Abstract: This microporous film has an approximately uniform configuration in which the intervals between slender fibrils extend approximately two-dimensionally which are connected to each other between adjacent unstretched planar flat portions to define fine through-pores, and the distribution of pore size is sharp and the porosity is high. Accordingly, the microporous film excels in water filtration rate and selective separating capability and is suitable for use as filter membrane, separator membrane, gas exchange membrane, and a battery separator.

Abstract: A bipolar cell unit is described for use in a metal/air battery, e.g. an aluminum/air battery. Each bipolar cell unit comprises (a) an air cathode having opposed major surfaces, one of the surfaces being exposed to air and the other of the surfaces being adapted for exposure to electrolyte, (b) a metal anode comprising a metal plate having opposed major surfaces with one plate major surface positioned in spaced juxtaposed relation to the cathode surface exposed to air thereby forming an air gap between the anode and cathode, (c) structural means for connecting the air cathode to the anode plate whereby the air cathode is supported by the anode plate such that air is permitted to move through the air gap while electrolyte is excluded and (d) an electrical connection between the anode and cathode.

Abstract: A procedure is described for making niobium triselenide for use in nonaqueous cells. The procedure involves synthesis of NbSe.sub.3 from Nb.sub.2 Se.sub.9 which is rapid, easily adapted to manufacturing conditions and yield product with excellent characteristics for lithium cell applications.

Abstract: An electric power supplied to an electric load (24) is determined and the current (i.sub.FC) outputted from a fuel cell part (7) is controlled in accordance with a load power signal (701) which corresponds to the detected result. A fuel cell output following the variation of the power load (24) can be obtained by controlling the amounts of a starting material (41) to be reformed, a reformed fuel (42) and an air (43) to be supplied based on this output current. When the power load (24) is at a low level, the foregoing output from the fuel cell is also supplied to a heating portion (10) for heating the fuel cell part so as not to reduce the current (i.sub.FC) outputted from the fuel cell part. Since the output current is not reduced, it is possible to prevent an extreme increase in the electrode voltage of the fuel cell part (7) and hence the deterioration of the electrode is reduced.

Abstract: A protective material for a molten carbonate fuel cell, which comprises a ceramic comprising an oxide material capable of chemically reacting with an electrolyte used in the molten carbonate fuel cell for generating electric energy by consuming hydrogen formed from a raw fuel such as hydrocarbons, or with a substance formed from the electrolyte. The protective material protects a reforming catalyst or component materials of the fuel cell power generation system from the electrolyte or the substance formed from the electrolyte.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of lead-acid batteries and associated apparatus and a lead-acid battery design resulting therefrom is disclosed. The method involves providing a battery grid and pasting the grid with a battery paste such that a profiled and tapered battery plate is formed. This battery plate is wrapped onto a coil and cured in curing apparatus. A battery element is formed using coils of the finished plate stock, separator material, and winged end plate. After this, several battery elements are then placed into a battery container.

Abstract: An electrochemical apparatus (10) is made having a generator section (22) containing axially elongated electrochemical cells (16), a fresh gaseous feed fuel inlet (28), a gaseous feed oxidant inlet (30), and at least one gaseous spent fuel exit channel (46), where the spent fuel exit channel (46) passes from the generator chamber (22) to combine with the fresh feed fuel inlet (28) at a mixing apparatus (50), reformable fuel mixture channel (52) passes through the length of the generator chamber (22) and connects with the mixing apparatus (50), that channel containing entry ports (54) within the generator chamber (22), where the axis of the ports is transverse to the fuel electrode surfaces (18), where a catalytic reforming material is distributed near the reformable fuel mixture entry ports (54).

Abstract: A fuel cell has a current collector plate (22) located between an electrode (20) and a separate plate (25). The collector plate has a plurality of arches (26, 28) deformed from a single flat plate in a checkerboard pattern. The arches are of sufficient height (30) to provide sufficient reactant flow area. Each arch is formed with sufficient stiffness to accept compressive load and sufficient resiliently to distribute the load and maintain electrical contact.

Abstract: An electrochemical single battery such as fuel cells, and so forth, having an increased reaction area to augment its output density, which comprises a pair of electrode parts which are mutually opposed to be the electrodes when the electrochemical reaction is effected; reaction layers to carry out the electrochemical reaction, which are positioned between these two electrode parts, each being protruded alternately in one and the same direction from one electrode part toward the other electrode part in confrontation thereto, and being a slant with respect to said electrode parts; and an electrolyte layer interposed between these confronted reaction layers and holding therein an electrolyte which transmits ions to be produced at the time of the electrochemical reaction.

Abstract: A process of making a cathode material for a secondary battery including a lithium anode and application of said material.A process of making a cathode material for a secondary electrochemical battery including a lithium anode, wherein said material corresponds to one of the formulas Li.sub.y Ni.sub.2-y O.sub.2 or LiNi.sub.1-x Co.sub.x O.sub.2, wherein y is a number ranging from 0.84 to 1.22 and x is a number ranging from 0.09 to 0.5, wherein the base is lithium hydroxide, nickel oxide or possibly cobalt oxide, in a powdered form in the desired stoichiometric ratio, and wherein it is heated in air at a temperature ranging from approximately 600.degree. C. to 800.degree. C.

Abstract: A grid structure for the positive electrode of a lead-acid battery cell is composed of several substructures (modules), typically having mutually identical geometric designs. Each of the substructures includes a plurality of metallic members having closed geometric shapes, each contained within another, which satisfy a specific growth ratio relationship, namely, that the ratio of the surface area to cross-section area of any member is no greater than such ratio for a member contained within it. In a preferred embodiment, each such substructure is composed of a plurality of concentric rectangles, each (except the outermost) contained within another. Each rectangle is formed by four lead (or lead alloy) rod-like strips.

Abstract: A secondary battery comprising a rechargeable positive electrode, a rechargeable lithium-containing negative electrode, a separator allowing the positive electrode and negative electrode to be separated from each other, and organic electrolyte solution for connecting the positive electrode and negative electrode. The negative electrode includes a complex having a carbon molded article made of carbon fiber or carbon powder having an interfacial distance (d.sub.002) of 3.38 to 3.56 .ANG. as measured by X-ray diffraction analysis using silicon as standard material, wherein lithium have been absorbed into the carbon molded article beforehand. The above value of interfacial distance corresponds to 3.36 to 3.48 .ANG. as measured by X-ray diffraction analysis using no standard material.

Abstract: An electrolyte feeder for battery in order to fill an electrolyte into a battery comprising plural cells, integrally having shell bodies equal in number to the number of cells, filling hole at tip and of each shell body being sealed up by a thin film, the thin film being designed to be broken by a filling sleeve of battery so as to improve an efficiency of filling the electrolyte, and bottom parts of the shell bodies being connected each other by the communicating means in order to avoid failure to fill the electrolyte and facilitate replacement of the electrolyte with air.

Abstract: An apparatus for externally supplementing an electrolyte into a matrix-type fuel cell constituted by a cell lamination composed of laminated cells each having a matrix impregnated with and holding an electrolyte, comprising an electrolyte source for sending the electrolyte under pressure, a header vertically provided along a side surface of the cell lamination for passing the pressurized electrolyte through the header from the electrolyte source, and supply pipes connected to the cells from the header for supplying the electrolyte to the matrices of the cells. The flow resistance in each of the supply pipes is selected to be greater than the flow resistance in the header.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment provides a unique solid-state electrolytic battery featuring high reliability and an extremely durably service life. The battery is capable of generating a large amount of dischargeble current and can be satisfactorily charged and discharged using the activated hydrogen-stored alloy/materials. This unique solid-state electrolytic battery incorporates a cathode comprised of activated hydrogen-stored alloy storing metallic-hydrogenated hydrogen; a solid-state electrolyte comprised of hydrogen-ion conductive elements; and an anode containing an activated guest material, primarily hydrogen-ions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvement of an active material of a negative electrode in a rectangular sealed alkaline storage battery. That is, by using a hydrogen storage alloy as the active material of the negative electrode, a capacity density as a battery can be enhanced and besides, mounting a space for the battery in equipments which use the battery can be reduced and dischargeability and storability can be improved.

Abstract: A rechargeable type small electric appliance including a rechargeable battery having negative and positive terminals, the negative and positive terminals being, respectively, connected to a wiring board by a pair of lead members, in which at least one of the lead members is bent in an inverse U-shape so as to have first and second pieces and a bent portion connecting the first and second pieces, the first piece being secured to the wiring board, while the second piece is clamped, at a clamp portion thereof, to a corresponding one of the negative and positive terminals, the bent portion projecting outwardly beyond the clamp portion of the second piece in a radial direction of the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A rechargeable electrochemical battery including a lithium anode.A rechargeable electrochemical battery wherein the anode 2 is a lithium base and the electrolyte is composed of a solution of a lithium salt in a non-aqueous solvent. The active material of cathode 1 is a manganese dioxide containing lithium ions and displaying the crystallographic structure of .alpha. manganese dioxide known as cryptomelane.

Abstract: The invention provides a cathode for an electrochemical cell, a cell incorporating the cathode, and a method of rendering the cathode resistant to a drop in capacity associated with cell cycling. The invention involves dispersing a transition metal, other than Ni, Fe, Cr, Co or Mn, in the active cathode substance, the cathode comprising an electronically conductive porous matrix impregnated with sodium aluminium halide molten salt electrolyte containing chloride ions. Said active cathode substance is an chlorinated nickel-containing substance dispersed in the matrix.

Abstract: A battery separator includes a porous substrate and a thermal fuse material adhered to at least one surface of said porous substrate. The thermal fuse material is adhered to the substrate surface in a predetermined geometric array thereupon so as to establish open areas of the at least one substrate surface to thereby allow ionic migration therethrough. The thermal fuse material forming the geometric array on the substrate surface may itself define open pores to further facilitate such ionic migration. The thermal fuse material melts at or near a predetermined threshold temperature so that the substrate's permeability irreversibly becomes significantly decreased and thus interrupts the chemical reaction in an electrochemical battery. In such a manner, batteries of improved safety may be provided using the separators of this invention.