Abstract: Batteries are displayed for consumer purchase in a package which provides a means for spacing an electronic article surveillance sensor from the batteries contained within the package. By spacing the sensor away from the metal case of the batteries the interference typically caused by metal in close proximately to an electronic article surveillance sensor is eliminated. Two ways of accomplishing the spacing of the sensor from the batteries are disclosed. The first is a strip of cardboard placed between the surveillance sensor mounted on the side of the box and the batteries. The second is a specially designed box which has a box panel which divides the box into two compartments: one to hold the batteries and a second which creates a space between the batteries and the side of the box on which a surveillance sensor is mounted.

Abstract: Batteries are displayed for consumer purchase in a package which provides a means for spacing an electronic article surveillance sensor from the batteries contained within the package. By spacing the sensor away from the metal case of the batteries the interference typically caused by metal in close proximately to an electronic article surveillance sensor is eliminated. Two ways of accomplishing the spacing of the sensor from the batteries are disclosed. The first is a strip of cardboard placed between the surveillance sensor mounted on the side of the box and the batteries. The second is a specially designed box which has a box panel which divides the box into two compartments: one to hold the batteries and a second which creates a space between the batteries and the side of the box on which a surveillance sensor is mounted.

Abstract: The performance characteristics of alkaline manganese dioxide cells are improved by applying a thin, polymeric coating to the inner surface of an unplated steel positive current collector, and treating the current collector with an aqueous solution of sodium silicate before or after the coating is applied to the inner surface. Silicic acid may also be added to the coating before its application to the inner surface of the current collector. In either embodiment of the invention, sodium silicate or silicic acid may also be added to the cathode mixture. The polymeric coating comprises, in combination, a first film forming binder component and a second component comprising an electrically conductive component such as carbon or a filler. The combination of the coating and the sodium silicate or silicic acid treatment of the current collector reduces the internal resistance of the cell, and may even be used on unplated steel.

Abstract: This invention pertains to alkaline electrochemical cells, typically to metal-air cells of the button-type. Non-reactive elements of cells of the invention are thinner than corresponding non-reactive elements of prior art cells. Such elements can be made thinner because of improved structures of such elements. The anode can is made from a metal strip structure having a higher steel content. The cathode can has a modified temper, which improves relative stiffness and rigidity while retaining sufficient ductility. By so reducing the thicknesses of non-reactive elements of the cell, and thus the volume occupied by such non-reactive elements, the fraction of the cell devoted to holding electrochemically reactive anode material therein is increased, with corresponding increase in the milliampere hour capacity of the cell.

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: A separator system for an alkaline cell comprises an absorbent layer and a barrier layer adjacent to the absorbent layer. The arrangement of the separator material in the cell improves separation between anode and cathode, increases the volume available in the cell for active material or void volume, thereby improving cell performance or enhancing reliability of cells containing the system.

Abstract: An ionically permeable separator for a LeClanche cell, and methods of making and using same, are provided for in the invention. The separator comprises a Kraft paper separator and a corrosion-inhibiting coating thereupon selected to prevent corrosion of a zinc anode of the LeClanche cell. The separator may be configured for use in round or flat LeClanche cells. The separators of the invention may be used in heavy duty batteries containing an electrolyte comprising zinc chloride as a primary component. Cells made in accordance with the invention exhibit comparable or improved capacity and other performance characteristics in respect of conventional cells.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a flashlight body. Either the main body or at least one closure cap has a luminescent outer surface. The outer surface comprehends a luminescent colorant composition in the base material. At least 50% by weight, up to 100% by weight, of the colorant composition in the base material is luminescent. No more than 50% by weight, of the colorant composition comprises reflective colorant material. Thus, the flashlight body emits, in the visible spectrum, light radiation derived in part from the reflective colorant material and in part from the luminescent colorant material. Light emitted from the luminescent colorant adds to the intensity of the light reflected by the reflective colorant to provide total emitted light intensity, from the flashlight body, greater than the light intensity from a corresponding amount of the reflective colorant alone, and characteristic fluorescent glow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to electrochemical cells, and more particularly to secondary lithium intercalation cells. Nickel is employed as a component "M" in an active cathode material represented by the formula Li.sub.x M.sub.y O.sub.z, where "x" and "y" are generally about 1, and "z" is generally about 2. In the present invention "M.sub.y " is divided into two components, a first major component of nickel, corresponding to at least 70% of "M.sub.y," and a second minor component comprising at least one of a non-transition metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gallium, tin, and zinc, and in some embodiments at least one transition metal selected from the group consisting of scandium and the Period 5 metals having atomic numbers between 39 and 42. A two-stage reaction process for making the compounds of the active cathode materials of the present invention is described.

Abstract: An alternate action mechanism includes a ratchet cam moving a resilient contact between first and second positions. A push button, including an interface member, rotates the ratchet cam by applying force to ratchet teeth. The alternate action mechanism includes a frame supporting the ratchet cam and aligning the ratchet portion with the interface member. In one embodiment, the ratchet portion is between two cam portions. When the ratchet cam is rotated, the cam portions moves the resilient member to one of two alternating positions. In another embodiment, the cam portion is positioned between two ratchet portions. The frame includes cam support arms receiving the ratchet cam. The frame also includes detents which prevent improper movement of the ratchet cam and provide audible indication of actuation of the mechanism. The interface member can comprise a finger to contact a ratchet tooth and rotate the ratchet cam. The finger can be U-shaped, with the edges on the open side contacting the ratchet teeth.

Abstract: An ionically permeable separator for a LeClanche cell, and methods of making and using same, are provided for in the invention. The separator comprises a Kraft paper separator and a corrosion-inhibiting coating thereupon selected to prevent corrosion of a zinc anode of the LeClanche cell. The separator may be configured for use in round or flat LeClanche cells. The separators of the invention may be used in heavy duty batteries containing an electrolyte comprising zinc chloride as a primary component. Cells made in accordance with the invention exhibit comparable or improved capacity and other performance characteristics in respect of conventional cells.

Abstract: A flashlight outer sleeve is formed of rubber which has an integral camouflage pattern. Because the multicolored elements of the sleeve are fused together, a scratch or abrasion will not appreciably alter its appearance. The rubber sleeve is formed in a compression molding process. Multilayer rubber sheet assemblies are prepared for the compression molding process by first die-cutting camouflage pattern shapes from thin sheets of rubber of two or more colors. The die cut shapes are placed on rectangular base sheets and pressed into temporary engagement to create multilayer sheet assemblies. The sheet assemblies are disposed in conventional rubber compressing molding molds and are heated. As the base sheet and the pattern shapes are comprised of identical rubber material, except for color, the heated rubber flows such that the multilayer assemblies take on the shape of the molded parts.

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: An electrochemical cell having a negative current collector coated with an alloy of bismuth and tin maintains acceptable performance level and is protected from failure due to vibration. Improved environmental compatibility is achieved by coupling the coated current collector with an anode that contains an alloy powder of bismuth and zinc that is substantially free of mercury, cadmium, calcium, indium, gallium, thallium, lead, and tin. Performance of electrochemical cells can also be improved by providing a soluble bismuth additive in the cell electrolyte.

Abstract: This invention pertains to novel alkaline electrochemical cells having high drain capacities, especially cells having high drain rate capabilities at voltages of at least 1.1 volts for use in small appliances such as hearing aids. The anode includes anode material in the cells including potassium hydroxide, zinc powder, 0.02% to 0.5% indium as indium compound separate from the zinc powder, optionally a low level of mercury, and preferably a surfactant comprising hydroxyethylcellulose. The cathode provides sufficient oxidative capability to oxidize the zinc at a sufficient rate to support the electrical drain demands on the cell. A cathode, in a preferred zinc air cell for a hearing aid, includes at least 5 air ports, evenly distributed over the surface of the bottom of the cathode can. Cells of the invention exhibit prolonged operation at relatively constant voltage over 1.

Abstract: A potassium polyacrylate superabsorbent polymer made by modified bulk polymerization and characterized as described herein is a superior gelling agent when provided at a suitable concentration in a gelled anode for an alkaline electrochemical cell. Suitable gelled anodes, alkaline electrochemical cells containing such gelled anodes, and methods for making and using same are also described.