Abstract: The invention relates to a lantern whose housing (1) includes two superposed compartments (4, 5), the first of which (4) contains a light bulb (7) and the second of which (5) contains a single-cell or multi-cell battery (8), switching means being provided for switching the light bulb (7) on and off.In accordance with the invention, the housing (1) has a one-piece structure without a bottom, at least one portion of the casing of the battery co-operating with the inner surface of the second compartment (5) to guide the battery (8) when it is being inserted in the housing (1) and then to switch said light bulb (7) on and off.Application to lanterns on work sites.

Abstract: The invention relates to a beacon lamp which includes a point source of light located at F and surrounded by a transparent cap (20) which is in the shape of a solid of revolution about an axis zz' which passes through F and which forms at least one annular lens (L1, L2) whose focus is F. The profiles of the optical surfaces of the lens(es) are such that they produce a cap which can easily be moulded and which is anastigmatic for the point F and infinity, i.e. which concentrates much of the light from the point F into a plane (25) through the point F. Application to lamps for indicating the survivors at sea of shipwrecks or air crashes, said lamp being suitable for equipping life jackets on board aircraft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a beacon lamp which includes a substantially point source of light F surrounded by a transparent cap (1) which forms a lens (8). In accordance with the invention, said lens is chosen so that the emerging beam (9) occupies the nappe or sheet of a cone (10) having its apex at F. Application to air spotting survivors at sea of an air crash or a ship wreck, the survivors being equipped for example with life jackets including such lamps.

Abstract: The air-depolarized cell comprises a positive electrode having a catalytic mass, a negative electrode, an electrolyte disposed between the electrodes, a gas space above the assembly formed by the negative electrode and the electrolyte, a ventilation duct passing through the positive electrode to convey oxygen into the catalytic mass, and a source of oxygen which is separated from the said gas space by a wall impermeable to oxygen. In accordance with the invention the said duct is connected to the said source of oxygen by a tube impermeable to oxygen which is hermetically sealed to the said wall and to the catalytic mass which is situated entirely below the free surface of the electrolyte.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pocket lamp having an electric battery, a light bulb, a housing one of whose walls is made of a plastic material and supports the light bulb and forms a reflector and conductors forming with the light bulb and the battery an electric circuit closed by a switch. The switch has a knob sliding along the wall of the housing and which can be placed in two stable positions which are determined by a resilient appendage belonging to the aforementioned wall and co-operating with a protuberance formed in the knob. Application to pocket torches having a flat electric battery.

Abstract: The remaining useful life of a battery is indicated by a mechanical resilient means for displaying the thickness of the battery electrode. A mechanical indicator shows the electrode thickness at a convenient and visible top area of the battery container. The indicator may be coupled to any primary electrode which changes its thickness during battery discharge. This type of indicator may be used with batteries having opaque containers and nontransparent electrolytes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a discharge indicator of an electrochemical generator such as a cell or battery comprising a consumable negative electrode basically containing powdered metal, for example, zinc. The said indicator is constituted by an enclosure containing a substance which can be seen from the outside of the battery and having an appearance which changes on coming into contact with the electrolyte, the said enclosure being closed by a metal plate arranged within the negative electrode and which is made of a material chosen from among zinc, zinc alloys, zinc amalgams. Application of the indicator is to air depolarization cells.

Abstract: The invention concerns an air depolarization cell or battery. The positive electrode is supplied with air through at least one cavity formed by at least two funnels formed directly by molding or otherwise in the mass of the positive electrode separated by a portion of the mass of the positive electrode, each funnel communicating with the outside air at one of their ends and communicating together by a passageway similarly formed directly in the mass of the positive electrode at the level of their other ends. The ratio between the area of the surface of each funnel through which air flows into the electrode and the volume of air therein is different for the two funnels.

Abstract: The invention relates to electrochemical cells intended to be electrically connected up in series. Such a connection is obtained by means of a mechanical link between the terminals of opposite polarities of two adjacent cells. That mechanical link may be formed by a spring-catch system, screwing or locking. The invention applies more particularly to cylindrical electric cells.

Abstract: Alkaline electrolyte electric primary cell comprising a visual indicator of its state of charge, the said primary cell having a negative electrode basically containing zinc powder in contact with its outside casing. The said charge indicator is constituted by a perforated copper or copper alloy sheet which is visible from the outside of the primary cell and is in contact with the negative mass. On assembly, the copper sheet becomes coated with a film of zinc and appears to have a grey color. During cell discharge the zinc of this film oxidizes and the original coloration of the sheet comes visible through a transparency provided in at least a portion of the casing. The sheet may be located at any selected depth in the thickness of the negative electrode and the time of restoration of original coloration is a function of the location depth and thus indicative of the residual state of charge.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a zinc negative electrode, a positive electrode, a saline electrolyte and a corrosion inhibitor added to the saline electrolyte to prevent corrosion of the zinc electrode by the electrolyte is disclosed. The inhibitor is ascorbic acid, which is added to the saline electrolyte preferably in proportions comprised between 700 and 900 mg/l. The mixture of the electrolyte and inhibitor is generally in paste form. The resultant inhibitor-containing electrolyte in practice does not corrode the zinc negative electrode of such cells during storage. Thus, prolonged storage of such cells, even in adverse tropical environments is possible.