Abstract: A light transparent moisture barrier useful for preventing moisture from destroying the effectiveness of a moisture sensitive cell condition tester on an electrochemical cell, comprises a plurality of very thin layers of amorphous silicon nitride and a hydrophobic fluorocarbon polymer on a flexible, polymeric substrate. The layers are formed on the substrate by a deposition process such as sputtering. The thickness of any individual layer is less than one micron.

Abstract: In most electrochemical batteries which generate electricity through the reaction of a battery electrode with an electrolyte solution, the chemical composition, and thus the weight and density, of the electrode changes as the battery discharges. The invention measures a parameter of the battery which changes as the weight of the electrode changes as the battery discharges and relates that parameter to the value of the parameter when the battery is fully charged and when the battery is functionally discharged to determine the state-of-charge of the battery at the time the parameter is measured. In one embodiment, the weight of a battery electrode or electrode unit is measured to determine the state-of-charge.

Abstract: A modular battery pack (10) is described having several embodiments. In general, the modular battery pack has a battery cell cartridge (12), a circuit cartridge (14), and a housing (16). In conventional battery packs these three elements are combined into one single unit. The invention modularizes these components such that portions may be re-used and shared. This results in a more cost effective power system for a portable electrical or electronic device (40) since, once the battery cell or cells (48) have expired, they can be replaced without having to replace the other components, in particular the circuitry.

Abstract: A battery charge indicator is disclosed which accurately displays the true state of charge or energy remaining in an alkaline battery in which the indicator is installed. An alkaline battery cell utilizes a steel can which contains the active chemical ingredients within and provides the conductive surface for the cathode. When the battery is sealed at the open end with a combination plug and anode, the closed end of the steel can becomes distorted or bulged due to internal pressures which are caused by both the expansion of the cathode material due to electrical discharge of the battery and hydrogen gas which accumulates during shelf life in storage. An increase the amount of hydrogen gas occurring during storage creates a distortion or bulge in the center of the closed end of the can. When the battery has been electrically discharged, the cathode material physically expands inside the can causing distortion to extend to the outer periphery of the closed end of the can.

Abstract: The state of charge of electrochemical batteries of different kinds is determined by measuring the incremental change in the total volume of the reactive masses in the battery. The invention is based on the principle that all electrochemical batteries, either primary or secondary (rechargeable), produce electricity through a chemical reaction with at least one electrode, and the chemical reactions produce certain changes in the composition and density of the electrode. The reactive masses of the electrodes, the electrolyte, and any separator or spacers are usually contained inside a battery casing of a certain volume. As the battery is used, or recharged, the specific volume of at least one of the electrode masses will change and, since the masses of the materials do not change considerably, the total volume occupied by at least one of the electrodes will change. These volume changes may be measured in many different ways and related to the state of charge in the battery.

Abstract: A thermochromic apparatus for testing dc voltage sources, particularly small, low voltage disposable batteries, employs a very thin resistive heater layer deposited onto a flexible dielectric substrate. A series of thermochromic elements are "stacked" (mounted on top of one another) at a single thermochromic site proximate the resistive heater. During testing current from the battery flows through the resistive layer heats the substrate, causing a series of thermochromic elements mounted on the substrate to undergo visual "temperature events" (such as color changes) at progressively higher temperatures. The thermochromics may be stacked in a series of discrete films, each film containing a dye for one temperature event. Alternatively, the thermochromics may be contained in microcapsules in a common film.

Abstract: A combined dual ganged manifold and cover arrangement for batteries features channeling of gas flow to an explosion attenuation device located between the manifolds and a cover designed for maximizing return to the battery of any electrolyte which may contact the cover from vibration, tilting, overheating, overcharge and the like. Splash barrels within the cover include a unique acid level indicator, and feet are provided on the manifold to prevent the manifolds from inadvertently being used with other cover designs. The arrangement is particularly useful for batteries having terminal posts lying along the battery centerline. The cover utilizes external and internal gas pick-up systems and perpetual hill and infinite well concepts to control acid flow. A narrow channel reduces standing wave electrolyte surface violence.

Abstract: A system for monitoring aging of a battery comprising a plurality of cells connected in series and able to be fully discharged comprises a discharger which discharges one of the previously charged cells at a time to an end of discharge value. The quantity of electricity supplied by each discharged cell during discharging is measured. The quantity of electricity supplied by at least one discharged cell is processed to detect excessive aging of the battery. Excessive aging of the battery results in a residual capacity which is less than a fraction of the nominal capacity of the battery.

Abstract: A battery encased with a label containing an integral test circuit device that is activated by depressing a selected area of the label whereupon a thermally sensitive material displays whether the battery has capacity. A method for producing the test circuit device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for unobtrusively measuring physical properties in electrochemical processes occurring in a predefined volume, such as the state of charge in an electrochemical battery. The invention provides for a coil (22) or (42) positioned relative to the predefined volume to minimize the reluctance path between the coil and the electrochemical process, with the winding axis of the coil generally transverse to a surface bounding the predefined volume. In this position, an alternating current is applied to the coil to generate an oscillatory magnetic field. Preferably, the coil includes a core (24) or a backing plate (46) for concentrating the magnetic field in a direction towards the process in the predefined volume. The physical properties are determined based upon a measurement of the electrical complex impedance of the coil, and data correlating the physical properties of the process with the electrical complex impedance of the coil.

Abstract: A modular battery pack (10) is described having several embodiments. In general, the modular battery pack has a battery cell cartridge (12), a circuit cartridge (14), and a housing (16). In conventional battery packs these three elements are combined into one single unit. The invention modularizes these components such that portions may be reused and shared. This results in a more cost effective power system for a portable electrical or electronic device (40) since, once the battery cell or cells (48) have expired, they can be replaced without having to replace the other components, in particular the circuitry.

Abstract: A battery is provided with an end-of-cell voltage indicating device which can be used to indicate the state-of-charge of the battery. The indicating device has a flexible substrate of the same peripheral configuration as the battery. The substrate has an indicating coating on one surface which is in thermal or electrical contact with a conductive circuit pattern which can be temporarily connected between the terminals of the battery on application of pressure to an indicated spot on the surface of the substrate. The conductive circuit means causes the indicating coating to undergo a visible change which is representative of the state-of-charge or voltage of the battery. A dual end-switched, integral battery and state-of-charge indicating device having two switches disposed on one end of the battery is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for and a method of indicating the residual capacity of a secondary cell, that needs be recharged using a simply constituted device, correctly and within a short period of time.

Abstract: A universal camcorder battery pack for use with a number of different camcorder makes and models, including those most popular in the camcorder industry. Such a universal camcorder battery pack provides for both mechanical and electrical compatibility between the battery pack and standard footprints for the leading manufacturers of camcorders.

Abstract: A battery includes a module having a case with a conductive connector mounted on each of two opposed exterior walls. At least one connector includes compliant contacts. The connectors are respectively connected to electroactive material within the case to form positive and negative electrodes. An external connector complimentarily-shaped to the connectors in the case releasably interconnects two like modules together. The external connector may be mounted in a single planar carrier insertable between two adjacent modules. The carrier has guide members formed thereon to facilitate the alignment and positioning of adjacent modules with respect to each other. A voltage tap may be mounted on the external connector to provide an external voltage monitoring tap between two interconnected modules. A thermocouple may be mounted on the carrier for sensing the temperature of the case of an adjacent module.

Abstract: A storage battery is provided which includes a casing and a cover secured to the casing. The cover includes a body having a top surface and a peripheral skirt; the top surface having a plurality of vent apertures, at least one negative terminal and at least one positive terminal, and an elongated recess having a bottom, four side walls and an open top. The negative and positive terminals have extensions exposed at opposite ends of the recess, and a state-of-charge indicator assembly is mounted in the recess and electrically connected to the negative and positive terminal extensions. The state-of-charge indicator assembly is sealed in the recess by relatively thin adhesive seal or membrane applied over the open top and adhered to the top surface of the cover. The membrane is provided with percent charge and test switch indicia thereon.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having an on-cell tester for visually indicating the condition of the cell is provided with an electrically conductive metal ring pressed onto the negative terminal at the crimp seal end of the cell, to permit the tester lead to make an electrical contact with the negative terminal without shorting across the positive terminal of the cell. The ring has a cylindrical wall portion or gripping means which frictionally grips a corresponding mating cylindrical wall potion on the negative terminal and also has a flange portion adjacent the positive terminal. A layer of electrically insulating material disposed between the flange and positive terminal prevents electrical contact between the terminals. The tester lead is either permanently electrically connected to the ring or intermittently connected by the user, depending on the type of tester used.

Abstract: In a new method, a defective electrochemical cell is detected by non-invasive means before assembly into a battery comprising multiple cells. The method detects faulty cells by sensing and detecting variations in the intensity level of infrared radiation emitted from an exterior surface of the cell or battery. The scanning and detection, preferably, is conducted by sensing infrared energy in a range of about 2 to about 12 um (microns) emitted from the major surface of the cell or battery. The variations are recorded as a function of geometric variables indicative of the geographic position of the variations.

Abstract: A battery strength tester used on a battery which has indicating means to indicate the strength of the battery and switching means which can easily be employed to complete a circuit so as to place the indicator means across the terminals of the battery and display the charge of the battery and wherein said switch, after a predetermined interval or temperature is reached, automatically opens to break the electrical contact across the battery terminals. A light emitting material employed as the indicator material is another special feature of the battery strength tester.

Abstract: A battery watering (8) system using a plurality of cells (14) and modules (12). Watering ramps (11) communicate water from a reservoir (18) to a series of interconnected watering caps (16). A reversible pump (30) is positioned below the watering caps (16) such that water within the watering caps (16) and interconnecting conduits (26, 28) drains through the pump (30) and into the reservoir (18) by syphon when no voltage is applied to the pump (30). A controller (39) automatically operates the watering system (8) by sensing the amp hours used since the last watering and determines whether or not the battery needs water. Successful battery watering or system failure are signaled (40) to the operator.

Abstract: A thin film coulometer for use as a battery state of charge indicator in which the indicator is located on a battery and connected in parallel across a current path of a resistive segment of the battery so that during discharge, the coulometer can be observed to indicate the capacity of the battery. The coulometric charge indicator device may have a variable thickness construction and include indicia which are produced upon battery discharge.

Abstract: A battery is provided with an end-of-cell voltage indicating device which can be used to indicate the state-of-charge of the battery. The indicating device has a flexible substrate of the same peripheral configuration as the battery. The substrate has an indicating coating on one surface which is in thermal or electrical contact with a conductive circuit pattern which can be temporarily connected between the terminals of the battery on application of pressure to an indicated spot on the surface of the substrate. The conductive circuit means causes the indicating coating to undergo a visible change which is representative of the state-of-charge or voltage of the battery. A dual end-switched, integral battery and state-of-charge indicating device having two switches disposed on one end of the battery is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrochemical device for providing a visual indication of the remaining life of a battery, the device comprising an electrode pair with a layer therebetween, the layer comprising a mixture of a photographic color coupler dispersion, an antioxidant and a photographic color developer in a binder.

Abstract: A method for encasing a battery with a label containing an integral test circuit device that is thermally insulated from the battery and is activated by depressing a selected area of the label whereupon a thermally sensitive material associated with the test circuit displays whether the battery has capacity. The battery so produced with the test circuit device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell and a related state of charge indicator comprising an electrochemically generated display. The state of charge indicator comprises two electrical contacts and an electrochemically generated display connected therebetween. The display comprises an electrochemical cell that may be permanently connected to a main cell in a parallel configuration via the contacts. The condition of the main cell may thus be continuously displayed on the indicator.

Abstract: A battery includes a case with two pairs of connectors mounted on exterior walls. One pair of connectors are connected to electroactive material within the case to form positive and negative electrodes. The other pair of connectors are interconnected by an insulated electrical conductor extending through the case. A jumper interconnects one connector of each pair of connectors to form a series electrical path through the interconnected modules. Separate connectors are complimentarily-shaped to the connectors in the case for releasably interconnecting a plurality of like modules together. The separate connectors may be mounted in a single planar carrier insertable between two adjacent modules. The carrier has guide members formed thereon to facilitate the alignment and positioning of adjacent modules with respect to each other. A voltage tap may be mounted on one of the separate connectors to provide an external voltage monitoring tap between interconnected modules.

Abstract: A housing is arranged to mount a battery therewithin to effect selective and continuous recharging of the battery in a sealed manner. To this end, external contacts are arranged for communication with the battery maintaining the battery in a sealed orientation within the housing during a charging procedure. The organization is arranged to further include a volt meter and optional accessories as desired.

Abstract: A discharge level monitor for a battery. The current flowing from the monred battery is passed through a sensing resistor. The voltage across the resistor is amplified and integrated over time and the result of the integration is stored in a capacitor. The capacitor is discharged by a switch controlled by a logic circuit, whenever a threshold voltage is achieved. The cycle is repeated each time one coulomb capacity is removed from the battery. A counting circuit counts the number of charge/discharge cycles of the capacitor to produce a count which is representative of the amount of energy dissipated and therefore indirectly of the amount of energy remaining in the battery system.

Abstract: A battery charge indicator is disclosed which is permanently incorporated into a battery to indicate the state of charge. The indicator includes a compressible chamber such as a blister which is adapted to be installed in a battery as an assembly. The blister chamber is filled with a viscous gel and is exposed to the expandable cathode of the battery. As the battery discharges, the cathode expands thus causing the gel within the chamber to be extruded out through an outlet into a viewing channel in an overlying disk. The amount of gel flowing into the viewing channel is proportional to the amount of expansion of the cathode and, thus, indicates the amount of discharge and, conversely, the remaining life of the battery. A battery charge indicator is also disclosed in which the expansion of the cathode is adapted to apply localized pressure to a disk. The localized pressure applied to the disk causes stretching of the material of the disk, which causes a visual indication of the state of charge of the battery.

Abstract: A battery charge indicator is permanently incorporated into a battery to indicate the state of charge. In one embodiment, the indicator includes a compressible chamber which is filled with a viscous gel and which is exposed to the expandable cathode of the battery. As the battery discharges, the cathode expands thus causing the gel within the chamber to be extruded out through an outlet into a viewing channel in an overlying disk. The amount of gel flowing into the viewing channel is proportional to the amount of expansion of the cathode and, thus, indicates the amount of discharge and, conversely, the remaining life of the battery. In a second embodiment, a piston assembly is caused to move with a deformable end wall of the battery and indicia on the side wall of the piston assembly is viewed through a lens as a measure of the remaining amount of expect expansion of the cathode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell and a related state of charge indicator comprising an electrochemically generated display. The state of charge indicator comprises two electrical contacts and an electrochemically generated display connected therebetween. The display comprises an electrochemical cell that may be permanently connected to a main cell in a parallel configuration via the contacts. The condition of the main cell may thus be continuously displayed on the indicator.

Abstract: An aircraft system battery pack is housed in a housing having a removable cover with a window formed therein. A pair of batteries is positioned in the housing. A lamp is mounted in the window of the cover. A pushbutton switch is mounted in the cover and manually depressible from outside the cover. Electrical conductors electrically connect the batteries in series and provide a DC output voltage and electrical conductors electrically connect the batteries in circuit with the lamp and the switch in a manner whereby manual depression of the switch closes the circuit with the batteries and the lamp. The lamp then indicates the power output condition of the batteries.

Abstract: A lead-acid battery with a charge capacity indicator comprises a sensor that includes a reversible electrode, such as PbO.sub.2, as a reference electrode that does not participate in the battery charge and discharge reactions, and the voltage is measured between the reference electrode and the negative plates, for example, by using the negative terminal.

Abstract: A device for measuring hydrogen ion concentration in an aqueous solution includes a sensing means for sensing hydrogen ion concentration and a reference electrode. The sensing means may be an ion-sensitive field-effect transistor or a hydrogen ion electrode. The sensing means has an ion-sensitive layer composed of tantalum nitride, niobium nitride, zirconium nitride or niobium oxide. When the sensing device is built integrally into a lead-acid battery, the state of charge-discharge of the battery can be effectively known.

Abstract: A device is disclosed both for covering a multi-cell rechargeable battery having upper terminal connections and for use as a mounting spacer for the battery. The device includes a cover sized and shaped to shield the top surface of the battery when attached thereto and has a plate with apertures disposed therein to provide limited access to the upper terminal connections. A mechanism is provided for spacing the lid from the top surface of the battery to recess the upper terminal connections relative to the upper surface of the plate for protection against surface contact and electrical shorting, the spacing mechanism being integral with the plate. An attachment device is also provided for selectively attaching the cover to the battery to protect the battery top surface and upper terminal connections from damage from objects placed on the plate. The attachment device is further adapted for selectively securing the cover to the bottom surface of the battery to function as a spacer for battery mounting.

Abstract: A cathode additive is provided for protecting an ambient temperature secondary lithium cell from over-charging or over-discharging. The cathode additive is chosen to create an upper voltage plateau which is slightly higher than a characteristic charge cutoff voltage of the cathode of the cell. The cathode additive additionally creates a lower voltage plateau which is slightly lower than the characteristic discharge cutoff voltage of the cell. Preferably the cathode additive is a transition metal oxide or a sulfide may, for example, include a mixture of Li.sub.2 Mn.sub.2 O.sub.4 and Li.sub.0.1 MoO.sub.2.

Abstract: An battery comprises an battery unit and a life time indicator for indicating the life time of said battery unit. The life time indicator includes an indication element having a characteristic which indication of the indication element changes according to a voltage impressed onto the same. When voltage drop is caused in the battery unit, the indication of the indication element changes accordingly.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided with an integrally related state of charge indicator comprising an electrochemically generated display. The state of charge indicator comprises two electrical contacts and an electrochemically generated display connected therebetween. The display comprises an electrochemical cell that is permanently connected to the cell in a parallel configuration via the contacts. The condition of the cell is thus continuously displayed.

Abstract: A battery charge indicator is permanently incorporated into a battery to indicate the state of charge. The indicator includes a compressible chamber which is filled with a viscous gel and which is exposed to the expandable cathode of the battery. As the battery discharges, the cathode expands thus causing the gel within the chamber to be extruded out through an outlet into a viewing channel in an overlying disk. The amount of gel flowing into the viewing channel is proportional to the amount of expansion of the cathode and, thus, indicates the amount of discharge and, conversely, the remaining life of the battery.

Abstract: An improved hydrometer collar for use within lead-acid storage batteries of the type installed within vehicles includes a cylindrically-shaped member having an annular side wall. A plurality of sealing rings are formed upon the outer surface of the annular side wall. Each one of the plurality of sealing rings is spaced axially apart from each other in a substantially parallel relationship so as to form annular grooves therebetween. A small wiping rib is formed integrally with each one of the plurality of sealing rings and extends radially outwardly therefrom. Each one of the wiping ribs is disposed substantially intermediate an upper surface and a lower surface of a corresponding one of the plurality of sealing rings. The wiping ribs are easily deformable so as to fill any imperfections existing upon the interior surface of a battery casing bore of the storage battery into which the collar is inserted thereby creating a fluid-tight seal therewith.

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: The invention relates to charge balancing of cells of rechargeable batteries. The battery comprises means to balance the distribution of hydrogen between all of the cells and means to remove the hydrogen from the cells. The battery further includes means to monitor the charge of each cell to detect if the charge of a cell becomes out of balance with the other cells. Hydrogen is added to the cells when the charges are out of balance to obtain self-discharge.

Abstract: A battery condition readout device is disclosed. A series of slides of varying densities float or sink according to the amount of charge. An optical system permits slide position to be seen at a point external to the battery.

Abstract: There is disclosed a secondary battery wherein either one of positive electrode and negative electrode elements is made of an active material, the color of which is changed according to a voltage between these electrodes and wherein= a window is formed for observing the color change of the electrode.Further, an electrochromic display device is disclosed in which a working electrode is made of a pyrolytic carbonaceous material which is obtained by thermal decomposition of a hydrocarbon compound at a low temperature of about 1,000.degree. C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus which can detect progress of degradation of a sodium-sulfur cell and predict possibility of final breakdown of the cell in a very near future before such a final breakdown of the cell actually occurs. The method and apparatus for diagnosing the presence or absence of an abnormal state in the sodium-sulfur cell, containing a porous electrical conductive material impregnated with molten sulfur or sodium polysulfide as its positive electrode reactant and containing sodium as its negative electrode reactant, comprises observing the operating voltage of the cell during charging and discharging so as to detect occurrence of a minute ripple in the operating voltage, and, when the amplitude of the ripple and the frequency of occurrence of the ripple increases as a result of repeated cycles of charging and discharging, deciding that degradation of the cell has progressed to an extent that final breakdown of the cell will occur in a very near future.

Abstract: A battery casing for containing an electrolytic is equipped with a window (6) through which the interior of the casing (1) can be seen. An indicating device (9) for providing indications which differ according to changes in the electrolyte conditions' is installed inside the casing for viewing through the window so that such electrolyte conditions as the amount and specific gravity of the electrolyte (44) can be indicated. The indicating device has a frame member (10) separate from the casing and a float (11) supported by the frame member whereby the float can move vertically in response to a change in the electrolyte conditions. The indicating device is installed with the frame member extending along the inner surface of the window-equipped lateral wall of the casing in such a manner the the float can be seen from the outside through the window. A joining mechanism (20-23, and 36, 37: 153 and 154) is used for installing the frame member from the above in the casing.

Abstract: A battery which facilitates the measurement and recording of data is provided. The battery has a transparent casing wall and a scale attached to the wall for measuring the level of electrolyte within the battery. The scale contains first measuring indicia for measuring the distance the electrolyte level falls below a high level mark, and second indicia aligned literally opposite and having values, for example, specific gravity value correction factors, correlating to those of the first indicia.

Abstract: A cap (10) for accumulators suited for the automatic refill of distilled water includes a main body (20) inside which there is a chamber (13) suited for the distribution of the distilled water through a hole (14). The hole is shut by a valve (32) controlled by a float (30) and connected to the float by means of a toggle joint. The toggle joint consists of a right-angled lever (35) and of a shaft (34) connected by a hinge to the lever and to the valve. The toggle joint ensures a very high force for the shutting of the valve, such as to stand high deliveries of liquid even under pressure. The cap is also equipped with a float (30) in the shape of an upside-down glass, that is, open at the bottom on the side of the liquid upper surface, so that the push on the float is determined by the over-pressure of the air and the gasses contained in the interior of the float. The overpressure increases in direct relation to the rising of the electrolyte level.

Abstract: A sensor for the measurement of the refractive index of a fluid and/or phase boundary between two fluids comprises a light guide in the form of a rod; one end of the rod is connected to both a light source and a detection element and the other end of the rod is reflective. If the sensor is used in a refractive index gauge the measurement should be independent of the liquid level; if the sensor is used in a level gauge, a digital measurement should be possible. The coating is provided with one or more cut-outs consisting of windows which are in direct contact with the surrounding fluid.

Abstract: An electric power source device comprises a source of electricity in the form of a fuel cell, a battery, a heater or air ventilation arrangement for conditioning electrolyte within the battery, and a circuit for establishing a connection whereby the battery is charged with the source of electricity.