114results about "Several cell simultaneous arrangements" patented technology

A refuelable and rechargable metal-air FCB based power supply unit for integration into a device / system for generating and providing electrical power to at least one electrical-energy-consuming load device disposed therein. An external power source is used to recharge the metal-air FCB subsystems embodied therein. A control subsystem automatically transitions between discharging mode (wherein at least one metal-air FCB subsystem supplies electrical power to the electrical power-consuming load device) and a recharging mode (wherein the external power source is electrically coupled to at least one metal-air FCB subsystem to thereby recharge the metal-air FCB subsystem(s). The metal-air FCB subsystem(s) are refueled by manually loading and unloading metal-fuel from the metal-air FCB subsystem(s). Preferably, electrical power provided to the at least one electrical power-consuming load device is supplied solely by electrical power generated by discharging metal-fuel in the metal-air fuel cell battery subsystem(s). In addition, the metal-air FCB subsystem(s) preferably has a modular architecture that enable flexible and user-friendly operations in loading of metal-fuel, unloading of consumed metal-fuel, replacement of the ionic-conducting medium, and replacement of the cathode.

A hybrid battery power source for implantable medical use provides relatively stable resistance during discharge and avoids the voltage delays that develop as a result of variable resistance increase in Li / SVO cells. The hybrid battery power source utilizes two batteries or cells, one being a primary battery of relatively high energy density and the other being a rechargeable secondary battery of low relatively stable internal resistance. The primary and secondary batteries are connected in a parallel arrangement, preferably via an intermediate voltage boost circuit having an inductor and a pulse generating control circuit therein. The energy storage capacitors of the medical device in which the hybrid battery power source is situated are driven in whole or substantial part by the secondary battery. The primary battery is used to as an energy source for recharging the secondary battery. By arranging the two batteries in parallel, with one serving as a primary battery and the other as a rechargeable secondary battery, all the benefits of the defibrillatory impulse will be obtained and the deficiencies arising from variable voltage delay found in prior art implantable power sources will not be present.

A hybrid battery power source for implantable medical use provides a generally constant low internal resistance during discharge and avoids voltage delays of the type that develop as a result of run down-induced resistance increase in Li / SVO cells. The hybrid battery power source utilizes two batteries or cells, one being a primary cell of relatively high energy density and the other being a secondary cell of relatively low internal resistance that is rechargeable. The primary and secondary cells are connected in a parallel arrangement via a voltage boost / charge control circuit that is powered by the primary cell and adapted to charge the secondary cell while limiting charge / discharge excursions thereof in a manner that optimizes its output for high energy medical device use. The energy storage capacitors of the medical device in which the hybrid battery power source is situated are driven by the secondary cell. The primary cell is used to as an energy source for recharging the secondary cell.

A method for controlling charging in an electronic device for managing the electronic device, to stably charge a battery is provided. The method includes setting alarm such that a wake up signal is generated after a time elapses when entry into a suspend mode is requested during charging a battery or in a charging stop state, entering the suspend mode, waking-up and determining a state of the battery wake up, and turning-on or -off the battery charging according to the determined state of the battery.

Disclosed herein is a process for preparation of a secondary battery module. The process includes forming coupling through-holes having specific shapes at plate-shaped electrode terminals of a plurality of unit cells, stacking the unit cells one on another, and inserting coupling members through the coupling through-holes to couple the unit cells with each other. Consequently, the secure coupling and the electrical connection between the unit cells is accomplished without using additional members, such as cartridges, and therefore, a compact battery module having high coupling force is prepared.

Improved metal-air fuel cell battery systems having metal-fuel realized in the form of metal-fuel tape cartridges and metal-fuel cards, which can be either manually or automatically inserted within the power generation bay of the system. In order to produce a range of output voltages, the metal-fuel tape has a plurality of electrically-isolated metal-fuel tracks and the metal-fuel cards have a plurality of electrically-isolated metal-fuel strips. An output voltage configuration subsystem is provided for configuring the voltages produced by the individual cells to produce a desired output. A subsystem is provided for detecting oxide formation on the metal-fuel tracks and strips so that only metal-fuel that has been oxidized is reduced during recharging operations. A subsystem is also provided for controlling the flow of oxygen into the power generation head in order to control the power output from the system.

An energy conversion system is provided including at least one energy conversion device. A reservoir container is provided for storing a quantity of fuel and a quantity of exhaust. The reservoir container includes a container body including at least two chambers of inversely variable volume disposed within said container body for respectively storing a quantity of fuel and receiving a quantity of exhaust, and a structure for decreasing the volume of the first chamber while concurrently increasing the volume of the second chamber. The auxiliary container is in fluid communication with the at least one energy conversion device, the first chamber and the second chamber. The auxiliary container is configured for receiving a quantity of fuel from the first chamber, providing said quantity of fuel to the at least one energy conversion device, receiving a quantity of fuel partially converted from said energy conversion device, and returning a portion of said partially converted fuel to said energy conversion device.

In an air-metal fuel cell battery (FCB) system, wherein a plurality of movable cathode structures are mounted within a compact housing through which metal-fuel tape is transported along a predetermined path while an ionically-conductive medium is disposed between the metal-fuel tape and each movable cathode structure at points of contact. In illustrative embodiments, the movable cathode structures are realized as rotatable cathode cylinders, and transportable cathode belts. The ionically-conductive medium is realized as a solid-state ionically-conductive film applied to the cathode structures and / or metal-fuel tape, as well as ionically-conductive belt structures transported at the same velocity as corresponding cathode structures (e.g. cathode cylinders or belts) at the locus of points at which the ionically-conductive medium contacts the moving cathode structure and the moving metal-fuel tape. By virtue of the present invention, the volumetric power density characteristics of FCB systems can be significantly improved, while the likelihood of damage to the cathode structures and metal-fuel tape is substantially reduced.

Disclosed are various types of metal-air FCB-based systems comprising a Metal-Fuel Transport Subsystem, a Metal-Fuel Discharging Subsystem, and a Metal-Fuel Recharging Subsystem. The function of the Metal-Fuel Transport Subsystem is to transport metal-fuel cards or sheets to the Metal-Fuel Discharge Subsystem, or the Metal-Fuel Recharge Subsystem, depending on the mode of the system selected. When transported to or through the Metal-Fuel Discharge Subsystem, each metal-fuel card is discharged by (i.e. electro-chemically reaction with) one or more discharging heads in order produce electrical power across an electrical load connected to the subsystem while H2O and O2 are consumed at the cathode-electrolyte interface during the electro-chemical reaction. When transported to or through the Metal-Fuel Recharging Subsystem, discharged metal-fuel is recharged by one or more recharging heads in order to convert the oxidized metal-fuel material into its source metal material suitable for reuse in power discharging operations, while O2 is released at the cathode-electrolyte interface during the electro-chemical reaction. In the illustrative embodiments, various forms of metal fuel cards can be discharged and recharged in an efficient manner to satisfy a broad range of electrical loading conditions.

Disclosed is a method and apparatus for extending path-length of metal-fuel tape during discharging and / or recharging operations so that a supply of metal-fuel tape contained within a cassette device or on a supply reel can be rapidly discharged and / or recharged in an improved manner. During discharging operations, a plurality of discharging heads are selectively arranged about the extended path-length of metal-fuel tape so as increase the rate at which electrical power is powered from the system. During recharging operations, a plurality of recharging heads are selectively arranged about the extended path-length of metal-fuel tape to decrease the time required to recharge the metal-fuel tape transported through the system.

An accumulating element module includes a plurality of accumulating elements, each having a positive pole terminal and a negative pole terminal at one end. The accumulating elements are connected together at their other ends by an insulating connecting member made of a synthetic rubber. The insulating connecting member includes a plurality of caps and connectors. A deformation-resistant, band-shaped, temperature sensing member having a plurality of excessively raised temperature detectors is inserted through the caps.

Disclosed is a metal-air fuel cell battery system, wherein metal-fuel tape can be transported through its discharging head assembly as well as its recharging head assembly in a bi-directional manner while the availability of metal-fuel therealong is automatically managed in order to improve the performance of the system.

An energy conversion system, comprising: a reservoir container including at least two chambers of inversely variable volume for respectively storing a quantity of fuel and receiving a quantity of exhaust; a means for decreasing the volume of the first chamber while concurrently increasing the volume of the second chamber; at least one energy conversion device; first means for communicating fuel between the at least one energy conversion device and a first of the chambers in the reservoir container; and second means for communicating exhaust between the at least one energy conversion device and a second of the chambers in the reservoir container. The reservoir container may be transported to a recharging / refilling station or recharged in-situ. A particular application for metal-air fuel cell power systems is shown and described.

In an air-metal fuel cell battery (FCB) system, wherein metal-fuel tape, the ionically-conductive medium and the cathode structures are transported at substantially the same velocity at the locus of points at which the ionically-conductive medium contacts the moving cathode structure and the moving metal-fuel tape during discharging and recharging modes of operation. In a first generalized embodiment of the present invention, the ionically-conductive medium is realized as an ionically-conductive belt, and the metal-fuel tape, ionically-conductive belt, and movable cathode structure are transported at substantially the same velocity at the locus of points which the ionically-conducing belt contacts the metal-fuel tape and the cathode structure during system operation. In a second generalized embodiment of the present invention, the ionically-conductive medium is realized as a solid-state (e.g. gelatinous) film layer integrated with the metal-fuel tape. In a third generalized embodiment of the present invention, the ionically-conductive medium is realized as a solid-state film layer integrated with the movable cathode structure. By transporting the movable cathode structure, ionically contacting medium and metal-fuel tape within the system as described above, generation of frictional forces among such structures are minimized during system operation, and thus the damage to the cathode structure and metal-fuel tape is substantially reduced.

An improved metal-air fuel cell battery (FCB) system and a method of producing and supplying electrical power to an electrical power consuming device. The method involves packaging and distributing together (i) a metal-air FCB module for producing electrical power using a metal-fuel card insertable within the metal-air FCB module, and (ii) a supply of metal-fuel cards, available as metal-fuel consumable within the metal-air FCB module. The metal-air FCB module includes a cathode structure and an anode contacting structure wherebetween a metal-fuel card can be inserted during a metal-fuel card loading operation, when electrical power is required from the metal-air FCB module. By virtue of the present invention, consumers can now quickly and easily refuel a metal-air FCB module used to power electrical power consuming devices, without wasting or otherwise replacing the typically massive, expensive, and non-consumed components of the metal-air FCB module.

Disclosed is a method and apparatus for extending path-length of metal-fuel tape during discharging and / or recharging operations so that a supply of metal-fuel tape contained within a cassette device or on a supply reel can be rapidly discharged and / or recharged in an improved manner. During discharging operations, a plurality of discharging heads are selectively arranged about the extended path-length of metal-fuel tape so as increase the rate at which electrical power is powered from the system. During recharging operations, a plurality of recharging heads are selectively arranged about the extended path-length of metal-fuel tape to decrease the time required to recharge the metal-fuel tape transported through the system.

A dynamic battery array of individualdiscrete cells, controllably interconnected for instantaneous dynamic configuration into a plurality of individual power buses having different electrical power output characteristics, each of which is tailored to supply the electrical power required at the instant by a particular electrical load within a circuit. Preferably the cells are fungible and randomly available so that at any given instant any given cell can be poweringly associated with a particular electrical load. The dynamic battery array, consisting of discrete cells lends itself to mounting on physically flexible substrates such as credit cards. The programmable array employs low resistance switch arrays for dynamically and instantaneously forming individual power networks or power buses between selected power cells and individual electrical loads in electrical circuits. The circuits to which such battery arrays are applied are generally complex circuits in which several different loads occur, each of which has a different power requirement.

The invention relates to a device for classifying a battery produced by assembling electricity-accumulating elements (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) divided into groups. In the device, a component (22) is provided for evaluating the degrees of ageing, each of which is associated with a distinct group, and for allocating, to the battery, in accordance with statistical distribution parameters of the evaluated degrees of ageing, a classification level that is representative of the potential performances of the battery during use.

Provided is a walking assist device capable of changing a battery to be used without decreasing a capability to assist walking A walking assist device comprises a leg attachment, a battery, and a controller. The leg attachment has an actuator for applying torque on a joint of one leg of a user. The battery supplies electric power to the actuator. The battery (a first battery) is configured by a plurality of battery cells being connected. A battery in which at least one battery cell is electrically separated from the first battery corresponds to a second battery. The controller changes a power source of the actuator from the first battery to the second battery while the other leg is making contact with ground.

The invention relates to the technical field of battery boxes, in particular to a heat-conducting battery box. The heat-conducting battery box comprises a battery box body, wherein multiple rows of heat-conducting plates are arranged in the battery box body and are provided with battery cells; and the battery box body is a totally enclosed box body, so that fine particles, such as dust and the like in air are effectively prevented from entering; and the external attack resistance of the box body is also improved. Meanwhile, all gaps of the battery box body are fully filled with heat-conducting glue, so that the heat generated by a battery is emitted in the fastest manner. Each heat-conducting plate comprises a partition plate and a bottom plate; and each bottom plate is arranged vertically to the corresponding partition plate and is bonded with the bottom part of the battery box body through the heat-conducting glue. Through the arranged bottom plates, the contact area of the heat-conducting plates and the bottom part of the battery box body can be increased; the heat dissipation effect is improved; and the technical problems that the battery box in the prior art is poor in heat-conducting property and dust easily falls into the battery box are solved.

An accumulating element module includes a plurality of accumulating elements, each having a positive pole terminal and a negative pole terminal at one end. The accumulating elements are connected together at their other ends by an insulating connecting member made of a synthetic rubber. The insulating connecting member includes a plurality of caps and connectors. A deformation-resistant, band-shaped, temperature sensing member having a plurality of excessively raised temperature detectors is inserted through the caps.

In an air-metal fuel cell battery (FCB) system, wherein a plurality of movable cathode structures are mounted within a compact housing through which metal-fuel tape is transported along a predetermined path while an ionically-conductive medium is disposed between the metal-fuel tape and each movable cathode structure at points of contact. In illustrative embodiments, the movable cathode structures are realized as rotatable cathode cylinders, and transportable cathode belts. The ionically-conductive medium is realized as a solid-state ionically-conductive film applied to the cathode structures and / or metal-fuel tape, as well as ionically-conductive belt structures transported at the same velocity as corresponding cathode structures (e.g. cathode cylinders or belts) at the locus of points at which the ionically-conductive medium contacts the moving cathode structure and the moving metal-fuel tape. By virtue of the present invention, the volumetric power density characteristics of FCB systems can be significantly improved, while the likelihood of damage to the cathode structures and metal-fuel tape is substantially reduced.

Improved metal-air fuel cell battery systems having metal-fuel realized in the form of metal-fuel tape cartridges and metal-fuel cards, which can be either manually or automatically inserted within the power generation bay of the system. In order to produce a range of output voltages, the metal-fuel tape has a plurality of electrically-isolated metal-fuel tracks and the metal-fuel cards have a plurality of electrically-isolated metal-fuel strips. An output voltage configuration subsystem is provided for configuring the voltages produced by the individual cells to produce a desired output. A subsystem is provided for detecting oxide formation on the metal-fuel tracks and strips so that only metal-fuel that has been oxidized is reduced during recharging operations. A subsystem is also provided for controlling the flow of oxygen into the power generation head in order to control the power output from the system.

Disclosed are various types of metal-air FCB-based systems comprising a Metal-Fuel Transport Subsystem, a Metal-Fuel Discharging Subsystem, and a Metal-Fuel Recharging Subsystem. The function of the Metal-Fuel Transport Subsystem is to transport metal-fuel material, in the form of tape, cards, sheets, cylinders and the like, to the Metal-Fuel Discharge Subsystem, or the Metal-Fuel Recharge Subsystem, depending on the mode of the system selected. When transported to or through the Metal-Fuel Discharge Subsystem, the metal-fuel is discharged by (i.e. electro-chemically reaction with) one or more discharging heads in order produce electrical power across an electrical load connected to the subsystem while H2O and O2 are consumed at the cathode-electrolyte interface during the electro-chemical reaction. When transported to or through the Metal-Fuel Recharging Subsystem, discharged metal-fuel is recharged by one or more recharging heads in order to convert the oxidized metal-fuel material into its source metal material suitable for reuse in power discharging operations, while O2 is released at the cathode-electrolyte interface during the electro-chemical reaction. In the illustrative embodiments, various forms of metal fuel can be discharged and recharged in an efficient manner to satisfy a broad range of electrical loading conditions.

In an air-metal fuel cell battery (FCB) system, wherein metal-fuel tape, the ionically-conductive medium and the cathode structures are transported at substantially the same velocity at the locus of points at which the ionically-conductive medium contacts the moving cathode structure and the moving metal-fuel tape during discharging and recharging modes of operation. In a first generalized embodiment of the present invention, the ionically-conductive medium is realized as an ionically-conductive belt, and the metal-fuel tape, ionically-conductive belt, and movable cathode structure are transported at substantially the same velocity at the locus of points which the ionically-conducing belt contacts the metal-fuel tape and the cathode structure during system operation. In a second generalized embodiment of the present invention, the ionically-conductive medium is realized as a solid-state (e.g. gel-like) film layer integrated with the metal-fuel tape, and the metal-fuel tape, ionically-conductive film layer and movable cathode structure are transported at substantially the same velocity at the locus of points which the ionically-conducing film layer contacts the metal-fuel tape and the cathode structure during system operation. In a third generalized embodiment of the present invention, the ionically-conductive medium is realized as a solid-state film layer integrated with the movable cathode structure, and the metal-fuel tape, ionically-conductive film layer and movable cathode structure are transported at substantially the same velocity at the locus of points which the ionically-conducing film layer contacts the metal-fuel tape and the cathode structure during system operation. By transporting the movable cathode structure, ionically contacting medium and metal-fuel tape within the system as described above, generation of frictional forces among such structures are minimized during system operation, and thus the damage to the cathode structure and metal-fuel tape is substantially reduced.

Disclosed are various types of metal-air FCB-based systems comprising a Metal-Fuel Transport Subsystem, a Metal-Fuel Discharging Subsystem, and a Metal-Fuel Recharging Subsystem. The function of the Metal-Fuel Transport Subsystem is to transport metal-fuel material, in the form of tape, cards, sheets, cylinders and the like, to the Metal-Fuel Discharge Subsystem, or the Metal-Fuel Recharge Subsystem, depending on the mode of the system selected. When transported to or through the Metal-Fuel Discharge Subsystem, the metal-fuel is discharged by (i.e. electro-chemically reaction with) one or more discharging heads in order produce electrical power across an electrical load connected to the subsystem while H2O and O2 are consumed at the cathode-electrolyte interface during the electrochemical reaction. When transported to or through the Metal-Fuel Recharging Subsystem, discharged metal-fuel is recharged by one or more recharging heads in order to convert the oxidized metal-fuel material into its source metal material suitable for reuse in power discharging operations, while O2 is released at the cathode-electrolyte interface during the electro-chemical reaction. In the illustrative embodiments, discharge and recharge parameters are detected and processed in order to generate control data signals that are used to control discharging and recharging parameters so that discharging and recharging operations and metal-fuel / metal-oxide management operations are carried out in an efficient manner.

A submersible power supply apparatus provides the ability to provide power for recharging batteries used to operate underwater vehicles, manned and unmanned. A battery charging station apparatus containing at least one modular reserve battery magazine with a plurality of compartments is provided. A plurality of reserve battery modules may be respectively provided in the plurality of compartments, each of the plurality of reserve battery modules being configured to provide power when a reserve battery provided therein is activated.

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.