Abstract: The electrochemical cell comprises an outer conductive housing, a cathode having one major surface in contact with the conductive housing, an insulative separator adjacent to the other major surface of the cathode, and a lithium anode having a major surface adjacent to the insulative separator. The lithium anode comprises three lithium plates, each having a major surface in contact with the other. Two of these major surfaces are formed with stepped portions to thereby form gaps between adjacent lithium plates. A first electrical sensing conductor is positioned within the gap between the surfaces of the first and second lithium anodes and is electrically connected to the first lithium anode and insulated from the second lithium anode. A second electrical sensing conductor is positioned within the gap between the surfaces of the second and third lithium anodes and is electrically connected to the second lithium anode and insulated from the third lithium anode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining the pH level in a zinc-bromine battery features reacting decomposition hydrogen with bromine in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst encourages the formation of hydrogen and bromine ions. The decomposition hydrogen is therefore consumed, alloying the pH of the system to remain substantially at a given value.

Abstract: The disclosed lithium alloy/iron sulfide cell design provides loop-like positive and negative sheet metal current collectors electrically insulated from one another by separator means, the positive collector being located outwardly of the negative collector. The collectors are initially secured within an open-ended cell housing, which allows for collector pretesting for electrical shorts prior to adding any electrode materials and/or electrolyte to the cell. Separate chambers are defined outwardly of the positive collector and inwardly of the negative collector open respectively in opposite directions toward the open ends of the cell housing; and positive and negative electrode materials can be extruded into these respective chambers via the opposite open housing ends. The chambers and cell housing ends can then be sealed closed.

Abstract: A primary electrochemical cell having an oxidizable active anode material, a cathode current collector, and an electrolytic solution comprising a liquid cathode material and an electrolyte solute dissolved therein. The cathode current collector includes a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyenes, polyphenylenes, polyheterocyclics, mixtures thereof, copolymers thereof, and cross linked polymers thereof.

Abstract: Laminar electrical cells and batteries, each cell of which comprises a first electrode formed as a porous layer of electrochemically active particles on an electrically conductive, electrochemically inactive substrate coextensive with the particle layer. The electrochemically inactive substrate is adhered around its periphery to the borders of an aperture in an electrically insulating frame. A separator for each cell overlies the active particle layer of the first electrode and has borders extending beyond the borders of the first electrode and within the borders of the insulating frame. A second electrode for each cell comprises a slurry of electrochemically active particles in contact with the other side of the separator. Methods of making the above cells and batteries from elongated webs of electrically insulating ones of the constituent materials of the cells.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for use in a galvanic cell has electrodes disposed in superimposed pockets of separator material and end surfaces having a uniform appearance. Also provided is a method for producing such an electrode assembly which method is readily adaptable to high speed automated processes of manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable electrical power source comprising housing means adapted to fit within a cell cavity of a battery-powered device, said housing means having positive and negative electrical contact means adapted to form electrical connection with corresponding positive and negative contact means of said device; a plurality of button cells disposed within said housing means, at least one of said button cells being electrically connected to said contact means and at least 50 percent of said button cells being insulated from any electrical connection to said contact means.

Abstract: A thermally activated electrochemical cell utilizes a lithium-boron anode and a molten nitrate electrolyte selected from the group consisting of lithium nitrate, a mixture of lithium nitrate and sodium nitrate, a mixture of lithium nitrate and potassium nitrate, and a mixture of lithium nitrate and sodium nitrate with potassium nitrate, to provide improved cell electrical performance. The electrolyte is contained on a fiberglass separator and the electrolyte adjacent to the cathode may contain silver nitrate as well. Current densities over 300 mA/cm.sup.2 with a usable temperature range of over 150.degree. C. have been obtained. Anode open circuit potentials of about 3.2 V were found with little polarization at 100 mA/cm.sup.2 and with very slight polarization at 300 mA/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: A resealable vent closure for galvanic cells, such as non-aqueous oxyhalide cells, which comprises a castellated type of cap employed to compress and retain a resilient deformable member over a vent orifice in the cell's housing such that the compressed resilient deformable member will form a normally tight seal at the vent orifice which will vent and reseal after a predetermined pressure build up within the cell. The invention is also directed to a method for assembling an electrochemical cell, such as a nonaqueous oxyhalide cell, with the above-described resealable vent closure.

Abstract: A fuel cell system (1) and method wherein a gas passage means (3b) is disposed adjacent an electrode (3a) of a fuel cell (2) and process gas (8) is provided to the gas passage means (3b), the process gas being at a preselected temperature and including a preselected amount of a preselected constituent, said temperature, constituent and amount of constituent being selected to inhibit or retard electrolyte from being carried from the fuel cell (2) and/or to compensate for loss of electrolyte through other means in the cell (2) as the gas traverses the gas passage means (3b).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new cathode material constituted by a manganese chloride and graphite material, the process for its preparation as well as the electrochemical batteries which use such a material as cathode.The cathode material according to the present invention is characterized in that it is constituted by an insertion compound of graphite with manganese chloride the formula of which is:C.sub.x MnCl.sub.y psin which:X=5.6.+-.0.1 and y=2.4.+-.0.1.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a cathode for an electrochemical cell which involves incorporating sodium chloride in dispersed form into an electrolyte permeable matrix and impregnating the matrix with a suitable sodium aluminum halide molten salt electrolyte. The matrix is formed from a transition metal selected from at least one member of the group consisting of Fe, Ni, Co, Cr and Mn, and the intermediate refractory hard metal compounds of said transition metals with at least one non-metal selected from the group consisting of carbon, silicon, boron, nitrogen and phosphorus.

Abstract: A thermally activated electrochemical cell utilizes an anode constructed of lemental lithium and transition metal powder. Iron is disclosed to be the best mode of transition metal powder. The cell uses nitrate salt electrolyte containing lithium nitrate and silver nitrate as a cathode enhancer. Electrical performance of this cell includes open circuit potentials of approximately +3.4 volts at 300.degree. C. and thermal activation within the range of 123.degree. to 465.degree. C. Current densities as high as 1,250 mA/cm.sup.2 have been demonstrated.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell and method whereby a reactive metal anode is contacted with an aqueous electrolyte containing the hydroxide of the anodic metal, and the electrolyte is circulated to a scrubber for contact with carbon dioxide. In the scrubber, the precipitable carbonate of the anodic metal is formed, thereby reducing the metal hydroxide concentration in the electrolyte. The metal carbonate is separated from the electrolyte and the electrolyte is recirculated to the cell.

Abstract: A molten carbonate fuel cell matrix material is described made up of a matrix tape portion and a bubble barrier portion. The matrix tape portion comprises particles inert to molten carbonate electrolyte, ceramic particles and a polymeric binder, the matrix tape being flexible, pliable and having rubber-like compliance at room temperature. The bubble barrier is a solid material having fine porosity up to about 50% by volume, optionally being bonded to the matrix tape. In operation in a fuel cell, the polymer binder burns off leaving the matrix and bubble barrier providing superior sealing, stability and performance properties to the fuel cell stack.

Abstract: An improved interface configuration for use between adjacent elements of a fuel cell stack. The interface is impervious to gas and liquid and provides resistance to corrosion by the electrolyte of the fuel cell. A multi-layer arrangement for the interface provides bridging electrical contact with a hot-pressed resin filling the void space.

Abstract: A heat sealing machine for joining a battery casing and battery cover comprising a battery casing heating station and a battery cover preheating station operatively supported on a machine support frame, the battery casing heating station including a battery casing heater support frame pivotally mounted on the machine support frame having a battery casing heater pivotally attached to one end thereof and a counter balance mounted on the opposite end thereof, the battery cover preheating station including a battery support frame having a battery cover preheater pivotally attached to one end thereof and a counter balance mounted on the opposite end thereof, the machine support frame including a plurality of rollers for lateral movement of the individual battery casings thereon to move the heated battery casing laterally from the battery casing heating station to the battery cover preheating station to receive the preheated battery cover, such that the upper periphery of the battery casing is heated by the battery

Abstract: An electrochemical cell and method of making same are provided wherein the electrochemical cell includes a radial sealing function effected by the combination of a seal comprised of an amorphous polymer and a cell container wall having a stiffening rib on one axial side of the seal and a lip on the other side of the seal wherein the rib and the lip eliminate springback of the container wall upon removal of the external radial force establishing the compressive sealing forces.

Abstract: A method of powering a high temperature molten carbonate fuel cell using direct internal reformation of methanol. The methanol is reformed spontaneously using the anode catalyst and cell waste heat creating hydrogen which is consumed as fuel at the anode and carbon dioxide which is used to enrich the cathode oxidant. In addition, the reformation reaction is endothermic and therefore will aid in managing excess heat at the anode.

Abstract: A battery cell has a casing and terminal seal construction which precludes leakage and plate and terminals which provide greater power and longer life.