Abstract: A method for making spirally wound cells using a deformed metal strip mandrel with an electrode being forced therein by a compressing element fixedly retained by the mandrel to hold the electrode during winding. The electrode is electrically connected to the mandrel by the compressing force.

Abstract: In a sealed galvanic cell having an anode, cathode, and cylindrical can into which the principal components of the cell are assembled, a sealing and insulating member at the top end of the cathode can is provided which is held in sealing relationship to the can by a crimp formed over the top edge thereof. The sealing and insulating member has a circular rim formed at its periphery in at least one of the top and bottom surfaces, the diameter of the sealing and insulating member being substantially the same as the inside diameter of the can above a bead which is formed near the top edge thereof. At least a portion of the thickness of the peripheral material of the member is stressed by the crimp in an amount greater than the elastic limit of the material, and at least another portion of the thickness of the peripheral material of the sealing and insulating member is stressed in an amount less than the elastic limit. The stressed portion is at the top or bottom of the periphery of the member.

Abstract: An electrode for an electrochemical cell is formed by blending an electrochemically active compound with a conductive material, forming the blend into a plurality of agglomerates, admixing the agglomerates with a second conductive material which may be the same as or different from the first conductive material and compressing the resulting mixture. The method is particularly useful for forming cathodes containing a mercury compound, since such cathodes have greatly enhanced abilities to immobilize free mercury during cell discharge.

Abstract: A flashlight construction is disclosed, which comprises a body portion, a head portion attached to the body portion and pivotable about a single pivot axis, and through a pivot arc that lies in the longitudinal plane of the body portion, the body portion adapted to contain at least one battery and the head portion adapted to contain a light bulb. Separate electrical contact means are located in the body portion and the head portion and slidably engage with each other. The electrical contact means cooperates to define an electrical switch means that controls the flow of electrical current. The switch means is located inboard of the head portion and adjacent the pivot axis. Accordingly, the flashlight may be switched off by rotating the head portion into position in abuttment with the body portion, while switching the flashlight on as accomplished by rotating the head portion away from such abuttment.

Abstract: An extremely high rate flat cell and a method of fabrication thereof with the cell comprising successive stacked anode and cathode layers within a cell container comprised of two members with co-fitting external flanges. Each cathode layer embodies a metallic extension or tab therefrom for external terminal connection. The extensions of all the cathode layers are substantially symmetrically positioned between said co-fitting external flanges with said flanges and metallic extensions all being simultaneously welded together and electrically interconnected during cell sealing. The anode layers are electrically connected together, preferably by pressure contacting layers to each other adjacent to a metallic terminal member for said anode. Such a cell having a lithium anode, a carbon cathode and a thionyl chloride electrolyte solvent/cathode depolarizer (3" diameter.times.0.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having an anode, a cathode and an aqueous alkaline electrolyte solution. The anode is an intimate gelled mixture of a powdered metal, an aqueous electrolyte solution and an agent capable of gelling the mixture. The agent is a material capable of absorbing water and having a carbohydrate backbone which has a water soluble side chain grafted thereon. A preferred agent is a water insoluble salt of an aqueous alkali saponified gelatinized starch having a water soluble side chain grafted thereon. The gelling of the intimate mixture of the powdered metal anode and electrolyte solution with the agent is a method of improving the discharge characteristics of the cell.

Abstract: A non-aqueous cell having a lithium anode is made abuse resistant by sandwiching and enclosing a thin substantially perforation-free copper foil or sheet between layers of lithium whereby the copper is isolated from the cell electrolyte.

Abstract: A method for making decorated battery casings wherein a thin walled heat shrinkable plastic tubing is cut to size, placed on a support member such as a mandrel, heat shrunk, decorated with decorative materials and protective coatings thereon and crimped at one end. The casing is then removed from the mandrel, placed upon a cell or battery and crimped at the other end to complete the battery or cell encasing procedure. The procedure is particularly efficacious in providing metallic decorated plastic battery casings.

Abstract: A novel gelling agent comprised of cross-linked CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose) is utilized as a gelling agent in the anode of alkaline electrochemical cells with improved cell performance and reduced cell gassing as compared to the commonly utilized non cross-linked CMC.

Abstract: A catalytic cathode composition and method for the preparation thereof for an air-depolarized cell, said cathode comprising carbon activated with a metal permanganate such as KMnO.sub.4, and an unactivated carbonaceous material such as virgin carbon black. The mixture optionally contains electrolytic MnO.sub.2 and polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: A high voltage cell or battery has its voltage reduced for lower voltage applications by means of volt lowering diodes i.e. p-n junction and resistive elements placed in series with the cells and the appliance to be electrically powered.

Abstract: An electrode for an electrochemical cell is formed by blending an electrochemically active compound with a conductive material, forming the blend into a plurality of agglomerates, admixing the agglomerates with a second conductive material which may be the same as or different from the first conductive material and compressing the resulting mixture. The method is particularly useful for forming cathodes containing a mercury compound, since such cathodes have greatly enhanced abilities to immobilize free mercury during cell discharge.

Abstract: A method for preparing metal chromate cathode electrodes for use in non-aqueous lithium/chromate cells for medium to high discharge rate service is described. Cells utilizing such cathodes are also described. Chromates used include the chromates, dichromates and basic chromates of silver, copper, mercury and lead. The cathodes can be prepared without internal conductive elements or cohesive binders.

Abstract: A fluid cathode depolarized cell having a catalytic cathode comprised of a graphite intercalated metal halide such as CuCl.sub.2, CoCl.sub.2, FeCl.sub.3 and SbF.sub.5.

Abstract: A battery jacket having an adhesive layer between an outer layer and a release layer, with the jacket being of a predetermined shape to substantially conform to the exterior surface of a battery. The jacket desirably has hinge lines to improve its ability to conform to the battery. On removing the release layer, the jacket is applied to the battery by pressing the adhesive layer onto the exterior surface of the battery and conforming the jacket to the exterior surfaces of the battery.

Abstract: A small diameter (<1" (2.54 cm)) fluid depolarized cell having enhanced electrochemical capability and being both economical and adaptable to high rate manufacturing procedures. The cell is made with a cathode slurry of the fluid depolarizer and controlled amounts of an activated carbonaceous material.

Abstract: A non-aqueous Li/MnO.sub.2 cell having an electrolyte which improves the capacity thereof and which consists of an electrolyte salt such as LiClO.sub.4 dissolved in 1,3 dioxolane.

Abstract: A completely solid state high temperature storage cell comprised of a solid rechargeable cathode such as TiS.sub.2, a solid electrolyte which remains solid at the high temperature operating conditions of the cell and which exhibits high ionic conductivity at such elevated temperatures such as an electrolyte comprised of lithium iodide, and a solid lithium or other alkali metal alloy anode (such as a lithium-silicon alloy) with 5-50% by weight of said anode being comprised of said solid electrolyte.

Abstract: Novel electrolyte salts having high current carrying capability for non-aqueous electrochemical cells particularly those containing fluid depolarizer/electrolyte solvents. The salts have the general formula M(ZX.sub.4).sub.n with "M" being an alkali or alkaline earth metal, "Z" being gallium, .[.indium or thallium,.]. "X" being a halogen and "n" being either 1 or 2.