Abstract: The invention concerns the regulation of an electrochemical system of the Redox type. It consists in immersing three electrodes in a stream to or from a cell in the said Redox system. Two of the electrodes, referred to as measuring electrodes, are connected by two resistors defining a junction point therebetween. A direct current is applied across these electrodes. The potential of the other electrode, called the reference electrode, is compared with the potential of said junction point. The ratio between the resistors is determined so that the potentials of the said junction point and of the said reference electrode is equal, this being so for a determined power supplied by the said electrochemical system. Variation of the potential are used to regulate the flow of fuel and/or of oxidizing agent to the said electrochemical system. The invention is more particularly implemented in fuel cells using the Redox system containing anthraquinone 2-7 sodium disulphonate.

Abstract: The component plates stacked in a filter press type structure in a repeated sequence of cathode, separator, anode and conductive plate are of cylindrical shape with an outer frame carrying the channels for supplying and withdrawing the reagents. Hollowed-out inlet and outlet portions communicating with appropriate channels pressing through the frames are provided for passing the reagents across the active portions of the components at a desired cross-feed angle between adjacent units, 30.degree. in one case and 60.degree. in another.

Abstract: A combination water electrolyzer and fuel cell for selectively storing and supplying energy while in a substantially fixed position, typically comprising a pan held in a substantially horizontal position, an aqueous alkaline electrolyte (e.g., NaOH) held within the pan at elevated temperature, means communicating with a supply of hydrogen and forming a container for the hydrogen within the pan, a thin nonporous corrosion resistant hydrogen diffusion negative electrode (e.g., PdAg) having a porous support positioned within the pan and having one surface on contact with the electrolyte and an opposite surface communicating with the hydrogen, means communicating with a supply of oxygen and furnishing the oxygen to a region contiguous with the exposed surface of the electrolyte, a thin porous corrosion resistant positive electrode (e.g.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell or battery in a monolithic form is produced, in which a series of planar sheet electrodes are disposed in a framework of a fibrous material which contains a thermosetting resin. The process for forming the cell or battery is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved lithium electrode structure comprises an alloy of lithium, silicon, and iron in specified proportions and a supporting current-collecting matrix in intimate contact with said alloy. The lithium electrode of the present invention is utilized as the negative electrode in a rechargeable electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A process for producing electrolytic manganese dioxide by electrolyzing molten manganese nitrate hexahydrate at a temperature between about 115.degree. C. and 126.degree. C. and with an anodic current density of from about 140 to about 300 mA/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: The output from a selective oxidizer is controlled by modifying the rate of oxidant input in accordance with the operating temperature of the selective oxidizer. In a preferred embodiment, wherein the selective oxidizer has a slow temperature response, gross adjustments to the oxidant feed flow rate are made as a function of the fuel feed flow rate into the selective oxidizer, in addition to the fine adjustments made as a function of temperature.

Abstract: P-Benzoquinone diketals of the formula ##STR1## wherein R is H, an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a halogen atom, preferably H, CH.sub.3, Cl or F,are prepared by anodic oxidation of benzene or alkoxybenzenes of the formula ##STR2## wherein R has the aforesaid meaning and R.sup.1 is an alkyl radical having of from 1 to 4 carbon atomsIn CH.sub.3 OH containingA. less than about 5% by weight of H.sub.2 O as well asB. about 0.2 to 15% by weight, calculated on the electrolyte, of at least a conducting salt selected from the group of ammonium and alkali fluorides, perchlorates, nitrates, tetrafluoroborates, hexafluorosilicates, hexafluorophosphates, benzene sulfonates, p-toluene sulfonates, quartenary ammonium and phosphonium fluorides as well as methylsulfates and additionallyC. optionally about 0.5 to 10% by weight, calculated on the electrolyte, of a base to be oxidized with difficulty, preferably 2,6-lutidine,At a known anode made of a conventinal material, at a temperature of from about -20.

Abstract: A structure for switching electrical current, the structure comprising a switch having two pairs of terminals and two modes of operation. The structure, in addition, includes a first electrically conductive means for connecting the terminals of one pair together, and, a second electrically conductive means for connecting the terminals of the other pair together. Means are included for disconnecting the terminals of the above pairs, and a third electrically conductive means is provided for connecting one of the terminals of one pair to one of the terminals of the other pair.

Abstract: The energy balance in an aluminum reduction cell is controlled by measuring the temperature of the side lining of the cell, preferably at the level of the surface of the electrolyte, comparing the measured temperature with a reference temperature, and when the difference between the measured and reference temperatures exceeds a given value adjusting the depth of immersion of the cell anodes within the electrolyte.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the rate at which material is fed to a molten salt bath in a process utilizing the material to produce molten metal. The apparatus includes means for generating a signal that represents the actual level of the salt bath, means for generating a signal representing the density of the salt bath, and means for generating a signal representing the volume of the metal beneath the salt bath. A circuit is provided for receiving and storing an initial datum representing a desired concentration of the material in the molten bath, and for receiving the above signals, the circuit being further capable of calculating a bath level in response to said signals that will maintain the initial percent concentration of the material during the time molten metal is being produced and when molten metal is removed from the bath.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a fuel cell electrode comprising an electrocatalyst and binder wherein the colloidal chemistry of the aqueous catalyst and the binder suspension are controlled during the deposition of the catalyst/binder onto an electrode substrate. Control is by addition of acids, bases, or salts to an aqueous suspension of binder and catalyst to adjust the pH to within certain ranges to form a flocculate. The flocculate is then fabricated into an electrode. The catalyst/binder distribution within the electrode and electrochemical performance, including decay characteristics, of the electrode are improved.

Abstract: This disclosure deals with novel very fine, particulated colloidal platinum of the 15-25 Angstrom size range of unusual catalytic activity and particularly adapted for adsorption or other deposition upon carbon for use as fuel cell catalytic electrodes and the like and produced from platinum colloids and sols including complex platinum sulfite compounds and sols derived therefrom.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the pollution-free generation of electrical power from hydrogen in which molten lead is electrochemically oxidized to produce lead oxide and electricity in a single cell in which the resulting lead oxide is simultaneously converted back to lead metal by thermochemical reduction with hydrogen fuel, the entire process being carried out in a single cell using a molten salt as electrolyte in a temperature range of 500.degree. to 900.degree. C. The entire cycle consumes only hydrogen and oxygen, while producing electricity.

Abstract: Straps are molded integrally with and hinged to opposite sides of a plastic battery case and may be swung upwardly to form a handle for enabling easy carrying of the battery. In one embodiment, the straps are formed with hand holes and are grabbed individually when the battery is carried. In another embodiment, the straps are secured together at their ends and define a bail-type handle for the battery.

Abstract: An improved substantially leak-proof button cell, particularly adapted for use in hearing aids, comprising an outer cathode can and an inner anode can containing a zinc electrode material, preferably a zinc paste, the inner can being positioned within the outer can, with the outer wall of the inner can spaced from the inner wall of the outer can, a polymeric seal, preferably a polypropylene seal, positioned between the outer wall of the inner can and the inner wall of the outer can, the outer wall of the inner can having a coating of an alkali resistant elastomer or elastomeric adhesive, e.g.

Abstract: A power plant for the generation of electricity utilizes high temperature fuel cells, such as molten carbonate fuel cells, as its main power supply. Part of the oxidant exhaust stream from the fuel cell is recycled through the fuel cell. Waste energy from the fuel cell in the form of exhaust gases, such as part of the oxidant exhaust, drives a turbocharger for compressing the oxidant used in the fuel cell. In a preferred embodiment the oxidant exhaust also is the source of energy for powering a bottoming cycle, such as a steam driven turbogenerator. Power plant efficiency is improved by making maximum use of the energy and heat generated within the system.

Abstract: A fuel cell wherein the electrolyte comprises a volatilizable solvent and a solute whose solubility in the solvent varies with electrolyte temperature can be operated by increasing or decreasing the amount of solvent relative to the amount of solute as the solubility of the latter in the solvent respectively decreases or increases due to variations in the temperatures of the electrolyte in the cell or cell system.

Abstract: An automatic device for a fuel cell including inlet and outlet ports connected to an electrolyte feeding circuit provided with a pump for electrolyte circulation and inlet and outlet ports for a comburent, this device comprising in combination obturation means for closing and opening said inlet and outlet ports for the comburent, and control means connected to said obturation means, said control means actuating said obturation means in response to a parameter which depends on the circulation of electrolyte through the fuel cell.

Abstract: An electrolyte reservoir layer disposed behind and adjacent one of the catalyst layers of a fuel cell is porous and hydrophilic to the electrolyte. In one embodiment the reservoir layer includes impregnations of hydrophobic material to provide reactant gas passages through the reservoir layer to the catalyst layer. Additionally the reservoir layer includes impregnations of a material similar to the fuel cell electrolyte retaining matrix material to improve electrolyte transfer from the matrix into the reservoir. The impregnations of hydrophobic material are designed to provide good distribution of the reactant gas into the catalyst layer without consuming a large volume of the reservoir. In a preferred embodiment the reservoir is also the electrode substrate whereby the catalyst layer is bonded to the surface thereof.