Abstract: Systems and methods for accurately determining the state of charge and the relative age of lithium sulfur batteries are provided. The cell resistance and taper input charge of a particular type of lithium sulfur battery are respectively measured to determine the state of charge and age of the battery.

Abstract: The present invention provides a positive electrode for a rechargeable cell including a two-dimensional electrically conductive substrate supporting a coating comprising nickel hydroxide and a binder, preferably a styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene triblock copolymer binder. The coating is formed by applying a paste to the two-dimensional substrate surface. The present invention also includes the cell made therefrom. The present invention further provides a method of producing this electrode including the steps of forming the paste and coating the paste onto the two-dimensional substrate. The capacity, midpoint voltage and power delivery of the coated electrode are comparable to or exceed those of traditional sintered and foam positive electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a positive electrode for a rechargeable cell including a two dimensional electrically conductive substrate supporting a coating comprising nickel hydroxide and a binder, preferably a styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene triblock copolymer binder. The coating is formed by applying a paste to the two-dimensional substrate surface. The present invention also includes the cell made therefrom. The present invention further provides a method of producing this electrode including the steps of forming the paste and coating the paste onto the two-dimensional substrate. The capacity, midpoint voltage and power delivery of the coated electrode are comparable to or exceed those of traditional sintered and foam positive electrodes.

Abstract: A positive electrode for use in a rechargeable nickel metal hydride cell and method of manufacture is disclosed. The electrode includes an electrically conductive substrate and an electrochemically active material. The active material includes nickel hydroxide carried by the substrate. A calcium-containing compound is deposited onto the active material to coat the active material with calcium.

Abstract: A sealed rechargeable nickel electrode containing electrochemical cell has a pasted negative electrode having paste layers adhered to a nonforaminous conductive substrate, which retards growth (swelling) of the nickel electrode on cycling.

Abstract: A sealed rechargeable nickel electrode containing electrochemical cell has a pasted negative electrode having paste layers adhered to a nonforaminous conductive substrate, which retards growth (swelling) of the nickel electrode on cycling.

Abstract: A cadmium electrode for use in rechargeable alkaline cells is disclosed featuring use of dispersed polyamide having specific properties. The polyamide serves as a binder as well as an anti-agglomerant to retard cadmium agglomeration during use of the electrode. The use of elemental silver additive dispersed throughout the electrode is also disclosed, as is the use of zirconium material as an elecrolyte wicking and anti-compressive agent. A process for making any of the foregoing electrodes is disclosed featuring the step of forming a paste by mixing together the polymeric resin, active cadmium material and a non-aqueous solvent, applying the paste to a conductive substrate and removing the solvent. Alternatively, known prefabricated cadmium electrodes, such as Teflon-bonded or sintered types, are post-treated through dipping or the like in a solution of the aforementioned polyamide.

Abstract: A support assembly, including an end plate, for use in metal gas cells. The support assembly inhibits a plate stack which is positioned within a pressure vessel from impinging the walls of the pressure vessel. The support assembly comprises a first and a second weld ring and a first and a second end plate, each of the end plates being attached to a different end of the plate stack. The first and second weld rings mate with the first and second end plates, respectively, and cooperate to support the plate stack. The end plate comprises two plates secured together. A raised portion on one of the plates forming the end plate has a radially extending embossment formed therein to increase the rigidity thereof. The pressure vessel is constructed of generally cylindrical container defining two circumferentially extending lips, each of which is secured to an end portion.

Abstract: A support assembly, including an end plate, for use in metal gas cells. The support assembly inhibits a plate stack which is positioned within a pressure vessel from impinging the walls of the pressure vessel. The support assembly comprises a first and a second weld ring and a first and a second end plate, each of the end plates being attached to a different end of the plate stack. The first and second weld rings mate with the first and second end plates, respectively, and cooperate to support the plate stack. The end plate comprises two plates secured together. A raised portion on one of the plates forming the end plate has a radially extending embossment formed therein to increase the rigidity thereof. The pressure vessel is constructed of generally cylindrical container defining two circumferentially extending lips, each of which is secured to an end portion.

Abstract: An improved rechargeable lead-hydrogen electrochemical cell is provided which comprises a cell stack secured to a retainer and disposed within a pressure vessel containing hydrogen gas. The stack includes a positive electrode comprising lead oxide, a pair of gas-porous negative electrodes containing a catalyst, a pair of separators and a pair of gas screens. The stack components are saturated with sulfuric acid electrolyte. Each of the negative electrodes has a separator disposed on one side thereof and a gas screen disposed on the opposite side thereof. The pressure vessel contains a gas inlet, and electrical leads connect to, respectively, the positive and negative electrodes and exit the pressure vessel. In the charged form, the cell reactants exist as lead oxide and hydrogen gas. When the cell is discharged, the lead oxide is reduced to lead sulfate and the hydrogen gas is oxidized at a catalytic surface to hydrogen ion.

Abstract: The improved method of the invention comprises electrochemically depositing nickel hydroxide into the pores of a clean sintered nickel plaque cathode from heated aqueous electrolyte at acid pH in a treating zone containing an anode, while minimizing corrosion of the plaque. The electrochemical deposition is continued only until a loading level of about 2 grams per cubic centimeter of void volume in the plaque is obtained. This is in order to avoid thickening, swelling and stressing of the plaque. The method is carried out without the need for a wetting agent in the electrolyte. The plaque should be sufficiently clean so as to be readily wetted throughout by the electrolyte. Such a clean condition can be produced by heating the plaque to at least about 700.degree. C. Plaque corrosion is minimized by polarizing the plaque cathode as by the use of a sacrificial cadmium cathode. Plaque corrosion can also be minimized by maintaining an electric current in the electrolyte whenever the plaque is present therein.

Abstract: The improved method of the invention comprises electrochemically depositing cadmium hydroxide into the pores of a sintered nickel plaque cathode from a heated electrolyte at acid pH and at controlled density in a treating zone containing an anode, at least periodically contacting the electrolyte during the electro chemical deposition with neutralizing agent selected from cadmium oxide and cadmium hydroxide to neutralize acid generated at the anode, and continuing the electrochemical deposition until an improved loading level of cadmium hydroxide within the cathode is obtained. The acid pH preferably is between 2 - 5 and the electrolyte preferably is in a concentration of 2 - 3 M and at an average temperature of about 85.degree. - 105.degree. C. Preferably, the current density is maintained at a level of less than one ampere per square inch in order to improve the loading level, which may be as high as about 2.6 grams of cadmium hydroxide per cubic centimeter of void volume in the cathode.