Abstract: A battery apparatus comprising a casing, at least two stacked lithium ion cells a member for maximizing the utilization of the casing and a member for precluding inadvertent deformation of the casing. The casing includes a non-uniform inner periphery. Each of at least two stacked lithium ion cells is positioned within the casing. The utilization maximizing member maximizes the utilization of the inner periphery of the casing by facilitating the independent shaping of each of the at least two stacked lithium ion cells to confirm to the inner periphery. As a result, the shape of one cell does not limit or dictate the shape of any other cell. The deformation precluding member is associated with each of the at least two lithium ion cells, and, substantially precludes inadvertent deformation of the casing by the at least two lithium ion cells, during cell cycling and storage. The invention further includes a process for fabricating a battery apparatus.

Abstract: A hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode for an alkaline secondary battery. The electrode is made from a hydrogen-absorbing alloy containing nickel which has been treated with an acidic solution containing a chelating agent for nickel. The hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode has good activity and a nickel-hydrogen battery having the hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode as a negative electrode has a large high rate discharge capacity soon after being assembled, and inhibits an increase of internal pressure during discharge.

Abstract: End cap apparatus (2) is received in the open end of an electrochemical cell casing (6) and is particularly adapted to be crimped thereto electrically separated from the casing by a gasket (4). The end cap apparatus incorporates current interrupt safety protection features including high rate overcharge protection through an over-temperature and/or low pressure switch (22, 12d-18, 18′, 18″, 118a), low rate overcharge and overdischarge protection through a low pressure switch (12d-18, 18′, 18″, 118a), extended short circuit protection through an over-temperature switch driven by l2r heating of internal components (20, 22, 16, 12, 12′, 16′, 16″, 16′″, 12v, 102, 122, 120), and pressure venting through a frangible portion (12e) of a diaphragm. The diaphragm can be integrally formed with a header (12, 12″, 12′″, 12iv) or can be a separate element (32, 82, 92, 108, 112, 112′ 112″, 112′″).

Abstract: A galvanic cell has an anode gel, an alkaline electrolyte, and a cathode material, separated from the anode gel by a separator. The anode gel has mercury-free zinc powder, and the cathode material has manganese dioxide, as well as salt-like calcium compounds in solid form.

Abstract: A maintenance-free open industrial storage battery includes an electrode assembly comprising at least one positive electrode, one negative electrode, one separator disposed between the negative electrode and the positive electrode, an alkaline electrolyte covering the top end of the assembly before electrical cycling and a valve the relative operating pressure of which is less than 1 bar. The total capacity of the negative electrodes is greater than the total capacity of the positive electrodes. The separator is permeable to oxygen and the storage battery contains an oxygen recombination device such that after at least one cycle of charging and discharging the storage battery operates without loss of electrolyte at a charging current at least equal to Ic/10 where Ic is the current discharging the capacity of the storage battery in one hour.

Abstract: Apparatus and an associated method of operation are disclosed for removal of gaseous contaminants, particularly oxygen, from closed containers. The apparatus is economical, simple to install and operate, of convenient size, and highly effective. A gas extractor communicates with a container for a gas-sensitive product. A high gas concentration in the container causes operation of the extractor until the gas concentration is reduced to a desired low level, when the extractor operation stops. Separate sensors and controllers responsive to concentrations can be present, or the extractor can be self-actuated by use as a power source of a battery which operates on gas generated by operation of the extractor. The system preferably is used for oxygen extraction from containers holding oxygen-sensitive contents. The preferred extractor includes an electrochemical cell which has a ion-permeable membrane disposed between two electrodes.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell, and an associated process, wherein the cell includes a controlled electrode surface comprising an electrode with a metallic current collector having a surface, an electrolyte and a reduced additive. The invention further includes a passivating layer at the interface between the metallic current collector and the electrolyte. The passivating layer includes the reduced additive. This passivating layer substantially precludes contact between electrolyte solvent and surface of the metallic current collector to, in turn, substantially prevent gas formation within the cell, which would otherwise result from decomposition of the solvent upon contact with the surface of the metallic current collector. Also, the reduced additive will likewise be substantially precluded from generating a gas upon its decomposition.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage material comprising hydride-forming metallic particles and an interface activation composition, wherein the surface of at least some of the hydride-forming metallic particles have a discontinuous or partial deposit of said interface activation composition, such as one or more platinum group metals, is disclosed. The hydrogen storage material demonstrates improved kinetic and oxidation parameters over untreated particles.

Abstract: A safety device for a storage battery includes a charge-discharge lead one end of which is connected to a positive electrode side of the storage battery and the other end of which is connected to a positive terminal of the storage battery; a pressure-sensing device which deforms in response to the increase of the pressure in the storage battery; and a cutting device for cutting the charge-discharge lead. The cutting device is pressed by the deformation of the pressure-sensing device to cut the charge-discharge lead.

Abstract: Steam is contacted with a hydrogen absorbing alloy in a temperature range from 200.degree. C. to 400.degree. C. With a contact catalytic reaction of water, a metal contained in the hydrogen absorbing alloy is changed to an oxide or a hydroxide. Hydrogen produced causes the Ni compound to be reduced and thereby the Ni metal that is catalytically active is produced. Thus, the surface of the hydrogen absorbing alloy is activated. The steam is contained in an inert gas or a reductive gas. This treatment method is suitable as an activation treatment for a hydrogen absorbing alloy used as an active material of a negative electrode of a secondary battery.

Abstract: An air cathode for use in an electrochemical cell or battery having an air permeable and water impermeable layer, an electrically conductive middle layer and a catalytic layer comprising a mixture of carbon particles, particulate materials, having a high surface area, metal hydroxides, and hydrophobic particles.

Abstract: The hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode for alkaline storage batteries according to the invention comprises a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder prepared by grinding a strip of hydrogen absorbing alloy produced by solidifying a molten alloy by a roll method and satisfying the following relations:r/t.ltoreq.0.5 (1)60.ltoreq.t.ltoreq.180 (2)30.ltoreq.r.ltoreq.90 (3)wherein r represents the mean particle size (.mu.m) of the hydrogen absorbing alloy powder and t represents the mean thickness (.mu.m) of the strip absorbing alloy. The hydrogen absorbing alloy electrode of this invention features an improved high-rate discharge characteristic at low temperature.

Abstract: A hydrogen absorbing alloy composition for a nickel-hydrogen secondary battery which includes LnNi.sub.5 hydrogen absorbing alloy, where Ln represents at least one rare-earth element. The hydrogen absorbing alloy composition also includes at least one compound selected from the group consisting of heavy rare-earth oxides, heavy rare-earth hydroxides, compound oxides including at least one rare-earth element and compound hydroxides including at least one rare-earth element. Rare-earth elements can be selected from the group consisting of La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu. Exemplary hydrogen absorbing alloy compositions include La alone or in combination with one other rare-earth element, such as Ce, Pr, Nd, or Sm. Exemplary rare-earth oxides include Yb.sub.2 O.sub.3, Er.sub.2 O.sub.3 and GdO.sub.3 and exemplary rare-earth hydroxides include Yb(OH).sub.3 and Er(OH).sub.3.

Abstract: The invention pertains to linear electrochemical functional elements which have strip-shaped ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) and/or hydrogen-diffusion electrodes accessible at the ends which are enclosed on all sides in an insulating manner by a jacket of a solid material. The invention describes the structure, production, and use of the functional elements in electrochemical measuring techniques. In one embodiment, a charge state indicator is created by the incorporation of a lead/lead sulfate half-cell into a lead/lead oxide cell. This coupling takes place via a linear functional element in the form of an installed ion-exchanger membrane. It makes it possible to measure three voltage values on the cell and to evaluate them in order to determine the current charge state by conventional methods.

Abstract: Non-sintered nickel electrodes for alkaline storage batteries which can express high active material utilization efficiency not only at the time of charging at ordinary temperature but also at the time of charging in a high-temperature atmosphere are provided by using an active material powder composed of composite particles each comprising a substrate particle containing nickel hydroxide, an inner coat layer covering the substrate particle and comprising yttrium, scandium or a lanthanoid, or an yttrium, scandium or lanthanoid compound, and an outer coat layer covering the inner coat layer and comprising cobalt or a cobalt compound, or composed of composite particles each comprising a substrate particle containing nickel hydroxide, an inner coat layer covering the substrate particle and comprising cobalt or a cobalt compound, and an outer coat layer covering the inner coat layer and comprising yttrium, scandium or a lanthanoid, or an yttrium, scandium or lanthanoid compound.

Abstract: A miniaturized fuel cell assembly to power portable electronic equipment includes a hydride hydrogen storage unit, a control unit for controlling the flow of hydrogen, a hydrogen supply device interconnecting the hydrogen storage unit and the fuel cell body, and an air feed device to supply oxygen necessary for the generation of electricity. The fuel cell assembly may also have an air feed device to cool the interior of the equipment, including a water retention device for recovering and retaining water formed in the fuel cell body, and a humidifying device using the recovered water to humidify the hydrogen to be supplied to the fuel cell body. The miniaturized fuel cell assembly facilitates the effective transfer of waste heat from the fuel cell to the hydrogen storage unit, and as a result of its ability to be used repeatedly, can be utilized for a greater length of time than a conventional primary or secondary power cell.

Abstract: A method of producing an age precipitation-containing rare earth metal-nickel alloy of AB.sub.5 type having a composition represented by a formula (1)R(ni.sub.1-x M.sub.x).sub.5+y (1)wherein R stands for a rare earth element including Y or mixtures thereof, M stands for Co, Al, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zr, Ti, Mo, W, B, or mixtures thereof, x satisfies the relation of 0.05.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.5, and y satisfies the relation of -0.45.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.45, the alloy containing a precipitated phase having an average size of 0.1 to 20 .mu.m as measured along the longitudinal axis is disclosed. The method includes the steps of subjecting a raw alloy material having a composition represented by the formula (1) to a solid solution treatment at a temperature of not less than 1000.degree. C. and ageing the alloy material subjected to said solution heat treatment at a temperature T (.degree. C) of not less than 700.degree. C. and less than 1000.degree. C.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell, and an associated process, wherein the cell includes a controlled electrode surface comprising an electrode with a carbonaceous surface, an electrolyte and a reduced additive. The reduced additive is formulated from an additive which is either soluble or insoluble in the solvated electrolyte prior to reduction. The invention further includes a passivating layer at the carbonaceous electrode/electrolyte interface. The passivating layer includes the additive and/or the reduced additive. This passivating layer substantially precludes contact between electrolyte solvent and the carbonaceous surface of the electrode to, in turn, substantially prevent gas formation within the cell, which would otherwise result from decomposition of the solvent upon contact with the carbonaceous surface. Also, the additive and/or the reduced additive will likewise be substantially precluded from generating a gas upon its decomposition.

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: A battery apparatus comprising a casing and at least one stacked lithium ion cell which does not require springs, windings, etc. and a member for precluding inadvertent deformation of the casing. Each of at least one stacked lithium ion cell is positioned within the casing. The deformation precluding member is associated with each of the at least one lithium ion cell, and, substantially precludes inadvertent deformation of the casing by the at least one lithium ion cell, during cell cycling and storage. The invention further includes a process for fabricating a battery apparatus.

Abstract: A battery having two chemical cells. A positive electrode of a first cell is composed of a first catalyst which reduces ions in an electrolyte and generates gas, and a negative electrode of a second cell is composed of a second catalyst which oxidizes the gas generated by the positive electrode of the first cell and generates ions as an active material of the negative electrode of the second cell. A gas-emitting surface of the positive electrode of the first cell and a gas-absorbing surface of the negative electrode of the second cell define a sealed chamber, and the positive electrode of the first cell and the negative electrode of the second cell are electrically connected to move the ions in the electrolyte of the first cell to the second cell without mixing the electrolytes or the like in the first and second cells.

Abstract: A hydrogen absorbing alloy is disclosed for use as the negative electrode in alkaline batteries. The general formula of the alloy is AB.sub.x M.sub.y, wherein A is selected from the rare earth element La or a mischmetal thereof; B is selected from the group consisting of Ni, Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Co, and mixtures thereof; M is selected from the group consisting of Al, In, Zn, Sn, Ga, Si, Ge, Bi, and mixtures thereof; 4.5.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.5.5; and 0.3<y.ltoreq.0.6. This alloy has a longer cycle life, along with larger capacity and better reactivity.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to current limiting (overcurrent protection) header assemblies which employ a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) device. More particularly, this invention pertains to current limiting header assemblies which employ a PTC device and which have particular design features, specifically, a dimpled support plate and an apertured PTC plate positioned above the dimpled support plate, wherein the dimple protrudes into or through the aperture. The header assemblies are useful in battery cells, particularly in battery cells which employ a glass-to-metal, plastic-to-metal, and similar seal instead of a stacked and crimped design. The header assemblies are compact, effectively taking up only a little more thickness than would be required for just an end cap, permitting the use of more electroactive materials and thereby yielding a battery with increased energy density.

Abstract: A current collector for an electrode with two halves. The current collector has a first layer positioned on the first half of the electrode, a second layer positioned on the second half of said electrode, and a third layer positioned between the first and the second halves of the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scandium containing hydrogen absorption alloy having an alloy phase which is represented by the following formula;(Sc.sub.x A.sub.1-x)(B'.sub.y B".sub.2-y).sub.zwherein A is at least one of Ti, Zr, rare-earth elements, a mixture of Ti and at least one of Zr, Ta, Nb, Hf, Ca and rare-earth elements, and a mixture of Zr and at least one of Ti, Ta, Nb, Hf, Ca and rare-earth elements; B'is at least one of Ni, Fe, Co and a mixture of at least one of Ni, Fe and Co and at least one of Al, Ga, Si and In; B" is at least one of Mn, V, Cr, Nb, Ti and a mixture of at least one of Mn, V, Cr, Nb and Ti and at least one of Al, Ga, Si and In; x represents 0<x.ltoreq.1; y represents 0<y<2; and z represents 0.75.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.1.2, and the alloy phase includes at least one of a part which belongs to a C15 type Laves phase and a part which belongs to a C14 type Laves phase, and a hydrogen absorption electrode which includes the alloy.

Abstract: A nickel-metal hydride storage battery having a high capacity and excellent cycle life is disclosed. The battery employs, as its material for the negative electrode, a hydrogen storage alloy powder having a composition represented by the general formula Zr.sub.1-x M3.sub.x Mn.sub.a Mo.sub.b Cr.sub.c M1.sub.d M2.sub.e Ni.sub.f, where M1 represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of V, Nb and rare earth elements, M2 represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co and Cu, and M3 represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ti and Hf, and where 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.3, 0.3.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.0.7, 0.01.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.0.2, 0.05.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.0.3, 0.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.0.1, 0.ltoreq.e.ltoreq.0.2, 0.8.ltoreq.f.ltoreq.1.3, and 1.6.ltoreq.a+b+c+d+e+f.ltoreq.2.2, and wherein said hydrogen storage alloy has at least one of a Laves phase having a crystal structure of the MgCu.sub.2 -type (C15) and a Laves phase having a crystal structure of the MgZn.

Abstract: A cathode of sufficiently low hydrogen overvoltage is provided which is useful in electrolysis of water or of an aqueous alkali metal chloride solution such as a sodium chloride solution. A process for producing the cathode is also provided. The low hydrogen overvoltage cathode has an electroconductive base material coated with an alloy layer containing nickel and molybdenum, the alloy layer containing the nickel at a content ranging from 35 to 90% by weight and the molybdenum at a content ranging from 10 to 65% by weight. The alloy laser has an X-ray diffraction (CuK.alpha. line) pattern with a main peak at an angle ranging from 42 to 45.degree. with a peak half width ranging from 0.4 to 7.degree.. One process for producing the low hydrogen overvoltage cathode of the present invention involves plating an electroconductive base material by an arc discharge type ion plating method.

Abstract: A hydrogen absorbing electrode using a hydrogen absorbing alloy including at least one or more kinds of transition metals belonging to VIIb-group, VIII-group or Ib-group in periodic table at a specified percentage, characterized in that a surface part of the hydrogen absorbing alloy forms a rich layer including the foregoing transition metals at a percentage larger than the foregoing specified percentage. Since the rich layer exists, an activation at initial stage of charge/discharge is not required. Accordingly, this electrode can be utilized effectively for a nickel-hydride secondary battery.

Abstract: This invention provides a hydrogen occluding alloy exhibiting high absorption/desorption rates, and excellent initial activation, the alloy having a composition comprising, by wt %, 25% to 45% of Zr, 1% to 12% of Ti, 10% to 20 % of Mn, 2% to 12% of V, 0.5% to 5% of at least one rare earth element, preferably comprising La and/or Ce, optionally 0.1% to 4% of Hf, and a balance being Ni (25% or more of Ni) and unavoidable impurities. The alloy has a structure comprising: a main phase made of a Zr--Ni--Mn based alloy, numerous cracks, and a regenerated phase made of rare earth element-Ni type alloy, the regenerated phase being exposed on the surfaces of the cracks, as well as electrodes made of the alloy.

Abstract: A method of producing a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder, which comprises a step of treating a pulverized hydrogen absorbing alloy with a solution comprising a condensed phosphoric acid having 2 to 20 phosphorus atoms, phytic acid or a mixture thereof; and a negative electrode using a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder produced by the aforesaid method, which can ensure high initial activity and high initial capacity in the nickel-hydrogen secondary battery provided therewith.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprises a container; an electrolyte held within e container, a first electrode positioned in the electrolyte; and a second electrode having a beryllium compound coating. The second electrode is positioned in the electrolyte and generally centered within the first electrode. The second electrode is made of a material selected from the group that includes palladium, AB.sub.2 alloys, and AB.sub.5 alloys, where A represents magnesium, zirconium, and lanthanum, and B represents vanadium, chromium, manganese, or nickel. The beryllium compound coating is formed by charging the second electrode in the presence of a beryllium salt.

Abstract: To provide a hydrogen storage alloy usable as a negative electrode having a long life and good high-discharge characteristics. Hydrogen storage alloy for cell wherein its general expression is as follows:RNi.sub.a Co.sub.b Al.sub.c Mn.sub.d Fe.sub.e(where R is a mixture of rare earth elements and contains 25.about.75 wt. % La; 3.7.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.4.0, 0.1.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.0.4, 0.20.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.0.4, 0.30.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.0.45, 0.2.ltoreq.e.ltoreq.0.4, 0.5.ltoreq.b+c.ltoreq.0.7, and 5.0.ltoreq.a+b+c+d+e.ltoreq.5.0).

Abstract: A nickel-hydrogen stacked battery pack containing at least two element cells each having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator inserted between the positive and negative electrodes and an electrolytic solution, in which the element cells are stacked and contained in a hexahedral case, and an opening of said case is sealed with a sealing plate having a reversible vent, which battery pack has a high capacity.

Abstract: Provided is a hydrogen absorbing alloy suitable for a negative electrode of an Ni--hydrogen storage battery effective at low temperature, more specifically, a R--Ni type of hydrogen absorbing alloy represented by a general formula RNi.sub.a Co.sub.b Al.sub.c M.sub.d, and with Mo content of 50 to 500 ppm wherein R expresses not less than 18 wt % Pr and one or more metals other than Pr, Ni, Co, Al and M, and M expresses one or more metals selected from the group consisting of Fe, Cr, Cu, and Mn, and a to d expresses positive numbers in the specified range Moreover, the above alloy further containing trace amounts of Mg, Ti, Pb, oxygen, carbon, and/or sulfur is provided.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage alloy electrode for use in electrochemical hydrogen storage cells, the electrode being in the form of a negative electrode fabricated by sintering a mixture of a hydrogen storage alloy containing manganese and an alloy containing a measured amount of manganese.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen occluding alloy exhibiting high hydrogen absorption and desorption rates, and excellent initial activation in practical use, and a method of making it. There is provided a hydrogen occluding alloy having a composition comprising, by wt %, 32 to 38% of rare earth elements essentially consisting of La and/or Ce, 0.5 to 3.5% of Al, 0.5 to 10% of Mn, 0.005 to 0.5% of hydrogen, optionally 0.1 to 17% of Co, and the balance being Ni and unavoidable impurities; wherein the alloy has a microstructure characterized in that fine rare earth element hydride is dispersively distributed in a matrix having a CaCu.sub.5 -type crystal structure in a ratio of 0.5 to 20% by area. There are also provided electrodes and batteries containing such alloys, and methods of making and using such electrodes and batteries.

Abstract: An at least ternary metal alloy of the formula AB.sub.(Z-Y) X.sub.(Y) is disclosed. In this formula, A is selected from the rare earth elements, B is selected from the elements of Groups 8, 9, and 10 of the Periodic Table of the Elements, and X includes at least one of the following: antimony, arsenic, germanium, tin or bismuth. Z is greater than or equal to 4.8 and less than or equal to 6.0. Y is greater than 0 and less than 1. Ternary or higher-order substitutions to the base AB.sub.5 alloys that form strong kinetic interactions with the predominant metals in the base metal hydride are used to form metal alloys with high structural integrity after multiple cycles of hydrogen sorption.

Abstract: This invention provides a hydrogen occluding alloy having a composition comprising, by wt %, 25% to 45% of Zr, 1% to 12% of Ti, 10% to 20% of Mn, 2% to 12% of V, 0.5% to 5% of at least one rare earth element, optionally 0.1% to 4% of Hf, one or more selected from hydrogen, hydrogen+oxygen, and oxygen, and a balance being Ni (25% or more of Ni) and unavoidable impurities, having a structure comprising: a phase made of a hydrogenated-product, dispersedly distributed in a matrix phase made of a Zr--Ni--Mn based alloy. The hydrogenated-product mainly comprises a rare earth element-Ni type alloy and a rare earth element hydride with numerous cracks formed at the time when the hydrogenated-product phase is generated. The hydrogenated-product phase is formed by exposing a hydrogen-containing substance on the surfaces of the cracks. Electrodes made of the alloy are disclosed.

Abstract: A hydrogen absorbing alloy electrode contains an alloy which comprises particles A of a first hydrogen absorbing alloy and particles B of a second hydrogen absorbing alloy of a composition different from the composition of the first alloy joined to the particles A, with a joint layer C formed at the resulting joint interfaces and having a new composition containing the component elements of the first and second alloys. In a specific embodiment, particles A of a first hydrogen absorbing alloy having a CaCu.sub.5 -type structure are joined to particles B of a second hydrogen absorbing alloy having a Zr--Ni Laves-phase structure. In another embodiment, particles A of a first hydrogen absorbing alloy having a CaCu.sub.5 -type structure are joined to particles B of a second hydrogen absorbing alloy having a CaCu.sub.5 -type structure and different form the first alloy in composition.

Abstract: A method of producing a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder, which comprises a step of treating a pulverized hydrogen absorbing alloy with a solution comprising a conjugated unsaturated compound having at least 5 conjugated .pi. bonds and a molecular weight of at least 100 and, prior to the this step, optionally comprises a step of treating a pulverized hydrogen absorbing alloy with a mineral acid or alkali; and an electrode using a hydrogen absorbing alloy powder produced by the aforesaid method.

Abstract: Nickel-metal hydride batteries and electrodes are capable of increased power output and recharge rates. The electrodes and batteries produced therefrom exhibit increased internal conductance. The positive and negative electrodes may be formed by pressing powdered metal-hydride active materials into porous metal substrates. The porous metal substrates are formed from copper, copper-plated nickel, or a copper-nickel alloy, and may be additionally plated with a material which is electrically conductive and resistant to corrosion in the battery environment, such as nickel.

Abstract: A hydrogen-absorbing alloy which comprises a first region comprising 50 to 75 mole % of Mg and not more than 50 mole % of Ni, and at least two regions selected from the group consisting of a second region comprising less than 50 mole % (including 0 mole %) of Mg and less than 75 mole % of Ni, a third region comprising not less than 75 mole % of Mg, and a fourth region comprising not less than 75 mole % of Ni.

Abstract: A hydrogen absorbing alloy for use in an environment where the alloy has the possibility of contacting oxygen is capable of inhibiting impairment of the hydrogen absorbing ability thereof when coming into contact with oxygen. The alloy has a composition represented in atomic ratio by Ti.sub.1-x Y.sub.x Mn.sub.y wherein x and y are in the range of 0<x.ltoreq.0.2 and 1.5.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.2.0, respectively, and comprises a C14-type crystal structure of Laves phase, the Laves phase having a segregaton phase of high Y concentration. Ti can be replaced by Hf and/or Zr within the range of over 0 to not greater than (1-x)/2 included in 1-x for the Ti atom. Mn can be replaced by V or Fe within the range of over 0 to not greater than y/2 included in y for the Mn atom.

Abstract: A hydrogen-absorbing alloy for battery according to the present invention comprises an alloy having the composition represented by a general formula A Ni.sub.a Mn.sub.b M.sub.c ?where, A is at least one kind of element selected from rare earth elements including Y (yttrium), M is a metal mainly composed of at least one kind of element selected from Co, Al, Fe, Si, Cr, Cu, Ti, Zr, Zn, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Mo, W, Ag, Pd, B, Ga, In, Ge and Sn, 3.5.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.5, 0.1.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.1, 0.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.1, 4.5.ltoreq.a+b+c.ltoreq.6!, wherein the alloy has columnar structures in which the area ratio of the columnar structures having the ratio of a minor diameter to a major diameter (aspect ratio) of 1:2 or higher is 50% or more. Further, an average minor diameter of the columnar structures is set to 30 microns or less.

Abstract: Disordered multicomponent hydrogen storage material characterized by extraordinarily high storage capacity due to a high density of useable hydrogen storage sites (greater than 10.sup.23 defect sites/cc) and/or an extremely small crystallite size. The hydrogen storage material can be employed for electrochemical, fuel cell and gas phase applications. The material may be selected from either of the modified LaNi.sub.5 or modified TiNi families formulated to have a crystallite size of less than 200 Angstroms and most preferably less than 100 Angstroms.

Abstract: A rare earth metal-nickel hydrogen storage alloy having a composition represented by the formula (1)RNi.sub.x-y M.sub.y (1)(wherein R stands for La, Ce, Pr, Nd, or mixtures thereof, M stands for Co, Al, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zr, Ti, Mo, Si, V, Cr, Nb, Hf, Ta, W, B, C, or mixtures thereof, x satisfies the formula of 3.5.ltoreq.x<5, and y satisfies the formula of 0<y.ltoreq.2, crystals in the alloy having a LaNi.sub.5 type single phase structure, the alloy including in an amount of not less than 5 volume % and less than 95 volume % thereof crystals each containing not less than 2 and less than 17 antiphase boundaries extending perpendicular to C-axis of a grain of the crystal in the alloy per 20 nm along the C-axis, a method of producing the same, and an anode for a nickel hydrogen rechargeable battery containing as an anode material the above rare earth metal-nickel hydrogen storage alloy and an electrically conductive material.

Abstract: There is provided a hydrogen occluding alloy exhibiting high absorption and desorption speeds. A hydrogen occluding alloy comprising as an overall composition: 25 to 45 weight % Zr+Hf, wherein the Hf comprises not more than 4%, 1 to 15 weight % Ti, 10 to 20 weight % Mn, 2 to 12 weight % V, 0.6 to 5 weight % rare earth elements, and a balance Ni (of which content is not less than 25 weight %) and unavoidable impurities, and basically having a three-phase structure consisting of: a net-shaped continuous phase which is made of a Ni--Zr type alloy, a main phase (in the net-shaped continuous phase) made of a Zr--Ni--Mn based alloy, and a dispersed granular phase made of a rare earth elements-Ni type alloy distributed along the net-shaped continuous phase.

Abstract: A storage battery assembly includes a plurality of electrochemical cells bundled in side-by-side fashion together in a row and electrically connected in series with each other by means of generally elongated electroconductive connecting pieces each connecting a pole terminal of a pair of pole terminals of an electrochemical cell with another pole terminal of a pair of pole terminals of a next adjoining electrochemical cell. Each electrochemical cell includes a generally rectangular box-like electrolyte vessel having an opening, an electrode structure accommodated within the electrolyte vessel and including positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates, a quantity of electrolyte accommodated within the electrolyte vessel, a top lid enclosing the opening of the electrolyte vessel, and pole terminals protruding outwardly from the respective top lid.

Abstract: In a gas-tight alkaline accumulator with a casing which at least partially comprises plastic material and in which are arranged electrodes which are surrounded by an electrolyte and which are respectively separated from each other by a separator, wherein the electrodes are connected to pole contacts for electric current to be fed to and away therefrom, in order to increase the operating reliability of the accumulator and to avoid further disadvantages, there is provided a valve having an opening which passes through the casing of the accumulator, and a deformable element which, in the event of an increased pressure occurring within the casing, provides for liberation of the opening and, after a drop in the increased pressure, closing of the opening.

Abstract: A gas-tight maintenance-free cell or battery comprises positive nickel oxide electrodes having a fibrous structure, gas-impermeable separators, a fixed alkaline electrolyte, negative metal electrodes having a fibrous structure and a higher charging and discharging capacity than in the case of the positive electrodes, and electroconductive gas diffusion compartments. The cell operating according to the oxygen cycle. The metallized fibrous-structure electrode frameworks of the negative electrodes are filled with the active material only in certain zones. Those zones of the fibrous-structure electrode frameworks of the negative electrode which are not filled with the active material, serve as gas diffusion zones, integrated into the frameworks, for the oxygen to be discharged at the negative electrode.