Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for increasing the rate at which an electrolyte permeates the micropores of an energy storage cell. In a preferred embodiment, an energy storage cell is filled with a quantity of an electrolyte which is then exposed to an electric field. The electrolyte is electrophoretically driven into the micropores of the energy cell at a rate that is greater than without the use of electrophoresis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extruding materials, including electrolytically active materials, onto metallic substrates used in the production of electrodes. The method and apparatus facilitates the production of improved electrodes for use in energy storage devices, such as rechargeable batteries. A preferred device may include a base, a spreader, edge guides and wipers. The wipers, or doctor blades, clean a portion of the substrate during the extrusion process. This provides a clean edge on which a current collector can be welded. The clean edge enables an electrode that is more reliable, more easily used during the battery manufacturing process, and may also provide for lower internal resistance of the energy storage cell.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to increasing the performance of batteries by reducing the internal resistance of the electrodes and improving the adhesion of electrolytic materials to metal substrates used in the manufacture of electrodes for energy storage cells. In one embodiment, the present invention may be illustrated as a system and method for increasing battery performance by precoating the electrode plates with nickel, to improve the adherence of the metal hydrides, or other electrolytic materials, to the metallic substrate. For example, by precoating a nickel plated steel substrate with powdered nickel at or near the glass transition temperature of 1100° C., the adhesion of nickel metal hydride powder is improved, providing an electrode with reduced internal resistance, when compared to electrodes in which the metal substrate is not precoated with nickel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a current collector and method for increasing the electrical conductivity between the collector, casing, and the winding in the cell. The current collector comprises a sheet of highly conductive metal, such as pure nickel, having a plurality of protruding tabs arranged about its periphery. The tabs are folded upwardly to receive the winding and to fit inside the casing. The tabs are then welded to the casing, using a series welding technique through the outside of the casing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gasket for single or multi-cell rechargeable batteries and provides an improved seal between multiple cells in a battery or between a cell and the vent of a pressure vessel. In particular, the invention illustratively is described as having at least two alternating sectional profiles, each different section being fabricated to permit greater equalization of pressure between cells and the other section fabricated to retain electrolyte within the cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multiple-contact current collector for use in energy storage cells. The current collector of the present invention provides for lower internal resistance and higher conductivity than previous current collectors, thereby achieving increased current handling capacity, improved heat rejection, and lower discharge temperatures. The collector is characterized by a series of protrusions arranged around the perimeter of the plate that connect to the positive windings of the cell and are subsequently welded thereto. Additionally, the collector is provided with protrusions and dimples to increase the area of contact between the collector plate and the winding.

Abstract: A collector to terminal conductive element, or tab, for use with multiple-contact current collectors in the manufacture and use of energy storage cells. The collector to terminal conductive element of the present invention provides for lower internal resistance and higher conductivity than previous positive devices, thereby achieving higher current handling capacity and lower discharge temperatures. The conductive element of the present invention is manufactured separately from the collector itself, to avoid problems with alignment during the process of connecting the collector to the energy storage device and to facilitate the tab's connection to the cell terminal. In one preferred embodiment, the terminal to collector conductive element is useful for creating current paths between the anode of a coiled cell energy storage device and a battery terminal.