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 non-aqueous cell containing a corrosive fluid cathode depolarizer such as thionyl chloride (SOCl.sub.2) and a metal cathode such as of cold rolled steel which is substantially corroded by said fluid depolarizer with the cell having improved high rate discharge characteristics.

Abstract: A process for plating a metal, preferably gold, onto the exposed surface of a cathode terminal of an electrochemical cell. The cell is contacted with a solution containing the metal ions to be plated thereon. The cell is then permitted to self-discharge through the solution for a given period of time which causes the metal to plate out, at a given thickness, onto the surface of the cathode terminal in contact with the solution. In a preferred form, the process includes the steps of first activating the surface of the terminal by contacting it with a solution containing hydroxide ions.

Abstract: A method for forming a gelled anode in which a powdered anode metal is mixed with means for maintaining a uniform mixture of the powdered metal and a gelling agent, the gelling agent is added, and the mixture is fed into an aqueous electrolyte in the cell whereupon a gel is formed in situ.

Abstract: A method for increasing the recycling life of an electrochemical cell containing a lithium (or other active metal subject to dendritic plating) anode and a clovoborate salt or other salt, which forms soluble oxidizing agents at elevated charging voltages, comprising the step of charging the cell at a potential above normal charging voltage whereby said soluble oxidizing agents are formed.

Abstract: A secondary electrochemical cell comprising a solid anode, an electrolyte and a cathode. The anode is a solid solution of silver and a metal which is an alkaline or alkali earth metal. The metal is capable of forming a solid solution with the anode on the recharging of the anode. Alternatively, the cell is formed in the discharged state with a solid porous silver anode, a cathode, a nonaqueous liquid electrolyte containing the alkaline or alkaline earth metal salts therein. The alloyed anode improves the rechargeability of the cell.

Abstract: A rechargeable non-aqueous electrochemical cell with a complex electrolyte salt such as a complex of an alkali metal salt and an ether.

Abstract: A method for improving the stability of Li/MnO.sub.2 cells having organic electrolytes subject to gaseous decomposition and a manganese dioxide cathode having absorbed water therein in excess of crystalline bound water, with said manganese dioxide and absorbed water causing said gaseous decomposition. Said method comprises the step of predischarging said cell up to 5% of cell capacity prior to extended storage.

Abstract: An anode coating for anhydrous electrochemical generating cells is disclosed wherein the anode active material is immersed in an electrolyte solution and coated with the insoluble reaction product of the anode metal with an inhibiting reactant such as CO.sub.2, SO.sub.2, O.sub.2, NH.sub.3, and N.sub.2 saturated with respect to water vapor. This coating is insoluble in the cell under open circuit conditions and is stable with regard to said electrolyte but is removable in said electrolyte, when the cell is discharged with a negligible over voltage. The coated anodes and the method for making same are specifically described. Cells with anodes treated according to this invention have been stored at 55.degree. C., for extended periods with negligible self discharge.

Abstract: A battery holder comprising a drawer having a plurality of compartments, each sized to accommodate a single battery, each compartment being polarized so that a battery can be placed therein only in a predetermined position, means for electrically interconnecting the batteries, and means for connecting a user circuit to the battery holder. The battery holder can further comprise means for retaining the battery within the compartment and a circuit switch to protect the user circuit from circuit runaway.

Abstract: The safety of a cell such as a Li/MnO.sub.2 cell is improved by complexing the volatile electrolyte solvent normally used therein with the electrolyte salt whereby efficient solvation of the salt is obtained without detrimental free volatile solvent.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for spot welding the anode structure of a succession of alkaline primary batteries with a focused beam of radiation generated by a stationary laser as the batteries are conveyed through the arrangement. The batteries are conducted along a circular work station in the form of a star wheel having the batteries arranged around a portion of its circumference. An optical focusing system is mounted for oscillation about the rotational axis of the star wheel in synchronous motion with each battery as it passes through the beam of radiation. The anode structure of each battery is positioned at the focal point of the optical focusing system whereby the optical focusing system focuses the radiation beam on one small area of the anode structure to produce a spot weld on the anode structure.

Abstract: A secondary electrochemical cell comprising a solid anode, an electrolyte and a cathode. The anode is a solid solution of silver and a metal which is an alkaline or alkali earth metal. The metal is capable of forming a solid solution with the anode on the recharging of the anode. Alternatively, the cell is formed in the discharged state with a solid porous silver anode, a cathode, a nonaqueous liquid electrolyte containing the alkaline or alkaline earth metal salts therein. The alloyed anode improves the rechargeability of the cell.

Abstract: A method of forming a polystyrene separator for use in an electrochemical cell comprising the steps of dissolving the polystyrene resin in a solvent, placing a predetermined amount of the resulting polystyrene solution directly on the surface of a cathode, and removing the solvent thereby leaving a substantially continuous coating on the surface of the cathode.

Abstract: Commercially available titanium disulfide is treated with an oxidizing agent such as iodine (I.sub.2) prior to use as a cathode material in an electrochemical cell with the treated titanium disulfide providing superior discharge characteristics.

Abstract: A receptacle for replaceably holding a replaceable fuse in an electrical circuit includes a forwardly inwardly tapered tubular member closed at its front end by a contact-defining metal cap and provided at its rear end with an internally threaded enlarged section, a contact-defining metal collar telescoping the rear of the tapered tube forward of the enlarged section and having a terminal tab projecting outwardly through an opening in the enlarged section. An externally threaded closure plug separably engages the tubular member threaded section and has in its front face a well whose axis is transversely offset from the plug axis and whose peripheral face is rearwardly inwardly tapered. A transversely crescent shaped wedge member projects forwardly from the well border and is integrally formed with the plug and has a tapered inside face coplanar with the well peripheral face.

Abstract: A solid state ambient temperature cell having a thin layer of an alkali or alkaline earth metal as anode, a thin layer of a solid ionic conductive electrolyte and a thin cathode layer of a metal or metalloid which can accommodate anode cations in the crystalline structure thereof. Such metals or metalloids include bismuth, arsenic, antimony, lead, tin, selenium or tellurium. The cell is dischargeable at high rates and is rechargeable.

Abstract: A silver oxide powder for use in the cathode of an alkaline silver oxide galvanic cell, being a mixture of at least 10% divalent silver oxide powder together with monovalent silver oxide powder, is produced by at least partially reducing the silver oxide powder mixture by reacting it with a surfactant, particularly an anionic surfactant and thereafter removing the reactant. The silver oxide powder displays a lower oxygen evolution rate when immersed in an alkaline electrolyte, and lower internal friction during powder flow under pressure when compared with a similar silver oxide mixture which is known not to have been so reacted.