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.

Abstract: This invention pertains to portable battery-pack power supplies for use in devices which must be operated between an upper voltage and a lower voltage limit. The battery pack is comprised of a main power supply and a reserve power supply. The reserve power supply is switched into series connection with the main power supply when said main power supply is discharged to the lower voltage limit. Means are provided for ensuring that only the initial power supply is switched into the circuit after fresh cells are installed in the battery pack.

Abstract: The invention provides a light comprising a lamp, a reflector or other means defining an optical axis close to which the major part of the emergent light is distributed and a lens system having one or more prisms formed on its nearer face to the lamp and adjacent an edge of the lens system arranged to trap light from the lamp and distribute it by total internal reflection through the material of said lens system so that it emerges from the edge at more than 100.degree. to the optical axis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a separator for non-aqueous electrochemical cells and in particular lithium/manganese dioxide cells. It has been discovered that a polypropylene microporous film having a thickness greater than one mil and voids greater than 50% by volume, has beneficial properties without the concomitant problems generally associated with separators having open structures.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for forming an aluminum container with an exposed metallic insert in the closed end thereof with the aluminum and the secondary metal being coextruded during forming of the container. A particularly synergetic combination is achieved by selecting a spherical insert member and providing concave or depressed region in the bottom of the extrusion die mold to partially receive the spherical element. The aluminum flows around the major diameter of the spherical insert during coextrusion but leaves a bottom portion of the insert exposed for external welding to another component.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an anode current collector for alkaline electrochemical cells having zinc anodes. An anode current collector made from silicon bronze alloy has improved welding characteristics and has a minimal effect on gassing.

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.