Abstract: A sealed lead acid storage battery includes a monoblock container, a cover, plural assembly elements, each assembly element comprising a plurality of positive and negative electrode plates that are stacked via separators in a predetermined direction, a positive and negative electrode strap, and a positive and negative electrode terminal. The positive and negative electrode terminals protrude above the cover. The container further comprises ribs formed inside a bottom surface thereof for enabling the electrode plates to rest on the ribs. Each positive electrode plate has a pair of feet that are formed on a lower end thereof in a substantially symmetrical arrangement and further comprises a lug connected to the positive electrode strap that is disposed at a position shifting either to the left or to the right. One of the feet correspond to the position having the lug not resting on any rib, while the other foot rests on a rib.

Abstract: A cathode for use in an electrochemical cell having an anode and an electrolyte. The cathode includes a manganese dioxide active material and a titanate additive which includes at least one of SrTiO.sub.3 or CoTiO.sub.3. The cathode of the present invention is particularly adapted for use in an electrochemical cell having a zinc anode and an alkaline electrolyte.