Apparatus for rapidly testing electrochemical cells
First Claim
1. Apparatus for applying and receiving electrical signals at the external terminals of electrochemical cells having a central terminal and a casing terminal, comprising:
- a probe assembly;
actuating means for moving the probe assembly into contact with the cell during testing;
a probe carried by the probe assembly and disposed to contact the central terminal of the cell during testing;
casing terminal contacting means carried by the probe assembly so as to be resiliently and yieldably biased into contact with the cell casing when said probe is moved into contact with the central terminal of the cell, said casing terminal contacting means being electrically isolated from said probe; and
signal conductors electrically connected to said probe and casing terminal contacting means for applying and receiving electrical signals.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus for rapidly testing rechargeable electrochemical cells following assembly which enables the testing of cells to be carried out in a substantially uncharged condition, such apparatus including an automatically actuated probe for applying to and receiving electrical signals at the terminals of the cells as they progress on the assembly line. When extended, a central electrode on the probe engages the central cell terminal and a pair of self-aligning resiliently biased pivotal arms positively engages the rim of the cell casing, which constitutes the other cell electrode, thus establishing reliable electrical contact even in the presence of residue or other manufacturing debris on the cell.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. Apparatus for applying and receiving electrical signals at the external terminals of electrochemical cells having a central terminal and a casing terminal, comprising:
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a probe assembly; actuating means for moving the probe assembly into contact with the cell during testing; a probe carried by the probe assembly and disposed to contact the central terminal of the cell during testing; casing terminal contacting means carried by the probe assembly so as to be resiliently and yieldably biased into contact with the cell casing when said probe is moved into contact with the central terminal of the cell, said casing terminal contacting means being electrically isolated from said probe; and signal conductors electrically connected to said probe and casing terminal contacting means for applying and receiving electrical signals. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. Apparatus for applying and receiving electrical signals at the external terminals of electrochemical cells for test purposes, the cells having a cylindrical casing constituting one cell terminal and having a central terminal at an end thereof, the apparatus comprising:
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a probe assembly; actuating means for extending said probe assembly into contact with the cell during testing thereof and for retracting said probe assembly upon completion of the test; first terminal contacting means carried by said probe assembly for physically and electrically contacting the central terminal of the cell in the extended position of the probe assembly; second terminal contacting means carried by said probe assembly for physically and electrically contacting the cell casing in the extended position of the probe assembly, said first and second terminal contacting means being yieldable relative to one another; and signal conductor means connected to said terminal contacting means for applying to and receiving from the cell electrical signals during testing. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification