Abstract: A hydrogen-occlusion electrode made of a hydrogen-occlusion alloy having the composition Mn Ni.sub.a Co.sub.b Al.sub.c, wherein 4.0 .ltoreq.a+b+c.ltoreq.5.5; 3.0.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.4.5; 0.3 .ltoreq.b.ltoreq.1.3; 0.2.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.0.8; and Mm is a rare earth or mixtures thereof wherein lanthanum comprises at least about 70 wt.% thereof, and an alkaline storage battery having such an electrode as the negative electrode.

Abstract: This invention relates to an active material of hydrogen storage alloy electrode. The composition of the active material has a formula: Mm Ni.sub.5-x-y-z-u A.sub.x B.sub.y C.sub.z D.sub.u ; wherein Mm is mischmetal; A=Mn, Sn, or V; B=Cr, Co, Ti, Nb, Zr, or Si; C=Al, Mg, or Ca; D=Li, Na, or K; 0.ltoreq..times..ltoreq.0.95; 0.ltoreq. y.ltoreq. 1; 0.ltoreq. z.ltoreq. 0.7; and 0.1.ltoreq. u.ltoreq. 0.9. Alternatively, the composition may be of the formula: Ti.sub.2 Ni.sub.1-u Du; wherein D=Li, Na, or K; and 0.04.ltoreq. u.ltoreq. 0.9. This active material can relieve the alkali metal ions M.sup.+ continuously in charge-discharge process of the alkali batteries, increase the concentration of MOH within the battery, take effect in protecting the cathode and the anode validly, and improve the cycle life and the discharge capacity of the battery.

Abstract: An electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy having decreased hydrogen overpressure as well as other desirable operational parameters, comprising on an atomic percent basis: 14 to 22 percent vanadium; 28 to 39 percent nickel; 7 to 15 percent titanium; 15 to 34 percent zirconium; and at least one member selected from the group consisting of 0.001 to 7 percent chromium, 0.001 to 7 percent cobalt, 0.001 to 7 percent iron, 0.001 to 3.6 percent manganese, and 0.001 to 2.7 percent aluminum, wherein the atomic ratio of the vanadium to zirconium is in the range of 1:2.26 to 1:0.68. An electrochemical hydrogen storage alloy having a reduced self-discharge rate comprising an alloy having a heterogeneous, disordered microstructure resulting from changes in the mutual solubility of the elements of the alloy, wherein hydrogen in a particular phase is not easily discharged either though low surface area, or an oxide of limited porosity or catalytic property.

Abstract: A nickel-metal hydride secondary cell, comprising a hydrogen absorbing alloy negative electrode accommodated in an enclosure and containing spherical hydrogen absorbing alloy particles covered with a free cooling surface and having an average particle diameter of 1 to 100 .mu.m, a non-sintered type nickel positive electrode disposed within the enclosure and positioned to face the negative electrode with a separator interposed therebetween, and an alkaline electrolyte poured in the enclosure.

Abstract: This invention relates to rechargeable manganese dioxide cells (usually alkaline cells with zinc anodes or cells having non-aqueous electrolyte and lithium anodes), and particularly to the cathodes therefor. In keeping with the present invention, the cathodes are essentially unconstrained--that is, no cage is used in the cell between the cathodes and the anodes. The cathode is restricted from significantly changing its dimensions during discharge of the cell, when it is inclined to swell--as opposed to the tendency of the cathode to contract during a charge cycle. The cathode substantially fills the entire space alloted for it within the cell, with a slight accommodation for height-wise or longitudinal expansion or growth of the cathode of bobbin-type cells, or cross-wise expansion or growth of button-type cells.

Abstract: A metal hydride negative electrode plate for use in an alkaline electrochemical cell is disclosed including a conductive substrate carrier, a layer of electrochemically active hydrogen storage alloy material capable of reversibly storing hydrogen attached to the carrier, and the presence of a layer of carbon particles affixed to the outer surface of the active material layer. The carbon particle layer is present as a uniform distribution on the surface of the active material layer and prevents substantial oxidation of the active hydrogen storage alloy material during charge and overcharge of an alkaline cell incorporating the carbon coated metal hydride negative electrode of the invention.

Abstract: In rechargeable or primary electrochemical cells, hydrogen may evolve. The invention concerns the use of an auxiliary electrode material comprising manganese dioxide and a catalyst as the oxidant providing for the recombination of pressurized hydrogen, for example, the hydrogen being at pressures ranging from from substantially zero gauge pressure up to the relief pressure of the cell. The cell is a sealed cell having a manganese dioxide cathode, a zinc anode and aqueous electrolyte contacting both anode and cathode. The aqueous electrolyte may be alkaline or it may be ammonium chloride or zinc chloride, or mixtures thereof. The auxiliary electrode material, which may be mixed with the cathode material or be formed into a discrete auxiliary electrode, may optionally comprise a porous substrate, and in any event comprises MnO.sub.2 and a catalyst for the recombination of pressurized hydrogen with the MnO.sub.2.

Abstract: A zinc alkaline cell is formed by using an anode active material which contains a non-amalgamated zinc alloy powder having a bulk specific gravity ranging from approximately 2.90 to 3.50 (grams per cm.sup.3) and containing a predetermined amount of indium coated on a surface of the non-amalgamated zinc alloy powder containing a predetermined amount of lead and calcium or a predetermined amount of calcium and bismuth as a zinc alloy powder component, other than unavoidable impurities. The zinc alkali cell can achieve corrosive resistance and discharge performance as a cell and it is comparable with cells formed by using amalgamated zinc alloy powder which has been practically employed.

Abstract: In a metal oxide/hydrogen storage battery, preferably formed as a coiled cell or as a button cell, having a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and an intermediate separator, the oxidation-sensitive negative electrode is protected against diffusing oxygen by a metallic covering of the electrode's metal hydride particles, and the oxygen reduction necessary for gas-tight operation is transferred to an auxiliary electrode which is arranged outside of the ionic path between the positive and negative electrodes. Metals with high solubility for hydrogen, such as Pd, Ni and Cu, are suitable as the covering material. The auxiliary electrode is formed as a film based on a mixture of activated carbon, a PTFE binder and conducting graphite, and is either laminated onto the negative metal hydride electrode or is spatially separated from the main electrodes, depending upon the cell's overall construction.

Abstract: An auxiliary electrode for improving the consumption of oxygen in a gas-tight, sealed alkaline secondary cell is comprised of a synthetic nonwoven fabric and a film rolled onto the fabric. The film is a PTFE-bound activated carbon, and the side of the nonwoven fabric receiving the film is first impregnated with an aqueous cellulose ether mixture to develop a three layer structure including a highly porous, hydrophobic layer made of the nonwoven material, left in its original state and facing the electrolyte or a gas supply, a hydrophilic impregnated layer, and a catalytically active hydrophobic consumption layer electrically connected with the cell's negative electrode and constituting the preferred location for oxygen reduction, at the resulting hydrophobic/hydrophilic transition layer.

Abstract: A metal-hydrogen alkaline storage cell comprising a rare earth hydrogen absorbing alloy and positive and negative electrodes, wherein the rare earth hydrogen absorbing alloy contains praseodymium in a weight ratio of no more than about 3 weight percent based on the total weight of rare earth elements.

Abstract: Porous electrodes for use in fuel cells and other electrochemical cells are disclosed. Principally, the electrodes a catalytically active layer on a porous conductive substrate, which catalytically active layer is derived from non-noble metals. The loading of the catalytically active layer is lower in terms of weight of catalyst per unit area of geometrical electrode surface than heretofore. Several alternative methods of forming the electrode are taught, including impregnating a porous conductive substrate with a metal salt solution, followed by chemical or thermal formation of the porous catalytically active layer; or mixing the catalytically active material with the material of the porous conductive substrate, followed by fabrication of the electrode; or depositing pyrolitic carbon from the gas phase onto a porous conductive substrate, at elevated temperatures in a gas atmosphere. The electrode may also have a porous metallic current collector, and also a further gas diffusion layer.

Abstract: In rechargeable, electrochemical cells, oxygen may evolve on charge, overcharge or any reversal of polarity. The invention concerns an auxiliary, electrochemical, transfer electrode to catalyze the recombination of such oxygen with the anode mass. The auxiliary electrode may comprise a porous carbon bonded with PTFE, or it may comprise a zinc gel having graphite particles and/or metal-plated zinc particles--where the metal that plates the zinc particles may be copper, or may be any of cobalt, cadmium, nickel, or silver. The auxiliary electrode for rectangular electrodes as used in flat plate or jelly roll cells may have the catalytically active material PTFE bonded to the current collector. The cell is generally one having a zinc anode, a metal oxide cathode (usually manganese dioxide), and an aqueous alkaline electrolyte (usually potassium hydroxide) contacting both anode and cathode.

Abstract: A hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode for use in an alkaline storage cell, comprising a hydrogen-absorbing alloy for reversibly absorbing and desorbing hydrogen; and a metal oxide or metal hydroxide existing in the state of a metal in a range of electric potential where said hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrochemically absorbs and desorbs hydrogen in an alkaline electrolyte.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement in a negative electrode of an alkaline storage battery, in which the negative electrode is constituted by a hydrogen absorbing alloy capable of absorbing/desorbing hydrogen electrochemically, and a hydrophobic material and a hydrophilic material are provided in a portion of the surface layer of the negative electrode and in the side of the negative electrode respectively so as to properly secure both the wetting property and hydrophobic property of the negative electrode against the alkaline electrolytic solution. Accordingly, a hydrogen can be absorbed electrochemically in the portion of the negative electrode which is wetted by the electrolytic solution and a hydrogen gas generated in charging the battery can be absorbed by a vapor phase reaction in the hydrophobic portion of the negative electrode which is exposed to the vapor phase so that the internal gas pressure can be reduced to thereby make it possible to perform rapid charging.

Abstract: A hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode comprising a hydrogen-absorbing alloy represented by a formula ANi.sub.a Co.sub.b Mn.sub.c or ANi.sub.a Co.sub.b Mn.sub.c X.sub.d, A representing a mixture of rare earth elements including La and X representing at least one element selected from a group of Fe, Cu, Mo, W, B, Al, Si and Sn, wherein 2.5.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.3.5, 0.4.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.1.5, 0.2.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.1.0, and 3.85.ltoreq.a+b+c.ltoreq.4.78 in the case of ANi.sub.a Co.sub.b Mn.sub.c or 2.5.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.3.5, 0.4.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.1.5, 0.2.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.1.0, 0<d.ltoreq.0.3 and 3.85.ltoreq.a+b+c+d.ltoreq.4.78 in the case of ANi.sub.a Co.sub.b Mn.sub.c X.sub.d, is disclosed. La is contained in a weight ratio (%) of 20.ltoreq.La.ltoreq.50 against a total weight of the rare earth elements.

Abstract: An anode for high temperature fuel cell containing metal hydrides or hydrogen absorbing alloys at least in part of the anode material of high temperature fuel cell operating while consuming a gas containing hydrogen, or a gas substantially containing hydrogen, as the fuel. In particular, at least in part of the anode for molten carbonate fuel cell, either metal hydrides or hydrogen absorbing alloys is used, and the performance of the anode is enhanced, and it contributes to extension of the life of the anode.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alkaline storage battery using a negative electrode formed of a hydrogen absorbing alloy capable of absorbing/desorbing hydrogen electrochemically. A three-dimensional structural matter having hydrophobic property is used as a supporter for supporting the hydrogen absorbing alloy of the negative electrode, so that hydrophobic property is given to the surface of the hydrogen absorbing alloy which is in contact with the support, whereby a hydrogen gas generated in a charging period is absorbed by powder of the alloy exposed at a gas phase portion to suppress the increase of the internal gas pressure of the battery.According to the present invention, it is possible to perform rapid charge in a short time because the increase of the internal gas pressure of the battery can be suppressed.

Abstract: Overcharge protection, and especially the chargeability of a sealed Ni/Cd battery with high currents (up to 1 CA) is improved by rolling a carbon-containing powdered material into the surface of the negative electrode, which material catalyzes the reduction of oxygen. Wetting of the electrode with a "Tylose" dispersion prior to application of the powder (by powdering, vibration or in an agitator) improves the adhesion of the powder. The cadmium electrode thus prepared combines in itself the functions of a negative principal electrode and of an auxiliary oxygen electrode.

Abstract: A hydrogen absorbing Ni-based alloy comprising 5 to 25% by weight of titanium (Ti), 10 to 37% by weight of zirconium (Zr), 4 to 20% by weight of manganese (Mn), 0.1 to 12% by weight of vanadium (V), 0.01 to 5% by weight of iron (Fe), 0.01 to 4.5% by weight of aluminum (Al), and balance nickel (Ni) and unavoidable impurities, and a sealed Ni-hydrogen rechargeable battery comprising a negative electrode provided with such a hydrogen absorbing alloy as an active material, an Ni positive electrode, a separator and an alkaline electrolyte solution.

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 a galvanic cell having a failsafe circuit interrupter means for electrically isolating one cover terminal of the cell from the cell's electrochemical system when the closed end of the container of the cell bulges beyond a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A sealed type nickel-hydride battery comprising a positive electrode made of nickel oxides and/or Ni(OH).sub.2 as an active material, a negative electrode made of hydrogen storage alloys as main materials which may absorb and desorb hydrogen as an active material electrochemically, an alkaline electrolyte, and a separator. Prior to sealing in a battery case, the positive electrode contains cobalt and/or cobalt hydroxide having an oxidation potential lower than that of nickel hydroxide and the negative electrode is not subjected to a sufficient precharge as required for the substantial battery capacity to be limited by the capacity of the positive electrode. The battery is sealed in this state, and at an initial charge, the cobalt and/or cobalt oxides are charged and a precharged section absorbed hydrogen is formed in a negative electrode corresponding to the charge capacity of the cobalt and/or cobalt oxides.

Abstract: In rechargeable or primary, electrochemical cells, hydrogen may evolve. The invention concerns the use of an auxiliary electrode material to catalyse the recombination of pressurized hydrogen, for example, the hydrogen being at pressures ranging from 5 to 15 psig up to pressure relief of the cell. The cell is a sealed cell having a metal oxide cathode, a zinc anode and aqueous, alkaline electrolyte contacting both anode and cathode. The auxiliary electrode material, which may be mixed with the cathode material or be formed into a discrete auxiliary electrode, comprises a porous substrate and a catlyst for the absorbtion of pressurized hydrogen by the electrolyte. The substrate may be carbon, graphite or metal. The catalyst may be carbon, catalytically active noble metals, salts and oxides of lead, nickel, titanium, lanthanum, chromium, tantalum and alloys thereof, and the metals or mixtures of carbon with the salts or oxides.

Abstract: A device for recombining hydrogen and oxygen released in maintenance-free ad-acid storage batteries as well as their electrochemical conversion is composed of electrodes employed in a stack enveloped in a sheath of microporous material with the individual electrodes also being separated by such material. The device may be employed in sealed storage batteries when connected through a diode to the negative pole of a cell of the battery. A stack of electrodes may be divided in two parts, one part connected through a diode to the negative pole and the other part connected through a diode and a resistor to the positive pole, at which time the device is immersed partially in the electrolyte of the cell. The electrodes contains a catalyst from a combination of tungsten carbide and the active or activate carbon and a polymeric binder on a support grid of lead or lead alloy, the catalyst/binder mixture having been pressed onto the support grid or forming two layers situated at the surfaces of the electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improvement of a hydrogen absorbing alloy to be used as a negative electrode of an alkaline storage battery. The hydrogen absorbing alloy capable of electrochemically absorbing/desorbing hydrogen has a CaCu.sub.5 type crystal structure and is represented by the general formula of A.sub.1-x B.sub.x C.sub.y D.sub.z, in which formula: D is selected from the group consisting of V, In, Tl, Ga and mixtures thereof; the atomic ratio z has a value within the range made up as follows, 0.02.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.3 for V, 0.02.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.1 for In, 0.02.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.1 for Tl, and 0.02.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.1 for Ga; and the atomic ratio (y+z) has a value within the range of from 4.7 to 5.3.

Abstract: A fibrous sheet useful as a battery plate separator is disclosed. The sheet, in a specific embodiment, is made from a mixture of Grade 210 glass fibers, Grade 206 glass fibers, Grade A-20 chopped glass strand, and Grade A-121 polyethylene fibers. The fine glass fibers impart a high absorbency to the sheet; the coarse glass fibers impart a lower absorbency; and the polyethylene fibers, which are hydrophobic, are essentially non-absorbent. The different fibers are used in such proportions that the sheet has the absorbency, usually from 75 to 95 percent, required for use in a recombinant battery, even in the presence of free electrolyte.

Abstract: In rechargeable, electrochemical cells, oxygen may evolve on charge, overcharge or any reversal of polarity. The invention concerns an auxiliary, electrochemical, transfer electrode to catalyze the recombination of such oxygen with the anode mass. The auxiliary electrode comprises porous carbon bonded with PTFE and is used in a cell having a zinc anode, a metal oxide cathode and an aqueous alkaline electrolyte contacting both anode and cathode.

Abstract: A hydrogen absorbing Ni,Zr-based alloy comprising 5 to 20% by weight of titanium (Ti), 10 to 37% by weight of zirconium (Zr), 5 to 30% by weight of manganese (Mn), 0.01 to 15% by weight of tungsten (W), 6 to 30% by weight of iron (Fe), and optionally at least one of 0.1 to 7% by weight of Cu, 0.05 to 6% by weight of Cr and 0.01 to 5% by weight of Al, and balance nickel (Ni) and unavoidable impurities; and a sealed Ni-hydrogen rechargeable battery comprising a negative electrode provided with a hydrogen absorbing alloy as an active material, an Ni positive electrode, a separator and an alkaline electrolytic solution, wherein the hydrogen absorbing alloy is composed of such hydrogen absorbing Ni,Zr-based alloy.

Abstract: A bipolar battery intercell separator having three layers is disclosed. The two outer layers consist of a porous, hydrophobic, electrically conductive composite of carbon and a fluorocarbon binder hydrophobizing agent. The inner layer consists of a porous, hydrophobic, electrically conductive composite of carbon and a fluorocarbon binder hydrophobizing agent and a precious metal catalyst suitable for recombining hydrogen and oxygen at temperatures in the range of about -30.degree. to +150.degree. C. The precious metal catalyst is isolated from the electrolyte to prevent poisoning of the battery electrodes.

Abstract: An assembly for recombining gases generated in electrochemical cells wherein a catalyst strip is enveloped within a hydrophobic, gas-porous film which, in turn, is encased between gas-porous, metallic layers. The sandwich construction of metallic layers and film is formed into a spiral with a tab for connection to the cell.

Abstract: A multicell lead-acid battery having a low profile, unitary combination cast-on-strap and intercell connector configured relative to other components of the battery to be resistant to vibrational forces. A method for forming the connector features a heat sealing step to provide a tight mechanical fit.

Abstract: Corrosion is reduced in aqueous electrochemical cells having zinc anodes comprised of single crystal zinc particles by the addition of small amounts of a gas inhibiting surfactant, for example, an organic phosphate inhibitor such as RA600 from GAF Corp. to the cell. A synergistically lowered rate of corrosion and cell gassing is obtained even with reduction of mercury content.

Abstract: The invention relates to a galvanic cell having a failsafe circuit interrupter means for electrically isolating one terminal of the cell from the cell's electrochemical system when the closed end of the container bulges beyond a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A sealed lead storage battery including at least one negative electrode plate capable of absorbing oxygen gas generated from a positive electrode plate during recharging thereof, which battery comprises a battery casing having a breathing hole defined therein in communication with the interior of the battery casing, and a safety valve including a flat rubber plate of synthetic material overlaying the breathing hole in contact with the battery casing and an elastic pad made of open-celled elastic material placed over the flat rubber plate so as to urge the flat rubber plate against the battery casing.

Abstract: A battery structure arranged to avoid the inefficiency problems which normally accompany container bulging in conventional absorbed electrolyte batteries such as sealed lead-acid batteries. The battery container is separated by partition walls into a plurality of working cells into which are closely fitted conventional stacks of plates and separators. The partition walls hold the plates and separators in intimate contact necessary for proper operation of the battery. Bulge compensating end cells are provided at either end of the battery between the working cells and the container end walls to accommodate pressure variations during battery operation. Compression means associated with the bulge compensating end cells maintains the plates and separators in intimate contact to maintain battery efficiency while permitting the container end walls to bulge.

Abstract: A rechargeable electrochemical cell a positive electrode, an alkaline electrolyte and a negative electrode made mainly of a hydrogen absorbing alloy containing a mixture of at least two rare earth elements including Ce whose content relative to the total amount of rare earth elements is less than 40 wt % and is preferably 0.1 wt % to 12 wt % or in the range 0.1-8 wt %, which gives still better capacity and life characteristics. Moreover, larger capacity characteristics can be obtained if the negative electrode contains a conductive powder preferably with an average particle diameter of 10 .mu.m or less as a subsidiary material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylindrical galvanic cell having a failsafe circuit interrupter means for electrically isolating one terminal of the cells from the cell electrochemical system when the bottom of the cylindrical cell bulges beyond a predetermined amount.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a metal/hydrogen alkaline storage battery, which comprises a positive electrode of a metal oxide, a negative electrode of a hydrogen-storage alloy, and a separator impregnated with an alkaline electrolyte and placed between the positive and negative electrodes. The electrodes and separator are housed within a sealed type battery casing. The casing has a device for maintaining the pressure in the battery in a selected range of from an equilibrium pressure required for absorbing hydrogen by the negative electrode to about 20 kg/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a sealed metal oxide-hydrogen storage cell, comprising the step of housing in a container a cathode containing a metal oxide as an active material, an anode containing a hydrogen storage alloy as the main component, a separator for separating the cathode and the anode, a pre-charging member, and an electrolyte solution consisting of an alkaline aqueous solution. The pre-charging member is electrically combined with the anode and consists of a metal having a less noble potential than the hydrogen electrode potential within the alkaline solution. A material containing said metal as the main component may also be used as the pre-charging member. The storage cell has a desired anode-cathode capacity balance and exhibits a long life.

Abstract: A preferably sealed lead-acid battery having a microfine glass separator pasting paper integrated with its adjoining plate, and the associated method by which the separator pasting paper is applied directly to the freshly pasted plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hermetically sealed metalic oxide-hydrogen battery comprising a metallic oxide as a positive electrode active material and hydrogen as a negative electrode active material, characterized in that the negative electrode is composed of a hydrogen storage alloy represented by the formula:MNi.sub.5-(x+y) Mn.sub.x Al.sub.ywherein M is a mischmetal (Mm), a lanthanum element or a lanthanum-rich mischmetal (Lm); and x and y are values satisfying relations of 0<x<1, 0<y<1 and 0.2.ltoreq.x+y.ltoreq.1, respectively.An internal pressure of the battery in this invention does not increase even when a charge/discharge cycle has been carried out for a long period of time, and a discharge capacity can be maintained at a high level over a prolonged period. The battery of this invention is superior to the conventional metallic oxide-hydrogen battery and has a great industrial value.

Abstract: A lead acid recombination cell of motive power type comprises a sealed container containing negative plates alternating with tubular positive plates comprising a plurality of parallel tubes of porous material which contain active material and along the interior of each of which a conductive spine extends. Adjacent plates are separated by compressible fibrous absorbent material and the cell contains substantially no free unabsorbed electrolyte whereby substantially all the electrolyte is absorbed in the plates and separator material.

Abstract: A nickel-hydrogen bipolar battery comprises a plurality of unit cells organized in assemblies wherein the assemblies are stacked and positioned within a hydrogen space. Each unit cell includes a porous hydrogen electrode loaded on its lower surface with a platinum catalyst layer. Adjacent the platinum loaded lower surface of the porous hydrogen electrode lies a separator. A nickel electrode lies against the separator opposite the surface adjacent to the platinum loaded surface. One or more openings through the nickel electrode and separator cooperate to permit oxygen gas, generated at the nickel electrode, to reach to the hydrogen electrode of the same unit cell. Recombination of hydrogen gas and oxygen gas occurs at the hydrogen electrode platinum catalyst layer. The assembly provides serial connection of the unit cells through conductive end plates for axial current flow through the assembly stack.

Abstract: A sealed, rechargeable nickel-zinc cell includes a zinc electrode active mass essentially free of zinc metal when at full discharge, a carboxylated styrene-butadiene binder retaining the zinc electrode mixture in a coherent structure, a predetermined amount of cadmium being included in the zinc electrode mixture, a separator preferably comprising at least two layers of material free of any adhesive binding the layers together and a wicking layer positioned between the nickel positive electrode and the separator.

Abstract: A through-the-wall intercell connection for adjacent cells of a battery in which integral extensions of the current collector tabs emanating from the respective plates are directly welded together at the partition opening. The individual tabs are bent along a smooth curve which, together with interposed cushioned insulating material between bent tabs, lends vibration resistance to the intercell connection.

Abstract: An alkaline electric storage cell comprises a container within which are positive and negative pocket plates separated by composite separators. Each separator has a lower portion which is of conventional ladder type having a substantially open area and an upper portion which is a strip of absorbent fibrous material. The cell is filled with electrolyte up to a level which is slightly above the bottom of the strips. The high discharge rate voltage of the cell is scarcely impaired by comparison with a conventional cell, but the oxygen that is evolved at the end of charge is recombined at those portions of the negative plates which are above the electrolyte level but retained moist with electrolyte by the absorbent strips. The cell thus loses no electrolyte and is of no-maintenance type at charging rates of up to C/60 or more.

Abstract: An alkaline storage battery having located in a battery container a battery element comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator and a gas ionizing auxiliary electrode, in which the gas ionizing electrode is contained in a bag of microporous film, is described.

Abstract: A multi-layered gas permeable separator for lead-acid maintenance-free batteries, particularly for sealed gas recombining type rechargeable lead-acid batteries, is disclosed. The outer separator layers, adapted to be positioned against the opposite polarity plates of the battery, are composed of ultrafine fibers particularly glass fibers of relatively high fiber surface area. A third layer is interposed between the outer layers and is comprised of ultrafine fibers particularly of fiber glass, but has a fiber surface area on an equivalent weight basis which is substantially less than that of at least one of the outer layers. High rate, low temperature discharge performance of the battery is enhanced.

Abstract: In a one-cell or multi-cell lead salt electric storage battery with electrodes of first order, the anode of the cell or each cell has an active anode body (4) consisting of graphite fibers in textile structure. This active anode body is connected with an electrolyte-impervious, electrically conductive cell closure (1) consisting of moulded artificial resin with moulded-in, uniformly distributed short graphite fibers. The connection between the active anode body and the cell closure is established either by gluing with an artificial resin glue (5) with mixed-in short graphite fibers, or by embedding fibers at the surface of the active anode body in the artificial resin of the cell closure (1) by temporary softening of the surface of the artificial resin by heat or by the application of a volatile solvent. The electrolyte consists of lead silicofluoride (PbSiF.sub.6) with or without addition of lead methane sulfonate (Pb(CH.sub.3 SO.sub.3).sub.2) dissolved in water.