Wilson Greatbatch Ltd.

Wilson Greatbatch Technologies, Inc.

Greatbatch Ltd.

Joseph M Probst

William M Paulot

Philip S Wutz

Christine A Frysz

Dominick J Frustaci

William C Thiebolt

Esther S Takeuchi

Sally Ann Smesko

Harry L Valenta, Jr

Scott Hall

Scott P Hall

Philips S Wutz

An implantable energy supply system having at least two cells is disclosed. The system may have a switch with a first state in which the cells are electrically connected to a load, and a second state in which each cell is electrically connected with its own charger. A measurer may be electrically connected to a cell to provide an indication of the charge on the cell.

Implantable energy management system and method

An implantable medical device having opposed major sidewalls of contoured shape closely fits the curved shape of a body. The contoured major sidewalls can have a curved shape of a continuous radius with the major sidewalls deflecting in a similar direction. Alternatively, the major sidewalls can have a curved shape corresponding to more than one radius. The device housing is either deep drawn or includes two clam shells that are secured together.

Contoured housing for an implantable medical device

The present invention provides an electrochemical cell of either a primary or a secondary chemistry housed in a casing having opposed major side walls of a contoured shape.

Contoured casing of mating clamshell portions for an electrochemical cell

Contoured casing for an electrochemical cell

An economical method for manufacturing an electrode assembly of virtually any shape to fit into a similarly shaped casing without compromising volumetric efficiency is described. This is accomplished by providing an electrode assembly of multiplate anode and cathode plates that substantially match the internal shape of the casing. That way, no matter what shape the device being powered by the cell dictates the electrode assembly assumes, as little internal volume as possible is left unoccupied by electrode active materials.

Electrochemical cell having a multiplate electrode assembly housed in an irregularly shaped casing

The present invention relates to a current collector for an electrochemical cell. The current collector has a unique grid structure comprised of a frame supporting a plurality of radial strands as conductors radiating outwardly from a focal point on a connector tab. The frame and radial conductors are maintained in a fan-like orientation with respect to each other by two groups of concentric conductor strands, one located adjacent to the tab, the other spaced a substantial distance therefrom. The radiating conductors provide a more direct path to the connector tab for electron flow. This results in the current collector having reduced internal resistance in comparison to conventional current collector designs.

Current collector having non-symmetric grid pattern converging at a common focal point

A header insulator for an electrochemical cell is described. The header insulator provides a boss for the terminal ferrule, a boss for the fill ferrule, and at least one boss disposed along the length of the insulator to provide for alignment of the electrode assembly inside the case.

Header insulator for an electrochemical cell

Header insulator for a battery

The basket weave structures has a lattice construction surrounded by a frame and comprising first strand structures intersecting second strand structures to provide a plurality of diamond-shaped openings or interstices bordered by the strands. The strand structures intersect or join with each other at junctions thereby forming the current collector as an integral unit.

Method for providing a chemically machined current collector

An alkali metal/solid cathode electrochemical cell, particularly a Li/CF cell, having an electrolyte-to-cathode (E/C) weight ratio of about 0.938 to about 0.73, and an anode-to-cathode (A/C) capacity ratio of about 1.03, is described. This provides the cell with an improvement in terms of delivered capacity of about 6% to about 15% under a 1 kohm discharge load, and of about 2% to about 5% under a 2 kohm load in comparison to prior art Li/CF cells. Fabricating the cathode electrode at such high pressures was not previously thought possible.

Enhanced capacity Li/CFx electrochemical cell

Header insulator with bosses

A current collector in the form of a conductive substrate subjected to a special chemical etch on both major surfaces to provide a 'basket weave' structure, is described. The basket weave structures has a lattice construction surrounded by a frame and comprising first strand structures intersecting second strand structures to provide a plurality of diamond-shaped openings or interstices bordered by the strands. The strand structures intersect or join with each other at junctions thereby forming the current collector as an integral unit.

Chemically machined current collector design

A current collector for an electrochemical cell is described. The current collector has both external and internal connection tabs which are preferably contiguous with each other and provide for increased flexibility in connecting a cell terminal lead directly to any contact point along the extent of the two connection tabs.

Growing community of inventors

Williamsville, NY, United States of America

Joseph M Probst