Abstract: A method for forming a gelled anode in which a powdered anode metal is mixed with means for maintaining a uniform mixture of the powdered metal and a gelling agent, the gelling agent is added, and the mixture is fed into an aqueous electrolyte in the cell whereupon a gel is formed in situ.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte cell particularly one containing a beta manganese dioxide cathode wherein the cathode is normally rigorously heat treated to drive off contained water. The heat treatment is substantially reduced or eliminated (allowing up to 2% water by weight of the cathode to remain in the cell) by utilizing as an electrolyte salt in the cell, a salt which reacts with water to only form a weak oxidizing agent which in turn does not react with the electrolyte solvent to form a gaseous product. Alternatively, an electrolyte solvent is initially utilized in the cell, which solvent does not react with strong oxidizing agents to form a gaseous product.

Abstract: An expandable air-impermeable casing for an electrochemical cell comprised of complemental flexible casing sections of a material which provides a diffusion barrier to atmospheric contaminants. The casing provides an expandable compartment for containment of active cell materials, the cell terminal members sealably projecting through the mated casing sections.A battery shell or container is formed by sealing two side sheets along predetermined linear regions to form several pockets or chambers for accommodating, respectively, the ingredients and elements of an organic cell, and when the respective cell pockets are closed and sealed, the cells thus formed are then folded along intermediate fold lines into a--Z--or accordion pleated form, and then disposed in a protective sealed box as a battery.

Abstract: A portable waterproof fluorescent lantern having a case impervious to the entry of water, a fluorescent lamp within the case, a self-contained power source within the case for powering the lamp and means for activating the power source which is waterproof and operatively associated with the case.

Abstract: A battery housing formed of at least two sections. Two means of terminating the housing are associated with the housing. One means includes a terminal member and a conductive element. The element is substantially the same length as the housing. The second means includes a contact plate attached to the top cell in the housing. An aperture is provided through the housing and terminal member to permit a connector to reach the contact plate. The housing includes an integrally formed conduit which electrically insulates the conductive element.

Abstract: A fluid depolarized cell containing an inert cathode with finely divided metal powder dispersed within said cathode. The metal powder such as nickel powder catalyzes the reaction of unstable decomposition products of the fluid depolarizer into more stable species. Cell safety and discharge capability are enhanced with reduced cathode passivation.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrochemical cell and a method for the construction thereof wherein the cell contains a metal salt additive such as lithium nitrate (LiNO.sub.3) or calcium nitrate Ca(NO.sub.3).sub.2 which reduces the reactivity of substantially the entire active cathode surface. Electrolyte solvents such as propylene carbonate are thereby substantially prevented from reacting, on the surface of the cathode, with oxidizing agents within the cell. Decomposition of the electrolyte solvent with gaseous evolution is substantially reduced and cell stability is enhanced. The metal salt additives are particularly useful in nonaqueous cells containing manganese dioxide cathodes.

Abstract: High energy density primary solid state cells using cathode materials of ionically and electronically conductive dischargeable compounds in combination with other non-conductive cathode active materials of higher energy density.

Abstract: High energy density solid state cells using cathode materials of ionically and electronically conductive dischargeable compounds in combination with other non-conductive cathode active materials of higher energy density.

Abstract: Novel electrolyte salts having high current carrying capability and which substantially prevent voltage delay in cells containing fluid depolarizers such as thionyl chloride (SOCl.sub.2). The salts contain an alkali or alkaline earth metal cation and a halo-gallate indate or thallate anion. The salts additionally preferably contain a chalcogen such as oxygen, sulfur, selenium or tellurium therein.

Abstract: An abuse resistant electrochemical cell having an active metal anode, a fluid cathode depolarizer, an inert cathode and an electrolyte solution. The cell components are arranged in terms of relative capacities and configuration such that a sufficient amount of the dischargeable anode metal is utilized prior to the cell reaching zero volts (caused by deactivation of the cathode) whereby, upon forced discharge, polarization of both anode and cathode and deep cell reversal occur within a short period of time thereafter. This short period of time is no greater than 15% of the initial discharge time to zero volts. The cell additionally contains sufficient fluid depolarizer such that a portion thereof remains at the time of such deep cell reversal.

Abstract: An hermetic glass-metal seal, for an electrochemical cell, having a metallic central feedthrough as a terminal thereof which is chemically incompatible with the components of said cell. The feedthrough is connected within said cell to a second compatible metallic element for electrical connection to an electrode within said cell. An inert polymeric material is sealed to the glass or outer metal member of the glass-metal seal and is sealed to and encloses the metallic feedthrough within said cell and the connection area between the feedthrough and said second metallic element.

Abstract: A battery case which expands to accommodate expansion of individual cells therein while maintaining structural integrity. The case comprises an open ended cell holder with a sleeve thereon covering the open end of said cell holder. The cell holder and the sleeve are adhered to each other by an elastomeric adhesive.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a thin separator film such as grafted polypropylene thermally adhered, at limited sites, to a synthetic heat sealable electrolyte absorbent.

Abstract: The manufacture of solid state cells with smearable cathode materials subject to radial expansion during cell discharge is improved by the consolidation of such materials within a radially rigid non-flexible wall-retaining member which serves as a jig for the cathode during the fabrication of the cell, and which is thereafter retained in the cell structure to control such radial expansion.

Abstract: The manufacture of solid state cells with smearable cathode materials subject to radial expansion during cell discharge is improved by the consolidation of such materials within a radially rigid non-flexible wall-retaining member which serves as a jig for the cathode during the fabrication of the cell, and which is thereafter retained in the cell structure to control such radial expansion.

Abstract: A method for cooling high rate discharge primary batteries comprising absorbing the heat of reaction of the primary battery by a nonaqueous liquid depolarizer, circulating it, cooling it, and returning it to the primary battery, and a primary battery system including one or more primary batteries, a cooling means, and a fluid communication means between the primary battery and the cooling means.

Abstract: Hydrogen evolution in cells having zinc anodes is reduced or eliminated by incorporating in the cell a surfactant which is a complex phosphate ester of a surfactant of the ethylene oxide-adduct type. This surfactant is added in such a manner that, directly or upon wetting of the anode by the electrolyte, there is an adsorption of surfactant on the surface of the zinc anode material, whereby hydrogen evolution is inhibited. The surfactant is desirably present in the cell in an amount of from 0.001% to 5% by weight of the zinc component of the cell.

Abstract: An internal battery fuse comprising a portion of a current collector which is thermally shielded whereby excessive built-up heat resulting from a short circuit is concentrated in said portion and which heat fuses the shielded portion and interrupts the circuit prior to excessive internal pressure conditions.

Abstract: A connector for use in electrically connecting a battery, having substantially planar terminals on a wall thereof, to an electrical device. The connector comprises a housing partially containing conductive means which extend from the housing to contact the battery terminals and the electrical device. The connector further includes resilient gripping means on the housing which cooperatively engages holding means on the battery with a snap on connection.