Abstract: A battery pack (1) includes an air intake port (9), air discharge ports (11), first air passages (24), and a second air passage (25). Cooling air introduced into the battery pack through the air intake port (9) flows around and through two cell groups contained in the pack before exiting to the pack from the discharge ports (11). As the intake port and the discharge ports are both provided at an upper enclosure (4) of the battery pack that is set on a charger (50) for charging or an electric power tool as a power source, neither intake port nor the discharge ports are exposed to the exterior environment whether the pack is set on the charger or attached to a power tool.

Abstract: An electrolyte injection apparatus for injecting an electrolyte into a battery case tightly closed except an electrolyte injection hole, said apparatus comprising an electrolyte injection nozzle airtightly mounted on the electrolyte injection hole, exhaust means for exhausting the space inside the battery case with the electrolyte injection nozzle mounted on the electrolyte injection hole, an electrolyte pot connected to the electrolyte injection nozzle via an electrolyte injection valve and for storing the electrolyte to be injected into the battery case, and electrolyte feeding means for feeding a given amount of the electrolyte into the electrolyte pot via an electrolyte feeding valve, and pressurized gas feeding means for injecting the electrolyte in the electrolyte pot under pressure into the battery case, whereby the pressurized gas feeding means is connected to the electrolyte pot via a pressure valve, and the electrolyte is injected by pressurizing the electrolyte after exhausting internal space of th

Abstract: A method for fabricating cylindrical and prismatic rechargeable metal-air batteries is devised. The method includes using micro fans to control air flowing through the batteries via air pathways between the packs of electrodes and separator sheet. The air pathways are created by protrusions printed or molded on plastic spacer film. The air is used by the positive electrode for generating electricity when the metal-air battery is discharged. By conjunction of a second positive electrode and an energy storage device, the micro fans can be actuated as soon as the metal-air battery is demanded by a load. The in-cell air management can not only supply air for reactions but also shut the system to preserve materials when they are not in service.

Abstract: Thermo-dynamic battery storage unit converting compressed gas energy into consumable electrical power for application uses with any device that requires battery power to function.

Abstract: A cordless power tool has a housing which includes a mechanism to couple with a removable battery pack. The battery pack includes one or more battery cells as well as a vent system in the battery pack housing which enables fluid to move through the housing. A mechanism is associated with the battery pack to dissipate heat from the battery pack.

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

Abstract: An air manager is provided for supplying air to a battery that may be disposed in a battery compartment of an electrical device. The battery includes at least one air-depolarized cell to supply power to the device. The air manager achieves a dual function of stimulating flow within the battery compartment as well as delivering air over the at least one cell. In particular, the air entering the air manager is split into two streams, the first stream delivering air to the cell, and the second stream stimulating flow within the battery compartment. The air manager may use a fan, peristaltic air pump, or any alternative air mover. The battery may have a “Figure-8” design to provide adjacent cell compartments that are received in a battery compartment configured to receive standard size alkaline cells.

Abstract: An orientation independent metal-air power source utilizing convective airflow for enhancing power output for powering a load. A battery housing for enclosing at least one metal-air cell has an air cavity at each end. Between the two cavities is an elongated central passageway. The cavities are preferably disk-shaped and include a circular resistance element in their outer periphery. A central gravity switch with a conductive ball and a plurality of contact pairs is coupled to the resistance elements. Each of the contact pairs is associated with a particular angular orientation of the metal-air battery. At least a portion of one of the resistance elements is heated when the ball comes into contact with one of the contact pairs. A plurality of isolating passageways pass sufficient airflow to the oxygen electrode, while the resistance element portion is heated, and restricts airflow to the oxygen electrode when the resistance element portion is not heated.

Abstract: A ventilation system having a micromachine air mover for a metal-air battery. The metal-air battery has a housing for enclosing at least one metal-air cell. The housing isolates the metal-air cell from the ambient atmosphere except for a pair of diffusion tubes. The micromachine air mover is an air pump that generates air flow by actuating a diaphragm which causes the diaphragm to vibrate. As a result of the vibration of the diaphragm, the pressure within the micromachine air mover's pump chamber varies and directional air flow is created through the housing and across the metal-air cell. When the micromachine air mover is not operating, the diffusion tubes provide a barrier to prevent diffusion of air through the housing.

Abstract: A vent valve is capable of mechanical attachment to a lead acid battery through vent hole structure provided in the case cover. The vent valve is a molded hollow tubular housing having a cup portion, the bottom of which rests atop the battery case, and a neck portion extending through an opening into the battery case. The neck carries cam members on its outer surface which are engaged by similar opposed surfaces or pins on a portion of the case so that, when the cup bottom is seated on a sealing gasket on the case cover and the vent valve is rotated, it is secured and sealed to the case cover. A barrier extends across the inside of the vent valve housing and blocks passage of gases. A pair of oppositely directed valve openings through the barrier establish vent passages which are defined by nozzles protruding through the barrier in opposite directions. Each nozzle is covered by a resilient cup valve member arranged to yield to a higher pressure within a cup at predetermined pressure differentials.

Abstract: A metal-air battery with an air moving device controller to determine when a load is present on the battery and the extent of that load is described. The air moving device controller allows the operation of the air moving device for the battery to be responsive to the load. Advantageously, the controller allows the metal-air battery to limit the intake of oxygen and other gases to that amount needed to drive the load.

Abstract: A battery-connecting plate for connecting batteries in series. The batteries, each with a positive and a negative electrodes at opposite ends, are assembled in a row with the positive and negative electrodes reversed in an alternating manner. The battery-connecting plate includes a base plate of synthetic resin; connection portions each having a busbar provided on the base plate, the busbar having a predetermined number of holes for passing therethrough of a corresponding number of the electrodes for connection therewith; and a pitch adjusting means provided on the base plate at every predetermined number of the connection portions for adjusting a deviation in position between the electrodes and the holes of the busbars.

Abstract: An air-managing system for metal-air battery includes resealable septum and one or more hollow needles. The septum separates air pathway into two segments. One segment is from air cathodes of the battery to the septum and the other is from the septum to the outside air. The needles provide conduits to connect two segments. The septum recloses its torn portion when the needles are removed. Also disclosed is a reusable air manager including a fan and such needles. The air manager can be coupled to a disposable cell pack which has a septum that can be pierced by the needles.

Abstract: A primary metal-air power source containing one or more metal-air cells incorporating an air manager in a power source housing of the power source. The power source provides intermittent use at high power levels over a long lifetime while demonstrating a high utilization of the metal, such as zinc, making up the metal-air cell's metal anode. The power source provides 80% of its amp hour capacity for at least 30 days after the initial partial discharge at a power level of at least 50 milliwatts. The cumulative run time may comprise any number of intermittent connections to a load having varying duration. The ventilation system of the power source draws ambient airflow through an isolating passageway by operating an air mover which distributes the airflow to the metal-air cells.

Abstract: An air manager system for a metal-air battery. The system includes a housing for enclosing at least one metal-air cell with an air electrode. The housing also has at least one air inlet opening, at least one air outlet opening, and a fan positioned to force air through the openings when the fan is turned on. These openings are unobstructed and sized to eliminate substantially the air flow through the openings when the fan is turned off. The system also includes fan control means having voltage sensing means to monitor the voltage across the air electrode and to operate the fan when the voltage reaches predetermined levels.

Abstract: A bi-directional air exchanger for a metal-air battery having a housing. The air exchanger includes an ambient air passageway for a first flow of air in a first direction, a battery exhaust passageway for a second flow of air in a second direction, and one or more membranes. The ambient air passageway and the battery exhaust passageway are separated within the housing by the one or more membranes such that the first and the second flows of air are in fluid communication with one another for the exchange of humidity.

Abstract: A ventilation system for a metal-air battery having a housing for enclosing at least one metal-air cell. The housing has at least one air inlet opening and at least one air outlet opening. A fan is positioned to force air into the air inlet opening and out of the air outlet opening when the fan is turned on. The openings are sized with a length in the direction through the thickness of the housing being greater than a width in the direction perpendicular to the thickness of the housing. The openings are unobstructed and are sized to eliminate substantially the air flow into the air inlet opening and out of the air outlet opening when the fan is turned off. According to another aspect of the invention, a fan within the battery housing is positioned to distribute air to two separate sets of metal-air cells at the same time.

Abstract: A ventilation system for a metal-air battery having a housing for enclosing at least one metal-air cell. The housing has at least one air inlet opening and at least one air outlet opening. A fan is positioned to force air into the air inlet opening and out of the air outlet opening when the fan is turned on. The openings are sized with a length in the direction through the thickness of the housing being greater than a width in the direction perpendicular to the thickness of the housing. The openings are unobstructed and are sized to eliminate substantially the air flow into the air inlet opening and out of the air outlet opening when the fan is turned off.

Abstract: A leak proof horizontal-type venting system for an electric storage battery including an exhaust chamber adjacent an exhaust port, a reservoir chamber for collecting and trapping electrolyte exiting the battery when it is laid on its end or side, and an isolation chamber between the exhaust and reservoir chambers. The reservoir chamber has inner and outer compartments formed by inner and outer partitions which partition each have an opening therein which is not aligned with the opening in the other partition, and which lies in a plane laying above a venting aperture in the floor of the reservoir chamber when the battery is oriented in certain directions and in a plane laying beneath such aperture when the battery is oriented in other directions thereby creating a maze which traps electrolyte within the reservoir chamber when the battery is tilted and becomes air locked.

Abstract: A metal-air battery assembly having plurality of free standing metal-air cells forming a cell group within a battery case assembly. Each free standing cell has flexible, compressible walls capable of containing electrolyte, the walls comprising air cathodes including cathode current distributors. Each cell has a split anode assembly and current. The anode assembly has one or more reactive anode fuel plates and an anode current collector. Each of the cells is free standing and easily replaced. The battery case assembly has a mechanism for compressing the cells when the lid is closed and releasing the cell group for servicing when the lid is open.

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: An improved explosion proof battery wherein the improvement comprises the separation of the gas flows in and out of each chamber from each other and the provision of check valves to each independent gas path to prevent the propagation of gas ignition from one cell to its neighbors when that ignition arises from within the battery. The battery and all of its elements are fabricated as a single substantially unitary structure.

Abstract: An improved wet plate battery for use in the electrical system of an internal combustion engine and adapted to produce hydrogen and oxygen gases for enrichment of the air/fuel mixture is disclosed. The battery includes a plurality of electrical generating cells having positive and negative plates immersed in an electrolyte. Air tubes extend through the battery case and provide communication between the space below the plates with the atmosphere. A gas discharge port is provided in the top of the case above the electrical generating cells and is connected through suitable tubing to a source of vacuum in the induction system of the engine.