Improvements in and relating to Primary Batteries for Producing Portable Electricity for Light and Power and other purposes.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 27th Nov., 1894-Accepted, 6th Apr., 1895
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Primary Batteries for Producing
Portable Electricity for Light and Power and other purposes.
I, CHARLES JONES HUBBELL, Electrician, a citizen of the United States,
residing at No. 15 East 11th Street, in the City of New York, in the County of
New York, in the State of New York, one of the United States of America, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the same is to be
performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the following
statement :-
The main object of my invention is to provide a simple, compact battery which
may be used for any of several purposes, as for lamps for firemen, miners,
bicycles, etc., etc. I am aware of the fact that secondary or storage batteries have
been heretofore used for the above purposes; but several objections are incident to
them. Much time is consumed in charging such batteries from dynamos, each
charging requiring not less than six to eight hours. They are very heavy and
difficult to handle. My battery is designed to replace these. By reason of the
construction and arrangement of its parts (to be hereinafter described), I am able
to produce a battery having a cell or a series of cells, which can be charged in two
or three minutes. A battery of two cells completely charged will weigh less than
two pounds, can be easily handled, and will produce a current of four volts and
from ten to twelve amperes on a short circuit. It will cause a low voltage lamp
of three candle power (taking three and one-tenth volts) to burn from eight to
nine hours at a maximum cost not exceeding four or five cents for the entire
time.
Another object of my invention is to provide a multiple cell battery in which
each cell is independently provided with means for absorbing and neutralizing the
fumes and gases which arise when the battery is at work. In using a multiple cell
battery (where a single receptacle or pad filled with the absorbent material is
depended upon to neutralize and absorb the gases and fumes which arise), I have
found by experience that although a considerable part of the nitrous fumes is
absorbed. yet a large proportion escapes, finding its way into the open air through
the interstices between the receptacle enclosing the cells and the cover, and that
another large proportion is absorbed by the electrolytic solution, thereby greatly
deteriorating the latter and rendering the battery comparatively useless in a short
time. This is because of the fact that the fumes have not sufficient space to escape
quickly enough from the porous cup into the absorbent pad or receptacle, owing to
the fact that the pad, (when a single pad is used) rests immediately upon said
porous cups. Therefore, I provide an independent absorbent receptacle or pad
for each cell which shall have a chamber for the reception of the gas, and from
which it is conducted to another chamber filled with some absorbent oxidizing
agent.
In
Another object of the invention is to provide the cell or cells with means
whereby, when the battery is tipped at an angle or completely turned over, the
solutions shall be prevented from escaping from their respective chambers.
many of the batteries with which I am acquainted the porous cells are open at the
top, slightly above the surface of the electrolytic fluids so that if by chance the
battery is inclined the two solutions will co-mingle and destroy the working of
the battery.
Another object is to provide double contacts or terminals for the positive element

page_text: at its upper portion or top, the terminal for the negative element being at the
bottom, whereby the resistance to the passage of the electric current through the
positive element is reduced to a minimum.
Still another object is to obtain a perfect joint between the carbon and the
porous cup, so as to prevent leakage which object I obtain by japanning the bottom
of the cup, which makes a firm joint and one that is acid proof.
A further object is to simplify the construction of the battery so that it shall be
small and compact, can be easily taken apart, and can be readily emptied, cleaned
and refilled.
In the accompanying drawings-
Figure 1. is a vertical cross section on line - of Figure 2.
Figure 2. is a plan view, the cover being removed.
Figure 3. is a partial section showing the connection of the zinc with its
terminals.
Figure 4. is a perspective representation of one of the zinc elements.
Figure 5. shows a perspective view of the vessel or receptacle containing the
oxidizing agent.
Figure 6. shows one of the carbon terminals.
Figure 7. shows the receptacle, the platinum contact piece, and the rubber
stopper for the zinc.
Figure 8. shows a two cell battery in slightly modified form.
Referring to these drawings, A. indicates the battery casing made of some suitable
acid proof substance as hard rubber, glass, or other appropriate material, having
integral therewith the interior diagonal walls a, a, which together with the wall
of the casing divide it into four compartments, each adapted to contain a single
cell.
It will be understood that while I have shown the casing adapted to contain four
cells, yet it can be constructed to contain any number as well. Into each one of the-e
triangular chambers which I designate B, B, I introduce a porous cup C, preferably
triangular in cross section, resting upon a rubber disk C. The porous cup is
provided at its bottom with a recess for a purpose to be hereinafter described
Within this porous cup C is mounted the carbon element D, triangular in cross
section and having its exterior surface corrugated so as to present the greatest
surface possible to the action of the electrolyte, it also having a central longitudinal
aperture d for this purpose. It has a closed bottom d' provided with a circular
boss and an interior upwardly extending circular boss d³. The boss d² fits
tightly into the recess c. The interstices or small spaces left between the walls
may be sealed in any of the ordinary ways; but I prefer to expose the underside
or bottom of the porous cup (after the carbon element has been put in place) to a
japanning process which tightly fills the joints, renders the bottom of the porous
cup acid proof, prevents any possibility of leakage, and overcomes the tendency of
the carbon to exert a capillary action by reason of its porosity.
As heretofore constructed, beeswax. asphalt, and pitch have been used to seal
the joint between the porous cup and the carbon, but I have found that after these
materials, as commonly applied, have been exposed to the action of the electrolyte
for a short time they disintegrate and there results not only a leakage of the
liquids, but also an oxidizing of the terminals beneath.
By dipping the bottom of the carbon into a japanning compound, so as to coat
at W the boss d² and the exterior surface up to the top of the terminals, then
inserting it into place in recess e, then coating also the bottom of the cup Ċ with
the same compound, and then baking them as is ordinarily done in the japanning
process, produce a joint which prevents leakage, is proof against the action of
acid and prevents any oxidizing of the terminals, the pure metal of which should
be permanently in contact with the carbon.
The japan which I prefer to employ, consists of a mixture of pure beeswax and
Trinidad asphalt, in the proportions of three parts of the beeswax to two parts of
the asphalt. The carbon is dipped in this mixture to coat it as above described,

page_text: paraffine, or similar material, being placed upon the terminal E to prevent the
japan from adhering thereto. The bottom of the porous cup where the carbon is
to be received is also supplied with a coating of this japan, as above indicated.
The operation of baking under high temperature hardens and affects the japan in
such a manner as to render it impervious to the attacks of the acid, and prevents
capillary action or leakage of the electrolyte.
E is a copper terminal screwed or carefully inserted into the boss and the
bottom of the carbon, in such a way as not to crack or break it. It is preferably
formed with a tapering wood-screw thread e on one end, and a machine thread e' on
the other end. This terminal serves two purposes;-first, it furnishes a connection
for the carbon, and, secondly, it fastens or secures the porous cup C and the carbon
element therein tightly to the bottom of the cell chamber B. The casing A is
provided with a small aperture for the passage of this part E, and the latter has a
nut E which is tightly screwed against a washer 2, that prevents leakage from the
cell chamber.
The terminal is applied to the carbon after the latter is baked, preferably in the
following manner;- The point of the wood screw is brought in contact with the
end of the carbon, and is turned alternately to the right and le't, forcing its
passage into the carbon until it becomes tightly and closely seated therein.
1leretofore terminals have sometimes been embedded in the carbon before baking,
but this practice is not practical for the reason that the high temperature of the
baking process injures the metal of the terminal, and for the reason that the metal
and carbon do not have the same co-efficients of expansion, resulting in an
imperfect joint.
The zinc element is preferably formed as shown in Figure 4, that is to say, is
formed of a sheet of zinc F bent into the angle shown and provided at its upper
corner with projections f, f, and also preferably with the small handle openings f
for convenience in handling. This zinc plate fits comparatively closely against the
diagonal walls a although there is space between it and them for the circulation of
the electrolyte. The copper terminals G for the zinc, (there being two for each
zinc, one on either side) extend downward through an inwardly projecting
portion a', of the walls of the casing A, the latter serving as an insulation therefor.
Each terminal is provided with a cup-like receptacle g at the upper end adapted
to receive one of the projections f, these parts being so related that the zinc F can
at any time be readily put in or withdrawn from its place in the cell.
The projections can be either formed by cutting away the plate of zine or by
attaching suitably shaped pieces thereto. Preferably I attach them by the process
of electric-welding in order to obtain a union so intimate that corrosion of the
jointed surfaces will be prevented.
The contact-ends of the projections fare armed with platinum caps or
pieces, these being so shaped and of such dimensions as to fit snugly in the
cups or receptacles g.
By the internal location of the terminals, as above described, it will be seen
that they are not only concealed and out of the way, but, being below the surface
of the electrolyte, they permit the zinc plate to be supported considerably
below the upper edge of the porous cup, so that it may be completely immersed in
the electrolyte.
It will be further observed that the arrangement of the terminals is such as to
effectually guard against any leakage at such points, they being also independent of
the top or cover of the casting.
In order to shut out the solution from the receptacle, I employ covers for the
cups, these being preferably flanged rubber thimbles or discs, as at 2. When the
zinc is in place the rubber fits closely in the receptacle and excludes the entrance of
the liquid.
It will be seen that I provide for each zinc element a double contact, one at each
end of the plate F at the top thereof, and it will also be seen that the carbon
contact is at the bottom. As a result I am able to distribute the current equally

page_text: over the whole surface of the zinc element and insure the uniform consumption of
the metal.
By providing a double contact, I am able to obtain a great amount of current
with the same exposed surface. And in case one of the contacts is by any accident,
rendered useless the action of the battery is but slightly effected as the other
terminal remains in operation.
Electrolytic solutions of any appropriate character used in batteries of this kind
may be employed, but I prefer to use in the porous cup a solution consisting of
three parts of sulphuric acid, and two parts of water, to which may be added a
small amount of nitrate of soda for generating nitric acid. In the cell chamber
outside the porous cup, I prefer to use a solution composed of one part of the
sulphuric acid and 16 to 20 parts of water.
In order to absorb and neutralize the fumes which result from the action of the
battery when it is at work, and which are noxious and poisonous, I provide for
each separate cell a cork-like stopper having a chamber or reservoir of a peculiar
conformation to be hereinafter described, and partially filled with some oxidizing
agent. This receptacle or reservoir indicated by H has the side walls open at
the top and provided with a bead h¹. Integral with the walls and connected
therewith by the bottom ring is an interior upwardly projecting tapering
chamber h³ which extends to a point near the upper edge of the walls h, and is
provided with a small aperture or hole . The cross dimensions of the receptacle
or reservoir H are such that it fits tightly within the porous cup C. In order to
ensure its tightly fitting therein, I prefer to use an okonite tape . To close the
open top of the receptacle, I employ a removable rubber diaphragm T which may
be tightly stretched across said top, and slipped over the bead h¹ which will hold it
tightly in place. It will be seen that there is provided by this reservoir, two
chambers, one indicated at I within the pyramid or cone and the other at I, being
the space between the cone walls and the walls h of the receptacle. In this
receptacle I place a quantity of absorbent and oxidizing material, such as
bichromate of potash, nitrate of ammonia, salts of iron, or any other oxidizing
agent known to the art together with white sand to prevent coagulation.
Care should be taken that this material does not extend sufficiently high in the
chamber to interfere with the opening in the apex of the inner chamber. The
nitrous oxide gas and fumes which arise in the porous cup pass from the chamber I
through the aperture into the chamber 11 where they are oxidized by the
bichromate of potash or other oxidizing agent therein contained.
'This stopper reservoir or receptacle also prevents the absorption of the fumes
by the electrolyte, for the reason that the conical chamber I, with its opening h*, is
of sufficient capacity to readily carry off the fumes from the inner electrolyte, and
it is impossible for them to pass to the outer electrolyte. This reservoir or
receptacle not only serves the purpose of oxidizing and absorbing the noxious
fumes arising from the porous cup by the action of the battery but also serves as a
stopper or cork for the porous cup C to prevent the escape of the electrolyte
therefrom. Whenever a battery is used which must be often moved and held at
different angles many times in the course of its use, as is the case with a bicycle,
or miner's lamp, means must be provided for preventing the spilling of the
electrolyte and for preventing the solution inside of the porous cup from flowing
over the top of the cup into the cell chambers and thereby allowing the co-mingling
of the weaker and stronger solutions.
It will be seen that this cork like or stopper-like receptacle or reservoir H
performs this function. The bottom of this porous cup being hermetically sealed
and the aperture at the apex of the cone being so small, the solution will not
escape when the battery is tilted, by reason of the atmospheric pressure, as will be
understood.
In order to prevent the weaker solution or electrolyte escaping from the battery,
I provide a cover A³ having a plate a' of hard rubber to which is secured in any
suitable way a pad 1, of soft or sponge rubber which fits closely inside the casing A,

page_text: there being rebates at a³ to receive it, and the plate a fitting down tightly upon
the top of the walls of the said casing. The plate is held in place by means of
thumb screws m', m', passing through apertures in the plates into offsets in the
sides of the casing.
The cells are connected in series, there being binding posts at m, m, for the
insertion of the wires from a fan motor, when the battery is to be used for running
a fan. But at times, I prefer to connect them in multiple series as will be
understood.
In Figure 8, I have shown a modified form of battery in which there are but
two cells designed especially for a bicycle, or miner's lamp. R, designates the
reflector of the lamp. In this case the zinc element may be either bent at an
angle, or it may be a flat plate extending diagonally across the casing as shown
at F, and having shoulder- fitting on lugs in the terminals, as hereinbefore
described.
By constructing the casing of hard rubber or papier maché, and by arranging the
elements, as herein before set forth, I can obtain a current of from ten to twelve
amperes, the battery itself weighing a little less than two pounds and capable of
burning a lamp of low voltage, say three volts for eight hours.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is.—
1st. A primary battery having a positive element provided with two terminal
projections, and two negative terminals imbedded in the battery casing and
terminating in exposed contacts located within the battery casing and below the
upper edge of said positive element and having each a separable contact with one
of said terminal projections, substantially as specified.
2nd. A primary battery having two negative terminals imbedded in the battery
casing with exposed contacts located below the upper edge of the positive element,
and a positive element having two contact projections at its upper portion arranged
to rest upon the exposed portions of said negative terminals, substantially as
specified.
3rd. In a primary battery, the combination with the casing provided with
inwardly extending ribs, of the terminals imbedded in said ribs and having exposed
ends, of the zinc plate having two projections, each contacting with one terminal at
its exposed end, substantially as set forth.
4th. In a primary battery a positive plate having a contact projection thereon,
and a negative terminal terminating in an exposed contact cup to receive the end
portion of said projection, said contact cup being below the level of the electrolyte,
and an impervious covering for the contacting parts whereby they are protected
from the action of the electrolyte, substantially as specified.
5th. In a primary battery, a zinc plate having two terminal projections, two
negative terminals, imbedded in the walls of the battery casing and terminating in
exposed contacts located within the battery casing, and below the upper edge of
said zinc plate, and having each a separable contact with one of said terminal
projections, and a carbon element having its terminal contact at the bottom,
substantially as specified.
6th. The combination with a primary battery, containing a porous cup, two
generating elements and two solutions, one for each generating element, of a liquid
tight stopper covering the porous cup, said stopper having an oxidizing chamber
therein communicating with the porous cup, said stopper being arranged to prevent
the fumes from said cup coming in contact with the outer electrolyte of the battery,
substantially as specified.
7th. The combination with a primary battery having a cover and containing a
porous cup, of a reservoir, separate from said cover, and secured to said cup
independently of the cover and communicating with said cup, and an absorbent
material in said reservoir, substantially as specified.

page_text: 8th. In a primary battery, the combination with a porous cup of a stopper
therefor having two communicating chambers, one of which opens into the cup
the other of said chambers having a filling of absorbent and oxidizing materi
substantially as specified.
9th. The combination with a primary battery having a porous cup, of a reservoir,
secured thereabove and having a receiving chamber for the fumes and a chamber
for the absorbent agent, said chambers being communicating, substantially as set
forth.
10th. The combination with a primary battery having a cover of a two part
reservoir, supplemental to the cover, having two concentric communicating
chambers, one of which is charged with absorbent material and the other of which
opens into the porous cup of the battery, substantially as set forth.
11th. The combination with a primary battery of a reservoir above the
electrolyte in the porous cup and having two communicating chambers one of
which is tapering with an aperture in its apex leading into the other of said
chambers, said other chamber being charged with absorbent material, said tapering
chamber opening into the porous cup, substantially as set forth.
12th. The combination with the casing having an aperture in its bottom, of a
porous cup having a recess in its bottom, a carbon having a boss fitting in said recess
in said cup, and a terminal passing through said aperture and secured in said boss,
substantially as set forth.
13th. A primary battery having a porous cup and a carbon secured in said cup,
and a coating of a suitable japan such as a mixture of beeswax and asphalt,
between the meeting surfaces of said carbon and cup, said japan being baked,
substantially as specified.
14th. A primary battery having a porous cup and a carbon element secured in
said cup, of a suitable japan such as a mixture of beeswax and asphalt, between
the meeting faces of said carbon and cup and around the lower portion of the
carbon, said japan being baked to render it impervious to the attacks of the
electrolyte and to prevent leakage and capillary action, substantially as specified.
Dated this 14th day of November 1894.
CHARLES JONES HUBBELL.
W. Lloyd Wise,
46, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C., Agent for the Applicant.