Abstract:
A "fuel gauge" for a pulse dischargeable alkali metal/solid cathode cell is described. The rate of voltage recovery is used to determine the state of charge of the cell. Voltage recovery includes recovery from one load to a second, lighter load, or a loaded condition to OCV. The present invention is particularly useful as an end-of-life indicator for a Li/CF x cell powering an implantable medical device.
Abstract:
An anodized pressed valve metal powder pellet is described. The anodized pellet is particularly useful as an anode in an electrolytic capacitor having an improved breakdown voltage. The anodized pellet is formed by periodically holding the pellet at a constant voltage and allowing the current to decay over a period of time, or by turning the formation power supply off altogether during the anodization process. Either way provides an opportunity for heated electrolyte to diffuse from the anodized pellet.
Abstract:
An alkali metal/solid cathode electrochemical cell, particularly a Li/SVO cell, having an anode-to-cathode (A/C) capacity ratio of about 0.68 to about 0.96, is described. This provides the cell with negligible, if any, cell swelling during discharge.
Abstract:
A protection device and a method of protecting an electrical component. The protection device has a protective housing and a terminal cap. The protective housing has a base with a contact hole therethrough for receiving an electrical terminal pin, and has a projecting shoulder extending from the base to a first distance from the base. The protective housing also has a retaining clip extending from the base to a second distance from the base, the second distance being greater than the first distance. The terminal cap has a first side and a second side, and in use, at least part of the first side of the terminal cap contacts the projecting shoulder and at least part of the second side of the terminal cap contacts the retaining clip. A method according to the present invention includes steps for determining the temperature to which the protective housing was exposed.
Abstract:
A lithium ion electrochemical cell having high charge/discharge capacity, long cycle life and exhibiting a reduced first cycle irreversible capacity, is described. The stated benefits are realized by the addition of at least one phosphate additive having the formula: (R 1 O)P(=O) (OR 2 ) (OR 3 ) and wherein R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are the same or different, wherein at least one, but not all three, of the R groups is hydrogen, or at least one of the R groups has at least 3 carbon atoms and contains an sp or sp 2 hybridized carbon atom bonded to an sp 3 hybridized carbon atom bonded to the oxygen atom bonded to the phosphorous atom.
Abstract:
The present comprises an electrode having the configuration: first active material/current collector/second active material. One of the electrode active materials in a cohesive form is incapable of moving through the current collector to the other side thereof. However, in an un-cohesive form, the one electrode active material is capable of communication through the current collector. The other or second active material is in a form in-capable of communication through the current collector, whether it is in a cohesive or un-cohesive powder form. Then, the assembly of first active material/current collector/second active material is pressed from either the direction of the first electrode active material to the second electrode active material, or visa versa.
Abstract:
A new sandwich cathode design is provided having a first cathode structure of a first cathode active material of a relatively low energy density but of a relatively high rate capability, for example SVO, mixed with a second cathode active material having a relatively high energy density but a relatively low rate capability, for example CF x , with the percentage of SVO being less than that of CF x and sandwiched between two current collectors. Then, a second cathode mixture of SVO and CF x active materials is contacted to the outside of the current collectors. However, the percentage of SVO to CF x is greater in the second structure than in the first. Such an exemplary cathode design might look like: (100-y)% SVO + y% CF x , wherein 0 ≤ y ≤ 100/current collector/(100-x)% SVO + x% CF x , wherein 0 ≤ x ≤ 100/current collector/(100-y)% SVO + y% CF x , wherein 0 ≤ y ≤ 100, and wherein the ratio of x to y is selected from the group consisting of y
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to an unexpected benefit in a lithium cell which may be derived from using a combination of silver vanadium oxide prepared in a temperature range of about 450°C to about 500°C activated with a nonaqueous electrolyte having a passivation inhibitor additive selected from a nitrite, a nitrate, a carbonate, a dicarbonate, a phosphonate, a phosphate, a sulfate and hydrogen fluoride, and mixtures thereof. The benefits may include additional battery life resulting from a reduction in voltage delay and RDC build-up. A preferred electrolyte is 1M LiAsF 6 in a 50:50 mixture, by volume, of PC and DME having dibenzyl carbonate added therein.