Abstract: A method of applying liquid adhesive to surfaces of components of an electrochemical cell employing a needle valve applicator. The liquid adhesive is applied by dispensing it through a tubular tip connected to a pneumatically actuated needle valve applicator. The method is effective in applying adhesive to narrow width or difficult to reach surfaces of cell components in a precise, consistent and reproducible manner. In a specific application the adhesive can be applied to the narrow recessed step surrounding the terminal portion of the cathode casing of a zinc/air button cell. In such application the cathode casing may typically be rotated at speeds of between about 50 and 1000 revolutions per minute as adhesive is applied thereto from the applicator. The adhesive provides a tight seal between the cathode casing and cathode assembly, thereby preventing leakage of electrolyte from the cell.

Abstract: A zinc/air button cell having an air spacer member within the air inlet space of the cathode can. The spacer member may be of solid plastic, rubber, or metal construction inserted into the air inlet space (plenum region) of the cathode can adjacent air holes in the can. The spacer member may be of disk-like configuration with cut out sections therein of varying configurations. The cut out sections in the spacer disk form channels of unoccupied free space underlying the air holes allowing air to pass unobstructed from the air holes to the cathode assembly. The channels of free space are generally much wider than the diameter of the air holes. The wide channels of unoccupied “free space” running between the air holes and cathode assembly improve air flow distribution to the cathode assembly. The spacer disk simultaneously provides sufficient support to the cathode assembly preventing it from bending into the cathode can air inlet space.

Abstract: A method of applying liquid adhesive to surfaces of components of an electrochemical cell employing a needle valve applicator. The liquid adhesive is applied by dispensing it through a tubular tip connected to a pneumatically actuated needle valve applicator. The method is effective in applying adhesive to narrow width or difficult to reach surfaces of cell components in a precise, consistent and reproducible manner. In a specific application the adhesive can be applied to the narrow recessed step surrounding the terminal portion of the cathode casing of a zinc/air button cell. In such application the cathode casing may typically be rotated at speeds of between about 50 and 1000 revolutions per minute as adhesive is applied thereto from the applicator. The adhesive provides a tight seal between the cathode casing and cathode assembly, thereby preventing leakage of electrolyte from the cell.