Abstract: A method for charging a lead acid storage battery to advantageously extend its life is described. The termination of a charging process is based upon an evaluation of the first derivative (dv/dt) and second derivative (d2v/dt2) of the applied charging voltage. By utilizing the first derivative (dv/dt) and second derivative (d2v/dt2) as charging criteria, an amount of overcharge is applied to the battery that takes into account the precise amount of amp-hours previously removed from the battery. A charger arrangement for performing a charging process of the invention also is described.

Abstract: A liquid filling device for watering batteries comprises a body having first and second water ports that extend through the body and connect within it to first and second water passages that are independent of one another. A trap is disposed the device at a position below the first and second water passages. A bell chamber is disposed at an outlet of the trap and includes an open end. Water passes through the device via a one of the first or second water passages, through the trap, through the bell chamber and into a battery cell. The device traps a volume of air therein and pressurizes the trapped air, as the electrolyte level in the cell rises to a determined level, to an amount at least equal to the head pressure of water in the device, thereby terminating further water flow into the cell. The device includes a gas vent for releasing gas pressure from the cell to the atmosphere or to collection for further treatment.

Abstract: A battery electrode (12) for use in an electrolytic bipolar battery (10) comprises a structurally rigid and electrically conductive core member (18), at least one corrosion resistant layer (20), an interface layer (22), a positive-side active layer (14) and a negative-side active layer (26). The corrosion resitant layer (20) is in intimate contact with and is interposed between one surface of the core member (18) and the interface layer (22). The corrosion resistant layer is comprised of a material which can participate in a corrosive electrochemical reaction with the material of the positive active layer, but does so less effectively than does the interface layer. The interface layer (22) is in intimate contact with and is interposed between the corrosion resistant layer (20) and the positive-side active layer (14). The negative-side active material (26) is in intimate contact with the surface of the core member opposite the core member surface carrying the corrosion resistant layer.

Abstract: A liquid electrolyte battery (10) comprises a number of electrolytic cells (12), an inlet port (22) extending into a first electrolytic cell (12-1), an electrolyte transport channel (30) residing within each electrolytic cell, a number of carry-over passages (40) hydraulically connecting adjacent electrolytic cells, an outlet port (50) extending from a last electrolytic cell (12-4), and a pump (58) for introducing an electrolyte solution or air into the electrolytic cells. The battery electrolyte is replenished by introducing an electrolyte solution (14) into the first electrolytic cell, causing the electrolyte level to rise and be hydraulically transported through the carry-over passages to fill each electrolytic cell. The electrolyte exiting the last electrolytic cell is collected and reintroduced back into the first electrolytic cell and circulated throughout the battery.

Abstract: Battery closure means which is adapted to mate with a cell access opening constructed with at least a partial helical surface or segment to normally receive a rotatable bayonet-style plug, such closure means having at least one stopper formed with depending arms each of which comprises outward extensions having tapered surfaces to engage such helically-shaped segments to enable such stopper to seal the cell access opening upon rectilinear insertion of the battery closure means.