Abstract: An improved battery plate and method of making for an electric storage battery. The battery plate comprises a plurality of metallic fibers of a single or plural diameters randomly oriented and sintered to provide a conductive battery plate with a multiplicity of pores defined therein. The metallic fibers are formed by cladding and drawing a plurality of metallic wires to provide a fiber tow. The fiber tow is severed and the cladding is removed to form metallic fibers. The metallic fibers are arranged into a web and sintered to form the battery plate.

Abstract: A grid for a lead acid battery plate with a conductive frame having a top element and a bottom frame element, with conductive wires extending from the bottom element to the top element which includes an enlarged section beneath a current collection lug and being of a size and shape so as to optimize the current flow to the lug. Other features disclosed are the conductive wire shape and spacing so that the amount of conductive material such as lead is reduced where it has been predetermined that the current flow is minimal. In addition, the grid is designed to have equidistant potential points relative to the lug to optimize current flow. The advantage of such a grid is that it maximizes performance of the battery while keeping its weight at a minimum.

Abstract: A rechargeable electrochemical cell comprising a first electrode capable of reversibly incorporating on the surface thereof an alkali metal, a second electrode capable of reversibly incorporating therein ions of the alkali metal, and an electrolyte in contact with the first and second electrodes, the cell being characterized in that prior to charging the surface of the first electrode is substantially free from the alkali-metal.

Abstract: A cathode produced from a new process for manufacturing a cathode component from a free-standing sheet of cathode material, is described. The process comprises a first step of adjusting the particle size of the cathode active material to a useful size followed by mixing with binder and conductive additives suspended in a suitable solvent to form a paste. The paste is then fed into a series of roll mills to form the sheet material, or the paste can first be pelletized before the rolling step. The cathode sheet material is dried and punched into cathode plates having a myriad of geometric shapes suitable for cathode preparation by compressing a current collector between two plates of the cathode material.

Abstract: The electrochemical cell includes an electrode structure having an aluminum current collector in combination with an active cathode material containing polycarbon monofluoride. The electrode structure also includes a polymeric separator and a lithium anode. The electrode structure is spiral wound and mounted within a cylindrical housing formed of conventional stainless steel. Care is taken to ensure that the aluminum foil isolates the polycarbon monoflouride of the cathode material from the stainless steel of the housing. The cylindrical housing is flooded with a non-aqueous electrolyte solution. The resulting cell is employed within an implantable medical device. In an alternative embodiment, electrode structures employing the aluminum current collector and the polycarbon monoflouride active cathode material are formed as rectangular plates and are mounted in parallel within a rectangular housing. In another alternative embodiment, the aluminum current collector is employed within a button cell.

Abstract: A nickel anode electrode component comprised of a support member and a porous coherent member formed from a non-sintered nickel alloy constituent. The support member and porous coherent member are laminated together and the nickel anode electrode component is assembled within a fuel cell and formed into an anode electrode in situ within the cell.

Abstract: An electrically-conductive collector element (23) in a polymeric laminate lithium ion rechargeable battery is cleaned of surface oxides and coated with an adherent conductive polymer film (34) which is substantially inert to battery electrolyte components and prevents recurrent formation of insulative collector surface oxides, thereby maintaining effective electrode/collector electrical conductivity and significantly reducing internal battery resistance.

Abstract: An expanded screen current collector is provided with side edges coined inwardly to prevent sharp tines formed along the side edges from damaging adjacent components within the electrochemical cell. The expanded screen current collector is formed by cutting a thin flat sheet of current collector material, such as titanium or stainless steel, to have a height somewhat greater than a height required for use within the electrochemical cell. The current collector material is cut and expanded, then the side edges are coined inwardly by an amount sufficient to reduce the height of the resulting expanded screen current collector to a height appropriate for use within the electrochemical cell. An active cathode material, such as polycarbonmonoflouride, is coated onto side surfaces of the expanded screen current collector. An electrode structure employing the expanded screen current collector having the coined edges is also described.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a hydrogen absorbing alloy including, comprising the steps of (a) causing a punched metal sheet to run in a slurry of hydrogen absorbing alloy powder, to thereby cause the slurry to be adhered onto the punched metal sheet, the punched metal sheet having a plurality of apertures arranged in a staggered fashion; (b) drying the punched metal sheet on which the slurry has been adhered, to thereby obtain an electrode sheet; (c) cutting the electrode sheet into electrode sheet fragments, each electrode sheet fragment having a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and each electrode sheet fragment having aperture-formed portions and aperture-non-formed portions therein; (d) rolling an electrode sheet fragment in a rolling direction parallel to the first axis of the electrode sheet fragment, the electrode sheet fragment having an aperture array arrangement such that any given line running along the electrode sheet fragment parallel to the second axis of the electrode

Abstract: The electrode comprises a metal substrate and a coated layer of an active material provided on one or both faces of the substrate. The metal substrate is a metal sheet having a plurality of punched holes. The punched holes have burrs along their peripheries so that the apparent thickness including the burrs is at least twice the original thickness of the metal sheet. The burrs improve the engagement between the metal substrate and the coated layer.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage alloy electrode comprising, an electrically conductive support made of a punched or perforated metal sheet, a mixture supported on said conductive support and a water-repellent agent for giving a water-repellent property on the surface of the electrode, said mixture including; a hydrogen storage alloy powder, a styrene-butadiene copolymer having a styrene to butadiene weight ratio in a range of 100:30 to 100:100 as a binder, a polymeric material for giving a hydrophilic property inside the electrode, and carbon black for giving a hydrophobic property inside the electrode.

Abstract: An Li/LiMn.sub.2 O.sub.4 secondary cell employing a SWING system (i.e., of the "rocking chair cell" type) includes a positive electrode formed as a metal gauze-reinforced, rolled electrode, and a negative electrode formed by impregnating a nickel foam with a paste of Li-intercalating graphite. Such electrodes are from 3 to 4 times thicker than the thin-film electrodes fabricated with prior, knife-coating techniques and employed in wound cells, and are therefore particularly suitable for constructing prismatic cells. By prerolling the as yet empty nickel foam to specific thicknesses, the capacity per unit area of the negative electrode can be tailored to that of the positive, rolled electrode. By rerolling the impregnated nickel foam, optimal energy density and electrode capacity is achieved, at a porosity of from 50 to 60%.

Abstract: An injection molded containment for bipolar batteries of the type which include terminal electrodes and one or more bipolar battery cells is disclosed. In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, a novel spacer is employed, including beveled edges to facilitate sealing of the injection molding material and the individual cells. Furthermore, the preferred spacer includes a crush ridge to assist in sealing. The present invention facilitates assembly of bipolar batteries in a way which improves sealing when compared to other techniques, such as vibration welding.

Abstract: A battery of this invention is equipped with a positive electrode having a following structure. A resin sheet is bonded to one side or both sides of a metal sheet, a large number of through holes are made at least on the resin sheet, and an active material is filled in the through holes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composite sheet electrode which has high strength, excellent current collecting properties and which is used efficiently as an active material for an electrode. The electrode has excellent discharge capacities and can be easily formed into an electrode terminal. A cell employing this electrode is also disclosed. The invention also provides a composite sheet electrode having a porosity of 20 to 80% containing 5 to 95% by weight of an active material of an electrode, 1 to 50% by weight of a current collecting material and heat fusible short fibers. The present invention also provides a composite sheet electrode having a porosity of 20 to 80%, which is made up of a composite sheet containing 5 to 95% by weight of an active material as an electrode and 5 to 95% by weight of heat fusible short fibers, as well as a current collecting material layer formed on said composite sheet. The present invention further provides a cell employing the latter-mentioned composite sheet electrode.

Abstract: A button cell containing electrodes having a polygonal shape, preferably square or hexagonal, in a flat housing is advantageous when compared to such cells having conventional round pressed powder electrodes. The electrodes can be cut from a continuously manufactured rolled strip with a metallic web overlay without appreciable material waste. The webs of the electrodes face outwardly toward the top and bottom of the housing when the electrodes are fitted into the cell. The free space left between the electrode edges and the interior of the cylindrical cell housing is available as electrolyte collecting space and is advantageous for gas take-up.

Abstract: A novel primary or secondary battery whose active material for the negative electrode is composed of metallic gallium, gallium alloys or gallium oxide has first come into the world.Gallium has an electrochemical equivalent of 23.24, which is smaller than those of zinc (32.70) and cadmium (56.21). This indicates that when used as an active material for the negative electrode in batteries, gallium has larger capacity per unit mass than zinc and cadmium by respective factors of ca. 1.4 and 2.4. The potential of the reaction; Ga+6OH.sup.- =GaO.sub.3.sup.3- +3H.sub.2 O+3e.sup.- is obviously less noble than the voltage of hydrogen evolution and this means that a high-potential battery can be made. Due to the high hydrogen overvoltage of gallium, gallium ions in the solution can be precipitated as metallic gallium by electrodeposition. As a further advantage, no dendrite formation occurs during the electrodeposition unlike in the case of zinc.

Abstract: This invention relates to a nickel-hydride alkaline battery. In the battery, both negative and positive electrodes use an electrode plate with a net structure to solve the problems of high internal resistance, current collecting and heat releasing. The battery can be used practically as a starting and driving power for electric automobiles.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sea water cell which uses wave action to increase the flow of the water through the cathode. The cell has an anode and a cathode arranged in an open cell structure to allow the electrolyte, i.e. the sea water, to flow through the structure. The cell structure is provided with water flow deflector means causing water flow through the cell to be deflected from the vertical direction, when the cell is suspended from or attached to a buoyancy device. The water flow deflector is preferably arranged in the upper end of the cell.

Abstract: A metal suspension half-cell for an accumulator is described, in which the metal suspension, consisting of metal particles and an electrolyte, has been stabilised by adding additive particles which comprise a ceramic material which promotes chain formation in the suspension. As a result of the said chain-forming ceramic material, the metal suspension can be operated essentially stationary within the half-cell. Diverse special geometries of the half-cell are illustrated. As a result of the composition of the suspension and the cell design, an increased cyclability of the cell is obtained. A method for operating a metal suspension half-cell according to the invention during charging/discharging thereof and a metal suspension accumulator which comprises a half-cell according to the invention are also described.

Abstract: An electrode for an alkali metal electrochemical cell comprising a unitary conductive body having a pair of wing-like sections joined by an intermediate web section. The cell anode or cathode parts are in contact with corresponding ones of the electrode wing sections, and the electrode web section is adapted to be placed in contact with the cell conductive casing. This results in a case negative or case positive electrical configuration depending upon whether the anode or cathode parts are in contact with the electrode wing sections. In forming an anode-cathode sub-assembly the anode or cathode parts are joined to the electrode wing sections and then the electrode wing sections are folded relative to the electrode web section and toward each other in a manner to place the anode and cathode parts in operative contact with each other.

Abstract: An grid for a lead acid battery plate includes a central plate lug, the lug preferably having an expanded base for the collection of current and the grid being constructed in such a manner that the amount of metal is concentrated in the vicinity of the lug. A unique cast-on strap design for use with the grids is also disclosed. Substantial manufacturing advantages result from the use of such grids, and the performance of the battery can be increased to the point that individual battery plates may be eliminated, resulting in lighter weight batteries and material cost savings.

Abstract: Lead-acid battery plates are made by preparing alloys of lead with at least one additive metal that can be leached with an acid or an alkali from the alloy leaving a porous permeable lead matrix. The additive metal must be evenly and finely dispersed in the lead. A number of additive metals can be used but the additive metal is preferably magnesium or zinc and magnesium, each in a preferred amount in the range of about 3 to 15% by weight. The lead alloy is prepared by casting, preferably by rapid solidification casting, and subsequently pulverizing the alloy. The resulting lead alloy particles are applied to a conventional lead alloy battery grid by pressing, causing the formation of a coherent plate of grid and alloy. The plate is subsequently leached in an alkali or an acid which causes the substantial removal of additive metal from the alloy leaving a coherent porous permeable layer of substantially lead as active material. The preferred leachant is sulfuric acid.

Abstract: Described is an electrode material for use in a storage battery half-cell of the type in which a suspension of particles of active material circulates. Upon charging such a half cell the electrode material according to the invention prevents the formation of a strongly adhering precipitate of active material, such as zinc, on the electrode material. The electrode material comprises for that purpose, at least at its surface, an electrically conducting ceramic material. The invention also concerns a storage battery half-cell comprising such electrode material and a storage battery comprising one or more storage cells each comprising two of such half cells.

Abstract: An electrode for an alkali metal electrochemical cell comprising a unitary conductive body having a pair of wing-like sections joined by an intermediate web section. The cell anode or cathode parts are in contact with corresponding ones of the electrode wing sections, and the electrode web section is adapted to be placed in contact with the cell conductive casing. This results in a case negative or case positive electrical configuration depending upon whether the anode or cathode parts are in contact with the electrode wing sections. In forming an anode-cathode sub-assembly the anode or cathode parts are joined to the electrode wing sections and then the electrode wing sections are folded relative to the electrode web section and toward each other in a manner to place the anode and cathode parts in operative contact with each other.

Abstract: Collector support for lead/lead oxide batteries is made of a screen of electrolyte-resistant polymer coated with a conductive underlayer and a layer of lead or a lead rich alloy having a mass per surface comprised between 30 and 40 g/dm.sup.2 relative to the projected surface area of the collector support. The dimensions of the screen are such that no point inside the screen pattern is located at a distance greater than 2.5 mm from any strand of the screen.

Abstract: A nickel electrode for use in an alkaline battery using a network-like alkaline-proof metal mesh having pores at the inside thereof as a core metal current collector, as well as an alkaline battery using such a nickel electrode. Inexpensive nickel electrode having high performance, great capacity can be obtained at high productivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lithium secondary battery provided with a positive electrode having vanadium peroxide as an active material, a negative electrode having niobium pentoxide doped with lithium as an active material, and an electrolyte of an organic solvent in which a lithium salt is dissolved. A corrosion-resistant metal powder is used as a conductive material in the negative electrode. In addition, a corrosion-resistant metal may be used as a current collector of the negative electrode. This battery is excellent in charging and discharging cycle characteristics and storage life, is superior in moldability of the negative electrode composition and can be mass-produced.

Abstract: A battery for operation in hot dry climates is provided with unique plate grids and a floated insulating layer over the electrolyte.

Abstract: An electrode strip comprising a perforated conductive carrier, such as a nickel mat, coated with an electrochemically active material and wherein a selected area of the carrier free of the electrochemically active material is secured to a conductive tab on one side and a second conductive tab on the other side. The invention also relates to a method for producing the electrode strip.

Abstract: A negative electrode for lead-acid storage batteries comprises a grid plate (11) serving as the carrier for the active material and for current supply and return. The grid plate (11) is a network of plastic threads produced by a weaving process which is rendered electrically conductive by coating it, with a highly conductive thin layer of metal and additionally metallized with at least one coating of a lead-tin alloy or of lead. The grid plate (11) is subdivided into storage zones (12) produced by deep-drawing for receiving the active material and into current conducting zones (14) for current supply and return.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of lead-acid batteries and associated apparatus and a lead-acid battery design resulting therefrom is disclosed. The method involves providing a battery grid and pasting the grid with a battery paste such that a profiled and tapered battery plate is formed. This battery plate is wrapped onto a coil and cured in curing apparatus. A battery element is formed using coils of the finished plate stock, separator material, and winged end plate. After this, several battery elements are then placed into a battery container.

Abstract: A process for making an electrode for an electrochemical cell includes loading a porous metal support with an active material, placing a porous metal electrical connector on the loaded support, and compressing the connector and the loaded support together such that the connector and support interpenetrate each other. The resulting electrode comprises a porous support which is loaded with active material and incorporates an electrical connector displaying a structure similar to that of the support. The three-dimensional structures of the porous materials of the support and of the connector have interpenetrated and bonded through compression.

Abstract: A nickel-metal hydride secondary cell comprising an enclosure, a non-sinter type nickel positive electrode accommodated in said enclosure and formed of a conductive core and a layer formed on the core and made mainly of a binding medium, nickel hydroxide powder, and cobalt monoxide powder, a hydrogen absorbing alloy negative electrode accommodated in said enclosure and formed of punched metal and a layer formed on the punched metal by applying a paste thereto, said punched metal having a plurality of apertures having a diameter of 1 to 5 mm at an aperture rate of 45 to 70% and having a thickness equal to 10 to 35% of the overall thickness of the negative electrode, and said paste made of 100 parts by weight of hydrogen absorbing alloy powder, 0.005 to 1 part by weight of polyacrylate, 0.01 to 1 part by weight of carboxymethylcellulose, 0.5 to 7 parts by weight of fluoro-resin, and 0.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of lead-acid batteries and associated apparatus and a lead-acid battery design resulting therefrom is disclosed. The method involves providing a battery grid and pasting the grid with a battery paste such that a profiled and tapered battery plate is formed. This battery plate is wrapped onto a coil and cured in curing apparatus. A battery element is formed using coils of the finished plate stock, separator material, and winged end plate. After this, several battery elements are then placed into a battery container.

Abstract: A grid structure for the positive electrode of a lead-acid battery cell is composed of several substructures (modules), typically having mutually identical geometric designs. Each of the substructures includes a plurality of metallic members having closed geometric shapes, each contained within another, which satisfy a specific growth ratio relationship, namely, that the ratio of the surface area to cross-section area of any member is no greater than such ratio for a member contained within it. In a preferred embodiment, each such substructure is composed of a plurality of concentric rectangles, each (except the outermost) contained within another. Each rectangle is formed by four lead (or lead alloy) rod-like strips.

Abstract: An improvement in lead-acid batteries is disclosed. The improvement is directed toward construction of a lead-acid rechargeable battery in which bipolar positive and negatives plates (biplates) share the same grid or substrate. According to the present invention, such biplates are stacked upon each other, separated by interleaved, highly porous glass mat separators. These substratea positioned between the positive and negative plate areas act as electrical connections attaching the plates to terminals of the battery. The battery case cover is used to provide compressive force on the biplates and separators.

Abstract: Electrode material for use in a storage battery half-cell containing a suspension, storage battery half-cell having an electrode of such material and a storage battery comprising such a storage battery half-cell.Described is an electrode material for use in a storage battery half-cell of the type in which a suspension of particles of active material circulates. Upon charging such a half cell the electrode material according to the invention prevents the formation of a strongly adhering precipitate of active material, such as zinc, on the electrode material. The electrode material comprises for that purpose, at least at its surface, an electrically conducting ceramic material. The invention also concerns a storage battery half-cell comprising such electrode material and a storage battery comprising one or more storage cells each comprising two of such half cells.

Abstract: An electric cell comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte maintains excellent performance when the positive electrode is an electro-conductive polymer composite including a mesh stainless steel having a wire diameter of about 35-120 .mu.m and an electro-conductive polymer, typically polyaniline, integrally deposited onto the mesh by electrolytic polymerization. A container having the elements received therein is provided with a vent mechanism.

Abstract: A plate for a bipolar battery includes a planar substrate of plastic conductive material, with a mesh of metallic wire disposed therein, the surfaces of the wires exposed above the substrate surface. This divides the substrate surface into discrete areas.

Abstract: A high tensile strength fibrous material is coated with an extruded, corrosion-resistant metal to form a composite wire which is used in the formation of a grid element for a battery.

Abstract: For the effective removal of Joule heat from the interior of a high-performance lead battery, especially those with a fixed electrolyte, at least one of the negative grid plates which participate in the development of the electrodes are provided with a U-shaped tube which surrounds and is attached to the grid, in place of the usual grid frame, and through which a coolant circulates. Especially advantageous due to its capacity to conduct heat is a combination of a lead-coated, copper mesh grid and a copper tube, with a residual strip of unexpanded copper sheeting attached to the grid mesh along the remaining upper section of the frame, and developing the conducting lug.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymer-consolidated electrodes for alkaline storage cells. These electrodes are cut out from a support which is coated with a plastified active material. In accordance with the invention, the edges (2, 3) of the electrodes (1) as cut out in this way are reinforced by a layer of polyolefin (5), e.g. paraffin.

Abstract: Electrochemical cell comprising at least one electrode consisting of a substrate made of porous material which is impregnated with an electrochemically active material, highly efficient and high-speed gas reactions occurring at the electrode because of the fact that the substrate is impregnated in accordance with a pattern such that a portion of substrate surfaces contains free metal.

Abstract: A normally sealed starved electrolyte recombinant lead-acid cell of high discharge rate capability whose plates have a thickness from about 0.007 to about 0.027 inches, and whose grids are formed of high hydrogen overvoltage lead with a thickness of from about 0.005 inches to no more than 0.019 inches, with an inter-plate spacing of typically from about 0.005 to about 0.020 inches.

Abstract: In this plate electrode for use in alkaline electrochemical elements or disposable batteries and accumulators, the cover-walls are formed by two metal fabric pieces (1, 2) of plate size. A netting (3), made of thermoplastic material, is located in between. The netting apertures form squares (7) for receiving the active composition (6). In production, the plate, constructed in this way, is compressed over the whole surface under the influence of heat, so that the metal fabric pieces are fused into the plastic netting. The active composition is compressed at the same time. The metal fabrics consist of uniform wire material, especially of nickel. In comparison with conventional pocket plates comprising pockets produced or assembled from perforated metal sheet, the present plate electrode possesses advantages with respect to its quality features and production costs.

Abstract: A lightweight battery grid having an array of grid wires arranged to define a plurality of parallelogram of substantially equal size; whereby a battery plate having substantially equal paste pellets may be formed.

Abstract: An expanded metal battery grid and process for making same which grid has a supporting border comprising a thermoplastic ribbon folded lengthwise around the grid's edge and ultrasonically bonded to itself through interstices in the grid.

Abstract: A grid array for use in assembling a multicell electric battery comprises a plurality of grids preferably arranged in two spaced parallel lines, adapted to provide a plate for every cell of the battery. Each grid is connected to one or more adjacent grids by a combination of integral bridge pieces and sufficient temporary links to maintain all the grids of the array in their desired configuration.

Abstract: An improved substrate for a battery electrode is disclosed. The substrate is in the form of a reticulated lattice bordered by a current conducting perimeter and having a current connection or tab on the perimeter. The lattice is comprised of first current carrying portions which converge toward an imaginary point outside the perimeter of the substrate, which point can lie on an imaginary bisector to the lattice. Second current carrying portions intersect the first current carrying portions and extend generally perpendicularly to them at the points of intersection. The lattice thus formed improves the current density of the electrode and provides for a more uniform current distribution, serves to focus current flow in the direction of the conducting tab, and mechanically strengthens the tab connection to the substrate.