US4053689A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Contact between metal can and carbon/graphite fibers in sodium/sulfur cells
Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute
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Filing: 1976-12-20
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Granted: 1977-10-11
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Expires: 1996-12-20
Abstract
Abstract In sodium/sulfur batteries, electrical contact is maintained between the sulfur which is nonconductive and an aluminum container or other external electrical conductor, by having electrical contact between the sulfur and conductive carbon fibers and/or mat which contact a molybdenum or chromium coated surface of an aluminum conductor. A terminal portion of the aluminum conductor is uncoated and is employed for making electrical contact to the external conductor. A battery configuration of particular interest has a central β-alumina tube which may serve as the sulfur or sodium container surrounded by sodium or sulfur respectively.
Inventors
- 👤 Manfred Wolfgang Breiter
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 05:01
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01M; H01M4/00; H01M4/02; H01M4/64; H01M10/00; H01M10/36; H01M10/39; H01M10/3909; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E60/00; Y02E60/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
42 words
A conductor for transferring electricity to and from sulfur or mixtures of sulfur and sodium polysulfides comprising a mat of conducting carbon or graphite in electrically conducting contact with the chromium or molybdenum surface of a chromium or molybdenum coated aluminum substrate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
42 words
A conductor for transferring electricity to and from sulfur or mixtures of sulfur and sodium polysulfides comprising a mat of conducting carbon or graphite in electrically conducting contact with the chromium or molybdenum surface of a chromium or molybdenum coated aluminum substrate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
A conductor according to claim 1, wherein said substrate is an aluminum foil.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
A conductor according to claim 1, wherein said conductor is a combination of an aluminum foil pressed against an aluminum wire, with the ends of said foil in electrical contact with said wire.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A conductor according to claim 1, wherein said mat is in the form of a cylinder and said conductor is co-axial.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A conductor according to claim 1, wherein said mat is in the form of a cylinder and said conductor is off-center.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
A conductor according to claim 5, wherein said mat is impregnated with carbon fibers.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A conductor according to claim 6, having a central well extending only a portion of the length of said conductor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
A conductor according to claim 1, impregnated with sulfur to form a sulfur-carbon plug.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
37 words
A plug according to claim 8, wherein a portion of said aluminum substrate is free of said coating, and including an aluminum container for said plug, wherein said uncoated portion is in electrical contact with said container.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
45 words
A conductor according to claim 8, wherein said plug is shaped to fit a tube, and a portion of said aluminum substrate is free of said coating, and including an electrically conducting tube cap with said uncoated portion in electrical contact with said tube cap.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-10-10 | 1981-04-11 | 1981-10-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-10-10 | 1985-04-11 | 1985-10-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-10-10 | 1989-04-11 | 1989-10-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |