The present invention teaches a method of manufacturing an enclosed transceiver, such as a radio frequency identification (“RFID”) tag. Structurally, in one embodiment, the tag comprises an integrated circuit (IC) chip, and an RF antenna mounted on a thin film substrate powered by a thin film battery. A variety of antenna geometries are compatible with the above tag construction. These include monopole antennas, dipole antennas, dual dipole antennas, a combination of dipole and loop antennas. Further, in another embodiment, the antennas are positioned either within the plane of the thin film battery or superjacent to the thin film battery.

Method of manufacturing an enclosed transceiver

Provided is an anode for use in electrochemical cells, wherein the anode active layer has a first layer comprising lithium metal and a multi-layer structure comprising single ion conducting layers and crosslinked polymer layers in contact with the first layer comprising lithium metal or in contact with an intermediate protective layer, such as a temporary protective metal layer, on the surface of the lithium-containing first layer. The anodes of the current invention are particularly useful in electrochemical cells comprising sulfur-containing cathode active materials, such as elemental sulfur.

Lithium anodes for electrochemical cells

An apparatus and method for regulating the charge voltage of a number of electrochemical cells connected in series are disclosed. Equalization circuitry is provided to control the amount of charge current supplied to individual electrochemical cells included within the series string of electrochemical cells without interrupting the flow of charge current through the series string. The equalization circuitry balances the potential of each of the electrochemical cells to within a predetermined voltage setpoint tolerance during charging, and, if necessary, prior to initiating charging. Equalization of cell potentials may be effected toward the end of a charge cycle or throughout the charge cycle. Overcharge protection is also provided for each of the electrochemical cells coupled to the series connection. During a discharge mode of operation in accordance with one embodiment, the equalization circuitry is substantially non-conductive with respect to the flow of discharge current from the series string of electrochemical cells. In accordance with another embodiment, equalization of the series string of cells is effected during a discharge cycle.

Equalizer system and method for series connected energy storing devices

A subject for the invention is to improve the cycle characteristics of a high-capacity secondary battery containing an active material packed at a high density, by using a particulate active material having a low aspect ratio. The invention relates to a nonaqueous-electrolyte secondary battery comprising a negative electrode and a positive electrode each capable of occluding/releasing lithium, a separator, and a nonaqueous electrolyte solution comprising a nonaqueous solvent and a lithium salt, characterized in that the separator comprises a porous film made of a thermoplastic resin containing an inorganic filler, and at least either of the following is satisfied: the active material contained in the negative electrode is a particulate active material having an aspect ratio of from 1.02 to 3; and the active material contained in the positive electrode is a particulate active material having an aspect ratio of from 1.02 to 2.2.

Nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery

A bypass apparatus and method for series connected energy storage devices. Each of the energy storage devices coupled to a common series connection has an associated bypass unit connected thereto in parallel. A current bypass unit includes a sensor which is coupled in parallel with an associated energy storage device or cell and senses an energy parameter indicative of an energy state of the cell, such as cell voltage. A bypass switch is coupled in parallel with the energy storage cell and operable between a non-activated state and an activated state. The bypass switch, when in the non-activated state, is substantially non-conductive with respect to current passing through the energy storage cell and, when in the activated state, provides a bypass current path for passing current to the series connection so as to bypass the associated cell. A controller controls activation of the bypass switch in response to the voltage of the cell deviating from a pre-established voltage setpoint. The controller may be included within the bypass unit or be disposed on a control platform external to the bypass unit. The bypass switch may, when activated, establish a permanent or a temporary bypass current path.

Bypass apparatus and method for series connected energy storage devices

Two metallic foils each have a continuous band of polyethylene film adhesively bonded thereto. The lithium battery is sandwiched between these two metallic foils and a thermo-seal is provided to join the two polyethylene films. This construction prevents any outside substance from contacting the lithium battery.

Device for packaging a lithium battery

In an electrochemical cell consisting of a superposition by lamination of positive and negative electrodes, a solid polymer electrolyte as well as a metallic collector in which the negative electrode and collector layers are slightly offset with respect to each other so as to permit lateral current collection, a band of insulating material is inserted so as to prevent the free edge of the collector facing the layer of electrolyte and/or the negative electrode layer from cutting through the electrolyte layer and/or thereby short-circuiting the two electrodes. The disclosure also describes the preparation of such an electrochemical cell.

Electrochemical cell for polymer electrolyte-lithium batteries (ACEP)

Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of polar oxidation products in transformer oils

The influence of linear paraffins on the behavior of paraffinic transformer oils at low temperatures has been studied here using urea and thiourea adduction as a dewaxing method. It was found that pourdepressant additives are no longer effective when the linear paraffin content is above a critical value which depends on the average melting temperature of the linear paraffins. On the basis of these observations, guidelines are given for the selection of new commercial paraffinic transformer oils for use at low temperatures.

Paraffinic Transformer Oils for use at Low Temperatures

A method has been developed for the extraction and analysis of the antioxidant, the peroxide crosslinking agent and some decomposition products in crosslinked polyethylene The method involves the use of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in the reverse-phase mode, with a mixture of methanol and water as the mobile phase Samples of polyethylene are ground at low temperature into a fine powder prior to extraction by methanol The accuracy and sensitivity limits are given for each of the separated components

Yves Giguere

Papers

Device for packaging a lithium battery

Electrochemical cell for polymer electrolyte-lithium batteries (ACEP)

Reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of polar oxidation products in transformer oils

Paraffinic Transformer Oils for use at Low Temperatures

Simultaneous Determination of the Antioxidant, the Crosslinking-Agent and Decomposition Products in Polyethylene by Reverse-Phase HPLC