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 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.

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. A transparent package containing four such cells is provided having a similar outside rectangular shape as conventional two-cell packages.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved hydrophobic cathode for use in a zinc-air cell, and to a method for making said cathode. The cathode comprises an admixture of discrete particles of gamma manganese dioxide and carbon and a polymeric halogenated hydrocarbon. The method includes the step of intensively milling the manganese dioxide to reduce the particle size thereof and homogeneously admixing the manganese dioxide with the carbon particles.

Abstract: Mixed heavy metal polysulfides which are insoluble in non-aqueous electrolytes and having the formulaM(1).sub.w.sup.+n M(2).sub.x.sup.+m (S.sub.y).sub.z.sup.-2(wherein M(1) and M(2) are different heavy metal atoms, n and m are integers representing the valence states of M(1) and M(2) respectively, w and x are integers representing the stoichiometry of M(1) and M(2) respectively in the polysulfide, S is sulfur, nw+mx=2z and y is greater than 4.5) are utilized as very high energy density cathodes in non-aqueous electrochemical cells.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrochemical cell having a solid active cathode, an active metal anode and a low vapor pressure highly conductive electrolyte comprising a liquid solvate-complex of sulfur dioxide (SO.sub.2) and an alkali or alkaline earth metal salt soluble therein such as those having a Group 3A element halide anion with the ratio of salt to SO.sub.2 in said electrolyte ranging from about 1:1 to 1:7.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method for preparing a non-aqueous electrolyte comprising lithium hexafluorophosphate, LiPF.sub.6, and electrochemical cells containing same. In particular the method involves forming LiPF.sub.6 by a chemical reaction in the presence of an ether, whereby a complex of LiPF.sub.6 and the ether is formed and readily isolated. An electrolyte is prepared by dissolving the complex in non-aqueous solvents to the desired concentration.

Abstract: A hand torch has a bulb holder 8 of molded plastics material, designed to protect the bulb 19 from damage due to movement of the batteries 14 if the torch is dropped. The bulb holder has an outer wall 9, inner wall 10, forward flange 11 within which is a bulb-holding recess, and radial ribs 12 against which the forward rim 13 of the battery abuts when the battery contact pip 17 touches the bulb center contact spring 16. The ribs 12 are abutments preventing the battery from moving towards the bulb if the torch is dropped. The lens 4 is made of ORAGLASS DR toughened acrylic material.

Abstract: Corrosion is reduced in aqueous electrochemical cells having zinc anodes comprised of single crystal zinc particles by the addition of small amounts of a gas inhibiting surfactant, for example, an organic phosphate inhibitor such as RA600 from GAF Corp. to the cell. A synergistically lowered rate of corrosion and cell gassing is obtained even with reduction of mercury content.

Abstract: This invention relates to electrochemical cells wherein the cathode comprises ceramics containing copper oxides characterized as perovskites.

Abstract: This invention relates to a modular promotional display for blister card battery packages. The blister card packages are loaded into a multicompartmented module at the manufacturing point. The filled modules are shipped to the promotional display assembly point where a plurality of modules are placed into a display tray. Thus, the modules serve as both a shipping container and a display container for the batteries.

Abstract: A method of making an anode, for an electrochemical cell, comprising an anode active ductile metal foil such as lithium and a metal foil substrate. To achieve proper adhesion between the metal foil substrate and the active metal foil the metal foil substrate is impressed with indentations, such as with a knurled roller, either when in contact with the active metal foil (with the anode metal foil being indented as well) or prior thereto. In the latter embodiment the active metal foil is compressed onto the indented metal foil substrate.