Improvements in Electrode Plates for Electric Accumulators.
Year: 1889

page_text: Date of Application, 19th July, 1889
Complete Specification Left. 19th Apr. 1890-Accented. 14th June, 1890
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Electrode Plates for Electric Accumulators.
We, CARL BEYER, of Sionsthalstrasse, No. 3, Cologne, Germany Foreman, and
GOTTFRIED HAGEN, of Cologne, Germany, Manufacturer, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention to be as follows:--
The electrodes heretofore employed in electric accumulators usually consist of
plates which are either provided with projecting ribs or are perforated or open-
worked in the form of a gridiron or grating. Electrodes formed in this manner
have the disadvantage of being very heavy, and the filling (or active material) does
not adhere firmly to the plates or in the hollows or recesses of the plates.
Now electrodes constructed according to this invention are, in contradistinction to
the known arrangements referred to above, formed of a skeleton which serves for the
reception of the filling or active material (hereinafter calling filling) and which com-
prises two plates constructed in the form of openwork frames nets or gratings that
are connected by numerous cross-pieces and are surrounded by a solid frame or
border.
A skeleton frame of this kind possesses great lightness with great strength and
serves to retain the filling in an extremely durable and firin manner, so that the
filling cannot become loosened by mechanical or electrical influences
Several forms of electrode skeleton according to this invention are illustrated in the
annexed sheet of drawings.
Fig. 1 is an elevation partly in section on the line A B Fig. 2; and,
Fig. 2 is a vertical section on the line C, D, Fig. 1, of one form.
Connected with the border or frame A of the skeleton are two gratings or networks
consisting of intersecting vertical and horizontal bars b. These gratings 6 are con-
nected together by ineans of cross-pieces d which are preferably arranged at each
intersection of the bars 6 when the bars 6 of the two gratings coincide or cover each
other, as shown in Figs. 1 & 2. The two gratings or networks bare by means of
these cross-pieces d so stiffened and firmly locked or connected as to form a body or
plate which will offer great resistance to shocks and to bending forces and which will
not warp or get out of shape under the influence of the electrical processes during the
The two
charging and discharging of the accumulator of which it forins part.
gratings moreover retain the filling material (shewn for the sake of clearness only in
the lower portion of Fig. 2) very firinly between them so that it cannot fall out.
This is effected in a special degree if the bars 6 are made of trapezi-form, triangular
or similar section as shewn in Fig. 4 instead of rectangular section as shewn in Fig. 2.
In this case (Fig. 4) the filling material f is held not only by the opposite and
parallel inner surfaces of the bars b but also and to an important extent by the
inclined surfaces of these bars. Fig. 3 also shows another form of the two gratings
and of the connecting crosspieces. The gratings consist in this case of inclined
bars 6 crossing one another at an acute angle, and although the two gratings cover or
correspond with each other in the projection of their planes, the connecting cross-
pieces consist of narrow strips that are arranged not at the intersections of the
bars b but between such intersections.
It is evident that the gratings and cross pieces can be further variously modified.
For instance it is not necessary that the two gratings should cover each other in the
projection of their planes. Fig. 5 for example shows a skeleton in which the open
spaces or divisions of each grating are in the form of hexagons which do not cover
each other; this can also be clearly seen in Fig. 6 which is a section on the
line E, F, Fig. 5.
The filling material is wholly omitted in this case for the sake of clearness.

page_text: The gratings which constitute the skeleton may also be different in form one from
the other so long as connecting cross-pieces dor d' can be provided at a sufficient
number of points.
The manufacture of these skeletons is effected by casting, lead or other suitable
inetal or alloy being employed therefor.
The filling material is introduced into or applied to the skeleton in the form of a
dough-like inass, similarly to the method employed with ordinary or other electrode
plates having recesses. The electrode plates formed according to this invention are
comparatively light and are nevertheless durable.
They are particularly suitable for accumulators which are to be employed in the
propulsion of vehicles or are liable to be often moved from one place to another,
because such plates are much less sensitive to shocks and consequent damage,thanthe
electrodes heretofore in use.
The essential advantages and the practical importance of the present invention are
most strikingly shown when the weight of lend in proportion to that of the filling
material in accumulator plates constructed according to this invention, is compared
with that of the accumulator plates heretofore known. Up to the present it has only
been possible to construct serviceable accumlators whenthe mass of the lead employed
for the electrodes has been made comparatively large in relation to that of the filling
material. Thus in accumulators manufactured according to the system of the
Electrical Power Storage Company this proportion or relation has been for instance
as follows: viz., about 67% lead to 33% filling material in the finished plates. In
the improved plates we have already obtained the proportion of 51% lead to 49%
filling material. Moreover the working capacity of our improved accumulators is
considerably higher than that of other systeins heretofore known. Several trials have
resulted for each kilogram of the gross weight of the electrodes, in the following
average figures. For a discharge current of 15 amperes the improved accumulators
gave a capacity of about 4 ampere-hours and with a discharge current of 0.5 amperes
a capacity of 9-5 ampere-hours. Now accumulators of the Electrical Power Storage
Company when discharged with a current of 0.5 amperes, gave only a capacity of
57 ampere hours; while accumulators constructed according to Tudor's system when
discharged with a current of 0:44 amperes, gave only a capacity of 36 ampere
hours.
These results clearly prove both technically and oconomically the superiority of
accumulators constructed with our improved electrode plates as compared with other
systems heretofore known.
C. BEYER,
Per L. W.
G. HAGEN,
Per L. W.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Electrode Plates for Electric Accu:nulators.
We, CARL BEYER, of Sionsthalstrasse No. 3, Cologne, Germany, Foreman, and
GOTTFRIED HAGEN, of Cologne, Germany, Manufacturer, do hereby declare the
nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be perforined to be
particularly described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
The electrodes heretofore employed in electric accumulators usually consist of plates
which are either provided with projecting ribs or are perforated or open-worked in
the form of a gridiron or grating. Electrodes formed in this manner have the
disadvantage of being very heavy, and the filling (or active material) does not adhere
firmly to the plates or in the hollows or recesses of the plates.
Now electrodes constructed according to this invention are, in contradistinction to
the known arrangements referred to above, formed of a skeleton which serves for
the reception of the filling or active material (hereinafter called filling) and which

page_text: comprises two plates constructed in the form of openwork frames or gratings that are
connected by numerous cross-pieces and are surrounded by a solid frame or border.
A skeleton frame of this kind possesses great lightness with great strength and
serves to retain the filling in an extremely durable and firm nanner, so that
the filling will not be liable to become loosened by mechanical or electrical
influences.
Several forms of electrode skeletons according to this invention are illustrated in the
sheet of drawings filed with our provisional specification.
Referring thereto, Fig. 1 is an elevation, partly in section on the line A B
Fig. 2; and
Fig. 2 is a vertical section on the line C, D, Fig. 1 of one form.
The skeleton consists of two openwork frames or gratings having vertical and
horizontal bars b. These gratings 6 are connected together by means of a solid border
or outer frame A and cross-pieces d both being cast in one with the gratings. The
cross pieces are preferably arranged at each intersection of the bars b when the bars b
of the two gratings coincide or are opposite each other, as shewn in Figs. 1 and 2.
The two gratings b are by means of these cross-pieces (, so stiffened and firmly
connected together as to form a skeleton body which will offer great resistance to
shocks and to bending forces and which will not be liable to warp or get out of shape
under the influence of the electrical processes during the charging and discharging of
the accumulator of which it forms part. The two gratings moreover retain the filling
inaterial (shewn for the sake of clearness only in the lower portion of fig. 2) very
firmly between them so that it is not liable to fall out. This is effected in a special
degree if the bars b are made of trapeziform triangular or similar section as shewn in
In this case (Fig. 4) the
Fig. 4 instead of rectangular section as shown in Fig. 2.
filling material is held not only by the opposite and parallel inner surfaces of the
bars 6 but also and to an important extent by the inclined surfaces of these bars.
Fig. 3 also shews another form of the two gratings and of the connecting cross pieces.
The gratings consist in this case of inclined bars & meeting one another at an acute
angle, and although the two gratings correspond with each other in the sense that the
bars 6 of the one are opposite those of the other, the connecting cross-pieces consist of
narrow strips that are arranged not at the points of meeting or intersection of the
bars but between such points.
It is evident that the gratings and cross pieces can be further variously modified.
For instance it is not necessary that the two gratings should have the bars of one
exactly opposite those of the other. Fig. 5 for example shows a skeleton in which tho
open spaces or divisions of each grating b¹ are in the form of hexagons which do not
coune opposite each other; this can also be clearly seen in Fig. 6 which is a section
on the fine E, F, Fig. 5. The filling material is wholly omitted in this case for the
sake of clearness.
n
The gratings which constitute the skeleton may also be different in form one fron
the other so long as connecting cross pieces dor d' can be provided at a sufficient
number of points.
The manufacture of these skeletons is carried out by casting, lead or other suitablo
metal or alloy being employed therefor. The frame or skeleton is produced by using
grains of sand or other inoulding material which is easily removable from the frame
after casting.
The filling material is introduced into or applied to the skeleton in the form of a
dough-like mass, similarly to the method employed with ordinary or other electrode
plates having recesses. The electrode plates formed according to this invention are
comparatively light and are nevertheless durable. They are particularly suitable for
accumulators which are to be employed in the propulsion of vehicles or are liable to
be often moved from one place to another, because such plates are much less sensitive
to shocks and consequent damage than the electrodes heretofore in use.
The essential advantages and the practical importance of the present invention aro
inost strikingly shown when the weight of lead in proportion to that of the filling
material in accumulator plates constructed according to this invention is compared

page_text: with that of the accumulator plates heretofore known. Up to the present so far as we
know it has only been possible to construct serviceable accumulators when the mass of
the lead employed for the electrodes has been made comparatively large in relation to
that of the filling material. Thus in accumulators manufactured according to the
system of the Electrical Power Storage Company this proportion or relation has been
for instance as follows:-iz. about 67% lead to 33% filling material in the finished
plates. In the improved plates we have already obtained the proportion of 51 / lead
to 49 % filling material. Moreover the working capacity of our improved
accumulators is considerably higher than that of other systems heretofore known.
Several trials have resulted for each kilogram of the gross weight of the electrodes, in
the following average figures. For a discharge current of 15 amperes the improved
accumulators gave a capacity of about 4 ampere-hours, and with a discharge current
of 0.5 amperes a capacity of 95 ampere-hours. Now accumulators of the Electrical
Power Storage Company when discharged with a current of 0.5 amperes, gave only a
capacity of 57 ampere hours; while accumulators constructed according to Tudor's
system when discharged with a current of 0.44 amperes, gave only a capacity of
36 ampere-hours.
These results clearly prove both technically and economically the superiority of
accumulators constructed with our improved electrode plates as compared with other
systems heretofore known.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the saine is to be performed we declare that what we
claim is:-
1
1. For an electric accumulator an electrode plate having a skeleton or frame
consisting of two openwork frames or gratings such as 6 or 6, cast in one with a
number of connecting cross-pieces or stays such as dor d' and a border or frame
such as a.
2. The manufacture as hereinabove described of our improved electrodo plates for
electric accumulators.