Abstract: A nano-particulate reticulated foam-like structure, which includes particles having a size of 10-200 nanometers. The particles are joined together to form a reticulated foam-like structure. The reticulated foam-like structure is similar to the structure of carbon nano-foam. The nano-particulate reticulated foam-like structure may comprise a metal, such as a hydrogen storage ahoy, either a gas-phase thermal or an electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy. The nano-particulate reticulated foam-like structure may alternatively comprise a hydroxide such as nickel hydroxide or manganese hydroxide or an oxide, such as a silver oxide or a copper oxide. When the nano-particulate reticulated foam-like structure is a hydrogen storage alloy, the material exhibits substantial immunity to hydrogen cycling decrepitation and an increase in the reversible hydrogen storage capacity by reduction of trapped hydrogen by at least 10% as compared to the same alloy in bulk form.

Abstract: A battery having at least one group of electric power-generating elements each comprising at least a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator; and a battery case containing the group of electric power-generating elements. The battery case is formed from a mixture which includes a matrix material selected from the group consisting of plastics, polymers, resins or combinations thereof. The mixture further includes a thermally conductive, electrically insulating material distributed throughout the matrix material. The thermally conductive material has a thermal conductivity at least one order of magnitude higher than the thermal conductivity of the matrix material. The present invention also includes battery cases (lids and containers) used in making the batteries and formed of the mixture.

Abstract: A rechargeable multi-cell battery including a plurality of electrochemical cells. Each of the cells includes a gas port that allows passage of cell gases into and out of the cell but prevent passage of cell electrolyte out of the cell. The gas port may be a gas permeable membrane. The multi-cell batter may be a bipolar battery.

Abstract: A multi-cell monoblock battery in which a plurality of electrochemical cells are disposed in a battery case. The battery case includes one or more cell partitions which divide the interior of the case into a plurality of cell compartments that house the electrochemical cells. Preferably, one or more coolant channels are integrally formed with at least one of the cell partitions. The coolant channels may have inlets and outlets disposed in the walls of the battery case so as to provide a cross-flow cooling design.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel polymer alloy that may be used as a casing for alkaline storage batteries. The present invention discloses a sealed alkaline storage battery comprising a cell in which power generating elements and an alkaline electrolyte are accommodated in a battery casing of a synthetic resin. The polymer alloy comprises polyphenylene ether, polystyrene and glass fibers. The polymer alloy of the present invention comprises about 30 to 45 weight % polyphenylene ether, about 30 to 45 weight % polystyrene and about 10 to 40 weight % glass fibers. Preferably, the polymer alloy comprises 1 to 1 ratio of polyphenylene ether to polystyrene and the polystyrene is high impact polystyrene. Additionally, the polymer alloy may further include 0 to 15 weight % of an elastomer.

Abstract: A rechargeable multi-cell battery including a plurality of electrochemical cells. Each of the cells includes a gas port that allows passage of cell gases into and out of the cell but prevent passage of cell electrolyte out of the cell. The gas port may be a gas permeable membrane. The multi-cell batter may be a bipolar battery.

Abstract: A multi-cell monoblock battery in which a plurality of electrochemical cells are disposed in a battery case. The battery case includes one or more cell partitions which divide the interior of the case into a plurality of cell compartments that house the electrochemical cells. Preferably, one or more coolant channels are integrally formed with at least one of the cell partitions. The coolant channels may have inlets and outlets disposed in the walls of the battery case so as to provide a cross-flow cooling design.

Abstract: A multi-cell monoblock battery in which a plurality of electrochemical cells are disposed in a battery case. The battery case includes one or more cell partitions which divide the interior of the case into a plurality of cell compartments that house the electrochemical cells. Preferably, one or more coolant channels are integrally formed with at least one of the cell partitions. The coolant channels may have inlets and outlets disposed in the walls of the battery case so as to provide a cross-flow cooling design.

Abstract: A multiple cell monoblock battery in which a plurality of electrochemical cells are disposed in a plastic or metal case and each of the cells includes an enclosure providing for gas to exit while preventing electrolyte to exit the enclosure. A novel integral system of flow channels allows liquid coolant to flow between adjacent cells. Other special features, such as cell interconnections are described.