Abstract: An improved method for the continuous fabrication of metal-hydride, electrochemical, hydrogen storage alloy, negative electrodes for use in rechargeable nickel metal hydride cells. The improved method comprises the steps of reducing the size of a high hardness, metal hydride, hydrogen storage alloy by shattering it along natural fracture line thereof. The process next includes providing measured amounts of powered metal hydride electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy material and disposing said material upon a continuous wire mesh screen substrate. Thereafter, the powdered metal hydride electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy and wire mesh screen are subjected to a compaction process wherein they are rolled and pressed so as to form a single integral electrode web which is subsequently exposed to a high temperature sintering process in a chemically inert environment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resealable vent, reinforced cover assembly for sealing a rechargeable electrochemical cell. Also disclosed herein, is a method of fabricating a reinforced cover assembly for a rechargeable electrochemical cell, a method of employing said cover assembly to seal a rechargeable electrochemical cell, and a vent, rechargeable electrochemical having a hydrogen storage alloy electrode and a resealably vented, reinforced cover assembly.

Abstract: An improved method for the continuous fabrication of metal-hydride, electrochemical, hydrogen storage alloy, negative electrodes for use in rechargeable nickel metal hydride cells. The improved method comprises the steps of providing measured amounts of powdered metal hydride electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy material and disposing said material upon a continuous wire mesh screen substrate. Thereafter, the powdered metal hydride electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy and wire mesh screen are subjected to a compaction process wherein they are rolled and pressed so as to form a single integral electrode web which is subsequently exposed to a high temperature sintering process in a chemically inert environment. The sintering process is designed to drive off excess moisture in the material while discouraging oxidation of the electrode web and set the electrode web state of charge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making electrode material from high hardness active electrode alloy powder are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method involves feeding the powder onto a carrier web, aligning a mesh or screen substrate with the carrier web, and compacting the powder and mesh in a series of roller mills. The carrier is removed after it has passed through the first roller mill, and the remaining green electrode web is passed through the second roller mill and into a sintering furnace. After sintering and cooling, the web is calendared, and then is wound on a take-up reel. The furnace provides a substantially water and oxygen-free argon-hydrogen atmosphere for sintering which discourages web oxidization at the elevated sintering temperature. A loss-in-weight feeder can be used to accurately deposit the desired amount of active material on the carrier web.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making electrode material from high hardness active electrode alloy powder are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method involves feeding the powder onto a carrier web, aligning a mesh or screen substrate with the carrier web, and compacting the powder and mesh in a series of roller mills. The carrier is removed after it has passed through the first roller mill, and the remaining green electrode web is passed through the second roller mill and into a sintering furnace. After sintering and cooling, the web is calendared, and then is wound on a take-up reel. The furnace provides a substantially water and oxygen-free argon-hydrogen atmosphere for sintering which discourages web oxidization at the elevated sintering temperature. A loss-in-weight feeder can be used to accurately deposit the desired amount of active material on the carrier web.