Hammond, Indiana Patent of the Year – 2024/2025
Hammond Group Inc. has been awarded the 2024/2025 Patent of the Year for its groundbreaking method to enhance lead-acid battery performance. Their invention, detailed in U.S. Patent No. 12148928, titled ‘Methods for making components of lead-acid batteries’, utilizes a specialized glass composition rich in lead oxide to create a more efficient and durable battery electrode material.
The patented process involves forming an active material paste by combining water, an acid – typically sulfuric acid – granular lead oxide, and a granular glass composition containing at least 75% lead oxide. This paste is then cured to form the precursor of the active material for the battery’s electrode. The inclusion of the lead-rich glass composition enhances the structural integrity and electrochemical performance of the electrode.
By improving the electrode’s composition, this innovation aims to extend battery life, increase energy efficiency, and reduce maintenance needs. Such advancements are particularly significant for applications requiring reliable energy storage, including renewable energy systems, automotive batteries, and backup power supplies.
Hammond Group, Inc.’s development represents a notable step forward in battery technology, offering a practical solution to enhance the performance and longevity of lead-acid batteries.