Abstract: Temperature compensation methods and equipment for charging electric storage batteries are described. Control over battery charging includes measurement of battery temperature at the commencement of a charging event, and use of inflection analysis of a charger voltage-time curve to detect the attainment of a distinctive signal point in the event. To compensate for the variations with initial battery temperature on the relation of the signal point to a different battery condition of interest, control of a charging event includes use of the measured battery temperature to obtain from a controller memory information about the applicable values of process parameters pertinent to those temperature-variable process factors. The temperature of a battery charger which includes such controls preferably is used as a workable approximation to battery temperature, so that batteries of conventional construction can benefit from use of the disclosed methods and equipment.

Abstract: A method for charging a lead acid storage battery to advantageously extend its life is described. The termination of a charging process is based upon an evaluation of the first derivative (dv/dt) and second derivative (d2v/dt2) of the applied charging voltage. By utilizing the first derivative (dv/dt) and second derivative (d2v/dt2) as charging criteria, an amount of overcharge is applied to the battery that takes into account the precise amount of amp-hours previously removed from the battery. A charger arrangement for performing a charging process of the invention also is described.

Abstract: A liquid filling device for watering batteries comprises a body having first and second water ports that extend through the body and connect within it to first and second water passages that are independent of one another. A trap is disposed the device at a position below the first and second water passages. A bell chamber is disposed at an outlet of the trap and includes an open end. Water passes through the device via a one of the first or second water passages, through the trap, through the bell chamber and into a battery cell. The device traps a volume of air therein and pressurizes the trapped air, as the electrolyte level in the cell rises to a determined level, to an amount at least equal to the head pressure of water in the device, thereby terminating further water flow into the cell. The device includes a gas vent for releasing gas pressure from the cell to the atmosphere or to collection for further treatment.

Abstract: In operating a battery powered vehicle, a battery charger is located at a stationary location but the battery charger control circuit is mounted on the vehicle and powered from the DC battery of the vehicle. During a charging operation, a microprocessor within the battery charger control circuit detects that a charging operation is taking place and locks the vehicle in position and when the battery charger is disconnected, the battery charger is de-energized prior to disconnecting the electrical contact between it and the vehicle to avoid arcing. The microprocessor and its memory within the battery charger control circuit records information about the energy state of the battery and controls the battery both by measuring input and output power to the battery and by measuring the rate of change of charging current. It also controls operations such as trouble lights within the vehicle and may control a speed control circuit within the vehicle as well.

Abstract: A battery electrode (12) for use in an electrolytic bipolar battery (10) comprises a structurally rigid and electrically conductive core member (18), at least one corrosion resistant layer (20), an interface layer (22), a positive-side active layer (14) and a negative-side active layer (26). The corrosion resitant layer (20) is in intimate contact with and is interposed between one surface of the core member (18) and the interface layer (22). The corrosion resistant layer is comprised of a material which can participate in a corrosive electrochemical reaction with the material of the positive active layer, but does so less effectively than does the interface layer. The interface layer (22) is in intimate contact with and is interposed between the corrosion resistant layer (20) and the positive-side active layer (14). The negative-side active material (26) is in intimate contact with the surface of the core member opposite the core member surface carrying the corrosion resistant layer.

Abstract: A liquid electrolyte battery (10) comprises a number of electrolytic cells (12), an inlet port (22) extending into a first electrolytic cell (12-1), an electrolyte transport channel (30) residing within each electrolytic cell, a number of carry-over passages (40) hydraulically connecting adjacent electrolytic cells, an outlet port (50) extending from a last electrolytic cell (12-4), and a pump (58) for introducing an electrolyte solution or air into the electrolytic cells. The battery electrolyte is replenished by introducing an electrolyte solution (14) into the first electrolytic cell, causing the electrolyte level to rise and be hydraulically transported through the carry-over passages to fill each electrolytic cell. The electrolyte exiting the last electrolytic cell is collected and reintroduced back into the first electrolytic cell and circulated throughout the battery.

Abstract: A liquid-impregnated flexible sheet includes high capillarity pores for retaining the impregnated fluid. The fluid may be an oil having a boiling point and vapor pressure sufficient to promote vaporization of the oil at room temperature. The vaporizable oil can function as a corrosion inhibitor making the sheet useful for wrapping metallic articles. A surfactant may also be added to the sheet to enhance corrosion inhibition. The sheet comprises a homogenous mixture of a polyolefin-based component and an inert filler. The sheet may be used alone or as one component of a composite that includes materials that have other desirable properties. The composite may be assembled into a container, such as a gun case.

Abstract: The separator (20) comprises a mat of glass micro-fibers and a binder. The binder is an aqueous mixture of colloidal silica particles and a sulfate salt. The mat is impregnated with the binder, compressed, and dried into a rigid state that makes the separator easy to handle. The binder is formulated to release the mat from the compressed state contacted by the sulfuric acid electrolyte between the electrode plates (24, 26) of the battery. The mat expands against the electrode plates to provide the separator-to-electrode contact that is necessary for proper battery performance. The silica particles of the binder then facilitate oxygen transport between the battery electrodes (24, 26).

Abstract: In a device for providing stand-by power to an electrical apparatus, such as a telephone switching system, the battery contained therein is maintained at a positive plate polarization of about 20 to 40 millivolts per cell.

Abstract: A lead-acid battery includes a case having an apertured cover with the aperture being for passage of a terminal post therethrough for electrically connecting electrodes within the battery case to apparatus outside the battery, with the terminal post extending through the aperture. A rubber layer, devoid of rubber fillers and plasticizers, circumferentially surrounds the post at the aperture. A rubber-bonding epoxy polymer is between the rubber layer and the aperture through the case.

Abstract: A lead-acid battery includes a case having an apertured cover with the aperture being for passage of a terminal post therethrough for electrically connecting electrodes within the battery case to apparatus outside the battery, with the terminal post extending through the aperture. A rubber layer, devoid of rubber fillers and plasticizers, circumferentially surrounds the post at the aperture. A rubber-bonding epoxy polymer is between the rubber layer and the aperture through the case.

Abstract: A watering device (10) for maintaining a predetermined electrolyte level in the cells of a battery. The device includes a plug body (72) consisting of a cover (12), a valve housing (14) and a float guide (16). A valve (22) is disposed within the body (72) to modulate the quantity of water entering each cell. A float (18) movably communicates with the valve (22). A visual indicator (28) indicates the status of the device (10).