Abstract: A metal-alkaline battery having a reduced corrosion rate and enhanced electrochemical properties comprises an anode that includes derivatives of polyethylene glycol (PEG). The PEG derivatives have one or more hydrophilic moieties attached to the ends of the PEG chain. The hydrophilic moieties may be a carboxyl group or a carboxymethyl group. A preferred PEG derivative is polyethylene glycol, bi-carboxy methyl ether (PEG BCME).

Abstract: A high capacity primary (single-use; non-rechargeable) battery pack for high current portable appliances such as cellular phones employs electrochemical cells that use ambient oxygen for one of the electrodes. The pack makes possible a simple low cost design by providing for oxygen supply in a completely passive yet compact configuration. Cells may be arranged inside a housing in a tightly packed arrangement by providing internal spaces that are sized to permit diffusion and, if possible, bulk air flow. The highest volumetric energy density is achievable by permitting bulk flow of air into the housing. It has been found that in practical use, in applications such as cellular telephones, that bulk air flow can play a significant role in gas exchange required for operation. A number of design criteria are developed for providing for a mix of molecular diffusion and bulk flow in the design of battery packs according to the invention.

Abstract: A battery power supply has a primary battery to provide long service life and a secondary battery to provide short instantaneous power pulses required by loads with variable duty cycles and puslatile load profiles such as digital cellular phones. The primary battery is linked to the power pulse battery in parallel and in series to the load. In the pulse battery, one of the electrodes has at least two electroactive materials as components of the same electrode. These different electroactive materials are selected to have different discharge potentials, charging potentials, and voltage outputs. One of the materials provides a voltage output of a predetermined level and the other of the materials lowers the overall charging voltage of the electrode below that of the first material. The mixed electrode in the pulse battery permits the pulse battery to be charged by the primary battery during the off-pulse periods throughout a substantial portion of the entire discharge voltage range of the primary battery.

Abstract: The invention provides a metal-air electrochemical cell, having a leak-proof, metal prismatic casing comprising a pair of interfacing interengaging rectangular tray-like casing components, a first substantially rectangular tray-like casing component having a first major surface and contiguous side walls for encompassing a cathode of the cell and a second inverted substantially tray-like casing component having a second major surface and contiguous depending side walls for encompassing an anode of the cell, the side walls of one of the casing components being of a height to facilitate the curling and crimping of an upper portion thereof over a peripheral edge area of the major surface of the other casing component to form a leak-proof, closed prismatic casing.

Abstract: The invention provides a zinc battery anode, comprising a substantially planar skeletal frame including conductive metal and having a portion of its surface area formed as open spaces, and further comprising an active zinc anode component encompassing the skeletal frame, the active anode component being formed of a slurry of porous granules comprising zinc, impregnated with and suspended in an electrolyte, and compacted under pressure to the skeletal frame.

Abstract: A mechanically rechargeable electric battery includes at least one electrical cell which has a pair of generally planar outer electrodes configured to define therebetween an interior space for an electrical power storage medium, and inner electrodes removably-mounted between the pair of outer electrodes so as to be in electrically conductive contact with the electrical power storage medium and configured to provide mechanical support for the electrical power storage medium and to be removable as a unit therewith from the cell. The cell is a metal-gas battery cell and the electrical power storage medium contained in the interior space contains a slurry containing active porous zinc particles saturated with an electrolyte solution. The outer electrodes define an opening communicating with the interior space, and the inner electrodes are configured for their removal from the interior space, via the opening, thereby enabling the simultaneous removal of the inner electrodes and the slurry from the interior space.

Abstract: An electrochemical metal-air cell for multiple discharge and recharge cycles, includes a housing for accommodating a replaceable metal electrode having a generally planar electrically conductive skeletal member encompassed by an active metal component. At least one generally planar, air permeable but liquid impermeable air electrode is installed at at-least one of the sides of the housing. An electrolyte is provided in contact with the metal and the air electrodes. One or more auxiliary electrodes each constituting a charging anode is engaged when electric current is applied thereto for effecting the reduction and regeneration of the active metal component in one mode of operation, during which the air electrode is disengaged. The charging anode is disengaged in another mode of operation. The metal electrode is removed from the housing to enable the mechanical replacement thereof and is recharged in situ when electric current is applied to the auxiliary charging anode to reduce oxidized active metal thereof.

Abstract: A process for the regeneration of an at least partially spent Zn-alkali slurry for use in metal-air batteries, including subjecting the slurry to at least the steps of (i) separating the slurry into dissolved and undissolved phases; (ii) electrolyzing the separated dissolved phase so that Zn deposits on a cathode in removable form; (iii) removing Zn from the cathode and consolidating the Zn into particles; and (iv) combining the Zn from step (iii) with the separated undissolved phase from step (i) and an additional aqueous Group Ia metal hydroxide.

Abstract: A slurry for use in metal-air batteries comprises an admixture of particulate porous zinc, an aqueous solution of at least one Group Ia metal hydroxide, an inorganic inhibitor ingredient effective to inhibit the interaction of porous zinc with the Group Ia metal hydroxide which would otherwise result in the evolution of hydrogen gas, a gelling agent, a particulate and/or fibrous filler, a labelling agent, and a dissolved electrolyte extender.

Abstract: An electrical power storage unit has one or more metal-gas electrical cells, each cell including a pair of generally planar outer electrode units configured to define therebetween an interior space for containing an electrical power storage medium and an inner electrode unit mounted between the pair of outer electrode units so as to be in electrically conductive contact with the electrical power storage medium and define a plurality of volumes each having a pair of open ends, each open end facing an adjacent outer electrode unit. The power storage medium is a slurry containing active metal particles and an electrolyte solution. The inner electrode unit is configured for removable insertion within the interior space. The volumes defined by the inner electrode unit are configured so as to contain portions of the power storage slurry such that removal of the inner electrode unit from the interior space causes the simultaneous removal therefrom of the major part of the power storage slurry.