Globe-union Inc.

David A Thuerk

Thomas J Dougherty

Edward N Mrotek

Wen-Hong Kao

Debra L Smith

Alan J Klebenow

Randy K Hulsebus

Dennis L Marshall

David J Novak

Maurice C Michaud

Ann L Roche

Maurice G Michaud

A protection system for motor vehicles includes a control circuit including a switching device which is connected between cells of the battery and operable between a first condition in which the voltage provided at the battery terminals insufficient to start the vehicle and a second condition in which the voltage provided at the battery terminals sufficient to start the vehicle, the switching device being operated between the first and second conditions by a control signal that is generated by a portable signal transmitting device which is remotely actuatable.

Protection system with voltage switching

A cast-on strap for use in connecting current collecting lugs in battery systems is disclosed. In the most preferred embodiment, the invention includes a caston strap formed of electrically conductive material, such as lead, having a first elongate portion in electrical contact with a line of spaced apart battery plate lugs. The connector strap includes a second portion lying in a plane which is perpendicular to that of the elongate portion so that the latter is laterally displaced. The preferred cast-on strap also includes an angularly extending portion between the elongate portion and the second portion. Increased current transfer efficiency is achieved using the strap of the present invention.

High performance battery cast-on strap

Pair of battery connector posts

An grid for a lead acid battery plate includes a central plate lug, the lug preferably having an expanded base for the collection of current and the grid being constructed in such a manner that the amount of metal is concentrated in the vicinity of the lug. A unique cast-on strap design for use with the grids is also disclosed. Substantial manufacturing advantages result from the use of such grids, and the performance of the battery can be increased to the point that individual battery plates may be eliminated, resulting in lighter weight batteries and material cost savings.

Lead acid batteries containing center lug plates and high performance

The explosion attenuating vent cap for storage batteries according to the present invention features an electrolyte drain and baffle design adapted for maximizing return to the battery of any liquid which may enter the vent from vibration, tilting, overheating, overcharge and the like. The vent barrel(s) include a step to assist in closure of the fill openings, and baffles within the vent prevent accumulation of electrolyte within the cap. The arrangement of the entrance to the gas escape passage (leading through an explosion attenuation device such as a disc of microporous polymer) is located on the center lines of the barrel and at the highest possible location within the vent to minimize the intrusion of electrolyte into the attenuation material. This location of the entrance prevents accumulation of electrolyte at that location. Preferably, the vent cap is of the ganged variety, i.e. useful for simultaneously capping three or more fill openings of the battery.

Vent cap with electrolyte drain and explosion attenuation capabilities

The invention provides a vehicle battery system including a main and a reserve battery disposed within a battery housing (10) having conventional external dimensions and battery terminal locations. An illustrated embodiment includes a main battery, comprising a series of thin, flat cells (38) disposed along a first axis, and a reserve battery, comprising a series of cells (42) disposed along a second axis transverse to the first axis. An electrical circuit facilitates selective communication between the reserve battery and the vehicle starter in accordance with the position of a switch assembly (100). An electrically conductive fastener is disposed to simultaneously maintain electrical communication between a main battery termination and an external battery terminal and also between a reserve battery termination and the same external battery terminal.

Dual battery system

The invention provides a vehicle battery system including a main and a reserve battery disposed within a battery housing (10) having conventional external dimensions and battery terminal locations. An illustrated embodiment includes a main battery, comprising a series of thin, flat cells (38) disposed along a first axis, and a reserve battery, comprising a series of cells (42) diposed along a second axis transverse to the first axis. An electrical circuit facilitates selective communication between the reserve battery and the vehicle starter in accordance with the position of a switch assembly (100). The circuit illustratively includes a diode (110) configured to permit current flow into the reserve battery (104) during recharging, but which prevents reserve battery drain during normal vehicle operation. A variable resistor (112) is disposed in series with the diode to limit the amount of power, and hence the amount of heat, dissipated by the diode. When the main battery becomes drained, switch assembly (100) is actuated to bring the reserve battery (104) into parallel with the main battery (102).

Growing community of inventors

Brookfield, WI, United States of America

David A Thuerk