Chemistry: electrical current producing apparatus – product – and – Cell support for removable cell – For plural cells
Reexamination Certificate
1998-06-10
2001-02-13
Maples, John S. (Department: 1745)
Chemistry: electrical current producing apparatus, product, and
Cell support for removable cell
For plural cells
C429S100000, C429S157000, C429S159000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06187470
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to novel battery holders, especially for holding a plurality of battery cells, and to methods of using the same, particularly for small electric powered vehicles such as model trucks and model aircraft.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the use of batteries to power electrical toys and tools, such as small electrically powered model airplanes, or for other purposes, it is often desirable to gang seven to ten rechargeable cells together to provide the desired amount of power. At this time, it is popular to use rechargeable cells of about 1.2 volts each, arranged in groups ranging from about 4 cells to about 12 cells per battery pack. At present, for use in model cars, the use of 6 cells per battery pack is preferred. In small aircraft, the use of 8 to 10 cells per battery pack is presently preferred.
In spite of the various schemes which have so far been offered to the marketplace for holding multiple batteries together in a pack, a continuing and growing demand exists for a simple, inexpensive method which can be used to maximize battery output, to preserve and enhance the reliability of the batteries in the pack, and to enhance the service life of batteries between recharge cycles. A particular problem often seen in various prior art battery holders is the presence of spot welded or soldered junctions which are somewhat resistant to electrical conduction, resulting in heating of the junction, sometimes to unacceptably high levels, and in any event needlessly dissipating power.
As will be evident to those familiar with model cars, trucks, and aircraft, and to whom this specification is particularly addressed, a battery holder which effectively eliminates the loss of energy in soldered, welded, or other inefficient joints would be of great benefit in increasing the operating life of such types of apparatus, when compared with battery holders which are currently in widespread use. Moreover, a battery pack which increases the output power and/or battery discharge cycle time to the apparatus using the battery pack is always a welcome addition to the model competitor's arsenal.
OBJECTS, ADVANTAGES, AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION
From the foregoing, it will be apparent to the reader that one important and primary object of the present invention resides in the provision of a novel battery pack for ganging together a plurality of cells in a manner that maximizes the efficiency of extracting power from the battery cells in the pack.
Another important objective of the invention is to eliminate battery power loss due to resistive heating in spot welds or soldered joints, by providing a battery pack which avoids using such means for forming electrical connections.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a battery pack with a phantom battery cell, to enable a battery pack to provide power output from an uneven number of battery cells.
Other important but more specific objects of the invention reside in the provision of novel battery packs which:
are highly efficient in supplying electrical power from rechargeable battery cells;
can easily withstand repeated opening and closing cycles for replacement of discharged or weak battery cells in the battery pack;
are, in one embodiment, available in a configuration that allows the testing and/or recharge of individual battery cells;
provide various marking indicia to allow easy verification of the correct individual battery cell orientation, to assist the user in avoiding incorrect polarity during battery cell loading into a battery pack;
are preferably configured with non-identical tightening stays to help assure that correct polarity orientation is achieved when securing battery cells in the pack;
are easily worked on to achieve quick installation or removal of battery cells.
Other important objects, features, and additional advantages of our invention will become apparent to the reader from the foregoing and from the appended claims, and as the ensuing detailed description and discussion proceeds in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.
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Article, Model Electronic Corp. “Solderless Power Tube”, by Jim Petro, S & E Modeler Sailplane & Electric, Oct./Nov., 1998, vol. 3, No. 6, pp. 4-6.
Goodloe, Jr. R. Reams
Maples John S.
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