Motorola Corporation

Other

Simon Thomas

Vernon Meadows

Jose M Fernandez

B Chester Hwang

Anaba A Anani

Willard F Amero, Jr

Scott M Garrett

Ganesh Venugopal

Francis P Malaspina

Kenneth M Massaroni

Gerald W Blanton

John Moore

Sathya S Prasad

An electrochemical cell (10) includes first and second electrodes (12) and (14) with an electrolyte system (26) disposed therebetween. The electrolyte system is fabricated of a blend of differing grades of a single polymer. One grade may be provided to, for example, absorb an electrolyte active species, while the second grade may be provided to enhance mechanical integrity of the system.

Polymer blend electrolyte system and electrochemical cell using same

In a circuit having an electromechanical transducer, such as a motor (22), a control switch (24) is controlled by a control circuit (26) to connect the motor to, and disconnect from, a battery (12). When control switch opens, thereby disconnecting the motor from the battery, the momentum achieved by the motor tends keep the motor turning, causing the motor to behave like a generator. A switch network (28) connects a first capacitor (30), which is initially discharged, across the motor at the same time the control switch disconnects it from the battery. The momentum of the motor, and any attached mechanical system (32), generates a transient charge which is collected by the first capacitor. When the voltage produced by the collected charge reaches a peak, the switch network disconnects the first capacitor from the motor, reorients the first capacitor, and waits to apply the voltage to the motor. A charge pump connected between the first capacitor and the battery may be activated to transfer the collected charge back to the battery if the motor is not to be started for some time.

Transient charge recovery circuit

A flexible, conformal energy storage device (10) has a plurality of photovoltaic devices (40, 42, 44) formed integrally therewith. The energy source includes an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte encapsulated between layers of oxygen and water impermeable sealing materials. The sealing materials also serve as the base upon which the photovoltaic devices are deposited. The anode and cathode of the photovoltaic devices are electrically coupled to the anode and the cathode of the energy storage device to provide a recharging current thereto.

Flexible energy storage device with integral charging unit

A modular battery pack (10) is described having several embodiments. In general, the modular battery pack has a battery cell cartridge (12), a circuit cartridge (14), and a housing (16). In conventional battery packs these three elements are combined into one single unit. The invention modularizes these components such that portions may be re-used and shared. This results in a more cost effective power system for a portable electrical or electronic device (40) since, once the battery cell or cells (48) have expired, they can be replaced without having to replace the other components, in particular the circuitry.

Modular battery pack

A modular battery pack (10) is described having several embodiments. In general, the modular battery pack has a battery cell cartridge (12), a circuit cartridge (14), and a housing (16). In conventional battery packs these three elements are combined into one single unit. The invention modularizes these components such that portions may be reused and shared. This results in a more cost effective power system for a portable electrical or electronic device (40) since, once the battery cell or cells (48) have expired, they can be replaced without having to replace the other components, in particular the circuitry.

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Lawrenceville, GA, United States of America

Simon Thomas