Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080302474 | Friction heating for joining dissimilar materials - One side of a metal sheet is joined to a polymer layer by applying heat to a joining area on the opposite side of the metal. The heat flows through the thin metal to activate a thermoplastic material or heat setting polymer into a bond with the metal. The method can be used to bond the metal sheet to a plastic body or another metal member. It is preferred to use a friction or friction stir tool to heat the metal surface. | 12-11-2008 |
20080305362 | Corrosion inhibitors in adhesive bonding of vehicle body structures - In an illustrative embodiment, two panels of different materials may be bonded with a structural adhesive composition comprising microcapsules containing corrosion inhibiting materials for protecting the panels from corrosion. For example, a steel vehicle door outer panel may be bonded to an aluminum alloy or magnesium alloy inner panel using an epoxy adhesive. Dispersed within the uncured adhesive are an abundance of microcapsules filled with a fluid or mobile material for reacting with the iron and/or aluminum or magnesium to inhibit corrosion arising from the facing surfaces of the mixed metal panels. The protective material is released from the microcapsules for diffusion through the cured or uncured interfacial adhesive to react with one or both panel surfaces and form a protective coating on the surfaces. | 12-11-2008 |
20080308236 | Friction Heating for Joining Dissimilar Materials - One side of a metal sheet is joined to a polymer layer by applying heat to a joining area on the opposite side of the metal. The heat flows through the thin metal to activate a thermoplastic material or heat setting polymer into a bond with the metal. The method can be used to bond the metal sheet to a plastic body or another metal member. It is preferred to use a friction or friction stir tool to heat the metal surface. | 12-18-2008 |
20090020188 | Active material apparatus with activating thermoelectric device thereon and method of fabrication - An active material assembly is provided having a thermally-activated active material apparatus with an elongated, non-planar shape and a thermoelectric device in thermal contact therewith. The thermoelectric device is characterized by a thermal differential when current flows through the device to activate the thermally-activated active material apparatus, thereby altering at least one dimension thereof. Multiple discrete thermoelectric devices may be in thermal contact with the active material apparatus and electrically in parallel with one another. The active material apparatus, which may be multiple active material components, each with one of the thermoelectric devices thereon, may be encased within a flexible electronic-insulating material to form an articulated active material assembly that can achieve different geometric shapes by separately activating one or more of the different thermoelectric devices. A method of fabricating an articulated active material assembly is also provided. | 01-22-2009 |
20090068357 | MAGNESIUM-TITANIUM SOLID SOLUTION ALLOYS - Films of magnesium mixed with titanium are produced by non-equilibrium alloying processes such as electron beam evaporation of magnesium and titanium ingots in a very low pressure chamber. Such magnesium-titanium films form as single phase solid solutions. Titanium is inherently resistant to corrosion and its admixture with magnesium in solid solution provides a new composition that is less subject to intra-film galvanic corrosion. The magnesium-titanium films also provide relatively hard and strong coatings. | 03-12-2009 |
20090140742 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING A STATE OF CHARGE OF A BATTERY - Methods and systems are provided for determining a state of charge of a battery. The battery is subjected to a predetermined magnetic field such that the battery and the predetermined magnetic field jointly create a resultant magnetic field. The resultant magnetic field is sensed. The state of charge of the battery is determined based on the resultant magnetic field. | 06-04-2009 |
20090176122 | METHOD OF FORMING CASTING WITH FRICTIONAL DAMPING INSERT - A method of making a frictionally damped part including providing a frictional damping insert including downwardly extending support legs stamped out of a body portion of the insert. | 07-09-2009 |
20090278396 | CORROSION ISOLATION OF MAGNESIUM COMPONENTS - A vehicle component, such as a wheel, is formed of a magnesium alloy for weight reduction in an automotive vehicle. It is expected that the wheel will be attached to other vehicle wheel-related componenets that are formed of metal compositions (for example, steel or cast iron components) that may lead to the corrosion of the magnesium wheel. Such attachment surfaces of the magnesium wheel are oxidized to form an integral and durable oxide layer on the magnesium wheel. When the magnesium wheel is attached to vehicle wheel supporting components of other alloys, the oxide layer-coated surfaces of the magnesium wheel are electrochemically isolated from the non-magnesium materials to prevent oxidation of the wheel or attached components. | 11-12-2009 |
20090325071 | Intercalation Electrode Based on Ordered Graphene Planes - An intercalation electrode includes an electron current collector and graphene planes deposited normal to the surface of the current collector substrate. The graphene planes are deposited on the current collector substrate from a carbon-precursor gas using, for example, chemical vapor deposition. In an embodiment of an anode for a lithium-ion battery, the graphene planes are intercalated with lithium atoms. A lithium-ion battery may include this anode, a cathode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. In repeated charging and discharging of the anode, lithium atoms and ions are readily transported between the graphene planes of the anode and the electrolyte. | 12-31-2009 |
20100018805 | PRE-LUBRICATION OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE BASED UPON LIKELY VEHICLE USAGE - A method is disclosed for initiating oil injection into a cylinder of an internal combustion engine prior to engine start-up, the oil injection protecting the engine from damage caused by insufficient lubrication during the start-up. The method includes processing data to modulate a lubrication initiation modifier and initiating the oil injection on the basis of the lubrication initiation modifier. | 01-28-2010 |
20100079145 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO DETERMINE THE STATE OF CHARGE OF A BATTERY USING MAGNETOSTRICTION TO DETECT MAGNETIC RESPONSE OF BATTERY MATERIAL - One exemplary embodiment includes a method including providing a battery, producing a first magnetic field so that a second magnetic field is induced in the battery, sensing a magnetic field resulting from the interaction of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field, utilizing the sensed net magnetic field to determine the state of charge of the battery. | 04-01-2010 |
20100291416 | STATE OF CHARGE MARKER FOR BATTERY SYSTEMS - An exemplary embodiment includes a battery cell electrode including a first material having a first potential versus state of charge (SOC) relationship; a second material having a second potential versus state of charge (SOC) relationship; wherein the second material becomes active to transfer ions at a selected SOC level to result in a readily observable change in measured potential from the first to the second potential versus SOC relationship. | 11-18-2010 |
20100294455 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HEATING AND COOLING A VEHICLE - A system for heating and cooling a vehicle includes a solar panel disposed on a surface of a vehicle and a thermoelectric unit i) disposed on or in an internal surface disposed in a cabin area of the vehicle, and ii) operatively connected to the solar panel. The thermoelectric unit is configured to heat and/or cool the internal surface in response to electric current applied thereto from the solar panel. The system further includes a control unit operatively associated with the thermoelectric unit. The control unit is configured to determine the amount and direction of the electric current to be applied to the thermoelectric unit based on i) a measured ambient temperature, ii) a measured temperature of the internal surface, and iii) a user-preferred reference temperature. | 11-25-2010 |
20110000596 | LOW NOISE RUN-FLAT TIRES - A tire includes a pair of sidewalls in spaced apart relation and extending substantially radially from a respective inner circumferential portion to a respective outer circumferential portion, a tread extending between and connecting outer circumferential portions of the sidewalls, at least a portion of a tire cavity defined by the tread and sidewalls, and a bead portion on the inner circumferential portion of each radially extending sidewall, the bead portion providing an engagement surface for engaging a wheel on which the tire is to be mounted, and a noise reducing foam disposed in at least a portion of the tire cavity. | 01-06-2011 |
20110064941 | CORROSION INHIBITORS IN BREAKABLE MICROCAPSULES TO PASSIVATE SCRATCHED METALS - Microencapsulated chemical(s), as water-soluble solid particles, are embedded in at least one the paint layers on the surface of a magnesium article used in an automobile. If the protective paint film is scratched or otherwise mechanically disturbed to expose the surface of the magnesium article the capsules will be ruptured. This will expose the encapsulated chemical(s) to ambient water enabling them to dissolve and form an aqueous solution capable of reacting with the exposed magnesium to form a protective passivating layer on the exposed magnesium to resist corrosion. In a second embodiment the encapsulated chemicals include a deliquescing compound for extraction of moisture from the atmosphere sufficient to induce dissolution of the passivating layer-forming chemical(s) and trigger the formation of the passivating layer in the absence of ambient water. | 03-17-2011 |
20110087393 | VEHICULAR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR - A method of controlling a vehicular electrical system for a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) includes providing a high voltage electrical system having a high power electrical energy storage device (HPD) and a power inverter that cooperate to provide power to a hybrid electric vehicle propulsion system, providing a low voltage electrical system having a low voltage power source, at least one accessory power load, and a control switch, and toggling the control switch between an opened and a closed position to isolate the low voltage system from the high voltage system when the switch is opened and to charge the HPD when the control switch is closed. | 04-14-2011 |
20110166811 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING A STATE OF CHARGE OF A BATTERY - Methods and systems are provided for determining a state of charge of a battery. The battery is subjected to a predetermined magnetic field such that the battery and the predetermined magnetic field jointly create a resultant magnetic field. The resultant magnetic field is sensed. The state of charge of the battery is determined based on the resultant magnetic field. | 07-07-2011 |
20110183148 | REVERSIBLE ADHESIVE BONDING SYSTEM - An apparatus at which a first substrate having a first surface with a reversible, dry adhesive thereon is releasably attachable includes a second substrate having a second surface, and a member being mounted with respect to the second substrate and defining a third surface. Adherence of the reversible, dry adhesive to the third surface is greater than adherence of the reversible, dry adhesive to the second surface. Accordingly, the member acts as an intermediary interface to improve the adhesion of the first substrate with respect to the second substrate. | 07-28-2011 |
20110200863 | LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES WITH COATED SEPARATORS - A porous polymer sheet or membrane is provided with a thin coating of an electrically non-conductive ceramic composition and the coating conforms to all surfaces, including the pore surfaces, of the membrane. Such a coated membrane serves well, for example, as an intra-cell separator in a lithium ion battery. The coating increases the mechanical properties and thermal stability of the separator in battery operation and retains electrolyte. The coating may be formed by a two-step vapor-phase process in which atoms of one or more metals such as aluminum, calcium, magnesium, titanium, silicon and/or zirconium are deposited in a conformal layer on a workpiece surface. The metal atoms may then be reacted with ammonia, carbon dioxide, and or water to form their respective non-conductive nitrides, carbides, and/or oxides on the surface. The two-step process is repeated as necessary to obtain a ceramic material coating of desired thickness. | 08-18-2011 |
20110224928 | BATTERY STATE ESTIMATOR USING MULTIPLE SAMPLING RATES - A method for estimating vehicle battery parameters that uses two different sampling rates. The method samples a battery terminal voltage and current at a high sampling rate to estimate the battery open circuit voltage and high frequency resistance. The battery state of charge (SOC) is derived from the open circuit voltage. Next, the battery terminal voltage and current are re-sampled at a low sampling rate. Other battery parameters can be extracted from the low-rate sampled signals. Next, all of the battery parameters that were obtained from the two sampling rates are used together to predict battery power. | 09-15-2011 |
20110233961 | MULTI-THICKNESS TUBE FOR HYDROFORMED MEMBERS - One embodiment includes providing a contiguous tubular member including at least one of a first material or a second material, so that the tubular member has a wall thickness that varies along the length of the tubular member; bending the tubular member; and hydroforming the tubular member into a part. | 09-29-2011 |
20110250478 | LITHIUM-ION CELL WITH AN ARRAY OF REFERENCE ELECTRODES - A cluster or array of reference electrode materials is prepared and used to monitor the state of charge of positive and negative active electrode materials of a lithium-ion cell. The reference electrode materials are composed so as to provide useful electrochemical potential values when placed in the same electrolyte in proximity with a positive or negative electrode. The array of reference electrodes includes at least two electrically discrete instances of reference electrode materials. Such duplication of reference material in the array permits confirmation of the present quality and activity of a reference material used for evaluation of positive and/or negative electrode material in a lithium-ion cell. | 10-13-2011 |
20110265933 | LAMINATED STEEL WITH COMPLIANT VISCOELASTIC CORE - Laminated metallic sheets which comprise an interior layer of a viscoelastic polymeric compound sandwiched between outer layers of metallic sheet may exhibit enhanced properties through modification of the viscoelastic phase. In a first embodiment the elastic modulus of the viscoelastic polymeric compound may be reduced by incorporating voids, bubbles or pores within the compound. These voids which may be introduced by introduction of polymeric microspheres are effective in reducing the internal stresses induced in the laminate by temperature changes. In a second embodiment, coating the microspheres with an electrically-conductive layer may be effective in enabling resistance spot welding of such laminated materials. | 11-03-2011 |
20120086457 | TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION FOR MAGNETIC DETERMINATION METHOD FOR THE STATE OF CHARGE OF A BATTERY - An exemplary embodiment includes a method of determining a state of charge of a battery system including determining a temperature dependent magnetic property value of a magnetic material proximate a battery cell; determining a temperature compensated value of said determined magnetic property value; and, using said temperature compensated value as an input to a state of charge (SOC) estimator to determine a state of charge (SOC) of said battery system. | 04-12-2012 |
20120100403 | ELECTROLYTIC CELL AND METHOD OF ESTIMATING A STATE OF CHARGE THEREOF - A lithium ion battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte operatively disposed between the positive and negative electrodes. The negative electrode contains a composite material including graphitic carbon and a disordered carbon. | 04-26-2012 |
20120101674 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING A STATE OF A RECHARGEABLE BATTERY DEVICE IN REAL TIME - A method of determining and predicting a state of a rechargeable battery device in real time involves measuring a current and a voltage of the rechargeable battery in real time, inputting the measured current and voltage into an algorithm, and applying the algorithm to determine the state of the rechargeable battery. The algorithm includes a first mathematical model based on a direct solution of at least one differential equation characterizing an equivalent RC circuit of the battery as a function of time. The first model generates a plurality of parameters that are usable to determine the state of the battery. The algorithm further includes a second mathematical model configured to regress the parameters over time, and a third mathematical model configured to estimate the state of the battery. | 04-26-2012 |
20120105068 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ASSESSING BATTERY STATE OF HEALTH - A method for monitoring a lithium-ion battery cell includes monitoring a battery cell voltage and a corresponding state of charge of the battery cell during an electric power event which may include either an electric power charge event or an electric power discharge event. A measured potential-derivative is determined by differentiating the battery cell voltage in relation to the corresponding state of charge of the battery during the electric power event. The measured potential-derivative is compared with a preferred anode potential-derivative of an anode charge curve (for electric power discharge events) or an anode discharge curve (for electric power charge events), and with a preferred cathode potential-derivative of a cathode charge curve (for electric power charge events) or a cathode discharge charge curve (for electric power discharge events). A first state of health parameter of the battery cell corresponding to the comparison of the measured potential-derivative with the preferred anode potential-derivative of the anode curve is determined. And, a second state of health parameter of the battery cell corresponding to the comparison of the measured potential-derivative with the preferred cathode potential-derivative of the cathode curve is determined. | 05-03-2012 |
20120105069 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ASSESSING BATTERY STATE OF HEALTH - A method for monitoring a lithium-ion battery cell includes monitoring a battery cell voltage and a corresponding charge capacity of the battery cell during an electric power event which may include either an electric power charge event or an electric power discharge event. A measured charge-capacity-derivative is determined by differentiating the charge capacity in relation to the corresponding battery cell voltage during the electric power event. The measured charge-capacity-derivative is compared with a preferred anode charge-capacity-derivative of an anode charge curve (for electric power discharge events) or an anode discharge curve (for electric power charge events), and with a preferred cathode charge-capacity-derivative of a cathode charge curve (for electric power charge events) or a cathode discharge charge curve (for electric power discharge events). A first state of health parameter of the battery cell corresponding to the comparison of the measured charge-capacity-derivative with the preferred anode charge-capacity-derivative of the anode curve is determined. And, a second state of health parameter of the battery cell corresponding to the comparison of the measured charge-capacity-derivative with the preferred cathode charge-capacity-derivative of the cathode curve is determined. | 05-03-2012 |
20120109503 | Li-ION BATTERY FOR VEHICLES WITH ENGINE START-STOP OPERATIONS - The operation of internal combustion, reciprocating engines in some automotive vehicles may be managed such that the engine operation is stopped each time the vehicle is brought to a stop, and then the engine is re-started when the operator presses the accelerator pedal to put the vehicle in motion. In some driving situations the engine of the vehicle may be stopped and re-started many times, which is a mode of engine operation for which the traditional 12 volt, lead-acid battery is not well suited. It is found that a six cell, lithium-ion battery combining LiFePO | 05-03-2012 |
20120156568 | BATTERY SEPARATORS WITH VARIABLE POROSITY - A porous polymer battery separator is provided that includes variable porosity along its length. Such battery separators can increase the uniformity of the current density within electrochemical battery cells that may normally experience higher current density and higher temperatures near their terminal ends than they do near their opposite ends. By disposing a variable porosity separator between the electrodes of an electrochemical cell such that its terminal end has a lower porosity than its opposite end, the transport of ions, such as lithium ions, through the separator can be more restricted in normally high current regions and less restricted in normally low current regions, thereby increasing the overall uniformity of current density within the battery cell. Variable porosity battery separators may be produced by a dry-stretching process or by a wet process. These processes may include forming a polymer-containing film, producing a uniform distribution of pore sites within the film, and reforming the polymer-containing film to a uniform thickness. | 06-21-2012 |
20120156569 | BATTERY SEPARATORS WITH VARIABLE POROSITY - A porous polymer battery separator is provided that includes variable porosity along its length. Such battery separators can increase the uniformity of the current density within electrochemical battery cells that may normally experience higher current density and higher temperatures near their terminal ends than they do near their opposite ends. By disposing a variable porosity separator between the electrodes of an electrochemical cell such that its terminal end has a lower porosity than its opposite end, the transport of ions, such as lithium ions, through the separator can be more restricted in normally high current regions and less restricted in normally low current regions, thereby increasing the overall uniformity of current density within the battery cell. Variable porosity battery separators may be produced by a modified solvent exchange process. The process may include forming a polymer-containing film having a non-uniform thickness, selectively densifiying the film so that it has a non-uniform polymer concentration, and inducing variable porosity in the film. | 06-21-2012 |
20120161757 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING A STATE OF CHARGE OF A BATTERY - Methods and systems are provided for determining a state of charge of a battery. The battery is subjected to a predetermined magnetic field such that the battery and the predetermined magnetic field jointly create a resultant magnetic field. The resultant magnetic field is sensed. The state of charge of the battery is determined based on the resultant magnetic field. | 06-28-2012 |
20120161776 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING A STATE OF CHARGE OF A BATTERY - Methods and systems are provided for determining a state of charge of a battery. The battery is subjected to a predetermined magnetic field such that the battery and the predetermined magnetic field jointly create a resultant magnetic field. The resultant magnetic field is sensed. The state of charge of the battery is determined based on the resultant magnetic field. | 06-28-2012 |
20120273710 | CORROSION-RESISTANT ARMATURE AND VALVE FOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEMS - A valve for an anti-lock brake system, wherein the anti-lock brake system is configured for controlling flow of a fluid, includes a housing defining a cavity therein and having a longitudinal axis, a valve seat disposed within the cavity so as to define a first passage for the fluid, and an armature disposed within the cavity so as to at least partially define a second passage for the fluid. The armature is translatable with respect to the valve seat along the longitudinal axis and matable with the valve seat to seal off fluid communication between the first passage and the second passage. The armature defines a surface that is substantially resistant to corrosion from the fluid, and the surface is substantially free from a coating including zinc. | 11-01-2012 |
20120304622 | METHOD OF USING A REGENERATIVE BRAKE SYSTEM FOR HEATING A MOTOR VEHICLE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND POWERING OTHER ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES - A method for a motor vehicle includes using a regenerative brake system that produces electric current as a result of application of said regenerative brakes and sending at least a fraction of the electric current directly to an electrical accessory of the vehicle and bypassing the battery. One electrical accessory may be an electrically heated catalytic converter. | 12-06-2012 |
20130004857 | SHAPE MEMORY POLYMER CONTAINING COMPOSITE MATERIALS - A product, and a method for forming a product, that includes a composite material having a polymeric carrier resin and a shape memory polymer material capable of transformation between a temporary shape and a permanent shape in the presence of an external stimuli, wherein said transformation from said temporary shape to said permanent shape changes at least one property of said composite material. | 01-03-2013 |
20130071736 | PHASE SEPARATED SILICON-TIN COMPOSITE AS NEGATIVE ELECTRODE MATERIAL FOR LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES - A composite of silicon and tin is prepared as a negative electrode composition with increased lithium insertion capacity and durability for use with a metal current collector in cells of a lithium-ion battery. This electrode material is formed such that the silicon is present as a distinct amorphous phase in a matrix phase of crystalline tin. While the tin phase provides electron conductivity, both phases accommodate the insertion and extraction of lithium in the operation of the cell and both phases interact in minimizing mechanical damage to the material as the cell experiences repeated charge and discharge cycles. In general, roughly equal atomic proportions of the tin and silicon are used in forming the phase separated composite electrode material. | 03-21-2013 |
20130122374 | LITHIUM-ION BATTERY ELECTRODES WITH SHAPE-MEMORY-ALLOY CURRENT COLLECTING SUBSTRATES - Lithium-ion battery electrode constructions use an array of nanowires (or of other long thin shapes) of active electrode material anchored at one end to a surface of a metal current collector sheet in an electrode assembly or construction. This form of active electrode material permits good contact with a liquid lithium-ion containing electrolyte that infiltrates the closely-spaced thin shapes. Stresses arising from volume changes in the long shapes with lithiation and de-lithiation of the active material is mitigated by strategic placement of shape memory apply forms between attachment surfaces of the active electrode material and other members of the electrode assembly. | 05-16-2013 |
20130143076 | MATERIALS AND METHODS FOR RETARDING OR PREVENTING THERMAL RUNAWAY IN BATTERIES - One embodiment includes a rechargeable charge storage device including a microcapsule disposed within said rechargeable charge storage device; and a thermal retardant chemical species contained within said microcapsule, wherein said microcapsule is adapted to release said chemical species upon being exposed to a triggering event either prior to or during an unstable rise in temperature of said charge storage device. | 06-06-2013 |
20130157125 | REINFORCED BATTERY ELECTRODES - The gravimetric and volumetric efficiency of lithium ion batteries may be increased if high capacity materials like tin and silicon may be employed as the lithium-accepting host in the negative electrode of the battery. But both tin and silicon, when fully charged with lithium, undergo expansions of up to 300% and generate appreciable internal stresses which have potential to spall off material from the electrode on each discharge-charge cycle, resulting in a progressive reduction in battery capacity, also known as battery fade. A method of reinforcing such electrode materials by incorporating within them fiber reinforcements or shaped, elongated reinforcements fabricated of shape memory alloy is described. Electrode materials incorporating such reinforcements are less prone to damage under applied stress and so less prone to battery fade. | 06-20-2013 |
20130177804 | METHODS FOR MAKING BATTERY ELECTRODE SYSTEMS - Methods for making battery electrode system are disclosed herein. In an example of the method, a mixture of a polymer binder, an active material and a conductive filler is deposited on a current collector. The deposited mixture is exposed to an external field having a field direction that is normal to a surface of the current collector. The exposure aligns, outward from and normal to the surface of the current collector, the active material and the conductive filler to form a plurality of discrete structures that extend outward from and normal to the surface of the current collector and are respectively aligned with a field line of the external field. Each of the plurality of discrete structures includes some of the active material and some of the conductive filler. | 07-11-2013 |
20130189576 | FADE-RESISTANT HIGH CAPACITY ELECTRODES FOR A LITHIUM-ION BATTERY - The gravimetric and volumetric efficiency of lithium ion batteries may be increased if higher capacity materials like tin and silicon are substituted for carbon as the lithium-accepting host in the negative electrode of the battery. But both tin and silicon, when fully charged with lithium, undergo expansions of up to 300% and generate appreciable internal stresses. These internal stresses, which will develop on each discharge-charge cycle, may lead to a progressive reduction in battery capacity, also known as battery fade. The effects of the internal stresses may be significantly reduced by partially embedding tin or silicon nanowires in the current collector. Additional benefit may be obtained if a 5 to 50% portion of the nanowire length at its embedded end are coated or masked with a composition which impedes lithium diffusion. Methods for embedding and masking the nanowires are described. | 07-25-2013 |
20130235351 | VIRTUAL CONVERTIBLE TOPS, SUNROOFS, AND BACK WINDOWS, AND SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING SAME - A virtual-sunroof system for providing a virtual sunroof at an interior of a vehicle for viewing by a passenger of the vehicle. The system includes a virtual-sunroof imaging device configured and arranged at the vehicle to collect image information from an environment above the vehicle and create digital image data using the image information. The system also includes a virtual-sunroof projection device configured and arranged in the vehicle to be in communication with the virtual-sunroof imaging device for providing a virtual sunroof display. The virtual sunroof display provided (a) is viewable above a head of the passenger, (b) is formed using the image data, (c) represents accurately at the interior of the vehicle a rendition of the environment above the vehicle, and (d) has a size, shape, and location corresponding generally to a size, shape, and location that an actual conventional-type sunroof would have in the vehicle. | 09-12-2013 |
20130256143 | ANODIZED INSERTS FOR COULOMB DAMPING OR FRICTIONAL DAMPING - A method comprising providing an insert having a portion capable of being oxidized and electrochemically anodizing the portion capable of being oxidized to provide a layer comprising an oxidized material thereon. | 10-03-2013 |
20130323595 | LITHIUM ION BATTERY ELECTRODE MATERIALS AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME - An example of a lithium ion battery electrode material includes a substrate, and a substantially graphitic carbon layer completely encapsulating the substrate. The substantially graphitic carbon layer is free of voids. Methods for making electrode materials are also disclosed herein. | 12-05-2013 |
20130330638 | COATED SUBSTRATE AND PRODUCT INCLUDING THE SAME AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME - One embodiment may include a product including a substrate and a stress spring over the substrate. The stress spring may be constructed and arranged over the substrate so that the stress spring prevents or limits damage or undesirable effects caused by subsequent operations performed on the substrate or upon subsequent exposure of the substrate to high strain conditions. The stress spring may include a layer including an alloy or polymer. | 12-12-2013 |
20140068927 | Reverse Osmosis Membranes Made with PFSA Ionomer and ePTFE - A method for forming a membrane includes a step of dissolving a lithium salt in a solution including an ionomer that includes protogenic groups to form a modified solution. A membrane is formed from the solution containing the lithium salt and the ionomer that includes protogenic groups. The membrane is dried and then contacted with water to form a plurality of pores therein. | 03-13-2014 |
20140106220 | PHASE SEPARATED SILICON-TIN COMPOSITE AS NEGATIVE ELECTRODE MATERIAL FOR LITHIUM-ION AND LITHIUM SULFUR BATTERIES - A composite of silicon and tin is prepared as a negative electrode composition with increased lithium insertion capacity and durability for use with a metal current collector in cells of a lithium-ion battery or a lithium-sulfur battery. This negative electrode material is formed such that the silicon is present as a distinct amorphous phase in a matrix phase of crystalline tin. While the tin phase provides electron conductivity, both phases accommodate the insertion and extraction of lithium in the operation of the cell and both phases interact in minimizing mechanical damage to the material as the cell experiences repeated charge and discharge cycles. In general, roughly equal atomic proportions of the tin and silicon are used in forming the phase separated composite electrode material. | 04-17-2014 |
20140113197 | COATINGS FOR LITHIUM TITANATE TO SUPPRESS GAS GENERATION IN LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USE THEREOF - An electroactive material for use in an electrochemical cell, like a lithium-ion battery, is provided. The electroactive material comprises lithium titanate oxide (LTO) and has a surface coating with a thickness of less than or equal to about 30 nm that suppresses formation of gases within the electrochemical cell. Methods for making such materials and using such materials to suppress gas formation in electrochemical cells are likewise provided. | 04-24-2014 |
20140265557 | SINGLE-LITHIUM ION CONDUCTOR AS BINDER IN LITHIUM-SULFUR OR SILICON-SULFUR BATTERY - A sulfur-containing electrode has a binder comprising a single-lithium ion conductor. The electrode may be used a cathode in a lithium-sulfur or silicon-sulfur battery. | 09-18-2014 |
20140272569 | COATING FOR SEPARATOR OR CATHODE OF LITHIUM-SULFUR OR SILICON-SULFUR BATTERY - A battery with a sulfur-containing cathode, an anode, and a separator between the cathode and the anode has a coating comprising a single-lithium ion conductor on at least one of the cathode or the separator. | 09-18-2014 |
20140272578 | POROUS, AMORPHOUS LITHIUM STORAGE MATERIALS AND A METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME - Porous, amorphous lithium storage materials and a method for making these materials are disclosed herein. In an example of the method, composite particles of a lithium storage material in an amorphous phase and a material that is immiscible with the lithium storage material are prepared. Phase separation is induced within the composite particles to precipitate out the amorphous phase lithium storage material and form phase separated composite particles. The immiscible material is chemically etched from the phase separated composite particles to form porous, amorphous lithium storage material particles. | 09-18-2014 |
20140297084 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO DETERMINE THE STATE OF CHARGE OF A BATTERY USING MAGNETOSTRICTION TO DETECT MAGNETIC RESPONSE OF BATTERY MATERIAL - One exemplary embodiment includes a method including providing a battery, producing a first magnetic field so that a second magnetic field is induced in the battery, sensing a magnetic field resulting from the interaction of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field, utilizing the sensed net magnetic field to determine the state of charge of the battery. | 10-02-2014 |
20140374937 | BATTERY SEPARATORS WITH VARIABLE POROSITY - A porous polymer battery separator is provided that includes variable porosity along its length. Such battery separators can increase the uniformity of the current density within electrochemical battery cells that may normally experience higher current density and higher temperatures near their terminal ends than they do near their opposite ends. By disposing a variable porosity separator between the electrodes of an electrochemical cell such that its terminal end has a lower porosity than its opposite end, the transport of ions, such as lithium ions, through the separator can be more restricted in normally high current regions and less restricted in normally low current regions, thereby increasing the overall uniformity of current density within the battery cell. Variable porosity battery separators may be produced by a dry-stretching process or by a wet process. These processes may include forming a polymer-containing film, producing a uniform distribution of pore sites within the film, and reforming the polymer-containing film to a uniform thickness. | 12-25-2014 |