Abstract: A molten carbonate high temperature fuel cell contains a hydrocarbon-containing fuel reforming catalyst on a support, where the catalyst is produced by reducing a catalyst precursor which is prepared by intimately mixing a defined Feitnecht compound with a non-calcined alumino-silicate clay mineral and at the same time and/or subsequently but prior to calcination with at least one added stabilizing additive for reducing silicon-species loss selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth metal compounds, rare earth metal compounds and mixtures thereof, and, optionally, an alkali metal compound, and thereafter calcining the intimate mixture, wherein the catalyst has been found to be suitable for the steam reforming of methane at the working temperature of the molten carbonate fuel cell and has been found to be substantially resistant to deactivation in the hot alkali metal carbonate environment.

Abstract: A battery pack 13 (FIG. 2) comprises an elongated cylindrical, metal casing 35, a plurality of cells 41, 43 in casing 35 and three coaxial pack terminals 46, 54, 61. For enhanced convenience, pack terminals 46, 54, 61 are electrically connectable in a cordless device 11 regardless of the angular orientation of the pack 13 about casing axis 33. To reduce cost and increase durability, pack 13 has no welded connections and will permit high current discharge rates. Cells 41, 43 are electrically connected but are mechanically disconnected. A spring 73 engages cell 41 and biases cells 41, 43 tightly together in compression to form good, low resistance electrical contact between cells 41, 43, casing base cap 45 and top 53. To provide a pack with two output voltages, the third pack terminal 61 has a polarity (relative to first pack terminal 46) the same as second pack terminal 54 and is electrically connected to the cell can terminal 43b of forward cell 43, thereby electrically by-passing cell 43.

Abstract: A nonaqueous secondary battery comprising a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode active material, and a lithium salt is disclosed, in which the negative electrode active material contains (1) a compound capable of intercalating and deintercalating lithium comprising an atom of the group IIIB, IVB or VB of the periodic table, (2) an amorphous compound containing at least two atoms selected from the elements of the groups IIIB, IVB, and VB of the periodic table, (3) a compound capable of intercalating and deintercalating lithium containing at least one of the atoms of the group IIIB, IVB, and VB of the periodic table and fluorine, or (4) a compound of the metal of the group IIIB, IVB or VB of the periodic table, Zn, or Mg which is capable of intercalating and deintercalating lithium. The nonaqueous secondary battery of the invention exhibits improved charge and discharge characteristics and improved safety.

Abstract: An electrical connector (20) for connecting a battery post (25) to a wire (30) is described. The electrical connector (20) comprises a U-shaped clamp (35) having (i) a concave portion (40) sized to hold the battery post (25); and (ii) opposing first and second legs (45), (50) extending from the concave portion. The first leg (45) has a first hole (55) therethrough, and the second leg (50) has a second hole (60) that is substantially aligned with the first hole. Unitary compression means extending through the first and second holes of the U-shaped clamp, is provided for (i) compressing a wire against the U-shaped clamp, and (ii) compression fitting the U-shaped clamp about the battery post. In a preferred configuration, the unitary compression means comprises a wire holding compression stud (65) extending through the first hole (55) and second hole (60), and fastening means for tightening the stud (65) on the U-shaped clamp (35).

Abstract: Battery plate envelopes include a sheet of porous film material having a folded widthwise bottom edge and overlapped lateral edges to thereby form a pocket for receiving a battery plate therein. The overlapped lateral edges are joined to one another by a lengthwise extending series of discontinuous joining regions with adjacent ones of the discontinuous joining regions being separated by respective unsealed regions. These unsealed regions thereby establish respective lateral channels through which fluid (e.g., electrolyte employed in a wet storage battery) may pass to the interior pocket, and hence to the battery plate. The discontinuous joining regions are most preferably formed by passing the sheet material through the nip between opposed joining rings, each of which is provided with a series of triangularly-shaped teeth with smooth land areas formed between adjacent teeth series.

Abstract: A method of fabricating electrodes suitable for use in electrochemical cells is provided. Each electrode has a perforated current collector and a tab which form an integral unit. The method can be adapted for batch, semi-continuous, or continuous fabrication of electrodes having electrode material laminated onto one or both surfaces of the current collector.

Abstract: An electrochemical apparatus for energy storage and/or power delivery comprises multi-compartment cells with the +.sup.ve chamber and the -.sup.ve chamber of each cell being separated by at least one buffer chamber through which an idler electrolyte circulates, the electrolyte circulating through the -.sup.ve chamber during power delivery containing sulfide and the apparatus comprising means for restoring the electrolyte balance of the -.sup.ve electrolyte by the oxidation of any S.sup.2- and/or HS.sup.- ions contained in the idler electrolyte to form sulfur, means for the collection of precipitated sulfur and means for the reintroduction of the precipitated sulfur into the -.sup.ve electrolyte.

Abstract: A safe and controllable method of treating a secondary battery having at least one component containing alkali metal, comprises the steps of opening the battery casing, and introducing a gas containing at least one of water vapor and alcohol vapor into a closed chamber containing the battery thereby to form alkali metal hydroxide. To control hydrogen concentration, the rate of introduction of water and/or alcohol vapor may be varied. Apparatus for carrying out this method is also described.

Abstract: A cell box includes a casing and a cell-positioning holder. The casing has a cavity capable of receiving either a first cell or a second cell which are different in shape from each other. The holder is arranged in the cavity. The holder has a through hole capable of receiving a part of said second cell and holds said part in a direction substantially vertical to a longitudinal axis of said through hole. Further, the holder has a surface capable of holding said first cell with an inner surface of the casing in a direction of said longitudinal axis. The cell box is a compact and handy one which is capable of receiving either two types of cells, and it is particularly useful for an optical apparatus which consumes a relatively large electric power and is used outdoors.

Abstract: A continuous cast positive grid of lead having substantially improved corrosion resistance and decreased growth in a positive plate of a lead-acid battery and a continuous cast negative grid of lead having substantially increased tensile strength for a lead-acid battery. A web of lead is continuously cast with a series of succeeding grid blanks of uniform thickness which are cold worked to reduce the positive grid thickness by at least 3:1 and the negative grid thickness in the range of about 1.5:1 to 2.8:1 preferably by passing through the nip of each of a plurality of successive compression rollers. Electro-chemically active paste is applied to the reduced webs, preferably flash dried, and individual pasted grids are cut from the reduced and pasted webs to provide positive plates and negative plates for a lead-acid battery.

Abstract: A beta-alumina solid electrolyte for use in a sodium-sulfur battery is composed of beta-alumina crystals having a degree of orientation toward the C axis thereof, of 0.2-0.4 and an aspect ratio of 4.0 or less. The beta-alumina solid electrolyte is composed of the beta-alumina crystals having a degree of orientation toward the C axis thereof, of 0.2-0.4 and has such a particle diameter distribution that the average particle diameter is 3 .mu.m or less, the proportion of the particles having a particle diameter of 5 .mu.m or less is 90% or more, and the maximum particle diameter is 300 .mu.m or less. A process for producing a beta-alumina solid electrolyte using an alumina source material, a magnesium source material and a sodium source material, uses a magnesium-aluminum spinel as the magnesium source material and subjects all materials to mixing, granulation, molding and firing to obtain a beta-alumina solid electrolyte without subjecting the materials to calcination.

Abstract: Battery plate envelopes include a sheet of porous film material having a folded widthwise bottom edge and overlapped lateral edges to thereby form a pocket for receiving a battery plate therein. The overlapped lateral edges are joined to one another by a lengthwise extending series of discontinuous joining regions with adjacent ones of the discontinuous joining regions being separated by respective unsealed regions. These unsealed regions thereby establish respective lateral channels through which fluid (e.g., electrolyte employed in a wet storage battery) may pass to the interior pocket, and hence to the battery plate. The discontinuous joining regions are most preferably formed by passing the sheet material through the nip between opposed joining rings, each of which is provided with a series of triangularly-shaped teeth with smooth land areas formed between adjacent teeth series.

Abstract: A high temperature storage battery comprises a plurality of panels forming a housing defining a cell storage cavity, heat insulating material in or adjacent the panels, and a non-aqueous high temperature electrochemical cell within the cell storage cavity. It also includes holding means for holding a dispersable protective substance. The holding means is adapted to discharge protective substance into the cavity on the temperature in the cavity exceeding a predetermined temperature, and/or on rupturing thereof.

Abstract: A removable battery package (120) has a latch assembly (200) for attaching to a latch coupler (700) of an electronic device (110). The removable battery package (120) includes a socket (432) that mates with the latch coupler (700). A resilient, deflectable latch member (260) is secured within the socket (432). The latch member (260) has a latch portion (266, 268) to engage a portion (715) of the latch coupler (700). A button (270), mounted on the latch member (260), is depressible to deflect the latch member (260).

Abstract: An electrical interface (125, 215) interconnects an electrical device (110) with a removable battery package (120). The electrical interface (125, 215) includes deflectable cantilever contacts (260) that are preferably located within the battery package (120). Each cantilever contact (260) has a portion (261) anchored to a substrate (250), and a deflectable portion (262) biased against a housing member (240), which deflectable portion (262) is externally accessible via a slot (248) within the housing member (240). Preferably, the cantilever contacts (260) are located within a recessed area (245) on an interior surface (241) of the housing member (240). A corresponding projection (346) extends externally on the housing member (240). The external projection (346) facilitates a plug and socket arrangement for mating the battery (120) to the electrical device (110).

Abstract: This invention pertains to rechargeable zinc alkaline electrochemical cells. In cells of the invention, the anode current collector comprises copper, and from about 0.5% by weight to about 11% silicon. Preferred compositions for the anode current collector comprise from about 1% by weight silicon to about 6% by weight silicon. Cells embodying anode current collectors of the invention exhibit reduced current flow under anode polarization in alkaline conditions, and reduced cell expansion under abusive electrical drain conditions. The cells are less susceptible to oxidation of the anode current collector, which is typically irreversible, than known brass anode current collectors. In general, cells of the invention are less susceptible to, and generally do not exhibit as much, irreversible chemical reaction activity, as conventional current collectors, especially oxidation of copper at the anode current collector.

Abstract: A supply system for fuel cells of the solid polymer electrolyte type for vehicles, including a primary cooling and humidifying circuit with demineralised, pressurised water with a small volumetric capacity and a secondary liquid cooling circuit with plate exchangers for cooling the demineralised water of the primary circuit and air/liquid exchangers for cooling compressed air for supply to the cells, the system further including an electric heater for heating the liquid in the secondary circuit so that the cells can be put into service quickly and means for recycling hydrogen leaving the cells to make the optimum use of the fuel.

Abstract: A quick and simple manufacturing method for a current collector single body sheet-like composite positive electrode of superior electrode performance includes a positive electrode mixture generating process mixing non-aqueous solvent, polymer material, electrolyte salt, positive electrode active material and electrically conductive material, a positive electrode mixture pressing out process after the mixture has been applied onto the positive electrode current collector and a process for hardening the sheet-like electrode, at a same time attaching the sheet-like electrode to the positive electrode current collector using heat or ionizing radiation to polymerize the polymer material distributed in the mixture.

Abstract: An electric energy storing device constructed from uniquely designed components. Each component includes a first nonconductive frame, having an opening and a predetermined perimeter. Mounted, by its peripheral edge, on the first nonconductive frame, is a plastic sheet, having a centrally positioned opening. The plastic sheet may be made from conductive carbon plastic or from nonconductive, ion-permeable plastic. Mounted to the centrally positioned opening of the plastic sheet is a second nonconductive frame. Each of the frames has a weld bead thereon and a plurality of components are welded together to form an operational device. The provision of a second, centrally located weld prevents deformation or defection at the center of the welded components.

Abstract: A composite carbon/polymer electrode for a rechargeable electrochemical lithium cell comprises a powder of carbonaceous material and a coating polymer rendered ionically conductive by the addition of a lithium salt, and possibly carbon black or carbon fibers. The carbonaceous material has a proportion of volatile matter between 5 and 22 wt %, and is preferably a raw coke or a semi-coke.