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:
Dec. 07, 1999
Filed:
Nov. 06, 1997
Jeffrey Poirier, Bedford, MA (US);
Paul Cheeseman, Holliston, MA (US);
Michael McDermott, East Weymouth, MA (US);
Jane A Blasi, Acton, MA (US);
Reynald Cantave, Bridgewater, MA (US);
Jeffrey Hewes, Holliston, MA (US);
Yelena Kouznetsova, Sharon, MA (US);
Bhupendra Patel, Mansfield, MA (US);
Alex Kaplan, Providence, RI (US);
Viet Vu, Medway, MA (US);
William T McHugh, Westwood, MA (US);
Lucien P Fontaine, Lincoln, RI (US);
Robert J Pinault, Canton, MA (US);
Duracell Inc., Bethel, CT (US);
Abstract
A current interrupt assembly for electrochemical cells is disclosed. The current interrupter assembly may be a self-contained, sealed unit which may be separately inserted into the cell during cell construction. Several current interrupt assemblies may be inserted in the cell. The current interrupter assembly has particular utility for thin rechargeable cells and when inserted in the cell forms a portion of the electrical pathway between a cell electrode and corresponding terminal. The current interrupt mechanism comprises a thin thermally responsive member preferably comprising a disk of a shape memory metal alloy having a curved surface. The current interrupt mechanism may include a heat producing electrical resistance means, preferably a Zener diode in proximity to the thermally responsive member. When cell temperature exceeds a predetermined value the disk deflects to cause a break in the electrical pathway within the assembly. The assembly may include therein a flexible electrically conductive member which forms a part of the electrical pathway within the assembly and which is physically responsive to deflection of the thermally responsive member. The assembly may also include a pressure actuated diaphragm which may form a portion of the assembly housing. When the cell internal pressure exceeds a predetermined level the diaphragm deflects causing a break in the electrical pathway within the assembly, thereby shutting down the cell.