Abstract: This invention pertains to electrochemical cells, and specifically to an inner seal member in an electrochemcical cell. The inner seal member is positioned against, and in intimate contact with that portion of the separator which extends above the cathode mix, or a retaining washer on the cathode mix, and is also in intimate contact with the cathode mix or the retaining washer. The seal member is preferably emplaced as a fluid material and is preferably distributed by centrifugal force, by rotating the cell as the sealant material is dispensed into the cell. The inner seal member is effective to retard loss of battery performance over an extended period of storage time, both at room temperature and at elevated temperature. The seal member is a composition of hydrocarbons or fatty acid ester oils having the capacity to remain in full surface-to-surface contact, as it cools, with the surfaces upon which it is placed warm or hot, in the cell.

Abstract: A storage battery is provided which includes a casing and a cover secured to the casing. The cover includes a body having a top surface and a peripheral skirt; the top surface having a plurality of vent apertures, at least one negative terminal and at least one positive terminal, and an elongated recess having a bottom, four side walls and an open top. The negative and positive terminals have extensions exposed at opposite ends of the recess, and a state-of-charge indicator assembly is mounted in the recess and electrically connected to the negative and positive terminal extensions. The state-of-charge indicator assembly is sealed in the recess by relatively thin adhesive seal or membrane applied over the open top and adhered to the top surface of the cover. The membrane is provided with percent charge and test switch indicia thereon.

Abstract: A method of forming a button-type battery includes: a) providing a sheet of cathode material bonded to solid electrolyte material; b) cutting the cathode material and solid electrolyte material from the sheet into a plurality of composite cathode/solid electrolyte pieces which are individually sized and shaped to constitute the electrolyte and cathode components of a single button-type battery; c) providing a pair of first and second terminal housing members in facing juxtaposition to one another, the first and second terminal housing members having respective peripheries; d) providing one of the composite cathode/electrolyte pieces intermediate the juxtaposed first and second terminal housing members; e) providing an anode intermediate the juxtaposed first and second terminal housing members, the anode being positioned to electrically connect with one of the first or second terminal housing members and the solid electrolyte, and the cathode being positioned to electrically connect with the other of the first

Abstract: An electrochemical cell of cylindrical type, with a metal can, an anode, a separator and a cathode arranged concentrically in one another, an aqueous alkaline electrolyte solution, and a closure assembly. The closure assembly comprises a plastic top inserted in the open end of the can and has an outer cylindrical zone, a lower rim, a central portion defining a central bore, and an intermediate portion interconnecting the central portion with the lower rim. A current collector nail is inserted through the central bore and penetrates into the anode. A negative cap of a metal sheet material forms the negative terminal of the cell. The negative cap has a flange portion ending in an inwardly bent rim, the can has a bead at a specific distance from its open end, and the bead serves as an abutment member for the closure assembly when inserted in the can. The plastic top defines a conforming support surface for the inwardly bent rim substantially at the connection zone of the outer cylindrical zone and the lower rim.

Abstract: A non-aqueous battery comprises a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a non-aqueous electrolyte as well as a battery can serving as a negative electrode-terminal and a sealing terminal serving as a positive electrode-terminal which are crimp-sealed through a gasket comprising a polyolefin resin, wherein the polyolefin resin comprises a block copolymer of propylene and ethylene having an ethylene copolymerization rate ranging from 2 to 20% by weight and a modulus in flexure ranging from 12000 to 18000 kg/cm.sup.2. The non-aqueous battery has substantially improved storage stability when it is not in use and is not deteriorated even when it is subjected to discharge, large current discharge and pulse-discharge in an atmosphere whose temperature varies.

Abstract: During repeated cycling of alkaline manganese dioxide cells, it is critical to ensure that adequate barrier protection is formed and maintained between the anode and cathode of the cell to prevent shorts from occurring between the cathode and anode. However, the potential also exists for anodic zinc to migrate via the absorbent separator and create a short path to the cathode. To prevent this, cells are fabricated wherein a separator is placed into the cells, a hot melt material is metered into the cell so that the hot melted material flows under the bottom edge of the separator, which is then pushed down and seated in the hot melt material as it cools. The end result is a barrier which is forms at the bottom of the cell and at both sides of the separator and virtually eliminates shorts from developing between the electrodes.

Abstract: A glass or glass-ceramic sealant for a SOFC having a coefficient of thermal expansion in the range of from about 8 to about 13.times.10.sup.-6 /.degree.C. and a viscosity of at least 10.sup.3 Pa-s at cell operating temperature. The sealant has a composition of SrO present in the range of from about 5 to about 60 mole percent, La.sub.2 O.sub.3 present in the range of from 0 to about 45 mole percent, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 present in the range from 0 to about 15 mole percent, B.sub.2 O.sub.3 present in the range of from about 15 mole percent to about 80 mole percent, and SiO.sub.2 present in the range of from 0 to about 40 mole percent, wherein the material is a viscous fluid at cell operating temperatures of from about 600.degree. C. to about 1000.degree. C. The sealant may also be compounds of CaO present in the range of from 0 to about 35 mole percent, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 present in the range from 0 to about 15 mole percent, B.sub.2 O.sub.

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: A button-type battery has an anode, a cathode, a separator, and an electrolyte encased within a housing and surrounding by a fluid-tight peripheral seal. The battery is capable of being deflected such that a first portion of the battery is angled relative to a second portion through an internal angle between the first and second portions in a range from 175.degree. to at least 90.degree. without destroying operation of the button-type battery or rupturing the fluid-tight peripheral seal.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell including a current collector assembly having a current collector, a seal and a compression means wherein the compression means and collector exert minimum tension and maximum compressive stresses on the seal thereby avoiding leakage of electrolyte either through or around the seal.

Abstract: An electrochemical battery made of stacked cells which are separated by separator plates comprising a good heat conductive material, e.g. nickel, stainless steel, copper. The separator plates extend beyond the edge of the stacked cells and outside the enclosure of the battery. The separator plates directly conduct heat, which is generated by the electrochemical process, from the battery cells to the ambient environment. Sealing of the enclosure between the separator plates is provided by an O-ring or, alternatively, by a bellows sealed to adjacent separator plates by O-rings. Sealing is possible for hydrogen at low pressure which is presented in batteries utilizing a metal-hydride hydrogen storage capacity.

Abstract: A battery having a rust-preventive structure includes a battery cell, the side-wall and an outer peripheral region of the safety valve end of which are covered with heat-shrink tubing. A sealing plate is attached in a moisture-tight fashion to the heat-shrink tubing on the safety valve end via a pressure separating adhesive layer. Adhesive seals the region between a lead-tab connected to the battery terminal and the sealing plate.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention is a lead-acid cell of the type having a container. The container has a jar and a lid. The jar has an upper perimeter defining an opening matingly engaging and closed by the lid. The container houses at least one positive electrode plate, at least one negative electrode plate, a separator interposed between the electrode plates, acid electrolyte absorbed in the electrode plates and separator, and electrical connections from the electrode plate(s) through the container to an output terminal location. The lid is sealed to the jar. The cell is improved by the lid and the jar including a mechanical means for retaining the mating relationship of the lid and with the jar, when the lid is placed upon the upper perimeter, of the jar.

Abstract: A battery comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte is provided, characterized in that said battery is sealed off with a sealant comprising a pitch, at least one polymer and at least one montmorillonite.

Abstract: The invention relates to sealant materials for sealing interfacial spaces within electrochemical cells. The sealant material is a thermoplastic block copolymer elastomer characterized by having at least two glass transition temperatures. The thermoplastic block copolymers form particularly useful sealants for a current collector nail which is inserted through an insulating closure member, such as a plastic grommet, used to close the open end of the cell.

Abstract: An intercell connector for electrically interconnecting a plurality of battery cells, each of the battery cells including a plurality of spaced apart positive and negative electrode plates encased in a plastic casing. The intercell connector includes first and second buss bars disposed in spaced apart relation to each other and each including a base portion and an electrode connecting portion extending from the base portion, the base portions of the first and second buss bars respectively including first and second electrode terminals aligned with each other; and an insulator for insulating the first and second buss bars from each other. The connector is disposed in the casing of each of the cells so as to extend transversely to the electrode plates with the casing being bonded to a portion of the insulator such that only the electrode terminals are exposed outside the casing.

Abstract: A compact multilayer ceramic-to-metal seal structure, and method for manufacture, includes a ceramic core with opposed metallic surface layers. Between the ceramic core and each of the metallic surface layers is a transition zone which is made from graded layers of metallic and ceramic powders. These layers have progressively greater concentrations of metallic constituents than ceramic constituents the nearer the layer is to the metallic surface layer. Conversely, within the transition zone, the nearer a layer is to the ceramic core, the greater is its concentration of ceramic constituents. This seal is manufactured by simultaneously sintering a multilayer structure of compressed ceramic and metallic powders.

Abstract: Cylindrical alkaline manganese dioxide-zinc cell with improved bottom sealing, where the cell comprises a coaxial assembly of a metal can closed at the bottom, a cylindrical cathode inserted in the can up to abutment at the bottom with an insulating member, a separator system in direct contact with internal surface of the cathode, a zinc anode arranged in the hollow interior of the separator system and insulated from the can, an alkaline electrolyte. The separator system extends up to the bottom end of the cathode, and a thermoplastic sealant is provided at the bottom edge zone of the separator system extending into said zone as a bead. The sealant impregnates the separator system at said edge zone.

Abstract: An article includes a ceramic member (5) and a composite member (9) bonded together. The composite member is formed of a substrate member and a deformable metal layer which is mechanically fixed to the substrate member. The substrate member is formed of a material which is harder than the deformable metal. The ceramic member and the deformable metal layer of the composite member are hermetically sealed together by a solid phase bond formed by ultrasonic welding.

Abstract: A high-temperature bipolar battery consisting of a plurality of stacked individual cells. A first, thermal-sprayed electrode or electrolyte resistant material ceramic layer is sprayed to the exterior of the face-to-face stacked array and onto the peripheral faces of the battery metal end plates remote from the individual cells of a thickness sufficient to virtually eliminate all through pores therein. A second thermal-sprayed ceramic layer is of a thickness sufficient to form a metal support and containment structure of the bipolar battery stack. The thermal-sprayed layers have similar coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE). A metal cup surrounds and encloses at least one of the electrodes of each individual cell tending to form an inter-cell seal between the thermal-sprayed ceramic layer and the metal cup to prevent communication of electrolyte from cell to cell.

Abstract: A multilayer film seal for use in galvanic cells, such as alkaline cells, comprising an organic polymeric seal member, such as polypropylene, having a base with at least one opening and a multilayer plastic film, such as polypropylene, disposed onto and secured to the base and wherein the pressure required to burst the multilayer plastic film is no grater than 120% of the pressure required to burst a single layer of the same material as, and having one half the thickness of, the multilayer plastic film.

Abstract: A multilayer film seal for use in an air-assisted alkaline cell which comprises an organic polymeric seal member having a base with at least one opening and a porous multilayer plastic film disposed onto the base in which said multilayer plastic film comprises at least one inner layer of plastic film, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, sandwiched between two outer layers of a different plastic film that is heat sealed at least at its peripheral area to form an integral bond between the outer layers through the inner layers of the film with the inner layers being porous to air while preventing the cell's electrolyte from passing out from the cell.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells are comprised of a seal member that has a centrally located cylindrical hub joining a base, which base has a ventable diaphragm portion and a nonventable diaphragm portion, which hub has an end extending above the base and an end extending below the base, into which a current collector is inserted in an interference fit with the end extending above the base, which ventable diaphragm portion joins the hub at an interface forming an arc of between about 135 degrees and 250 degrees, and which interface is the thinnest portion of the base.

Abstract: A Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) seal for a cell for Alkaline cells, Mercury cells, or NiCad cells. The seal is not susceptible to leakage due to thermal excursions, thermal shocks, or long term storage. The all-polymer seal is of a predetermined geometrical configuration and provides a seal of a material composition for sealability of a cell between the negative or positive terminal cap and the cell can. The PPS seal can also include glass fiber and/or a composition from the olefin family.

Abstract: A battery including a sealing member 10 for sealing an opening 7 of a battery housing 1, a current collecting pin 5 press-fitted in a through hole 11 formed through the sealing member 10, and a reinforcing member 20 for reinforcing the sealing member 10. The reinforcing member 20 is constituted of a thick-walled portion 21 for covering an outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical portion 12 of the sealing member 10 forming the through hole 11 and a disk portion 22 extending radially outwardly from the thick-walled portion 21. A space 8 is defined between the sealing member 10 and the reinforcing member 20, and a thin-walled portion 13 for preventing an increase in internal pressure in the battery housing 1 is formed in the sealing member 10 at a position opposed to the space 8. The sealing member 10 is reinforced by the thick-walled portion 21 to thereby prevent generation of cracks in the sealing member 10 and electrolyte leakage accompanied thereby.

Abstract: A bipolar battery having a plurality of cells. The bipolar battery includes: a negative electrode; a positive electrode and a separator element disposed between the negative electrode and the positive electrode, the separator element electrically insulating the electrodes from one another; an electrolyte disposed within at least one of the negative electrode, the positive electrode and the separator element; and an electrode containment structure including a cup-like electrode holder.

Abstract: A battery equipped with an opening-sealing device for sealing an opening of a battery case. The opening-sealing device has a dish-like sealing plate having a downwardly protruding portion with a valve through-hole, a valve provided on the dish-like sealing plate so as to cover the valve through-hole, and a terminal cap provided on the valve having a cutter protruded downwardly toward the valve. The valve and terminal cap are firmly held by the dish-like sealing plate with a circumferential portion of the dish-like sealing plate being bent inwardly to the valve and the terminal cap. The valve has a three-layer construction comprising a metallic thin plate, a non-adhesion type resin film, and a heat-adhesion type resin film.

Abstract: A battery heat seal machine and method for sealing a top cover to a battery container. The machine has a one-piece heating platen with thermal expansion features which eliminate stress on the platen bearings that support the platen. A new type of top cover holder and pickup device is also employed in the machine to positively grasp the top cover around the center line of the cover and to lift it up and return it as desired. The pickup device design may be used with small automotive batteries and with large commercial batteries. A mobile platen transfer device is used with the machine to quickly and safely remove an outgoing platen and replace it with an incoming platen when changing battery sizes and types on the battery assembly line.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell and method of making same are provided wherein the electrochemical cell includes a radial sealing function effected by the combination of a seal comprised of an amorphous polymer and a cell container wall having a stiffening rib on one axial side of the seal and a lip on the other side of the seal wherein the rib and the lip eliminate springback of the container wall upon removal of the external radial force establishing the compressive sealing forces.

Abstract: This invention relates to a seal for a cylindrical alkaline cell. The member includes a metal support having an annular spring disposed at the outer periphery. The spring is placed under compression by a radial crimp and the spring is adapted to expand and contract whereby the seal is maintained during thermal cycling. The member also includes a plastic grommet having an annular vent designed to open at very high pressures whereby said seal member is particularly useful in alkaline cells having little or no mercury whereby high internal pressures can develop.

Abstract: A Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) seal for a cell for Alkaline cells, Mercury cells, or NiCad cells. The seal is not susceptible to leakage due to thermal excursions, thermal shocks, or long term storage. The all-polymer seal is of a predetermined geometrical configuration and provides a seal of a material composition for sealability of a cell between the negative or positive terminal cap and the cell can. The PPS seal can also include glass fiber and/or a composition from the olefin family.

Abstract: A non-resealable vent closure for a galvanic cell, such as a nonaqueous cell, which comprises a seal member force-fitted with a bushing having an upper portion terminating with a thinner walled lower portion and wherein said seal member is force-fitted within the lower portion of the bushing and the bushing is seated within and seals the vent orifice in the housing of the cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a gelling agent between the plastic seal and the outer cover of an electrochemical cell.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided, which has a conductive housing that contains an active anode material and an active cathode material. The active cathode material is electrically isolated from the housing and the active anode material is electrically connected to the housing, thus making the housing the negative electrode terminal of the cell. The cell includes an electrically conductive pin member having a first portion that protrudes from the cell through an orifice in the cell housing and a second portion that is electrically connected to the active cathode material to make the pin member the positive electrode terminal of the cell. An electrically insulating member is disposed between the pin member and the wall of the orifice. The cell electrolyte comprises a metal perchlorate salt dissolved in a nonaqueous liquid.

Abstract: In an electric cell stack assembly, each cell (1) in the top cell stage of the stack abuts against a holder member (7) in the very top stage of the stack having substantially the same mechanical characteristics, relative to a cell of the top cell stage, as has each cell relative to a cell of the next lower stage in the stack. Reinforcing members (8, 9) run along the entire length of the stack, including the said very top stage. The assembly is inserted in a tube and is encapsulated in a compound which preferably has a useful temperature range extending from -55.degree. C. or less to +250.degree. C. or more.

Abstract: Double seal arrangement with intermediate test gas holding means for leak testing and assuring high hermetic batteries.

Abstract: A welding and backing ring arrangement for the connecting of two cylindrical enclosure parts of a flameproof enclosure of an electric cell having stacks of electrodes arranged symmetrically to the weld seam is described. The ring consists of a rectangular hollow profile section (box profile) with an outwardly directed, approximately equatorially arranged collar. The ring is advantageously produced from two identical ring halves which are connected mirror-invertedly and the meridian cross-section of which has a hat profile. To relieve the weight, the axially perpendicular areas may be provided with breakthroughs. The wall thickness of the welding ring is to be approximately 50% of the wall thickness of the flameproof enclosure.

Abstract: A terminal pin seal for an hermetic terminal assembly including at least two laminations one of which has the inner surface adjacent the assembly structure with electrochemical properties resistant to attack from chemical ingredients within the assembly and another of which laminations has the outer surface adjacent to ambient with electrochemical properties different from that lamination facing the assembly housing to produce a greater resistance to chemical attack from ambient.

Abstract: The leakage of electrolyte from alkaline primary batteries is substantially reduced by improving the seal in such batteries. The novel seal is formed by applying a hard, tackless conductive alkali-resistant plastic coating to the surface of the metal container which forms a bond between the metal container and the sealant covered seal member normally used in such batteries.

Abstract: The present invention relates an enclosed cell and fabricating methods of the cell which has a safety valve mechanism for releasing gas from inside the cell when an internal pressure of the cell rises to an excessive degree. The characterizing feature of the invention resides in the use of a resin packing as sealing element, junctions between the resin packing and a metal lid and between the resin packing and a polar terminal being closed tight by thermal fusion. This construction assures reliable sealing in normal state, and permits the packing to break with an excessive rise in the internal pressure thereby to release gas from inside the cell. The cell of this invention is readily fabricated by injection molding or by a hot press process. Therefore, the enclosed cell according to this invention is fabricated very rationally and inexpensively, assures excellent sealing and safety, and has wide application.

Abstract: A sealing sleeve for the interface of metal components of electrochemical cells and the like is disclosed. A highly dependable seal substantially preventing fluid passage results from use of the disclosed sleeve having ridges protruding inwardly of its inner surface and having a flared region wherein the sleeve's cross sectional area decreases with distance from its flared open end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealed type battery provided with a safety valve and a method of manufacturing the same, the sealed type battery of the present invention has a mouth-sealing plate, provided with the safety valve, serving as a terminal of one polarity, being arranged through an insulating member in a hole of a metallic cover closing an opened portion of an exterior can serving as a terminal of the other polarity, and an extension of a hole edge of the metallic cover being cramped to the insulating member to fix said mouth-sealing plate, whereby the cramping diameter can be reduced in comparison with that of the conventional battery, and as a result, the high hermeticity can be given to the battery and the electrolyte can be completely prevented from leaking.

Abstract: Double seal arrangement with intermediate test gas holding means for leak testing and assuring high hermetic batteries.

Abstract: Leakage resistance in electrochemical cells is improved by the utilization of an elastomeric modified asphalt sealant material disposed between an insulative cell top and the cell container.

Abstract: A flat cell is sealed along the confronting peripheral inner surfaces of positive and negative terminal plates. A pair of sealing films are disposed on the respective peripheral inner surfaces. Each sealing film is comprised of a first thermoplastic layer composed of maleic acid modified polyethylene thermally secured to the peripheral inner surface, a second intermediate thermoplastic layer composed of high-density polyethylene and a third thermoplastic layer composed of maleic acid modified polyethylene so that the confronting third layers of the pair of sealing films are thermally secured to each other to seal the flat cell.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having an open top container with a radial flange, and a peripheral U-shaped gasket which extends over the container flange with depending skirts to extend along both the inner and outer upper wall portions, cooperative with an inner cover compressing the inner gasket skirt radially outwardly against the container inner wall and an outer cover surrounding and compressing the gasket outer skirt radially inwardly against the container outer wall.

Abstract: A sealing and insulating member for a cell formed with an inwardly directed shoulder in the periphery of the member. A downwardly and outwardly extending skirt extends below the shoulder, the maximum diameter of which is located at its lowest extremity with that diameter being greater than the diameter at the bead of a cell can. The sealing and insulating member can be snap-fitted into the can prior to crimping, and held in place without the necessity to pre-crimp.

Abstract: The sodium sulfur storage battery comprises a solid electrolyte tube; metallic fiber filled in said solid electrolyte tube; powder, grain or mixture of them of substance resistant to attack by molten sodium which has porosity smaller than that of the metallic fiber and is filled in a first space above the metallic fiber; a battery housing; a positive electroconductive material disposed in a space between the battery housing and the solid electrolyte tube; a ring disposed on the upper surface of the positive electroconductive material; powder, grain or mixture of them of substance resistant to attack by molten sulfur which is filled in a second space above said ring and is prevented from dropping by said ring; and a solder glass layer arranged on a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the solid electrolyte tube in said second space.

Abstract: A sealing gasket for an electrochemical cell disposed between the cell container and cover comprising an annular sidewall and an inwardly extending base flange, said sidewall having a nonuniform thickness such that the average thickness of that quarter of said sidewall immediately above said flange is greater than the average thickness of the sidewall at its top quarter, thereby enabling increased sealing surface area and increased terminal clearance.

Abstract: A galvanic cell employing a gasket made of an electrically non-conducting material and having a groove in each of the upper and lower surfaces. A first cover has a peripheral skirt positioned and secured inside the groove in the upper surface of the gasket and a second cover has a peripheral skirt positioned and secured inside the groove in the lower surface of the gasket thereby providing a sealed cell.