GB437821A - Improvements in electric primary cells - Google Patents

Abstract

437,821. Batteries. GORDON, C. J., 77, Tufnell Park Road, London. May 12, 1934, No. 14407. [Class 53] A primary cell or battery contains a supply of water which is out of contact with the electrolyte which consists of a deliquescent material held in a fibrous substance between the electrodes. Under normal atmospheric conditions the vapour from the water provides sufficient moisture for the electrolyte. Fig. 2 shows a cell provided with a chamber 37 in the form of a hollow plug containing a pad 26 in which water is absorbed. Water vapour passes to the electrolyte which may consist of powdered calcium chloride held in a layer of wood wool between a magnesium electrode 28 and an outer electrode 32 consisting of copper gauze to which carbon powder is applied. A certain amount of the dry electrolyte may be mixed with the carbon powder. Holes 35 are provided in the casing to allow access of air for depolarization. Fig. 1 shows a battery consisting of a number of cells 4 to which water vapour is supplied from a common reservoir at the bottom of the casing. The water may be absorbed in a layer of absorbent material 26 such as wood wool or silica gel. In the latter case the gel may be packed round the lower part of the battery elements 4, 32. The use of water vapour to moisten the electrolyte may also be used in batteries as described in Specification 426,654. Specifications 423,301 and 423,353 also are referred to.