The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Mar. 24, 1998
Filed:
Feb. 06, 1997
Robert W Fritts, Thomasville, NC (US);
David M Revak, High Point, NC (US);
Doulgas Battery Manufacturing Company, Winston-Salem, NC (US);
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a leak resistant battery cover for storage batteries. The battery cover sealably engages a conventional battery housing having multiple cells separated by internal housing walls. The cover has a substantially flat interior area, a portion of which extends over part of each battery cell when the cover is placed upon a battery housing. The cover includes a cell chamber for each battery cell. Drain-back/vents communicate each cell chamber with its corresponding battery cell. The drain-back/vent, whether separate or integrated allows escape of electrolyte gases from the battery cells into the corresponding battery chamber and provide for the return of liquid electrolyte back to the cells from the cell chambers. None of the cell chambers communicate directly through the battery cover to atmosphere. One or more additional chambers are provided in the cover above the central cells of the battery housing. These additional chambers are in a geometrically central area of the battery cover away from the outside perimeter of the cover. Unlike the cell chambers, the additional chambers directly communicate with atmosphere through a convoluted passage and atmospheric vent. Additionally, each additional chamber includes a drain-back/vent directly communicating with one of the central most cells in the battery housing. Thus, the central most cells communicate with the most central cell chambers and the additional chamber. The remaining battery cells do not communicate with the additional chambers.