientation of the metal-air battery. At least a portion of one of the resistance elements is heated when the ball comes into contact with one of the contact pairs. A plurality of isolating passageways pass sufficient airflow to the oxygen electrode, while the resistance element portion is heated, and restricts airflow to the oxygen electrode when the resistance element portion is not heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: AER Energy Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey E. Young
  • Publication number: 20020012829
    Abstract: An extremely safe non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell free of explosions and which can promptly release the internal pressure in case of rise in the internal pressure. The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell has in its opening a cleavage valve obtained on bonding a metal foil to the opening. In case of rise in the internal pressure, the cleavage valve is cleft to release the pressure. In this cell, a value K corresponding to the internal volume in the cell in cm3 divided by the area of the opening in cm2 is set so that 40≦K≦350. By selecting the value K to a suitable value, the cleavage valve is in operation when the internal pressure reaches a predetermined value to release the pressure. The metal foil is produced by, for example, a electro-forming method or a cladding method. Preferably, a fluorine-based water-proofing agent is coated on the foil surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: TAKAYUKI YAMAHIRA, AYAKI WATANABE, TOSHIZOU KAMEISHI, KOJI KIHARA
  • Publication number: 20020006542
    Abstract: A secondary battery comprises a can into which an electrode assembly is inserted, a cap assembly mounted to an opening of the can; and an electrolyte injection hole formed on at least one of the can and cap assembly, and a safety member to close the electrolyte injection hole. The electrolyte injection hole is formed on a negative portion of the cap assembly. The safety member is inserted into and welded on the electrolyte injection hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 1999
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: UN-SICK PARK, YOUNG-BAE SONG
  • Publication number: 20020004168
    Abstract: An electrolyte injecting metallic plug laser-welded to an outer edge of an electrolyte injecting port on a periphery of a battery case. At least a part of the electrolyte injecting metallic plug is inserted into the electrolyte injecting port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 1999
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventors: MIKIO IWATA, KAZUMASA MATSUO, TAKEFUMI INOUE, HIROAKI YOSHIDA
  • Publication number: 20010031390
    Abstract: A battery cap is provided for engagement in a fill port of a cell of a deep cycle, lead-acid electrical storage battery. The battery cap is formed of a hollow, tubular body having an upper end with an expansive mouth opening, and a lower end at which a transverse floor extends radially inwardly. The floor includes a central, annular convex downwardly projecting portion that defines a central fluid passage opening. The interior of the tubular wall defines a radially inwardly projecting flame arrester seat spaced from both the upper and lower ends of the body. A pair of gas escape ports are defined in the tubular wall between the flame arrester seat and the mouth opening. A diverter is located in the lower portion of the tubular body beneath a disc shaped micropore filter that serves as the flame arrester and which is seated on the flame arrester seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventor: William R. Schwarz
  • Patent number: RE37901
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a leak resistant battery cover for storage batteries. The battery cover provides a labyrinth of passages which provide a path from each cell vent to the atmospheric vent. The labyrinth is configured to provide a portion of each path above a level in which the electrolyte in the respective cells attains when the battery is tipped on any one of its sides or rotated ninety (90) degrees from an upright position. The labyrinth configuration prevents electrolyte from reaching the atmospheric vent and spilling out of the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Douglass Battery Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Robert W. Fritts, David M. Revak