Abstract: A binary lead-tin alloy substrate for support of the electrochemically active material in lead-acid cells is disclosed having a tin concentration from about 0.3 to about 0.9 weight percent, the balance being lead. The tin impedes the formation of a passivation layer at the interface between the grid material and the active material improving cell recovery from deep discharge and improving cold cranking amperes performance.

Abstract: A charger for charging a rechargeable electrochemical cell including: a first conductive terminal having a central opening therein and a first contact end, the first conductive terminal connected to circuitry capable of providing charging current at a first charging rate; and a second conductive terminal positioned within the opening, the second conductive terminal having a second contact end portion extending outwardly from and electrically insulated from the first contact end, the second conductive terminal connected to circuitry capable of providing charging current at a second charging rate. The charger may have an insulator with an insulating contact end portion in place of the second conductive terminal having a second contact end portion.

Abstract: A sealed rechargeable nickel electrode containing electrochemical cell has a pasted negative electrode having paste layers adhered to a nonforaminous conductive substrate, which retards growth (swelling) of the nickel electrode on cycling.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell and method of making same are provided wherein the electrochemical cell includes a radial sealing function effected by the combination of a seal comprised of an amorphous polymer and a cell container wall having a stiffening rib on one axial side of the seal and a lip on the other side of the seal wherein the rib and the lip eliminate springback of the container wall upon removal of the external radial force establishing the compressive sealing forces.

Abstract: A cadmium electrode for use in rechargeable alkaline cells is disclosed featuring use of dispersed polyamide having specific properties. The polyamide serves as a binder as well as an anti-agglomerant to retard cadmium agglomeration during use of the electrode. The use of elemental silver additive dispersed throughout the electrode is also disclosed, as is the use of zirconium material as an elecrolyte wicking and anti-compressive agent. A process for making any of the foregoing electrodes is disclosed featuring the step of forming a paste by mixing together the polymeric resin, active cadmium material and a non-aqueous solvent, applying the paste to a conductive substrate and removing the solvent. Alternatively, known prefabricated cadmium electrodes, such as Teflon-bonded or sintered types, are post-treated through dipping or the like in a solution of the aforementioned polyamide.

Abstract: A charger for charging a rechargeable electrochemical cell including: a first conductive terminal having a central opening therein and a first contact end, the first conductive terminal connected to circuitry capable of providing charging current at a first charging rate; and a second conductive terminal positioned within the opening, the second conductive terminal having a second contact end portion extending outwardly from and electrically insulated from the first contact end, the second conductive terminal connected to circuitry capable of providing charging current at a second charging rate. The charger may have an insulator with an insulating contact end portion in place of the second conductive terminal having a second contact end portion.

Abstract: A support assembly, including an end plate, for use in metal gas cells. The support assembly inhibits a plate stack which is positioned within a pressure vessel from impinging the walls of the pressure vessel. The support assembly comprises a first and a second weld ring and a first and a second end plate, each of the end plates being attached to a different end of the plate stack. The first and second weld rings mate with the first and second end plates, respectively, and cooperate to support the plate stack. The end plate comprises two plates secured together. A raised portion on one of the plates forming the end plate has a radially extending embossment formed therein to increase the rigidity thereof. The pressure vessel is constructed of generally cylindrical container defining two circumferentially extending lips, each of which is secured to an end portion.

Abstract: A method for winding into an electrochemical cell, a plurality of flexible strip members each having a leading end portion, including the steps of positioning a first and second arbor half to face each other but not in contact, feeding the leading end portions between the first and second arbor halves, bringing the arbor halves together to capture at least a portion of the leading end portions, rotating the first and second arbor halves to wrap the leading end portions around a first curvilinear driving surface of the first arbor half, and applying pressure with a roller to the flexible strip members during at least a portion of the time the arbor halves are rotating. An electrochemical cell having a central opening extending the length of the axis of the cell is also described.

Abstract: A support assembly, including an end plate, for use in metal gas cells. The support assembly inhibits a plate stack which is positioned within a pressure vessel from impinging the walls of the pressure vessel. The support assembly comprises a first and a second weld ring and a first and a second end plate, each of the end plates being attached to a different end of the plate stack. The first and second weld rings mate with the first and second end plates, respectively, and cooperate to support the plate stack. The end plate comprises two plates secured together. A raised portion on one of the plates forming the end plate has a radially extending embossment formed therein to increase the rigidity thereof. The pressure vessel is constructed of generally cylindrical container defining two circumferentially extending lips, each of which is secured to an end portion.

Abstract: A wound electrode assembly for use in a sealed electrochemical cell. The wound electrode assembly has at least one electrode comprised of an electrically conductive substrate and an electrochemically active material secured to at least one face of the substrate. This one electrode defines an outer wrap for the electrode assembly. The electrochemically active material is absent from at least a portion of the exterior of the outer wrap to permit the first substrate in the outer wrap to contact at least a portion of the cell container into which the wound electrode assembly is positioned.

Abstract: A ceramic seal assembly for electrically insulating and hermetically securing a terminal to a housing through which the terminal extends. The housing contains a fluid at a high pressure and an electrical device to which the terminal is connected. An adapter is provided for hermetically securing the seal assembly to the housing. The adapter comprises a generally tubular member defining two end portions and a collar secured to one of the two end portions. The seal assembly and housing are hermetically secured to the tubular member at separate locations. The seal assembly contains at least one annular ceramic member and is oriented such that the high pressure fluid contained within the housing causes the annular ceramic member to be in compression and thereby maintain a seal between the terminal and the housing.

Abstract: Extrusion coating of electrode plates for lead-acid electrochemical cells is enhanced by mixing an ionic water soluble organic dispersant in to the aqueous-based lead paste.

Abstract: An assembly for preventing a battery terminal from rotating with respect to a battery container. The assembly is comprised of a collar having an aperture therethrough and a washer having an aperture therethrough which has a configuration substantially similar to the cross sectional configuration of a threaded portion of the terminal. The annular collar defines two faces having separate sockets formed therein. At least one nut is mated with the threaded portion of the terminal to releasably secure the washer within the socket formed in one face of the collar. The collar and washer cooperate to maintain the terminal and the container in a set position.

Abstract: A battery terminal post of the type for use in electrolytic devices contained by resilient electrolyte-resistant walls, wherein an opening in the electrolytic device wall is radially enlarged to form a bushing, into which is inserted a second T-shaped lead alloy bushing, into which in turn there is inserted a complementary third bushing of pure lead, which three bushings are then forced into intimate sealing contact by being radially expanded by the action of a punch and die in a swaging operation.

Abstract: A multicell lead-acid battery having a low profile, unitary combination cast-on-strap and intercell connector configured relative to other components of the battery to be resistant to vibrational forces. A method for forming the connector features a heat sealing step to provide a tight mechanical fit.