Venting Structure Patents (Class 429/82)
  • Patent number: 6265097
    Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a cleavage type safety valve installed on a metal vessel for affording the explosion-proof function. The safety valve is installed on a small-sized cell vessel which remains hermetically sealed during the normal operation but instantly releases the pressure in the inside of the vessel if, due to abnormalities, such as overcharging, the pressure is increased and reaches a prescribed value to prevent explosion or deformation of the cell vessel. The metal foil type safety valve by the cold pressure welding of the present invention cold welds the metal foil for sealing the air vent hole in the metal vessel. If the internal pressure in the vessel reaches the prescribed value, the metal foil is cleft to form an opening in the vessel to release the internal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: A. Koike & Co.
    Inventors: Keiichi Konno, Kazuho Suzuki, Yutaka Konno
  • Publication number: 20010008721
    Abstract: A metal-air FCB power producing module of compact construction for supplying electrical power to a host system having a battery storage compartment. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the metal-air FCB power producing module incorporates a module housing of compact construction with a discharging head enclosed within the module housing and a partition 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 when the module housing is loaded into the battery storage compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Publication date: July 19, 2001
    Inventors: SADEG M. FARIS, TSEPIN TSAI
  • Patent number: 6255014
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention provides a cover for venting gases from thin metal film battery cells having vents disposed at the center of one end of the cells. The vents comprise cylindrical wells that recess into, and substantially fill, the top portions of battery cell cavities within a battery housing. The cavities are sized to hold the battery cells securely and are configured to provide an electrical serial connection. The wells include pipes which extend outward from the bottom of the wells and lead from openings in the bases of the wells. The openings in the pipes are covered with flexible valve caps and well lids cover the wells. The center point arrangement of the recessed wells permit gases from the battery cells to escape through the openings, yet restrict the electrolyte from exiting the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Dougherty, Michael G. Andrew, James A. Lenz
  • Patent number: 6254841
    Abstract: For an improved recombination system serving to catalytically recombine hydrogen and oxygen, which form in a storage battery, into water and incorporating an adapter union assembly for the gas-tight connection of the system to a storage battery, a container which is gas-impermeable to the outside and which houses a recombination assembly, as well as a conduit for the loss-less gas intake from the adapter union to the container and water return flow in the opposite direction, whereby even in the event of an overload the hazard of escaping gas can be avoided and the efficacy of the catalytic unit can be maintained while at the same time the system can be produced at low cost and in a way as to be easily assembled and maintenance-free, this invention proposes to provide next to the conduit an expansion section which is open toward the outside but delimited by an ignition suppressor, and to connect the conduit with the expansion section by way of a gating aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Accumulatorenwerke Hoppecke Carl Zoellner & Sohn GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinrich Kesper, Norbert Lahme, Ute Vielhaber
  • Patent number: 6255013
    Abstract: A sealed storage battery includes a battery case containing a group of electric power-generating elements each comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator, a battery case lid closing an opening in the battery case to seal the battery case, and a safety valve of the assembling type mounted on the battery case lid. The safety valve is welded to the battery case lid. With this construction, a hermetic seal at an area of contact between the safety valve and the battery case lid is enhanced, and also the reliability of the safety valve is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuhei Marukawa, Hiroshi Inoue, Shinji Hamada, Munehisa Ikoma
  • Patent number: 6248464
    Abstract: An air-managing system for metal-air battery includes resealable septum and one or more hollow needles. The septum separates air pathway into two segments. One segment is from air cathodes of the battery to the septum and the other is from the septum to the outside air. The needles provide conduits to connect two segments. The septum recloses its torn portion when the needles are removed. Also disclosed is a reusable air manager including a fan and such needles. The air manager can be coupled to a disposable cell pack which has a septum that can be pierced by the needles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Inventors: Christopher S. Pedicini, John D. Witzigreuter
  • Patent number: 6248463
    Abstract: This invention pertains to metal-air electrochemical cells wherein one or more air entry ports is located in the bottom of the cathode can, to provide for entry of oxygen-rich air into the cathode can, where the oxygen partcicpates in the chemical reaction whereby the cell produces electrical energy. In this invention, multiple small air entry ports are provided. Generally, the use of multiple ports distributed over the bottom of the cathode can, opposite the reaction surface of the cathode assembly, while not increasing the overall open area of the ports, results in an increase in the ratio of the cell limiting current to the rate at which moisture is lost from the cell. Accordingly, moisture loss as a function of electrical energy produced, is less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Rayovac Corporation
    Inventors: Robert B. Dopp, John Edward Oltman
  • Patent number: 6242121
    Abstract: A primary metal-air power source containing one or more metal-air cells incorporating an air manager in a power source housing of the power source. The power source provides intermittent use at high power levels over a long lifetime while demonstrating a high utilization of the metal, such as zinc, making up the metal-air cell's metal anode. The power source provides 80% of its amp hour capacity for at least 30 days after the initial partial discharge at a power level of at least 50 milliwatts. The cumulative run time may comprise any number of intermittent connections to a load having varying duration. The ventilation system of the power source draws ambient airflow through an isolating passageway by operating an air mover which distributes the airflow to the metal-air cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: AER Energy Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher S Pedicini, John D. Witzigreuter, Gary E. Gray
  • Patent number: 6242125
    Abstract: A circulation system for a flowing-electrolyte battery having at least one electrochemical cell, an anolyte reservoir, and a catholyte reservoir. The circulation system includes an anolyte pump coupled in fluid flowing relationship to the anolyte reservoir which pumps anolyte from the anolyte reservoir to the at least one electrochemical cell. A catholyte pump is coupled in fluid flowing relationship to the catholyte reservoir and also pumps catholyte to the at least one electrochemical cell. A second phase pump is coupled in fluid flowing relationship to the catholyte reservoir and is used to introduce second phase electrolyte into the aqueous catholyte pumped by the catholyte pump. The second phase pump is controlled by a controller so that the second phase is introduced into the catholyte stream in a metered fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: ZBB Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip A. Eidler, Peter J. Lex, Robert R. Rixford, Bjorn Jonshagen
  • Publication number: 20010002300
    Abstract: A cylindrical metal-air cell has a cylindrical housing, an axially extending cylindrical air cathode adjacent an interior surface of the housing, and a plurality of elongate plenums defined between the oxygen electrode and the interior surface of the housing. Isolating passageway are positioned between the ambient environment and each of the plenums, and an air moving device is operable to force air through the isolating passageways and into at least one of the plenums. The air moving device may be a micromachined blower controlled by a circuit integrated into the housing of the blower.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: May 31, 2001
    Applicant: AER Energy Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Tinker, R. Dennis Bentz
  • Patent number: 6207320
    Abstract: A battery includes a can filled with an electrolyte and an electrode assembly. A cap assembly is close-tightly mounted on an upper end of the can with a gasket interposed between the cap assembly and the upper end. The cap assembly comprises a plate provided with a safety groove, a current control member disposed on the plate, a cap cover disposed on the current control member, and a circuit breaker disposed under the plate and supported by a support plate. As a feature of the present invention, the circumferential edge of at least one of the plate, the current control member, and the cap cover is bent around the support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Samsung Display Devices, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Man-Gon Song, Ea-Joo Hwang, Hyoung-Su Kim, Eung-Kil Choi
  • Patent number: 6159631
    Abstract: Disclosed are safe, easy to manufacture prismatic cells having scored regions strategically located on portions of the prismatic cell can or cell header. When they are located on the cell can, the scored regions are provided on the side of the can, rather than on the bottom of the can as in other designs. The scored region may be located on a corner of one side of the side of the cell can. Scored regions so located tend to release excess pressure over a relatively narrow and easier to control pressure range. Similar benefits can be obtained by placing the scored region on a "dished" header of a prismatic cell. Such dished header designs have a vertical lip around the perimeter of a substantially flat horizontal portion. The scoring may be provided near one of the ends of the header's substantially flat portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Polystor Corporation
    Inventors: Sean Thompson, Frank L. Martucci
  • Patent number: 6146784
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a wet, multicell, lead-acid electric storage battery comprising a venting system having vent plugs comprising an inventive sealing arrangement. Specifically, the vent plugs provide a seal to be molded onto the vent body as a permanently attached feature. The present invention consequently eliminates the need to separately manufacture and apply a gasket to a vent body, thus reducing manufacturing costs and greatly improving reliability and safety during both use and handling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: GNB Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Duane D. Hakarine
  • Patent number: 6143438
    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: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Co.
    Inventors: Matthias Geibl, Thomas J. Dougherty, Gerald D. Slayton, Mark S. Inkmann, Guy L. Pfeifer
  • Patent number: 6136464
    Abstract: A safety device for a storage battery includes a charge-discharge lead one end of which is connected to a positive electrode side of the storage battery and the other end of which is connected to a positive terminal of the storage battery; a pressure-sensing device which deforms in response to the increase of the pressure in the storage battery; and a cutting device for cutting the charge-discharge lead. The cutting device is pressed by the deformation of the pressure-sensing device to cut the charge-discharge lead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Japan Storage Battery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Wakabe, Jun-ichi Miura, Yasuharu Sakai, Tetsuzo Kojima, Takao Maki
  • Patent number: 6120931
    Abstract: The accumulator comprises a container or vessel with a plurality of holes which define vent ducts for the gases developed in the accumulator. A filtering element is provided in each duct for allowing gases to pass through but preventing the electrolyte from passing through. The filtering element is constituted by a porous substrate combined with a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Societa Industriale Accumulatori SpA
    Inventors: Giuseppe Fossati, Marco Bassini, Giordano Ferla
  • Patent number: 6114059
    Abstract: A cylinder-shaped secondary battery includes a container, and a rolled electrode. The container includes a cylinder-shaped inner member, a cylinder-shaped outer member, and a pair of ring-shaped end plates. The electrode is accommodated in the container in an electrically insulating manner, rolled spirally, and has a pair of tabs and a hollow formed therein and extending in an axial direction thereof. Moreover, the electrode includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator disposed between the positive electrode and negative electrode so as to separate them. The inner member of the container has opposite ends and a hollow formed therein and extending in an axial direction thereof, and is disposed in the axially-extending hollow of the electrode. The outer member of the container has opposite ends, and is disposed on a centrifugal side of the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Chuo Kenkyusho
    Inventors: Goro Watanabe, Kenichi Suzuki, Yoshiaki Ebine
  • Patent number: 6071637
    Abstract: A sealed casing is provided for withstanding a certain pressure. The casing contains an electric accumulator, and is formed by at least one wall which has at least one closing area formed by a plastic band for connecting two edges of the wall. The closing area includes an adhesive part and a shiftable part to form an effective and economical closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Steven Van Lerberghe
  • Patent number: 6066411
    Abstract: A cover device is adapted for use with a casing which has an open top end, and a confining wall which confines an interior that is divided into a plurality of cell compartments by partition plates. The cover device includes a lower cover body with a top wall and a surrounding wall which confines a cavity that is divided into a plurality of chambers by means of dividers. Each of the dividers has a bottom edge that is adapted to be mounted sealingly on a top edge of a respective one of the partition plates to prevent fluid communication among the cell compartments below the top wall. The top wall has a vent area that is formed with a plurality of vent holes for communicating an upper side of the top wall with the chambers, respectively, and a plurality of upwardly projecting annular lips around the vent holes, respectively. Each of the annular lips is formed with a notch unit, and has a pressure cap sleeved movably thereon for covering the respective vent hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: B.B. Battery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chien-Chen Liu
  • Patent number: 6060191
    Abstract: A casing for a battery of the present invention is made up of a top-open box and a lid closing the open top of the box. The lid has a pyramidal top portion formed with a plurality of vent holes for allowing a gas to pass therethrough. A polymeric osmotic film allowing a gas to pass therethrough, but intercepting water, is fitted in each of the vent holes. The casing therefore vents hydrogen output from a battery while preventing water from entering it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Misao Iwatare
  • Patent number: 6051328
    Abstract: Provided are metal-air cells for connecting to one another to form a battery stack. Two or more of the cells are joined by heat or chemical fusing to create the battery stack. Each of the metal-air cells have a case with an exterior surface and an interior surface that defines a chamber that contains an anode and an air cathode. The case defines air openings that extend between the exterior surface and the interior surface for supplying air from the environment exterior to the case to the air cathodes within the chamber. In one embodiment, each metal-air cell includes a plurality of protruding connector members and a plurality of protruding mechanical stops. Two cells are joined by fusing connector members of one cell to connector members of the other cell. During the fusing of the connector members, the mechanical stops of the cells being joined abut one another to arrest movement of the cells toward one another. The arresting causes a plenum to be uniformly defined between the cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: AER Energy Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Witzigreuter, Christopher S. Pedicini
  • Patent number: 6051332
    Abstract: The valve cap for an electric storage cell includes a central annular valve seat (23) and a membrane (5) fixed by its peripheral edge and urged against the seat by a piston (10) bearing thereagainst by means of a spring (12), the rear end of said spring (12) bearing on the endwall (8) of a chamber (20) formed in the cap and containing the piston (10) and the spring. A vent (19) puts the chamber (20) into communication with the atmosphere. A central orifice (26, 28) through the piston (10) and the membrane (5), enables gas from within the cell to escape via the top vent (19) when the valve opens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Alctael
    Inventors: Roelof Verhoog, Alain Genton
  • Patent number: 6040074
    Abstract: This invention pertains to metal-air electrochemical cells wherein one or more air entry ports is located in the bottom of the cathode can, to provide for entry of oxygen-rich air into the cathode can, where the oxygen participates in the electrochemical reaction whereby the cell produces electrical energy. In this invention, extremely small air ports are provided, along with methods of reliably fabricating such small air ports Generally, the use of an increased number of small air ports distributed over the bottom of the cathode can, opposite the reaction surface of the cathode assembly, wherein the overall open area of the ports is not increased, results in less moisture traversing the air ports, into or out of the cell. Accordingly, moisture loss, or gain, as a function of electrical energy produced, is thereby reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Rayovac Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Adey, Robert Brian Dopp, John Edward Oltman
  • Patent number: 6025086
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a venting mechanism for a battery. The venting mechanism includes a battery vent structure which is located on the battery cover and may be integrally formed therewith. The venting mechanism includes an opening extending through the battery cover such that the opening communicates with a plurality of battery cells located within the battery case. The venting mechanism also includes a vent manifold which attaches to the battery vent structure. The vent manifold includes a first opening which communicates with the battery vent structure opening and second and third openings which allow the vent manifold to be connected to two separate conduits. In this manner, a plurality of batteries may be interconnected for venting purposes, thus eliminating the need to provide separate vent lines for each battery. The vent manifold may be attached to the battery vent structure by a spin-welding technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Assignee: Optima Batteries, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry K. W. Ching
  • Patent number: 5981099
    Abstract: A valve for an electric storage battery, including a cap housing for being positioned in an access port in the battery, the cap housing having interior side walls defining a gas-flow orifice therethrough. A valve member is positioned in the gas-flow orifice of the cap housing, and comprises a valve body, including at least one vent defining a gas-flow passage from an upstream to a downstream side of the valve body, a resilient, radially-outwardly extending annular skirt positioned on the downstream side of the valve body in gas-flow communication with the vent, the skirt extending radially outwardly from the valve body in the downstream direction. The skirt has an outermost free end normally sealingly engaging the side walls of the cap housing defining the gas-flow orifice. The annular skirt and adjacent side walls of the cap housing define therebetween an annular recess in gas-flow communication with the vent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Accuma Corporation
    Inventor: Robert D. Bourbeau
  • Patent number: 5958615
    Abstract: This invention pertains to metal-air electrochemical cells wherein one or more air entry ports is located in the bottom of the cathode can, to provide for entry of oxygen-rich air into the cathode can, where the oxygen participates in the chemical reaction whereby the cell produces electrical energy. In this invention, multiple small air entry ports are provided. Generally, the use of multiple ports distributed over the bottom of the cathode can, opposite the reaction surface of the cathode assembly, while not increasing the overall open area of the ports, results in an increase in the ratio of the cell limiting current to the rate at which moisture is lost from the cell. Accordingly, moisture loss as a function of electrical energy produced, is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Rayovac Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney Stuart McKenzie, Robert B. Dopp
  • Patent number: 5916704
    Abstract: A low pressure vented battery structure comprised of lithium ion polymer cells contained within a flexible container. The flexible container is punctured to provide a venting aperture. The venting aperture is externally sealingly covered with a vent structure comprising a first chemically inert plastic film layer having a central aperture which is adhered to the flexible container around the periphery of the central aperture, with the central aperture being in registration with the venting aperture. A second film chemically inert layer membrane is partially adhered to the first layer, whereby the membrane is stretched and anchored in a position covering the central aperture and the venting aperture, and partially separated from the first layer to provide a venting pathway from the venting aperture to the ambient atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Ultralife Batteries
    Inventors: Stanley Lewin, Mark Cholach
  • Patent number: 5897522
    Abstract: An application comprising an electrically operated device and a flexible thin layer open liquid state electrochemical cell for providing the device with electrical power for its operation, the electrochemical cell including a first layer of insoluble negative pole, a second layer of insoluble positive pole and a third layer of aqueous electrolyte, the third layer being disposed between the first and second layers and including (a) a deliquescent material for keeping the open cell wet at all times; (b) an electroactive soluble material for obtaining required ionic conductivity; and (c) a watersoluble polymer for obtaining a required viscosity for adhering the first and second layers to the third layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Power Paper Ltd.
    Inventor: Zvi Nitzan
  • Patent number: 5895731
    Abstract: A lithium battery and process of making same involves employing alternate layers of a lithium anode and an aluminum foil or NiAl expanded metal supported cathode assembly with a gel electrolyte contacting the alternate layers. The electrolyte includes a quantity of N-methyl-2-pyrrollidone and lithium contained within a polyimide matrix and the entire assembly is contained within a sealed polyimide casing. Separate electrical contacts are provided for each of the lithium anode assembly and the aluminum foil or NiAl supported cathode assembly. An out-gassing vent tube extends from the sealed polyimide casing and is sealed a predetermined time after battery construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Nelson E. Smith
    Inventor: Richard K. Clingempeel
  • Patent number: 5891589
    Abstract: Provided are metal-air cells that each include a plurality of protruding connector members and a plurality of protruding mechanical stops. Two or more of the cells are joined to create a battery stack. Two cells are joined by heating connector members of the cells, and then forcing the cells together so that the connector members of one cell are welded or fused to connector members of the other cell. During the fusing of the connector members, the mechanical stops of the cells being joined abut one another to arrest movement of the cells toward one another. The arresting causes a plenum to be uniformly defined between the cells. The fused connector members and abutting mechanical stops cooperate to define three-dimensional truss-like system that provides structural integrity. Each of the metal-air cells have a case with an exterior. surface and an interior surface that defines a chamber that contains an anode and air cathodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: AER Energy Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Witzigreuter, Christopher S. Pedicini
  • Patent number: 5856037
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a venting mechanism for a battery. The venting mechanism includes a battery vent structure which is located on the battery cover and may be integrally formed therewith. The venting mechanism includes an opening extending through the battery cover such that the opening communicates with a plurality of battery cells located within the battery case. The venting mechanism also includes a vent manifold which attaches to the battery vent structure. The vent manifold includes a first opening which communicates with the battery vent structure opening and second and third openings which allow the vent manifold to be connected to two separate conduits. In this manner, a plurality of batteries may be interconnected for venting purposes, thus eliminating the need to provide separate vent lines for each battery. The vent manifold may be attached to the battery vent structure by a spin-welding technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignees: Optima Batteries, Inc., Aerovironment, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Casale, Larry K. W. Ching, Jose T. Baer, David H. Swan
  • Patent number: 5811204
    Abstract: A flexible thin layer open liquid state electrochemical cell which can be used as a primary or rechargeable power supply for various miniaturized and portable electrically powered devices of compact design. The cell includes a wet electrolyte, yet maintains a flexible, thin and open configuration, thus devoid of accumulation of gases upon storage. The cell comprising a first layer of insoluble negative pole, a second layer of insoluble positive pole and a third layer of aqueous electrolyte, the third layer being disposed between the first and second layers and including a deliquescent material for keeping the open cell wet at all times; an electroactive soluble material for obtaining required ionic conductivity; and, a watersoluble polymer for obtaining a required viscosity for adhering the first and second layers to the third layer. The electrochemical cell of the present invention is preferably produced using a suitable printing technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Baruch Levanon
    Inventor: Zvi Nitzan
  • Patent number: 5776527
    Abstract: Packaging of ground coffee in the form of pastille, "dosette" or predosed bag (1) usable in espresso coffee machines, the pastille, the "dosette" or the predosed bag (1) being formed of filter-paper (3) which encloses the ground coffee (4). The ground coffee content (4) placed in the pastille or the like is partially or totally circumscribed at its periphery, by at least one piece (6) of a sufficiently rigid material acting as a frame, so that the pastille or the like (1) has a good mechanical behaviour. Application to the production of coffees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Compagnie Mediterraneene des Cafes S.A.
    Inventor: Jean Pierre Blanc
  • Patent number: 5712056
    Abstract: The present invention provides a sealed battery having a large capacity by using a thin safety valve device so as to increase a volume of a cell element. The sealed battery has a high safety owing to the thin safety valve device having an elastic valve element comprising an ethylene-propylene elastomer and thermoplastic resin particles dispersed in the ethylene-propylene elastomer. The elastic valve element is produced by mixing thermoplastic resin particles with an ethylene-propylene elastomer material, molding the mixture into a predetermined shape and, at the same time, crosslinking the ethylene-propylene elastomer material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Matsumasa, Jiro Konagawa, Mitsuru Naniwa, Norio Suzuki, Toshihisa Hiroshima
  • Patent number: 5691074
    Abstract: A ventilation system for a metal-air battery having a housing for enclosing at least one metal-air cell. The housing has at least one air inlet opening and at least one air outlet opening. A fan is positioned to force air into the air inlet opening and out of the air outlet opening when the fan is turned on. The openings are sized with a length in the direction through the thickness of the housing being greater than a width in the direction perpendicular to the thickness of the housing. The openings are unobstructed and are sized to eliminate substantially the air flow into the air inlet opening and out of the air outlet opening when the fan is turned off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: AER Energy Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher S. Pedicini
  • Patent number: 5688612
    Abstract: A battery cover and vent cap interface seal for electrical storage batteries is disposed between the vent opening in the battery cover and the vent cap to establish a fluid-fight seal. In a first embodiment an annular sealing member is provided in each vent opening in the battery cover. The sealing members extend slightly beyond the inner periphery of the vent opening in the cover and are compressed by the vent cap plugs as the vent cap is installed. In a second embodiment annular sealing members are provided around each plug on the vent cap. The sealing members extend slightly beyond the outer periphery of the plugs and are compressed as the vent cap is installed on the battery cover. The sealing members are made of a resilient material that deforms more easily than the materials used for the battery cover and vent cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Globe-Union Inc.
    Inventors: Edward N. Mrotek, Thomas J. Dougherty, Gerald A. Cummins, Dean R. Walsten
  • Patent number: 5682671
    Abstract: A method of assembling a bipolar battery, most preferably a lead-acid battery, includes assembling the electrochemical components necessary to provide the necessary voltage and capacity, maintaining the electrochemical components under the desired compression and then sealing such electrochemical components as a unit utilizing various assembly components. The resulting bipolar battery in the preferred embodiment includes an electrolyte fill/vent box that seals the top of the electrochemical component unit and a vacuum box that seals the bottom surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: GNB Battery Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Lund, William H. Kump, Donald W. Groff
  • Patent number: 5668349
    Abstract: A roof vent for preventing the buildup of hydrogen gas produced by battery charging in a remote digital telephone cabinet is provided with a movable splash guard for blocking the vent outlet when impinged upon by water and/or wind, thereby preventing the entry of water into the cabinet. The vent also includes a weatherproof cover whose lower edge is formed with scallops or undulations to maintain air gaps between the cover and the cabinet roof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Hubbell Incorporated
    Inventors: James H. Durham, Wilfred L. Gleadall, Richard A. Carmichael, Ray E. Medcalf
  • Patent number: 5660942
    Abstract: A leak-proof rechargable lead-acid battery cell contains a passage in cooperation with a one-way valve which allows gas to escape from the interior of the battery cell when it exceeds a predetermined pressure. In addition, electrolyte can be replenished by extending a syringe needle through suitable apertures and piercing a self-sealing rubber plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Inventor: Kishor Kothari
  • Patent number: 5652043
    Abstract: A flexible thin layer open liquid state electrochemical cell which can be used as a primary or rechargeable power supply for various miniaturized and portable electrically powered devices of compact design. The cell includes a wet electrolyte, yet maintains a flexible, thin and open configuration, thus devoid of accumulation of gases upon storage. The cell comprising a first layer of insoluble negative pole, a second layer of insoluble positive pole and a third layer of aqueous electrolyte, the third layer being disposed between the first and second layers and including a deliquescent material for keeping the open cell wet at all times; an electroactive soluble material for obtaining required ionic conductivity; and, a watersoluble polymer for obtaining a required viscosity for adhering the first and second layers to the first layer. The electrochemical cell of the present invention is preferably produced using a suitable printing technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Baruch Levanon
    Inventor: Zvi Nitzan
  • 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: 5609972
    Abstract: A cell pressure control system is disclosed which includes a conductive frangible tab which tears in response to a defined pressure. The frangible tab is affixed at one position to a stationary member and at another position to a deflection member which deflects in response to increasing internal cell pressure. When the cell pressure increases to a dangerous level, the deflection member exerts sufficient pressure on the frangible tab to cause it to break. When the tab breaks, the cell goes to open circuit, thus reducing the danger of continued pressure build up. If the cell's internal pressure continues to increase even after the pressure contact is opened, a second stage of the pressure control mechanism may be activated. Specifically, a pressure rupturable region in the above-mentioned deflection member will rupture and release the cell's internal pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Assignee: PolyStor Corporation
    Inventors: James L. Kaschmitter, Frank L. Martucci, Steven T. Mayer, Jung H. Souh, Sean Thompson
  • Patent number: 5589293
    Abstract: A sealing and insulating member for a cylindrical galvanic cell wherein said member comprises a plurality of vent membranes of non-circular configuration. The seal can readily be made from mineral filled polyolefin material by injection molding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Duracell Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Pope, Richard B. Willis-Owen
  • Patent number: 5560999
    Abstract: An air manager is disclosed which recirculates reactant air in a battery and exchanges only a minimal amount of recirculated air for ambient air that is necessary to maintain a sufficient oxygen concentration in the battery. In the air manager, the reactant air is recirculated in a defined air pathway that provides reactant air to the entire area of all the air cathodes. A catalyst element is also provided in the air manager to convert the hydrogen gas that is generated during the recharge of a metal-air battery to water vapor. The air manager is nevertheless compact and lightweight so that the resulting battery is portable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: AER Energy Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Pedicini, Dennis P. Sieminski, Leonard T. Skeggs, Jeffrey E. Young, Ernest C. Cherry
  • Patent number: 5561001
    Abstract: The cover (11) of an accumulator has a degassing channel (12) which connects the interior space (36) of one or more cells, with a side channel (14) formed in a side wall (13) of the cover (11). The side channel (14) is sealingly closed by a cover plate (15). At the beginning of the side channel (14), a porous body (17) is provided in a surround (20), whilst, in the end region of the side channel (14), a depression (23) is located, the depression (23) being provided in a cover plate and having a base (24) in which a gas outlet opening (16 ) is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Hagen Batterie AG
    Inventors: Josef Gurtler, Ulrich Wulf, Detlef Scholz
  • Patent number: 5554452
    Abstract: A prismatic metal-air battery is provided for having at least one prismatic metal-air cell received in a cell cavity of a prismatic casing. The casing comprises a wall portion which defines a surface. The wall portion has at least one opening in communication with the cell cavity which is adapted to allow the passage of air into the cell cavity. The casing also includes a valve member having a surface bearing on the wall portion surface. The valve member also has at least one opening therein. The wall portion surface and the valve member surface are adapted to allow movement of the valve member across the wall portion surface between a closed position, in which the valve member opening does not overlap with the wall portion opening, and an open position, in which the valve member opening and wall portion opening at least partially overlap. Importantly, the casing also includes means for providing an attractive force between the wall portion and the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Matsi, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Delmolino, Ronald A. Putt
  • Patent number: 5552243
    Abstract: The subject invention relates to electrode structures that are adaptable for primary and electrically rechargeable electrochemical wafer cells. A flat wafer cell is disclosed that includes conductive, carbon-filled polymeric outer layers that serve as electrode contacts and as a means of containment of the cell. Multi-cell, higher voltage batteries may be constructed by stacking individual cells. Specially formulated electrodes and processing techniques that are compatible with the wafer cell construction are disclosed for a nickel-metal hydride battery system. The cell design and electrode formulations provide for individual operation of a vented or low pressure sealed cell and/or for operation of these cells in a stacked array in an outer battery housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Electro Energy, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Klein
  • Patent number: 5532086
    Abstract: An anode for use in an electrochemical cell comprising a current collector layer having a thickness less than about 10 mils, and desirably less than about 4 mils, and a rigid support extending adjacent one side of the current collector layer so that the current collector layer is sandwiched between the anodic layer of the anode and the rigid support. The rigid support maintains the current collector layer in the original configuration of the current collector layer during discharge and recharge cycles of the cell. A cell containing the anode is also disclosed. The rigid support for the anode current collector can be mounted in the electrochemical cell case so as to allow for the release from the cell of gas produced at the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: AER Energy Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Thibault, Edward S. Buzzrelli
  • Patent number: 5516602
    Abstract: An exhaust structure of this invention is composed of plural exhaust structure elements which are installed in a cover and arranged in horizontal positions facing on cell chambers. The exhaust structure element is provided with a gas intake chamber, a refluxing chamber and a passage chamber. The gas intake chamber connects to the refluxing chamber through a first slit, and the refluxing chamber connects to the passage chamber through a second slit. A baffle plate is installed in the gas intake chamber, pin-shaped bodies are installed on ceilings of the refluxing chamber and the passage chamber, a refluxing hole is made on a bottom surface of the refluxing chamber, and the refluxing hole connects to a cylindrical body. Bottom surfaces of the refluxing chamber and the passage chamber are slanted toward the refluxing hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Yuasa Corporation
    Inventor: Sachio Uemichi
  • Patent number: 5498488
    Abstract: The invention discloses an accumulator container comprising a box (2) presenting one or more element-containing cells (3), each of said cells presenting at least one tube (5) for the inlet of the electrolyte. Said tube (5) has one end connected with an opening (6) made in the lid and its other end arranged near the bottom of the container. Said box presents a lid having at least one first inlet opening (6), connected through channels (71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76) for the distribution of the electrolyte with electrolyte inletting tubes (5, 51), found in the box and in the lid, and at least one second outlet opening (11) connected with level tubes (81), each belonging to each cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Inventor: Olimpio Stocchiero