David E Hobson

US Patent:

54459060, Aug 29, 1995

Filed:

Aug 3, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/285166

Inventors:

David O. Hobson - Oak Ridge TN
William B. Snyder - Knoxville TN

Assignee:

Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc. - Oak Ridge TN

International Classification:

H01M 612
H01M 646

US Classification:

429162

Abstract:

A method and system for manufacturing a thin-film battery and a battery structure formed with the method utilizes a plurality of deposition stations at which thin battery component films are built up in sequence upon a web-like substrate as the substrate is automatically moved through the stations. At an initial station, cathode and anode current collector film sections are deposited upon the substrate, and at another station, a thin cathode film is deposited upon the substrate so to overlie part of the cathode current collector section. At another station, a thin electrolyte film is deposited upon so as to overlie the cathode film and part of the anode current collector film, at yet another station, a thin lithium film is deposited upon so as to overlie the electrolyte film and an additional part of the anode current collector film. Such a method accommodates the winding of a layup of battery components into a spiral configuration to provide a thin-film, high capacity battery and also accommodates the build up of thin film battery components onto a substrate surface having any of a number of shapes.

US Patent:

57052930, Jan 6, 1998

Filed:

Jan 9, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/780999

Inventors:

David O. Hobson - Oak Ridge TN

Assignee:

Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation - Oak Ridge TN

International Classification:

H01M 1039

US Classification:

429162

Abstract:

An improved rechargeable thin-film lithium battery involves the provision of a higher melting temperature lithium anode. Lithium is alloyed with a suitable solute element to elevate the melting point of the anode to withstand moderately elevated temperatures.

US Patent:

49193350, Apr 24, 1990

Filed:

Jul 19, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/221393

Inventors:

David O. Hobson - Oak Ridge TN
Igor Alexeff - Oak Ridge TN
Vinod K. Sikka - Clinton TN

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the United States
Department of Energy - Washington DC

International Classification:

B05B 506
B05B 718

US Classification:

239 3

Abstract:

A method and device for dispersing molten metal into fine particulate spray, the method comprises applying an electric current through the molten metal and simultaneously applying a magnetic field to the molten metal in a plane perpendicular to the electric current, whereby the molten metal is caused to form into droplets at an angle perpendicular to both the electric current and the magnetic field. The device comprises a structure for providing a molten metal, appropriately arranged electrodes for applying an electric current through the molten metal, and a magnet for providing a magnetic field in a plane perpendicular to the electric current.

US Patent:

47863200, Nov 22, 1988

Filed:

Aug 10, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/083482

Inventors:

David O. Hobson - Oak Ridge TN
Igor Alexeff - Oak Ridge TN
Vinod K. Sikka - Clinton TN

Assignee:

The United States of America as represented by the Deprtment of Energy - Washington DC

International Classification:

C22B 400
C22B 700

US Classification:

75 1065

Abstract:

Method and apparatus for removal of nonelectrically-conducting gaseous, liquid, and particulate contaminants from molten metal compositions by applying a force thereto. The force (commonly referred to as the Lorentz Force) exerted by simultaneous application of an electric field and a magnetic field on a molten conductor causes an increase, in the same direction as the force, in the apparent specific gravity thereof, but does not affect the nonconducting materials. This difference in apparent densities cause the nonconducting materials to "float" in the opposite direction from the Lorentz Force at a rapid rate. Means are further provided for removal of the contaminants and prevention of stirring due to rotational forces generated by the applied fields.