Abstract:
The Bipolar Battery Construction disclosed and claimed above solves the problem of constructing a bipolar battery (11,12) with a desired, uniform, constant, pressure between each bipolar plate (20) and separator (30) in the battery cell stack (48). The provision of such a pressure dramatically increases battery life, and increases the power of the cell stack (48). Compressive force is provided by spring-loaded clamping internal to the battery (11,12). A sealed battery case (52) provides common confinement of gases and vapors from all cells (58), minimizing battery sealing requirements. An inhibitor device (80,81) is provided for minimizing or eliminating leakage current between adjacent battery cells (58) through electrolyte (32), avoiding self-discharge of the cells (58). Insulation (54) minimize temperature gradients in the cell stack (48) which assures uniform and stable performance.
Abstract:
A method for the manufacture of lead-acid batteries and associated apparatus and a lead-acid battery design resulting therefrom is disclosed. The method involves providing a battery grid and pasting the grid with a battery paste such that a profiled and tapered battery plate is formed. This battery plate is wrapped onto a coil and cured in curing apparatus. A battery element is formed using coils of the finished plate stock, separator material, and winged end plate. After this, several battery elements are then placed into a battery container.
Abstract:
An explosion-proof battery vent and filler plug (10) is disclosed, which provides a flame barrier (16) to prevent external ignition of gas evolved from a battery during operation from causing ignition of the larger volume of gas within the battery itself, without simultaneously allowing a high rate of evaporation of the electrolyte. In accordance with the invention, the flame barrier means (16) is provided with an indirect, restricted outlet (64) for the evolved gases to pass to the atmosphere, thus reducing the flow of air through the electrolyte space of the battery. The preferred embodiment includes a filler tube (14) with a funnel-shaped entrance (24) within a shell member (12) which sealingly engages an opening of a battery. Gas evolved from the battery during operation passes into a splash chamber, (46) then through a baffle (18) into an expansion chamber 52, and then flows through a microporous disk flame barrier (16) into an exit chamber, (65), and vents to the atmosphere through vent holes (64) which are substantially smaller than any previous passage through which the gas has passed, thus forming an indirect, a restricted outlet for battery gases, and a restricted inlet for air flow to limit the rate of evaporation of electrolyte.