Abstract: A thin flexible sheet of PETG or similar plastic has a disk shaped body with a number of radially protruding petals. The outer perimeter of one side of the inserter is coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive. A hearing aid battery with its connected selectively-gas-permeable tab is adhered to each of the inserter petals. Each petal has a small through hole positioned in alignment with the vent hole on the battery, which permits exchange of gases through the semipermeable tab. A battery is inserted into a hearing aid while attached to the inserter by gripping the inserter between the thumb and forefinger, and positioning the battery into an adjacent hearing aid battery compartment and then separated from the inserter by a sliding or wiping motion. The inserter is retained in a container fixed by removable side strips to a backing card.

Abstract: This invention pertains to metal-air electrochemical cells wherein one or more air entry ports is located in the bottom of the cathode can, to provide for entry of oxygen-rich air into the cathode can, where the oxygen participates in the electrochemical reaction whereby the cell produces electrical energy. In this invention, extremely small air ports are provided, along with methods of reliably fabricating such small air ports Generally, the use of an increased number of small air ports distributed over the bottom of the cathode can, opposite the reaction surface of the cathode assembly, wherein the overall open area of the ports is not increased, results in less moisture traversing the air ports, into or out of the cell. Accordingly, moisture loss, or gain, as a function of electrical energy produced, is thereby reduced.

Abstract: Collector assemblies and methods of making and using them, and electrochemical cells made with such current collector assemblies, are disclosed. The invention provides a current collector assembly which permits safe, effective venting of pressure in the cell; reduces early activation of venting structures in the current collector assembly; contains fewer piece parts than known structurally-robust current collectors; is easy to implement; and provides superior tolerance to outside impact forces. Current collectors of the invention provide a stiffer, more rigid washer, repositioned closer to the bottom plate at its central region while the washer maintains the traditional function of controlling positioning of the seal body of the current collector assembly.

Abstract: Solid divalent silver oxide is reacted in hot aqueous alkaline reaction medium with a solid bismuth component and a reducing agent. The reaction product comprises a novel compound containing silver, bismuth, and oxygen, which is used in making cathode pellets for use in alkaline electrochemical cells. The cells exhibit low internal impedance and substantially single voltage discharge characteristic of monovalent silver oxide while retaining a significant portion of the coulombic capacity a of divalent silver cathode, without toxicity problems attendant cathodes containing lead and/or cadmium. Particulate cathode materials are disclosed comprising an intermediate layer of AgO.sub.2 disposed between a core of AgO and an outer layer comprising silver and bismuth moieties.

Abstract: A flashlight has a center pivot mechanical connection between a plastic battery housing and a rotatable plastic turret, permitting free rotation of the turret. A lamp housing is pivotable within the turret about an axis perpendicular to the center pivot. Electrical connection between the lamp within the lamp housing, and the batteries within the battery housing is provided by two pairs of ring and point contacts mounted to the turret and the battery housing, and by ring contacts connected to the lamp housing surrounding the pivot axis of the lamp housing which engage with a point contact and ring contact in the turret. The light may thus be pointed in any direction in the hemisphere above the battery housing. A snap ring securely retains the turret to the battery housing while permitting free rotation about the rigid center pivot which does not provide electrical connection.

Abstract: This invention pertains to metal-air electrochemical cells wherein one or more air entry ports is located in the bottom of the cathode can, to provide for entry of oxygen-rich air into the cathode can, where the oxygen participates in the chemical reaction whereby the cell produces electrical energy. In this invention, multiple small air entry ports are provided. Generally, the use of multiple ports distributed over the bottom of the cathode can, opposite the reaction surface of the cathode assembly, while not increasing the overall open area of the ports, results in an increase in the ratio of the cell limiting current to the rate at which moisture is lost from the cell. Accordingly, moisture loss as a function of electrical energy produced, is reduced.

Abstract: This invention pertains to electrochemical cells, and anode cans used therein, wherein edge regions of respective anode cans are toed-in. The anode can includes a top wall, and a first side wall depending downwardly from the top wall. The first side wall has an edge region remote from the top wall. The cathode can has a bottom wall, and a second side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The edge region of the first side wall is displaced inwardly of the outer surface of the first side wall as defined at locations away from the edge region. Thus, the edge region is toed-in. Generally, the first side wall follows a path from an intermediate element of the first side wall to a distal edge of the first side wall, wherein no element of the path is directed toward the top wall. The invention further comprehends methods of making the above metal anode cans, and cells.

Abstract: This invention pertains to electrode cans and metal air electrochemical cells made with the electrode cans. The invention provides improved structure, and methods for making the outer edge of the closed end of the can at the joinder of the closed end of the can with an side wall extending from the closed end. A substantially flat portion of the outer surface of the closed end of the can extends outwardly of the inner surface of the side wall. The electrochemical cells are assembled using improved assembly methods. Button-type electrochemical cells made using the invention are free of the inward dishing common to especially cathode cans in such button cells.

Abstract: This invention pertains to novel electrochemical metal air cells having improved closed circuit voltage characteristics. The improved voltage characteristics are illustrated at a constant load of 51 ohms. The closed circuit voltage during an initial placement into use of the cell of the invention has a decreased voltage drop relative to prior art cells, and recovers to a higher voltage. For example, the closed circuit voltage of the metal air cell drops to a minimum voltage during the first 20 seconds of initial placement into use. The minimum voltage is no more than 22% less than the initial open circuit voltage. This voltage drop is less than the voltage drop of other known metal air cells at 51 ohms. Metal air cells of the invention recover, during the first minute of use, to a closed circuit voltage of at least 79% of the initial open circuit voltage. The value of the open circuit voltage of the metal air cell of the invention is preferably about 1.43 volt.

Abstract: This invention pertains to electrochemical cells, and anode cans used therein, wherein edge regions of respective anode cans are toed-in. The anode can includes a top wall, and a first side wall depending downwardly from the top wall. The first side wall has an edge region remote from the top wall. The first side wall comprises a curl at the edge region. The edge region comprises a first portion of the first outer surface on the curl. The first portion of the first outer surface is displaced from a first downward projection of the first outer surface of the first side wall as defined at a maximum perimeter element of the intermediate region. Thus, the edge region is toed-in. Generally, the first side wall follows a path from an intermediate element of the first side wall to a bottom edge of the first side wall, and a reverse curl extending from the bottom edge toward the top wall. The cathode can has a bottom wall, and a second side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall.

Abstract: This invention pertains to metal-air electrochemical cells wherein one or more air entry ports is located in the bottom of the cathode can, to provide for entry of oxygen-rich air into the cathode can, where the oxygen participates in the chemical reaction whereby the cell produces electrical energy. In this invention, multiple small air entry ports are provided. Generally, the use of multiple ports distributed over the bottom of the cathode can, opposite the reaction surface of the cathode assembly, while not increasing the overall open area of the ports, results in an increase in the ratio of the cell limiting current to the rate at which moisture is lost from the cell. Accordingly, moisture loss as a function of electrical energy produced, is less.

Abstract: This invention pertains to packaging wherein the package comprises a blister member bonded to a substrate member. The blister member has a product-holding cavity having a sidewall, and is secured to the front surface of the substrate member by a bond line extending generally about the product-holding cavity. A tear strip is defined in one of the blister member and the substrate member. The tear strip comprises an opening tab having a distal edge disposed outwardly of the side wall at or adjacent a free edge in the blister card, and lines of weakness extending from approximately the distal edge inwardly on the blister card. The tear strip facilitates the creation of an opening in the blister card to provide access to the product-holding cavity. The tear strip is devoid of fixed bonding to the other of the substrate member and the blister member to allow for easy activation of the tear strip to open the package.