John F Sindorf

US Patent:

49340468, Jun 19, 1990

Filed:

Nov 2, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/430717

Inventors:

John F. Sindorf - Pewaukee WI

Assignee:

Globe-Union Inc. - Milwaukee WI

International Classification:

H01M 230

US Classification:

296231

Abstract:

A method of establishing a hermetic seal about a terminal post of a battery comprises the step of forming a plurality of concentric ridges around the terminal post, positioning a tubular protrusion integral to the cover about the surface region of the terminal post containing the concentric ridges, and applying a radially directed force against the collar of such magnitude to cause the tubular protrusion to flow into intimate contact with the post and the concentric ridges.

US Patent:

50594966, Oct 22, 1991

Filed:

Mar 23, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/328117

Inventors:

John F. Sindorf - Pewaukee WI

Assignee:

Globe-Union Inc. - Milwaukee WI

International Classification:

H01M 1034

US Classification:

429101

Abstract:

A nickel-hydrogen battery or cell having one or more pressure vessels containing hydrogen gas and a plurality of cell-modules therein. Each cell-module includes a configuration of cooperatively associated oxygen and electrolyte mangement and component alignment features. A cell-module having electrolyte includes a negative electrode, a positive electrode adapted to facilitate oxygen diffusion, a separator disposed between the positive and negative electrodes for separating them and holding electrolyte for ionic conductivity, an absorber engaging the surface of the positive electrode facing away from the separator for providing electrolyte to the positive electrode, and a pair of surface-channeled diffusion screens for enclosing the positive and negative electrodes, absorber, and separator and for maintaining proper alignment of these components. The screens, formed in the shape of a pocket by intermittently sealing the edges together along as many as three sides, permit hydrogen gas to diffuse therethrough to the negative electrodes, and prevent the edges of the separator from swelling. Electrolyte is contained in the cell-module, absorbhed by the electrodes, the separator and the absorber.

US Patent:

51733773, Dec 22, 1992

Filed:

Oct 28, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/783006

Inventors:

John F. Sindorf - Pewaukee WI

Assignee:

Globe-Union Inc. - Milwaukee WI

International Classification:

H01M 1208

US Classification:

429101

Abstract:

An apparatus for electrically connecting cell modules of a metal oxide-hydrogen battery. The battery includes an outer pressure vessel containing a plurality of cell modules which are each sealed in a plastic bag and each cell module is provided with a vent which is permeable to the flow of gas but impermeable to the flow of liquid electrolyte. A pair of annular electrical conductors are associated with each cell module and extend through aligned holes in the bag. The conductors of each cell module are electrically insulated from each other and are disposed around an insulating tie rod. One of the conductors is connected to the positive terminals of the cell module, while the other of the conductors is connected to the negative terminals. A series of spring washers are mounted on the tie rod and urge the portions of each bag bordering the holes therein into tight sealing relation with the flange of the respective conductor to prevent leakage of the electrolyte through the holes in the bag.

US Patent:

52643018, Nov 23, 1993

Filed:

Apr 14, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/868318

Inventors:

John F. Sindorf - Pewaukee WI
William P. Segall - Grafton WI

Assignee:

Globe-Union Inc. - Milwaukee WI

International Classification:

H01M 212
H01M 1052

US Classification:

429 53

Abstract:

A metal oxide-hydrogen battery incorporating a system for maintaining a substantial uniform range of pressure of hydrogen gas in the battery. The battery includes an outer pressure vessel and a plurality of cells are contained in the vessel. A liquid electrolyte is impregnated within the cells and the battery is charged with hydrogen gas. A conduit connects the interior of the vessel with a venting zone, preferably a closed chamber, containing a hydrogen absorbing material. A first valve is located in the conduit and is designed to open when the battery is discharged to a preselected level. A second pressure regulated valve is also mounted in the conduit and opens to vent hydrogen from the vessel to the chamber, if the hydrogen pressure exceeds a predetermined value at the preselected state of discharge. The sequential venting of hydrogen during cycling of the battery will maintain the pressure of hydrogen in the vessel within a given range.

US Patent:

48791911, Nov 7, 1989

Filed:

Mar 23, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/327746

Inventors:

John F. Sindorf - Pewaukee WI

Assignee:

Globe-Union Inc. - Milwaukee WI

International Classification:

H01M 230

US Classification:

429181

Abstract:

A crimp terminal seal for a battery comprising a terminal post suitably given a plurality of ridges and recesses in one region circumscribing the post suitably positioned within a protrusion extending up from the cover of the battery. The protrusion is compressed and maintained in intimate contact against the post along the aforementioned region by a collar.

US Patent:

49237691, May 8, 1990

Filed:

Apr 7, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/334362

Inventors:

Kenneth R. Jones - Oconomowoc WI
John F. Sindorf - Pewaukee WI

Assignee:

Globe-Union Inc. - Milwaukee WI

International Classification:

H01M 206

US Classification:

429101

Abstract:

A pressure vessel construction for a rechargeable metal oxide hydrogen battery. The pressure vessel includes a generally cylindrical shell, the ends of which are enclosed by dome shaped heads. A metal fitting is mounted within an opening in at least one head and the electrical leads connected to the battery cell are sealed within an opening in the fitting. The vessel includes a flexible inner liner of material which is impervious to the passage of hydrogen gas and an outer layer of fiber reinforced resin which is capable of withstanding the internal pressure generated by the hydrogen. The inner liner can consist of a plurality of wrappings of thin plastic film, such as polyvinylidene chloride, or alternately the inner liner can consist of thin metal sections having overlapping edge portions sealed by resilient elastomeric sealing strips which permit expansion and contraction of the metal liner under varying internal pressure conditions, without causing major tensile stress in the metal.