Abstract: A sealed storage battery includes a battery case containing a group of electric power-generating elements each comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator, a battery case lid closing an opening in the battery case to seal the battery case, and a safety vent of the assembling type mounted on the battery case lid. The safety vent is welded to the battery case lid. With this construction, a hermetic seal at an area of contact between the safety vent and the battery case lid is enhanced, and also the reliability of the safety vent is enhanced.

Abstract: This invention pertains to separators for electrochemical cells which comprise (i) two microporous pseudo-boehmite layers and (ii) a protective coating layer comprising a polymer interposed between the microporous pseudo-boehmite layers; electrolyte elements comprising such separators; electrical current producing cells comprising such separators; and methods of making such separators, electrolyte elements and cells.

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 infection 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: End cap apparatus (2) is received in the open end of an electrochemical cell casing (6) and is particularly adapted to be crimped thereto electrically separated from the casing by a gasket (4). The end cap apparatus incorporates current interrupt safety protection features including high rate overcharge protection through an over-temperature and/or low pressure switch (22, 12d-18, 18′, 18″, 118a), low rate overcharge and overdischarge protection through a low pressure switch (12d-18, 18′, 18″, 118a), extended short circuit protection through an over-temperature switch driven by l2r heating of internal components (20, 22, 16, 12, 12′, 16′, 16″, 16′″, 12v, 102, 122, 120), and pressure venting through a frangible portion (12e) of a diaphragm. The diaphragm can be integrally formed with a header (12, 12″, 12′″, 12iv) or can be a separate element (32, 82, 92, 108, 112, 112′ 112″, 112′″).

Abstract: The present invention provides for a wet, multicell, lead-acid electric storage battery comprising a venting system having vent plugs comprising an inventive sealing arrangement. Specifically, the vent plugs provide a seal to be molded onto the vent body as a permanently attached feature. The present invention consequently eliminates the need to separately manufacture and apply a gasket to a vent body, thus reducing manufacturing costs and greatly improving reliability and safety during both use and handling.

Abstract: A safety device for a storage battery includes a charge-discharge lead one end of which is connected to a positive electrode side of the storage battery and the other end of which is connected to a positive terminal of the storage battery; a pressure-sensing device which deforms in response to the increase of the pressure in the storage battery; and a cutting device for cutting the charge-discharge lead. The cutting device is pressed by the deformation of the pressure-sensing device to cut the charge-discharge lead.

Abstract: A safety vent is provided for incorporation into sealed electrochemical cells. The vent is particularly applicable to cells experiencing transient conditions producing pressures above 250 psi (17.6 kg/cm.sup.2). By configuring a cover plate to plastically deform at elevated pressures, an increased venting area can be produced. The increased venting area allows for venting of solid matter which may be forced into vent holes during high temperatures and pressures. Effective plastic deformation is obtained by proper selection of a ductile material and cover plate thickness. By ensuring that vent clogging does not occur, pressures are limited and the integrity of the cell is maintained. By incorporating this vent into a cell, methods of successfully passing industry standard test procedures for secondary cells are provided. The vent also includes an elastomeric sealing element which is captured between the cover plate and a rigid upper plate.

Abstract: A sealed casing is provided for withstanding a certain pressure. The casing contains an electric accumulator, and is formed by at least one wall which has at least one closing area formed by a plastic band for connecting two edges of the wall. The closing area includes an adhesive part and a shiftable part to form an effective and economical closure.

Abstract: A sealed electrochemical cell (1) fitted with a circuit-breaking terminal (3) which ensures electrical connection between an external contact part (7) of the terminal and one (6) of the positive or negative electrodes of the cell, the external contact part (7) of the terminal being electrically connected to a wall (11) which ensures that the terminal is sealed and which is capable of being deformed under the action of an increase in internal pressure, the wall (11) being connected to said electrode (6) by means (13, 14, 16) which ensure electrical continuity, the continuity being interrupted when an internal pressure P is reached which is greater than a determined value P.sub.1, causing the wall to deform and the connection between the wall (11) and a break part (13) to break, the cell being characterized in that said circuit-breaking terminal (3) passes in a sealed manner through a closure lid (2) of the cell, the lid also being fitted separately with a safety capsule (4) which breaks under a pressure P.sub.

Abstract: The valve cap for an electric storage cell includes a central annular valve seat (23) and a membrane (5) fixed by its peripheral edge and urged against the seat by a piston (10) bearing thereagainst by means of a spring (12), the rear end of said spring (12) bearing on the endwall (8) of a chamber (20) formed in the cap and containing the piston (10) and the spring. A vent (19) puts the chamber (20) into communication with the atmosphere. A central orifice (26, 28) through the piston (10) and the membrane (5), enables gas from within the cell to escape via the top vent (19) when the valve opens.

Abstract: The subject invention discloses apparatus and methods to provide compression of an electrochemical cell independent of atmospheric pressure. One aspect of this invention is directed towards a lithium ion cell assembly which is surrounded by a layer of material under tension, so that the material applies pressure which compresses the cell to enhance contact between the anode, separator, and cathode layers. Specifically, a heat shrink material (material which reduces in size, or contracts in at least one dimension of a three-dimensional conformation, due to the application of heat) is provided about a laminar battery and shrunk in situ to provide a battery package. Another embodiment of this invention is directed towards a lithium ion cell asembly in which a sealed package contains both the battery and a spring element. The spring element within the package applies pressure to the battery to compress it and improve contact between the anode, separator, and cathode layers.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell according to the present invention includes a can having an open end; electrochemical materials including two electrodes provided inside the can; a seal provided in the open end of the can for preventing leakage of the electrochemical materials from the can; and a moisture barrier provided in the open end of the can for preventing external moisture from reaching the interior of the cell. Preferably, the ambient air barrier includes an inner cover or outer cover having at least one aperture. The ambient air barrier may further include a moisture-impervious plug material disposed in contact with the inner cover or outer cover for releasably sealing the aperture in the inner cover or outer cover. Alternatively, the moisture barrier may include a layer of moisture-impervious material disposed on the outer surface of the seal in an area exposed to ambient air passing at least partially through the aperture in the inner cover and/or outer cover.

Abstract: A flat accumulator device (10) includes a planar electrochemical cell with at least two planar electrodes (2, 2') having opposite polarities disposed on either one of the two sides of an electrolyte material (3, 4), a planar housing having planar parts (1, 1') and enveloping the planar electrochemical cell, and electrical contacts (30, 30') of the electrodes forming external electric terminals fixed in a moisture-proof manner to the planar parts of the housing. In this device, the flat accumulator includes a security portion (31, 32; 31', 32') which forms a circuit breaker that can be triggered by a short-circuit produced between the electric terminals of the housing.

Abstract: There is provided a cap assembly for a rectangular battery comprising a cap cover in which a vent hole is formed, a positive electrode terminal which has a through hole leading to the discharge hole and combines with the upper portion of the cap cover having an insulating plate interposed therebetween, a positive electrode tab connected to a positive electrode of an electrode assembly, a conductive safety vent support having a hollow rivet protrusion passing through the vent hole of the cap cover and the through hole of the positive electrode terminal to be coupled to the positive electrode terminal, and a conical conductive safety vent whose upper circumferential portion combines with the bottom surface of the safety vent support to seal the hollow of the rivet protrusion, and whose vertex contacts the upper surface of the positive electrode tab, wherein the vertex of the safety vent separates from the positive electrode tab when the internal pressure of the battery increases to a predetermined level.

Abstract: A valve for an electric storage battery, including a cap housing for being positioned in an access port in the battery, the cap housing having interior side walls defining a gas-flow orifice therethrough. A valve member is positioned in the gas-flow orifice of the cap housing, and comprises a valve body, including at least one vent defining a gas-flow passage from an upstream to a downstream side of the valve body, a resilient, radially-outwardly extending annular skirt positioned on the downstream side of the valve body in gas-flow communication with the vent, the skirt extending radially outwardly from the valve body in the downstream direction. The skirt has an outermost free end normally sealingly engaging the side walls of the cap housing defining the gas-flow orifice. The annular skirt and adjacent side walls of the cap housing define therebetween an annular recess in gas-flow communication with the vent.

Abstract: A cap assembly of a battery includes a cap cover in which ventilation holes are formed in the center portion, a cap assembled on the upper edge of the cap cover, and ventilation rubber interposed between the cap cover and the cap for opening and closing the ventilation holes. At least two and preferably two to four ventilation holes are formed in the cap cover. Accordingly, the life span of a battery employing the cap assembly can be greatly enhanced.

Abstract: A battery includes a pair of an anode electric power generating source element and a cathode electric power generating source element for generating an electric power, and a container receiving therein the electric power generating source elements. The container includes a breakable portion which is breakable such that a gas from at least a part of the electric power generating source elements is allowed to flow out of the container therethrough when a pressure in the container increases excessively. The battery further includes a variable throttle for the gas which is elastically deformable by the pressure in the container such that the gas is allowed to flow out of the container.

Abstract: A low pressure vented battery structure comprised of lithium ion polymer cells contained within a flexible container. The flexible container is punctured to provide a venting aperture. The venting aperture is externally sealingly covered with a vent structure comprising a first chemically inert plastic film layer having a central aperture which is adhered to the flexible container around the periphery of the central aperture, with the central aperture being in registration with the venting aperture. A second film chemically inert layer membrane is partially adhered to the first layer, whereby the membrane is stretched and anchored in a position covering the central aperture and the venting aperture, and partially separated from the first layer to provide a venting pathway from the venting aperture to the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A cap assembly for a battery has a cap cover in which a gas discharge hole is formed. A cap is installed on the upper end of the cap cover to contain a rubber member disposed between the upper and lower ends of the cap and block the gas discharge hole. The rubber member is hat shaped in the form of a quadrilateral head.

Abstract: Mechanically and thermally improved rechargeable batteries, modules and fluid-cooled battery pack systems. The battery is prismatic in shape with an optimized thickness to width to height aspect ratio which provides the battery with balanced optimal properties when compared with prismatic batteries lacking this optimized aspect ratio. The optimized thickness, width and height allow for maximum capacity and power output, while eliminating deleterious side affects. The battery case design allows for unidirectional expansion which is readily compensated for by applying external mechanical compression counter to that direction. In the module, the batteries are bound within a module bundling/compression means under external mechanical compression which is optimized to balance outward pressure due to expansion and provide additional inward compression to reduce the distance between the positive and negative electrodes, thereby increasing overall battery power.

Abstract: A resealable vent closure for an electrochemical cell comprising a disk seal having a first upstanding wall to define an opening to accommodate a current collector rod of a cell and having vent grooves disposed in the first wall, and having a second upstanding peripheral wall with vent channels and said second wall being crimped between a cover for the cell and the top edge of a container containing the active components of the cell to thereby produce a sealed cell that is resealable.

Abstract: An improved safety battery exhibiting excellent safety features and capable of preventing ejection and spraying of the contents thereof when the safety valve has been ruptured, and having a safety valve which cannot be pierced unintentionally or intentionally by a child or the like is provided. In a preferred embodiment, a cylindrical nonaqueous-electrolyte battery is provided including a safety valve and a battery cover arrangement defining first and second venting cavities which are disposed under cover, to reduce or eliminate direct spraying discharge of the battery contents and to prohibit outside access to venting openings.

Abstract: In a gas-tight alkaline accumulator with a casing which at least partially comprises plastic material and in which are arranged electrodes which are surrounded by an electrolyte and which are respectively separated from each other by a separator, wherein the electrodes are connected to pole contacts for electric current to be fed to and away therefrom, in order to increase the operating reliability of the accumulator and to avoid further disadvantages, there is provided a valve having an opening which passes through the casing of the accumulator, and a deformable element which, in the event of an increased pressure occurring within the casing, provides for liberation of the opening and, after a drop in the increased pressure, closing of the opening.

Abstract: A metal support disk useful in sealing an electrochemical cell exerts a resilient outward radial force against the seal to assure seal integrity over a wide temperature range and exerts an upward force against an adjacent metal end cap terminal to assure continued mechanical and electrical contact with the terminal. The support is a stepped disk having a centrally located, shallow, cylindrical pill-box, with the bottom of the pill-box extending radially outward into an annular ring. A spring means in the form of an S-shaped rim extends down from the periphery of the ring, terminating at its bottom in an outward extending flange. The edge of the flange presses a plastic seal member against the inside wall of the cell to form the seal.

Abstract: A cell pressure control system is disclosed which has a two stage control mechanism. In the first stage, increased cell pressure causes a conductive deflection member to bend to a position where it opens an electrical contact and places the cell in open circuit. This prevents current from flowing through the cell and thereby possibly slowing or preventing further increases in cell pressure. The electrical contact relies only upon the pressure of two members (one of which is the deflection member) pushing against one another. If the cell's internal pressure continues to increase even after the pressure contact is broken, the second stage of the pressure control mechanism is activated. Specifically, a pressure rupturable region in the above-mentioned deflection member ruptures to relieve the cell's internal pressure. The pressure rupturable region is a circularity scored region on the conductive deflection member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sealed battery having a large capacity by using a thin safety valve device so as to increase a volume of a cell element. The sealed battery has a high safety owing to the thin safety valve device having an elastic valve element comprising an ethylene-propylene elastomer and thermoplastic resin particles dispersed in the ethylene-propylene elastomer. The elastic valve element is produced by mixing thermoplastic resin particles with an ethylene-propylene elastomer material, molding the mixture into a predetermined shape and, at the same time, crosslinking the ethylene-propylene elastomer material.

Abstract: A stepped insulating ring having a large-diameter upper portion, a small-diameter foot portion, and a step portion formed on the inside is inserted from a top opening of a bottomed cylindrical can containing a plate group and electrolyte and the small-diameter foot portion is set onto the plate group,a peripheral portion of a cover in which a safety valve is incorporated is set onto the step portion of the stepped insulating ring, and the areas to be sealed where an inside wall of top opening of the bottomed cylindrical can faces an outside wall of the large-diameter upper portion of the stepped insulating ring and an inside wall of the large-diameter upper portion faces a peripheral portion of the cover is formed, andwhen crimping operation on said areas to be sealed is performed from the outside of the upper part of the bottomed cylindrical can to form a closed construction,a sealing compound consisting of oily bitumen, organic solvent, and paraffin base oil is applied to the areas where an inside wall of t

Abstract: An electrochemical cell and a method of manufacturing the same. Plates of opposite polarity are wound spirally and end connectors with protruding hubs are attached to each end. Elastomeric sleeves are fitted around both of the hubs. The assembly is placed within a casing having a jacket and an end with a hole through it, whereby one end connector hub and its associated sleeve extends through the casing end hole. The end connector hub is radially expanded against the sleeve by installing a blind rivet in the end connector hub, thereby causing the sleeve to radially expand into the casing. A casing cover having a hole through it is placed on the other end. A blind rivet similarly expands the end connector hub into its sleeve, and the sleeve is expanded into the cover. The plates may be of the very thin type, and the end connectors may be attached by casting them onto the thin plates.

Abstract: A leak-proof rechargable lead-acid battery cell contains a passage in cooperation with a one-way valve which allows gas to escape from the interior of the battery cell when it exceeds a predetermined pressure. In addition, electrolyte can be replenished by extending a syringe needle through suitable apertures and piercing a self-sealing rubber plug.

Abstract: A pair of discharge pipes interconnect outlet ports of a plurality of batteries such that the first discharge pipe interconnects the outlet ports of some of the batteries and the second discharge pipe interconnects the outlet ports of the remaining batteries. The discharge pipes have rear ends connected respectively to atmospheric discharge units and other ends connected by joint pipes. Since the rear ends of the discharge pipes are connected to the atmospheric discharge units, even if one of the discharge pipes is closed or blocked for some reason, a gas emitted from the batteries is discharged from the other discharge pipes and hence is prevented from being trapped in the batteries. Additional pairs of discharge pipes a employed in the same manner for an additional plurality of batteries. The atmospheric discharge units include a backfire check member or valve and/or baffles for inhibiting ignition of the gas emitted from the batteries.

Abstract: A sealing and insulating member for a cylindrical galvanic cell wherein said member comprises a plurality of vent membranes of non-circular configuration. The seal can readily be made from mineral filled polyolefin material by injection molding.

Abstract: A safety vent body having a passage at the center of the bottom surrounded by a circular protrusion, a safety vent cover having a vent hole bonded to the safety vent body, and an elastic valve component consisting of valve seat and rubber pad bonded together into a one-piece structure and a coil spring, housed in a space provided by the safety vent body and the safety vent cover. A plastic container sealed alkaline rechargeable battery realizes a longer cycle life and high reliability by incorporating a resealable safety vent in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A small battery cell including a pressure relief and spring disengagement device which vents various internal pressures to the atmosphere to prevent cell bulging or explosion, and also which internally interrupts current flow through the cell due to internal cell overheat, excessive current flow or the like. Internal reconnection of cell members reoccurs subsequent to internal thermal or other abnormalities.

Abstract: An electric vehicle cell featuring internal pressure relief and spring disengagement devices which vent various internal pressures to atmosphere to prevent cell bulging or explosion and which also internally interrupt current flow through the cell due to internal overheat, excessive current draw and the like. Internal reconnection of cell members reoccurs subsequent to internal thermal and other abnormalities.

Abstract: A sealed battery case comprising: a case of formable metal; a lid for the case, the lid having an annular shroud defining the periphery of at least one opening; at least one terminal having a sealing lip at its circumference; where the terminal is crimp sealed into said annular shroud. Also described is a method of attaching a terminal in a lid opening of a battery case; the opening having an opening and an annular shroud surrounding the opening. The annular shroud is of an inner diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the opening and extending outward from the lid, and the terminal has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the opening and a sealing lip around its circumference. The sealing lip has a diameter in between the diameter of the opening and the diameter of the shroud; the method comprising the steps of: placing a seal of an insulating material; around the sealing lip; inserting the terminal into the shroud; and crimping the shroud around the seal.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a vent orifice defined in the cover of the cell and a conductive spring member is employed to electrically connect one of the electrodes of the cell to the cover so as to adapt the cover as the terminal for the electrode.

Abstract: A sealing plug for a lead battery which prevents both the emergence of acid mist from the cell, and its harmful effects on the operation of the safety valve of the sealing plug, is configured to cause escaping cell gases to follow a path to the outside of the cell which first passes through a porous frit and which then proceeds through a pressure-release valve. To this end, a housing base is provided which includes a bottom portion for receiving the frit and for engaging a filler opening of the battery's lid. A premounted pressure-release valve including a compression spring and a sealing disk is retained between the housing base and a cap for engaging an outer flange of the housing base, for enclosing the resulting structure.

Abstract: A terminal for a battery assembly is adapted to lose electrical conduct with a battery cell in the presence of gases within a battery chamber thereby disabling the battery. The disabling of the battery assembly gives the user an indication that the battery is defective and should not be recharged. Additionally, because the battery is disabled, no more gases will be formed in the battery assembly so the seal or the protective envelope will not burst exposing the battery cell to the environment.

Abstract: A rectangular nickel-metal hydride secondary cell permits improving the air-tightness and also permits preventing a metal case from being deformed in the step of folding an open end portion of the metal case.

Abstract: A battery is prepared by dipping battery elements (which may be surrounded by a thin, lightweight material, such as a plastic bag) into a liquid encapsulating, acid-resistant liquid material such as a rubber or resin. Individual elements can be connected either before or after hardening of the liquid to create a battery of the desired voltage. Heavy thermoplastic resin containers need not be used, and the weight of the resultant battery is thereby substantially reduced.

Abstract: The electrochemical cell of the instant invention includes a case having a gas outlet, one or more positive electrodes positioned within the case, one or more negative electrodes positioned within the case electrode separators positioned between the positive and negative electrodes, electrolyte positioned within the case, and a pressure vent for releasing internal pressure occurring in the case to the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve, according to the invention, is mounted on a vent orifice providing a gas passageway from an interior plenum of a battery or a cell thereof to the ambient atmosphere. The valve fits on the vent orifice and opens to release gas at a high threshold battery gas pressure and reseals the vent orifice when the internal pressure of the battery drops to a low threshold.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a sealed, oxygen recombinant lead-acid battery which includes a series of modules, e.g. 4-volt modules. The modules are prepared from frame and film assemblies which are easily stacked to the desired voltage or capacity. In the preferred embodiment, the assemblies include two 2.0 normal voltage cells, attached in series, three of which are then combined to form a 12-volt system. Modularity eliminates the need for expensive tooling and parts inventory and permits the creation of a wide variety of battery designs. Specially designed vents are employed to permit gas escape during overcharge or if recombination efficiencies are less than desired and to prevent entry of oxygen or moisture when the battery is in its recombinant mode.

Abstract: A metal oxide-hydrogen battery having an outer safety shell. The battery to be used in a confined area such as in an aircraft or manned spacecraft, and includes a pressure vessel that contains at least one cell module. Hydrogen gas under pressure is confined within the pressure vessel and is impregnated in the cell modules. An outer shell, preferably formed of molded plastic, is disposed around the pressure vessel and a vent conduit connects the space between the vessel and the shell with the exterior. Any hydrogen that accidentally leaks from the vessel is captured in the space and vented to the exterior.

Abstract: A resealable, ventable hydrogen impermeable cover assembly for sealing a rechargeable, metal hydride hydrogen storage alloy electrochemical cell. The cover assembly includes, inter alia, a multilayered vent septum comprising at least one layer of a substantially hydrogen impermeable, highly compressible material and at least one layer of a high durometer hardness material exhibiting low pressure hysteresis.

Abstract: In combination with an electric storage battery having a container and a cover, and having a plurality of walls for enclosing the electrolyte and other electrochemical components of the battery, a state of charge indicating device for monitoring the concentration of the electrolyte during the charge and discharge cycles of the battery. The indicating device is made of a porous solid support and an acid concentration sensitive dye which exhibits a change in color in accordance with the acid concentration of the electrolyte. The indicating device also includes a viewport located in one of the walls of the battery for viewing the color of the dye. The color may then be correlated to a reference scale to determine the state of charge of the battery.

Abstract: A battery including a vent tower extending inwardly into the battery cell and terminating at a free end. A passageway is provided through the vent tower to allow the venting of gas. The vent tower includes a porous, hydrophobic filter in the passageway adjacent the free end of the vent tower, and a pressure-relief valve in the passage. The free end of the vent tower is spaced sufficiently from any wall of the battery casing that any void defined by a horizontal plane along the free end of the vent tower and the walls of the casing below the horizontal plane is greater than the volume of free electrolyte regardless of the orientation of the battery.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrochemical cell employing a resettable or nonresettable safety disconnect device operable by a shape memory alloy element. The shape memory alloy element is preferably in the form of an accordion or coiled configuration that will be extended in normal operation of the cell and contract when the internal temperature exceeds a preselected value whereupon the shape memory alloy will break contact in the electrical circuit of the cell thereby rendering the cell inoperative.

Abstract: A cell having an explosion proof valve is disclosed, in which the valve is deformable upon increase of inner pressure of the cell to cut a connection lead which connects the valve with a generator unit contained in the cell. The supply of charging current is cut off when the inner pressure of the cell has abnormally increased. The gradual increase of the inner pressure can be effected by selecting suitable cathode active material.