Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid electrolyte battery, which is preferably used in moving vehicles, such as e.g. in cars, boats or aircraft. The battery contains devices bringing about a circulation of the electrolyte. This circulation is produced by means producing a pumping action and consequently a flow during battery movement. Devices are also provided which bring about a circulation by thermal convection.

Abstract: A circulation system for a flowing-electrolyte battery having at least one electrochemical cell, an anolyte reservoir, and a catholyte reservoir. The circulation system includes an anolyte pump coupled in fluid flowing relationship to the anolyte reservoir which pumps anolyte from the anolyte reservoir to the at least one electrochemical cell. A catholyte pump is coupled in fluid flowing relationship to the catholyte reservoir and also pumps catholyte to the at least one electrochemical cell. A second phase pump is coupled in fluid flowing relationship to the catholyte reservoir and is used to introduce second phase electrolyte into the aqueous catholyte pumped by the catholyte pump. The second phase pump is controlled by a controller so that the second phase is introduced into the catholyte stream in a metered fashion.

Abstract: A one-piece battery comprises a tank divided into cells each receiving an electrode assembly, closure means for the tank and a circulating fluid type heat exchanger facing the relatively larger faces of the electrode assembly. The fluid flows in a compartment defined by two flanges which incorporate a fluid inlet orifice communicating with a common inlet manifold and a fluid outlet orifice communicating with a common outlet manifold. The tank comprises at least two units and each unit comprises at least one cell delimited by walls. The wall facing a relatively larger face of the electrode assembly constitutes one of the flanges. Each unit further incorporates a portion of an inlet and outlet manifold. The units are fastened together so that the flanges when placed face-to-face form a sealed circulation compartment and the portions of the same manifold are aligned with each other.

Abstract: A System and method is disclosed for preventing dendrite formation in a fuel cell, battery or metal recovery system. Typical metal/air fuel cell stacks comprise a plurality of cells electrically coupled together in a serial fashion. Electrolyte is typically pumped through the cells on a continuous basis using an input and output manifold device having a number of channels equal to the number of cells comprising the stack. This parallel connection causes the formation of metallic dendrites in the channels, which can short circuit the fuel cell stack or battery or metal-recovery apparatus. The system and method provides one or more dendrite elimination zones to prevent the formation of dendrites. The dendrite elimination zones are constructed within each cell or within each manifold to prevent the electrochemical reaction associated with dendrites from taking place.

Abstract: A case for accumulators in which side walls lying in perpendicular planes are connected by a connecting wall. The intersecting planes define a corner and external profile for the container. An adduction tube is formed integral with the outer surface of the connecting wall within the profile.

Abstract: Packaging of ground coffee in the form of pastille, "dosette" or predosed bag (1) usable in espresso coffee machines, the pastille, the "dosette" or the predosed bag (1) being formed of filter-paper (3) which encloses the ground coffee (4). The ground coffee content (4) placed in the pastille or the like is partially or totally circumscribed at its periphery, by at least one piece (6) of a sufficiently rigid material acting as a frame, so that the pastille or the like (1) has a good mechanical behaviour. Application to the production of coffees.

Abstract: A rechargeable electric battery includes a number of metal-air cells, each including a metal anode, an air cathode, an anode electrolyte absorber adjacent the anode, a cathode electrolyte absorber adjacent the cathode, a separator separating the electrolyte absorbers, an input for supplying electrolyte to the absorbers at a supply side of the cell and a drain for draining excess electrolyte from the electrolyte absorbers at a drain side of the cells, each of the metal-air cells being inclined so that the drain side is lower than the supply side.

Abstract: The invention consists of a method and apparatus for circulating electrolyte within individual cells of a liquid electrolyte battery while maintaining all cells at a uniform temperature. The invention is an improved method and apparatus for circulating the electrolyte within a cell by the introduction of an actuating fluid into a pump placed in the cell; the actuating fluid concurrently functions as a heat transfer medium through which the temperature of the electrolyte in each cell of the battery is controlled and homogenized. The current invention thus homogenizes both electrolyte concentration and electrolyte temperature throughout all cells of a battery.

Abstract: The invention is a container for storage batteries including a box (3, 20) provided with one or more cells, each of which is suitable to receive metallic plates (10) dipped in the electrolyte and connected to each other so as to make up a positive pole and a negative pole, a cover (2, 30) closed on the box along the perimetrical edge of said box, characterized in that each cell (3, 11, 12, 13) of said container has at least an electrolyte feed pipe (7, 14, 16, 18) with one end communicating with the opening made on the cover and with the other placed near the bottom of the box, and at least a level pipe (5, 15, 17, 19) of said electrolyte with one end communicating with the opening made on the cover and with the other end coinciding with the electrolyte level inside every cell.

Abstract: A battery heating device includes a temperature sensor and at least one heating element in a liquid and acid-proof arrangement inside the battery. The heating element is a power transistor secured to a cooling plate which is powered by the battery, the emitter of the power transistor being powered by a temperature control circuit when the battery temperature falls below a predetermined reference temperature and the battery voltage is higher than a lower threshold and lower than a higher threshold. A trigger circuit responds to a rise in battery voltage after the current in a load having a high current consumption is switched off. The trigger circuit actuates a timer circuit which conductively controls the power transistor for a set time if the battery voltage is under or at the lower threshold.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell, such as a rechargeable lithium battery, having cavitands associated with a metal ion source-electrode and an electrolyte. The cavitands, which are anchored to the electrode by a polymer leash, are capable of releasably attracting particular ions, such as lithium ions, which are migrating from the electrolyte, toward the surface of the electrode during electrodeposition. The polymer leash serves to continuously maintain the cavitands at a predetermined distance away from the surface of the electrode, regardless of surface area fluctuations, typically caused during deposition and dissolution of the particular ions. Accordingly, the cavitands facilitate substantially uniform electrodeposition of the particular ions, which, in turn, substantially suppresses and/or controls the formation and growth of a passive film or layer, on the electrode surface, which may otherwise promote the formation of dendrites.

Abstract: A liquid electrolyte battery (10) comprises a number of electrolytic cells (12), an inlet port (22) extending into a first electrolytic cell (12-1), an electrolyte transport channel (30) residing within each electrolytic cell, a number of carry-over passages (40) hydraulically connecting adjacent electrolytic cells, an outlet port (50) extending from a last electrolytic cell (12-4), and a pump (58) for introducing an electrolyte solution or air into the electrolytic cells. The battery electrolyte is replenished by introducing an electrolyte solution (14) into the first electrolytic cell, causing the electrolyte level to rise and be hydraulically transported through the carry-over passages to fill each electrolytic cell. The electrolyte exiting the last electrolytic cell is collected and reintroduced back into the first electrolytic cell and circulated throughout the battery.

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

Abstract: An electrochemical cell including a housing containing a cathode electrode, an anode electrode, electrode terminals, and a liquid electrolyte; characterized in that the electrodes are in the form of unbonded granules located in separate compartments within the housing and separated by a separator; the granules filling their respective compartments and being subjected to a compressive force to produce good electrical contact between their outer surfaces; the electrolyte filling the interstitial spaces between the granules.

Abstract: A secondary metal air cell, employing a spouted/packed metal particle bed and an air electrode. More specifically a zinc air cell well suited for use in electric vehicles which is capable of being either electrically or hydraulically recharged.

Abstract: An aluminum cell comprises an electrolysis region with a top reservoir and a sump below. Circulation of electrolyte is by convection. The cell is designed to continue operation past the point at which the electrolyte becomes saturated, and an aluminum hydroxide precipitate settles out by gravity in a stagnant lower region of the sump. The anode is preferably of an aluminum alloy containing magnesium, with tin present in the alloy or in the electrolyte. Batteries comprising stacks of such cells are also described.

Abstract: A sealed lead acid battery including a container; a cover connected to the container; a plurality of plate groups disposed in the container, each of the plate groups comprising a plurality of pairs of positive plates and negative plates separated, each from the other, by separators; an upper space within the container extending from the plates to the cover; a pair of straps disposed in the upper space; each of the plates having an upstanding lug; each of the lugs extending from the negative plates being connected to one of the straps; each of the lugs extending from the positive plates being connected to the other of the straps; and foam polyurethane resin filling a sufficient amount of the upper space to control the possibility of an explosion occurring due to the collection of gases within the container, the foam polyurethane having an apparent specific gravity of from 2 g/l to 50 g/l and an open cell structure.

Abstract: A system for increasing the efficiency of electro-chemical batteries includes a liquid electrolyte battery having positive and negative terminals and electrolyte fluid input and output ports. The system also is provided with an electrolyte distribution manifold, an electrolyte filter, an electrolyte holding tank, and a pump and control valves for circulating the electrolyte fluid between the battery and the holding tank, whereby stratification of the electrolyte fluid is prevented and gases and solids are removed from the electrolyte.

Abstract: An activatable lithium/bromine trifluoride electrochemical cell comprising an anode of lithium or lithium alloy, a positive current collector based on carbon black, and an electrolyte based on bromine trifluoride, wherein the quantity of bromine trifluoride is not less than 200 ml per dm.sup.2 of anode area, and that means are provided for causing the electrolyte to circulate through said cell at a linear speed of not less than 0.5 cm/second. Discharge yield is doubled [curve B] compared with a prior art cell [curve A].

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved deferred actuated battery assembly including a plurality of electrochemical cells comprised of a hybrid cathode member and an anode member formed of a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, magnesium, aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys and mixtures thereof attached to an inert intermediate dielectric layer or member and configured for gross electrolyte contact therebetween disposed between an anode plate and a cathode plate.

Abstract: A battery box for a plurality of electrochemical cells which are arranged in rows one behind the other, a circulating-flow channel being formed by a spacing of the cells from one another within each row, through which a fluid can flow. The circulating-flow channels are all fluidically connected to an inlet channel which tapers in the flow direction and is arranged in the vicinity of the box bottom, and to an outlet channel which expands in the flow direction and is arranged in the vicinity of the box lid. To secure the individual cells, the side walls are provided, in the vicinity of the box bottom, with step-type ledges on which the cells are arranged in a vertically staggered manner in the vicinity of their bottom side edges. The slope of the ledges corresponds in magnitude and direction to the taper of the inlet channel on the bottom side, and the width of a step of the ledge corresponds to the depth of the housing of a cell, plus the corresponding clearance of the circulating-flow channel.

Abstract: The invention provides an air cathode in combination with an oxygen-rich electrolyte-immiscible organic fluid for supplying oxygen thereto, as well as providing metal/air batteries and hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells incorporating the same.

Abstract: A fibrous material is inserted into the head space above the cells in a storage battery to attenuate the explosion of combustible gases accumulating therein. The attenuation material preferably includes a proportion of fine fibers effective for attenuation and a proportion of heavier fibers effective for electrolyte management.

Abstract: Using sheet battery material as a circuit board substrate eliminates the weight and bulk of batteries as a separate circuit component and also eliminates the weight and bulk of fiberglass substrate or flex substrate as printed circuit materials. Insets with wiring built in can give vertical wiring between two or more circuit layers and can support electronic components which have leads connecting wiring on more than one layer of a printed circuit. Connector clips inserted when the connector pins are polarized target connection to power and to ground components of one or more layers of sheet battery. Using these connections between battery substrate components of the structure allows a single power source as A-C or solar to recharge all battery substrate in the electronic component.

Abstract: A hydrostatic pump for application in a battery experiencing sudden changes in acceleration or direction such as in a golf cart. The cells of the battery are provided with hydrostatic pumps using the motion induced waves in the electrolyte to develop localized hydrostatic heads and create circulation in the electrolyte.

Abstract: An electrode plate for use in electrochemical cells such as batteries that is formed of multiple layers of electrode material. Each layer is provided with pores through the layer and creases, folds, corrugations, scoring, or the like and is juxtaposed on and electrically connected with the other layers in the plate without intervening layers of opposite polarity. Electrolyte flow by diffusion and/or capillary action takes place within the plate through the pores and between the layers. In an alternative embodiment, a plate is formed of layered grids to which is applied a paste of active material. The grids are then formed into a multilayered plate.

Abstract: A hydrostatic pump for application in a battery experiencing sudden changes in velocity or direction as in a golf cart. The cells of the battery are provided with hydrostatic pumps separated from the walls of the cell and using the motion induced surface waves in the electrolyte to develop localized hydrostatic heads and create circulation in the electrolyte. The structure of the pumps additionally nullifies the otherwise detrimental effect of upward surge of electrolyte cause by the same change in velocity or direction.

Abstract: A zinc-air battery in a case including a zinc particle bed supported adjacent the current feeder and diaphragm on a porous support plate which holds the particles but passes electrolyte solution. Electrolyte is recycled through a conduit between the support plate and top of the bed by convective forces created by a density of differential caused by a higher concentration of high density discharge products in the interstices of the bed than in the electrolyte recycle conduit.

Abstract: A stirring device for the electrolytic solution in a storage battery. A solution circulating tube having open opposite ends is disposed in the electrolytic solution. The open top opens to a gas reservoir having an inverted J shape and opening downward in the upper part of the solution. A gas collecting chamber collects gas bubbles generated by the electrode plates and this gas enters an inverted U-shaped siphon strap which opens at one end to the chamber and at the other end to the tube via a small hole in the tube at a middle portion thereof. The gas in the siphon strap forces solution and gas from the upper part of the tube and gas reservoir into the upper part of the electrolytic solution via the gas reservoir opening.

Abstract: A system and a method of controlled electrochemical power generation are disclosed. The system includes an electrochemical cell comprising an alkali metal anode, a cathode initially spaced about 10-25 mils from the anode to define a flow channel, an electrolyte comprising an aqueous solution of the hydroxide of the alkali metal and, for example, a separator system adapted for providing a substantially uniform pattern of flow of the electrolyte through the flow channel is utilized in a system and method of controlled power generation. Flow control valves may, for example, be used to control the volumetric flow rate of the electrolyte through the flow channel thereby attaining substantially uniform voltage from the cell.

Abstract: In an activatable AgO/Al battery, the electrolyte tank is partitioned into two portions (31, 32) which are simultaneously filled on activation. During a first discharge stage electrolyte in one of said portions (31) is used and is then removed from the battery. During the second discharge stage, the battery operates using concentrated electrolyte to be found in the second portion (32) of the tank.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell, e.g. a lead acid electric storage cell, comprises a positive electrode, a negative electrode, an aqueous electrolyte and, optionally, a porous cell component such as a cell separator interposed between the electrodes. To enhance access of electrolytes to one or both of the electrodes or to the component during operation of the cell and thereby improve cell performance, at least one of the component and the electrodes is porous and includes a promoter in the form of solid material other than graphite having, under the operating conditions of the cell, a zeta potential of such magnitude and polarity as to be capable of inducing electro-osmotic flow of electrolyte into the component or electrode when a current is flowing through electrolyte filled pores thereof. An example of such a material (termed an `electro-osmosis promoter`) is sulphonated polyvinylidene difluoride.

Abstract: An activatable battery including a heat exchanger, the battery comprising a Volta pile enclosed in an insulating envelope, with each cell of the pile comprising a porous cathode, a separator, a lithium anode, and a metal collector, and the heat exchanger being constituted by a circuit for forced circulation of the electrolyte, said circuit comprising:electrolyte injection manifolds (25) and electrolyte collector manifolds (26), both having openings to the outside of said insulating envelope;means for transferring electrolyte from the injection manifolds to the collector manifolds through each cell, said means including channels (121, 126) formed through at least one electrode of each cell; anda pump (22) for causing the electrolyte to circulate from the injection manifolds to the collector manifolds.

Abstract: A battery separator including a plurality of superposed, generally concave ribs each extending from one lateral edge of the separator to the other to reduce electrolyte stratification within the battery.

Abstract: The invention consists of an electromagnetic-field pump. Electrolyte which is an electromagnetic conductor can be stirred and pumped by forcing a field through the electrolyte to magnetically charge the electrolyte and making use of magnetic force exerted on the charged electrolyte by a magnetic field to move the electrolyte. There are no moving parts in the device, only the changing magnetic fields. The magnetic pump assembly is submerged in an electrolyte and consists of an open ended tubular nonmagnetic chamber through which the electrolyte is forced to move in response to changing magnetic fields from external coils which are positioned about the exterior of the tubular chamber and operated to sequentially change in phase.

Abstract: An improved battery structure permitting facilitated replacement of an air supply tube through an air lift pump. The air lift pump includes, as guide means, a funnel portion receiving the inserted distal end of the replacement air supply tube for automatically guiding the distal end downwardly therethrough and into the passage of a depending barrel in which percolation of the electrolyte of the battery is effected by the bubbling of air downwardly through the air supply tube into the barrel. The upper end of the barrel is provided with an outlet tube extending downwardly into the electrolyte, thereby avoiding splashing of the electrolyte, such as against the flash arrester vent of the battery, thereby reducing maintenance and permitting long, troublefree life of the battery. The air supply tube and outlet tube may be formed of a transparent synthetic resin, permitting observation of the air flow during operation.

Abstract: A consumable metal electrode incorporates a fibrous reinforcing network of electrically insulating material extending through at least a portion of the body of the electrode and disposed in close proximity to a surface of the electrode which will be contacted by liquid electrolyte and eroded during operation of an electrochemical cell incorporating the electrode. Local turbulence is generated by the fibrous network at the electrode surface during operation of the cell in order to maximize electrical output.

Abstract: A separator plate for the negative electrode of a lead-acid battery comprising a molded, synthetic plastic wall or planar member of generally rectangular configuration. A pair of like separator plates are vertically oriented in the battery casing to sandwich the negative electrode therebetween including juxtaposed retention mats common in such a negative electrode assembly. The sandwich provides a clear-through channel along opposite extremities of the electrode for flow of electrolyte. The sandwich assembly is maintained by means of cooperating locking and sealing formations integral with the separator plates of the assembly. Wrapping of the positive electrode thereby is rendered unnecessary when assembling the battery and enables automated assembly of the battery using the separator plate sandwich.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell and method whereby a reactive metal anode is contacted with an aqueous electrolyte containing the hydroxide of the anodic metal, and the electrolyte is circulated to a scrubber for contact with carbon dioxide. In the scrubber, the precipitable carbonate of the anodic metal is formed, thereby reducing the metal hydroxide concentration in the electrolyte. The metal carbonate is separated from the electrolyte and the electrolyte is recirculated to the cell.

Abstract: A galvanic element, particularly a metal-air cell, comprising a consumable etal electrode of flat shape which extends into a container containing the electrolyte, a gas-diffusion electrode which can be freely flushed by gas and particularly air from the outside, being arranged at a distance from the working surface of said electrode. In order to improve the electrolyte circulation in such a system and thus promote the electrochemical conversion, the hydrogen produced upon the electrochemical conversion is collected within the container which contains the electrolyte and the pressure which builds up is utilized for the transport of the electrolyte. For this purpose, a gas-collection space is provided in the electrolyte container so that the gas pressure can act on the electrolyte and a pipe system is present through which the electrolyte which has been displaced is conducted out of the upper region of the container into the lower region of the container.

Abstract: A battery which makes possible a long-time operation under high load. The ttery is made of a plurality of galvanic elements, especially metal-air-cells, each of which comprises a consumable metal electrode of planar shape which extends into a receptacle which is flushed with electrolyte. The sidewalls of the receptacle can be flushed free of air or oxygen. Each of the receptacles supports at least one gas diffusion electrode at a distance from the working surface of the consumable metal electrodes. In order to provide a battery which can be stored without restriction due to activation and deactivation, and which permits a rapid mechanical recharging independent of the electric circuit, a supply reservoir for the electrolyte is disposed in a housing below at least one cell unit. The supply reservoir is connected via a closure member with an electrolyte activation tank which is disposed at least partially above the working level of the electrolyte in the cells.

Abstract: An electric storage battery including a magnetohydrodynamic pump between the active cell element and the container wall wherein the pump comprises a conduit magnet means for establishing a magnetic field transverse the conduit and electrode means for passing current transverse the field and the conduit to effect movement of electrolyte through the conduit.

Abstract: An improved battery structure for a multicelled primary cell circulating electrolyte battery which provides for uniform distribution and rate of flow of the electrolyte to all of the cells. Batteries of this type include an intake raceway to conduct electrolyte along the edges of the cell plates to introduce the electrolyte to all of the cells. The invention contemplates the use of a flow restrictor in the form of a physical separator between the intake raceway and the cells which is interrupted by passages to permit a controlled flow of electrolyte to the cells. The passages are sized and located responsive to system parameters to provide a uniform flow and a predetermined pressure drop at the restrictor which is preferably of the order of ten times the pressure drop of the electrolyte through the cells.

Abstract: In a system for controlling the flow rates in a storage battery of the type having at least one pump driven at a controlled speed by a motor driven at a speed determined by the average applied voltage and the load experienced by the pump, which system includes a circuit for applying an average voltage to the motor and means for generating a reference signal for controlling the general magnitude of the average applied voltage to drive the pump at the desired speed, there is provided an improvement.

Abstract: A fuel cell assembly wherein electrolyte for filling the fuel cell matrix is carried via a transport system comprising a first passage means for conveying electrolyte through a first plate and communicating with a groove in a second plate at a first point, the first and second plates together sandwiching the matrix, and second passage means acting to carry electrolyte exclusively through the second plate and communicating with the groove at a second point exclusive of the first point.

Abstract: A pump is disclosed which utilizes battery gas for circulating a body of liquid electrolyte in an electrochemical cell. The pump comprises an electrolyte conduit immersed in the electrolyte body and having an electrolyte inlet adjacent the bottom of the electrolyte body, an electrolyte outlet closely below the surface of the body, and a gas inlet below the outlet. The pump also comprises a hood for collecting battery gas rising in the electrolyte body and a passage for conveying collected gas from the hood to the conduit gas inlet. Gas bubbles released into the conduit at the gas inlet rise and carry electrolyte to the outlet, thereby circulating the electrolyte.

Abstract: An electric storage battery and a method for monitoring the operation of the battery and automatically replenishing chemicals employed to operate the battery and provide its electrical energy output. In one form, a computer or microprocessor receives, processes and automatically analyzes signals received from a plurality of sensors which sense the battery condition and operation. The microprocessor generates control signals for controlling the flow of chemicals to and from the battery operating chamber or chambers. As a result, the battery is kept in a predetermined state of charge or operating condition.

Abstract: Control valve actuated pneumatic means evacuating electrolyte from a storage battery cell to an adjacent storage compartment and for returning the electrolyte to the cell when desired, having a storage compartment, a battery cell, pipe means extending to a lower part of the cell, control valve means for regulating the evacuation and thereafter return of the electrolyte to the cell as desired.

Abstract: A primary electrochemical cell insensitive to physical orientation or position over the rated life span of the cell. The cell includes an elongated metal housing and a battery stack disposed intermediate to the ends of the housing to define first and second electrolyte reservoirs at the ends of the housing. The battery stack includes an electrolyte-conducting opening or channel therethrough in direct communication with the first and second reservoirs and is fixed in position in the housing by means of pedestals within the reservoirs and in abutment with the battery stack. The pedestals have a number of openings therein by which electrolyte solution in the reservoirs can pass unrestrictedly to the battery stack and to the opening through the battery stack. The electrolyte solution is of a type which is consumed by reaction within the cell over the rated life span of the cell leading to a volume loss of the electrolyte solution.

Abstract: In an electric storage battery having plate electrodes, the capacity and useful life is improved through uniform distribution of concentration and temperature of the electrolyte by means of electrolyte circulation. A synthetic plastic plate positioned between the plate electrodes and the housing wall of the storage battery contains a plurality of vertically extending transport tubes which are open at their upper and lower ends. The bottom portions of the transport tubes, which are immersed in the electrolyte, are connected to compressed air ducts. The compressed air is mixed with the electrolyte present in the transport tube in such a manner that the electrolyte-air mixture present therein is lifted, due to its lower specific gravity, by the electrolyte which surrounds the transport tube. The electrolyte leaving the transport tube produces continuous circulation within the storage battery, and this ensures permanent exchange of the electrolyte present between the plate electrodes.