Abstract:
An on demand power device which allows users to selectively choose the desired voltage/current/power and/or amp-hour (A/H) capacity output from among a range of output available within the power device. This device relates to batteries used as long-term stand-by or back-up power sources such as for emergency use with a motor vehicle, during camping, vehicle starting/towing, and for power consumer electronics such as mobile phones or a global positioning systems. This device also relates to batteries for usages on water, underwater, on land, under land, in the air or in space which require power at discrete intervals.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The instant invention presents an On Demand Power Device which relates to batteries used as long-term stand-by or back-up power sources such as for emergency use with a motor vehicle, during camping, vehicle starting/towing, and for power consumer electronics such as mobile phones or a global positioning systems. Further, the present invention relates to batteries for usages on water, underwater, on land, under land, in the air or in space which require power at discrete intervals. In addition to the back-up, intermittent and/or emergency use, the instant invention presents an On Demand Power Device which further allows users to selectively choose the desired voltage/current/power and/or amp-hour (A/H) capacity output from the power source from among a range of output available within the power device. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    A variety of devices suited to provide power in situations where a stand-by, emergency, or long-life battery is most appropriate. 
         [0003]    Extended shelf life or emergency batteries are well known such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,662. 
         [0004]    For example U.S. Pat. No. 3,666,961 provides an electrical power supply wherein each reserve battery is activated only after the preceding battery has substantially spent its useful life. Another device which provides a plurality of batteries for use as needed include U.S. Pat. No. 3,767,933. 
         [0005]    Further switching circuits for managing multiple batteries are well known such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,764,032, U.S. Pat. No. 6,144,189, U.S. Pat. No. 6,957,048, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,009,363. 
         [0006]    Batteries having packaging tabs for providing robust power attachment locations are also well known such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,045,946. 
         [0007]    Battery housings and/or enclosures for multiple cells are also well know such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,123,598 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,515,872. 
         [0008]    What is needed is a stand-by, emergency, or long-life power source or device such as a battery wherein users can selectively choose the desired power output from the power source from among a range of output power available within the power device/source and wherein the selected cell or group of cells can be easily manually activated. Further, the power source/device should be able to provide a range of useful power by means of the power device including a range of battery types and voltages. 
       SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The object of the present invention is to provide an on-demand power device to produce a selected power output once a chemical reaction has been initiated in the selected/activated battery cells. The amount of power generated can be determined by how many battery cells within the power device are activated. The present invention further presents an on demand power device which can include a single cell or a range of battery cell types and voltages. Further the instant invention presents an on demand power device wherein cells within the device may be partitioned to provide users an independent selection of various cell output options by selecting outputs from the partition sections of the cell. 
         [0010]    Overall, the present invention allow users to selectively choose the desired power output from the power device/source from among a range of output power available within the power device. 
         [0011]    The present invention presents an on demand power device utilizing at least one replaceable battery cell wherein the cell(s) employ a chemical reaction to produce the required power and the cell(s) are inactive until activated. Once the chemical reaction has been initiated, the power device produces power and continues to do so until the chemical reaction ends. The amount of power generated can be determined by how many cells within the power device are activated. A variety of release mechanisms, such as multiple pull tabs, punctures, and/or twist can be utilized to activate the reaction for each cell or cell bank. In this manner the power device can be utilized multiple times with smaller currents for each use or all at one time to provide a large current on a single use. This type of power production also allows the power device to have an optimum shelf life with very little or no loss of potential energy and provides an excellent means of generating power for emergency situations. The power device shall be of varying shapes that allow for easy and/or inconspicuous storage locations inside of vehicles. The power connection can be a typical power port socket and plug assembly found in conventional vehicles. The benefit to this arrangement is that the unit may be plugged in to another device as well as having devices plugged in to it either together or separately. 
         [0012]    When emergency situations occur it is imperative that power be available when it is required. Emergencies can vary from automotive breakdowns, power outages from storms, boating emergencies and too many other situations to describe. Conventional battery operated equipment including automobiles, radios, cell phones, flash lights and etc require power. These devices typically utilize conventional rechargeable power such as lead acid, alkaline and lithium batteries that self discharge with time and require regular and frequent charging even when not in use. Batteries that must be charged for the purpose of later discharge will decrease their internal charges with time and even can become damaged from being discharged to low. 
         [0013]    In contrast, in the present invention no reaction or power drain occurs unless the cell or cells are activated by the user. These power supplies can be powered from Iron—Air, Zinc—Air, Sodium—Air, Magnesium—Air, Titanium—Air, Aluminum—Air, Lithium—Air, Beryllium—Air chemistries to name a few. In this way an on demand power device will have power available even after years of waiting and non use. When a situation arises were power must be available, the power will be readily available and will not require any user maintenance or constantly require charging. These units can even be refurbished to replace the chemicals after they have been discharged and allow the device to be operated at any time necessary in the future. 
         [0014]    The Chemical Battery(s) store the energy for the on demand power device and vary in size and quantity depending on the model, power generated and delivery system required. While this is a single use type power storage system the unit can have the spent chemicals removed and be supplied with new chemicals that would allow the system to be operated one time and on demand again. 
         [0015]    The Reaction Power Regulator initiates and controls the chemical reaction and the power to provide the power device with the voltage and current rating of the on demand power device. 
         [0016]    The Reaction Power Activators provides the user with a means to start the on demand power device and proved power to the device it is connected to or installed in. The amount of power generated can be determined by how many cells within the power device are activated. Multiple pull tabs, punctures and/or twist release mechanisms will be utilized to activate the reaction for each cell bank. In this manner the power device can be utilized multiple times with smaller currents for each use or all at one time to provide a large current on a single use. 
         [0017]    Power Connection provides a means for the on demand power device to transfer energy to the equipment or device requiring power. This power connection can be a cord or leaded assembly with a plug, connector or metal piece that allows for contact to deliver power to devices the unit(s) are connected to or installed in. 
         [0018]    The figures presented herein provide examples of various configurations that allow for ease of storage for the unit and allow for different storage locations. These on demand power supplies can even mimic or replicate the shape of existing battery or non-battery items as desired. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  shows the preferred embodiment of the On Demand Power Device, partially cut away to show the interior of the device. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  shows a view of the preferred embodiment of the On Demand Power Device. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  shows an alternate embodiment of the On Demand Power Device. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  shows an alternate embodiment of the On Demand Power Device. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  shows an alternate embodiment of the On Demand Power Device. 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  shows an alternate embodiment of the On Demand Power Device. 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  shows a side view of the On Demand Power Device in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  presents a schematic of the preferred embodiment of the On Demand Power Device. 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  presents a schematic of an alternate embodiment of the On Demand Power Device. 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  presents a schematic of an alternate embodiment of the On Demand Power Device. 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  presents a schematic of an alternate embodiment of the On Demand Power Device. 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  presents a schematic of an alternate embodiment of the On Demand Power Device. 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  presents a schematic of an alternate embodiment of the On Demand Power Device. 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  presents a schematic of an alternate embodiment of the On Demand Power Device. 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  presents a schematic of an alternate embodiment of the On Demand Power Device. 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  presents a schematic of an alternate embodiment of the On Demand Power Device simultaneously employing multiple configurations of the circuit branches. 
           [0035]      FIG. 17  presents a schematic of an exemplary configuration of circuit branches of the On Demand Power Device. 
           [0036]      FIG. 18  presents a schematic of an exemplary configuration of circuit branches of the On Demand Power Device. 
           [0037]      FIG. 19  presents a schematic of an exemplary configuration of circuit branches of the On Demand Power Device. 
           [0038]      FIG. 20  presents a cell configuration diagram. 
           [0039]      FIG. 21  presents a cell configuration diagram. 
           [0040]      FIG. 22  presents a cell configuration diagram. 
           [0041]      FIG. 23  presents a cell configuration diagram. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0042]    The On Demand Power Device  100 , as shown in the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 , and also shown in the alternate embodiments of  FIGS. 2-23 , consists of at least one chemical battery cell  200 , at least one reaction power activator  300 , a power connection  400 , and an enclosure  500 , and associated circuitry  600 . 
         [0043]    In some of the various alternate embodiments disclosed herein the On Demand Power Device  100  further includes at least one reaction power regulator  700 . 
         [0044]    Turning now to the preferred embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 8 , the On Demand Power Device  100  includes an enclosure  500  which houses at least one chemical battery cell  200 , a power connection  400 , and associated circuitry  600  connecting the battery cell (s)  200  to the power connection  400 . 
         [0045]    Each battery cell  200  includes a reaction power activator  300  which, when activated, initiates and controls the chemical reaction within the battery cell  200  to provide power, voltage, and current to the On Demand Power Device  100 . The specific reaction power activator  300  used in each configuration is selected to allow the intermixing and/or flow of chemicals in the battery cell  200  thereby initiating the electrochemical reaction which produces electricity. 
         [0046]    In the preferred embodiment the reaction power activator  300  is a pull-tab which allows the users to grasp and pull a strip of material (such as plastic, metal, or non-metallic material) thereby selectively initiating the chemical reaction only within a selected cell. These pull-tabs include indicia and/or color coding which indicates the voltage/power/current obtained from activating the selected cell or group of cells. Other commonly known information methods (such as using labels on the enclosure, a supplemental instructional guide, or flags having indicia or coloring) are understood to be within the scope of the instant invention with regards to methods for indicating the voltage/power/current obtained from activating the selected cell or group of cells. 
         [0047]    Further, the specific reaction power activator  300  used in each configuration is selected so that until the reaction power activator  300  is activated (such as by removal of an element separating the cells chemicals) the reaction power activator  300  inhibits the electrochemical reaction within the cell thereby preventing the production of electricity. 
         [0048]    Some of the cells  200 , as indicated at least in  FIGS. 8-10  and  14 - 15 , have a reaction power activator  300  which can be activated without activating other cells  200 . 
         [0049]    As indicated at least in  FIGS. 11-13 , groups of cells  200  can also share a common reaction power activator  300  and are therefore activated together as a group. 
         [0050]    As shown in  FIG. 16 , the On Demand Power Device  100  can contain both independently activated cells and as well as cells which are activated in groups. This novel variety of configurations allows users of the On Demand Power Device  100  to selectively activate a single cell or groups cells to obtain the desired power output. 
         [0051]    Alternate activation means for activating the selected cell(s)  200  which are understood as applicable to the instant invention are methods which selectively allow the intermixing and/or flow of chemicals in the battery cell(s)  200  wherein such means include plungers, puncturing mechanisms, mechanical arrangements, electronic arrangement, pyrotechnic arrangements, manual arrangements, as well as automatic arrangements. 
         [0052]    Power connection  400  is provided via a standard cigarette lighter adapter or similar type outlet. Alternative configurations for the shape and form of the connector of the power connection  400  are understood to be within the scope of the instant inventions as applicable to the specific application. For example if the On Demand Power Device  100  were being used to power a cell phone, a radio, a computer, camping equipment, towing equipment, nautical equipment, aviation equipment, etc, a suitable connector would be selected and used. Where the On Demand Power Device  100  is used to jump-start an automobile engine or deliver large quantities of power/voltage/current, suitable connectors such as jumper cable or alligator type clamps can be connected to the power out  401  and ground  402  used as needed. 
         [0053]    The associated circuitry  600  electrically controls the flow of current, voltage, and power within the On Demand Power Device  100 . The associated circuitry  600  includes at least power out  401  and ground (Gnd)  402  locations on the power connection  400 . 
         [0054]    Preferably the associated circuitry  600  includes an output diode  601 , an output switch  602 , a regulating and/or illuminating diode  603 , a regulating and/or output resister  604 , and a ground path  605 . The output switch  602  allows the cell to be connected or disconnected from the output diode  601 . The regulating and/or illuminating diode  603  when illuminated provides an indication the cell is producing output voltage. The output switch  602  and the regulating and/or illuminating diode  603  may be provided on the exterior of the enclosure  500  or within the enclosure  500 . The cathode (output end) of the output diode  601  and the ground path  605  of the associated circuitry are connected to power connection  400  respectively at power out  401  and ground (Gnd)  402  locations on the power connection  400 . 
         [0055]    The reaction power regulator  700  is presented as ports, orifices, holes, or porous membranes which are used to meter the flow of air and/or selected gases or fluid (including oxygen or other known gases) into and out of the cell(s) to facilitate the chemical reaction within the cell(s). The reaction power regulator  700  may also include supplemental metering elements such as various sized membranes, flaps or reeds (not shown) to allow the adjustment of the flow rate of the gases or fluid. 
         [0056]    Further, the reaction power regulator  700  can contain typical voltage, current, and power regulation elements commonly used in power management systems. These components typically include Zener diodes, bridge networks, clamping networks, filtering networks, MOSFETS, UJTS, integrated circuits, passive voltage/power/current regulation components and active voltage/power/current regulation components. 
         [0057]    As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 12 , the embodiments include a reaction power regulator  700  external to the individual cell(s)  200 . In these configurations the reaction power regulator  700  is provided on the body of the enclosure  500  (not shown) or provided as a component of the enclosure  500 , see  FIGS. 1-8 . 
         [0058]    Alternatively, as indicated in  FIGS. 10 ,  13 , and  15  the reaction power regulator  700  may be presented as an integral component of each cell  200 . This allows the selection of a variety of reaction power regulators  700  best suited for each specific cell  200 . For example where a battery or On Demand Power Device  100  consists of cells of different chemical composition, the reaction power regulators  700  would allow, in a single battery, the use of differing rates of gases or fluid flow consistent with the chemicals of the specific cell  200 . Cell manufacturers would calibrate each cells reaction power regulator  700  to provide the optimum power output. 
         [0059]    Further, as shown in  FIG. 20  a cell  200  may be partitioned to include multiple sections  210  wherein each cell section  210  can contain a different chemical compound(s), different chemical compound(s) concentration, or different cell section volume as at least one other section  210  of the same cell  200 . Alternatively the cell sections  210  of a cell may contain the same chemical compound(s), same chemical compound(s) concentration, or same cell section volume as at least one other section of the same cell  200 . Further a cell  200  may contain cell sections  210  which are the same chemical compound(s), same chemical compound(s) concentration, or same cell section volume as at least one other section of the same cell  200  concurrently with cell containing at least one cell section  210  having a different chemical compound(s), different chemical compound(s) concentration, or different cell section volume as at least one other section  210  of the same cell  200 . 
         [0060]    As shown in  FIG. 16 , circuit branches  800   a - 800   g  are provided wherein each circuit branch extends from the cathode of the applicable output diode  601  to the ground path  605  and encompasses the electronic components in-between. 
         [0061]    As shown circuit branches  800   a - 800   g  in  FIG. 16 , the On Demand Power Device  100  may contain a variety of configurations which allows the On Demand Power Device  100  to selectively regulate cells of varying chemical compositions and varying voltages. 
         [0062]    Exemplary configurations are provided in the circuit branches of  FIG. 16  such as wherein reaction power regulators  700  are presented as an integral component of each cell  200  and a reaction power regulator  700  is provided external to the individual cell(s)  200  (such as within a sub-compartment of the enclosure which houses a group of cells). For example, if the cells within the sub-compartment are composed of the different materials, the reaction power regulator  700  for the specific cells would be calibrated for that specific cell while the overall circuit branch may also have a separate reaction power regulator  700  calibrated to function with the output regulator  700  of each cell or cell group to optimize the out of the total circuit branch. 
         [0063]    Exemplary configurations are also provided in the circuit branches which do not include a reaction power regulator  700  but rather present different numbers of cells in the circuit branch (see circuit branches  800   e - 800   g ). This allows the specific circuit branch to provide a power, voltage, or current would be different than circuit branches which have more cells or fewer cells of the same type. 
         [0064]    Note, some of the circuit elements of  FIG. 16-19  which are the same in each circuit branch were not repeatedly labeled in each circuit branch so that the schematic would be less cluttered. Omission of the label for the element is not an indication that the unnumbered element is different from the comparable element in another circuit branch. For example, each branch includes an output diode  601 , an illuminating and/or regulating diode  603 , and a regulating and/or output resister  604  which are shown but not labeled in each and every circuit branch. 
         [0065]      FIGS. 17-19  present exemplary circuit branch configurations which include 1, 2, and 3 cells  200  in parallel. This configuration discloses that parallel circuit branches can have a single cell  200  with a reaction power activator  300  in parallel with groups of cells  200  wherein the groups of cells  200  have their own reaction power activator  300 . 
         [0066]    Further, as shown in  FIG. 17 , each cell  200  or groups of cells  200  can internally have a reaction power regulator  700  while the cell(s)  200  form part of a circuit branch wherein the circuit branch also includes a reaction power regulator  700 . 
         [0067]    As shown in  FIGS. 20-21  each cell  200  can be partitioned (see  900   a - 900   d ) and distinct voltage/current/power generating electrochemical solutions can be provided within each partition section thereby providing differing voltage/current/power and/or amp-hour (A/H) capacity within each cell partition section. Each cell partition section includes a reaction power activator  300  so that users can select and activate the desired voltage/current/power and/or amp-hour (A/H) capacity independent of the voltage/current/power and/or amp-hour (A/H) capacity provided by other cell partition sections of the same cell  200 . 
         [0068]    Each cell partition section would be calibrated by the manufacturer to provide the rated voltage/current/power and/or amp-hour (A/H) capacity, wherein such calibration may include selecting the appropriate reaction power regulator method and reaction power regulation components optimally suited for the specific cell partition section geometry, desired output, and electrochemical solutions. 
         [0069]    A cell may contain cell partition sections which have differing cell partition section geometry, differing cell partition section chemistry, and use different reaction power regulator methods from other cell partition sections within the same cell but still deliver the same voltage/current/power and/or amp-hour (A/H) capacity as other cell partition sections in the same cell. 
         [0070]    As shown in  FIG. 21 , users can, by activating a single reaction power activator  300  choose to active either 1 A/H at a time, individually by pulling each “1 A/H” tab as needed, or users can by activating a single reaction power activator  300  select the total available amp-hours (i.e. 4 A/H) for a single use at one time (by pulling the “4 A/H” tab). 
         [0071]    Further a single cell can have one or more reaction power activator(s)  300  that allow for different chemical flow rates and/or reaction flow rates to occur and therefore produce varying electrical outputs consistent with the chemical reaction. 
         [0072]    For example as shown in  FIG. 23 , a single cell may have a first and a second tabbed reaction power activator  300 . If the first tabbed reaction power activator  300  is activated by removing the tab without activating the second tabbed reaction power activator  300 , then the power produced by the cell will be of a lesser amount than if both reaction power activator tabs  300  are activated. In this example the removal of each tabbed activator  300  allows for an amount of air flow for the chemical reaction in the cell therefore removal of multiple tabbed activators  300  increases the air flow and therefore increases the chemical reaction and power and electrical output of the cell. 
         [0073]    Operation and Usage 
         [0074]    For typical usage the user simply pull the reaction power activator  300  tab(s) which indicate the desired power/voltage/current or amp-hour (A/H) capacity, activate the output switch  602 , attach the On Demand Power Device  100  to the appropriate appliance adapter (such as standard cigarette lighter adapter or similar type outlet), and then attach the adapter to the item requiring power. 
         [0075]    Once the power/voltage/current or amp-hour (A/H) capacity available from a selected cell or group of cells is depleted, the user can select other un-depleted cells or groups of cells available on the On Demand Power Device  100 . 
         [0076]    The user can deactivate the output switch  602  at any time to disconnect the cells from the power connection  400 . Where applicable, with power disconnected from the output connection the regulating and/or illuminating diode  603  will continue to glow as the cell or cells  200  in the applicable circuit branch  800  discharges. 
         [0077]    As presented herein the term ‘power’ generally also refers to voltage/current/power and/or amp-hour (A/H) capacity unless such use is repugnant to the usual meaning of the term “power”. For example, the selection of the most appropriate output needed by the user may rely on the amp-hour needs of the device the users is connecting to the On Demand Power Device  100  or it may rely on the voltage requirements of the device the users is connecting to the On Demand Power Device  100  and the appropriate voltage/current/power and/or amp-hour (A/H) capacity selection is made available by the instant device according to the user needs, not withstanding that the title of the instant invention. 
         [0078]    While various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, substitutions, and embodiment combinations may be made without departing from the invention herein. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.