Abstract: Particularly, there is provided a liquid detection sensor in which a liquid contact area is formed integrally with a separator, and that improves detection accuracy with a small number of parts. A liquid detection sensor (1) according to the present invention includes a metal-air battery (2) formed by laminating a negative electrode sheet (3), a positive electrode sheet (5) and a separator (4) interposed between the negative electrode sheet (3) and the positive electrode sheet (5), and the separator (4) is formed wider than an area in which the positive electrode sheet (5) and the negative electrode sheet (3) overlap with the separator (4) interposed therebetween, and includes a liquid contact area (4?) exposed from at least one of the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet.

Abstract: A housing for a button cell battery includes a top, a can and a grommet. The skirt of the can extends between a top panel and a free end, and includes a substantially vertical first section and an outwardly tapered second section. The first section extends from the top panel of the can. The second section extends from the first section. Upon assembly of the housing, a flow path is defined between an outer surface of the skirt of the grommet and the inner surface of the skirt of the can. The flow path allows air to escape during the assembly, thus minimizing the risk of gas being entrapped within the interior of the housing of the finished cell battery.

Abstract: An alkaline dry battery includes a battery case, a hollow cylindrical positive electrode accommodated in the battery case, a negative electrode disposed in the hollow portion of the positive electrode, a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and an electrolytic solution contained in the positive electrode, the negative electrode and the separator. The alkaline dry battery further includes a layer principally including a compound containing a polyoxyethylene group between the positive electrode and the inner surface of the battery case.

Abstract: Fasteners and fastener systems that can act as air vents for enclosures are described. The fasteners can be configured to secure a component to a wall of an enclosure, while at the same time providing a passageway for air to pass between an internal cavity of the enclosure and an outer environment. The venting feature of the fastener can serve to equalize pressures between the internal cavity and outer environment so as to prevent pressure build up or condensation within the internal cavity. The dual functionality of the fasteners is suitable for use in portable electronic devices where compactness and space saving measures can be of importance.

Abstract: A battery-accommodating waterproof container includes a housing, a transmission base, a battery-holding seat and a locking cover module. The housing has a first opening, a second opening and a plurality of wedging holes. The transmission base is fixed on the first opening, and has a bottom board, an electricity transferring seat and a bottom-sealing element disposed between the bottom board and the housing. The battery-holding seat is received in the housing for receiving a battery therein. The electricity transferring seat transfers electricity of the battery outside the transmission base. The locking cover module is disposed on the second opening of the housing, and has a covering lid, a plurality of locking tabs and a pushing unit. The pushing unit drives the locking tabs to respectively wedge in the wedging holes of the housing, so as to retain the battery-holding seat in the housing.

Abstract: A method of reversibly connecting two substrates includes positioning an electrically conductive adhesive connector including a shape memory polymer (SMP) between the substrates, heating the connector to a temperature higher than the SMP transition temperature, applying a load and cooling the connector below the transition temperature to transform the connector to a conforming shape to form an adhesive bond attaching the substrates and providing an electrical connection therebetween. The method may include disconnecting the connector from the substrates by heating the connector above the SMP transition temperature, which may disrupt the electrical connection between the substrates. The connector may be a battery tab connector configured to connect a battery cell to another battery cell or a terminal. The connector may be releasable from the battery tab such that the battery tab is reusable after removal of the connector. The connector may be multi-layer and generally arcuate in a permanent shape.

Abstract: Disclosed is a current collector prepared by coating a primer on a metallic base and a magnesium secondary battery including the same. The primer includes a conductive material and a polymer material and enhances adhesive strength between a cathode current collector and an active material, thereby maintaining stability in an operating voltage range of the battery without increasing internal resistance.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell of improved anti-leak property is provided. A silver oxide battery includes: a positive electrode canister having a form of a cylinder with a bottom portion; a negative electrode canister having a form of a cylinder with a lid portion and being contained in the positive electrode canister; and an electrolytic solution contained within a space formed by the positive electrode canister and the negative electrode canister. The negative electrode canister is formed into a shape of a double-step cylinder having decreasing inner diameters toward the lid portion. The double-step cylinder has a first cylindrical portion that defines a cylindrical portion closer to the lid portion, and a second cylindrical portion that defines a cylindrical portion farther from the lid portion. The first cylindrical portion has a first inner curved surface that projects out at a first apex. The second cylindrical portion has a second inner curved surface that projects out at a second apex.

Abstract: A battery may have a foil battery pack with leads that are coupled to a printed circuit board. Battery protection structures formed from an insulating material such as plastic may be used to protect the foil battery pack. The foil battery pack may have a rectangular shape with front and rear faces surrounded by a rectangular peripheral edge. The battery protection structures may have a ring shape that surrounds the peripheral edge while leaving the front and rear faces exposed to minimize the size of the battery protection structures. An elastomeric material may be used to form the battery protection structures. The elastomeric material may allow the battery protection structures to stretch when the battery pack expands during use. Two shots of plastic may be incorporated into the battery protection structures to provide both puncture resistance and the ability to stretch during use.

Abstract: Provided is a cylindrical alkaline battery in which the packing density Dc of the manganese dioxide in the positive electrode is 2.8 to 3.0 g/cm3 and the packing density Da of zinc or a zinc alloy in the negative electrode is 2.0 to 2.3 g/cm3. The packing density Dc of the manganese dioxide, the packing density Da of the zinc or zinc alloy, the thickness Tc of the positive electrode in a radial direction, and the thickness Ta of the negative electrode in a radial direction satisfy one of the following relational formulas (1) to (3): ?1.975×(Tc/Ta)+2.745<Dc/Da<?1.690×(Tc/Ta)+2.734??(1) ?11.652×(Tc/Ta)2+14.470×(Tc/Ta)?3.095<Dc/Da<11.652×(Tc/Ta)2?18.420×(Tc/Ta)+8.585??(2) ?8.895×(Tc/Ta)2+12.864×(Tc/Ta)?3.258<Dc/Da<8.895×(Tc/Ta)2?16.244×(Tc/Ta)+8.726??(3).

Abstract: A sealed battery with an electrode assembly and electrolyte enclosed in a battery case is provided, where a connection member can be attached to the battery case without requiring large space while avoiding increasing the length of the lead wire. The sealed battery includes: a battery case enclosing an electrode assembly and electrolyte, for serving as a terminal of one polarity of the electrode assembly; an external terminal provided on the battery case in such a way that it is electrically insulated from the battery case, for serving as a terminal of another polarity of the electrode assembly; and a sealant member for sealing a fill port for the electrolyte provided side by side with the external terminal on the battery case. A connection member to which a lead wire is to be connected is provided on the battery case to cover at least part of the sealant member.

Abstract: A battery assembly for a medical device includes an elongate cathode, an elongate anode, an electrolyte, and an elongate housing assembly encapsulating the cathode, the anode, and the electrolyte. The battery assembly also includes a first electrode that is exposed from and electrically insulated from the housing assembly. One of the anode and the cathode is electrically coupled to the first electrode, and the other of the anode and the cathode is electrically coupled to the housing assembly. One of the cathode and the anode includes a first portion and a second portion disposed in spaced relationship from the first portion. The other of the cathode and the anode is disposed between the first and second portions.

Abstract: A secondary battery including a first bare cell, a second bare cell disposed to face at least a portion of the first bare cell, and a protection circuit module including a circuit board having an electrical circuit device mounted thereon and at least one connection tab between the first and second bare cells, the connection tab electrically connecting the circuit board to the first and second bare cells.

Abstract: Separator for cylindrical cell of the outwardly guided type, wherein a sheet material is wound around a mandrel, and starting from the winding step until the insertion of a separator into the cell, an outward support is used that renders the binding of neighboring turns of the separator winding unnecessary, and the separator sheet has an extended portion, with the extension being at least equal to the radius of the separator cylinder, and with this extended portion being wetted with distilled or de-ionized water until the material softens and the winding and the mandrel are rotated and the bottom part is folded back and heat fused to close the separator cylinder.

Abstract: A battery cover latching assembly includes a body member defining a guiding slot, a battery cover slidably mounted to the body member, and an elastic member. The battery cover includes a resisting block. The resisting block is slidably received in the guiding slot. The elastic member abuts against the resisting block.

Abstract: An electrochemical storage cell including a housing; a solid electrolyte tube, which defines an inner space of the housing as a first electrode chamber and a second electrode chamber; a first electrode material in the first electrode chamber; a second electrode material in the second electrode chamber; and an electron channel unit arranged in the second electrode chamber for guiding movement of electrons in the second electrode chamber, the electron channel unit having a non-constant thickness.

Abstract: A low volume collector assembly and an electrochemical cell employing a collector assembly are provided. The electrochemical cell includes an electrically conductive can having inner and outer electrodes disposed therein. The cell also includes a collector assembly assembled to an open end of the can to provide closure to the open end of the can. The collector assembly includes a seal and a cover assembled to the seal to provide a sealed closure to the open end of the can. The cover includes an integrally formed current collector portion that contacts one end of the inner electrode. The cover serves as a current collector and also serves as a contact terminal of the cell.

Abstract: A cable-type secondary battery is disclosed. The cable-type secondary battery includes electrodes, each of which includes a current collector having a horizontal cross section of a predetermined shape and an active material layer formed on the surface of the current collector. The electrodes extend in the lengthwise direction and are arranged in parallel. The current collector includes a polymer core and a metal coating layer formed on the surface of the polymer core. The use of the metal-coated polymer current collectors having high flexibility and conductivity makes the secondary battery highly flexible while maintaining the performance of the secondary battery. In addition, the cable-type secondary battery can be reduced in weight.

Abstract: An integral cap assembly comprising a top cap mounted as a base plate to an opening of a battery can and a cap subassembly including a protective circuit module and the like integrally mounted on the top cap, a method for manufacturing a secondary battery comprising the same, and a secondary battery manufactured thereby are disclosed. The cap assembly is provided as an integral member comprising the top cap acting as the base plate, and the cap subassembly having the protective circuit module provided thereon, thereby simplifying a manufacturing process of the battery while minimizing frequency of defective products. Additionally, the integral cap assembly is manufactured through insert injection molding, thereby providing notable advantages over the conventional technology.

Abstract: An AA alkaline battery according to the present invention includes: a positive electrode; a negative electrode; a separator; an alkaline electrolyte; and a negative electrode current collector. The negative electrode contains zinc, indium, and bismuth. The weight of zinc is 4.0 g or more, and the total weight of indium and bismuth is 450 ppm or less with respect to the weight of zinc. The negative electrode current collector contains copper. Tin is provided on at least part of the surface of the negative electrode current collector.

Abstract: A cathode having a groove extending about 10 to about 450 microns into a surface of the cathode. The cathode can also be roughened.

Abstract: An integral cap assembly comprising a top cap mounted as a base plate to an opening of a battery can and a cap subassembly including a protective circuit module and the like integrally mounted on the top cap, a method for manufacturing a secondary battery comprising the same, and a secondary battery manufactured thereby are disclosed. The cap assembly is provided as an integral member comprising the top cap acting as the base plate, and the cap subassembly having the protective circuit module provided thereon, thereby simplifying a manufacturing process of the battery while minimizing frequency of defective products. Additionally, the integral cap assembly is manufactured through insert injection molding, thereby providing notable advantages over the conventional technology.

Abstract: An alkaline battery according to the present invention includes: a power generation element including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator placed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and an electrolyte; a positive terminal portion electrically connected to the positive electrode; and a negative terminal portion electrically connected to the negative electrode. The negative electrode contains zinc powder or zinc alloy powder containing 15% by weight or more of particles having a particle size of 75 ?m or less as a negative active material. A PTC element is provided in a current path that does not come into contact with the electrolyte at least one of between the positive electrode and the positive terminal portion and between the negative electrode and the negative terminal portion.

Abstract: A battery cell, such as a cylindrical or prismatic alkaline cell, is disclosed having significantly improved capacity utilization at mid-range power levels of discharge by implementing a curvilinear-like inner electrode configuration that provides moderated surface area between the inner and outer electrodes as compared to high-power discharge applications utilizing a densely corrugated geometry for the inner electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for generating hydrogen gas in an aqueous solution based electrolytic or galvanic cell wherein the cathode is made from aluminum or an aluminum alloy. In a preferred arrangement the cell is a galvanic cell and cathode is made from aluminum or aluminum alloy and the anode is made from magnesium or magnesium alloy.

Abstract: An alkaline primary cell which is improved in reduction of self-discharge and cell capacity under storage at a high temperature, has a prolonged life and makes use of nickel oxyhydroxide is provided inexpensively. ?-Form nickel oxyhydroxide is contained in a positive electrode mixture as an active material, which contains cobalt and zinc as a substitutional element for solid solution, and has a total amount X+Y of molar ratios of cobalt atom X and zinc atom Y such that 2?X+Y?16, with a mixing ratio satisfying the relationship of Y?3/2×X+1/2 and Y?2/3×X ?1/3, and where a diffraction peak obtained as a result of measurement of X-ray powder diffraction of nickel oxyhydroxide appears only in the vicinity of 18.5° within a range of 2?=10°-30°.

Abstract: A battery cell, such as a cylindrical alkaline cell, is disclosed having significantly improved capacity utilization at high discharge rates while maintaining much of the energy content and other feature advantages of typical cylindrical alkaline cells, by implementing a novel cell construction that produces increased surface area between the anode and cathode. One particular characterization of the cell construction of the present invention comprises an electrochemical battery cell comprising a cell housing defining an interior space having an interior surface, a first terminal and a second terminal. The cell further comprises an inner electrode encapsulated by a separator and disposed within the interior space of the housing. The inner electrode has a thin cross section in a folded configuration and is formed such that an outer extent of the inner electrode is generally conforming to a contour defined by the interior surface of the cell housing.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is presented having a gasket that is sealed against the container to prevent electrolyte leakage during normal operation. When the internal pressure of the cell reaches a predetermined threshold, the seal is removed, thereby permitting electrolyte to escape through a vent.

Abstract: A cathode having a groove extending about 10 to about 450 microns into a surface of the cathode. The cathode can also be roughened.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a separator which is excellent in sticking and adhesion capability with the solid electrolyte, physically strong and highly heat-resistive and to provide a solid electrolyte condenser which is excellent in the impedance characteristic and leak current characteristic. In a solid electrolyte condenser comprising an anode foil, a cathode foil, a separator, the separator is made of a nonwoven fabric containing polyester resin or its derivative manufactured by the wet method. The condenser element is formed by rolling the anode foil and the cathode foil together with the separator between them. The solid electrolyte is provided between the anode foil and the cathode foil of the condenser element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a battery using a case of which the section of the lower part containing an electric element is square or hexagonal and the section of the upper part containing a sealing plate is circular or elliptic. By virtue of the shape of the lower part the space efficiency of the battery pack is enhanced and by virtue of the shape of the upper part the productivity of the battery is improved. Further, preferably, the corners of the lower part of the case are rounded or chamferred, whereby the temperature rise in the battery pack is suppressed.

Abstract: A cathode that includes manganese dioxide and relatively small particles of nonsynthetic, nonexpanded graphite is disclosed. The graphite particles can have an average particle size of less than 20 microns. The cathode can be used in an electrochemical cell, such as a battery.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell with a separator having a reinforced edge that provides structural rigidity to the separator after it has been contacted by the cell's electrolyte. The reinforced edge extends beyond the interface between the cell's electrodes and serves to contain fragmented pieces from one of the cell's electrodes that may become dislodged when the cell is dropped.

Abstract: An alkaline primary cell which is improved in reduction of self-discharge and cell capacity under storage at a high temperature, has a prolonged life and makes use of nickel oxyhydroxide is provided inexpensively. &bgr;-Form nickel oxyhydroxide is contained in a positive electrode mixture as an active material, which contains cobalt and zinc as a substitutional element for solid solution, and has a total amount X+Y of molar ratios of cobalt atom X and zinc atom Y such that 2≦X+Y≦16, with a mixing ratio satisfying the relationship of Y≦3/2×X+1/2 and Y≧2/3×X−1/3, and where a diffraction peak obtained as a result of measurement of X-ray powder diffraction of nickel oxyhydroxide appears only in the vicinity of 18.5° within a range of 2&thgr;=10°-30°.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided having a non-cylindrical container including one or more side walls each having a curved surface that curves radially inward. The electrochemical cell further includes first and second electrodes and a separator disposed therebetween. A cover and seal assembly is assembled to the top open end of the container. The radially inwardly curved surface of the side walls opposes forces caused by internal pressure within the cell so as to reduce and/or prevent bulging of the side walls.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell construction having a large anode-to-cathode interfacial surface area to realize improved high rate service performance in an easy-to-manufacture construction. A first electrode, such as the cathode, is formed having a conductive current collector integrally embedded therein. Separator material is disposed on both the inner and outer cylindrical walls of the first electrode. An outer electrochemically active material covers the outer separator material outside of the first electrode and an outer insulation is layered on top of the outer electrochemically active material to form a cathode bobbin. The cathode bobbin is disposed into a container having a closed bottom end and an open top end. A second electrode, such as an anode, is disposed in the inner cylindrical volume formed in the first electrode and a conductive path is provided between the outer electrochemically active material and the second electrode.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a cell can that includes an interior surface, a current collector, a solid cathode contained in the can and in conductive contact therewith, an organic or solid polymer electrolyte comprising lithium salt solutes and aprotic organic solvents has improved storage properties when a coating comprising carbon powder is diposed on the current collector surface and on the adjacent interior surface of the cell can. Further, the cell has advantageous enhanced discharge properties over an expanded temperature range when the cathode additionally comprises a fluoropolymer resin binder.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell and an electrode for use in an electrochemical cell is provided. The electrochemical cell has a container, a positive electrode disposed in the container and having a wall defining an interface surface, a negative electrode disposed in the container, a separator located between the positive and negative electrodes, and an electrolyte. The second electrode has a unitary piece of electrochemically active material having multiple openings formed in a circumferential surface. The unitary piece may include a slotted tube, first and second members, or a coiled strip.

Abstract: A sealed alkaline storage battery using, as a positive electrode active material, nickel oxyhydroxide including Mn as a solid-solution element and having a &ggr; ratio of 65 through 100%; a sealed alkaline storage battery using, as a positive electrode active material, nickel oxyhydroxide including as an additive or coated with a rare earth element and/or a rare earth compound in a ratio measured based on the rare earth element of 0.05 through 5 wt %; and a sealed alkaline storage battery including, as a positive electrode active material, nickel oxyhydroxide having a half-width of a peak in a lattice plane (003) in an X-ray diffraction pattern of 0.8° or more. The pressure within the battery is not largely increased for a long period of charge-discharge cycles, and hence, the electrolyte hardly leaks.

Abstract: A water-activated primary battery using magnesium or alloys thereof as the anode and a cathode of various material having a redox potential allowing a charge transfer reaction is described, said battery comprising one or more electrochemical cells enclosed in a casing (1), characterized in that it contains a pH buffer system formed by at least one acid having a ionization constant Ka≦0.

Abstract: In electrochemical cells for medical devices having anodes assemblies, an anode assembly includes a folded lithium element having a first and second section. The first and second sections are for receiving a current collector therebetween. A method of forming an anode arrangement includes a step of folding a lithium element having the first and second sections with a current collector positioned therebetween. Thereafter, a pressing step is performed.

Abstract: An alkaline cell having an anode comprising zinc and a cathode comprising manganese dioxide wherein the cathode is located annularly along the inside surface of the cell housing and has a plurality of indentations on the inside of its surface facing the cell interior. Each indentation has a wall defining a channel with an opening thereto running preferably in the direction of the cell's length. The channel and opening facing the cell interior filled with anode material. The cell can have an anode current collector, typically of metal, with at least a portion of its surface extending into the cathode indentation channel. The anode current collector can have a portion of its surface extending from a point within the anode and into the cathode indentation channel through said opening. The cell can include a cathode current collector comprising a sheet of conductive material such as a sheet of metal or graphite placed within the cathode, particularly within thick regions of the cathode.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell and an electrode for use in an electrochemical cell is provided. The electrochemical cell has a container, a positive electrode disposed in the container and having a wall defining an interface surface, a negative electrode disposed in the container, a separator located between the positive and negative electrodes, and an electrolyte. The second electrode has a unitary piece of electrochemically active material having multiple openings formed in a circumferential surface. The unitary piece may include a slotted tube, first and second members, or a coiled strip.

Abstract: An alkaline cell having an anode comprising zinc and a cathode comprising manganese dioxide wherein the cathode is located annularly along the inside surface of the cell housing and has a plurality of indentations on the inside of its surface facing the cell interior. Each indentation has a wall defining a channel with an opening thereto running preferably in the direction of the cell's length. The channel and opening facing the cell interior filled with anode material. The cell can have an anode current collector, typically of metal, with at least a portion of its surface extending into the cathode indentation channel. The anode current collector can have a portion of its surface extending from a point within the anode and into the cathode indentation channel through said opening. The cell can include a cathode current collector comprising a sheet of conductive material such as a sheet of metal or graphite placed within the cathode, particularly within thick regions of the cathode.

Abstract: A battery, such as an alkaline battery, that can provide a high energy output at a high rate and that has a relatively high ratio of manganese dioxide to cathode volume is disclosed. The battery can provide high energy output at a high rate when the battery is intermittently subjected to a high energy load.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a cell can that includes an interior surface, a current collector, a solid cathode contained in the can and in conductive contact therewith, an organic or solid polymer electrolyte comprising lithium salt solutes and aprotic organic solvents has improved storage properties when a coating comprising carbon powder is diposed on the current collector surface and on the adjacent interior surface of the cell can. Further, the cell has advantageous enhanced discharge properties over an expanded temperature range when the cathode additionally comprises a fluoropolymer resin binder.

Abstract: A method of sealing an end of a battery container is disclosed. The method includes: (a) providing a plurality of supports in a wall of the container toward the end of the container; (b) scoring the wall of the container at a position between the end of the container and the supports; (c) inserting a top assembly into the container such that the top assembly contacts the supports; and (d) folding an edge of the container over the top assembly.

Abstract: A primary alkaline battery includes a housing, a cathode within the housing, an anode within the housing, and a separator electrically separating the anode and the cathode. The battery has a substantial (S/V)2 value.

Abstract: An air depolarized cell comprises an anode, a cathode, including an air cathode assembly openly exposed to the ambient environment and/or defining at least a portion of the outer surface of the cell. The cell can comprise a bottom member defining a bottom of the cell, and a top member defining a top of the cell, the air cathode assembly extending between the bottom member and the top member as the exposed or outer portion of the cell. An anode cavity can be disposed inwardly of the separator and upwardly of the bottom member, and contain a mass of electroactive anode material. An elongate anode current collector preferably extends into the anode material. The top member can comprise a top contour washer having inner and outer downwardly depending legs receiving an upper edge portion of the cathode assembly in a slot therebetween, and an insulating grommet in the slot, electrically insulating the cathode assembly from the top contour washer and sealing against liquid leakage out of the cell through the slot.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell construction having a large anode-to-cathode interfacial surface area to realize improved high rate service performance in an easy-to-manufacture construction. A first electrode, such as the cathode, is formed having a conductive current collector integrally embedded therein. Separator material is disposed on both the inner and outer cylindrical walls of the first electrode. An outer electrochemically active material covers the outer separator material outside of the first electrode and an outer insulation is layered on top of the outer electrochemically active material to form a cathode bobbin. The cathode bobbin is disposed into a container having a closed bottom end and an open top end. A second electrode, such as an anode, is disposed in the inner cylindrical volume formed in the first electrode and a conductive path is provided between the outer electrochemically active material and the second electrode.