Improved Electrolytes for Primary Batteries.
Year: 1890

page_text: Date of Application, 30th May, 1890
Complete Specification Left, 2nd Mar., 1891-Accepted, 9th May, 1891
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improved Electrolytes for Primary Batteries.
I, WILLIAM WRIGHT of 752 Greenwich Street in the City of New York, New
York State, United States of America Chemist do hereby declare the nature of
my said invention to be as follows:-
The object of my invention is to provide an electrolyte for primary and other
batteries whereby clectro motive force of any desired intensity may be secured at a
lower cost than has hitherto been attained.
By experiments and exhaustive tests I have ascertained that battery compounds
and solutions containing aluminium are admirably adapted to serve as an economical
source of electricity when used in connection with the positive and negative
elements as carbon and zinc-of a primary or other battery; such compounds and
solutions producing a current of far greater energy and constancy than I have been
able, to secure with any of the electrolytes heretofore used; and that too at a
greatly reduced expense.
My compound is designed for use in galvanic batteries of either the single
solution or porous cup varieties and may also be used in that style ordinarily
designated as the dry battery.
A variety of different-compounds and solutions having aluminium for a base can
be made according to the manner in which the aluminium is treated, which
electrolytes will be efficient in practical use to provide a current of great electro
motive force and durability.
One very good aluminium compound may be made as follows: namely
I heat aluminium in water until it becomes a glutinous mass, and then add
sulphuric acid, and afterwards, bichromate of soda, the proportion of parts being,
aluminium, 10 ounces; water, 10 ounces; sulphuric acid, 15 ounces; bichromate of
soda, 20 ounces.
After the bichromate of soda is fully dissolved 15 ounces more of sulphuric acid
may be added, the whole being thoroughly mixed by any convenient means or
method, whereupon the resultant compound which is practically a dry product, will
be found to be an admirable electrolyte.
In cases where the compound is required in the form of a solution it may be
readily dissolved in water."
As stated above variations may be made in the materials used in connection with
my aluminium base for different requirements. For example I sometimes use
bichromate of potash in connection with aluminium in preparing some battery
compounds; again, in other cases I use sulphate of soda, together with bichromate
of soda as ingredients with the same, in making my aluminium electrolyte which may
consist of aluminium used in connection with any suitable acids or salts according to
the description of battery used and the kind of work to be performed.
The proportions of my composition may be varied according to the circumstances
of use of the same; as where a moister compound is desired I add more sulphuric
acid, and in cases where a composition still more dry is required I add to the
compound with the last application of sulphuric acid 4 ounces of mineral wool or
equivalent absorbent.
In cases
Although I prefer for convenience for purposes of storage, handling and
transportation to use aluminium compounds in the form of a dry product, yet
aluminium electrolytes may equally well be kept in a state of solution.
where the compound is used as a dry product, it may be supplied either in
the form of cakes or blocks or powder thereby being very conveniently handled
or conveyed to the places where it is required, and in order to use the electrolyte

page_text: it is simply placed in the bottom of the cells or elements which are then filled up
with pure water, more or less of the compound being used according to the energy
of the current desired.
With electrolytes prepared with aluminium for a base, on account of the low cost
and durable nature of the same and the high electro motive force and constancy of
the current obtained, batteries may be caused to produce electric energy at a far
lower cost than has hitherto been possible.
My compound is thus easily applied and the battery with which it is charged may
be taken care of without trouble-there being no handling of acids, etc., and no
With my
crystalline formation produced to cover and attack the electrodes.
electrolyte there are also none of the injurious effects experienced-as oxidation,
polarization, unnecessary consumption of zinc, detrimental local action, etc., which
lessen the efficiency and constancy of the battery-which are common with the use
: of other battery compounds.
ILLIAM WRIGHT.
1
Signed at New York, N.Y., May 16 1890, in the presence of —
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に
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improved Electrolytes for Primary Batteries.
1, WILLIAM WRIGHT of 165 Broadway in the City of New York, New York
State, United States of America, Chemist, do hereby declare the nature of my
said invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly
described and ascertained in and by the following statement :-
"
The object of my invention is to provide an electrolyte for primary and other
batteries whereby electro motive force may be secured at a lower cost than has
hitherto been attained.
I have ascertained that battery compounds and solutions containing aluminium
are admirably adapted to serve as an economical source of electricity when used in.
connection with the positive & negative elements as carbon and zinc of a
primary battery.
My compound is designed for use in galvanic batteries of either the single
solution or porous cup varieties and may also be used in that style ordinarily
designated as the dry battery.
A variety of different compounds and solutions and compounds having aluminium
as a base may be used according to my invention:-as for example. I heat a salt of
aluminium in water until it becomes a glutinous mass and then add sulphuric acid
and afterward bichromate of soda-the proportion of parts being. aluminium
10 ounces; water, 10 ounces; sulphuric acid 15 ounces; bichromate of soda
After the bichromate of soda is fully dissolved 15 ounces more of
sulphuric acid may be added, the whole being thoroughly mixed, whereupon
the cooled product will be practically a dry mass, which will readily dissolve in
20 ounces.
water.
Variations may be made in the proportion of parts used and in the exciting or
oxygenated materials used in connection with my aluminium base. For example, I'
sometimes use bichromate of potash, in connection with aluminium in making my
electrolyte again in other cases I use sulphate of soda together with bichromate
of soda as ingredients with the same in making my battery compound which may
consist of aluminium used in connection with any suitable acids or salts according to
the description of battery used and the kind of work to be performed.
In order to use the electrolyte it is simply placed on the bottom of the cells
or elements which are then filled up with water. The electrolyte can also be used
in a dry pill in which case it is powdered & applied to a thin felt or fabric
interposed between the electrodes.

page_text: With electrolytes prepared as above described with aluminium for a base, on
account of the low cost and durable nature of the same and the high electromotive
force and constancy of the current obtained, batteries may be caused to produce
electric energy at a far lower cost than has hitherto been possible.
My compound is easily applied and the battery with which it is charged may be
taken care of without trouble, there being no handling of acids, etc., and no
With my
crystalline formation produced to cover and attack the, electrodes.
electrolyte there are also none of the injurious effects experienced as oxidation,
polarization, unnecessary consumption of zinc, detrimental local action etc., which
lessen the efficiency and constancy of the battery-which are common with the use
of other battery compounds.
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 :-
1. As a new product for charging batteries, an electrolyte containing a salt of
aluminium or aluminium compound treated with sulphuric acid and bichromate of
soda substantially as described.
2. The combination of positive & negative battery elements with an electrolyte
containing a salt of aluminium or other aluminium compound used in connection
with bichromate of soda substantially as described.
3. The process of making a battery compound consisting of treating a salt of
aluminium or other aluminium compound with sulphuric acid and bichromate of
soda substantially as described.
Witness-
J. ODELL FOWLER, JR.
Wм. M. V. FOWLER.
WILLIAM WRIGHT.