Abstract: An electrochemical cell containing a V-shaped gasket for sealing the cell and preferably the gasket has a compressive preloading on a selected area of the gasket to prevent premature venting of the cell.

Abstract: An electrode is disclosed that includes at least one ribbon of electrochemically active material. By forming a negative electrode of zinc ribbons, the high-rate discharge capacity of the negative electrode is significantly increased. Consequently, the high-rate service of an electrochemical cell having the inventive electrode structure is improved.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell containing a snap-through sealing gasket that has a compressive preloading on a selected area of the snap-through gasket to prevent premature venting of the cell.

Abstract: A battery including a polar solvent transportive, ionically conductive separator formed directly on an electrode is prepared by applying a coating composition containing a polymer or gel dispersed in a polar solvent directly to the electrode surface and solidifying materials in the coating composition to form a separator membrane.

Abstract: An alkaline electrochemical cell having a barium compound additive in the anode according to one embodiment, and in both the anode and the cathode according to another embodiment. The anode of the present invention comprises an active anode material such as zinc, and an anode additive comprising a barium compound, such as barium sulfate in the amount of up to 8% by weight of active anode materials. According to another embodiment, the cathode of the electrochemical cell comprises an active cathode material, such as manganese dioxide, and also has an additive comprising a barium compound, such as barium sulfate. The anode and cathode of the present invention are particularly adapted for use in an electrochemical cell having an alkaline electrolyte.

Abstract: A cup-shaped separator and method of assembly for an electrochemical cell for separating a positive electrode from a negative electrode. The separator comprises a sheet of non-conductive separator material have a bottom section and a side wall section. The separator sheet has a plurality of tabs formed in the bottom section. The separator sheet is rolled and the plurality of tabs are folded inward to form a closed bottom surface of the cup-shaped separator.

Abstract: An electrode is disclosed that includes a plurality of stacked disks. The electrode is preferably a negative electrode of an alkaline cell and the disks are preferably formed of zinc. By forming the negative electrode of such zinc disks, the discharge capacity of the negative electrode is increased. Consequently, the high-rate service of an alkaline cell having the inventive negative electrode is improved.

Abstract: A checkout lane blocker and merchandising display stand having a base member, a plurality of wheels located below the base member, an outer shell providing walls on top of the base member, an internal support structure disposed on the base member and including a stepped shelf, and a plurality of merchandise display trays disposed on top of the stepped shelf for holding merchandise for display. The outer shell, internal support structure, and merchandise trays are preferably made of corrugated material and the display therefore is lightweight, inexpensive, and easily recycled. The lane blocker merchandising display may be easily moved into position to block a checkout lane in a store when the checkout lane is closed.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is disclosed having a cylindrical can having an open end and a closed end, and a first electrode having a generally hollow cylindrical shape molded in place within the can such that an outer cylindrical surface of the first electrode contacts an inner cylindrical surface of the can. The first electrode has a recess adjacent to the inner cylindrical surface of the can at an end of the first electrode proximate the open end of the can to accommodate any flashing that is formed along the interior side walls of the can when the first electrode is molded in place. The electrochemical cell further includes a second electrode having a polarity opposite the first electrode disposed within a hollow cavity of the first electrode, a separator lining the hollow cavity within the first electrode so as to physically separate the first and second electrodes, and a collector assembly supported by the first electrode for sealing the open end of the can.

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; an integral seal/inner cover assembly positioned in the open end of the can, the integral seal/inner cover assembly having a rigid inner cover and a seal preformed directly onto at least an inner-facing surface of the rigid inner cover; a collector extending through a central hole provided in the integral seal/inner cover assembly and into the can so as to contact one of the electrodes; and an outer cover positioned across the open end of the can proximate an outer-facing surface of the rigid inner cover, the outer cover being positioned so as to be in electrical contact with the collector. The rigid inner cover preferably includes at least one aperture extending from the inner-facing surface to the outer-facing surface of the inner cover.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell according to the present invention includes a can having an open end; electrochemical materials including two electrodes provided inside the can; a seal provided in the open end of the can for preventing leakage of the electrochemical materials from the can; and a moisture barrier provided in the open end of the can for preventing external moisture from reaching the interior of the cell. Preferably, the ambient air barrier includes an inner cover or outer cover having at least one aperture. The ambient air barrier may further include a moisture-impervious plug material disposed in contact with the inner cover or outer cover for releasably sealing the aperture in the inner cover or outer cover. Alternatively, the moisture barrier may include a layer of moisture-impervious material disposed on the outer surface of the seal in an area exposed to ambient air passing at least partially through the aperture in the inner cover and/or outer cover.