Abstract: A method of making electrochemical cells with high anode-to-cathode interfacial surface area and improved discharge efficiency at high rate discharge, without sacrificing total capacity involves the use of a separator coated electrode, and a flowable material comprising a second electrode. The first electrode and flowable material comprising the second electrode are disposed in a cell housing. The flowable material surrounds the coated surfaces of the first electrode. The invention also provides simplified methods for making electrochemical cells having a high anode-to-cathode interfacial surface area.

Abstract: The portable lighting device of the present invention includes a casing defining a battery compartment. The battery compartment may be lined with a shock absorbing material and may be configured to receive a plurality of batteries arranged in at least two rows that are offset with respect to one another. The casing may define two support surfaces with one inclined with respect to the other. A battery cartridge may be used in the lighting device that has a pivoting handle to aid in removal of the cartridge from the battery compartment. A reflector isolator may also be employed to reduce mechanical shock transferred to the lamp. A lantern so constructed can withstand drops of up to 15 feet or more.

Abstract: An improved button air cell is provided that contains zero mercury, is free of indium on the sealing surface of the anode cup and has an active material comprising zinc alloyed with lead. Also provided is a method of forming a button electrochemical cell free of mercury and having no indium on the inner surface of the anode cup.

Abstract: A lighting device (10) comprises a generally tubular body (12) having a dry cell cavity (14) adapted to contain one or more dry cells (16) for powering the light, the body having a rearward end (18) and a forward end (20). A cylindrical translucent lens (38) is fixedly mounted to the forward end of the body, and a lamp (32) is mounted to the body at or adjacent to the forward end thereof. The lamp is adapted to be electrically connected to dry cells contained within the body. A generally parabolic or cone shaped reflector (42) is slidably mounted to the cylindrical lens and located within the interior of the cylindrical lens. The reflector has an opening in the center thereof shaped to receive at least part of the lamp therethrough.

Abstract: An alkaline electrochemical cell is disclosed having a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte. The positive electrode comprises electrolytic manganese dioxide having a pH-voltage of at least about 0.860 volt. The electrolytic manganese dioxide also preferably has less than about 250 ppm and more preferably less than about 150 ppm of potassium impurities by weight. Electrolytic manganese dioxide having these properties exhibits significant synergistic and unexpected improvements in high-rate service, which translates to improved high-rate service life of the electrochemical cell containing the improved electrolytic manganese dioxide in its positive electrode.

Abstract: An improved air cell, and the method of forming the air cell, is provided. The cell has a uniformly laminated hydrophobic membrane using a high laminating force. The air cell has increased performance in high humidity or low humidity conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrochemical cell using a gasket with projections on both surfaces of an upstanding wall. When used as a seal member between two parts of the housing of an electrochemical cell, a plurality of high compressive stress areas is formed in the gasket wall. When projections on opposite sides of the gasket are not horizontally aligned, an effective seal can be achieved with a thinner-wall gasket, providing more internal cell volume for active materials. Also disclosed is a process for assembling the cell.

Abstract: A flashlight is disclosed having a body and a flashlight head in which a light bulb is mounted. The body includes a housing that defines a battery compartment, a pair of arms extending from a front end of the housing for mounting the flashlight head between opposing ends of the arms such that the flashlight head may be pivoted relative to the body, and a thumb wheel rotatably mounted in the housing and extending partially through the housing to engage the flashlight head such that the flashlight head pivots relative to the body as the thumb wheel is rotated. The thumb wheel may include gear teeth about its perimeter for engaging gear teeth formed in the round rear surface of the flashlight head.

Abstract: A reflector comprising a concave body having a first region, a second region and a third region. The first region includes first facets and the second region includes second facets. The third region has a smooth surface. The first region is separated from the second region by the third region.