Abstract: Electrochemical cells having an oxidizable active anode material, a solid, non-reactive electronically conductive cathode current collector, and an electrolytic solution between and in contact with the anode and the cathode current collector, the electrolytic solution comprising a solvent cathode component which is a liquid oxyhalide or thiohalide. And anode ion transporting solute component dissolved therein for rendering the electrolytic solution conductive of anode metal ions, the electrolytic solution having an end-of-life (EOL) component associated therewith, the EOL component being selected from the group consisting of the Main Group V halides preferably arsenic tribromide (AsBr.sub.3), arsenic trichloride (AsCl.sub.3), arsenic trifluoride (AsF.sub.3), vanadium halides, transition metal sulfides, oxides, except for the actinide series and technetium, and mixtures thereof to provide end-of-life indication.

Abstract: An alkaline storage battery is described including a positive electrode comprising as an active material a cobalt hydroxide base containing from about 15 to 65 wt % nickel hydroxide and a negative electrode comprising zinc or cadmium as an active material; the alkaline storage battery can be charged rapidly, has a high energy density, and the residual capacity of the battery can be easily measured by detection of the electromotive force of the battery.

Abstract: A battery cap indicator has a transparent cap which permits the viewer to read both electrolyte level and density simultaneously, the indicators also giving the viewer the ability to determine whether the readings are at the higher or lower end of an acceptable range. The float assemblies of the indicator are configured for minimum friction with the guiding structure of the indicator body.

Abstract: An electrochemical apparatus for analyzing the zinc concentration in an aqueous zinc-halogen electrolyte is disclosed. The electrochemical apparatus includes a working electrode and an auxiliary electrode both in contact with the electrolyte to be analyzed, a reference electrode in contact with an aqueous zinc-halogen electrolyte of a predetermined concentration, and means for permitting the electrolyte to be analyzed to contact the electrolyte of predetermined concentration. The apparatus also includes circuit means for applying electrical power to the working and auxiliary electrodes for a first predetermined time period sufficient to deposit zinc metal onto the working electrode, and for measuring a potential difference across the reference and working electrodes indicative of the concentration of the electrolyte to be analyzed during a second predetermined time period.

Abstract: The electrochemical cell comprises an outer conductive housing, an anode material within the housing, a cathode material within the housing, and porous insulating means separating the anode material from the cathode material, and an electrolyte inside the housing and within the porous insulating means. The cathode material is a mixture of a metallic halogen compound and a metallic sulfide compound less electrochemically reactive with the anode material than the metallic halogen compound.

Abstract: A sodium-sulfur battery comprising molten sodium as an active material for a minus pole and molten sulfur as an active material for a plus pole, the molten sodium and molten sulfur being partitioned from each other by a sodium ion-permeating solid electrolyte such as .beta.-alumina as a boundary is provided with a sodium storage tank communicated with the molten sodium in the battery cell, a draining mechanism for withdrawing the molten sodium, when desired, from the battery cell into the sodium storage tank, and a circulating mechanism for purifying and returning the sodium from the sodium storage tank to the battery cell as the molten sodium, sodium can be discarged urgently from the battery at an accident of direct contact between the sodium and sulfur, with the result of improved safety.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell of the type characterized by an essentially constant operating voltage essentially independent of the degree of cell discharge is disclosed, which in its output voltage exhibits one or more step changes of predetermined and fully adjustable magnitudes at any predetermined point or points during the life of the cell. This enables timely replacement of the cell under non-critical circumstances, and also can be used to indicate state of discharge of the cell. In essence, the anode of the cell comprises a plurality of anode elements which become depleted at mutually different degrees of cell discharge. As each anode element becomes depleted, the internal resistance of the cell increases to cause a drop in the operating voltage of the cell as the remaining active anode elements are required to supply the required current.

Abstract: The indicator cap (22 or 80) is formed of a base connected to a transparent tube (46) forming a cylindrical cavity (48) receiving a colored or opaque float (70). The position of the float (70) within the tube (46) indicates the level of the electrolyte in the cell (20) of the battery (10). The float contains an upper collar (74) which cooperates with top vent (60) or side vent (92) to seal the cell. The collar (74) engages the annular disc (76) or apertured collar (86) to prevent the float (70) from falling into the cell (20) when the cap (22 or 80) is removed from the aperture (24).

Abstract: The electrochemical cell comprises an outer conductive housing, a cathode material within the housing and in direct electrical contact with the housing, and at least one anode material within the housing. The anode material includes first and second major surfaces and is separated from the cathode material by porous insulating separators, and an electrolyte is contained within the housing and within the porous insulating separators. A resistive strip member is positioned within the anode material and extends generally diagonally therethrough and has an insulative layer thereon for insulating the strip member from the anode material. The insulative layer has conductive passageways therethrough for electrically connecting the anode materalial with the resistive strip member. An electrical conductor connected to the proximal end of the strip member extends out of and is insulated from the conductive housing whereby an initial voltage potential is developed between the electrical conductor and the housing.

Abstract: The electrochemical cell comprises an outer conductive housing, a cathode having one major surface in contact with the conductive housing, an insulative separator adjacent to the other major surface of the cathode, and a lithium anode having a major surface adjacent to the insulative separator. The lithium anode comprises three lithium plates, each having a major surface in contact with the other. Two of these major surfaces are formed with stepped portions to thereby form gaps between adjacent lithium plates. A first electrical sensing conductor is positioned within the gap between the surfaces of the first and second lithium anodes and is electrically connected to the first lithium anode and insulated from the second lithium anode. A second electrical sensing conductor is positioned within the gap between the surfaces of the second and third lithium anodes and is electrically connected to the second lithium anode and insulated from the third lithium anode.

Abstract: A battery cap is disclosed which permits visual determination of the state of battery fluid level and density, each of which is shown by one of two indicator flags within the battery cap.

Abstract: A lithium cell which includes an outer conductive housing, a cathode having one major surface in contact with the conductive housing, an insulative separator adjacent to the other major surface of the cathode, and a lithium anode having a pair of major surfaces one of which is adjacent to the insulative separator. A resistive sensing element is disposed within the lithium anode and extends generally in a direction from one of the major surfaces of the lithium anode to the other major surface of the anode. An electrical conductor is connected to the resistive sensing element and extends out of the conductive housing so that as the lithium anode is consumed by the discharge of the cell the electrical resistance as measured between the conductive housing and the electrical conductor provides an indication of the level of discharge of the cell.

Abstract: An electrical storage cell includes a charge producing compound in the interior of the cell which inherently and without the addition of additives or structure changes color as the charge of the battery is dissipated. The battery includes a window in either the top or the side of the battery to provide visual access to the charge producing compound. A suitable color chart is positioned around the window through the battery housing to enable an observer to see the charge producing compound in the interior of the battery and to compare the color of that charge producing compound against a color on the comparison chart to determine the battery charge remaining in the battery.

Abstract: This invention relates a new storage battery electrolyte leak and over-replenishment preventing device characterized by composing a cover with new leak-proof plates, liquid storage troughs, U conduits and a ledge for filling holes and lowering the ledge to the place very close to the level limit line on the case so as to achieve a perfect leak and over-replenishment preventing device.

Abstract: A device for providing a measure of the state of charge of a storage electrolytic cell comprising secondary electrolytic cell located within the electrolyte of a storage electrolytic cell said secondary electrolytic cell providing an e.m.f. which is dependant upon a characteristic of the electrolyte which varies proportionally with variation in the state of charge of the storage electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A method of determining battery life is shown wherein a dielectric constant sensor measures the dielectric constant value of the electrolyte of the battery. The measured dielectric constant value is compared to empirical values to provide battery status. In particular, a fluid electrolyte initially composed of thionyl chloride changes during discharge or aging to an electrolyte having sulfur monochloride therein. Based upon the changes in dielectric constant between the initial fully charged state to the fully discharged state, the battery status is obtained.

Abstract: A button-type primary electrochemical cell operative to provide a warning indication toward the end of discharge of the cell signalling an approaching end-of-life of the cell. The cell includes a pair of spaced-apart, flat, porous carbon cathode elements, each in the form of a disc, disposed within a small, generally-flat metal housing of the cell, and a generally-flat anode structure disposed between the pair of carbon cathode elements.The anode structure includes first and second electrochemically active elements, for example, lithium and calcium, having different oxidation potentials within the cell and consumable by electrochemical action within the cell during discharge of the cell. The consumption of the active elements during discharge of the cell results in the establishment of different and distinguishable operating voltages for the cell. The active elements are arranged with respect to each other such that the active element of higher oxidation potential (i.e.

Abstract: A primary electrochemical cell operative to provide a warning indication toward the end of discharge of the cell signalling an approaching end-of-life of the cell. The cell includes a tubular porous carbon cathode structure disposed within a metal housing of the cell together with an anode structure and an electrolytic solution.The anode structure includes first and second electrochemically active elements, for example, lithium and calcium, having different oxidation potentials within the cell and consumable by electrochemical action within the cell during discharge of the cell. The consumption of the active elements during discharge of the cell results in the establishment of different and distinguishable operating voltages for the cell. The active elements are arranged with respect to each other such that the active element of higher oxidation potential (i.e., the lithium) is consumed prior to the other active element (i.e., the calcium).

Abstract: A primary electrochemical cell having an oxidizable active anode, a cathode current collector, and an electrolytic solution comprising a liquid cathode material and an electrolyte solute dissolved therein. The cathode current collector includes two catalyst elements; the first is a cylinder of porous carbon material, and the second is a stack of discs of porous nickel material adjacent to one end of the porous carbon element. The amounts of the anode material, electrolytic solution, and porous carbon material are related such that the effectiveness of the porous carbon material as an active catalyst is exhausted prior to the anode material and the electrolytic solution, at which time the porous nickel material becomes effective as the active catalyst material. The electrochemical cell produces a steady output voltage at one level while the porous carbon material is the active catalyst and produces an output voltage at a lower level when the porous nickel material becomes the active catalyst.

Abstract: In a lithium battery having a negative electrode formed with lithium as active material and the positive electrode formed with manganese dioxide, carbon fluoride or the like as the active material, the discharge capacity of the negative electrode is made smaller than the discharge capacity of the positive electrode, whereby a drop in the battery voltage during the final discharge stage is steepened, and prevents a device using such a lithium battery as a power supply from operating in an unstable manner, thereby improving the reliability of such device.

Abstract: A lithium cell which includes an outer conductive housing, a cathode having one major surface in contact with the conductive housing, an insulative separator adjacent to the other major surface of the cathode, and a lithium anode having a major surface adjacent to the insulative separator. The lithium anode is comprised of two lithium plates, each having a major surface in contact with the other. One of these major surfaces is formed with a stepped portion to thereby form a gap between the lithium plates. A conductive sensing element is positioned within the gap and is in electrical contact with one of the lithium plates and is electrically isolated from the other lithium plates. With this arrangement an electrical potential which exists between the conductive sensor and the outer conductive housing falls to zero volts when the lithium plate in contact with the conductive sensor has become consumed to thereby provide an indication of predetermined level of discharge of the cell.

Abstract: An indicator of full charge for secondary sealed cells and like cells which become heated when subjected to overcharge current, or batteries of such cells, undergoing a charging operation includes a heat sensitive mechanism adapted to change a perceivable characteristic in response to the rise in temperature of the cell or battery as the charging operation continues beyond full charge. Part of the heat sensitive mechanism is thermally coupled to the battery or cell and another part is maintained at ambient temperature so that the perceivable characteristic of the portion maintained at ambient temperature and that of the portion at the raised temperature of the overcharged battery or cell can be readily observed to signify that full charge has been attained. As preferably embodied, the heat sensitive mechanism is a liquid crystal material.

Abstract: A primary cell of high specific energy in which the anode active material (16) is an alkali metal and the cathode active material is sulphur oxychloride which simultaneously acts as an electrolyte solvent, said electrolyte further containing a dissolved salt and a co-solvent. The co-solvent is chosen from among phosphoryl chloride and benzoyl chloride; the dissolved salt is lithium tetrachloroaluminate.

Abstract: There is disclosed a monitor for monitoring the state of charge of a battery having an internal charge transfer medium. A monitor includes detecting means arranged to be disposed beneath the surface of the charge transfer medium and arranged for sensing the specific gravity of a fluid medium, enclosure means for enclosing the detecting means, and a fluid medium within the enclosure means. The fluid medium exhibits specific gravities related to the degree of electric charge therein and the enclosure means is formed at least partly from a non-permeable electric charge transmissible material to enable the fluid medium to assume the electric charge of the charge transfer medium while substantially separating the fluid medium therefrom. The monitor further includes indicating means responsive to the detecting means for indicating the specific gravity of the fluid medium and thus the state of charge of the battery.

Abstract: A primary battery comprises a negative active material such as lithium, a positive active material and a non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein the positive active material further comprises a main positive active material such as manganese dioxide which takes main part in a primary discharge reaction together with the negative active material through the non-aqueous electrolyte and a precursor such as vanadium pentoxide or lead dioxide which takes part in the primary discharge reaction and produces a sub-positive active material, which takes part in a secondary discharge reaction.

Abstract: A silver oxide cell which comprises a positive electrode comprising a shaped body of silver oxide as a main positive active material, a negative electrode and an alkaline electrolyte, characterized in that the shaped body is a molded product of a composition comprising particles of silver oxide and particles of manganese dioxide, both particles having a certain particle size distribution, so that a detectable voltage difference is produced prior to complete consumption of the discharge capacity of the cell, whereby the termination of the discharge capacity of the cell can be anticipated.

Abstract: A novel measuring electrode for determination of the concentration of anionic species in aqueous solutions by measuring the potential difference between the measuring electrode and a reference electrode comprising a body provided with an outer surface comprised of graphite or carbon black dispersed in a chemically inert matrix, said electrode being preactivated by anodic polarization in an aqueous alkaline or acid solution, the process of activating the said electrode and a method of ascertaining the charge state of an electric accumulator by determining the strength of the electrolyte therein.

Abstract: A motorcycle battery having a transparent casing is provided with a ball in each cell. Each ball has a predetermined specific gravity such that the charge level and the electrolyte level of each cell may be easily determined.

Abstract: A battery refill indicator including a cap having a screw type base and an enlarged cover including a central opening and a float-type liquid level indicator supported by said cap and including a stem extending outwardly through said central opening in said cap and a float connected to the stem in a position to be suspended within the electrolyte in the battery cell. The stem is limited in its upward travel to a height less than the height of the battery cables and the float is adapted to be adjusted in length to accomodate different size batteries. A guide disc is provided in the cap which limits the upward travel of the indicator and also acts as a splash guard.

Abstract: In a porous electrode primary battery a sensing grid is positioned in a cell on or near the surface of the porous cathode facing the separator and anode. The voltage measured between this sensing grid and the conventional cathode current collector grid is a function of the current distribution within the electrode which is continuously changing as the battery discharges, thus the measured voltage is indicative of the state of charge of the particular cell having the sensing grid and for a battery containing cooperatively connected cells, the state of the battery in general.

Abstract: An improvement is provided for a battery which has an anode and a cathode, pair of spaced apart concentric tubes, a piston mounted in the inner tube, an electrolyte disposed in the inner tube between one side of the piston and one end of the inner tube, and a device disposed in the inner tube between the other side of the piston and the other end of the inner tube for biasing the piston toward the one end of the inner tube. The improvement includes the cathode being porous and being mounted in the annular space, and an electrolyte which substantially completely fills the pores of the cathode. The volume of the electrolyte within the porous cathode is substantially only sufficient for stoichiometry. A passageway is provided for communicating the electrolyte side of the inner tube with the annular space. The volume of the electrolyte within the inner tube is substantially only sufficient for filling the voids left within the annular space as the products react.

Abstract: The active cathode material of an alkaline cell is a mixture of monovalent silver oxide and graphite or a compound of which the main ingredient is divalent silver oxide. The active anode material is powdered mercury-indium-zinc alloy mixed with a suitable binder and pressed into formed or gelled state. After almost all of the zinc of the anode material is exhausted during the course of discharge of the cell, a small quantity of indium acts as the anode active material so as to continue to supply current for a period of time but at lower voltage. By detecting the voltage drop, it can be determined that the cell is approaching the end of its useful life.

Abstract: A sealed storage battery comprising a sealed container, an electricity generating means contained in the sealed container and composed of a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolyte, a hydrogen gas oxidation auxiliary electrode disposed within the sealed container, and a resistance means connected to the auxiliary electrode and having an inverse current checking characteristic (or property).In this sealed storage battery, the (critical) point of time of overcharging in charging the sealed storage battery may be detected by monitoring the variation of the voltage between the positive electrode or a separately provided measurement electrode and the auxiliary electrode.

Abstract: In a porous electrode primary battery a sensing grid is positioned in a cell on or near the surface of the porous cathode facing the separator and anode. The voltage measured between this sensing grid and the conventional cathode current collector grid is a function of the current distribution within the electrode which is continuously changing as the battery discharges, thus the measured voltage is indicative of the state of charge of the particular cell having the sensing grid and for a battery containing cooperatively connected cells, the state of the battery in general.

Abstract: In a porous electrode primary battery a sensing grid is positioned in a cell on or near the surface of the porous cathode facing the separator and anode. The voltage measured between this sensing grid and the conventional cathode current collector grid is a function of the current distribution within the electrode which is continuously changing as the battery discharges, thus the measured voltage is indicative of the state of charge of the particular cell having the sensing grid and for a battery containing cooperatively connected cells, the state of the battery in general.

Abstract: An alkali metal-halogen cell comprising an alkali metal anode, preferably lithium, a solid alkali metal-halogen electrolyte and a cathode comprising a mixture of two halogens, for example iodine and bromine, the two halogens providing discharge of the cell at two different levels of cell output voltage. The two halogens are in different proportions by weight of the mixture thereby providing a two step output voltage-time characteristic. The cell advantageously can be employed in a battery for an artificial cardiac pacer.

Abstract: In a porous electrode primary battery a sensing grid is positioned in a cell on or near the surface of the porous cathode facing the separator and anode. The voltage measured between this sensing grid and the conventional cathode current collector grid is a function of the current distribution within the electrode which is continuously changing as the battery discharges, thus the measured voltage is indicative of the state of charge of the particular cell having the sensing grid and for a battery containing cooperatively connected cells, the state of the battery in general.

Abstract: An indicating device for a storage battery comprising: a bar-like body which is transparent, inserted through and held on the upper wall of the electrolytic vessel of a storage battery, has a pointed lower end and is immersed in the electrolyte in the storage battery; and an indicating member which is disposed in the electrolyte near the lower end of the bar-like body, rotatable around a horizontal axis, has its specific gravity correlated with that of the electrolyte and has its center of buoyancy deviated from the rotative axis thereof so that the indicating member is rotated as it sinks and floats according as the specific gravity of the electrolyte varies, the arrangement being such that when the indicating member is seen through the transparent bar-like body from above the storage battery, the indicating member, for example, selectively moves into and out of a visible range so that the manner of indication is changed according to the specific gravity of the electrolyte.

Abstract: The remaining useful life of a battery is indicated by a mechanical resilient means for displaying the thickness of the battery electrode. A mechanical indicator shows the electrode thickness at a convenient and visible top area of the battery container. The indicator may be coupled to any primary electrode which changes its thickness during battery discharge. This type of indicator may be used with batteries having opaque containers and nontransparent electrolytes.

Abstract: An electric storage battery is disclosed having a case to retain electrolyte up to a given preferred level, cover means for retaining the electrolyte within the case, said cover means having defined therein at least one bore, said bore comprising at least one constricted section, probe means for sensing the preferred level of the electrolyte, said probe means being disposed through the cover, and resin means for chemically sealing at least a portion of said probe means with said cover means. In addition to the above, the present application discloses an inter-relationship between the remainder of the probe and the bore which allows for the introduction of resin between the surfaces of the probe and bore to create an effective seal between the probe and battery cover. Finally, a unique configuration of probe and bore is disclosed which produces a strong electrolyte tight seal between the probe and battery cover.

Abstract: The invention relates to a discharge indicator of an electrochemical generator such as a cell or battery comprising a consumable negative electrode basically containing powdered metal, for example, zinc. The said indicator is constituted by an enclosure containing a substance which can be seen from the outside of the battery and having an appearance which changes on coming into contact with the electrolyte, the said enclosure being closed by a metal plate arranged within the negative electrode and which is made of a material chosen from among zinc, zinc alloys, zinc amalgams. Application of the indicator is to air depolarization cells.

Abstract: To provide an indication that a predetermined amount of the energy of a cell has been used up, the positive electrode is formulated with two or more ingredients having different electrochemical potentials relative to the negative electrode. As each ingredient is used up, the voltage between the electrodes drops to the next potential difference, thereby indicating a predetermined quantity of energy has been used, and that the remaining reserve is at or less than the amount at which the voltage is predesigned to drop.The use of such a step voltage cell in a battery provides a measure of the condition of the battery when the voltage drops, due to the voltage drop in such pilot cell.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to substances composed of arsenic, sulphur and silver or of germanium, sulphur and silver in a certain range of proportions which may produce electrolytes having standard electrical properties, and also having stable vitreous state, whereby the electrolytes are easy to work and manufacture as small circuit elements.

Abstract: An electric storage battery is disclosed having a case to retain electrolyte up to a given preferred level, cover means for retaining the electrolyte within the case, said cover means having defined therein at least one bore, said bore comprising at least one constricted section, probe means for sensing the preferred level of the electrolyte, said probe means being disposed through the cover, and resin means for chemically sealing at least a portion of said probe means with said cover means. In addition to the above, the present application discloses an inter-relationship between the remainder of the probe and the bore which allows for the introduction of resin between the surfaces of the probe and bore to create an effective seal between the probe and battery cover. Finally, a unique configuration of probe and bore is disclosed which produces a strong electrolyte tight seal between the probe and battery cover.