Methods for operating a flooded electrolyte battery cell used in standby service to prevent the loss of water. When charging the cell, water in the electrolyte decomposes electrolytically to oxygen and hydrogen gases. The method includes catalytically recombining the oxygen and hydrogen gases to water vapor, inhibiting venting of the oxygen and hydrogen gases and water vapor from the cell, providing fluid communication between the catalyst and the electrolyte for the oxygen and hydrogen gases and water vapor, and hygroscopically absorbing the water vapor into the electrolyte. Devices and battery cells for carrying out the method are also provided.
Electrified roadway systems include a roadway, and vehicles configured to operate on the roadway. The roadway has a base, and two electrically-conductive rails mounted on the base. One of the rails is electrically connected to a source of electric power, and the other rail is electrically connected to an electrical ground. The vehicles include non-electrically-conductive tires, and an electric motor mechanically connected to, and configured to rotate at least one of the tires to propel the vehicle along the roadway. The vehicles draw electric power from the roadway via two electrical pickups that contact the respective rails, and a retracted position at which the pickups are out of contact with the rails. A wear-resistant cover can be positioned on each of the rails. The wear resist covers can have features that maximize the contact area and the contact force between the covers and the rails.
Electrified roadway systems include a roadway, and vehicles configured to operate on the roadway. The roadway has a base, and two electrically-conductive rails mounted on the base. One of the rails is electrically connected to a source of electric power, and the other rail is electrically connected to an electrical ground. The vehicles include non-electrically-conductive tires, and an electric motor mechanically connected to, and configured to rotate at least one of the tires to propel the vehicle along the roadway. The vehicles draw electric power from the roadway via two electrical pickups that contact the respective rails, and a retracted position at which the pickups are out of contact with the rails. A wear-resistant cover can be positioned on each of the rails. The wear resist covers can have features that maximize the contact area and the contact force between the covers and the rails.
Electrified roadway systems include a roadway, and vehicles configured to operate on the roadway. The roadway has a base, and two electrically-conductive rails mounted on the base. One of the rails is electrically connected to a source of electric power, and the other rail is electrically connected to an electrical ground. The vehicles include non-electrically-conductive tires, and an electric motor mechanically connected to, and configured to rotate at least one of the tires to propel the vehicle along the roadway. The vehicles draw electric power from the roadway via two electrical pickups that contact the respective rails, and a retracted position at which the pickups are out of contact with the rails. A wear-resistant cover can be positioned on each of the rails. The wear resist covers can have features that maximize the contact area and the contact force between the covers and the rails.
B60L 13/00 - Propulsion électrique pour véhicules à monorail, véhicules suspendus ou chemins de fer à crémaillèreSuspension ou lévitation magnétiques pour véhicules
B60M 1/02 - Lignes de courant d'alimentation en énergie en contact avec le collecteur porté par le véhicule Détails
B60K 1/00 - Agencement ou montage des ensembles de propulsion électriques
5.
Battery water replenishment system and method of installation
A system for coupling a conduit to a valve is disclosed. The valve includes at least one coupling, wherein the coupling includes an inlet leading to an internal chamber of the valve, a collar positioned within the inlet, a gripper positioned partially within the inlet and in contact with at least a portion of the collar, and a wiper seal positioned within the internal chamber. The system further includes a conduit, wherein the conduit is insertable through the gripper via a first force, and wherein the conduit is subsequently insertable through the wiper seal via a second force that is less than the value of the first force. The conduit may optionally be labeled with a set of visual markings to provide proper cutting angles and to indication proper positioning of the conduit into the valve to effectuate a tight seal.
F16L 37/00 - Accouplements du type à action rapide
F16L 37/092 - Accouplements du type à action rapide dans lesquels l'assemblage entre les extrémités s'aboutant ou se chevauchant est maintenu par des organes de blocage combinés à un verrouillage automatique au moyen d'éléments coincés entre le tuyau et la surface tronconique convergente du corps du raccord
H01M 2/36 - Dispositions pour le remplissage, la mise à niveau ou la vidange des récipients en liquide, p.ex. pour le remplissage avec des électrolytes, pour le rinçage
6.
Battery use optimization utilizing a reserve fleet
A system for the management of a fleet of battery powered vehicles using a paradigm of a reserve pool of vehicles as opposed to a reserve fleet of batteries. In this system, a reserve pool of vehicles is always maintained in a ready state such that vehicles being returned with depleted batteries may be replaced with a vehicle having a fully-charged battery. The system maintains a balance between reserve fleet size and charging time (and therefore the life of the batteries) to provide optimal performance and cost savings. The system has the added advantages of capital efficiency in that that the time and labor required to change batteries, and the need to maintain extra batteries is eliminated.
H02J 7/00 - Circuits pour la charge ou la dépolarisation des batteries ou pour alimenter des charges par des batteries
B60L 11/18 - utilisant de l'énergie fournie par des piles primaires, des piles secondaires ou des piles à combustibles
G06Q 10/06 - Ressources, gestion de tâches, des ressources humaines ou de projetsPlanification d’entreprise ou d’organisationModélisation d’entreprise ou d’organisation
7.
System and method for monitoring electrolyte levels in a battery
A measuring device is used in conjunction with a programmable controller for monitoring electrolyte levels in the battery. According to one implementation, the measuring device is located in a battery and is configured to detect when the electrolyte level in the battery falls below a particular level. The controller is in electrical communication with the electrolyte detection device. The controller is configured to: (i) receive a signal from the electrolyte level detection device indicating when the electrolyte level in the battery has fallen below the particular level; (ii) introduce a wait-period after the signal is received; and (iii) enable an indicator to indicate that the electrolyte level in the battery should be refilled when the wait-period expires.
H02J 7/00 - Circuits pour la charge ou la dépolarisation des batteries ou pour alimenter des charges par des batteries
H02J 7/14 - Circuits pour la charge ou la dépolarisation des batteries ou pour alimenter des charges par des batteries pour la charge de batteries par des générateurs dynamo-électriques entraînés à vitesse variable, p. ex. sur véhicule
H01M 10/48 - Accumulateurs combinés à des dispositions pour mesurer, tester ou indiquer l'état des éléments, p. ex. le niveau ou la densité de l'électrolyte
G01F 23/00 - Indication ou mesure du niveau des liquides ou des matériaux solides fluents, p. ex. indication en fonction du volume ou indication au moyen d'un signal d'alarme
H01M 6/50 - Procédés ou dispositions pour assurer le fonctionnement ou l'entretien, p. ex. pour le maintien de la température de fonctionnement
8.
BATTERY USE OPTIMIZATION UTILIZING A RESERVE FLEET
A system for the management of a fleet of battery powered vehicles using a paradigm of a reserve pool of vehicles as opposed to a reserve fleet of batteries. In this system, a reserve pool of vehicles is always maintained in a ready state such that vehicles being returned with depleted batteries may be replaced with a vehicle having a fully-charged battery. The system maintains a balance between reserve fleet size and charging time (and therefore the life of the batteries) to provide optimal performance and cost savings. The system has the added advantages of capital efficiency in that that the time and labor required to change batteries, and the need to maintain extra batteries is eliminated.
H02J 7/02 - Circuits pour la charge ou la dépolarisation des batteries ou pour alimenter des charges par des batteries pour la charge des batteries par réseaux à courant alternatif au moyen de convertisseurs
9.
System and method for monitoring electrolyte levels in a battery
A measuring device is used in conjunction with a programmable controller for monitoring electrolyte levels in the battery. According to one implementation, the measuring device is located in a battery and is configured to detect when the electrolyte level in the battery falls below a particular level. The controller is in electrical communication with the electrolyte detection device. The controller is configured to: (i) receive a signal from the electrolyte level detection device indicating when the electrolyte level in the battery has fallen below the particular level; (ii) introduce a wait-period after the signal is received; and (iii) enable an indicator to indicate that the electrolyte level in the battery should be refilled when the wait-period expires.
This invention is a method and device for monitoring and storing data regarding the “life history” of a battery with which it is associated and interpreting the data to create an accurate record of use and abuse patterns. A manufacturer's specified life expectancy, measured in battery cycles, is established for the battery under normal use, and then the actual use of the battery is monitored and stored. Complete cycles, partial cycles, and operation of the battery outside of acceptable specifications are automatically derived into a value in units equivalent to a number of battery cycles, and this derivation is compared with the manufacturers life expectancy, and adjustments to the manufacturers life expectancy are made so that a more accurate and up-to-date estimation of battery life can be evolved over the life of the battery. The monitoring device is mounted on the battery for the lifetime of the battery, with certain information regarding the battery being displayed to all persons having access to the battery. Additional information may be made available to an authorized person or entity. This enables a lessor of the battery, for example, to identify abuse of the battery by a lessee and adjust fees, lease terms, etc. accordingly.
09 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
35 - Publicité; Affaires commerciales
42 - Services scientifiques, technologiques et industriels, recherche et conception
Produits et services
Electronic devices for monitoring and controlling usage and charging of industrial batteries, electronic devices for collecting and transmitting data on usage and charging of industrial batteries. Data storage of battery usage and charging information. Monitoring and analysis of battery usage and charging data.
09 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
11 - Appareils de contrôle de l'environnement
Produits et services
Mechanical water valves, water guns, water hose nozzles, all for battery filling; accessories for cooling electrolyte, namely gas pumps and air pumps; accessories being machines and machine tools for mixing electrolyte, namely, pumps, mixers, and tubing sold in combination for use in industrial batteries. A full line of battery parts and accessories, namely, catalyst devices for re-combining hydrogen and oxygen gases within a battery, electrolyte level monitors, automatic float valves, automatic water valves, battery charger sequencers, battery charger monitors, battery vent caps. Water purification equipment for battery filling, water deionizers; accessories for regulating water supply to batteries, namely, tubing and automatic shut-off valves sold in combination for use in industrial batteries.
09 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
Produits et services
ELECTRONIC DEVICES, NAMELY, VOLTAGE MONITORS, MICROPROCESSORS, CONTROLLERS, AND TRANSMITTERS FOR MONITORING, COLLECTING AND TRANSMITTING DATA ON USAGE AND CHARGING OF INDUSTRIAL BATTERIES, AND FOR CONTROLLING USAGE OF INDUSTRIAL BATTERIES
09 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
11 - Appareils de contrôle de l'environnement
Produits et services
mechanical water valves, water guns, water hose nozzles, all for battery filling a full line of battery parts and accessories, namely, catalyst devices for re-combining hydrogen and oxygen gases within a battery, electrolyte level monitors, automatic float valves, automatic water valves, battery charger sequencers, battery charger monitors, battery vent caps water purification equipment for battery filling, water deionizers; accessories for regulating water supply to batteries, namely, non-metal tubing and automatic shut-off valves sold in combination with water purification equipment and for use in industrial batteries
An automatic shut-off valve suitable for watering of batteries is disclosed. The valve is formed by a chamber having an inlet and an outlet. A seat surrounds the outlet. A spring biased piston within the cylinder is movable into and out of sealing engagement with the seat to open and close the valve. A flow deflecting surface is positioned between the inlet and the piston. Water flow is directed around the piston to eliminate drag that would force the piston into engagement with the seat. A second deflector surface directs flow against the piston to bias it open. An actuator cup, fed by a nozzle extending from the outlet, draws the piston into engagement with the seat when the cup is sealed by engagement with the electrolyte surface. The valve may also employ a float actuator connected to the piston.
H01M 2/36 - Dispositions pour le remplissage, la mise à niveau ou la vidange des récipients en liquide, p.ex. pour le remplissage avec des électrolytes, pour le rinçage
17.
System and method for monitoring electrolyte levels in a battery
A measuring device is used in conjunction with a programmable controller for monitoring electrolyte levels in the battery. According to one implementation, the measuring device is located in a battery and is configured to detect when the electrolyte level in the battery falls below a particular level. The controller is in electrical communication with the electrolyte detection device. The controller is configured to: (i) receive a signal from the electrolyte level detection device indicating when the electrolyte level in the battery has fallen below the particular level; (ii) introduce a wait-period after the signal is received; and (iii) enable an indicator to indicate that the electrolyte level in the battery should be refilled when the wait-period expires.
G08B 21/00 - Alarmes réagissant à une seule condition particulière, indésirable ou anormale, et non prévues ailleurs
H01M 10/48 - Accumulateurs combinés à des dispositions pour mesurer, tester ou indiquer l'état des éléments, p. ex. le niveau ou la densité de l'électrolyte
09 - Appareils et instruments scientifiques et électriques
11 - Appareils de contrôle de l'environnement
Produits et services
Water injector systems and water guns for battery filling. A line of battery parts and accessories, including catalyst devices, electrolyte level monitors and battery watering carts. Water purification equipment for battery filling.
21 - Ustensiles, récipients, matériaux pour le ménage; verre; porcelaine; faience
Produits et services
battery accessories, namely, water purification equipment, namely water deionizers battery accessories, namely, portable water tanks used to fill batteries, and injectors for battery filling battery accessories, namely, water gun nozzles
