US4631118A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Low resistance collector frame for electroconductive organic, carbon and graphitic materials
Assignee: LION COMPACT ENERGY Inc
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Filing: 1985-05-02
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Granted: 1986-12-23
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Expires: 2005-05-02
Abstract
Abstract A low resistance electrical connection is disclosed to connect two dissimilar electroconductive materials, one of which is a fiber, bundle of fibers or a film of an electroconductive polymer, carbon or graphite to an electroconductive metal collector. The connection is achieved by electroplating at an initial low current density the edge ends of a fiber or bundle of fibers or the edges of a cloth or film with an electroconductive metal, e.g. copper, silver and the like; thereafter crimping a fine electroconductive wire mesh onto said plated area and then continuing the said plating process until the wire mesh or gauze is substantially encapsulated with said electroplated metal. Alternative, the electroplated fiber ends may be joined by solder, as by dipping the ends or edges into a molten solder bath or laying a bead of solder substantially onto the copper plated edge of the fiber, bundle, cloth or film. Such practice ensures the electroconductive polymer, carbon or graphite end or edge will be intimately bound to the electroconductive metal forming the collector or frame. In many instances it is necessary that the collector metal and/or frame be insulated both electrically and chemically from contact with the environment into which the electroconductive polymer, graphite, carbon and the like is to be used. A procedure is described for protecting the collector frame when placed in hostile environment service.
Inventors
- 👤 Francis P. McCullough
- 👤 Roy V. Snelgrove
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 14:59
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01R; H01R4/00; H01R4/22; C; C23; C23C; C23C28/00; C25; C25D; C25D5/00; C25D5/48; C25D5/54; C25D5/56; C25D7/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 28
Claim 1
Independent Claim
239 words
A method for producing a low resistance electrical connection onto an electroconductive material selected from the group consisting of electroconductive polymeric organic materials, carbon and graphite which consists of (1) electroplating the area of desired electrical contact with an electroconductive metal; (2) joining said so plated area into a continuous electroconductive path by crimping a fine wire mesh or gauze of electroconductive metal onto said electroplated area and at least the abutting electroconductive material; and thereafter bonding and coating said mesh/gauze to said plated area by subjecting said area to a treatment selected from the group consisting of (i) continuing said plating to bond said mesh to said plated area; (ii) applying a solder coat onto and over said mesh embedding said mesh in said solder; or (iii) applying a solder bead onto said electroplated area securing said mesh/gauze to said electroplated area; (3) connecting an electrical current carrying conductor to said metal area; (4) coating said metal area and at least a portion of any electrical current carrying conductor attached thereto and the electroconductive material immediately adjacent to said metal area by subjecting said area to a treatment selected from the group consisting of (a) coating with (i) a polymeric organic non-conductive material, (ii) a cathodic electrodepositable polymeric material, (b) applying an (i) oxidizable metal thereto and oxidizing the same (ii) fluoridizable metal thereto and fluoridating the same, or (c) oxidizing or fluorinating said metal surface per se.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
239 words
A method for producing a low resistance electrical connection onto an electroconductive material selected from the group consisting of electroconductive polymeric organic materials, carbon and graphite which consists of (1) electroplating the area of desired electrical contact with an electroconductive metal; (2) joining said so plated area into a continuous electroconductive path by crimping a fine wire mesh or gauze of electroconductive metal onto said electroplated area and at least the abutting electroconductive material; and thereafter bonding and coating said mesh/gauze to said plated area by subjecting said area to a treatment selected from the group consisting of (i) continuing said plating to bond said mesh to said plated area; (ii) applying a solder coat onto and over said mesh embedding said mesh in said solder; or (iii) applying a solder bead onto said electroplated area securing said mesh/gauze to said electroplated area; (3) connecting an electrical current carrying conductor to said metal area; (4) coating said metal area and at least a portion of any electrical current carrying conductor attached thereto and the electroconductive material immediately adjacent to said metal area by subjecting said area to a treatment selected from the group consisting of (a) coating with (i) a polymeric organic non-conductive material, (ii) a cathodic electrodepositable polymeric material, (b) applying an (i) oxidizable metal thereto and oxidizing the same (ii) fluoridizable metal thereto and fluoridating the same, or (c) oxidizing or fluorinating said metal surface per se.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said electroplatable metal is copper.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said electroplatable metal is copper and the mesh or gauze is copper.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said electroplatable metal is copper, the mesh or gauze is copper and the gauze or mesh is copper plated.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said plated area is coated with a polyester-epoxy resin.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said metal is coated with an oxidizable metal and oxidizing the coat.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
239 words
A method for producing a low resistance electrode collector frame onto an electroconductive material selected from the group consisting of polymeric organic materials, carbon and graphite which consists of (1) electroplating the area of desired electrical contact with an electroconductive metal; (2) joining said so plated area into a continuous electroconductive path by crimping a fine wire mesh or gauze of electroconductive metal onto said electroplated area and at least the abutting the electroconductive material; and thereafter bonding and coating said mesh/gauze to said plated area by subjecting said area to a treatment selected from the group consisting of (i) continuing said plating to bond said mesh to said plated area, (ii) applying a solder coat onto and over said mesh embedding said mesh in said solder or (iii) applying a solder bead onto said electroplated area securing said mesh/gauze to said electroplated area; (3) connecting an electrical current carrying conductor to said metal area; (4) coating said metal area and at least a portion of any electrical current carrying conductor attached thereto and the electroconductive material immediately adjacent to said area by subjecting said area to a treatment selected from the group consisting of (a) coating with (i) a polymeric organic non-conductive material, (ii) a cathodic electrodepositable polymeric material, (b) applying an (i) oxidizable metal thereto and oxidizing the same, (ii) fluoridizable metal thereto and fluoridating the same, or (c) oxidizing or fluorinating said metal surfasce per se.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
239 words
A method for producing a low resistance electrode collector frame onto an electroconductive material selected from the group consisting of polymeric organic materials, carbon and graphite which consists of (1) electroplating the area of desired electrical contact with an electroconductive metal; (2) joining said so plated area into a continuous electroconductive path by crimping a fine wire mesh or gauze of electroconductive metal onto said electroplated area and at least the abutting the electroconductive material; and thereafter bonding and coating said mesh/gauze to said plated area by subjecting said area to a treatment selected from the group consisting of (i) continuing said plating to bond said mesh to said plated area, (ii) applying a solder coat onto and over said mesh embedding said mesh in said solder or (iii) applying a solder bead onto said electroplated area securing said mesh/gauze to said electroplated area; (3) connecting an electrical current carrying conductor to said metal area; (4) coating said metal area and at least a portion of any electrical current carrying conductor attached thereto and the electroconductive material immediately adjacent to said area by subjecting said area to a treatment selected from the group consisting of (a) coating with (i) a polymeric organic non-conductive material, (ii) a cathodic electrodepositable polymeric material, (b) applying an (i) oxidizable metal thereto and oxidizing the same, (ii) fluoridizable metal thereto and fluoridating the same, or (c) oxidizing or fluorinating said metal surfasce per se.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 7 wherein said electroplatable metal is copper.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 7 wherein said electroplatable metal is copper and the mesh or gauze is copper.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 7 wherein said electroplatable metal is copper, the mesh or gauze is copper and the gauze or mesh is copper plated.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 7 wherein said plated area is coated with a polyester-epoxy resin.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 7 wherein said metal is coated with an oxidizable metal and oxidizing the coat.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
238 words
A method for producing a low resistance electrode assembly consisting of an electroconductive material selected from the group consisting of polymeric organic materials, carbon and graphite which consists of (1) electroplating the area of desired electrical contact with an electroconductive metal; (2) joining said so plated area into a continuous electroconductive path by crimping a fine wire mesh or gauze of electroconductive metal onto said electroplated area and at least the abutting electroconductive material; and thereafter bonding and coating said mesh/gauze to said plated area by subjecting said area to a treatment selected from the group consisting of (i) continuing said plating to bond said mesh to said plated area: (ii) applying a solder coat onto and over said mesh embedding said mesh in said solder; or (iii) applying a solder bead onto said electroplated area securing said mesh/gauze to said electroplated area; (3) connecting an electrical current carrying conductor to said metal area; (4) coating said metal area and at least a portion of any electrical current carrying conductor attached thereto and the electroconductive material immediately adjacent to said metal area by subjecting said area to a treatment selected from the group consisting of (a) coating with (i) a polymeric organic non-conductive material. (ii) a cathodic electrodepositable polymeric material, (b) applying an (i) oxidizable metal thereto and oxidizing the same, (ii) fluoridizable metal thereto and fluoridating the same, (c) oxidizing or fluorinating said metal surface per se.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
238 words
A method for producing a low resistance electrode assembly consisting of an electroconductive material selected from the group consisting of polymeric organic materials, carbon and graphite which consists of (1) electroplating the area of desired electrical contact with an electroconductive metal; (2) joining said so plated area into a continuous electroconductive path by crimping a fine wire mesh or gauze of electroconductive metal onto said electroplated area and at least the abutting electroconductive material; and thereafter bonding and coating said mesh/gauze to said plated area by subjecting said area to a treatment selected from the group consisting of (i) continuing said plating to bond said mesh to said plated area: (ii) applying a solder coat onto and over said mesh embedding said mesh in said solder; or (iii) applying a solder bead onto said electroplated area securing said mesh/gauze to said electroplated area; (3) connecting an electrical current carrying conductor to said metal area; (4) coating said metal area and at least a portion of any electrical current carrying conductor attached thereto and the electroconductive material immediately adjacent to said metal area by subjecting said area to a treatment selected from the group consisting of (a) coating with (i) a polymeric organic non-conductive material. (ii) a cathodic electrodepositable polymeric material, (b) applying an (i) oxidizable metal thereto and oxidizing the same, (ii) fluoridizable metal thereto and fluoridating the same, (c) oxidizing or fluorinating said metal surface per se.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 13 wherein said electroplatable metal is copper.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 13 wherein said electroplatable metal is copper and the mesh or gauze is copper.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 13 wherein said electroplatable metal is copper, the mesh or gauze is copper and the gauze or mesh is copper plated.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 13 wherein said plated area is coated with a polyester-epoxy resin.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 13 wherein said metal is coated with an oxidizable metal and oxidizing the coat.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
246 words
A method for producing an electrode for a non-aqueous battery which electrode has a low resistance electrical connection to an electroconductive material selected from the group consisting of polymeric organic materials, carbon and graphite which consists of (1) electroplating the area of desired electrical contact with an electroconductive metal; (2) joining said so plated area into a continuous electroconductive path by crimping a fine wire mesh or gauze of electroconductive metal onto said electroplated area and at least the abutting electroconductive material; and thereafter bonding and coating said mesh/gauze to said plated area by subjecting said area to a treatment selected from the group consisting of (i) continuing said plating to bond said mesh to said plated area; (ii) applying a solder coat onto and over said mesh embedding said mesh in said solder; or (iii) applying a solder bead onto said electroplated area securing said mesh/gauze to said electroplated area; (3) connecting an electrical current carrying conductor to said metal area; (4) coating said metal area and at least a portion of any electrical current carrying conductor attached thereto and the electroconductive material immediately adjacent to said metal area by subjecting said area to a treatment selected from the group consisting of (a) coating with (i) a polymeric organic non-conductive material, (ii) a cathodic electrodepositable polymeric material, (b) applying an (i) oxidizable metal thereto and oxidizing the same, (ii) fluoridizable metal thereto and fluoridating the same, (c) oxidizing or fluorinating said metal surface per se.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
246 words
A method for producing an electrode for a non-aqueous battery which electrode has a low resistance electrical connection to an electroconductive material selected from the group consisting of polymeric organic materials, carbon and graphite which consists of (1) electroplating the area of desired electrical contact with an electroconductive metal; (2) joining said so plated area into a continuous electroconductive path by crimping a fine wire mesh or gauze of electroconductive metal onto said electroplated area and at least the abutting electroconductive material; and thereafter bonding and coating said mesh/gauze to said plated area by subjecting said area to a treatment selected from the group consisting of (i) continuing said plating to bond said mesh to said plated area; (ii) applying a solder coat onto and over said mesh embedding said mesh in said solder; or (iii) applying a solder bead onto said electroplated area securing said mesh/gauze to said electroplated area; (3) connecting an electrical current carrying conductor to said metal area; (4) coating said metal area and at least a portion of any electrical current carrying conductor attached thereto and the electroconductive material immediately adjacent to said metal area by subjecting said area to a treatment selected from the group consisting of (a) coating with (i) a polymeric organic non-conductive material, (ii) a cathodic electrodepositable polymeric material, (b) applying an (i) oxidizable metal thereto and oxidizing the same, (ii) fluoridizable metal thereto and fluoridating the same, (c) oxidizing or fluorinating said metal surface per se.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 19 wherein said electroplatable metal is copper.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 19 wherein said electroplatable metal is copper and the mesh or gauze is copper.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 19 wherein said electroplatable metal is copper, the mesh or guaze is copper and the gauze or mesh is copper plated.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 19 wherein said plated area is coated with a polyester-epoxy resin.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 19 wherein said metal is coated with an oxidizable metal and oxidizing the coat.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4421609A
Cited
US4401519A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-12-22 | 1990-06-23 | 1990-12-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-12-22 | 1994-06-23 | 1994-12-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-12-22 | 1998-06-23 | 1998-12-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |