Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining the state-of-charge of batteries, particularly lithium batteries, involves the steps of: (a) measuring the temperature of the battery; (b) loading the battery to produce a high discharge for a short period of time; (c) after a short rest period, measuring the open-circuit-voltage of the battery; and (d) determining from the measured temperature and open-circuit-voltage the residual state-of-charge of the battery. Preferably, the residual state-of-charge of the battery is determined by comparing the measured temperature and open-circuit-voltage with reference tables showing the state-of-charge at different temperatures and open-circuit-voltages for the respective battery.

Abstract: There are provided electrochemical cells resistant to abusive charging and overdischarging which comprise an anode made of calcium or magnesium, an inert current collector and a liquid cathode constituted by an inorganic oxyhalide wherein there is dissolved a soluble calcium salt.

Abstract: There is provided an electrochemical reserve cell of short activation time, which comprises a calcium dischargeable calcium alloy anode essentially devoid of alkali metal, an inorganic oxyhalide liquid cathode serving also as solvent for the electrolyte salt, an electrolyte salt consisting of Lewis acid and a calcium Lewis base, said Lewis acid being in excess of the Lewis base, and an inert current collector, said electrolyte solution being stored separately from said electrode compartment, means being provided for contacting said solution with said electrodes when the cell is to be activated.

Abstract: There is provided a novel primary cell which comprises in combination an anode made of lithium, of sodium or of a dischargeable alloy of same, which has a melting point above 80.degree. C., an electrolyte comprising a solvent or solvent mixture which is suited to dissolve a polysulfide to attain a concentration of at least 0.01 M, and to dissolve an electrolyte salt to give a solution of at least 0.1 M, said solvent or solvent system having an own EMF against the anode which is low enough so as not to prevent the reaction of the anode material with said polysulfide to form a M.sub.2 S solid electrolyte interphase, said electrolyte containing a polysulfide M.sub.2 S.sub.n where M is selected from lithium and sodium, the concentration of the polysulfide being high enough and n being low enough to result in a predetermined low selfdischarge of the cell, and an inert porous current collector. The current collector may be charged with sulfur.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having an anode which is an alloy of an oxidizable metal, specifically lithium, and an element having a lower oxidation potential, for example calcium. The cell is partially discharged to deplete the amount of lithium at the surface of the anode. Then the cell is conditioned, preferably by annealing at a temperature of about 70.degree. C. for one to two weeks. This treatment produces an anode having a surface region which is either a layer consisting mostly of the element or a lithium compound of the element. This protective coating on the anode limits the short circuit current which can flow through the cell.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having an oxidizable anode material, specifically lithium, a cathode current collector, and an electrolytic solution in contact with the anode material and the cathode current collector. The solution comprises a solvent of a reducible liquid cathode material, specifically thionyl chloride, and an electrolyte solvent, specifically lithium tetrachloroaluminate, dissolved therein. The solute is present in an amount to produce in excess of 75% of its room temperature saturation concentration in the solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for measuring the different potential drops in electrochemical cells (EC), i.e. measuring independently the following: anodic and cathodic over potentials (IR free) each half cell ohmic solution resistance and each half cell solution potential drop (IR drop). This invention is applicable to electrochemical cells such as: batteries, electroplating baths, water electrolyzers and other EC operating continuously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lithium cells of the wound electrode high power type, with reduced short-circuit current, wherein the short-circuit current is reduced by the use of an electrolyte of reduced concentration or activity, or by the use of an electrode of lithium alloyed with magnesium, calcium, aluminum, cadmium or silicon.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having an anode which is an alloy of an oxidizable metal, specifically lithium, and an element having a lower oxidation potential, for example calcium. The cell is partially discharged to deplete the amount of lithium at the surface of the anode. Then the cell is conditioned, preferably by annealing at a temperature of about 70.degree. C. for one to two weeks. This treatment produces an anode having a surface region which is either a layer consisting mostly of the element or a lithium compound of the element. This protective coating on the anode limits the short circuit current which can flow through the cell.

Abstract: A primary electric cell comprising, in combination:(a) an anode consisting essentially of a metal selected from alkali metal, calcium and magnesium, and alloys of two or more of said metals which alloys are solid at temperatures up to 75.degree. C.;(b) a liquid solution having a conductivity of at least 1 mMho.cm.sup.-1 and comprising:(i) a non-aqueous cathode consisting of an aprotic, reducible organic compound capable, under the conditions prevailing in the cell, of rapidly reacting with the metal of said anode, so as to form on the surface thereof a thin, compact, insoluble layer of solid electrolyte having t.sub.e -=0 and t.sub.M + substantially equal to 1; and(ii) an electrolyte being a salt of the cation of the metal of said anode and a large complex anion; and(c) an inert, porous cathodic collector consisting of carbon or graphite or of compressed carbon or graphite powder optionally with a suitable binder.

Abstract: A novel process for the electrodeposition of aluminum on metals, metal alloys and on electrically conducting surfaces. More particularly, the invention relates to the electrodeposition of aluminum on metals such as copper, steel, magnesium, titanium, or uranium; on alloys such as bronze and on substances such as carbon, graphite, etc. The invention relates furthermore to novel solutions which serve as baths for the electrodeposition of aluminum from same. Other and further aspects of the present invention will become apparent hereinafter. According to the invention there is provided:1. An electrolyte for the electrodeposition of aluminum comprising in combination:A. aluminum bromide;B. a solvent selected from the group consisting of toluene, and toluene in admixture with other aromatic liquid solvents of aluminum bromide, other than benzene;C.