Abstract: A winding assembly for a battery includes a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, a separator sheet, and a current collector. The positive and negative plates and the separator sheet are wound in overlying relationship such that the separator sheet is positioned between the positive and negative plates, an exposed top edge of the positive electrode plate is spaced longitudinally from an adjacent unexposed top edge of the negative plate, and an exposed bottom edge of the negative electrode plate is spaced longitudinally from an unexposed bottom edge of said positive electrode plate. The current collector is connected to one of the exposed edges of one of the positive and negative electrode plates, and, accordingly, is spaced apart from the adjacent unexposed bottom edge of the other (i.e., the non-attached) electrode plate. The current collector includes a terminal mounting portion and a radially extending collecting web.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for constructing a stress resistant battery which allows the use low modulus materials through end wall rib reinforcements and a cover having a plurality of integral bosses which vertically project and connect to cast on straps. A plurality of baffles adapted to snap fit into the inner bottom portion of the cover and augment stress resistance through rigid contact against the battery plates. A plurality of cast on straps welded back to back in pairs through each of said electrochemical cell walls each having a seating boss so as to connect with each of the cover bosses.The battery of the present invention also includes means of affixing terminal connectors in a scalloped configuration thereby preventing over-torquing and failure of the cover during electrical-mechanical connection.

Abstract: An up-and-through battery intercell connection for electrochemical batteries or cells is disclosed featuring battery partition wall extensions formed on battery partition walls located within a battery container through which lead intercell connector nuggets are secured to provide electrical connection between battery intercells. A battery container top is formed with recesses to accept the battery partition wall extensions. The container top is further formed with adhesive channels to accept a paste adhesive that allows the battery container top to be secured to the battery container without having to invert the battery during manufacture.

Abstract: A sealed, through partition terminal for an electrochemical cell is disclosed featuring a high conductivity terminal member embedded in a lead strap current collector, penetrating a through hole in the partition wall. A cup-like well is formed around the hole to receive the terminal which is located and immobilized by the combination of a fastening member which grips the outer surface of the terminal, and by an epoxy contained within the cup-like well which embeds the fastening member and surrounds the terminal. An elastomeric sealing member is preferably compressed between the strap and the underside of the cup-like well.

Abstract: A portable battery having a case for housing a plurality of rechargeable electrochemical cells includes an attachment clip for supporting the battery during use. The clip is adapted for sliding reciprocating movement from a first retracted position when not in use to a second extended position wherein the clip may be utilized to support the battery case.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprises a spirally wound assembly, the assembly including a negative plate; a porous polyester layer disposed on each major surface of the negative plate; a porous, electrically non-conductive separator disposed on each of the polyester layers; and a positive plate disposed on one of the separators. The cell further includes a housing for enclosing the assembly and an electrolyte such that the electrolyte comes in contact with the plates, polyester layers and separators. The housing includes a pair of external terminals each of which being connected to one of the plates.

Abstract: A rechargeable electrochemical cell pack is provided having improved resistance to impact and vibration. The cell pack includes a plurality of rechargeable electrochemical cells integrally combined with a cell pack casing. A casing cover is provided having a plurality of interior cover lug projections selectively positioned for registration with the individual electrochemical cell top covers. The casing cover is united to the individual cells and to the casing base by a sonic welding procedure.

Abstract: Terminal structure is disclosed for use in electrolytic devices such as batteries, in which a deformable, electrically conductive material (14) is caused to seal around an opening (26) in a container (10, 12) of resilient material by means of a fastener (24, 30) which extends through the opening into the electrically conductive material and a wedging element such as a chamfered surface (34) associated with the fastener which compresses the resilient material surrounding the opening. A method of assembling such a terminal structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for mechanically and electrically interconnecting the individual electrochemical cells for a battery. A cell-holding fixture maintains the cells in fixed relationship and includes a conductive electrode disposed adjacent each terminal to be interconnected. Projecting cell terminals are partially bent about the conductive electrodes by pivotal arms and the fixture is then moved toward the ends of the arms Zto complete the bending of the terminals so that they lie in a common plane. A conductive link is placed over the bent terminals and a pair of welding electrodes, one in contact with the conductive link and the other in electrical contact with the conductive electrode of the fixture, passes a welding current through the link and terminal to effect the weld. The fixture is passed over an adhesive strip applicator for taping together the bottom surfaces of the cells prior to their removal from the fixture.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel resealable pressure relief vent valve for use in normally sealed containers such as sealed electric batteries or cells wherein said vent valve includes an outer plate having a centrally-raised area, an inner plate having a centrally recessed area, said plates joined at their ends and forming a cavity therebetween, and a compressed resilient elastomeric member interposed in the cavity and positioned to overlie a vent orifice located in the inner plate, whereby during normal operation of the battery or cell the elastomeric member seals the vent orifice and when internal container pressure exceeds a predetermined limit, the elastomeric member distorts, breaking the seal and allowing the venting of the cell.

Abstract: In an electrical storage battery composed of a plurality of electrochemical cells, a keyed linkage system provides for the series connection of the cells in a prescribed order. The system includes the cell terminals, which may be in a stud or tab form, a tooth projecting outwardly in each cell between the terminals, and connecting links which are secured to the terminals of adjacent cells. The size, shape, and location of the tooth permits only a given end of the connecting link to be coupled to one of the terminals, for example, the positive terminal, to accomplish the keying function.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell of the type having a spirally wound electrode assembly contained within a cell case, wherein the case is provided with inwardly directed deformed wall portions which engage the electrode assembly to restrain it against movement within the case. External electrical terminals are physically affixed to the electrode assembly at predetermined locations relative to the terminal ends of the spirally wound electrodes; such terminals are used to physically align the cells prior to deforming the case to ensure that the deformed wall portions of the case are displaced from the terminal ends of the electrodes, thereby avoiding undue stress upon the electrode assembly.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a novel resealable pressure relief vent valve for use in normally sealed containers such as sealed electric batteries or cells wherein said vent valve includes an outer rigid plate, an inner flexible disc forming part of the interior of the container, said disc having one or more vent holes and a compressible rubber disc positioned in partially compressed condition between the outer rigid plate and inner flexible disc and situated over each of said vent holes whereby the inner flexible disc flexes upward breaking its seal over the said holes venting the interior of the container when excessive internal pressures occur.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell of the type having a spirally wound electrode assembly contained within a cell case, wherein the case is provided with inwardly directed deformed wall portions which engage the electrode assembly to restrain it against movement within the case. External electrical terminals are physically affixed to the electrode assembly at predetermined locations relative to the terminal ends of the spirally wound electrodes; such terminals are used to physically align the cells prior to deforming the case to ensure that the deformed wall portions of the case are displaced from the terminal ends of the electrodes, thereby avoiding undue stress upon the electrode assembly.