Abstract: This application relates to the battery field, and discloses a battery module and an electric vehicle using the battery module. The battery module includes a battery, a plugging member, and a temperature collection assembly. The battery includes a housing and a cover plate connected to the housing, where the cover plate is provided with a temperature collection hole. The plugging member includes an insertion portion that is installed in the temperature collection hole, and the insertion portion is provided with an accommodating cavity extending into an interior of the housing. The temperature collection assembly includes a temperature collection portion installed inside the accommodating cavity. According to this application, the temperature collection assembly collects a temperature inside the housing via the plugging member in the temperature collection hole. In this way, temperature collection is more accurate, a thermal conductive path is short, and a temperature collection response speed is fast.

Abstract: A multi-electrode device that includes an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and a gate electrode situated between the anode and cathode, and having an electrolyte. The multi-electrode device can be a secondary (rechargeable) electrochemical cell. The gate electrode is permeable to at least one mobile species which is redox-active at at least one of the anode and cathode. The gate electrode has a resistance that is lower than that of a conductive non-uniform morphological feature that could be grown on the anode. The gate electrode provides the ability to avoid, recognize, and remove the presence of such non-uniform morphological features, and provides an electrical electrode that can be used to remove such non-uniform morphological features.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery module that effectively imparts a curvature using a rechargeable battery formed as a pin-shaped rechargeable battery with a very small diameter is provided. The rechargeable battery module includes a plurality of rechargeable batteries arranged in parallel, wherein each rechargeable battery comprises a case and terminals that extend from respective ends of the case along a length direction of the case. The module includes a plurality of caps, wherein each cap is coupled to an end of a rechargeable battery of the plurality of rechargeable batteries and is electrically connected to one of the terminals of the rechargeable battery. The module also includes a connector on each cap connecting adjacent caps coupled to corresponding rechargeable batteries. The adjacent caps are moveable relative to the connector such that a curvature between the corresponding rechargeable batteries changes in a direction crossing the length direction.

Abstract: There is provided a sealed secondary battery whose current-blocking system yields little change in the actuation pressure even on long-term use. The sealed secondary battery comprises a current-blocking system 80 that is actuated by a pressure rise inside a battery case 12 to disconnect conduction path between an electrode and an electrode terminal. Current-blocking system 80 comprises a pressure-sensitive member having a pressure-sensitive deformable portion 32 that deforms from a first state via snap-through deformation to a second state upon a pressure rise inside battery case 12, and is configured to disconnect the conduction path by snap-through deformation of pressure-sensitive deformable portion 30.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a lithium-ion battery protector, comprising a broken-circuit protection switch arranged in a charging loop of a lithium-ion battery pack, wherein the broken-circuit protection switch is adapted to carry out the switching-on or switching-off of the charging loop of the lithium-ion battery pack via the shape change of a shape memory alloy therein at different temperatures. The lithium-ion battery protector uses the memorability, interference resistance, high voltage resistance and passive over-current capacity of the shape memory alloy.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes: an electrode assembly including a first electrode and a second electrode; a case accommodating the electrode assembly; a cap plate coupled to the case; and a connection member electrically connecting the first electrode and the cap plate, wherein the connection member is configured to be deformed to electrically disconnect the first electrode and the cap plate.

Abstract: An implantable electrode and method for manufacturing the electrode wherein the electrode has a strong, adherent surface inert coating on a conductive coating on the electrode surface, which demonstrates an increase in surface area of at least five times when compared to smooth platinum of the same geometry. An iridium oxide coating may be formed on a platinum coating by a physical deposition process, such as sputtering. The process of electroplating the iridium oxide surface coating is accomplished by voltage control processes. A gradient coating of iridium oxide ranging in composition from essentially pure platinum to essentially pure iridium oxide is produced by sputtering.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a secondary battery pack including a battery cell including first and second electrode terminals of specific structures, a protection circuit module (PCM) including connection members A and B connected to the first and second electrode terminals and an electrically insulated top cap, wherein a connection portion of the connection member B connected to the second electrode terminal of the battery cell is located at the bottom of the PCB so that the connection member B is electrically connected to the second electrode terminal via the safety element, the connection member A is coupled to the bottom of the PCB in a state in which the connection member A protrudes from one end of the PCB in the lateral direction so that a connection portion of the connection member A connected to the first electrode terminal of the battery cell is exposed through a corresponding one of the through holes formed at the top cap, a coupling hole is formed at the protruding portion of the connection member A, and w

Abstract: A rechargeable battery including an electrode assembly having a first electrode and a second electrode; a case housing the electrode assembly; a cap plate coupled to the case; a terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly and protruding from the cap plate; a connecting member on the cap plate, the connecting member including a body, a first short-circuit tab within the body and electrically connected to the first electrode, and a second short-circuit tab within the body and electrically connected to the second electrode; and a short-circuit member spaced from the first short-circuit tab and the second short-circuit tab.

Abstract: A battery system includes a battery module that has a plurality of batteries which are provided with release portions each for releasing internal gas when an internal pressure is increased, and an exhaust portion which is provided with an opening portion and guides gas released from the release portions to the opening portion, a non-resettable switch element which is provided at a position where the guided gas passes in a vicinity of the opening portion, and is changed from a first state preset as one of an opened state and a closed state into a second state as the other one of the opened state and the closed state when a preset reference temperature or higher is reached, and a high-temperature abnormality determination unit which determines that the battery module has an abnormality when the switch element is in the second state.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes: an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator between the first electrode and the second electrode; a case containing the electrode assembly; and a cap assembly coupled to the case. The cap assembly includes a cap plate and a short circuit member attached to the cap plate. The short circuit member includes a portion having a different thickness from another portion of the short circuit member.

Abstract: A pressurized underground enclosure includes a battery venting system having a battery within a battery box in a sealed enclosure. A first pipe is fluidly connected to the battery box and an ambient atmosphere and includes a vacuum generator for reducing a pressure in the battery box. A second pipe is fluidly connected to the battery box and the ambient atmosphere and includes a one-way valve permitting airflow to the battery box and precluding airflow from the battery box to the ambient atmosphere. The enclosure includes a scissors lift including scissor linkage units having arms pivotally connected at terminal ends and at central positions. The scissor linkage units are moveable from a retracted to an extended position by pneumatic cylinders. The internal pressurization of the enclosure is selectively released and locking mechanisms are retracted before a rack of the scissors lift is extended through an opening of the enclosure.

Abstract: There is provided a risk-free and easy-to-use battery pack using battery cells 1 as a secondary battery, in which internal gases evaporated by applying overvoltage or the like thereto are processed inside a case to be prevented from leaking to the outside of the case and thereby even if the case has been led to rise in pressure due to a thermorunaway of the battery, the case is free from breaking. To realize this performance, the battery pack 10 is provided with a battery cell housing 17 for housing lithium cells 1 and a gas processor 15 for liquefying the internal gases g generated from the lithium cells 1.

Abstract: A battery module for use in an electric vehicle is disclosed. The battery module includes a plurality of cells arranged in a predetermined pattern within the module. The battery module also includes an optical pyrometer arranged inside the module. The optical pyrometer is installed within the module after being tuned to detect a predetermined frequency or band of frequencies. The pyrometer will be used to detect an increase in short wave radiation density from one of the battery cells within the module wherein that battery cell has a temperature above a predetermined threshold. The optical pyrometer will be used to communicate an electric signal to a control system of the electric vehicle wherein that control system will implement a predetermined mitigation process to contain the thermal event of that one cell within the battery module.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sealed structure for an electrochemical device having a hollow space therein, further comprising a material generating gases via thermal decomposition in the hollow space. Also, disclosed is an electrochemical device comprising a cathode, an anode, a separator, an electrolyte, a casing for the device, and the structure for the electrochemical device.

Abstract: There is provided a risk-free and easy-to-use battery pack using battery cells 1 as a secondary battery, in which internal gases evaporated by applying overvoltage or the like thereto are processed inside a case to be prevented from leaking to the outside of the case and thereby even if the case has been led to rise in pressure due to a thermorunaway of the battery, the case is free from breaking. To realize this performance, the battery pack 10 is provided with a battery cell housing 17 for housing lithium cells 1 and a gas processor 15 for liquefying the internal gases g generated from the lithium cells 1.

Abstract: A low-cost, simple method for manufacturing highly-ordered nanofibers is provided. The feature of the procedure is using a self-catalytic mechanism. First of all, a porous membrane template is used as a filter to spread metal nanoparticles, which have a self-catalytic characteristic, onto a current collector. After removing, the membrane template, the nanoparticles grow and become highly-ordered nanofibers by heat treatment in an oxygen atmosphere. The nanofibers show superior field emission effects and are therefore ideal field emission sources.

Abstract: An aqueous alkaline electrolyte Ni-MH sealed secondary storage cell includes a bundle of electrodes placed in a container and made up of a plurality of negative and positive electrodes. The space separating the negative electrode from the positive electrode contains a separator. The separator is permeable to gases and a recombination device is placed between two adjacent negative electrodes and has a wetting angle of at least 45°, an average pore section of at least 103 &mgr;m2, and a thickness from 0.2 mm to 5 mm.

Abstract: A closure assembly for sealed batteries in which explosion-proof features are incorporated. A metal plate having a hole, an insulating resin sheet, a metal thin sheet, an insulating sheet having an air hole, a metal guide plate having a hole, and a metal cap are laid upon one another within an insulating gasket. Metal plate and metal guide plate are in contact with each other and electrically connected. Upon a build-up of pressure within the battery, the insulating resin sheet expands and ruptures, whereby a narrow part provided in the metal thin sheet positioned above the insulating resin sheet breaks, thus cutting supply of electric current.

Abstract: In a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery having: an electrode plate assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; a non-aqueous electrolyte including a lithium salt and a non-aqueous solvent; and a gas absorbing element that absorbs gas produced in the secondary battery, wetting of the gas absorbing element with the non-aqueous solvent is controlled.

Abstract: An aqueous alkaline electrolyte Ni-MH sealed secondary storage cell includes a bundle of electrodes placed in a container and made up of a plurality of negative and positive electrodes. The space separating the negative electrode from the positive electrode contains a separator. The separator is permeable to gases and a recombination device is placed between two adjacent negative electrodes and has a wetting angle of at least 45°, an average pore section of at least 103 &mgr;m2, and a thickness from 0.2 mm to 5 mm.

Abstract: A fuel cell stack may be enclosed within a plastic membrane. In one embodiment of the invention, a stack may be enclosed within a heat shrinkable membrane and the membrane caused to shrink about the stack. In this way, any leakage of fluids from the stack may be prevented or retarded by the membrane. A variety of different membranes may be utilized including composite membranes made up of barrier film and heat shrinkable puncture resistant film or bubble wrap covered by shrink wrap film. Any openings formed in the enclosure may be closed using plastic tape or heat sealing techniques. A leak detector may be provided within the enclosure for detecting leaks including gas leaks from within the stack.

Abstract: An electrical accumulator having a case in the form of a button cell which is closed such that it is gastight, including a case cover and a case cup with an interposed electrically insulating seal, which contain an electrode set including positive and negative electrodes as well as interposed separators, with at least two electrodes of one polarity being mechanically. and electrically connected at at least two points on their circumference in such a manner that a mechanically robust electrode packet results. The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing such a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a closed battery capable of rapidly releasing the internal pressure thereof and at the same time disconnecting the current to effectively prevent itself from temperature rising and explosion so that it may assure the safety and reliability thereof, when the internal pressure is elevated due to short circuit, overcharge, reverse charge, or the like in such a completely closed battery. The formation of a valve element 5 whose center is eccentric to the center of a metal substrate 1 produces a slit 3 having a large width portion around the circumference of a valve element 5. When the internal pressure of a battery is elevated, the valve element 5 is smoothly raised up together with a metal foil 2 from the bending fulcrum portion 4 to thereby cut a lead wire 6 or permit a braze portion 8 to detach from the lead wire 6, thus reliably disconnecting the current.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-aqueous electrolyte battery using a carbonaceous material capable of doping or dedoping lithium for an anode, a composite oxide comprising lithium and a transition metal for a cathode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte obtained by dissolving a carrier salt in a non-aqueous solvent as an electrolyte. The non-aqueous electrolyte comprises at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of isoprene, styrene, 2-vinylpyridine, 1-vinylimidazole, butyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, N-vinylpyrrolidone, ethyl cinnamate, methyl cinnamate, ionone, and myrcene, which, upon charging, forms a film on the surface of the anode.

Abstract: In the charging of a valve-regulated, lead-acid (VRLA) cell at a charge voltage which has a value that is slightly in excess of the value of the open-circuit voltage of the cell, wherein, during charging of the cell, there is produced at the positive and negative electrodes respectively oxygen gas and hydrogen gas in a predetermined amount, and wherein the negative electrode tends to discharge over a prolonged period of time during charging, the improvement comprising inhibiting the tendency of the negative electrode to discharge during charging by controlling the amount of oxygen gas in the cell by catalytically converting a portion of the oxygen gas and a portion of the predetermined amount of hydrogen gas to water, for example, by use of a catalyst positioned in the cell.

Abstract: A closure assembly for sealed batteries in which explosion-proof features are incorporated. A metal plate (8) having a hole (81), an insulating resin sheet (9), a metal thin sheet (6b), an insulating sheet (4) having an air hole (41), a metal guide plate (3) having a hole (31), and a metal cap (1b) are laid upon one another within an insulating gasket (5b). Metal plate (8) and metal guide plate (3) are in contact with each other and electrically connected. Upon a build-up of pressure within the battery, the insulating-resin sheet (9) expands and ruptures, whereby a narrow part (69) provided in the metal thin sheet (6b) positioned above the insulating resin sheet (9) breaks, thus cutting supply of electric current.

Abstract: A current interrupt assembly for electrochemical cells is disclosed. The current interrupter assembly may be a self-contained, sealed unit which may be separately inserted into the cell during cell construction. Several current interrupt assemblies may be inserted in the cell. The current interrupter assembly has particular utility for thin rechargeable cells and when inserted in the cell forms a portion of the electrical pathway between a cell electrode and corresponding terminal. The current interrupt mechanism comprises a thin thermally responsive member preferably comprising a disk of a shape memory metal alloy having a curved surface. When cell temperature exceeds a predetermined value the disk deflects to cause a break in the electrical pathway within the assembly. The assembly may include therein a flexible electrically conductive member which forms a part of the electrical pathway within the assembly and which is physically responsive to deflection of the thermally responsive member.

Abstract: Provided is a lithium secondary battery comprising an electrode assembly which consists of a cathode, an anode and a separator laminated therebetween, and a battery case in which the electrode assembly is placed, said lithium secondary battery characterized by having a thermal switch which has a mechanism for electrically connecting the cathode and the anode at a portion other than an active material-contained layer in accordance with an increase in the battery temperature. The lithium secondary battery can prevent itself from being left in a charged condition after having an unusual trouble, and can operate the safety device even when its internal pressure decreases.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of isolating an enclosed metal hydride container from an apparatus which uses hydrogen gas during periods of dormant or inactive storage of the device, including a constricted opening having a dual one way check valve arrangement to selectively open or close the hydrogen gas communication between the hydrogen storage container and the apparatus using the hydrogen. The dual check valve arrangement provides for constricting hydrogen gas flow between the chambers unless the device is in the process of charging or discharging, either of which process causes a differential pressure to develop across the dual check valve arrangement which is greater than a predetermined threshold pressure, e.g., 1-2 p.s.i. The hydrogen storage material within the hydrogen storage container comprises mixture of metal hydride particles with interspersed water adsorbing particles, such as silica gel desiccant.

Abstract: A current interrupt assembly for electrochemical cells is disclosed. The current interrupter assembly may be a self-contained, sealed unit which may be separately inserted into the cell during cell construction. Several current interrupt assemblies may be inserted in the cell. The current interrupter assembly has particular utility for thin rechargeable cells and when inserted in the cell forms a portion of the electrical pathway between a cell electrode and corresponding terminal. The current interrupt mechanism comprises a thin thermally responsive member preferably comprising a disk of a shape memory metal alloy having a curved surface. The current interrupt mechanism may include a heat producing electrical resistance means, preferably a Zener diode in proximity to the thermally responsive member. When cell temperature exceeds a predetermined value the disk deflects to cause a break in the electrical pathway within the assembly.

Abstract: A long-life sealed rechargeable battery employing a plastic battery container in use for electric vehicles and the like, wherein at least one tube having the bottom is formed under the cover, the closed end of the tube is either brought as close as possible to the upper edge of the electrode group or put into direct contact with a lead tab of the positive or negative electrode, and a temperature sensor is inserted and fixed inside the tube in such a way that the temperature sensing part comes into direct contact with the inner surface of the closed end of the tube, thereby capable of measuring from the outside temperature variation in the cell so as to control charge and discharge.

Abstract: A lithium battery is provided which can promptly cut off current when it is being overheated by a short or the like, thereby preventing an explosion thereof. A shape-memory alloy spring made of a nickel-titanium alloy is included between the cover and the cap, either for making contact with both the cover and the cap, thereby electrically connecting the cover with the cap, or for separating from the cap in the case of an overheating of the battery, thereby electrically disconnecting the cover from the cap. A semi-spherical protrusion is formed at the center of the spring so as to make contact with the bottom of the cap, so that if the battery is overheated, the protrusion becomes flat, and is separated from the cap, thereby electrically disconnecting the cap from the cover. The semi-spherical protrusion of the shape-memory alloy spring repeatedly contracts and expands so as to prevent the overheating of the battery.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of storing hydrogen gas within an enclosed metal hydride container that is isolated from an apparatus which uses hydrogen gas, including a constricted opening having a valve to selectively open or close the hydrogen gas communication between the hydrogen storage container and the apparatus using the hydrogen. The hydrogen storage material within the hydrogen storage container comprises mixture of metal hydride particles with interspersed water adsorbing particles, such as silica gel dessicant. Optionally included within the hydrogen gas communication between the storage and use may be a filter for filtering out oxygen and water vapor molecules from the hydrogen stream passing into the metal hydride particles, and may comprise a coating on each of the hydrogen absorbing metal hydride particles disposed within the hydrogen storage chamber.

Abstract: In a safety device for an enclosed cell, a closure anti-explosion valve 1 of a flat metal sheet which is deformable upon a pressure rise inside the cell has a valve body dent 9 formed in the center and protruding toward an inner cover 3, the surrounding wall of the dent 9 is partly reduced in thickness to form a thin-walled portion 1a around the dent, and the dent portion is joined to the inner cover 3 having gas inlet holes 3a at a weld 1c. Preferably, the surface of the closure anti-explosion valve 1 has a plurality of valve body thin-walled portions 1b radially extending from the dent 9. Also preferably, nicks 8 are formed on the upper or under side of the flat sheet part of the closure anti-explosion valve, among the valve body thin-walled portions 1b.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of storing hydrogen gas within an enclosed metal hydride container that is isolated from an apparatus which uses hydrogen gas, including a constricted opening having a valve to selectively open or close the hydrogen gas communication between the hydrogen storage container and the apparatus using the hydrogen. Also included within the hydrogen gas communication between the storage and use is a filter for filtering out oxygen and water vapor molecules from the hydrogen stream passing from the apparatus using the hydrogen to the hydrogen storage metal hydride. The filter means comprises a thin metal disc or a hydrogen gas permeable elastomeric thin film coating, such as a polyethylene resin or silicone oil, either in the hydrogen stream path or as a coating on each of the hydrogen absorbing metal hydride particles which are disposed within the hydrogen storage chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides a rigid reusable transport and storage vessel for retaining a plurality of anode cassettes of pressed zinc particles saturated with aqueous alkaline solution, and utilizable as an electric fuel in a zinc-air battery, the vessel having a sealably covered aperture and being provided with a hydrogen recombination device, the device being provided with an external surface at least part of which projects into the air surrounding the vessel for venting any hydrogen produced by the anode cassettes into the air surrounding the vessel, and the vessel being internally compartmentalized to contain a plurality of sealable internal compartments for retaining the plurality of anode cassettes, each of the internal compartments being provided with a gas non-return valve venting from the internal compartment to an interior space of the vessel for venting generated hydrogen from the cassettes via the gas non-return valve to the vessel for elimination via the hydrogen recombination device while preventing

Abstract: A process for controlling the hydrogen that evolves as a parasitic by-product during the operation of a metal/air fuel cell which comprises feeding into a catalytic recombiner a gaseous stream containing hydrogen being discharged from the metal/air cell together with an amount of oxygen sufficient to convert the hydrogen to water, said oxygen gas concentration being monitored and adjusted to maintain an oxygen concentration in the gaseous stream entering the recombiner in the range of 1.5 to 2.5% by volume. The process is of particular value in closed system aluminum/oxygen fuel cells in which small amounts of hydrogen must be removed, e.g. the sealed hull of an underwater vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a transport and storage vessel containing a slurry of zinc and an aqueous alkaline solution utilizable as an electric fuel for a zinc-air battery, the vessel being provided with at least one hydrogen vent for venting any H.sub.2 produced by said slurry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable power source comprising a fuel cell generating electricity using hydrogen as fuel, a hydrogen storage unit filled with hydrogen absorbing alloy for supplying hydrogen to the fuel cell, a case enclosing the fuel cell and hydrogen storage unit, and a lid for sealing a part of the case when the portable power source is not in use, wherein the lid seals a surface of the case on which at least one air inlet for taking in the air necessary for the fuel cell to generate electricity and a reactant gas outlet for exhausting reactant gas produced by the generation of electricity are formed.

Abstract: A metal oxide-hydrogen battery incorporating a system for maintaining a substantial uniform range of pressure of hydrogen gas in the battery. The battery includes an outer pressure vessel and a plurality of cells are contained in the vessel. A liquid electrolyte is impregnated within the cells and the battery is charged with hydrogen gas. A conduit connects the interior of the vessel with a venting zone, preferably a closed chamber, containing a hydrogen absorbing material. A first valve is located in the conduit and is designed to open when the battery is discharged to a preselected level. A second pressure regulated valve is also mounted in the conduit and opens to vent hydrogen from the vessel to the chamber, if the hydrogen pressure exceeds a predetermined value at the preselected state of discharge. The sequential venting of hydrogen during cycling of the battery will maintain the pressure of hydrogen in the vessel within a given range.

Abstract: A fuel cell system for directly converting chemical energy of a fuel into electric energy electrochemically. A fuel cell has a cathode and an anode. A main hydrogen absorbing alloy supplies a hydrogen gas to the anode of the fuel cell during steady-state operation of the system. An auxiliary hydrogen absorbing alloy originally having a higher hydrogen gas absorbing/desorbing equilibrium pressure than the main hydrogen absorbing alloy at an equal temperature supplies a hydrogen gas to the anode until the equilibrium pressure of the main hydrogen absorbing alloy, which is supplied an exhaust gas from the fuel cell is equal to a hydrogen gas absorbing/desorbing equilibrium pressure of the auxiliary hydrogen absorbing alloy, the auxiliary hydrogen absorbing alloy receiving the hydrogen gas from the main hydrogen absorbing alloy during steady-state operation.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell, such as a rechargeable cell, employing switch means comprising a spring member biased to electrically connect one of the cell's terminals to one of the cell's electrodes and wherein a pressure responsive movable member is designed to pivot the spring member on a fulcrum member to break the electrical connection between the electrode and the terminal when the pressure within the cell exceeds a predetermined level and wherein said spring member is isolated from the active components of the cell.

Abstract: A coulometer for accurately measuring the state-of-charge of an open-cell battery utilizing an aqueous electrolyte. The coulometer includes a current meter (38) for measuring the battery charge/discharge current and a flow meter (42) for measuring the rate at which the battery produces gas during charge and discharge. Coupled to the flow meter is gas analyzer (54) which measures the oxygen fraction of the battery gas. The outputs of the current meter, flow meter and gas analyzer are coupled to a programmed microcomputer which includes a CPU (68) and program and data memories (74), (76). The microcomputer calculates that fraction of charge and discharge current consumed in the generation of gas so that the actual state-of-charge can be determined. The state-of-charge is then shown on a visual display (80).

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is described which contains, in a sealed configuration, an anode having a zinc anode-active material, a cathode having a halogen compound cathode-active material, a liquid electrolyte having a gas space above it, and an auxiliary electrode. The auxiliary electrode is made of a carbon-containing hydrophobic material, is adapted to carry a cathodic potential, and is positioned in the cell so as to be partially located in the liquid electrolyte and partially located in the gas space. A method of retarding pressure build-up in the cell also is described. The method involves converting hydrogen gas which is generated in the cell and builds up in the gas space to its ionic state via the formation of an ionic compound and dissolving the compound in the liquid electrolyte by creating a cathodic potential at the auxiliary electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a secondary cell having zinc electrodes in which there is provided an auxiliary electrode having a surface of electrocatalyst having a low overvoltage for hydrogen evolution, which is resistant to deposition of zinc thereon, means for connecting said auxiliary electrode to the negative electrodes during charging, the arrangement being such that the auxiliary electrode takes up the excessive current at the negative electrodes over that of the positive ones, thus eliminating or substantially reducing shape-change phenomena of the negative electrodes.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is disclosed having an internal circuit which is interrupted by a switch that is responsive to both excessive cell temperature and pressure. The switch preferably comprises a bimetallic strip mounted in the space between the cell cover and case and is electrically connected between one of the cell electrodes and its associated terminal. The bimetal undergoes temperature-induced distortion to open-circuit the cell and is additionally responsive to the movement of a pressure diaphragm, which forms a part of the cell case wall, to open-circuit the cell in the event of excessive pressure. The cell is automatically reactivated when the excessive condition has dissipated.

Abstract: A Galvanic Cell assembly including a safety switch which comprises an active member and an insulating member. The switch is disposed between the metallic container and the metallic cover plate of the cell. The active member is an electrically conductive spring member having an inclined deformable section with a centrally located opening.

Abstract: The Galvanic Cell assembly incorporates an integral safety pressure switch comprising an active member and an insulating member. The active member is an electrically conductive invertible spring member having an inclined deformable first section, a curved second section and a centrally disposed opening. The cell container may be dished inwardly to provide additional room for the switch and to provide added deflection under pressure for operating the switch.