Metal-air batteries having improved air access valves

Patent 5554452 Issued on September 10, 1996. Estimated Expiration Date:

September 22, 2014. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

1899615

2120618

2468430

2702310

2797254

3818439

3897268

Air/zinc flat cell
Patent #: 4115626
Issued on: 09/19/1978
Inventor: Sauer , et al.

Safety warning lamps for adverse or hazardous atmospheres
Patent #: 4142179
Issued on: 02/27/1979
Inventor: Lowndes

Metal-air battery having electrically operated air access vent cover
Patent #: 4177327
Issued on: 12/04/1979
Inventor: Mathews , et al.

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Inventors

Assignee

Matsi, Inc.

Application

No. 310438 filed on 09/22/1994

US Classes:

429/10, HAVING MAGNETIC FIELD FEATURE429/27, Active material electrode-type cell or subcombination thereof429/38, Having support or spacers with fluid distribution means429/82, Venting structure429/96, CELL SUPPORT FOR REMOVABLE CELL429/99, For plural cells429/229Zinc component

Examiners

Primary: Bell, Bruce F.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Leydig, Voit & Mayer, Ltd.

International Class

H01M 002/00

Abstract

A prismatic metal-air battery is provided for having at least one prismatic metal-air cell received in a cell cavity of a prismatic casing. The casing comprises a wall portion which defines a surface. The wall portion has at least one opening in communication with the cell cavity which is adapted to allow the passage of air into the cell cavity. The casing also includes a valve member having a surface bearing on the wall portion surface. The valve member also has at least one opening therein. The wall portion surface and the valve member surface are adapted to allow movement of the valve member across the wall portion surface between a closed position, in which the valve member opening does not overlap with the wall portion opening, and an open position, in which the valve member opening and wall portion opening at least partially overlap. Importantly, the casing also includes means for providing an attractive force between the wall portion and the valve member.