Abstract: The invention relates to a lead accumulator with a thixotropic gel consisting primarily of sulphuric acid and a gel former as an electrolyte, whereby the electrolyte consists of two different phases, a liquid, gel former-free phase, by which essentially the pores of the active materials are filled in, a solid phase, as a thioxotropic gel, by which the electrolyte space especially between the electrodes, is filled up. Both phases merge in the zone of the pores of the separators, which are arranged about the electrodes. Arranged in relation to the electrodes as separators are fibrous, non-woven materials, woven textile fabrics or other flexible, porous surface structures with capillary-active properties, that cover the entire surfaces of the electrodes without separation. The electrodes are retained in their positions by means of spacers.

Abstract: This invention is related to a method of making a lead storage battery with a thixotropic gel as electrolyte consisting substantially of a sulphuric acid and a gelling agent. The object is to provide a lead storage battery which is maintenance free, leak-proof and of a long cycle life while permitting filling of the electrolyte independently of the plate dimensions including the superficial extent of the plate. To achieve this object: (a) the sulphuric acid is electrochemically bonded in the active material of the electrodes; and (b) the gel forming electrolyte is filled into the battery in the form of a gelling agent and a sulphuric acid concentration which is insufficient for the formation of a gel, but which is sufficient for initiating a charging process upon application of a charging voltage. During the charging process the sulfuric acid that is bonded to the electrodes, together with the gel forming electrolyte, will start the formation of the gel.

Abstract: Metallic and/or thermoplastic components of a storage battery are fluid-tightly connected by means of a multicellular thermoplastic sealing member formed by injection of a foamable thermoplastic resin composition containing a foaming agent into a cavity provided between the components to be connected together.