Eagle-picher Industries, Inc.

Lee E Miller

Dennis D Carr

James R Wheeler

Donald L Smith

Jack N Brill

A metal-hydrogen cell is disclosed in which the durability of the battery is substantially increased and the system mass and volume are reduced. A plate stack within the casing is compressed by a spring which is supported from the casing without support from the terminals. The spring support is external to the cell stack; that is, it does not pass through the stack. Optionally, terminals are positioned at non-axial positions on the casing, extending outwardly from each domed end of the casing at axially offset positions on the domed ends so that the terminals do not extend beyond the length and diameter of the casing. This contributes to the reduction in the effective size of the cell.

Lightweight metal-hydrogen cell with improved plate stack supporting

An improved substrate for a battery electrode is disclosed. The substrate is in the form of a reticulated lattice bordered by a current conducting perimeter and having a current connection or tab on the perimeter. The lattice is comprised of first current carrying portions which converge toward an imaginary point outside the perimeter of the substrate, which point can lie on an imaginary bisector to the lattice. Second current carrying portions intersect the first current carrying portions and extend generally perpendicularly to them at the points of intersection. The lattice thus formed improves the current density of the electrode and provides for a more uniform current distribution, serves to focus current flow in the direction of the conducting tab, and mechanically strengthens the tab connection to the substrate.

Lattice for a battery electrode substrate

A metal-gas electrochemical cell is disclosed wherein electrolyte is progressively supplied from a reservoir into the electrode or cell stack as needed, so as to maintain each stack component with adequate electrolyte, as the plates 'grow' and absorb electrolyte with repeated cycling. The reservoir preferably is a compressible bladder positioned between one end of the plate stack and a retaining plate. As the plate stack 'grows' with repeated cycling, the bladder is slowly compressed, forcing electrolyte from the bladder through an electrolyte distribution tube located within the plate stack. One end of the electrolyte distribution tube is fixed to an end plate of the plate stack and the second end of the distribution tube may be connected to a Belleville washer or other spring which acts through the distribution tube to compress the plate stack. The elasticity of the spring permits the stack to expand as the electrodes grow.

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Carl Junction, MO, United States of America

Lee E Miller