Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to an on-demand hydrogen gas generation device, suitable for use in a fuel cell, which utilizes water electrolysis, and more particularly galvanic cell corrosion, and/or a chemical hydride reaction, to produce hydrogen gas. The present disclosure additionally relates to such a device that comprises a switching mechanism that has an electrical current passing therethrough and that repeatedly and reversibly moves between a first position and a second position when exposed to pressure differential resulting from hydrogen gas generation, in order to (1) alter the rate at which hydrogen gas is generated, such that hydrogen gas is generated on an as-needed basis for a fuel cell connected thereto, and/or (2) ensure a substantially constant flow of hydrogen gas is released therefrom.

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: 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: An electrochemical cell is provided that includes a container, a cathode and anode disposed in the container, and a separator disposed between the anode and cathode. The cell further includes an extender either included in or separate from the cathode. An agent is further provided that interacts with soluble ionic species generated in the cathode to prevent the migration of the species to the anode.

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: 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 includes one or more windings of perforated fabric. A conformal separator coating is applied to the fabric and those portions of the cathode that are radially aligned with the apertures. The conformal separator may be formed from combinations of certain polymers and inorganic crosslinking agents.

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: A method and apparatus are disclosed for automatically detecting the presence of a secondary cell and additionally differentiating between various types of secondary cells within the charger. Certain secondary cells include a band of ink that surrounds the cells and has a predetermined resistance that is detectable via charger contacts to identify the charging capability. The cell is detected using a pair of contacts that engage the outer surface of the cell at a predetermined location. The charger applies a charge to the cell that varies based on the sensed cell type.

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: A plastic battery housing has a recessed compartment with a contoured support surface which supports two AA, AAA, or AAAA batteries in the same charging position as a single C or D battery. The support surface has two concave depressions suited to support AA batteries, one on either side of a larger diameter depression suited to support either a C or a D battery. A first contact is positioned to engage the positive terminal of the C or D battery, and a second contact is positioned to engage the positive terminals of the two AA batteries. Narrow diameter concave surfaces may be formed within the AA support surfaces for alternatively supporting AAA batteries which would also engage the second contact. A sliding contact element alternatively engages the negative terminal of a single C or D battery or the two negative terminals of AA or AAA batteries.

Abstract: The invention relates to mixtures of polyarylene sulphides, maleimides, glass fibres and if appropriate other additives. The mixtures are distinguished by good mechanical properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of polyarylene sulphides (PAS), preferably polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) for the preparation of a structural foam, a process for the production of this foam, and mouldings obtainable by this process.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of polyarylene sulphides (PAS), preferably polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) for the preparation of a structrual foam, a process for the production of this foam, and moldings obtainable by this process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of polydiorganosiloxane block copolycarbonates having special bridging members between the siloxane blocks and the carbonate blocks, and the polydiorganosiloxane block copolycarbonates which are obtainable by the process according to the invention and with which optionally further customary additives can be mixed.

Abstract: The invention relates to mixtures of poly(arylene sulphides), glass fibres and maleamidic acids, which are remarkable for good mechanical properties and an increased melt viscosity of the matrix resin.