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. 14, 2000
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 mechanism for electrochemical cells is disclosed. A thermally activated current interrupt mechanism is integrated into an end cap assembly for an electrochemical cell. The thermally responsive mechanism preferably includes a free floating bimetallic disk or shape memory alloy member which deforms when exposed to elevated temperature causing a break in an electrical pathway within the end cap assembly. This prevents current from flowing through the cell and effectively shuts down an operating cell. The thermally responsive mechanism may include a heat producing electrical resistance means, preferably a Zener diode, to enhance thermal sensitivity. The end cap assembly may include a pressure responsive mechanism which ruptures when there is extreme gas pressure buildup. Gas is allowed to escape from the cell interior to the external environment through a series of vent apertures within the end cap assembly.