Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 10th May, 1887.
Specification Accepted, 10th June, 1887.
I HENRY HARRIS LAKE of the firm of Haseltine Lake & Co. Patent Agents,
Southampton Buildings, in the County of Middlesex, 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 present invention relates to primary and secondary batteries and has for its
object to produce a more energetic electrolytic action and increased generation of
electric current in primary batteries and a quicker and more perfect "formation" of
secondary batteries, a more extended active surface, and a more thorough utilization
of the electro motive force of such batteries.
My invention is chiefly and peculiarly adapted to secondary batteries or accumu-
lators, but obviously the principle or method involved therein and which will be
hereinafter described, is also applicable to the working of primary batteries. For the
sake of conciseness and definiteness, however, the description will be confined to
secondary batteries a novel construction of which also forms part of my invention.
It is well known that in that class of secondary batteries which requires the forma-
tion of the electrodes by electrolytic action considerable time is required to produce
the proper coating or deposit of peroxide of lead on the negative electrode and spongy
inetallic lead, on the positive electrode. Then again, in such batteries, and in others
having the active coating applied mechanically to the negative electrode the chemical.
or electrolytic action which takes place during the discharge of the battery, is almost
entirely on the surface of the active coating of the electrode hence a complete
exhaustion of the battery cannot take place, the action being only on the surface of
the element. In my invention, however, I provide means whereby a very large
surface is presented to the electrolytic action, so that superior results are produced in
the working of primary batteries and a thicker coating can be produced on the
Price &11

page_text: secondary battery electrodes that are "formed" and a perfect penetration of the active
coating of secondary battery elements is secured, thereby greatly accelerating the
electrolytic action, and consequently increasing the electrial generation without
increase of size, weight, or surface, or other modification of the battery elements.
In carrying out my invention I cause a penetration of the electrolytic or exciting
fluid into the pores or cavities of the electrodes by placing the latter in a closed cell or
jar which can be hermetically sealed and in which a vacuum is created for allowing
the electrolyte to penetrate the body or interior of the electrodes, or pneumatic or
hydraulic pressure is exerted for attaining a similar result, either separately or in con-
nection with the vacuum. In other words, it is the aim of my invention to cause the
electrolytic action not to be limited to the surface of the electrodes, but to cause it to
permeate the whole interior of primary battery elements and the active coating of
secondary battery electrodes, such result being attained either by a vacuum or
pneumatic, hydraulic, or other pressure.
In the accompanying drawings.
Figure 1 is a section of a simple form of battery adapted to carry out my process.
Figure 2 is a sectional view of my improved secondary battery for the same
purpose.
Figure 3 is an outside view of one of the end caps of the battery chamber.
Figure 4 is an inside view of the same.
Figure 5 is a detail view of the perforated disc for insulating the pile from the end
heads.
Figure 6 is a cross section of a pile formed of spirally rolled sheets and insulating
materials.
Figure 7 is a face view partly in section of a secondary battery having its elements
formed of superposed discs.
Figure 8 is a face view of one of the disc shaped electrodes.
Figure 9 is an end view of Figure 7.
Figure 10 is an elevation showing the battery electrolyte reservoir and pressure
apparatus.
In Figure 1 the reference numeral 2 may designate a cell or jar to which is fitted a
cover 3, securely held in place and capable of excluding the external atmosphere from
the interior of the cell; in other words, the latter is hermetrically sealed. The plates 4
and 5 constituting the positive and negative electrodes of the battery are seated in the
cover 3, in such a way, that an air tight joint is formed at their point of entrance,
the circuit wires 6 are connected with said electrodes. The cover 3 is also equipped
with tubes 7 and 7" having suitable valve or stop cocks and it has a pressure or vacuum
gauge 8, and a suitable valve, preferably, an automatic valve, 9. Assuming that the
type of battery seen in Figure 1 is one having two lead plates, which are to be used
as secondary battery elements and are to be prepared by the process of "forming" or
electrolytic action. For such purpose they are immersed in a suitable electrolyte and
then they are joined in a primary or charging circuit, whereby a coating of peroxide
of lead is deposited on the plate, which serves as the negative element and the other
plate, or positive element, is reduced to a spongy metallic state on its surface.
Heretofore such process of "forming" has required considerable time and attention
and hence accumulators or secondary batteries having the active coating mechanically
applied have superceded the "formed" elements. I am enabled by my method to
materially abridge the time required for such "formation" of the elements and may
accomplish the desired result in various ways, the principle involved, however, being
always the forcing of the electrolyte into the pores of the electrodes so as to transform
the metal of one of the electrodes throughout nearly its entire thickness into peroxide
of lead, while the other electrode is converted to the same degree into spongy or
reduced lead. I attain the forcing of the electrolyte into the interior or body of the
electrodes by first creating a vacuum in the chamber or cell containing the same by a
suitable exhauster applied to the tube 7 and then admitting the liquid through the
tube 7" said liquid entering the pores or cells in the electrode plates by reason of the
air having been exhausted from said pores. It is known that cavaties or cells exist

page_text: in apparently solid metal plates and other bodies such cells being filled with air,
gases &c.
By creating a vacuum, however, or exhausting the air from the chamber
containing the electrodes, a ready permiation of the electrolyte is effected into the
insular intervals formed in the electrodes by the exhaustion of the air or watery
globules from the pores and cells of the electrodes, and consequently, this will permit
an ulterior deeper penetration of the electrolytic action of the primary or charging
current. The act of exhaustion of the air is generally sufficient to allow the liquid coming
from the reservoir 25 to permeate the pores of the electrodes but it is also the intention to
create a subsequent pneumatic or other pressure which will tend to further force and
hold the liquid in the pores of the electrodes as also to cause a more intimate contact or
union of the electrolyte with the substance or body of the electrodes while the process
of "formation" by the primary current is taking place or while the battery is being
discharged. A suitable air forcing pump 28 or chamber for the storage of compressed
air may be resorted to for creating the pneumatic pressure and such air pump can
also be used for producing the vacuum. Instead of the vacuum or pneumatic
pressure, or the two combined, I may resort to hydraulic pressure for forcing the
electrolyte into the pores and cells of the electrodes, a pump or other means being
used for forcibly projecting the fluid. I have stated that a vacuum followed by
pneumatic pressure upon the electrolyte is used for attaining the desired result, but
I desire it to be understood that the electrolyte may first be introduced into the
"forming" chamber and that thereupon pneumatic pressure may be exerted upon the
surface of the exciting fluid for forcing the latter into the electrodes. Furthermore
after the exciting fluid is once forced into the cells of the electrodes such pressure
may be discontinued, or such degree of pressure may thereafter be maintained during
the process of "formation" of the electrodes and the discharge of the battery as is
consistent with the increased electrolytic action. I may add that the electrolyte can
be used in a heated state, whereby results are attained that are not always possible
when the electrolyte is cold. It is understood that the quicker" formation of the
electrodes and the production of the latter with thicker active surfaces than heretofore,
is due mainly to the fact that the electrolyte penetrates the pores and cells of the
electrodes to a greater extent than in ordinary processes and is held by pressure in
more intimate contact with the surface and substance of the electrodes and that
consequently the electrodes occlude a greater amount of. oxygen and hydrogen gases
than ordinarily, so that the electrolytic action of the primary current penetrates more
thoroughly the body of the electrodes.
In the above description I have stated the advantages derived by my process in the
formation of secondary battery elements. In the discharge of such a battery or in
one having the electrodes prepared mechanically the conditions arise that the
electrolyte does not penetrate the active coating to such an extent as to utilize the
full efficient discharge of the battery: furthermore there is a slow and irregular
discharge. In order to effect an energetic discharge or working of the battery and a
complete permeation of the active coating of the negative electrode, I resort to a
vacuum followed by pneumatic or hydraulic or other pressure in order to effect the
desired result. The manner of working is the same as has been described in
connection with the process of "formation" of the battery, the only difference being
that the active coating is then the surface to be penetrated by the electrolyte. It is
well known that secondary batteries of the type having cells or pockets for the active
material possess the disadvantage that such material is not easily penetrated and that
the electrolytic action occurs almost entirely on the surface or just below the same ;
whereby by the use of any method of forcing in the electrolyte or relieving the pores
and cells of the active coating of air and fluids such active coating is thus completely
permeated thus producing superior results, decreasing the resistance and rendering
the action of the battery more complete.
Instead of "forming" the electrodes in the same chamber or cell in which the
forcible penetration of the electrolyte takes place the electrodes may be formed or
prepared in a special or separate chamber by any of the processes above described

page_text: such electrodes being, subsequent to such treatment, formed into a secondary pile and
used in the ordinary way.
The form of secondary battery devised by me and preferably used in carrying out
my process is represented in Figures 2 to 10 inclusive. In such Figures the reference
numeral 1, designates a cylindrical shell which is preferably made of considerable
length, and is constructed of drawn metal lined on the inside with a material not
affected by the electrolyte or exciting fluid. The shell 1 may also be constructed of
some non-porous or impervious vitreous material. The ends of the shell are open and
it has exterior screw threads 2 upon which are screwed flanged end heads or caps 3
and 4. The shell or casing 1'encloses the elements or electrodes of a secondary
battery, which in the construction seen in Figure 6 are made of spirally rolled sheets
of lead and in Figure 7 are made of superposed parallel discs. The end head 3 has
two pipes 6 and 7 screwed into the same and it has a circular wedge 8 on its under or
inner side which bears against a perforated disc 9, of some insulating material resting
against the end of the pile or electrodes adjoining said end head. The end head 4
also has a circular ridge on its under side against which bears a perforated insulating
disc 10, resting against the end of the pile or the electrodes adjoining such end heads.
By such construction and arrangement, the electrodes are firmly held between the
end heads and are insulated from the latter. The disc 9 is perforated to permit the
circulation of the electrolyte and the passage of the conducting wires 12 extending
from the electrodes, and said wires run through insulating sleeves in the end head 3
and are sealed in the latter so as to leave no air opening at the point of passage.
The pipes 6 and 7 have suitable stop cocks 6 and 7 which when closed serve to
hermetrically seal the electrode chamber. The end head 4 also has two openings which
are closed by screw plugs 13 and 14. These plugs when withdrawn allow a pressure
gauge 20 and a safety valve 27 to be inserted in their places.
The elements of the pile made of spirally rolled sheets of lead and separating
sheets of insulating material are surrounded by bands 16, of some insulating material,
which serve to preserve the cylindrical form of the pile and also hold the latter from
contact with the cylindrical shell, the bands closely fitting said shell.
In the construction shown in Figure 7 the shell with its end heads and attachments
is the same as in Figure 2 the pile, however, is made of disc shaped elements which
fill the space between the end heads and are properly insulated. The mode of
constructing such a pile is as follows viz-Two rods 17 and 18 constituting electrical
conductors extend the entire length of the cylindrical shell and project through the
head 3, and have the couples comprising the pile slipped thereon. Each couple or
pair of elements consists of two discs or circular plates 19 and 20 which are
separated from each other by an intermediate sheet of flannel felt or other material 35.
These couples are each held or enclosed between two discs or plates 21 of perforated
glass, india rubber, or other insulating material, which closely fit the interior of the
shell 1 and insulate the elements of the pile from the latter.
As seen in Figures 7 and 8 the elements or electrodes have large and small
openings 22 and 23, so that each rod will closely hug one electrode and make no
contact with the other electrode. In this manner the respective rods are connected
with the negative and positive electrodes and the entire series of couples are connected
or included in the same circuit. The rods 17 and 18 project through insulating
sleeves 40 fitted in the end head 3 and have screw threads cut upon the ends projecting
beyond said sleeves. These screw threads receive nuts 41 which serve to fasten the
rods to the head 3. At a point near the interior circular rim of the head 3, the rods
have collars 17ª, 18° between which and the head is held an india rubber or elastic
washer 42 so as to ensure a tight joint, said washers being pressed into cavities in the
head 3 by the collars 17 and 18 and nuts 41. The ends of the rods adjoining the
head 4 have screws threads and nuts 25 so as to clamp the elements and insulating
discs between said nuts and the collars 17, 18ª and form a solid or firm body, that can
be conveniently handled. The ends of the rods 17 and 18 have sockets and clamps for
securing the electrical conductors or wires 50.

page_text: I have heretofore set forth a method of "forming" and working secondary or
storage batteries by causing a penetration of the electrolyte into the electrodes by a
vacuum or pneumatic or hydraulic pressure. The batteries set forth in the present
case are adapted for carrying out said method and for the purposes of a description it
is only necessary to add that the pipes 6 and 7, serve for the attachment of a vacuum
producing pump or apparatus 28, for the attachment of a reservoir 25 containing the
electrolyte, and of an air pump or pneumatic pressure apparatus. In Figure 101
have shown a pump which acts as an exhaust and air forcing apparatus. In forming
the electrodes a vacuum is created in the electrode chamber and then the electrolyte
is admitted from the reservoir, so that it will penetrate the pores of the electrodes,
and subsequently air pressure is applied either by the pump which has produced the
vacuum, or by other well known means, in order to exert a sufficient force upon the
electrolyte during the process of "formation" of the electrodes. Provision
made, as has already been stated, for applying a pressure gauge and a relief or
safety valve to the end head 4. In Figure 10 the devices are shown applied to
the head 3 and it may be observed that the gauge and valve are only required
when a great or abnormal pressure is liable to occur in the electrode chamber.
In working or discharging the battery, whether it is "formed or is prepared
mechanically the vacuum alone, the vacuum and subsequent air pressure, or the air
pressure alone, or hydraulic pressure, are resorted to for effecting a quick and thorough
penetration of the electrolyte into the active coating of the electrodes. The batteries
shown by me, are specially and peculiarly adapted for carying out said method of
working, but obviously certain features may be applied to secondary batteries working
without pressure.
is
I have the cylinder provided with two detachable end heads, but I may rivet or
secure one of said heads and only have one made detachable; furthermore, the
conducting wires can be led out through the body of the cylinder or shell.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said invention,
and in what manner the same is to be performed, as communicated to me by my
foreign correspondent, I declare that what I claim is :
-
"
First. In the art of working primary and secondary batteries and “forming"
secondary batteries, the method of effecting a penetration of the electrolyte into the
body of the electrodes consisting in placing the latter in a closed chamber, creating a
vacuum in the latter and then admitting the electrolyte, substantially as described.
Second. In the art of working primary. and secondary batteries and "forming"
secondary batteries the method of effecting a penetration of the electrolyte into the
body of the electrodes, consisting in placing the latter in a closed chamber also
containing the electrolyte and then applying pressure to the latter, substantially as
described.
Third. In the art of working primary and secondary batteries and " forming "
secondary batteries the method of effecting a penetration of the electrolyte into the
body of the electrodes consisting in subjecting such electrolyte to hydraulic pressure.
Fourth. In the art of working primary and secondary batteries and
* forming "
secondary batteries, the method of effecting a penetration of the electrolyte into the
body of the electrodes, consisting in placing the latter in a closed chamber, creating a
vacuum in the latter, admitting the electrolyte and then subjecting the latter to
pressure, substantially as described.
.
Fifth. The method of "forming" secondary battery elements consisting in first
removing gases and liquids from their pores and cells by a vacuum, thereby causing
a penetration of the electrolyte into said pores and cells and then connecting the
elements with a primary or charging circuit, substantially as described.
Sixth. The process herein described of saturating the elements of a battery with an
electrolyte by first exhausting the pores, cells, or intervening spaces of the same, of
air, gases, or other fluids by means of a vacuum, and then admitting the electrolyte
under pressure thereby forcing the same into the pores and cells, as and for the_
purpose set forth.

page_text: .
Seventh. The combination with a secondary battery comprising an open ended shell
or cylinder, detachable end heads, interior elements or electrodes filling the space
between the end heads, of means substantially as described for exerting pressure upon
the electrolyte, said means being arranged outside the battery and detachably connected
thereto, for the object herein stated.
Eighth. A secondary or storage battery comprising an open ended shell or cylinder,
an end cap having tubes for the attachment of appliances for producing a vacuum or
pressure, and admitting the electrolyte and leading in wires connected with the interior
electrodes substantially as described.
Ninth. A secondary or storage battery comprising an open ended shell or cylinder,
having screw threads, two detachable end caps provided with screw threads, and tubes
having stop cocks, and the electrodes or secondary pile filling the space within the
open ended shell between its end caps, substantially as described.
Tenth. The combination with a secondary battery comprising a hermetically sealed
shell or cylinder, a detachable end cap, interior electrodes, conducting wires passing
through the end cap, of means substantially as shown for creating a vacuum within
the electrode chamber and exerting pressure upon the electrolyte after the discontinu-
ance of the vacuum and admission of said electrolyte, substantially as described.
Eleventh. A secondary or storage battery consisting of a shell or cylinder, a series
of disc shaped elements, separating and insulating sheets or discs, conducting rods
upon which said elements and insulting discs are piled and secured and a detachable
end cap, substantially as described.
Twelfth. A secondary or storage battery consisting of a shell or cylinder, detachable
end caps, having tubes and openings, a pile of disc shaped elements and separating
discs or plates, conducting rods having screw threads, and nuts and collars and
projecting through one of the end heads, substantially as described.
Dated thig 20th day of Annil 1007
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, W.C.,
Agents for the Applicant.