Metal/air cell

Patent 3963519 Issued on June 15, 1976. Estimated Expiration Date:

June 15, 1993. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

2597116

2641623

2935547

3219486

3259523

3293080

3316126

3335031

3378406

3457115

Inventor

Louie, Hong Po

Assignee

Leesona Corporation

Application

No. 168571 filed on 08/03/1971

US Classes:

429/29, And chemically specified electrolyte material429/116, Frangible separation means429/164, Cylindrical unit cell type, e.g., cup container electrode, tubular electrode, casing, etc.429/206, Alkaline429/212, Having active material with organic component429/229, Zinc component429/34Housing member, seal, spacer or fluid distributing or directing means

Examiners

Primary: Curtis, Allen B.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Breiner; A. W.

Abstract

Primary and secondary lightweight "AA," "C," "D," and the like metal/air cells comprising an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte are described in which the anode comprises a consumable porous metal and the cathode comprises a hydrophobic member in contact at one surface with an electrocatalyst. The aforesaid components of the cell are retained in a substantially rigid protective shield and spaced therefrom permitting access of air to the cathode over substantially the entire cathode surface area. The structural elements which include the protective shield spacers to space the shield from the cathode comprise lightweight materials such as lightweight metals or a thermosetting or thermoplastic resin or the like. The electrolyte can be a solution or paste of an ion-conductive material or a water-activatable solid, such as "dry" potassium hydroxide adhering to or absorbed in the anode and/or cathode and/or a hydrophilic separator between the anode and cathode.