Abstract: A lead-acid cell includes a case, positive and negative plates within the case, microporous separator material between adjacent plates and electrolyte in a starved amount, with the case having jar and covers joined by a weldment along overlapping cover and jars. The positive plates include a grid frame with an intermediate member extending between spaced apart generally peripheral portions of the frame, with pasted active material on the grid frame separated substantially into two portions by the intermediate member. Compressive force is adjustably continuously applied to the positive and negative plates within the case. The plates are suspended within the case at positions removed from the wall of the case, while plate growth is permitted in a manner that plate shorting is avoided.

Abstract: In a lead-acid battery with stress applied perpendicular to the plane of the electrodes, at least one of the elements chosen from among the positive electrode, the negative electrode and the electrolyte has been modified so that the quantity of sulfuric acid in the positive electrode and/or negative electrode represents at least 0.20 mole of H2SO4 per mole of active material in the charged state.

Abstract: The invention provides a separator for an energy cell which includes a compressible web made from a blend of elastomeric material and cross-linking agent, the elastomeric material being selected from natural rubber and a mixture of natural rubber and synthetic rubber. The blend is expanded, cast and cured to form a web containing micropores so that the resulting web comprises an open cell structure having a thickness ranging from about 40 to about 150 mils, an alcohol porosity of from about 45 to about 90% and a compressibility of at least about 20%. Lead-acid battery cells containing the separators have the advantage of significantly improved life as a result of the improved strength and resiliency of the separator.

Abstract: Light weight, low resistance electrode plates for lead-acid batteries are formed from a highly conductive non-lead substrate such as aluminum or copper, coated with a continuous layer of a corrosive resistant conductive materials, such as lead, applied from a fused salt bath.

Abstract: Composition of matter useful as an active mass of positive electrodes for a lead acid storage cell has an X-ray diffraction pattern substantially as shown in the. Figure. The matter is formed from lead-cadmium deposits using a methanesulfonic acid electrolyte system and pulse current.

Abstract: A recombinant lead-acid battery comprising a plurality of lead-acid cells in a case including apertured partitions defining space for vapor migration among cells and comprising a catalyst unit communicating with said vapor migration space and enhancing recombination of hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: A sealed lead-acid cell and positive plate for a sealed lead-acid cell are provided. The positive plate comprises a grid supporting structure having a layer of active material pasted thereto, the grid supporting structure comprising a lead-based alloy consisting essentially of lead, from about 0.02% to about 0.05% calcium, from about 1.5% to about 3.0% tin, and from about 0.01% to about 0.05% silver. A positive plate in accordance with the invention has excellent mechanical properties, and is satisfactory for use in a lead-acid cell.

Abstract: A method for producing a negative electrode material for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is disclosed: which includes a step of applying a shearing force to an intermetallic compound under the presence of nitrogen. The intermetallic compound contains element(A) which reacts with nitrogen and forms a nitride, but does not react with lithium, and element(B) which does not react with nitrogen, but reacts with lithium, thereby forming a mixture containing a nitride of element(A) and a substance of element(B).

Abstract: A sealed lead-acid cell utilizes a separator made with modified plastic microfibers having a contact angle of no more than 1.5° to the sulfuric acid electrolyte used and having a diameter of 1.1 to 5.0&mgr;, the separator having a porosity of 87 to 94%, a surface area of 1.0 to 2.2 meters2/gm., and a maximum pore diameter of 8 to 20&mgr; and a mean pore diameter of 1.2 to 5.0&mgr;.

Abstract: A recombinant lead-acid battery comprising a plurality of lead-acid cells in a case including apertured partitions defining space for vapor migration among cells and comprising a catalyst unit communicating with said vapor migration space and enhancing recombination of hydrogen and oxygen.

Abstract: The invention provides novel lithium-mixed metal materials which, upon electrochemical interaction, release lithium ions, and are capable of reversibly cycling lithium ions. The invention provides a rechargeable lithium battery which comprises an electrode formed from the novel lithium-mixed metal materials. Methods for making the novel lithium-mixed metal materials and methods for using such lithium-mixed metal materials in electrochemical cells are also provided. The lithium-mixed metal materials comprise lithium and at least one other metal besides lithium. Preferred materials are lithium-mixed metal phosphates which contain lithium and two other metals besides lithium.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method of increasing the available amount of acid at PAM and NAM in lead battery electrodes and still retain a short distance between the electrode surfaces. With mechanical support of PAM (for example in tubular batteries) in spite of low PAM densities it is possible to almost completely prevent the formation of mud. Spaces for acid should therefore be mechanically strong and supporting in order to retain unchanged PAM volume. In order to prevent that the porous bodies are filled with lead powder, lead sulphate or other components during manufacture, they may be impregnated with a filler material such as for example plastic or wax which is removed after forming the electrodes or after any other suitable process. The filler material may also be an inorganic salt which dissolves only at filling with acid leaving a desired porosity.

Abstract: A method for making a composite positive electrode material for use in electrochemical cells. The composite material includes a particle of positive electrode material and a conductive material at least partially embedded within the interior of the particle of positive electrode material.

Abstract: A lithium secondary battery having a higher energy density and a longer cycle life than conventional batteries is disclosed, which comprises a positive electrode capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium, a non-aqueous electrolyte and a negative electrode capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium, wherein the negative electrode comprises a nitride represented by the general formula: LixAyMezN, where A is boron, silicon or aluminum, Me is at least one element selected from the group consisting of transition metal elements and metal elements of Group IIIB, IVB and VB, and x, y and z satisfy 0<x<3, 0<y≦1, 0<z≦1 and 0<x+y+z≦3.

Abstract: Recrystallized lead and lead alloy positive electrodes for lead acid batteries having an increased percentage of special grain boundaries in the microstructure, preferably to at least 50%, which have been provided by a process comprising steps of working or straining the lead or lead alloy, and subsequently annealing the lead or lead alloy. Either a single cycle of working and annealing can be provided, or a plurality of such cycles can be provided. The amount of cold work or strain, the recrystallization time and temperature, and the number of repetitions of such steps are selected to ensure that a substantial increase in the population of special grain boundaries is provided in the microstructure, to improve resistance to creep, intergranular corrosion and intergranular cracking of the electrodes during battery service, and result in extended battery life and the opportunity to reduce the size and weight of the battery.

Abstract: A battery element of a lead acid battery including a negative plate, a positive plate and a separator having a metal inhibiting additive that reduces the detrimental effects of at least one impurity on the negative plate.

Abstract: The invention concerns an absorbing separator for lead-acid storage cells regulated by a valve, including a first glass fibre layer, a second glass fibre layer and a synthetic resin strip inserted between the first and second layers.

Abstract: A lightweight, high-energy electrode plate for a lead acid battery, and method for making an electrode plate, comprising a highly conductive non-lead substrate having a specific gravity no greater than 70% that of lead, a pair of outer layers of thin sheets of imperforate conductive foil that is corrosive resistant to the electrolyte acids of the battery and that are welded together to encapsulate the non-lead substrate.

Abstract: An expandable, flexible connection between a battery cell case cover and a terminal is provided which compensates for expansions of plates or grids of one polarity connected to that terminal. The expandable design encompasses a flexible battery case which facilitates movement of the battery terminal without compromising the scal between the case and the terminal. Preferably, a tubular thermoplastic sleeve is formed integrally with the case cover and extends into an opening between the cover and a terminal bushing which supports battery plates of one polarity. An annular flexible thermoplastic connector connects the sleeve to the case or to the bushing, with the connector being thinner than the case cover to afford more flexibility than the case cover.

Abstract: Methods and materials for producing microfibers, and methods or collecting the formed fibers as mats, either by themselves or with various additive, are disclosed. The mats are masses of intermeshed glass or other fibers produced by suspending the fibers in a gaseous medium, and collecting the suspended fibers on a foraminous material. The fibers suspended in the gaseous medium have a BET surface area of from 0.2 to 5 m2 per gram. A method for adding additional materials to the mats is also disclosed; this method involves suspending the additives in the gaseous medium with the fibers.

Abstract: Positive electrode and special lead accumulator for use at high temperatures, which is provided with a holder based on a special lead alloy with improved behavior against corrosion, The alloy comprises from 1 to 5% of antimony, from 0.5 to 3% of tin, from 0.05 to 0.50% of arsenic, from 0 to 0.05% of copper and from 0 to 0.02% of bismuth.

Abstract: In a lithium secondary battery of this invention, an active material of either a positive electrode or a negative electrode includes a composite sulfide having the same crystal structure as MoS2 or Mo2S3, or the composite sulfide including lithium, and the composite sulfide is represented by a composition formula, MXMo1−XSY, wherein M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Cu, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Ti, Y, Cd, In, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, W, Pt, Pb, Ca, Sr and Ba; 0<X<0.46; and 1.5≦Y≦2.0. Thus, the lithium secondary battery using a molybdenum composite sulfide as an active material of a positive or negative electrode can attain good charge-discharge cycle performance.

Abstract: A lead-acid storage battery uses as a current collector an expanded grid produced by processing a belt shaped material formed of lead or lead alloys. Strand of a grid for negative electrodes have a twist. The extent of the negative electrode's grid is larger than that of the positive electrode's grid. Accordingly, degradation of output characteristics in the domain deep in the depth of discharge is prevented and further high rate discharge cycle life characteristics are improved.

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

Abstract: A battery element of a lead acid battery including a negative plate, a positive and a separator having an organic polymer having phosphonic functionality in the negative plate to improve capacity maintenance.

Abstract: A valve regulated lead-acid battery having a plurality of negative and positive electrode plates, a plurality of separators soaked with electrolyte interleaved between the plates, a negative strap and positive strap interconnecting the respective plurality of negative and positive electrodes includes separator material soaked with electrolyte disposed adjacent to the negative strap to thereby increase oxygen reduction.

Abstract: A battery grid, suitable for use in a lead-acid battery, with a grid upper portion having a grid wires defining a first grid pattern, and a grid lower portion electrically connected to the grid upper portion. The grid lower portion having grid wires defining a second grid pattern, wherein the first grid pattern is different from said second grid pattern to improve the conductivity of the grid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-stoichiometric alloy comprising a composition having the formula AB5+X an atomic ratio wherein A is selected from the group consisting of the rare earth metals, yttrium, mischmetal, or a combination thereof; B is nickel and tin, or nickel and tin and at least a third element selected from the group consisting of the elements in group IVA of the periodic table, aluminum, manganese, iron, cobalt, copper, antimony or a combination thereof; X is greater than 0 and less than or equal to about 2.0; and wherein at least one substituted A site is occupied by at least one of the B elements. An electrode incorporating said alloy and an electrochemical cell incorporating said electrode are also described.

Abstract: An electrode plate for lead acid accumulator comprises an activated base including lead fiber accounting for 60-90 wt % of said activated base and cadmium containing lead alloy fiber, which are mixed homogeneously and interwoven; a plate grid for collecting current and conducting electricity in combination with said activated base; a lug for electrical connection between electrode plates, said lug is electrically connected with said plate grid and is fixed thereon. Furthermore, a method for producing the electrode plate is provided, the method comprises steps, in which lead and lead alloy fibers cut into short sections are poured into sticky solution in order they are mixed with each other homogeneously in three dimensional direction by stirring.

Abstract: In a lead-acid battery, a positive active material includes tin in an amount of from not less than 0.2% to not more than 5% based on the weight thereof. The density of the positive active material after formation is from not less than 3.75 g/cc to not more than 5.0 g/cc. When the lead-acid battery is produced by a battery container formation, a time required between the injection of an electrolyte and the beginning of battery container formation is from not less than 0.1 hours to not more than 3 hours.

Abstract: A method of making lead-acid batteries uses a container standardized for a twelve-volt battery and dual flag straps in the inner cells so that batteries with voltages of two, four, six, or twelve can be preselected as desired, the more preferred embodiments having one terminal cell with either two terminal bases or dual flags so as to minimize the assembly equipment required.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrolyte solution, a producing method thereof, and a method for producing high-capacity lead-acid storage battery. The electrolyte is composed of ET-90 stabilizator (1.5-9.6%), nickel sulphate (0.005-0.04%), cobalt sulphate (0.003-0.025%), aluminium sulphate (2-4.8%), sodium sulphate (1.3-3.7%), aluminium phosphate (2-6.3%), lithium iodide (0.090-0.3%), colloidal silicon dioxide (silica gel) (17.6-24%), lithium chloride (0.09-0.31%), lithium carbonate (1.3-5%), magnesium sulphate (1.2-5.9%), sulfuric acid (analytically pure) (7-11.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for making a valve regulated lead-acid battery cell including forming a flooded electrolyte lead-acid cell having an interior head space, positive and negative plates and fibrous plate separators positioned between the plates. The plates and the separators are housed in a container having flexible side walls. A vacuum is then drawn in the cell interior sufficient to create a flexure force on the cell side walls sufficient to push excess electrolyte from the fibrous mat separators leaving an amount of residual and absorbed electrolyte in the cell corresponding to proper saturation of the fibrous plate separators. The vacuum is then released thereby permitting any residual electrolyte to be absorbed into the fibrous separator material. Desirably the vacuum drawn in the cell interior is up to about 28 inches of mercury.

Abstract: A battery element of a lead acid battery including a negative plate, a positive plate and a separator having a metal inhibiting additive that reduces the detrimental effects of at least one impurity on the negative plate.

Abstract: A valve-regulated lead-acid battery produced by a so-called container formation method including preparing a battery from unformed positive and negative plates filling a predetermined dilute sulfuric acid into said battery, and then applying an electric current to said battery so that the group of plates is formed by container formation is provided. The valve-regulated lead-acid battery has an negative active material containing an oil incorporated therein. The amount of the oil to be incorporated is from 0.05 to 1% by weight. The oil may be a paraffinic oil, naphthenic oil, olefinic oil, aromatic oil or silicon-based oil.

Abstract: In order to improve vibration resistance of a battery, the bottoms as well as the tops of the negative and positive plates are respectively series combined. The bottoms may be combined using straps made of electrically conductive or non-conductive materials, and to facilitate integration of the bottoms of the plates into the casing, foot slots may be provided at the bottom of the battery casing for insertion of plate connectors used to connect the plates to the straps.

Abstract: A battery element of a lead acid battery including a negative plate, a positive plate and a separator having a macroporous high cross-link organic polymer having sulfonic functionality in at least one of the negative plate or separator to improve capacity maintenance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lead-acid battery cell construction including a container; a plurality of positive plates positioned in the container; and a plurality of negative plates arranged in alternating order with the positive plates. A plurality of separators are provided with the plate separators being wrapped around the positive or the negative plates such that the vertical side walls of the wrapped plates are covered with at least a single layer of separator material.

Abstract: A multi-layer sheet useful as a separator (10) in a lead acid battery is disclosed. The sheet comprises at least a first layer (12) and a second layer (14) and having been produced by the method consisting of the steps of forming the first layer (12) by depositing a first, substantially binder free furnish consisting essentially of glass fibers onto the wire (36) of a paper making machine (30) and forming the second layer (14) by depositing a second, substantially binder free furnish consisting essentially of glass fibers and silica powder or another suitable silicate powder onto the first layer (12) on the wire (36) of the paper making machine (30). The silica or silicate powder has a particle size and being present in the second layer (14) in an amount such that, if the second substantially binder free furnish was deposited directly on the wire (36) of the paper making machine (30) a significant portion of the silica or silicate powder would pass through the wire (36).

Abstract: A material for use as an electrode, and particularly the anode (20) of an electrochemical device, such as an electrochemical capacitor device (10). The material is a multicomponent alloy material, including a host matrix material consisting of antimony, and at least one modifier element selected from the group consisting of bismuth, nickel, cadmium, zinc, silver, manganese, lead, lithium, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention concerns a lead-acid battery having all the surfaces of all the electrodes under high pressure and their circumferences kept unchanged by support from mechanically rigid cell walls such that only the thickness of the electrodes is allowed to expand under strong resilient load during the discharge and return during charge. The pressure is 0.49-10.sup.5 -9.81-10.sup.5 Pa (0.5-10 kp/cm.sup.2), and may be obtained by separators or by springs applied to the outer sides of the cell container and may be changed for increased or decreased capacity. The construction of the tubular battery design, prevents material losses due to sludging and a long working life is obtained, since also a totally corroded lead conductor under high pressure may function as a current conductor. The rigid outer containers also allow high liquid pressure and thus a high oxygen solubility and oxygen recombination for sealed cells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing lead storage batteries are provided. sentially grid-shaped lead electrodes are produced and are provided with a pasty, active mass. Immediately thereafter separator material is provided on both sides of the electrodes. The electrodes are stacked, electrically connected, and placed in a housing to form a cell unit, which is subsequently stored to effect curing of the pasty, active mass.

Abstract: Corrosion resistant lead alloy metal for use in the battery grid of a lead acid battery. The alloy includes calcium in an amount greater than 0.06% and also includes copper.The alloy improves the life of the battery and also aids the manufacturing process by more quickly reaching the required strength for the manufacturing processes.

Abstract: The invention pertains to linear electrochemical functional elements which have strip-shaped ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) and/or hydrogen-diffusion electrodes accessible at the ends which are enclosed on all sides in an insulating manner by a jacket of a solid material. The invention describes the structure, production, and use of the functional elements in electrochemical measuring techniques. In one embodiment, a charge state indicator is created by the incorporation of a lead/lead sulfate half-cell into a lead/lead oxide cell. This coupling takes place via a linear functional element in the form of an installed ion-exchanger membrane. It makes it possible to measure three voltage values on the cell and to evaluate them in order to determine the current charge state by conventional methods.

Abstract: The invention pertains to linear electrochemical functional elements which consist of strip-shaped ion-exchange membranes (IEMs) and/or hydrogen-diffusion electrodes accessible at the ends which are enclosed on all sides in an insulating manner by a jacket of a solid material. The invention describes the structure, production and use of the functional elements in electrochemical measuring techniques.

Abstract: A slit is formed in a clad sheet integrating a thin layer of lead alloy containing at least one of tin and antimony at least on one side ot a parent material made of lead or lead-calcium system alloy. The clad sheet is processed by expanding to twist the rib of the formed grid, and the thin layer of the lead alloy containing at least one of tin and antimony is spirally oriented in multiple directions, as the positive electrode plate. An expanded grid is thus formed. In this manner charging reception characteristics after long-term storage following deep discharge at high temperature ot a lead-acid battery are improved.

Abstract: A machine for cutting electric battery plates, comprising two rollers (17, 18), between which a metal strip (20) passes. The metal strip is provided with a row of holes (22) running down the center, separated by bridges (31). The lower roller (17) is provided with means for removing cut-away pieces. A disk that is selectively circumferentially positioned is mounted on the lower roller. Lugs (21) project radially from the disk to pull the strip (20) along. Cutter plates (25, 26) are mounted on the upper roller. The cutter plates are provided with blades (29, 30) that cut the strip (20) and the bridges (31) transversely to yield plates (32) with their respective tabs (33). Inserts (35, 36) are provided under the cutter plates.

Abstract: The invention provides a lead acid storage battery with a high utilization at a high rate discharge by incorporating a lead ion solubility adjusting agent into the electrolyte. The agent is selected from polysaccharides, chelating agents, their derivatives, and hydrazinium sulfate.

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 process for cutting a moving strip to form a series of plates, such as battery plates, includes the initial step of transporting the strip past a rotary divider including a cutter having radial blades configured to cut the strip into the plates. The cutter further has a set of blades for cutting individual pieces from the strip, which pieces are not part of the plates. As the cutter blades cut the strip to form the plates and pieces, a vacuum system applies suction to draw the pieces cut from the strip inwardly into the cutter through holes in the cutter, and then out of the cutter. The holes are each located adjacent each one of the corresponding blades and are shaped and positioned to permit the cut-away piece to pass through. In a preferred embodiment, the vacuum system includes a pair of vacuum manifolds that apply suction at opposite ends of the cylindrical cutter. An apparatus for carrying out the foregoing process accordingly includes a rotary divider as described above provided with a vacuum system.