Rayovac Corporation

Rovcal, Inc.

Energizer Brands, LLC

Spectrum Brands, Inc.

Rodney Stuart McKenzie

Robert B Dopp

Jeffrey A Poirier

Robert G LaMasney

Marc Syvertsen

Robert C Gaffney

Ross Mack

Paul R Pratt

Stephanie R Curtis

Jeffrey W Schmoeger

Michael J Johnstone

Robert G Reidl

The present disclosure generally relates to a zinc air cell having an anode can made of a copper alloy. The anode can material reduces internal gassing within the electrochemical cell while being compatible with the internal chemistry of the anode and the alkaline electrolyte of the cell itself.

Copper alloy metal strip for zinc air anode cans

The present disclosure relates to alkaline electrochemical cells, such as metal-air cells, which comprise a gelled anode which may or may not include mercury, comprising an ionically conductive clay additive. The ionically conductive clay additive is modified to include halogen atoms to increase the negative charge density of the additive and improve its performance in the electrochemical cell.

Ionically conductive clay additive for use in electrochemical cells

A battery pack suitable for use with button cell batteries. The battery pack includes a flexible card and a cover rotatably fixed relative to said flexible card. A backing is interposed between the card and said cover, and fixed relative to said card. The backing and cover define an enclosed space interposed between the cover and the backing for receiving batteries. Batteries disposed in the space are enclosed by the cover and backing. An air access channel formed in the backing diffuses air to the batteries.

Button cell battery pack with air access channel

This invention pertains to metal-air electrochemical cells wherein one or more air entry ports is located in the bottom of the cathode can, to provide for entry of oxygen-rich air into the cathode can, where the oxygen participates in the chemical reaction whereby the cell produces electrical energy. In this invention, multiple small air entry ports are provided. Generally, the use of multiple ports distributed over the bottom of the cathode can, opposite the reaction surface of the cathode assembly, while not increasing the overall open area of the ports, results in an increase in the ratio of the cell limiting current to the rate at which moisture is lost from the cell. Accordingly, moisture loss as a function of electrical energy produced, is reduced. Preferred embodiments of the air entry ports have a stepped cross-sectional opening that provides a larger diffusion area controlling diffusion of air into and out of the cell through a covering tab prior to the cell being put into use, and a smaller untabbed diffusion area controlling diffusion of air into and out of the cell when the cell is in use.

Metal-air cathode can, and electrochemical cell made therewith

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Madison, WI, United States of America

Rodney Stuart McKenzie