Abstract: The present invention relates to a copper-manganese mixed oxide cathode material, which is suitable for use in a cathode of an electrochemical cell, and which has the formula MnxCuyOz,.nH2O, wherein the oxidation state of Cu is between about +1 and about +3, the oxidation state of Mn is between about +2 and about +7, x is equal to about 3?y, y is less than about 3, z is calculated or experimentally determined, using means known in the art, based on the values of x and y, as well as the oxidation states of Mn and Cu, and nH2O represents the surface and structural water present in the mixed oxide material. The present invention further relates to an electrochemical cell comprising an anode, a cathode, and a separator disposed between the anode and cathode, and an electrolyte in fluid communication with the anode, the cathode and the separator, wherein the cathode comprises the noted cathode material.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a device for dispensing a volatile active material that may be direct current (DC) (batteries, fuel cells, solar cells, and the like) powered or chemically powered. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a battery operated insect repellant device that is easily portable and is capable of providing a sufficient vaporous stream of a volatile insecticide and/or other active agent, to protect a user. The battery operated insect repellant device is configured to operate at high efficiency such that a high percentage of battery energy input into the device is converted to heat used to volatilize the insecticide or other active agent.

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: The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell comprising an anode, a cathode, and a separator disposed between the anode and cathode. More particularly, the present invention relates to an electrochemical cell comprising, among other things, a separator impregnated with, and/or coated with a layer of, a clay and/or a metal sulfide additive. The present invention additionally or alternatively relates to an electrochemical cell which comprises, among other things, a self-supporting or free-standing thin film separator. The present invention additionally or alternatively relates to an electrochemical cell which comprises, among other things, a separator, wherein at least a portion thereof is covered by an adhesive material that is bonded to the container or a sealing assembly of the cell.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide a high capacity electrochemical cell having an anode, a cathode, and a separator disposed between the anode and cathode. The cathode includes a mixture having a first component, a second component and a third component. The first component includes a first element, the second component includes a second element, and the third component includes the first element and the second element. The mixture can, for instance, be a mixed metal oxide. The separator is configured to provide suitable ionic transport between the anode and the cathode.

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 rechargeable electrochemical cell charger is provided for charging electrochemical cells at high current rates. The charger provides a sufficient force between the charge contacts and the cell terminals to remove nonconductive contaminants when the cell is inserted into the charger, thereby increasing the conductivity at the point of contact. The charger can include an air moving system for the dissipation of heat from the electrochemical cell during charging, and a heat sensor to determine the cell temperature during charging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high capacity electrochemical cell including a cathode that can contain an oxide of copper as an active material, an anode, an electrolyte, and a separator disposed between the anode and the cathode. The oxide can have surface area greater than 0.5 m2/g, and the cathode can include an additive that increases the discharge voltage of the cell. In some cases the additive has a lower voltage than the oxide alone. The additive can have a surface area within the range defined by a lower limit of 0.5 m2/g and an upper limit of 100 m2/g. The anode can include a quantity of mercury below 0.025%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high capacity electrochemical cell including an anode, a cathode, and a separator disposed between the anode and cathode. The anode is configured to operate in combination with a quantity of an oxide of copper in the cathode. The cell is capable of operating at a discharge voltage greater than 1.05 volts for at least an initial 5 % of a cell discharge period at a current density of at least 5 mA/g, and can include a cathode active material that includes an oxide of copper.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high capacity electrochemical cell having a cathode containing an oxide of copper as an active material, as well as an anode, an electrolyte, and separators for use with the cathodes of the invention in an alkaline electrochemical cell.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided having a cathode can that fits over an anode can to define an anode cavity for retaining active anode material. A cathode assembly is disposed proximal the base of the anode can, and is separated from the anode cavity via a separator. A radial seal is provided at the remote region between the outer periphery of the anode side wall and cathode side wall to prevent the leakage of electrolyte material. An insulator is disposed between the anode and cathode to provide electrical insulation therebetween.

Abstract: A rechargeable electrochemical cell charging system is provided having a thermistor that engages the negative cell terminal at a location remote from the negative charge contact. The thermistor outputs temperature data to a controller in the charger that determines the rate of cell temperature increase. When the increase reaches a predetermined predetermined rate, the charge to the cell is discontinued. The cell can also include an air moving system that circulates cool ambient air through battery compartment to cool the batteries being charged.

Abstract: The invention relates to mixtures of polyarylene sulfides, glass fibers and silanes containing nitro groups which are distinguished by good mechanical properties (for example relatively high flexural strength or outer fiber strain).