Abstract: An electrochemical cell constructed in accordance with the present invention includes a can for containing electrochemical materials including positive and negative electrodes and an electrolyte, the can having an open end and a closed end; a pressure relief mechanism formed in the closed end of the can for releasing internal pressure from within the can when the internal pressure becomes excessive; a first outer cover positioned on the closed end of the can to be in electrical contact therewith and to extend over the pressure relief mechanism; a second outer cover positioned across the open end of the can; and an insulator disposed between the can and the second outer cover for electrically insulating the can from the second outer cover. According to another embodiment, the second cover is dielectrically isolated from a current collector. The second cover is fastened to the can by the use of a double-seamed closure.

Abstract: A battery comprising a steel can having a bottom end, an open top end, and side walls extending between the top and bottom ends. Positive and negative electrodes are disposed in the can. An outer cover is disposed over the open end of the can. The outer cover has an outer flange disposed on the outside of the can walls and an inner flange disposed on the inside of the can wall. A seal is disposed between the can and the outer cover so that the seal is disposed against the inner and outer flanges of the outer cover. The outer cover is preferably crimped against the can wall to compress the seal between the inner and outer flanges and the container, thereby minimizing axial loading on the can and allowing for use of a thin gauge can.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method for synthesizing superabsorbent polyacrylate polymers comprising the steps of providing an acrylate monomer, a multifunctional monomer, and free radical initiator in the absence of a solvent; mixing the acrylate monomer, multifunctional monomer, and free radical initiator to create a solvent free solution; and subjecting the solvent free solution to radiation to create a cross-linked polymer. The product created by this method is also a part of the present invention.

Abstract: A water-soluble binder useful for preparing an electrode for either primary or secondary batteries, having either aqueous or non-aqueous electrolyte, contains polyacrylamide and at least one copolymer selected from carboxylated styrene-butadiene copolymer and styrene-acrylate copolymer. The water-dispersible binder eliminates or reduces the need for organic solvents during preparation of an electrode made of a particulate active electrode material. The binder exhibits good chemical resistance, adhesive properties, flexibility and resilience, making it well suited for use in preparing batteries having a spirally wound electrode assembly.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided that comprises an anode comprising a zinc alloy active material and elemental sulfur. Also provided is a method of making an electrochemical cell comprising the steps of providing a cathode, an electrolyte, and an anode, adding elemental sulfur to the anode, and putting the anode and cathode in contact with the electrolyte.

Abstract: Polyoxyalkylene nitrogen containing compounds are useful in electrochemical cells having an acidic electrolyte to inhibit gassing and leakage.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is disclosed including a cell housing, an ion-permeable, oxygen transmission restricting membrane that divides the interior of the cell housing into a first portion exposed to ambient air and a substantially air-tight second portion, an air electrode provided in contact with the membrane within the first portion of the cell housing interior that reoxidizes when exposed to ambient air, and a working cell provided in the substantially air-tight second portion of the cell housing interior. The working cell includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte. The positive electrode is in contact with the membrane and is made of an electrochemically active material that is the same material that is used in the air electrode, such that the air electrode supplies ions to the positive electrode to thereby reoxidize the positive electrode as it discharges without exposing the negative electrode or the positive electrode of the working cell to oxygen from the surrounding air.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a can with a bottom end and an open top end, and positive and negative electrodes disposed in the can. The cell includes an inner metal cover inserted in the open end of the can for closing the open end of the can. The inner metal cover has a pressure relief mechanism for providing pressure relief to vent high pressure gases upon reaching a predetermined pressure. In addition, an outer cover is preferably positioned over the metal cover to form an electrical contact terminal and to substantially cover the pressure relief mechanism. The pressure relief mechanism advantageously provides for high pressure gas venting while minimizing the amount of volume consumed by the venting components and thereby allowing for a greater amount of electrochemically active materials in the can.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a container with a closed bottom end, an open top end, and side walls extending between the top and bottom ends has a pressure relief mechanism formed in the bottom end, and positive and negative electrodes disposed in the container. The pressure relief mechanism is a stress concentrator formed in the container for providing pressure relief to vent high pressure gases. The stress concentrator includes first and second crossing grooves and third and fourth arcuate grooves to provide for multiple stress concentration points which offers increased reliability of venting, reduced space required for the vent opening, and results in significant reduction of bulging in the closed bottom end of the container.

Abstract: A high speed manufacturing system for processing articles of manufacture requiring processes to be performed on the articles at a pre-selected processing rate includes a trunk for simultaneously conveying a plurality of the articles of manufacture at the pre-selected processing rate in a first mode of motion from the beginning of the manufacturing system to the end of the system. At least one branch processing station is positioned intermediate the beginning and the end of the trunk wherein the branch processing station during its operation performs at least one process on articles of manufacture conveyed on the branch processing station and where the articles are conveyed in a second mode of motion.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a plurality of electrochemical cells and a control circuit. The battery pack provides power to a tool in the form of a pulse width modulated waveform. The plurality of electrochemical cells provide a total output voltage. The control circuit is coupled to the plurality of electrochemical cells and receives a trigger signal from the tool. In response to the trigger signal, the control circuit determines whether a pulse width of the pulse width modulated waveform requires adjustment. Additionally, the control circuit can be configured to receive an indication of the total output voltage. In this case, the control circuit determines whether the pulse width of the pulse width modulated waveform requires adjustment based on the level of the total output voltage.