Abstract: A sealed, rechargeable nickel-zinc cell includes a zinc electrode active mass essentially free of zinc metal when at full discharge, a carboxylated styrene-butadiene binder retaining the zinc electrode mixture in a coherent structure, a predetermined amount of cadmium being included in the zinc electrode mixture, a separator preferably comprising at least two layers of material free of any adhesive binding the layers together and a wicking layer positioned between the nickel positive electrode and the separator.

Abstract: In a sealed cell having an anode, a cathode, and a cylindrical can into which the principal components of the cell are assembled, a sealing and insulating member (seal) is provided at the open end of the can, and is held in sealing relationship with the can by a crimp formed over the top edge thereof. The seal may be formed so as to have a downwardly depending skirt in its lower portion; generally in the manner of a plurality of leg-like projections, usually three. Across the upper surface of the member, and over an upwardly directed and centrally located nail boss in the upper surface, there is placed a metal disc having a centrally located opening which is in interference fit with the outside periphery of the nail boss, and having a passage formed therein for pressure equalization of the space between the plastic body and the metal disc to the outside of the cell. There is an upwardly extending skirt formed around the outer periphery of the member.

Abstract: An inexpensive, reliable seal for an electrochemical cell comprising tapered walls adjacent the upper open end of a metal cell container and a matched angle tapered metal cell top seated thereon with an interference fit with an insulating and sealing film of minimal thickness compressively held therebetween.

Abstract: A method for making a twisted wire connection, particularly as utilized in surgical procedures, with reduced incidence of breakage comprising tensioning and twisting such wires without sliding pressure contact against a stationary frictional surface. A rolling surface, movable with the wires, is utilized whereby stress and scoring of the wires is substantially reduced or eliminated. Initial tensioning of the wires is preferably by minor or imperceptible increments to avoid shock wave transmission and degradation of the wires. Twisting of the wires is effected uniformly (with reduced stress concentration) by maintaining a constant axis for the wires during twisting. A device having rolling members, a one way roller clutch, and a stabilized base for effecting such method is also described.

Abstract: Corrosion is prevented in a non-aqueous cell, having iron containing components kept at cathode potentials above 2.5 volts, by the inclusion within said cell of an additive comprised of a lewis base tertiary amine particularly heterocyclic imides such as 1,3-dimethylimidazolidinone and 3,5 dimethylisoxazole wherein all the nitrogens thereof contain no acidic protons.

Abstract: An illuminated gunsight adapted to be fixedly engageable with a firearm having existing sighting means, said gunsight comprising illumination means which are moveable relative to said existing sighting means with the illumination means being electrically actuated by movement thereof into proper aiming position and relationship with said existing sighting means. Said illumination means is deactivated by movement thereof from said proper aiming position without removal of the illuminated gunsight from the firearm.

Abstract: A solid state cell having a solid cathode, a solid electrolyte, and a solid anolyte comprised of at least 50% by volume of ionically conductive materials such as the electrolyte and 50% or less by volume of an active metal. The anolyte is either the cell anode or alternatively the anolyte is an additional structural member within said cell positioned between an anode, comprised of the same active metal, and the solid electrolyte.

Abstract: A totally inorganic non-aqueous rechargeable cell having an alkali or alkaline earth metal anode such as of lithium, a sulfur dioxide containing electrolyte and a discharging metal halide cathode, such as of CuCl.sub.2, CuBr.sub.2 and the like with said metal halide being substantially totally insoluble in SO.sub.2 and admixed with a conductive carbon material.

Abstract: A novel inorganic non-aqueous electrochemical cell having an alkali or alkaline earth metal anode, an inorganic electrolyte comprised of an SO.sub.2 solvent with an alkali or alkaline earth metal halide salt of aluminum, tantalum niobium or antimony, dissolved in the SO.sub.2 and a cathode comprised of a carbonaceous material having an apparent bulk density in excess of 5 lb/ft.sup.3 (80 gm/l). Lower bulk density carbonaceous material may, however, be used in electrolytes having high salt concentrations. Ketjenblack EC (furnace black) carbonaceous material may be admixed with a solid cathode active material which is substantially insoluble in the SO.sub.2 electrolyte to provide a high primary cell capacity and an effectively rechargeable cell. There is no SO.sub.2 per se discharge in the cell.

Abstract: A method for making decorated battery casings wherein a thin walled plastic tubing such as of heat shrinkable material is cut to size, placed on a support member such as a mandrel, and is then decorated with a metallic foil decorative material by hot stamping. A transparent protective film coating is then placed thereon and the tube is heat crimped at one end. The casing is placed upon a cell or battery and heat crimped at the other end to complete the battery or cell encasing procedure. The procedure is particularly efficacious in providing metallic decorated plastic battery casings.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrochemical cell having an alkali or alkaline earth metal anode, an inorganic electrolyte comprised of an electrolyte salt and sulfur dioxide and a cathode comprised of PbCl.sub.2.

Abstract: A non-aqeous electrochemical cell having an alkali or alkaline earth metal anode, an inorganic electrolyte comprised of an electrolyte salt and sulfur dioxide and a cathode comprised of FeBr.sub.3.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrochemical cell having an alkali or alkaline earth metal anode, an inorganic electrolyte comprised of an electrolyte salt and sulfur dioxide and a cathode comprised of CoCl.sub.2.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrochemical cell having an alkali or alkaline earth metal anode, an inorganic electrolyte comprised of an electrolyte salt and sulfur dioxide and a cathode comprised of NiCl.sub.2.

Abstract: A power supply circuit for generating a power pulse train for an incandescent bulb in a flashlight which results in a relatively constant illumination output from the flashlight despite the decline in output voltage from a battery power supply therefor during discharge. The power supply circuit operates to compensate for the lower output voltage from the battery power supply by increasing the duty cycle of the pulse train to provide wider pulse widths therein, and eventually the wider pulse widths merge into a DC power supply near the end of the useful service life of the battery power supply.

Abstract: A surgical needle holder for curved needles, comprised of movable gripping jaws offset from a manipulating handle thereof by a distance substantially equal to the radius of curvature of the specific needle to be held thereby. The gripping jaws are positioned relative to said handle such that the curved needle, held therebetween, is rotated only through its own curvature about an axis coincident with the axis of rotation of said handle. The manipulating handle is preferably comprised of at least one section thereof having a substantially circular cross section whereby said section may be manipulatively rolled between a surgeon's fingers to rotate said needle along its curvature during suturing. Tissue trauma and tearing during such suturing are substantially reduced thereby.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrochemical cell having a non-polymerizing substituted dioxolane electrolyte solvent and a highly oxidizing cathode depolarizer particularly manganese dioxide.