Having Manifold Patents (Class 429/88)
  • Patent number: 6936373
    Abstract: A monobloc battery including a plurality of interconnected electrochemical cells formed from electrodes and electrolyte and having end poles, wherein distances between selected cells and the end poles and, optionally, distances between the selected cells, are set such that no voltages of more than about 30V occur between the distances under normal operating conditions of the monobloc battery, and at least one gas collecting line connected to selected cells and located to collect explosive gas mixtures, if any, generated by the cells, the gas collecting line being substantially electrically insulating and, in at least one area, having a lining composed of an electron-conductive material electrically conductively contacting the electrodes or the electrolyte in an individual cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: VB Autobatterie GmbH
    Inventor: Eberhard Meissner
  • Patent number: 6881513
    Abstract: A leak retardant automotive battery includes a housing containing a plurality of cells that each have a filling plug and a battery cover closing the housing above the cells. The battery cover includes a central blockage that divides the housing into two compartments that each contain a set of cells. The cells in each compartment are connected by vent holes in the battery cover that are respectively connected to associated vent cap assemblies so as to separately vent each compartment through its associated vent cap assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignees: Exide Industries Ltd., Shin-Kobe Electric Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Partha Dasgupta, Subhradas Bandyapadhyayay, Debashish Mazumdar, Surendra Kumar Mittal
  • Publication number: 20040086779
    Abstract: A rechargeable multi-cell battery including a plurality of electrochemical cells. Each of the cells includes a gas port that allows passage of cell gases into and out of the cell but prevent passage of cell electrolyte out of the cell. The gas port may be a gas permeable membrane. The multi-cell batter may be a bipolar battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Lin R. Higley, Marshall D. Muller, Dennis A. Corrigan
  • Publication number: 20040086778
    Abstract: An exhaust structure is provided on an upper part of a storage battery. In the structure, an exhaust chamber is formed with an inlet, through which gas generated from a cell chamber of the storage battery is introduced, a first outlet, arranged in an upper portion of the exhaust chamber and through which the gas is exhausted to an exterior of the storage battery, a second outlet, arranged in a bottom portion of the exhaust chamber and communicated with the cell chamber, side walls and a bottom wall defining the exhaust chamber. The bottom wall is slanted toward the second outlet. A plurality of plate members, which intercepts liquid contained in the gas. Each of the plate members is extended from one of the side walls such that a distal end portion faces another one of the side walls while defining a gap therebetween, and is slanted toward the second outlet so that the intercepted liquid is guided to the second outlet and returned to the cell chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: The Furukawa Battery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Nakano, Shyuichi Yabuki, Hisashi Ouchi, Ichiro Sano
  • Publication number: 20040023103
    Abstract: An air manager system for a metal air cell is disclosed. The system includes: (a) a housing having an air mover and an air outlet opening; and (b) a cartridge that is removable from the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: The Gillette Company, a Delaware corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Molloy, John A. Thompson, Bikram Yonjan, Robert Yoppolo
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20030138684
    Abstract: An electronic device driven by a metal-air battery. The metal-air battery has a battery diffusion pathway and a battery terminal. The electronic device includes a device diffusion pathway in communication with the diffusion pathway of the metal-air battery and a device battery terminal in contact with the device diffusion pathway. The battery device terminal also is in contact with the battery terminal of the metal-air battery so as to communicate electrical power from the metal-air battery to the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Tinker, Dennis Sieminski
  • Patent number: 6569556
    Abstract: A battery pack for an electric/hybrid vehicle including a cooling system that provides a substantially uniform cooling of the batteries within the pack. The battery pack includes a base that supports the batteries stacked in layers one atop the other. Each battery includes a plurality of cells with cooling air channels between them. A retention frame overlays and is affixed to the batteries to restrict the movement of the batteries within the pack. The batteries are held in spacers disposed above and below each layer of batteries. The spacers provide air passages above and below the batteries to allow cool air to flow across the batteries and through the cooling channels. An inlet admits cool air into the pack and an outlet releases the air from the pack after it is has passed through the stack of batteries. A front manifold is connected to the inlet and includes a plurality of separate runners for evenly splitting the air between the spacers below each layer of batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Shijian Zhou, Jeffrey C. Waters, David R. Price, Robert L. Stinefield
  • Publication number: 20030072992
    Abstract: The invention provides a battery pack comprising a battery using a battery can, wherein the operation of a pressure relief valve is not adversely affected by an insulating protective member. The insulating protective member is attached on the surface of the battery can provided with the pressure relief valve, having at least one aperture located above the pressure relief valve and in communication with the periphery of said pressure relief valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: NEC TOKIN TOCHIGI, LTD.
    Inventors: Suetaka Okamoto, Koichi Fujitsuka
  • Publication number: 20030072998
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bipolar battery having at least two battery cells comprising: a negative end terminal, a positive end terminal and at least one biplate assembly arranged in a sandwich structure between the negative and positive end terminals. The battery also comprises a separator, with electrolyte, arranged between each negative and positive electrode forming a cell. An inner barrier of a hydrophobic material is arranged at least around one electrode on a first side of the biplate. An outer sealing, e.g. a frame, is provided around the edge of each biplate assembly and each end terminal and a hole is arranged through each biplate interconnecting each cell with adjacent cell(s) to create a common gas space for all cells in the battery. The invention also relates to a biplate assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Lars Fredriksson, Neil Puester
  • Publication number: 20030059679
    Abstract: An electric accumulator battery, comprising a recipient which is closed by means of a lid composed of a lower lid and an upper lid joined together, delimiting an intermediate chamber. The lower lid has filling holes (15), in which closing stoppers with a gas outlet valve are assembled, which end in the chamber defined between the two lids. The upper lid has openings (10) for the passage of the connection terminals (3), and at least one gas outlet hole (12). The two lids have facing ventilation openings (7-7′).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Rafael Ruiz Rodriguez, Antonio Ripoll Anton, Ernesto Collado Parra
  • Publication number: 20030059669
    Abstract: A vented-type leak-resistant motor cycle battery comprising a housing in which a plurality of cells are mounted, a battery cover sealed to an upper end of the housing in a liquid tight manner so that the battery cover overlies the cells each having a vent chamber, a filling hole and a filling plug and a vent chamber cover sealed to the battery cover in a liquid tight manner, the battery cover being provided with a vent line extending in a longitudinal direction of the battery cover in flow communication with the spaces above the cells and having an exit end tilted upwardly toward the outside and a vent cap assembly being fitted to the vent line at the tilted exit end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Surendra Kumar Mittal, Debashish Mazumdar, Partha Dasgupta
  • Publication number: 20030059670
    Abstract: A sealed rechargeable battery with sets of wound electrodes arranged in a housing, wherein the housing has at least two main chambers separated by a cell separating wall and in each of which there are located at least two electrode coils. The electrode coils within the main chambers are connected in parallel and the storage elements formed in the main chambers are electrically connected in series. The positive poles of the electrode coils in one main chamber point in one direction and in the neighbouring main chamber they point in the opposite direction. The positive or negative electrodes of the electrode coils in one of the main chambers are respectively connected by a contact disk, which are provided with pole posts, and the opposite poles of all the cells are electrically connected in series by a contact disk connecting all the cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: NBT GmbH
    Inventors: Dieter Bechtold, Uwe Kohler
  • Publication number: 20030027037
    Abstract: A cordless power tool has a housing which includes a mechanism to couple with a removable battery pack. The battery pack includes one or more battery cells as well as a vent system in the battery pack housing which enables fluid to move through the housing. A mechanism is associated with the battery pack to dissipate heat from the battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Robert G. Moores, Rouse R. Bailey, Robert Bradus, John R. Cochran, Lee W. Ramstrom, Fred S. Watts, Paul S. White, Daniele C. Brotto, Janet M. Embrey
  • Patent number: 6444353
    Abstract: An integrated sealed secondary battery in which a plurality of cells are arranged in a row, cooling medium passages are formed on both sides on the row of the cell, and cooling medium passages are formed between adjacent cells such as to effect communication between the cooling medium passages on both sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignees: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsugu Takaki, Shinsuke Fukuda, Shinichi Yuasa, Shinji Hamada
  • Publication number: 20020102454
    Abstract: A battery pack for an electric/hybrid vehicle including a cooling system that provides a substantially uniform cooling of the batteries within the pack. The battery pack includes a base that supports the batteries stacked in layers one atop the other. Each battery includes a plurality of cells with cooling air channels between them. A retention frame overlays and is affixed to the batteries to restrict the movement of the batteries within the pack. The batteries are held in spacers disposed above and below each layer of batteries. The spacers provide air passages above and below the batteries to allow cool air to flow across the batteries and through the cooling channels. An inlet admits cool air into the pack and an outlet releases the air from the pack after it is has passed through the stack of batteries. A front manifold is connected to the inlet and includes a plurality of separate runners for evenly splitting the air between the spacers below each layer of batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Shijian Zhou, Jeffrey C. Waters, David R. Price, Robert L. Stinefield
  • Publication number: 20020098412
    Abstract: Electric accumulator battery, which comprises a receptacle (1) with cover, of a size which fits in the compartment traditionally reserved for this purpose in a motor vehicle. This receptacle is subdivided internally into a series of cells (2) that are distributed in two or more parallel rows between which are formed intermediate ventilation ducts (3), which are open to the outside through the bottom and the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Applicant: Sociedad Espanola del Acumulador Tudor, S.A.
    Inventors: Rafael Ruiz Rodriguez, Antonio Ripoll Anton
  • Patent number: 6296968
    Abstract: A one-piece battery comprises a tank divided into cells each receiving an electrode assembly, closure means for the tank and a circulating fluid type heat exchanger facing the relatively larger faces of the electrode assembly. The fluid flows in a compartment defined by two flanges which incorporate a fluid inlet orifice communicating with a common inlet manifold and a fluid outlet orifice communicating with a common outlet manifold. The tank comprises at least two units and each unit comprises at least one cell delimited by walls. The wall facing a relatively larger face of the electrode assembly constitutes one of the flanges. Each unit further incorporates a portion of an inlet and outlet manifold. The units are fastened together so that the flanges when placed face-to-face form a sealed circulation compartment and the portions of the same manifold are aligned with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: Alcatel
    Inventor: Roelof Verhoog
  • Patent number: 6277517
    Abstract: A battery of the type having electrolyte therein, comprising a case defining at least one electrolyte containing cell, and a primary cover bonded to the case. The primary cover has a barrel extending into the electrolyte cell. A secondary cover is bonded to the primary cover top, and includes an aperture concentric with the primary cover barrel. A baffling plug is disposed in the secondary cover aperture and extends into the barrel. The baffling plug has a lid with a bottom, an inner tubular splash guard extending away from said lid bottom, an outer splash guard concentrically spaced from said inner tubular splash guard. A retaining member formed part of the plug base retains the plug in the aperture, and seals the aperture to prevent the escape of the electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology Company
    Inventors: Brian J. Thomas, William J. Ross
  • Patent number: 6110617
    Abstract: A flooded lead acid battery includes a casing enclosing a plurality of cells having liquid electrolyte therein and a cover incorporating negative and positive terminals and having a plurality of vent holes. The vent holes are covered by at least one closure having a vent cavity therein, and a relatively rigid porous polytetrofluorethylene disc having hydrophobic properties is sealed within the vent cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Exide Corporation
    Inventor: Fred F. Feres
  • 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: 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: 5846671
    Abstract: The invention discloses a lid suited to be used on batteries of the "re-combination" type or of the "KAMINA" type realized with a single manufactured article moulded of plastic material. The manufactured article presents an essentially flat surface (6), a series of holes (4) aligned in relation to one another communicating with each element of the battery, a plurality of caps (11) lodged in said holes and a channel (5) for conveying the fumes generated by the battery and having its ends facing the external surface of the lid. With such an embodiment the lid is suited to be used on batteries of the "KAMINA" type, since it suffices for this purpose to place a tube for the exhaust of the fumes at at least one end of the conveyance channel (5). On the other hand, when the lid according to the invention is to be used on batteries of the "re-combination" type, it is sufficient to insert at the end of the re-conveyance channel (5) at least one one-way valve and sealing means such as OR rings under each cap (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventor: Olimpio Stocchiero
  • Patent number: 5702841
    Abstract: A battery cover for a battery casing has a plurality of electrolyte containing cells, a primary cover and a secondary cover. The primary cover has a plurality of barrels arranged along a longitudinal axis and the secondary cover has a plurality of tubular elements extending downwardly and insertable in the barrels of the primary cover. Each of the tubular elements has an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member. The outer tubular member has an axially extending cutout portion which runs from its tip to the surface of the secondary cover. The battery cover also has a plurality of baffles defining a circuitous passageway for gases which are evolved in the cells of the battery to be released to an external port located on the secondary cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Globe-Union Inc.
    Inventors: Brian J. Thomas, Gerald D. Slayton, Jerome R. Heiman, Rick Barnett
  • Patent number: 5643691
    Abstract: A pair of discharge pipes interconnect outlet ports of a plurality of batteries such that the first discharge pipe interconnects the outlet ports of some of the batteries and the second discharge pipe interconnects the outlet ports of the remaining batteries. The discharge pipes have rear ends connected respectively to atmospheric discharge units and other ends connected by joint pipes. Since the rear ends of the discharge pipes are connected to the atmospheric discharge units, even if one of the discharge pipes is closed or blocked for some reason, a gas emitted from the batteries is discharged from the other discharge pipes and hence is prevented from being trapped in the batteries. Additional pairs of discharge pipes a employed in the same manner for an additional plurality of batteries. The atmospheric discharge units include a backfire check member or valve and/or baffles for inhibiting ignition of the gas emitted from the batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Syuichiro Iwatsuki, Kei Oshida, Masayoshi Okamoto
  • Patent number: 5549986
    Abstract: A combined dual ganged manifold and cover arrangement for batteries features channeling of gas flow to an explosion attenuation device located between the manifolds and a cover designed for maximizing return to the battery of any electrolyte which may contact the cover from vibration, tilting, overheating, overcharge and the like. Splash barrels within the cover include a unique acid level indicator, and feet are provided on the manifold to prevent the manifolds from inadvertently being used with other cover designs. The arrangement is particularly useful for batteries having terminal posts lying along the battery centerline. The cover utilizes external and internal gas pick-up systems and perpetual hill and infinite well concepts to control acid flow. A narrow channel reduces standing wave electrolyte surface violence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Globe-Union, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerome R. Heiman, Gerald D. Slayton
  • Patent number: 5525438
    Abstract: A battery closure apparatus for a multi-cell storage battery includes a cap assembly for the simultaneous rotation of a plurality of caps within receptacles on the multi-cell storage battery. The apparatus includes a plurality of caps pivotally attached to a pair of elongate arms. A grip member is coupled to the cap assembly. Application of force to the grip member will simultaneously rotate each cap to releasably secure the caps to the battery receptacles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Tulip Corporation
    Inventors: Charles W. Kostrivas, Mark E. Sauter, Bernard N. Spiegelberg, Gary R. Whitcher
  • Patent number: 5516599
    Abstract: The invention provides a rigid reusable transport and storage vessel for retaining a plurality of anode cassettes of pressed zinc particles saturated with aqueous alkaline solution, and utilizable as an electric fuel in a zinc-air battery, the vessel having a sealably covered aperture and being provided with a hydrogen recombination device, the device being provided with an external surface at least part of which projects into the air surrounding the vessel for venting any hydrogen produced by the anode cassettes into the air surrounding the vessel, and the vessel being internally compartmentalized to contain a plurality of sealable internal compartments for retaining the plurality of anode cassettes, each of the internal compartments being provided with a gas non-return valve venting from the internal compartment to an interior space of the vessel for venting generated hydrogen from the cassettes via the gas non-return valve to the vessel for elimination via the hydrogen recombination device while preventing
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Electric Fuel (E.F.L.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Menachem Korall, Jonathan R. Goldstein, Menachem Givon
  • Patent number: 5424146
    Abstract: A storage battery has a battery housing which includes a rectangular casing with an open top end and a plurality of cell compartments, and a cover device sealed to the open top end of the casing. The cover device includes a main cover part and a sub-cover part. The main cover part has a plate body with a top face that is formed with a plurality of adjacent rectangular chambers. Each of the chambers is aligned with a respective one of the cell compartments and is confined by first and second longitudinal walls and first and second transverse walls. Each of the chambers has a bottom formed with a vent hole, a return hole, and an upwardly projecting partition unit that confines a condensate groove in the chamber. The sub-cover part is sealed to the main cover part at top edges of the longitudinal and transverse walls and the partition unit of each of the chambers to seal a top end of the condensate groove in each of the chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Assignee: Cheng Kwang Storage Battery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yung-Hua Lin
  • Patent number: 5422199
    Abstract: A wet, multicell, lead-acid electric storage battery is provided for. The battery comprises a container, a cover, one or more partition walls dividing the space within the container and cover into two or more cell cavities. The cover defines generally cylindrically shaped process holes associated with each cell cavity. The battery further comprises a venting system. The venting system comprises a manifold defined by the cover, the manifold having at least one opening in each process hole and at least one opening in the cover. The manifold is adapted to provide gaseous communication between the process holes and the ambient. The venting systems also comprises a venting plug associated with each process hole and adapted for insertion therein. The venting plugs have a generally cylindrical side wall, a closed upper end, an open lower end, and a central cavity. A vent aperture is located in the side wall of the venting plug and is in gaseous communication with the manifold and the venting plug central cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: GNB Battery Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Adams, Deborah S. Baumgartner, Duane D. Hakarine
  • Patent number: 5380604
    Abstract: A lead accumulator has a housing with a frontside, a backside, a first and second end faces, and a bottom. The housing has a plurality of cells containing acid. A lid is provided for closing the housing. The lid comprises an upper lid and a lower lid spaced from the upper lid to define a space therebetween. The space is divided by chamber walls into a plurality of chambers such that each cell has a corresponding chamber within the lid. For each cell the lid has a fill and check opening closable by a stopper. Each chamber has guides for controlling the flow of acid. The guides comprise deflecting stays and an annular stay surrounding the fill and check opening, the annular stay having a degassing and return outlet. The lid further has at least one ignition protector. The guides are designed and arranged such that, in any position of the housing, when resting on one of the side walls, acid within the chambers remains below a level above which acid flows into the ignition protector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 10, 1995
    Assignee: Accumulatorenwerke Hoppecke Carl Zoellner & Sohn GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Werner Hampe, Peter Scholz
  • Patent number: 5356734
    Abstract: Battery closure means which is adapted to mate with a cell access opening constructed with at least a partial helical surface or segment to normally receive a rotatable bayonet-style plug, such closure means having at least one stopper formed with depending arms each of which comprises outward extensions having tapered surfaces to engage such helically-shaped segments to enable such stopper to seal the cell access opening upon rectilinear insertion of the battery closure means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1994
    Assignee: Trojan Battery Company
    Inventor: Nawaz M. Oureshi
  • Patent number: 5328777
    Abstract: A cathode cover for a metal-air cell of the type having an air cathode positioned along an external surface of a cell case provides for improved control over exposure of the air cathode to air. The cathode cover allows a sufficient amount of air to the air cathode for an adequate production of power from the cell but limits the amount of air to which the air cathode is exposed so as to prevent premature failure of the cell from flooding, drying out, or contamination. In addition, the cathode cover avoids the problems of point diffusion of oxygen through the air cathode and localized electrolytic reactions. The cathode cover includes a mask member defining a plurality of openings therethrough and forming at least one substantially unobstructed air chamber between the mask member and the air cathode. The mask member includes at least about three of the openings per square inch of the air cathode and the openings provide between about 0.001 and about 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: AER Energy Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Dennis Bentz, Christopher S. Pedicini
  • Patent number: 5281492
    Abstract: A cover device for a storage battery includes a sub-cover that includes a flat bottom with a plurality of first vent-holes, a top portion and a connecting wall which interconnects the flat bottom and the top portion to define a space therein. The cover device further includes a plurality of tubes, each of which having n open end which is connected to each of the first vent-holes of the flat bottom and a closed end which is plugged into a respective inlet-hole of a main cover of the storage battery so as to close the inlet-hole, and a second vent-hole which is formed in the sub-cover and which communicates the space in the sub-cover with an exterior of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Ztong Yee Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsien-Chin Lin
  • Patent number: 4973533
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a gas vault structure for a storage battery having one or several cells enclosed in a housing, each cell containing electrolyte and monopolar plates and/or bipolar plates separated from one another by separator plates and coated with positive and/or negative mass, along with requisite electrical connectors interconnecting cells and/or plates. The gas vault structure is arranged to serve as an inner core for producing a gas space during casting of the housing of the storage battery, and/or of the cover, and/or of the partitions separating the cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Neste Oy
    Inventors: Jukka-Pekka Nieminen, Asko Maisti, Toivo Karna, Ahti Kemppi, Esko Savolainen, Niilo Jaasko
  • Patent number: 4916034
    Abstract: A removable strip adapted to be placed in a gas tight relationship with the top of a battery enclosure housing a plurality of channels and providing gaseous communication from a plurality of battery cells to a flame arrester located internally in the battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Globe-Union Inc.
    Inventors: Randy K. Hulsebus, Edward N. Mrotek, Paul J. Buckethal, Lanny D. Lower, Gerald A. Cummins
  • Patent number: 4891270
    Abstract: A multi-cell, lead-acid electric storage battery of the wet or absorbed electrolyte type is provided. The battery comprises one or more manifolding apertures in one or more partition walls, which apertures are of a size which allows passage of gases and in wet batteries minimizes passage of electrolyte and which define one or more sets of manifolded cells; a single trapping chamber associated with each set of manifolded cells; one or more vent apertures for wet battery applications or a pressure release valve for absorbed electrolyte battery applications is disposed between each set of manifolded cells and its respective trapping chamber, which vent apertures are of a size which allows passage of gases and in wet batteries minimizes passage of electrolyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: GNB Incorporated
    Inventors: Joseph J. Jergl, William H. Kump
  • Patent number: 4778735
    Abstract: A gang vent cap for commonly venting a plurality of cell apertures of a storage battery in which a vent cap having a cover and a base which define a selectively configured hollow enclosure. A venting path is defined within the hollow enclosure which interconnects one or more battery cell ports with the venting port of the vent cap. Associated with each battery cell port of the vent cap is a projecting battery engaging member which sealingly engages one of the cell apertures of a storage battery. Each cell port includes a splashguard disposed between the battery cell and the cell port to retard the ingress of battery acid into the vent cap. A cylindrical condensation chamber is defined within the hollow enclosure above each cell port to trap and condense battery acid contained in the gases venting from the battery cell. Pathways defined within the vent cap include primary and secondary acid retention chambers, a corridor system and a venting chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Inventors: Mark J. Shestok, Gerald D. Hudack, Scott J. Cronrath
  • Patent number: 4678726
    Abstract: In a multicell electric storage battery designed for central gas release, before being released into the open air the battery gases pass through a container positioned on the block casing in which the acid particles and moisture are separated from the gases as a consequence of the gases being repeatedly deflected by a series of walls placed in the path of the gases, which may be perforated if desired, and the dehumidified gases are then passed through a porous flame-protection frit. Flashback of a flame caused by external ignition of the gases is prevented by rapid burn-off of the gases in a flame extinguishing chamber preceding the frit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Assignee: Varta Batterie Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Eckart Buder, Hans-Ulrich Metz, Dieter bermeier
  • Patent number: 4618544
    Abstract: An improved explosion proof battery wherein the improvement comprises the separation of the gas flows in and out of each chamber from each other and the provision of check valves to each independent gas path to prevent the propagation of gas ignition from one cell to its neighbors when that ignition arises from within the battery. The battery and all of its elements are fabricated as a single substantially unitary structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 21, 1986
    Inventor: Alan C. Brooks
  • Patent number: 4600664
    Abstract: A storage battery having a case closed-off by a block cover in which, for e purpose of separating-off acid, a hollow space is formed by means of a lower cover part and an upper cover part that is spaced from the lower cover part. In conformity with the number of cells, the hollow space is divided into interconnected chambers, each of which communicates at its deepest location with an associated cell via an opening which is in the form of a tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1986
    Assignee: Accumulatorenwerke Hoppecke Carl Zoellner & Sohn GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wilhelm Cramer, Manfred Schrewe
  • Patent number: 4576879
    Abstract: A sealed lead acid battery being equipped with a venting valve discharging inner gas to an outside of battery in the event that an inner gas pressure in the battery reaches a prescribed value, a valve opening pressure being set to 0.2-0.4 kg/cm.sup.2, an enforceable pressure of positive and negative plate groups being set to 35-60 kg/dm.sup.2, polypropylene with filler being used for a material of container, and a side wall thickness of the container being set to 2-4 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1986
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masao Nakazawa, Michio Yashima, Shuuji Takahashi
  • Patent number: 4486516
    Abstract: A low silhouette horizontal-type venting system for an electric storage battery including an electrolyte drainage aperture(s) at one end of the system, an exhaust port at the other end of the system and an electrolyte trapping and refluxing chamber between the aperture(s) and port wherein the chamber is divided into an antechamber and a sump chamber having oppositely sloping floors leading downwardly to the drainage aperture. A narrow electrolyte upflow restricting slot(s) communicates the antechamber with the sump chamber. Baffles are provided in the sump chamber to inhibit electrolyte movement therethrough. Narrow channels are provided at the slot(s) and drainage aperture(s) for capillarily refluxing electrolyte back to the sump and cell, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1984
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: David T. Poe
  • Patent number: 4463069
    Abstract: An electric storage battery having a battery gas venting system including: an electrolyte-trapping chamber; an exhaust port for venting battery gases to the ambient; a porous flame arresting filter between the electrolyte-trapping chamber and the port; a combustion chamber adjacent the exhaust port for the controlled combustion of the battery gases; a buffer chamber intermediate the porous filter and the combustion chamber; a partition separating the combustion and buffer chambers; and a relatively small aperture communicating the combustion and buffer chambers one with the other. The aperture between the buffer and combustion chambers preferably has an effective cross-sectional area which is no more than about one-half the cross-sectional area of the exhaust port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 31, 1984
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Michael E. Greenlee
  • Patent number: 4424263
    Abstract: A flame arrestor for a battery manifold through which gases are vented from cells and liquid is occasionally pumped to replenish electrolyte in the cells comprises two chambers connected by a liquid trap. The trap is connected to each chamber such that liquid tends to drain from the chamber into the trap and thereby seals the trap. The liquid seal suppresses any flame attempting to propagate through the manifold. Gas buildup in the manifold displaces liquid from the trap into the downstream chamber, whereupon gas flows through the chamber for venting and the liquid is returned to the chamber to reform the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1984
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory L. Howell, Oscar H. Smith, Don G. Townsend
  • Patent number: 4409302
    Abstract: A venting system for an electric storage battery including an electrolyte trapping chamber having a floor sloping toward a venting/drainage aperture at the low point of the floor and a drip tab beneath the rim of the aperture to enhance electrolyte drainage from the chamber floor. A surrounding skirt and supplemental baffle reduce electrolyte invasion of the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1983
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: David T. Poe
  • Patent number: 4374187
    Abstract: A cover apparatus in a monoblock storage battery of the type in which the underside surface of the battery cover is provided with cell partition walls for defining a plurality of cell chambers. The underside surface of the cover is further provided with mutually facing walls crossing transversely the cell partition walls and a cover wall on the lower surface thereof which defines an exhaust passage duct common to the plurality of cell chambers which permits the escape of gas generated in the cell chambers while effectively preventing leakage of electrolyte from the battery during gas venting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1983
    Assignee: The Furukawa Battery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ichiro Sano
  • Patent number: 4371591
    Abstract: An improved manifold vented battery cover is disclosed. The disclosed battery cover has an improved manifold construction which is defined by the assembly of mated inner and outer members. In addition, the disclosed cover includes an external terminal post having a repositioning portion encapsulated within the mated inner outer members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1983
    Assignee: General Battery Corporation
    Inventors: Terry R. Oxenreider, Herbert A. Bush, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4348466
    Abstract: An anti-spill arrangement is disclosed for a liquid electrolyte battery. The device comprises a chamber configuration or arrangement for containing electrolyte associated with a battery cell, when a battery is tipped toward or onto any one of its sides. The chamber arrangement has an inlet in communication with an associated battery cell and an outlet in communication with a vent to atmosphere. The chamber arrangement is such that regardless to which side a battery having the device is tipped, electrolyte flows from the associated battery cell into the chamber arrangement to a level which blocks further electrolyte flow through the inlet. The chamber arrangement is such that the contained level of electrolyte remains spaced from the outlet of the arrangement. Thus, this type of device precludes flow of electrolyte out of the anti-spill device when the battery is tipped to any one of its sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1982
    Assignee: Varta Batteries Limited
    Inventors: Wolodymyr R. Elehew, Peter T. Kong
  • 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