Abstract: An adapter for converting multiple electrochemical cells into a desired battery configuration, in particular D size cells into a lantern battery configuration. The adapter is a one piece receptacle structure with a hinged section openable for removal and replacement of spent cells. The adapter further contains a one-piece conductive member, comprised of a substrate with conductive elements, for electrical interconnection of all of the cells with each other and with the external electrical terminals of the adapter. The one-piece conductive member permits the inserted cells to be aligned in a single direction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cartridge comprising a rectangular base and four side walls which form a cavity into which an energy pack or a plurality of individual battery cells, either primary or secondary, are locatable. The cartridge is securable to an electrical apparatus by a latching mechanism. Alternatively, the cartridge can be integral therewith. In a first embodiment, a plurality of cells are locatable such that their positive and negative contacts are positioned against a set of positive and negative contact areas located along the first and second side walls. The first embodiment optionally comprises a contact arm, locatable substantially parallel to the second side wall, which includes a plurality of positive contact areas corresponding to and across from the negative contact areas located on the second side wall.

Abstract: The present invention is a package for the sale and display of batteries having a voltage indicator integrally associated with the package. A pair of electrical contacts are associated with the voltage indicator and the contacts are so positioned on the package that they are accessible for alignment with the terminals of a battery placed therebetween. When the electrical contacts make simultaneous connection to the terminals of a battery, current flows through the voltage indicator to visually indicate the magnitude of the voltage of the battery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-aqueous electrochemical cell having spirally wound electrodes and a separator having a basis weight of at least 20 g/m.sup.2 and comprising melt blown non-woven polypropylene fibers.

Abstract: An improved method for sealing an electrochemical cell comprises applying radial forces to an expanded, upper portion of the cell casing. A resilient sealing member is located in the upper portion so that when the radial forces reduce the diameter of the expanded casing portion the sealing member is compressingly held in place.

Abstract: A battery structure using cylindrically shaped zinc/air cells electrically connected in series, the cells being assembled so that a first number thereof are stacked in a first orientation in an in-line stack and a second number thereof are positioned adjacent the in-line stack in a second orientation perpendicular to the first orientation. The cells at the end of its series are connected to the anode and cathode terminals of a terminal board. The cell-terminal board assembly is inserted in a housing having nesting cavities into which portions of the cells are securely nested and a cover, affixed to the housing to form a battery container, has corresponding nesting cavities into which oppositely disposed portions of the cells are securely nested. Openings having blocking means associated therewith are provided at each end of the container to permit air to enter for interaction with the zinc in the cells but to prevent other objects from entering and making contact with the cells.

Abstract: A DC voltage tester having a plurality of resistive elements in thermal contact with a thermochromic material wherein the resistive elements are connected in a parallel configuration.

Abstract: This invention relates to a heat sensitive polymer film and to a method for making the same. The film becomes substantially impermeable to air or ion flow above a predetermined temperature and is useful as a separator in electrochemical cells. The film comprises a microporous layer coated on at least one side with a layer of heat-fusible polymer particles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a seal for a cylindrical alkaline cell. The member includes a metal support having an annular spring disposed at the outer periphery. The spring is placed under compression by a radial crimp and the spring is adapted to expand and contract whereby the seal is maintained during thermal cycling. The member also includes a plastic grommet having an annular vent designed to open at very high pressures whereby said seal member is particularly useful in alkaline cells having little or no mercury whereby high internal pressures can develop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a gelling agent between the plastic seal and the outer cover of an electrochemical cell.

Abstract: This invention relates to a blister card package for more than four cylindrical batteries wherein a majority of the batteries are visible from the front.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a package for objects such as batteries, and more particularly for the display and sale of large, heavy cell sizes, such as "C" size and "D" size alkaline cells. The transparent package, having a rectangularly shaped perimeter similar to conventional two-cell packages, contains four such cells in diamond-shaped arrangement.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrochemical cell having spirally wound electrodes and an electrolyte which enhances plating of the anode metal during voltage reversal. The safety of such cells is improved by concentrating the current, during voltage reversal, between an outer segment of the anode and a metal sheet connected to the cathode whereby anode metal plates only onto the metal sheet. Thus, the hazardous condition of plating anode metal onto the cathode is avoided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for producing beta manganese dioxide and for producing cathodes from said manganese dioxide. The process comprises heating gamma manganese dioxide at at least 450.degree. C. for up to one hour in order to convert a majority of the gamma manganese dioxide to the beta phase without forming detrimental amounts of lower oxides.

Abstract: An adhesive system, particularly suitable for the production of laminated separators for alkaline-electrolyte electrochemical cells, comprises a blend of a branched long chain polyacrylic acid with a substantially linear short chain polyacrylic acid, in an organic or aqueous solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a package for objects such as batteries, and more particularly for the display and sale of large, heavy cell sizes, such as "C" size and "D" size alkaline cells. A transparent package containing four such cells is provided having a similar outside rectangular shape as conventional two-cell packages.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved hydrophobic cathode for use in a zinc-air cell, and to a method for making said cathode. The cathode comprises an admixture of discrete particles of gamma manganese dioxide and carbon and a polymeric halogenated hydrocarbon. The method includes the step of intensively milling the manganese dioxide to reduce the particle size thereof and homogeneously admixing the manganese dioxide with the carbon particles.

Abstract: Mixed heavy metal polysulfides which are insoluble in non-aqueous electrolytes and having the formulaM(1).sub.w.sup.+n M(2).sub.x.sup.+m (S.sub.y).sub.z.sup.-2(wherein M(1) and M(2) are different heavy metal atoms, n and m are integers representing the valence states of M(1) and M(2) respectively, w and x are integers representing the stoichiometry of M(1) and M(2) respectively in the polysulfide, S is sulfur, nw+mx=2z and y is greater than 4.5) are utilized as very high energy density cathodes in non-aqueous electrochemical cells.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrochemical cell having a solid active cathode, an active metal anode and a low vapor pressure highly conductive electrolyte comprising a liquid solvate-complex of sulfur dioxide (SO.sub.2) and an alkali or alkaline earth metal salt soluble therein such as those having a Group 3A element halide anion with the ratio of salt to SO.sub.2 in said electrolyte ranging from about 1:1 to 1:7.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method for preparing a non-aqueous electrolyte comprising lithium hexafluorophosphate, LiPF.sub.6, and electrochemical cells containing same. In particular the method involves forming LiPF.sub.6 by a chemical reaction in the presence of an ether, whereby a complex of LiPF.sub.6 and the ether is formed and readily isolated. An electrolyte is prepared by dissolving the complex in non-aqueous solvents to the desired concentration.