US4988581A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Metal-air bipolar cell unit
Assignee: Rio Tinto Alcan International Ltd
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Filing: 1989-07-19
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Granted: 1991-01-29
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Expires: 2009-07-19
Abstract
Abstract A bipolar cell unit is described for use in a metal/air battery, e.g. an aluminum/air battery. Each bipolar cell unit comprises (a) an air cathode having opposed major surfaces, one of the surfaces being exposed to air and the other of the surfaces being adapted for exposure to electrolyte, (b) a metal anode comprising a metal plate having opposed major surfaces with one plate major surface positioned in spaced juxtaposed relation to the cathode surface exposed to air thereby forming an air gap between the anode and cathode, (c) structural means for connecting the air cathode to the anode plate whereby the air cathode is supported by the anode plate such that air is permitted to move through the air gap while electrolyte is excluded and (d) an electrical connection between the anode and cathode.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul A. Wycliffe
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 19:32
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01M; H01M4/00; H01M4/86; H01M12/00; H01M12/04; H01M12/06; H01M12/065; H01M50/00; H01M50/10; H01M50/138; H01M50/1385; H01M6/00; H01M6/42; H01M6/46; H01M6/48
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
A bipolar cell unit for a metal/air battery comprising an (a) air cathode having opposed major surfaces, one of said surfaces being exposed to air and the other of said surfaces being adapted for exposure to electrolyte, (b) a metal anode comprising a metal plate having opposed major surfaces with one plate major surface positioned in spaced juxtaposed relation to said cathode surface exposed to air thereby forming an air gap between the anode and cathode, (c) an air permeable, hydrophobic, nonconducting foam material connecting said air cathode to said anode plate whereby the air cathode is supported by the anode plate such that air is permitted to move through said air gap while electrolyte is excluded and (d) an electrical connection between the anode and cathode.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
A bipolar cell unit for a metal/air battery comprising an (a) air cathode having opposed major surfaces, one of said surfaces being exposed to air and the other of said surfaces being adapted for exposure to electrolyte, (b) a metal anode comprising a metal plate having opposed major surfaces with one plate major surface positioned in spaced juxtaposed relation to said cathode surface exposed to air thereby forming an air gap between the anode and cathode, (c) an air permeable, hydrophobic, nonconducting foam material connecting said air cathode to said anode plate whereby the air cathode is supported by the anode plate such that air is permitted to move through said air gap while electrolyte is excluded and (d) an electrical connection between the anode and cathode.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A bipolar cell unit according to claim 1 wherein the structural means connecting the cathode to the anode comprises an air permeable hydrophobic, electrically conductive foam material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A bipolar cell unit according to claim 1 wherein the electrical connection comprises electrically conductive edge seals which seal at least one edge of the cell unit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A bipolar cell unit according to claim 1 wherein the electrical connection comprises connector pieces extending through the foam between the cathode and anode.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
42 words
A bipolar cell unit according to claim 1 wherein the structural means connecting the cathode to the anode comprises an air permeable, non-hydrophobic, electrically conductive foam material, the edges of the foam adapted for immersion in electrolyte being sealed against fluid penetration.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
A bipolar cell unit according to claim 1, wherein the structural means connecting the cathode to the anode comprises projecting portions of an anode plate, said projecting portions holding the air cathode.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
A bipolar cell unit according to claim 1, wherein the structural means connecting the cathode to the anode comprises edge flanges with inwardly directed slots for holding both the anode and cathode.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
A bipolar cell unit according to claim 7 wherein the edge flanges also have outwardly directed slots for engaging vertical ribs on inner battery walls.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1994-01-28 | 1994-07-30 | 1995-01-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1998-01-28 | 1998-07-30 | 1999-01-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2002-01-28 | 2002-07-30 | 2003-01-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |