Abstract: Alkaline electrochemical cells having extended service life and acceptable gassing and corrosion properties are disclosed. An amphoteric surfactant can be incorporated into the gelled anode mixture of an alkaline electrochemical cell, optionally with an organic phosphate ester surfactant or a sulfonic acid type organic surfactant or both. Zinc particles having a defined distribution of particle sizes can also be incorporated into a zinc anode. The electrolyte included in the anode mixture can have a reduced hydroxide concentration.

Abstract: A sulfonic acid type organic surfactant is incorporated into the gelled anode mixture of an alkaline electrochemical cell, optionally with an organic phosphate ester surfactant. Zinc fines may also be incorporated into the anode. The electrolyte included in the anode mixture may have a reduced hydroxide concentration. When a cell is provided whose anode mixture includes the two surfactants and zinc fines alone or in combination with a lowered hydroxide concentration in the electrolyte, discharge leakage is reduced and gel gassing is suppressed relative to that of gels lacking both surfactants. Additionally, cell discharge performance is improved relative to that of cells lacking both the zinc fines and lowered hydroxide concentration.

Abstract: An anode is provided for an electrochemical cell having an ionically conductive additive, such as Laponite® or any alternative clay suitable to improve the transport of hydroxyl ions into anode during discharge.

Abstract: A rechargeable electrochemical cell is provided having a pressure-responsive apparatus for determining a charge termination point. In particular, a reversible pressure-responsive switch may be disposed in a cap at the open end of a rechargeable metal hydride cell. The reversible pressure-responsive switch may also contain a vent system for releasing the cell internal pressure. Alternatively, a rechargeable cell may include a strain gauge disposed in its outer surface whose resistance changes as the outer surface of the battery expands due to internal pressure accumulation during charging. Additionally, a rechargeable cell is used combination with a charging source that can supply constant voltage, constant current, alternating current, or voltage that varies between a minimum threshold and a maximum threshold.

Abstract: An air manager is provided for supplying air to a battery that may be disposed in a battery compartment of an electrical device. The battery includes at least one air-depolarized cell to supply power to the device. The air manager achieves a dual function of stimulating flow within the battery compartment as well as delivering air over the at least one cell. In particular, the air entering the air manager is split into two streams, the first stream delivering air to the cell, and the second stream stimulating flow within the battery compartment. The air manager may use a fan, peristaltic air pump, or any alternative air mover. The battery may have a “Figure-8” design to provide adjacent cell compartments that are received in a battery compartment configured to receive standard size alkaline cells.

Abstract: A rechargeable electrochemical cell is provided having a pressure-responsive apparatus for determining a charge termination point. In particular, a reversible pressure-responsive switch may be disposed in a cap at the open end of a rechargeable metal hydride cell. The reversible pressure-responsive switch may also contain a vent system for releasing the cell internal pressure. Additionally, a rechargeable cell is used combination with a charging source that can supply constant voltage, constant current, alternating current, or voltage that varies between a minimum threshold and a maximum threshold. Components of the switch are preferably made of a material that facilitates predictable switch activity.

Abstract: Alkaline electrochemical cells having extended service life and acceptable gassing and corrosion properties are disclosed. An amphoteric surfactant can be incorporated into the gelled anode mixture of an alkaline electrochemical cell, optionally with an organic phosphate ester surfactant or a sulfonic acid type organic surfactant or both. Zinc particles having a defined distribution of particle sizes can also be incorporated into a zinc anode. The electrolyte included in the anode mixture can have a reduced hydroxide concentration.

Abstract: A sulfonic acid type organic surfactant is incorporated into the gelled anode mixture of an alkaline electrochemical cell, optionally with an organic phosphate ester surfactant. Zinc fines may also be incorporated into the anode. The electrolyte included in the anode mixture may have a reduced hydroxide concentration. When a cell is provided whose anode mixture includes the two surfactants and zinc fines alone or in combination with a lowered hydroxide concentration in the electrolyte, discharge leakage is reduced and gel gassing is suppressed relative to that of gels lacking both surfactants. Additionally, cell discharge performance is improved relative to that of cells lacking both the zinc fines and lowered hydroxide concentration.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is presented having an improved separator disposed at the interface of the anode and cathode. In particular, the separator conforms to the contour of the electrode and is thinner than conventional separators made of non-woven fabric. The conformal separator may be formed from combinations of certain polymers and inorganic crosslinking agents.

Abstract: An anode is provided for an electrochemical cell having an ionically conductive additive, such as Laponite® or any alternative clay suitable to improve the transport of hydroxyl ions into anode during discharge.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is presented having a first component that provides a seal to prevent the escape of internal cell ingredients from the battery and into the ambient environment during normal operation of the cell. A second component, independent of the first component, provides a vent and allows built-up pressure to dissipate when the pressure reaches a predetermined maximum threshold.

Abstract: A rechargeable electrochemical cell is provided having a pressure-responsive apparatus for determining a charge termination point. In particular, a reversible pressure-responsive switch may be disposed in a cap at the open end of a rechargeable metal hydride cell. The reversible pressure-responsive switch may also contain a vent system for releasing the cell internal pressure. Alternatively, a rechargeable cell may include a strain gauge disposed in its outer surface whose resistance changes as the outer surface of the battery expands due to internal pressure accumulation during charging. Additionally, a rechargeable cell is used combination with a charging source that can supply constant voltage, constant current, alternating current, or voltage that varies between a minimum threshold and a maximum threshold.

Abstract: A primary alkaline battery includes a housing, a cathode within the housing, an anode within the housing, and a separator electrically separating the anode and the cathode. The battery has a substantial (S/V)2 value.

Abstract: A racetrack air recovery battery having a cathode, an anode, and a separator. The battery can include a can having a racetrack cross section; a cathode assembly disposed in the can; a bottom cup disposed on an end of the cathode assembly; and anode material disposed in the can. The battery can also include a seal assembly disposed in the can. The seal assembly can include a current collector having a shape that maximizes uniform discharge of the battery.

Abstract: An air manager is provided for supplying air to a battery that may be disposed in a battery compartment of an electrical device. The battery includes at least one air-depolarized cell to supply power to the device. The air manager achieves a dual function of stimulating flow within the battery compartment as well as delivering air over the at least one cell. In particular, the air entering the air manager is split into two streams, the first stream delivering air to the cell, and the second stream stimulating flow within the battery compartment. The air manager may use a fan, peristaltic air pump, or any alternative air mover. The battery may have a “Figure-8” design to provide adjacent cell compartments that are received in a battery compartment configured to receive standard size alkaline cells.

Abstract: An air recovery battery is disclosed along with a method of assembling a battery including (a) inserting a cathode assembly in a can having a wall, the wall having at least one air access opening; (b) placing anode material in the can; (c) inserting a seal assembly into the can, the seal assembly having a current collector; and (d) sealing the can.

Abstract: A battery includes a housing, a first electrode, and a non-cylindrical second electrode within the first electrode.

Abstract: A battery includes a cylindrical housing, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator. The second electrode includes a plurality of cavities within the first electrode.

Abstract: A battery includes a housing, a first electrode, a second electrode having a plurality of cavities within the first electrode, a separator between each cavity and the first electrode, a seal positioned above the first electrode and the cavity, and a current collector. The current collector includes a member passing through the seal, a prong extending into each cavity, and a branch member connecting each prong to the member beneath the seal.

Abstract: An alkaline cell is disclosed having a cathode comprising manganese dioxide wherein the cathode is a semisolid during discharge of the cell. The cell has an anode comprising zinc and an electrolyte comprising potassium hydroxide. The semisolid cathode comprising manganese dioxide may be in the form of a putty or paste. The semisolid cathode reduces cathode polarization effects and results in increased manganese dioxide utilization (Amp-hr/g), particularly at high current drain, between about 0.5 and 2 Amp. The porosity of the cathode is between about 45% and 70%, and the volume ratio of electrolyte solution in the cathode to the solids in the cathode is at a value between about 0.7 and 2.3.