Abstract: An alkaline storage battery includes: a positive electrode containing nickel hydroxide; a negative electrode; a separator layer intervening between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; and an alkaline electrolyte. The separator layer includes a water-absorbing polymer, a water repellent, an alkaline aqueous solution, and a scavenger capable of trapping an element which leaches from the negative electrode into the alkaline aqueous solution. The scavenger comprises an oxygen-containing metal compound. The negative electrode is a hydrogen storage alloy electrode, a cadmium electrode or a zinc electrode. The water-absorbing polymer comprises a cross-linked polymer having at least one kind of monomer unit selected from the group consisting of an acrylate unit and a methacrylate unit.

Abstract: An alkaline zinc secondary battery in accordance with the present invention comprises a separator layer comprising a gel electrolyte comprising a water absorbent polymer and an alkaline aqueous solution, disposed between a negative electrode comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of zinc and zinc oxide and a positive electrode. Because the separator layer is in a gel form, transfer of zinc ions is limited. Thereby, deformation of the negative electrode and generation of dendrite due to charge and discharge of the battery are substantially inhibited. Moreover, since impurity ions such as nitrate ions become less prone to move, self-discharge of the battery is also inhibited.

Abstract: In order to obtain a nickel-metal hydride storage battery having a long cycle life and a low self-discharge rate, in a nickel-metal hydride storage battery comprising: a positive electrode containing nickel hydroxide; a negative electrode containing a hydrogen storage alloy; a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes; and an electrolyte comprising an aqueous alkaline solution, a water absorbent polymer, a water repellent and an aqueous alkaline solution are added into the separator. This battery can be produced with low cost.

Abstract: A high-molecular gelling agent precursor for an electrolyte comprises a copolymer formed of (A) a hydrophobic monomer having a hydrophobic group, which forms a carboxyl group upon saponification, and (B) a hydrophobic polyfunctional monomer. The saponification product of the copolymer has property to gel the electrolyte. A high-molecular gelling agent for the electrolyte is produced by saponifying the precursor with a saponifying agent selected from the group consisting of acids and alkalis while using a reaction medium selected from the group consisting of water and hydrophobic organic solvents.

Abstract: An alkaline storage battery includes: a positive electrode containing nickel hydroxide; a negative electrode; a separator layer intervening between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; and an alkaline electrolyte. The separator layer includes a water-absorbing polymer, a water repellent, an alkaline aqueous solution, and a scavenger capable of trapping an element which leaches from the negative electrode into the alkaline aqueous solution. The scavenger comprises an oxygen-containing metal compound. The negative electrode is a hydrogen storage alloy electrode, a cadmium electrode or a zinc electrode. The water-absorbing polymer comprises a cross-linked polymer having at least one kind of monomer unit selected from the group consisting of an acrylate unit and a methacrylate unit.

Abstract: In order to obtain a nickel-metal hydride storage battery having a long cycle life and a low self-discharge rate, in a nickel-metal hydride storage battery comprising: a positive electrode containing nickel hydroxide; a negative electrode containing a hydrogen storage alloy; a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes; and an electrolyte comprising an aqueous alkaline solution, a water absorbent polymer, a water repellent and an aqueous alkaline solution are added into the separator. This battery can be produced with low cost.

Abstract: A high-molecular gelling agent precursor for an electrolyte comprises a copolymer formed of (A) a hydrophobic monomer having a hydrophobic group, which forms a carboxyl group upon saponification, and (B) a hydrophobic polyfunctional monomer. The saponification product of the copolymer has property to gel the electrolyte. A high-molecular gelling agent for the electrolyte is produced by saponifying the precursor with a saponifying agent selected from the group consisting of acids and alkalis while using a reaction medium selected from the group consisting of water and hydrophobic organic solvents.

Abstract: An alkaline zinc secondary battery in accordance with the present invention comprises a separator layer comprising a gel electrolyte comprising a water absorbent polymer and an alkaline aqueous solution, disposed between a negative electrode comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of zinc and zinc oxide and a positive electrode. Because the separator layer is in a gel form, transfer of zinc ions is limited. Thereby, deformation of the negative electrode and generation of dendrite due to charge and discharge of the battery are substantially inhibited. Moreover, since impurity ions such as nitrate ions become less prone to move, self-discharge of the battery is also inhibited.

Abstract: A baling apparatus of the type which is moved along a windrow of fodder and rolls a large bale in a baling chamber which has side plates to confine the ends of the bale. One side plate is mounted for lateral translatory movement, provided by a hydraulic cylinder unit, so as to reduce the confining pressure on the bale at the time of bale discharge. Bale formation and discharge are also improved by providing the baling chamber with a set of closely spaced, transversely extending rotatable rollers which support the bale during bale formation and discharge.

Abstract: A device for wrapping twine around a bale of fodder which is rolled in a baling chamber of an apparatus that moves along a windrow. The device has a twine arm which swings between a transversely extending rest position and a dispensing position extending rearwardly into the baling chamber, a twine clamp near the rest position of the free end of the twine arm, a twine cutting blade near the twine clamp, and a mechanism that operates automatically in response to swinging movement of the twine arm to release the twine clamp as the arm approaches dispensing position and to re-engage the clamp and sever the twine as the arm approaches rest position. The mechanism includes a tension spring that passes overcenter to rapidly release and engage the clamp.