(By Balaseshan) Greatbatch Inc. (NYSE: GB), a maker of components for implantable medical devices and Electrochem batteries, said its subsidiary Electrochem Solutions Inc. received a patent award for a battery support system.
Electrochem Solutions announced an award for U.S. Patent No. 8,252,441 - Spacers for Fixing Battery Cells Within a Battery Package Casing and Associated Systems and Methods. This patent was solely invented by William Planck, mechanical engineer for Electrochem.
The company said a key factor in achieving longevity of portable power solutions is to incorporate a battery pack design that accommodates individual component changes.
This patented design provides a support system for the cells within a battery pack which allows alternate cell geometries within an existing external enclosure shape; in-turn minimizing system level changes.
Additionally, the support system mechanically isolates the cells from one another to provide a more rugged construction and protection against the environmental effects of severe vibration, shock and impact; along with reducing the amount of fillers, tapes and adhesives used to secure the cells, thereby reducing material and labor costs.
Electrochem provides its customers with robust power systems designed to meet the unique challenges of mission critical portable devices. This patent offers a unique solution to the challenges of long term product life-cycles and severe environmental conditions.
"With 60-plus patents granted in the Energy and Environmental industry alone, Electrochem's long-term strategy is to develop innovative, reliable and total power solutions for markets where failure is not an option," said George Cintra, director of engineering and technology for Electrochem.
GB is trading down 0.59 percent at $21.82 on Tuesday. The stock has been trading between $19.31 and $27.22 for the past 52 weeks.