Abstract: According to the present method, a paste-type electrode of lead-acid battery in which a space in the lower surface side of an electrode is favorably filled with a paste-like active material so that inner ribs of a current collector forming a grid shape does not remain exposed. The current collector is filled with a paste-like active material to obtain an electrode when the current collector passes below a filler including a hopper for containing the paste-like active material. An electrode surface is pressed during transfer of the electrode before the fed paste-like active material is hardened.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a current collector comprising embossing a sheet comprising lead thereby forming an embossed grid comprising rows of raised portions and lowered portions, and slots comprising edges of the raised portions and lowered portions; creating areas for tab creation by pressing or stamping areas of the embossed grid to a flattened state, thereby forming a sheet comprising embossed grid sections and flat sections; applying paste to the top and bottom of the embossed grid sections; and stamping current collectors out of the sheet such that at least one tab is created from a flat section.

Abstract: Provided is a riveting press, which includes a base, a body frame fixed on the base, a riveting and pressing cylinder mounted on the body frame, and a pressing mechanism disposed between the base and the body frame. The pressing mechanism includes a first supporting unit having at least one first receiving hole, a second supporting unit having at least one second receiving hole, an elastic member accommodated into the first receiving hole, and a riveting and pressing punch passing through the second receiving hole. The first supporting unit is connected to the riveting and pressing cylinder. The second supporting unit is removable mounted on the first supporting unit. One end of the riveting and pressing punch is blocked on the first supporting unit and is contact with one end of the elastic member, and the other end of the riveting and pressing punch points to the base.

Abstract: The undersigned inventor propounds through the instrumentality of application Ser. No. 13/066,063, a component of enthalpy expansion of secondary cells through the instrumentality of centerline compliant (orthographic projection, top view) and battery plate/grid uniform pitch standard compliant, pleated battery plates/grids, without deviation of said character, of generic essence, and plate/grid peak to trough alignment during assembly of the cell elements, without deviation, to facilitate and expedite the mass production of said secondary cells, for direct applications to pure electric automotive vehicles, and otherwise, as deemed appropriate by competent engineering.

Abstract: A grid for a battery plate is made by forming a metal sheet is formed into a grid-like shape. Rupture due to torsion or stress concentration does not occur in a basal portion of a wire which is drawn out from a node of the grid, thereby preventing corrosion due to electrolyte from advancing so as not to cause a crack of corrosion in an early stage. The invention provides also a battery using the grid for a battery plate, a method of producing the grid for a battery plate, and a battery using it.

Abstract: A grid for a battery plate is made by forming a metal sheet is formed into a grid-like shape. Rupture due to torsion or stress concentration does not occur in a basal portion of a wire which is drawn out from a node of the grid, thereby preventing corrosion due to electrolyte from advancing so as not to cause a crack of corrosion in an early stage. The invention provides also a battery using the grid for a battery plate, a method of producing the grid for a battery plate, and a battery using it.

Abstract: A method of forming battery grids or plates that includes the step of mechanically reshaping or refinishing battery grid wires to improve adhesion between the battery paste and the grid wires. The method is particularly useful in improving the past adhesion to battery grids formed by a continuous batter grid making process (such as strip expansion, strip stamping, continuous casting) that produces grid wires and nodes with smooth surfaces and rectangular cross-section. In a preferred version of the method, the grid wires of battery grids produced by a stamping process are deformed such that the grid wires have a cross-section other than the rectangular cross-section produced by the stamping process. The method increases the cycle life of a battery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar cell connecting apparatus, for example a solar cell connecting apparatus, for manufacturing solar cell strings from individual solar cells and electrically conductive strips, having a first module for joining solar cells and strips together; a second module which is connected to the first module for connection, for example, soldering of the strips to the solar cells; and a third module for transportation of the solar cells from the first module through the second module. The connecting apparatus is characterized in that the first module has an apparatus for placing a strip retaining element on to a solar cell with strips, in order to fix the strips on the solar cell, and the third module is adapted in order to also transport the retaining element together with the solar cell.

Abstract: A battery grid includes a grid network having a plurality of spaced apart grid wire elements. Each grid wire element has opposed ends joined to one of a plurality of nodes, each node includes a juncture of one of one of the opposed ends of the plurality of grid wire elements, to define a plurality of open spaces in the grid network. In various embodiments, at least one of the grid wire elements has a first transverse cross-section intermediate its opposed ends that is a different shape than a second transverse cross-section at at least one of the grid wire element's opposed ends. In various embodiments, the battery grid also includes a lead alloy coating on substantially all of the grid wire elements, wherein the lead alloy coating is exposed to an inert gas during the coating of the grid wire elements.

Abstract: An electrode manufacturing apparatus comprises a conveying section for conveying a current collector sheet having a plurality of through holes; a backup roll for guiding the conveyed current collector sheet; an applicator for supplying a coating liquid to the current collector sheet on the backup roll; and a nip roll for pressing a part of the current collector sheet where the coating liquid is not supplied yet from the applicator against the backup roll.

Abstract: Active materials of the invention contain at least one alkali metal and at least one other metal capable of being oxidized to a higher oxidation state. Preferred other metals are accordingly selected from the group consisting of transition metals (defined as Groups 4-11 of the periodic table), as well as certain other non-transition metals such as tin, bismuth, and lead. The active materials may be synthesized in single step reactions or in multi-step reactions. In at least one of the steps of the synthesis reaction, reducing carbon is used as a starting material. In one aspect, the reducing carbon is provided by elemental carbon, preferably in particulate form such as graphites, amorphous carbon, carbon blacks and the like. In another aspect, reducing carbon may also be provided by an organic precursor material, or by a mixture of elemental carbon and organic precursor material.

Abstract: A method of forming battery grids or plates that includes the step of mechanically reshaping or refinishing battery grid wires to improve adhesion between the battery paste and the grid wires. The method is particularly useful in improving the past adhesion to battery grids formed by a continuous batter grid making process (such as strip expansion, strip stamping, continuous casting) that produces grid wires and nodes with smooth surfaces and rectangular cross-section. In a preferred version of the method, the grid wires of battery grids produced by a stamping process are deformed such that the grid wires have a cross-section other than the rectangular cross-section produced by the stamping process. The method increases the cycle life of a battery.

Abstract: A battery electrode with a pasting textile, fabric, or scrim made with an electrode grid (e.g., a stamped grid or expanded metal grid) coated in battery electrode and covered with pasting textile formed of a bonded, non-woven fiber web. The web is formed from one or more fibers with an average length greater than 20 ?m. In various embodiments, the web is formed from one or more spun, continuous fibers. The battery electrode may be made in a continuous process where multiple grids are formed in a single sheet, coated with electrode active material, and the scrim before being cut into individual electrodes.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrode plate for a battery comprises the steps of intermittently transferring a strip-shaped electrode plate material (1) in a longitudinal direction at intervals of a predetermined length and stopping it in a fixed position; and while pressing a cut portion of the electrode plate material (1) from above and below and compression-molding between a top stripper (12) and a top cut die (11) which slide on each other and a bottom stripper (14) and a bottom cut die (13) which slide on each other, cutting the compressed portion with sliding blades (11a and 13a) of the top and bottom cut dies (11 and 13), respectively, on each other. According to this method, the electrode plate material is cut while restraining the generation of a large burr which causes a short circuit between the electrode plates without reducing productivity and increasing costs to obtain the electrode plate for the battery.

Abstract: An electrode mixture paste (5) is applied on both sides of a strip of core material (1) made of porous metal sheet that is running along its lengthwise direction. The paste-coated core material (1) is pressed with press rollers (15a, 15b) alternately from opposite sides once or more, after which the paste-coated core material (1) is passed through the gap between a pair of scraper tools (16a, 16b) to adjust the coating thickness of the paste (5), while the position of the core material (1) is restricted with comb-shaped projections (17a or 17a, 17b), so that, even though the projections (17a, 17b) are distanced from each other sufficiently to allow weld points of the core material (1) to pass through, the coating thickness is precisely regulated.

Abstract: A lightweight, durable lead-acid battery is disclosed. Alternative electrode materials and configurations are used to reduce weight, to increase material utilization and to extend service life. The electrode can include a current collector having a buffer layer in contact with the current collector and an electrochemically active material in contact with the buffer layer. In one form, the buffer layer includes a carbide, and the current collector includes carbon fibers having the buffer layer. The buffer layer can include a carbide and/or a noble metal selected from of gold, silver, tantalum, platinum, palladium and rhodium. When the electrode is to be used in a lead-acid battery, the electrochemically active material is selected from metallic lead (for a negative electrode) or lead peroxide (for a positive electrode).

Abstract: A multiply-conductive matrix (MCM) for a current collector/electrode and a method of making the MCM are disclosed. The MCM includes a frame, preferably including a lug, the frame preferably made from a reticulated polymer foam substrate, and a body preferably made from the same substrate. The specific surface area of the frame is greater than the specific surface area of the body, resulting in greater rigidity and strength of the frame when the body and frame are joined to form an assembled matrix. Electrically conductive material is applied to the matrix to form the current collector. Optionally, a bonding material is also applied. Electro-active paste is applied to current if collector. The resulting MCM-based electrodes are ultra light and may be used as anode or cathodes in a lead-based battery, lithium ion battery, and nickel metal hydride battery for improved performance.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing a composite structure of metal or other material and injection moulded synthetic plastics is disclosed. The apparatus comprises three components (12, 14, 16) which can be moved between an open position in which they are spaced apart and a closed position in which they are forced into contact. The centre component (14) has openings (30) in it and the outer component (16) has protrusions (36) which enter the openings (30) in the component (12) and punch a strip (40) which is between the two components. The punched out element is forced through the centre component (14) into a moulding cavity defined by the components (12, 14) and the front faces of the protrusions (36). A plastics material injection point (18) is provided in the component (12).

Abstract: A lead acid electric storage battery uses conventional lead-acid secondary battery chemistry. The battery may be a sealed battery, an unsealed battery or a conventional multi-cellbattery. It has 12 to 25 cells in a single case. The case is less than 12 inches long and may be less than 6 inches long. The battery has a set of positive battery grids (plates) which are constructed with a core of thin titanium expanded metal having a thickness preferably, for start batteries etc. in the range 0.1 mm to 0.7 mm and most preferably 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm. The grid cores are of a titanium alloy containing a platinum group metal. The cores are coated with hot melt dip lead and are not lead electroplated. The grid cores expand and contract, with temperature changes, much less than conventional lead grids.

Abstract: A round cell battery comprising a stack of substantially cylindrically-shaped electrically conductive grid plates and two or more bus bars. One or more of the bus bars is electrically connected to outer rims of a set of alternating ones of the grid plates in the stack and to a positive voltage post of the battery. A different one or more of the bus bars is electrically connected to outer rims of a different set of alternate ones of the grid plates in the stack and to a negative voltage post of the battery.

Abstract: A storage battery is provided in which an expand grid is improved with respect to the widths of grid wires 1b, the sectional areas of nodes 1e, and the shapes of meshes 1c, whereby the productivity of the expand grid can be enhanced and the life performance can be improved. As means for attaining the object, a storage battery in which an expand grid is used as a battery plate, the expand grid being a grid member which is formed by expanding a side portion of a collector frame portion 1a of a metal sheet 1 to connect a large number of grid wires 1b to one another in a net-like shape, is configured so that widths of grid wires 1b of a row which is directly connected to the collector frame portion 1a of the expand grid, and a lateral end row are larger than widths of grid wires 1b of at least one of intermediate rows.

Abstract: A sintered substrate is configured such that pores having a pore size (pore radius) of from 5 ?m to 7 ?m have a peak volume fraction with respect to the total pore volume of the sintered substrate, and pores having a pore radius of greater than 8.5 ?m has a volume fraction of 11% or less with respect to the total pore volume of the sintered substrate. The sintered substrate has a smaller number of large-sized pores than conventional sintered substrates and a more uniform pore size distribution, and therefore shows a sufficient strength even when the porosity is increased. In addition, a cadmium negative electrode employing the sintered substrate shows excellent gas absorption capability and therefore can reduce the internal pressure of the battery during charge.

Abstract: The method of producing a grid for a battery electrode plate is characteristic in that in producing a grid formed from a sheet by means of a rotary expander equipped with the disk cutter cluster with disk edge disk cutters, there is a notch that penetrates the outer periphery of the said edge disk cutter in the thickness direction of the said edge disk cutter.

Abstract: A method for producing at least one lead battery electrode, comprising the step of disposing an active paste on a support in such a manner as to form said electrode, and locating said electrode in a controlled atmosphere environment to expose said electrode to a gas enriched in ozone, characterised in that said electrode is exposed to an ozone-enriched gas of flow rate less than 100 liters per hour for each square meter of surface of said electrode.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a current collector comprising embossing a sheet comprising lead thereby forming an embossed grid comprising rows of raised portions and lowered portions, and slots comprising edges of the raised portions and lowered portions; creating areas for tab creation by pressing or stamping areas of the embossed grid to a flattened state, thereby forming a sheet comprising embossed grid sections and flat sections; applying paste to the top and bottom of the embossed grid sections; and stamping current collectors out of the sheet such that at least one tab is created from a flat section.

Abstract: A grid for a battery plate is made by forming a metal sheet is formed into a grid-like shape. Rupture due to torsion or stress concentration does not occur in a basal portion of a wire which is drawn out from a node of the grid, thereby preventing corrosion due to electrolyte from advancing so as not to cause a crack of corrosion in an early stage. The invention provides also a battery using the grid for a battery plate, a method of producing the grid for a battery plate, and a battery using it.

Abstract: A method of forming battery grids or plates that includes the step of mechanically reshaping or refinishing battery grid wires to improve adhesion between the battery paste and the grid wires. The method is particularly useful in improving the paste adhesion to battery grids formed by a continuous battery grid making process (such as strip expansion, strip stamping, continuous casting) that produces grid wires and nodes with smooth surfaces and a rectangular cross-section. In a preferred version of the method, the grid wires of battery grids produced by a stamping process are deformed such that the grid wires have a cross-section other than the rectangular cross-section produced by the stamping process. The method increases the cycle life of a battery.

Abstract: A method of making a plurality of battery plates includes forming a strip including a plurality of battery grids. Each battery grid includes a grid network bordered by a frame element and includes a plurality of spaced apart grid wire elements. Each grid wire element has opposed ends joined to one of a plurality of nodes to define a plurality of open spaces in the grid network. The method also includes deforming at least a portion of a plurality of the grid wire elements such that the deformed grid wire elements have a first transverse cross-section at a point intermediate their opposed ends that differs from a second transverse cross-section taken at least one of their opposed ends. The method also includes applying a lead alloy coating to the strip, applying battery paste to the strip, and cutting the strip to form a plurality of battery plates.

Abstract: A method of producing a grid for a lead-acid battery in accordance with the present invention includes the step of placing lead alloy foil on a base material sheet of a lead-calcium alloy and attaching the lead alloy foil under pressure to the base material sheet. The thickness t of the lead alloy foil, the thickness a of the base material sheet before the attaching, and the thickness b of the composite sheet after the attaching satisfy the relational expression 1.3?(a+t)/b. The length L of the contact part of rollers with the base material sheet and the lead alloy foil is 10 mm or more. This makes it possible to secure good adhesion of the lead alloy foil to the base material sheet. Also, when this composite sheet is subjected to an expanding process and used as a positive electrode grid, it is possible to provide a lead-acid battery having excellent cycle life characteristics.

Abstract: Controlled corrosion processes in the production of lead acid batteries, wherein the processes utilize one atmospheric glow discharge plasma (OAGDP) to generate etched and chemically altered grids to increase the development of electrically conductive lead dioxide. The process involves placing pasted or unpasted lead or lead alloy grids in a chamber having two plasma-generating electrodes therein. A feed stream is directed into the chamber and passes between the electrodes to develop a plasma at atmospheric pressure. In the plasma, the components of the feed stream break down into atomic and reactive species to create a reactive environment.

Abstract: Alkaline batteries are provided, including an anode, a cathode, and a separator disposed between the anode and cathode. The cathode porosity is selected to optimize performance characteristics of the battery. In one aspect, an alkaline cell is provided that includes (a) an anode, (b) a cathode, comprising a cathode active material, wherein the cathode has a porosity of from about 25% to about 30%, and (c) a separator disposed between the cathode and the anode.

Abstract: A method of making a grid for a battery plate of a lead-acid battery. A substantially planar web is manufactured to include a plurality of spaced apart and interconnected wire segments, which at least partially define substantially planar surfaces, have a plurality of transverse lands, and interconnect at a plurality of nodes to define a plurality of open spaces between the wire segments. The web is reformed to change the cross-sectional shape of the wire segments. Other aspects may include simultaneously reducing the thickness of at least a portion of the web while reshaping the wire segments, and/or providing controlled surface roughness on at least one of the surfaces of the web to increase surface area of the grid and thereby promote adhesion of an electrochemically active material to the grid.

Abstract: An electrode in sheet form includes a current collector and an electrode mixture layer carried on each side thereof. The electrode is bent in the longitudinal direction thereof, to cause a large number of cracks in at least the electrode mixture layer to be positioned on the inner side of the current collector when wound, such that the cracks extend from the surface of the electrode mixture layer to the current collector in the direction intersecting with the longitudinal direction of the electrode. This bending process includes the steps of: bending the electrode at a curvature that is smaller than that of the winding core at least once; and thereafter bending the electrode at a curvature that is equal to or larger than that of the winding core. For example, this process is performed by arranging rollers such that their diameters decrease gradually and pressing the electrode against these rollers. This invention provides an electrode that does not break when wound to form an electrode assembly.

Abstract: An electrode core material has a substrate and at least one porous material layer diffusion-bonded to the substrate. The substrate is made of a metal foil processed into a three-dimensional structure which is substantially deformed from a major plane of the metal foil, preferably having bulge portions which protrude from at least one side of the metal foil, the bulge portions preferably having a curved, strip-shaped form between laterally spaced slits in the metal foil. The porous material layer is made of metal fine particles diffusion-bonded to each other, and the porous material layer has a three-dimensional structure which is substantially uniform in thickness and porosity. Methods are provided for producing the electrode core material by diffusion bonding the porous material layer to the substrate either before or after deforming the metal foil. The electrode core material may be used for the positive and/or negative electrode of an alkaline storage battery.

Abstract: An alkaline battery comprises an electrode. The electrode has a current collector and an active substance filled in the current collector. The current collector includes a nonwoven fabric fabricated from a plurality of fibers and a nickel-plating film formed on the plurality of fibers. A specific surface area per unit volume of the current collector is 0.13 m2/cm3-0.35 m2/cm3.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a lead or a lead alloy plate lattice for a lead-acid battery, featured in that a melt of lead or a lead alloy is continuously extruded under temperatures lower by 10 to 100° C. than the melting point of the lead or the lead alloy, followed by subjecting the extrudate to cold rolling under temperatures lower by 50 to 230° C. than the melting point of the lead or the lead alloy with the total draft rate set at 10 to 90% and subsequently cooling and processing the cold rolled extrudate so as to manufacture a plate lattice.

Abstract: A collector 12 which serves as a gas diffusion layer for a fuel cell; i.e., a metal lath MR, is formed by a method consisting of a first step and a second step. In the first step, while an upper blade UH is positioned at a first machining position along the width direction of a stainless steel sheet S, generally hexagonal through holes are formed in the stainless steel sheet S at two positions which are biased from each other by a machining pitch. In the second step, while the upper blade UH is positioned at a second machining position along the width direction of the stainless steel sheet S, generally hexagonal through holes are formed in the stainless steel sheet S at two positions which are biased from each other by the machining pitch. The first step and the second step are alternated repeatedly, thereby forming the metal lath MR having a uniform shape and a predetermined thickness.

Abstract: A process for recovering lead oxides from the spent paste of exhausted lead acid batteries. The process provides heating the spent paste with an alkali hydroxide solution at elevated temperatures prior to calcinations. Calcination is at various temperatures so that either lead mono-oxide, lead dioxide or red lead is obtained as the principal product. There is also provided the use of the lead oxide to prepare the paste for positive and negative electrodes or other lead compounds.

Abstract: A method where two disk cutter rolls are used to form slits in a staggered pattern in a metal sheet; disk cutters are part of the disk cutter rolls; ridges are arranged in a peripheral edge of the disk cutters; and valleys are arranged between the ridges, where an axis-to-axis distance L (mm) of the rolls satisfies a relationship of 2r?0.3?L<2r when a radius of a reference circumferential face made with the valleys is r (mm). The method can include a carrying procedure for passing the sheet between the rolls, then carrying the sheet along a peripheral face of one of the rolls, and then pulling out the sheet from the peripheral face.

Abstract: A method of making a plurality of battery plates includes forming a strip including a plurality of battery grids. Each battery grid includes a grid network bordered by a frame element and includes a plurality of spaced apart grid wire elements. Each grid wire element has opposed ends joined to one of a plurality of nodes to define a plurality of open spaces in the grid network. The method also includes deforming at least a portion of a plurality of the grid wire elements such that the deformed grid wire elements have a first transverse cross-section at a point intermediate their opposed ends that differs from a second transverse cross-section taken at least one of their opposed ends. The method also includes applying a lead alloy coating to the strip, applying battery paste to the strip, and cutting the strip to form a plurality of battery plates.

Abstract: Described is an additive for producing the positive active material for lead-acid storage batteries on the basis of finely divided tetrabasic lead sulfate. The additive contains a tetrabasic lead sulfate of an average particle size smaller than about 3 ?m as well as finely divided silicic acid for preventing an agglomeration of the particles of the tetrabasic lead sulfate. During maturation, this additive ensures the formation of the structure of a tetrabasic lead sulfate crystal with a very narrow bandwidth of crystal sizes and a very homogeneous distribution. In a subsequent electrochemical formation to lead oxide, this leads to particularly efficient lead-acid storage batteries. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of making the additive according to the invention as well as its advantageous use in the positive material for the maturation and drying of singled and not singled plates in the production of lead-acid storage batteries.

Abstract: A method includes the step of providing a sheet of lithium and a sheet of substrate material. The method further includes the step of pressing the sheet of lithium and the sheet of substrate material together in a die, the die having at least one surface that includes a plurality of force concentrating features configured to create regions of relatively higher pressure and regions of relatively lower pressure in at least one of the sheet of lithium and the sheet of substrate material. In another embodiment, a method includes the steps of providing a sheet of lithium material and a substrate material, and applying force to the sheet of lithium and the sheet of substrate material to form a plurality of protrusions on at least one of the sheet of lithium and the sheet of substrate material. The method includes the further step of pressing at least a portion of the sheet of lithium to the substrate material with sufficient force to at least partially deform the protrusions.

Abstract: A method of making a plurality of battery plates includes forming a strip including a plurality of battery grids. Each battery grid includes a grid network bordered by a frame element and includes a plurality of spaced apart grid wire elements. Each grid wire element has opposed ends joined to one of a plurality of nodes to define a plurality of open spaces in the grid network. The method also includes deforming at least a portion of a plurality of the grid wire elements such that the deformed grid wire elements have a first transverse cross-section at a point intermediate their opposed ends that differs from a second transverse cross-section taken at at least one of their opposed ends. The method also includes applying a lead alloy coating to the strip, applying battery paste to the strip, and cutting the strip to form a plurality of battery plates.

Abstract: The invention can provide a membrane electrode assembly having a high degree of freedom in disposing electrodes, few assembly steps, and a small number of components, and reliably reducing leakage of hydrogen in a plane-configuration fuel cell. The invention can further provide a method of manufacturing the membrane electrode assembly and the fuel cell using the membrane electrode assembly. This is made possible by forming a structure in which, by deforming the membrane electrode assembly having the electrodes formed on both surfaces thereof, the electrodes on both surfaces are electrically connected to each other in series.

Abstract: A plate core material is manufactured by a method including the processes of soaking a core material (11) that is made of nickel or nickel-plated steel and includes copper as an impurity in an aqueous solution (12) containing ammonium ions and hydrogen peroxide, so that the copper is dissolved in the aqueous solution (12), and removing the aqueous solution (12) from the surface of the core material (11). Further, an alkaline storage battery is manufactured by a method including this manufacturing method. According to the manufacturing method of the present invention, an alkaline storage battery having higher reliability than that of a conventional alkaline storage battery can be obtained.

Abstract: Even when a cell electrode plate with broader width is press formed to enhance bulk density of electrode active material, it is made possible to positively and reliably provide a high-quality cell electrode plate with good productivity. From upstream to downstream in a travel direction D of a cell electrode plate 10 comprising a core member with electrode active material applied thereon, an uncoiler 1, a tension applicator 3, a four-high mill type roll press device 4, a thickness detector 5, a tension applicator 6 and a coiler 9 are arranged in the order named.

Abstract: A method of enhancing catalyst reactivity includes (1) depositing a conductive oxide on a suitable substrate, (2) depositing a thin film of catalyst on top of the conductive oxide to form a sandwich structure, and (3) annealing the structure at a, suitable temperature so that the thin film of catalyst forms nano structure hillocks that enhance the catalyst reactivity. An improved fuel cell may use an anode or cathode, or both, formed according to the above method. Such an anode or cathode will include a catalyst nano hillock structure formed on top of a conductive material layer.

Abstract: A plate core material is manufactured by a method including the processes of soaking a core material (11) that is made of nickel or nickel-plated steel and includes copper as an impurity in an aqueous solution (12) containing ammonium ions and hydrogen peroxide, so that the copper is dissolved in the aqueous solution (12), and removing the aqueous solution (12) from the surface of the core material (11). Further, an alkaline storage battery is manufactured by a method including this manufacturing method. According to the manufacturing method of the present invention, an alkaline storage battery having higher reliability than that of a conventional alkaline storage battery can be obtained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuous, high-speed production of strip having an array of high-tolerance closely-spaced holes forming a continuous grid structure having wires bent out of the plane of the grid. The strip can be produced by continuous casting, extruding or by rolling reduction methods and the holes can be formed such as by linear punching and rotary punching.

Abstract: Rechargeable battery cell operable at normal temperature, with an SO.sub.2 based electrolyte system, a negative electrode and a positive electrode, wherein one of the electrodes has an electronically conductive discharge element. An improved cycle stability and consequently a longer useful lifetime is achieved in that, as a reaction protection material to protect the discharge element against unwanted reactions with constituents of the SO.sub.2 based electrolyte system, at least a surface layer of the electronically conductive discharge element contains an alloy of chrome with another metal and/or a protective metal, selected from rhodium, tungsten, rhenium, tantalum, platinum, iridium, osmium or technetium in pure form, as an alloy or as a constituent of a compound and/or a carbide, nitride or phosphide of titanium, nickel, cobalt, molybdenum, iron, vanadium, zirconium or manganese.