Abstract: Divalent silver oxide (AgO) cathode materials discharge at virtually single voltages, even at low drains. The AgO cathode materials, which comprise AgO, Ag.sub.2 O and silver plumbates (Ag.sub.5 PbO.sub.6 and Ag.sub.2 PbO.sub.2), are the reaction products of minor amount of PbS and major amounts of AgO in hot aqueous sodium hydroxide. Cells incorporating such cathodic materials are thermally stable and exhibit low impedance.

Abstract: An optical system is disclosed for generating multiple light beams from a single light source. The system includes reflectors disposed adjacent to the optical axis of the light source to capture and reflect all the light in a space efficient manner. One of the beams may be collimated for spot lighting while the others may be wide-angled. Alternatively all the beams may be collimated.

Abstract: A thionyl chloride electro-chemical cell includes a porous metal member electrically connected to the cathode and interposed between the cathode and the lithium anode.

Abstract: The leakage of electrolyte from alkaline primary batteries is substantially reduced by improving the seal in such batteries. The novel seal is formed by applying a hard, tackless conductive alkali-resistant plastic coating to the surface of the metal container which forms a bond between the metal container and the sealant covered seal member normally used in such batteries.

Abstract: A hand-held flashlight has a housing for two independent electrical systems: a primary system and a backup system. Each of the systems includes a light source, a power source and a switching device for selectively connecting a power source to a corresponding light source. The backup system uses high performance components to insure that the flashlight is operational for long time periods. The backup system is actuated only after the the primary system has failed. An indicator announces when the backup system is in operation.

Abstract: A sealing sleeve for the interface of metal components of electrochemical cells and the like is disclosed. A highly dependable seal substantially preventing fluid passage results from use of the disclosed sleeve having ridges protruding inwardly of its inner surface and having a flared region wherein the sleeve's cross sectional area decreases with distance from its flared open end.

Abstract: A device generates several collimated light beams from several light sources and a composite reflector. The light sources are positioned so that a reflector section reflects the light from a light source in a preselected beam. The device is of compact nature, both collimated beams emanating from a structure approximately the size of a standard reflector for one beam.

Abstract: A flashlight is disclosed having a housing for one or more batteries and a socket for a bulb and a reed switch. The reed switch may be disposed either inside or outside the bulb on a socket. A switch activating magnet is slidably disposed on the outside of the housing.

Abstract: An easily accessible container is disclosed having a wrapping material wrapped around products or product holders and further having a pull tab for ease of removing the material. The pull tab may further act to bind ends of the wrapping material prior to removal of the material by consumers.

Abstract: A novel package having a perforated tear strip with openings capable of firmly binding at least one side of individual product units and a means for enclosing and securing the other side of the individual product units in order to prevent the product units from engaging in motion sufficient to dislodge themselves. As the tear strip is torn back, product units are released individually and the undispensed product units remain securely in place. Such novel packaging is easily opened, is space efficient and can be made visually appealing.

Abstract: A case for enclosing a metal anode, air cathode, and electrolyte of a metal/air electrochemical cell is prepared by securing a multi-functional metallic cover, which has means for providing ingress of oxygen to the air cathode, to a non-conductive container. The container is capable of expanding to accomodate the growth of anodic material during discharge, while the cover is capable of supporting the air cathode against distortion on discharge and serving as the positive terminal of the cell. Metal/air cells and batteries constructed with such a case are also described.

Abstract: A battery seal is disclosed which non-destructively vents gases in response to abnormal pressure buildup, and substantially prevents moisture loss from or oxygen ingress into a battery cell. An airtight, preferably non-conductive plug is pressed downward onto a receiving member such as the top of a battery's container of active ingredients by a crimped battery jacket comprised of material of sufficiently elastic characteristics to regain its original configuration after deformation under temporary pressure.

Abstract: A seal tab consisting of an acrylic adhesive applied to a biaxially-oriented three-ply synthetic paper of polypropylene is used as a sealing means for metal-air electrochemical cells, and batteries constructed thereof. The seal tabs prevent loss of rate capability and capacity due to interactions with the surrounding environment prior to the placement into service of metal air cells, yet without so isolating the cells such that the initial open circuit voltage is deemed unacceptable by the end user. Additionally, the seal tab, as provided, is easily and cleanly removed, which enhances the cell's consumer appeal.

Abstract: An electric light has a casing with a depth that is less than half as great as its width. This is rendered possible by the use of a compact, precision reflector which permits a focused, parallel-directed beam despite the configuration of the casing.

Abstract: A reflector for an electric light has a first reflector member with a socket for the light bulb and a second reflector member positioned generally forward of the socket. In one aspect of the invention a first angular segment of the first reflector defines curved reflector means for reflecting light from the light in the socket into a collimated beam. The remaining angular segment of the first reflector defines a transversely directed, curved reflector for focusing light from the light bulb back to the filament in the light bulb to increase the filament temperature. In another aspect of the invention, the first, angular segment of the second reflector member defines a transparent partition, with the partition carrying a plurality of transparent ridges of triangular cross section. The ridges are circumferentially disposed at different radii about an extension of the central axis of the socket. Thus light from the light bulb in the socket is diffracted by the ridges into the collimated beam.

Abstract: An electrochemical zinc/air cell which includes an organic siliconate, such as methyl siliconate, in contact with the zinc anode. The siliconate may be present as an additive to the electrolyte or a coating on the zinc anode or separator.

Abstract: Passivation of lithium anodes in contact with thionyl chloride cathode/electrolytes is reduced by adding to the electrolytes a substance from the group of alkyl 2 cyanoacrylates and acrylic and substituted acrylic ester polymers.

Abstract: An alkali metal, non-aqueous electrolyte cell having a cathode active material with minor amounts of powdered zinc and sulfur. The process of making the cathode includes pelletizing the powdered cathode materials and heating the pellets to interdiffuse zinc and sulfur into the active material.

Abstract: A button cell having an air cathode assembly wherein grooves are constructed between the cathode and cell container to provide a gas diffusion passage from a port extending through the container to the face of the air cathode.