Johnson Controls Technology Company

Globe-union Inc.

Johnson Controls Technology LLC

Michael G Andrew

Thomas J Dougherty

Gerald K Bowen

Jeffrey P Zagrodnik

Edward N Mrotek

John P Dinkelman

William P Segall, Jr

James J Bolstad

James T Daley

James A Lenz

Dale B Trester

Gary P Houchin-Miller

Nels R Smith

Scott Allen Hansen

Clay G Nesler

Steven J Wood

William J Wruck

James S Symanski

John Ismael Ruiz

Elisabet A Anderson

Majid Taghikhani

Michael D Eskra

Ronald C Miles

John R Pierson

Jennifer L Rose

Uwe Koehler

Joerg A Kuempers

The present disclosure relates generally to energy demand and supply for buildings, vehicles, and equipment. In exemplary embodiments, energy may be stored in one or more battery packs (e.g., stationary batteries or vehicle batteries) for use in buildings, appliances, and equipment typically relying on energy from a power grid. The exemplary embodiments may store the energy during periods of low demand and/or low cost of energy. Thus, the exemplary embodiments may reduce costs associated with energy usage. The exemplary embodiments may use the stored energy to reduce demand on the power utility during periods of high demand and/or provide energy back to the power utility to meet demands.

Efficient usage, storage, and sharing of energy in buildings, vehicles, and equipment

A lithium battery for use in a vehicle includes a container, a plurality of positive terminals extending from a first end of the lithium battery, and a plurality of negative terminals extending from a second end of the lithium battery. The plurality of positive terminals are provided in a first configuration and the plurality of negative terminals are provided in a second configuration, the first configuration differing from the second configuration. A battery system for use in a vehicle may include a plurality of electrically connected lithium cells or batteries.

Battery system including batteries that have a plurality of positive terminals and a plurality of negative terminals

A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells and a system configured for passing a fluid past at least a portion of the plurality of battery cells in a parallel manner.

Battery system

A heat and gas exchange system for a battery is disclosed. The batter includes a plurality of cells and at least one space between the cells. The system includes a base configured to support the battery. The system also includes a plurality of members coupled to the base. Each of the members is configured to extend at least partially within at least one space between the cells of the battery. A heat and gas exchange system for a battery is also disclosed. A module for a battery for a vehicle is also disclosed. The battery includes a plurality of cells and at least one space between the cells. The module includes a base for supporting the battery. The module also includes a plurality of members coupled to the base. The module also includes a control system configured to provide air through the plurality of members from the space between the cells.

Heat and gas exchange system for battery

A battery system includes a battery with a pair of terminals extending from one side of the battery case, and a tray-like battery holder. The terminals have hollow sockets inserted therein which are engaged by posts extending from conductive plugs that extend through an end wall of the holder. A threaded connection is formed in the plug and opens to the outside of the holder. Alignment posts are formed in the holder to be disposed within cylindrical wells in the bottom of the battery case and ensure proper alignment of the battery in the holder. A hinged latch is formed in the holder and engages a projection on the battery case. When in place in the holder, the battery case rests on resilient pads located on a floor of the holder.

A modular electric storage battery is adaptable to a variety of applications, and for example, as a starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) battery of a car, truck, motorcycle, lawn and garden equipment or other internal combustion engine powered product. The modular battery is constructed from a plurality of battery cells assembled into a battery housing. The cells are sealed, maintenance-free, rechargeable cells. The housing includes quick connect termination, and the starting application is adapted with a base unit having complementary termination. The modular battery and base unit also include aligning features to ensure proper interconnection of the battery terminals. The base unit may be adapted to receive several sizes of modular battery. In addition, a second modular battery, that may be configured as a flashlight or other device, is provided and can inter-connected with the base unit to provide a jump starting capability.

Modular electric storage battery

The apparatus of the present invention provides a cover for venting gases from thin metal film battery cells having vents disposed at the center of one end of the cells. The vents comprise cylindrical wells that recess into, and substantially fill, the top portions of battery cell cavities within a battery housing. The cavities are sized to hold the battery cells securely and are configured to provide an electrical serial connection. The wells include pipes which extend outward from the bottom of the wells and lead from openings in the bases of the wells. The openings in the pipes are covered with flexible valve caps and well lids cover the wells. The center point arrangement of the recessed wells permit gases from the battery cells to escape through the openings, yet restrict the electrolyte from exiting the housing. The base of the battery housing does not have vent openings and is interchangeable with the cover so that the battery housing may be oriented with the terminals near the top or the bottom of the case.

Center point vent cover for battery

Case for battery cells

A thin metal film battery cell is formed by one or more plates wound in a spiral thereby forming a roll with two ends at which spiralled edges of the plates are exposed. Each end of the roll is covered by an end strap which includes a body of electrically conductive material from which a tab extends. The body contacts each convolution of the roll while leaving a portion of each convolution exposed so that an electrolyte is able to flow into the roll. The tab attached to and projecting outward from the body for making electical connection to the thin metal film battery cell.

Strap for thin metal film battery

The present invention includes a battery case and battery wherein the battery case includes a housing having a top and a bottom and wherein the housing defines a plurality of cavities that are generally octagonal in cross-section. The battery includes a housing defining octagonal shaped cavities, a terminal coupled to the housing, a top and bottom sealingly coupled to the housing, and a plurality of battery cells disposed win the cavities and electrically interconnected in series with the terminal.

Battery case for thin metal film cells

An injection molded containment for bipolar batteries of the type which include terminal electrodes and one or more bipolar battery cells is disclosed. In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, a novel spacer is employed, including beveled edges to facilitate sealing of the injection molding material and the individual cells. Furthermore, the preferred spacer includes a crush ridge to assist in sealing. The present invention facilitates assembly of bipolar batteries in a way which improves sealing when compared to other techniques, such as vibration welding.

Injection molded battery containment for bipolar batteries

The preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a sealed, oxygen recombinant lead-acid battery which includes a series of modules, e.g. 4-volt modules. The modules are prepared from frame and film assemblies which are easily stacked to the desired voltage or capacity. In the preferred embodiment, the assemblies include two 2.0 normal voltage cells, attached in series, three of which are then combined to form a 12-volt system. Modularity eliminates the need for expensive tooling and parts inventory and permits the creation of a wide variety of battery designs. Specially designed vents are employed to permit gas escape during overcharge or if recombination efficiencies are less than desired and to prevent entry of oxygen or moisture when the battery is in its recombinant mode.

Sealed lead acid battery using modular frame construction

An electrode for a lead acid flow through battery, the grids including a plastic frame, a plate suspended from the top of the frame to hang freely in the plastic frame and a paste applied to the plate, the paste being free to allow for expansion in the planar direction of the grid.

Growing community of inventors

Menomonee Falls, WI, United States of America

Michael G Andrew