Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel electrode edge having a full radius shape used in combination with a novel terminal lead/current collector connection to increase both the gravimetric and volumetric energy densities of the cell by occupying previously unused space within the casing.

Abstract: A battery is provided which includes: an electrode roll having a positive-electrode plate, a negative-electrode plate and a separator interposed therebetween; a battery casing accommodating the electrode roll; and a sealing plate laser-welded to an open end of the battery casing. On the outermost periphery of the electrode roll is located an electrode-base-exposed portion of either one of the positive-electrode plate and the negative-electrode plate. The sealing plate is laser-welded to the battery casing in a state that a collector tab formed by incising the electrode-base-exposed portion and folding the incised portion is held between the periphery of the open end of the battery casing and the sealing plate. With this construction, the electrical connection between the collector tab and the battery casing is assuredly achieved simultaneously with the sealing of the battery to suppress a reduction in the closed-circuit voltage and an increase in the internal resistance.

Abstract: The performance characteristics of alkaline manganese dioxide cells are improved by applying a thin, polymeric coating to the inner surface of an unplated steel positive current collector, and treating the current collector with an aqueous solution of sodium silicate before or after the coating is applied to the inner surface. Silicic acid may also be added to the coating before its application to the inner surface of the current collector. In either embodiment of the invention, sodium silicate or silicic acid may also be added to the cathode mixture. The polymeric coating comprises, in combination, a first film forming binder component and a second component comprising an electrically conductive component such as carbon or a filler. The combination of the coating and the sodium silicate or silicic acid treatment of the current collector reduces the internal resistance of the cell, and may even be used on unplated steel.

Abstract: A low iron zinc anode for a LeClanche cell, and methods of making and using same, are provided for in the invention. The zinc anode contains at least 95% zinc and no more than about 12 ppm iron, and may be configured for use in round or flat LeClanche cells. The zinc anodes of the invention may be used in general purpose and heavy duty batteries containing an electrolyte comprising zinc chloride as a primary component. Cells made in accordance with the invention exhibit improved capacity and other performance characteristics in respect of conventional cells.

Abstract: The performance characteristics of alkaline batteries are improved by applying a thin, polymeric coating to the inner surface of a positive current collector. The polymeric coating comprises, in combination, a first film forming binder component and a second component comprising an electrically conductive filler such as carbon. The coating reduces the internal resistance of a battery, and may even be used on unplated steel.

Abstract: An improved dry cell seal closure is disclosed which will substantially prevent moisture loss from and/or oxygen ingress into a battery cell while maximizing the volume available within the cell for the cathode mix core.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell, such as an alkaline cell, employing a multi-strip separator formed into a closed end cylindrical configuration and where an electrically insulating barrier, such as a plastic film, is disposed at the bottom surface of the separator to prevent electrical shorting between the electrodes of the cell at this location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improvement of an active material of a negative electrode in a rectangular sealed alkaline storage battery. That is, by using a hydrogen storage alloy as the active material of the negative electrode, a capacity density as a battery can be enhanced and besides, mounting a space for the battery in equipments which use the battery can be reduced and dischargeability and storability can be improved.

Abstract: A plastic sealing element for dry cells includes a radially symmetrical, centrally perforated base element, the upper side of which is provided with an elastomeric sealing material which is extruded in the form of a circumferential annular bead, and a process for its manufacture. After the sealing element is pre-assembled with the cell's metal housing cover and the cell is assembled, the annular bead is pressed flat during final crimping so that a sealing zone having a small cross section and defining a long leakage path is developed between the cover and the base element, effectively preventing the leakage of electrolyte or water vapor, which is especially diffuse from the cell's porous carbon rod conductor, into the cell's sealing zone.

Abstract: Terminal contact is made between an electrode in an electrochemical cell and the external terminal therefor by capture of an electrically conductive portion of said electrode within or by a member of a compressively formed seal of the cell.

Abstract: Individual rechargeable electric cell with an outer metal housing, an electrolyte tube open at the top arranged coaxially in the housing, liquid sodium in the tube, a current collector extending down through the open end of the tube into the sodium, an alpha-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ring at the open end of the tube, a first flexible flange which connects the current collector to the ring attached to the tube via an aluminum ring, a second flexible flange connected to the housing and to the alpha-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ring via another ring, and sulfur in the space between the housing and tubular electrolyte.

Abstract: A rechargeable galvanic element with constant-volume positive manganese dioxide electrode. In a rechargeable galvanic element having an alkaline electrolyte and a positive manganese dioxide electrode the volumetric change of the electrode body caused by phase transformation, which entails undesired contact losses, is largely prevented by exertion of a steady pressure upon the electrode surfaces. For a concentric electrode arrangement, this can be done with particular effectiveness. For example, the pre-pressed MnO.sub.2 electrode can be forced into a rigid cylindrical metal cage, while the annular slot enclosed by the housing cup, lid and bottom insulation is occupied by the zinc electrode. In other cases, continuous take-off contact is preferable, using pressure springs or tensioned metal mesh which extend over the flat electrodes.

Abstract: A primary electrochemical cell having a carbon current collector cathode structure of improved design. The electrochemical cell includes an elongated housing containing an electrolytic solution and a battery stack in contact with the electrolytic solution. The battery stack includes a concentric arrangement of an anode, a porous separator, and a carbon current collector cathode structure. The carbon current collector cathode structure in accordance with the invention includes an elongated cylindrical porous carbon element having a guide opening therein, and a unitary, tapered, generally V-shaped metal current collector element embedded within the porous carbon element. The current collector element includes first and second spaced-apart, elongated, tapered, generally arcuate, resilient spring members joined together at first ends thereby to define a tapered, conical opening therebetween for the receipt therein of electrolytic solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preferably cylindrical electric cell having its anode constituted by a tube made of zinc for example. One end of the tube fits into a metallic cup having a bottom and a cylindrical wall; a gasket is interposed between the tube and a portion of the cup leaving a part of the cylindrical wall bare so as to provide both sealing by the gasket and electric contact between the tube and the cup. Application of the invention is especially to zinc-manganese dioxide cells.