Abstract:
The invention relates to primary alkaline cells containing a manganese dioxide cathode active material. Anatase titanium dioxide is added to the cathode. The result is an increase in the useful service life. Typically the anatase titanium dioxide is used in an amount between 0.1 and 5 percent by weight of the cathode active material.
Abstract:
The present invention is a package for the sale and display of batteries having a voltage indicator integrally associated with the package. A pair of electrical contacts are associated with the voltage indicator and the contacts are so positioned on the package that they are accessible for alignment with the terminals of a battery placed therebetween. When the electrical contacts make simultaneous connection to the terminals of a battery, current flows through the voltage indicator to visually indicate the magnitude of the voltage of the battery.
Abstract:
An improved high rate alkaline cell (10) having a powdered zinc anode and an anode current collector (20) is obtained by employing an anode current collector (20) made from a foraminous metal. Such a collector pemits power to be drawn from such cells which can not otherwise be drawn when conventional collectors are used.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a non-aqueous electrochemical cell having spirally wound electrodes and a separator having a basis weight of at least 20 g/m2 and comprising melt blown non-woven polypropylene fibers.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a seal for a cylindrical alkaline cell (80). The member includes a metal support (40) having an annular spring (45) disposed at the outer periphery. The spring is placed under compression by a radial crimp and the spring is adapted to expand and contract whereby the seal is maintained during thermal cycling. The member also includes a plastic grommet (30) having an annular vent designed to open at very high pressures whereby said seal member is particularly useful in alkaline cells having little or no mercury whereby high internal pressures can develop.
Abstract:
A cathode (12) that includes manganese dioxide and a titanium oxy salt, preferably titanium oxy sulfate, is disclosed. Batteries (10) having cathode (12) have good performance characteristics. For example, the batteries (10) perform well in applications involving intermittent drains such as toys. Also disclosed is an electrochemical cell including a cathode (12) an anode (14) and a separator (16) disposed between the cathode and the anode. The cathode includes manganese dioxide and a titanium oxy salt.
Abstract:
Materials having the empirical formula LixMyM'1-yO2-zAz are disclosed. M and M' are different metals, and A is a halogen. x can have a value of from about 0.9 to about 1.2, y can have a value of from greater than zero to less than 1, and z can have a value of from greater than zero to less than 2. The distribution of fluorine atoms can be substantially uniform across the cross section of the materials. The materials can be used in battery cathodes (16) in lithium ion batteries (10).
Abstract:
An AB5-type hydrogen absorbing alloy composition for use in an electrochemical cell includes between about 0.001 and 0.01 mole percent of zirconium and/or titanium dispersed throughout the alloy. Methods of producing the alloy are also disclosed. The levels of these elements have been selected to maintain low hydrogen equilibrium pressure, high capacity, and acceptable activation characteristics along with improved storage characteristics and improved cycle life from reduced corrosion.
Abstract:
A method of treating lithium manganese oxide of spinel structure is disclosed. The method involves heating the lithium manganese oxide spinel in an atmosphere of an inert gas, e.g. argon, helium, nitrogen or carbon dioxide, which does not react with the spinel. Alternatively, the spinel may be first coated with an alkali metal hydroxide, preferably lithium, sodium or potassium hydroxide and then heated in an atmosphere preferably containing carbon dioxide. Such treatment of lithium manganese oxide spinel improves the performance of the spinel when employed as an electrode in rechargeable cells such as lithium-ion cells. Alternatively, the spinel may be first treated in an aqueous solution of a soluble metal salt of a carboxylic acid prior to treatment with heated carbon dioxide or inert gas. In such latter case the spinel may optionally also be treated with an alkali metal hydroxide prior to treatment with carbon dioxide or inert gas.
Abstract:
A current interrupt mechanism for electrochemical cells is disclosed. A thermally activated current interrupt mechanism (38) is integrated into an end cap assembly (10) for an electrochemical cell. The thermally responsive mechanism preferably includes a free floating bimetallic disk (40) or a meltable mass of material (175) to break an electrical pathway within the end cap assembly. The end cap assembly also includes integrated therein a pressure responsive current interrupt mechanism (48). The pressure responsive mechanism activates to sever electrical contact between a diaphragm (70) and a plate (80) within the end cap assembly (10) to prevent current from passing through the cell, and may include a diaphragm (70) which ruptures when there is extreme gas pressure buildup.