Abstract: Goods which come in different sizes, shapes, numbers, etc. are packed in assemblies which comprise a tray and a plurality of open-top box-like modules which sit snugly side-by-side in the tray. Each module is prepacked and contains only one size, shape, etc. goods. At its destination the loaded assembly, usually along with other loaded assemblies, becomes the display package for the different size, shape, etc. goods. The method of the invention utilizes a lap-top computer working with a mainframe by which the order is placed and immediately gives pricing information. In the case of a custom or tailored order of different numbers of various sizes of goods, the computer is able to indicate whether the order will make up a complete shipment of packing assemblies, with the correct number of prefilled modules to fill the trays with none left over.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved alkaline cell wherein the capacity of each of the anode and cathode is at least 0.48 and more preferably to at least 0.5 ampere-hour per cm.sup.3 of internal cell volume. This is achieved by employing zinc densities of at least 1.4 grams of zinc per cm.sup.3 of anode volume and MnO.sub.2 densities of at least 2.7 grams of MnO.sub.2 per cm.sup.3 of cathode volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to the manufacture of manganese dioxide by a chemical process. The resulting manganese dioxide product takes the form of particles characterized by filament-like protrusions jutting out from its surface. The manganese dioxide particles having such surface features can be manufactured by reacting manganese sulfate with sodium peroxodisulfate in an aqueous solution. The process can be controlled to yield high density manganese dioxide. The manganese dioxide formed in the process can be deposited directly onto the surface of electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD). The manganese dioxide product the is particularly suitable for use as a cathode active material in electrochemical cells.

Abstract: A merchandising system comprises an elongate hanger having a rear end adapted to be secured to a vertical surface such as a pegboard and a front end formed with a head having a periphery of a certain shape to identify a product to be hung on the hanger. The system further includes the identified product having a similarly shaped hanging opening at its upper end. The opening can be aligned with and made to receive and pass over the head so that the product can hang on its identifying hanger. Products having a different size or identity will not fit over the head because their openings are not similarly shaped.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided with an integrally related state of charge indicator comprising an electrochemically generated display. The state of charge indicator comprises two electrical contacts and an electrochemically generated display connected therebetween. The display comprises an electrochemical cell that is permanently connected to the cell in a parallel configuration via the contacts. The condition of the cell is thus continuously displayed.

Abstract: An adapter for converting multiple electrochemical cells into a desired battery configuration, in particular D size cells into a lantern battery configuration. The adapter is a one piece receptacle structure with a hinged section openable for removal and replacement of spent cells. The adapter further contains a one-piece conductive member, comprised of a substrate with conductive elements, for electrical interconnection of all of the cells with each other and with the external electrical terminals of the adapter. The one-piece conductive member permits the inserted cells to be aligned in a single direction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cartridge comprising a rectangular base and four side walls which form a cavity into which an energy pack or a plurality of individual battery cells, either primary or secondary, are locatable. The cartridge is securable to an electrical apparatus by a latching mechanism. Alternatively, the cartridge can be integral therewith. In a first embodiment, a plurality of cells are locatable such that their positive and negative contacts are positioned against a set of positive and negative contact areas located along the first and second side walls. The first embodiment optionally comprises a contact arm, locatable substantially parallel to the second side wall, which includes a plurality of positive contact areas corresponding to and across from the negative contact areas located on the second side wall.

Abstract: The present invention is a package for the sale and display of batteries having a voltage indicator integrally associated with the package. A pair of electrical contacts are associated with the voltage indicator and the contacts are so positioned on the package that they are accessible for alignment with the terminals of a battery placed therebetween. When the electrical contacts make simultaneous connection to the terminals of a battery, current flows through the voltage indicator to visually indicate the magnitude of the voltage of the battery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-aqueous electrochemical cell having spirally wound electrodes and a separator having a basis weight of at least 20 g/m.sup.2 and comprising melt blown non-woven polypropylene fibers.

Abstract: An improved method for sealing an electrochemical cell comprises applying radial forces to an expanded, upper portion of the cell casing. A resilient sealing member is located in the upper portion so that when the radial forces reduce the diameter of the expanded casing portion the sealing member is compressingly held in place.

Abstract: A battery structure using cylindrically shaped zinc/air cells electrically connected in series, the cells being assembled so that a first number thereof are stacked in a first orientation in an in-line stack and a second number thereof are positioned adjacent the in-line stack in a second orientation perpendicular to the first orientation. The cells at the end of its series are connected to the anode and cathode terminals of a terminal board. The cell-terminal board assembly is inserted in a housing having nesting cavities into which portions of the cells are securely nested and a cover, affixed to the housing to form a battery container, has corresponding nesting cavities into which oppositely disposed portions of the cells are securely nested. Openings having blocking means associated therewith are provided at each end of the container to permit air to enter for interaction with the zinc in the cells but to prevent other objects from entering and making contact with the cells.

Abstract: A DC voltage tester having a plurality of resistive elements in thermal contact with a thermochromic material wherein the resistive elements are connected in a parallel configuration.

Abstract: This invention relates to a heat sensitive polymer film and to a method for making the same. The film becomes substantially impermeable to air or ion flow above a predetermined temperature and is useful as a separator in electrochemical cells. The film comprises a microporous layer coated on at least one side with a layer of heat-fusible polymer particles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a seal for a cylindrical alkaline cell. The member includes a metal support having an annular spring disposed at the outer periphery. The spring is placed under compression by a radial crimp and the spring is adapted to expand and contract whereby the seal is maintained during thermal cycling. The member also includes a plastic grommet having an annular vent designed to open at very high pressures whereby said seal member is particularly useful in alkaline cells having little or no mercury whereby high internal pressures can develop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a gelling agent between the plastic seal and the outer cover of an electrochemical cell.

Abstract: This invention relates to a blister card package for more than four cylindrical batteries wherein a majority of the batteries are visible from the front.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a package for objects such as batteries, and more particularly for the display and sale of large, heavy cell sizes, such as "C" size and "D" size alkaline cells. The transparent package, having a rectangularly shaped perimeter similar to conventional two-cell packages, contains four such cells in diamond-shaped arrangement.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrochemical cell having spirally wound electrodes and an electrolyte which enhances plating of the anode metal during voltage reversal. The safety of such cells is improved by concentrating the current, during voltage reversal, between an outer segment of the anode and a metal sheet connected to the cathode whereby anode metal plates only onto the metal sheet. Thus, the hazardous condition of plating anode metal onto the cathode is avoided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for producing beta manganese dioxide and for producing cathodes from said manganese dioxide. The process comprises heating gamma manganese dioxide at at least 450.degree. C. for up to one hour in order to convert a majority of the gamma manganese dioxide to the beta phase without forming detrimental amounts of lower oxides.

Abstract: An adhesive system, particularly suitable for the production of laminated separators for alkaline-electrolyte electrochemical cells, comprises a blend of a branched long chain polyacrylic acid with a substantially linear short chain polyacrylic acid, in an organic or aqueous solvent.