Abstract: A battery pack for a portable handset comprises two casing parts 10, 12 ultrasonically welded together and enclosing a cell pack 14. The internal surface of one casing part 10 is integrally moulded with an array of projecting pips 18 which, on assembly of the pack are partially crushed to take up dimensional tolerances between the casing parts 10, 12 and the cell pack 14. This retains the cell pack 14 firmly in position between the casing parts 10, 12.

Abstract: Sealed lead-acid cells are disclosed which include an internal cell restraint contacting the interior surface of the cover and positioned between the positive plates and the cover, the internal cell restraint cooperates with an external cell restraint, such as a coated metal face plate, to direct positive plate growth which occurs in service away from the cover, the features disclosed allowing plastic-to-plastic terminal post-cover seals to be used and allow cells of capacities of up to 2,000 Ampere Hours or more to be provided.

Abstract: A battery having a reinforced structure capable of preventing expansion of the bottom of the battery case due to internal pressure generated during charging of a secondary battery is provided. A conventional battery has a problem that in order to achieve higher performance and smaller size, the thickness of the battery case is decreased, and therefore the bottom of the battery case is expanded outward due to increases in the internal pressure caused by gas generated during charging. To solve the above problem, a lower reinforcement plate having a number of protrusions is placed in the battery case and welded to the bottom of the battery case. Accordingly, the lower reinforcement plate prevents expansion of the battery, and performance of the battery can be enhanced.

Abstract: A rechargeable lithium battery comprising at least a cathode, a separator, an anode, and an electrolyte or electrolyte solution integrated in a battery housing, characterized in that said rechargeable lithium battery is provided with a pressure means comprising a polymer gel for pressing said anode and cathode.

Abstract: A high temperature rechargeable electrochemical cell comprises a housing in the form of a canister which is polygonal in cross-section so that it has a plurality of peripherally spaced corners. A solid electrolyte separator which is a conductor of sodium ions, separates the interior of the housing into an anode compartment containing an anode and a cathode compartment containing a cathode. The separator is tubular or cup-shaped, having a closed end and an open end, and having a plurality of peripherally spaced radially outwardly projecting ribs or lobes corresponding in number to the corners of the housing. The separator is concentrically located in the housing, with each lobe of the separator being peripherally aligned with, and projecting towards, one of said corners of the housing. Anchoring components anchoring the separator in position relative to the housing, are provided.

Abstract: A spirally-wound electrochemical cell having a resilient member such as a resilient pad or a wave spring disposed between the spirally-wound electrode and separator assembly and at least one of the end walls for resiliently dissipating mechanical forces acting to otherwise cause axial movements of the spirally-wound assembly.

Abstract: Terminal straps are positioned within a battery container via multiple formations formed integral to the battery container. The unique formations provide for positive location of the terminal straps relative to the battery container and the battery container lid simplifying the manufacturing process and improving product quality.

Abstract: Disclosed are curable sealant compositions for coating a conductive bushing for a lead-acid cell or battery having positive and negative plates disposed within a container and a cover, the conductive bushing being molded into the cover and providing electrical communication with at least one of the plates, the bushing presenting an interface with the exterior of the bushing and the cover. The sealant compositions comprise a sealing elastomer in an amount from about 1% to about 15% by weight and a solvent in an amount of up to about 99% by weight. In accordance with the invention, the sealant composition is a terpene solvent, preferably a cyclic terpene and more preferably D-limonene. The sealant compositions preferably further comprise a reinforcing agent in an amount of about 1% to about 15% by weight. In use, at least a portion of a bushing is coated with the sealant composition, and the sealant composition is cured.

Abstract: The battery of the present invention includes a case, an electrode group introduced into the case and a cover sealing the open side of the case. The cover has a battery electrode, an insulation panel, spacers, and a cover tab, fixed thereto. The battery electrode and the cover tab are electrically welded, and are insulated from the cover. The spacers and the insulation panel are made of an insulating material. A connection opening is formed between the introduction of the spacers and enables welding material to weld the cover tab to the electrode group.

Abstract: A metal-air battery assembly having plurality of free standing metal-air cells forming a cell group within a battery case assembly. Each free standing cell has flexible, compressible walls capable of containing electrolyte, the walls comprising air cathodes including cathode current distributors. Each cell has a split anode assembly and current. The anode assembly has one or more reactive anode fuel plates and an anode current collector. Each of the cells is free standing and easily replaced. The battery case assembly has a mechanism for compressing the cells when the lid is closed and releasing the cell group for servicing when the lid is open.

Abstract: A lead storage battery with a monobloc container receives plate groups in cell compartments which are adjustable in width using a series of side wall ribs. Each rib includes a cell connector formed on the container wall, which is in turn provided with support portions which extend into the container compartment to define a roughly T-shaped cross-section. Each rib is further joined to the bottom of the container along its cross-section. Since the support portions are aligned with, or substantially aligned with the container wall, a large-surface support is provided for receiving a plate group, preventing the potential for wearing into the outermost electrodes of the plate group during vibrational stress, and the failure of the mass which can then result.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical cell having a liquid electrolyte and spiral-wound electrodes provided with an axial chimney for electrolyte filling purposes and placed inside a cylindrical or prismatic enclosure so as to leave a duct between the outside periphery of the spiral-wound electrodes and the inside wall of said enclosure in order to exhaust air displaced by the electrolyte, the cell including a washer disposed between said enclosure and the spiral-wound electrodes at the end of said chimney that is furthest from the electrolyte inlet, said washer being provided with at least one opening putting said chimney into communication with said duct.

Abstract: A multi-functional spacer is provided for which comprises a body portion removably attachable to the bottom of the battery and one or more auxiliary spacer members removably attached to the body portion and, when detached from the body portion, the auxiliary spacer members being attachable to a side or end wall of the battery. The body portion defines a top surface adapted to receive the battery and a bottom surface adapted to be received by a battery mounting device. The distance between the top and bottom surfaces of the spacer body portion is coordinated such that when the body portion is attached to the battery, the combined height of the body portion and battery is generally equivalent to the height requirement of a battery mounting device for a first vehicle having a height requirement greater than the height of the battery itself.

Abstract: A structure for stabilizing of an electrochemical cell stack against high shock and vibration forces through the use of a plurality of electrode connections at both the top and bottom of the stack is described. Constructing the cell casing having a tubular shape rather than the typical deep drawn can shape, allows access to the lower portion of the stack. There, additional leads are welded to the cell case, which significantly adds to the stability of the stack within the case. The lower portion of the case is then within the case. The lower portion of the case is then hermetically sealed by fitting and welding a disc in place.

Abstract: This invention relates to method and apparatus for compressing an assembly of plates inside a valve regulated lead-acid battery thereby allowing the battery case to expand without causing slippage or partial loss of contact between the battery plates.

Abstract: A battery (20) includes a battery container (22), a base (30) attached to the interior of the wall (24) of the battery container (22), a compliant first weld ring (32) extending to a first side of the base (30), and a compliant second weld ring (34) extending to a second side of the base (30). A first electrochemical storage cell stack (36) is supported on a core (42) extending from the first weld ring (32), and a second electrochemical storage cell stack (38) is supported on a separate core (42) extending from the second weld ring (34). Each of the storage cell stacks (36,38) includes a set of storage cells (40) and a gas screen (68) between each of the storage cells (40). The gas screens (68) are dimensioned to extend outwardly to contact the wall (24) of the battery container (22), thereby serving to damp vibrations in the storage cell stack (36, 38 ).

Abstract: A flexible rib plaque is provided for insertion between battery cell elements and the end and/or an interior wall of the battery container. The plaque improves performance by limiting the harmful effects caused by flexing of the container walls due to hydraulic pressure changes of the electrolyte contained within the battery. The ribs of the plaques may be located on one or both sides of the plaque. If ribs extend from only one side, they may contact the cell element or the container wall.

Abstract: A battery with a case with bottom, top and side walls and partitions forming first, last and at least one middle cells, each containing a group of positive and negative plates and electrolyte to a fill level, characterized by preformed unitary bottom and side walls and partitions having hermetically sealed surfaces and junctures, each cell floor forming positive and negative lead-containing wells in alignment with the wells of adjacent cells, and an intercell connector across each partition below the fill level and held in fluid-tight engagement with the case in position to electrically connect the lead in one well of a middle cell to the lead in a well of the adjacent cell. A method for manufacture of such battery.

Abstract: A flexible welding board for a battery pack, which is a polyester film with a laminated nickel alloy material. The polyester film with a co-extruded polymer adhesive includes a laminated nickel alloy thereon. The nickel alloy is subsequently silk screened with a pattern, and etched providing a flexible welding board for the welding of components of a battery pack, including the battery cells, electrical components and the electromechanical components which are spot-welded thereto. The entire process can be done robotically providing a battery pack which has electromechanical integrity between the battery cells, components, flexible welding board and the battery pack housing.

Abstract: A lead acid storage battery comprising a battery container, a plate assembly assembled by stacking a negative electrode plate and a positive electrode plate one upon another through a separator interposed between the negative and positive electrode plates, and a saddle placed on the bottom surface of the battery container for absorbing the extension of the positive electrode plate. Legs of a negative electrode grid plate consisting of the negative electrode plate are larger in width than legs of a positive electrode grid plate consisting of the positive electrode plate.

Abstract: An acid-neutralizing battery mat is produced that is useful in preventing or reducing corrosion caused by leaking batteries. The mat is placed underneath a wet cell storage battery and is designed to absorb and neutralize acid which may escape from the battery. The mat is comprised of a porous fibrous base material of needled polypropylene felt which is impregnated with an alkaline substance and a polymer binder. The mat has a sufficient absorbency so that as the acid reaches the mat, it is disbursed throughout a wide area and neutralized by the alkaline substance. The dimensions of the mat are such that a portion of the mat extends beyond at least one bottom edge of the battery. The mat not only protects against acid induced corrosion but also protects the environment from acid contaminants.

Abstract: A battery holder with a housing with common terminals on a closed end and ng elements on an open end to releasably connect a cap to the housing. A support element and electrical connecting elements allow for the adaptive support of different sized batteries.

Abstract: A metal oxide-hydrogen battery having an outer metal pressure vessel that contains a plurality of cell modules. The vessel is composed of a cylindrical shell and the open ends of the shell are enclosed by dome-shaped heads. In producing the vessel, a weld ring is positioned between each end of the shell and the respective head and each weld ring includes a base which is engaged with the inner surfaces of the shell and head and a radial fin which extends outwardly from the base and is located between the opposed ends of the shell and head. A weld is made interconnecting the weld ring with the head and shell. The weld ring is free of internal spokes and the radial thickness of the weld ring is from one to six times the thickness of the vessel wall. With this construction, the weld ring will flex with the shell during cycling of the battery to prevent undue stress at the welded joint.

Abstract: In an electric storage battery having cell elements including compressed fibrous interelectrode separators, a retainer plate engaging the walls of the battery container for holding the cell element under compression.

Abstract: An adhesive pad (100) is provided which has a shrinkable member (130) disposed on an adhesive member, including a film (110), and an adhesive layer (120). The shrinkable member (130) is responsive to heat to expose a portion of an adhesive surface (126) in response to heat.

Abstract: The top of a lead-acid cell electric battery is closed by a plastic closure plate having hingedly coupled thereto a pivotable attachment angularly movable about a horizontal pivot axis through a range of angular position between upright and folded down positions at opposite ends of the range. The attachment consists primarily of a planar plastic board having a cut-out therein. When upright, the board is usable as a handle to lift the battery. When in folded-down position the board overlies the battery terminals, and sections of cable conductors connected to such terminals, to protect the overlain elements. Further, the board is received in a recess in the plate so that the board's upper surface is coplanar and horizontal with the plate's upper surface to the board's rear. Those two surfaces are adapted to share the load of an overlying battery.

Abstract: A high-temperature storage battery is bounded by a thermal insulation and has an inner space in which electrically interconnected storage cells are disposed and secured. The storage cells are secured in such a way that an adequate cooling and heating of the storage cells is made possible. In order to form a storage cell block, the storage cells are embedded in a sealing compound or a course-grained loose material. Cooling devices are integrated in the storage cell block or disposed on the outside directly adjacent the block for conducting heat to the block. Heating elements are provided for heating up the storage cells.

Abstract: An improved battery pack is provided for short term battery power operation of a medical instrument such as an infusion pump. The battery pack comprises a substantially closed and compact housing one or more rechargeable batteries inaccessibly encased therein, with the battery pack housing being adapted for mounting directly onto the casing of an electronic medical instrument. The batteries are mounted on a base plate beneath a foil shield and a housing cap, both of which are attached to the base plate in a manner precluding nondestructive removal thereof and thereby substantially preventing access to the batteries. The assembled battery pack housing includes seal members for preventing passage of any gases discharged from the batteries into the medical instrument casing, and further defines at least one vent for exhaust passage of such gases to the exterior of the battery pack and medical instrument.

Abstract: A battery plant system is comprised of an array of unit battery cells designed to interlock with each other. The interlocked unit cells are electrically connected to create battery cell assembly modules of the desired voltages. The interlocked unit battery cells are mounted on a multiple unit battery cell support member to form a battery cell assembly module. A stratum of battery cell assembly modules are installed on an assembly support tray. Pluralities of assembly support trays are stacked vertically and the battery cell assembly modules are interconnected into an interlocked spatial array to form the battery plant with ready accessibility provided to each battery cell assembly module for monitoring, maintenance and replacement.

Abstract: A support assembly, including an end plate, for use in metal gas cells. The support assembly inhibits a plate stack which is positioned within a pressure vessel from impinging the walls of the pressure vessel. The support assembly comprises a first and a second weld ring and a first and a second end plate, each of the end plates being attached to a different end of the plate stack. The first and second weld rings mate with the first and second end plates, respectively, and cooperate to support the plate stack. The end plate comprises two plates secured together. A raised portion on one of the plates forming the end plate has a radially extending embossment formed therein to increase the rigidity thereof. The pressure vessel is constructed of generally cylindrical container defining two circumferentially extending lips, each of which is secured to an end portion.

Abstract: A molded saddle for an electrode plate of a battery having a horizontal base plate and a flexible raised support plate portion for supporting legs of positive plates. When the molded saddle is attached to the inner bottom surface of a battery container, a large vertical space between an upper end portion of the flexible raised support plate portion and the inner surface of the bottom of the container is provided so that when the positive plate of a plate assembly is extended, the flexible, raised support portion supporting the positive plate is pushed in order to be lowered by the extension of the positive plate so as to absorb the extension resulting in the prevention of the positive plate from being warped.

Abstract: A secondary battery, such as a nickel-hydrogen (NiH.sub.2) cell, has a first and a second cell stack, each cantilevered from opposite sides of a weld ring. The weld ring is located at the approximate center or middle of a pressure vessel composed of two half sections which are welded to opposite sides of the weld ring. The cell stacks are essentially unsupported at their outer ends. Electrical current carriers are received in longitudinal channels formed on opposite sides of an axially located cell stack support member, on which the cell elements are captured. Cantilever mounting of two cell stacks from a central weld ring is found to improve the integrating and durability of the cell. It also increases the eneregy capacity of the battery through the ability to add more cells through the use of axially longer pressure vessels, increasing the capacity of the battery. Location of the weld ring between the pair of cell stacks improves heat transfer between the cells and the pressure vessel during discharge.

Abstract: An electrode plate group combination insulator and vibration support at least partially envelopes a plate group connecting strap. The insulator and vibration support includes a comb-like portion which underlies the strap, having teeth which intermesh with tabs projecting from the plates, and a hood portion which overlies the strap. The insulator and vibration support is preferably attached to the walls of the cell of the battery to thereby support the battery plate group and withstand vibrational forces.

Abstract: An apparatus for modifying the between the ribs space in a thermal plastic battery container is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a heated non-circular wiping member which when rotated about a fixed centerline defines a first circumference having a diameter substantially equal in length to the minimum between the ribs space and a second concentric circumference having a diameter greater in length than the first diameter.

Abstract: A pasted type lead-acid battery with greatly extended service life and capacity over the usable service life thereof has a glass mat, which may have a dual layer construction, disposed adjacent positive plates of assembled elements. Each plate is constructed as a grid having main and small members with the small members entirely embedded in an active material. Pressure is applied to the assembled element within disclosed ranges. The assembled elements may be pressurized by a binding band or pressure may be applied from outside the battery container. In the latter case, the side and bottom walls of the container are made pleat-shaped.

Abstract: A primary electrochemical cell including a hold-down unit for securing and preventing movement of a physically large battery stack of the cell. The battery stack is disposed within a rectangular metal housing of the cell, together with an electrolytic solution, and comprises a large number of rectangular anodes and cathode structures arranged in the battery stack in alternation.The hold-down unit is disposed in the cell in abutment with the top of the battery stack and an inner surface of a cover assembly secured to the housing. The hold-down unit includes a pair of opposed end sections in abutment with the interior surfaces of one pair of walls of the housing and lying orthogonally to the planes of the components of the battery stack, and a pair of opposed connecting sections in abutment with the interior surfaces of the other pair of walls of the housing and interconnecting the pair of end sections.

Abstract: Downwardly extending members are molded on the inside of a synthetic resin battery case cover and bear against the bridging members of battery plate assemblies or upward bulges of the battery plates to hold the latter vertically in place. The downwardly extending thermoplastic members may be heat-softened at their ends at the time the cover is fused onto the rest of the battery case, or they may be made so that they will flex at that time or they may be made of two members that will telescope together against strong pressure, so that they will still bear against the electrode plates after the cover has been fused onto the rest of the casing.

Abstract: A novel industrial battery stack is disclosed, wherein positive plates which have been longitudinally wrapped with a perforate or semi-perforate material are accurately aligned with respect to the negative plates and separators in the stack during the stacking operation. The novel spacing members of the present invention have a generally U-shaped cross section for engaging through the wrapping a portion of the positive plate adjacent to the longitudinal edges of that plate. Projections protruding substantially from the base of the "U" provide the proper distance between the edge of the wrapped plate and an adjacent longitudinal surface. During the stacking and burning operation, this longitudinal surface comprises the back wall of a novel industrial battery plate holder.

Abstract: A synthetic plastic insert is attached to the top of the plate block and bears against the cell lid.

Abstract: A long-life lead-acid storage cell comprises plate assemblies formed of strips of soft, essentially pure lead having a height to thickness ratio of 0.5-10. Each assembly is provided with an elongated resilient lowermost support bridge to prevent deformation of the lead. Composite plates are formed of a plurality of electrically interconnected vertically-stacked strips separated by elongated resilient strip retainers which prevent lateral displacement of the strips in a stack.

Abstract: A high energy density hermetic ultraminiature cylindrical cell containing a combination electrolyte fill port and current collector as a hollow metal needle. The cell includes a lithium anode, an electrolyte of an alkali metal salt dissolved in an organic solvent, and a cathode of a chromate, vanadate, molydate, permanganate, iodate, oxide, or carbonmonofluoride.

Abstract: In an electrode storage battery electrodes and separators are secured in predetermined positions relative to one another by inserting cutting edges into the separators and into contacting relation with the sides of the electrodes. The cutting edges can be mounted in the cell vessel carrying the electrodes and separators.

Abstract: Hermetic closure for electrochemical cells utilizing glass to metal seals in combination with electrolyte introduction means. A hollow tube anode current collector is sealed to a glass ring which is sealed to a metal outer ring.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell that has a compact block formed by an assembly of first and second electrodes of opposite polarity separated by separator means. The block is housed in a container having a base and a cover. The rim of the container is turned down over the periphery of the cover to seal off the container contents. The borders of the first electrode project from opposite ends of the block and bear against the base and the cover. The invention is particularly applicable to a cylindrical cell having a spirally wound electrode block.

Abstract: The plates of each polarity of an alkaline battery are connected by a sheet metal connector which passes through a slot in the bottom of a well formed in the battery lid, and which is supported by means of a pair of ears projecting from the connector which rest on the lid. Each connector is secured against vertical movement by abutment of the ears against the upper surface of the lid and by abutment of a respective plate strap to which each connector is welded against the lower surface of the lid. Horizontal movement in one plane is prevented by the provision of a shoulder on the lid on each side of each ear, and in the other plane by abutment of the connector, or the ears, against the edge of the well or a further shoulder respectively. The slots are sealed by means of a sealant which fills the wells. Upstanding ribs are provided on the upper surface of the lid so as to increase the length of the leakage path between neighboring cells.