Improvements in Galvanic Batteries.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 21st Feb., 1894-Accepted, 14th Apr., 1894
COMPLETE DI MUITIATION.
Improvements in Galvanic Batteries.
A communication from CARL CUDELL, Engineer, IWAN CUDELL, Engineer, and
MAX CUDELL, Engineer, all of 25, Augustastrasse, Aix-la-Chapelle, in the
Empire of Germany.
I ALFRED JULIUS BOULT of 323 High Holborn, in the County of Middlesex,
Chartered Patent Agent, 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 :-
This invention relates in the construction of a galvanic element or cell combining
the advantages of the ordinary open fluid cell with those of the closed so-called
"dry battery." Such a cell must be extremely portable, durable and externally
insulated; while at the same time admitting of easy repair and maintenance, even
by the most inexperienced workman, only by the addition of the necessary
material, to replace that consumed, inclusive of that which has been dissolved by
the exciting medium, so that an electrode can at any time be renewed without
delay. Moreover, the evaporation of the fluid contents of the cell, the disturbance
of the binding or clamping screws, conducting wires and other metallic parts by
the filling or consequent decomposition-products that may possibly arise therefrom,
have all to be guarded against; while further the possible increase in strength of
the current which might be brought about by a decrease in the distance between
the electrodes, such as may very well happen, also requires consideration and
precaution. Lastly, any considerable augmentation of internal pressure arising
from a possible accumulation of gas, must be prevented.
In the accompanying drawing,
Fig. 1 is a vertical cross-section of the improved cell;
Fig. 2 a view of the same as seen from above;
Fig. 3 a section through the insulating cover;
Fig. 4 a plan of the same;
Fig. 5 a view from above of the inner enclosing cover.
The electrode a is distinct from all other kinds, being indifferent to all excitants
and therefore always usable, it is made of either charcoal or brownstone, formed in
the shape of a cylindrical vessel, and provided at its upper end with an insulating
mounting or frame b made of glass, porcelain, or the like, which has two recesses
and a ring groove, and on one side, a lug with an eye on it. The latter serves for
the fixing of the spindle of the binding-screw c, which, in conjunction with a
metallic band encircling the entire electrode, conducts the positive electricity
away. The metal closure-plate e, fitted with two flat projections or lugs 1, on its
periphery carries fixed to it in such manner as to be detachable, and to occupy the
centre of the cell, the cylindrical and perforated negative or zinc-electrode ; and
this is introduced inside the cellular positive electrode containing the excitant,
while the retaining lugs of the closure-plate, being dropped in the recesses and
turned within the groove of the circular mount b, fix the wholectightly in place.
For this purpose the upper surface of the closure-plate is provided with 2 radial
projections or wings by which it may be turned round; while the upper surface
of the groove is cut cam or wedge shaped, as shown at h Fig. 3; so that, as the

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lugs or projections travel round in the groove, the screw-like action brings
pressure to bear to jam all the parts together and make a perfect seal or tight
joint for the cell, with the aid of the packing inserted between the bottom
surface of the closure plate and the under side of the groove. The cell is thus
hermetically closed. With any increase of internal pressure in the cell, follows a
lifting of the packing (which must be selected accordingly) whereby the accumu-
lated gas is allowed to escape. But the same relief by escape may be obtained
by means of an outlet-valve, or by chemically combining the gases in a suitable
manner.
E
The negative electrode is guarded from direct contact with the positive
electrode by the insulating mount. or frame b at the upper end, and at its lower
end.by a special insulating ring k. The closure-plate e is centrally provided with
a, binding-screw. for the conductor to convey away the negative electricity.
For the purpose of complete external insulation, and security from external
mechanical influences, the entire element or cell may further be enclosed in a
metal casing m or other additional protecting cover; and the intervening space
filled up with asphalt, pitch, paraffin, etc., whereby also the use of unretentive
material for the electrode-cells or vessels would be rendered permissible. The
glass plate o inside the bottom of the metallic case is essential to complete the
insulating layer at this particular place, where it is the most difficult of attainment.
Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate a modification of this improved galvanic element or cell,
the former being a vertical section and the latter a view from above.
The positive electrode a is fitted with a metallic mounting or frame which
directly carries the binding screw c. The metallic plate el with a central circular
opening and screwed outer edge or periphery engaging in a female screw thread
tapped in the inner edge of the metallic mount or frame, is so arranged as to
press upon the insulating and packing ring when screwed home, and thereby
also on the internal closure plate e, which enables an hermetic seal to be attained.
As the internal pressure increases (by evolution of gas) the closure-plate or
cover e, which is retained in place only by the elasticity of the upper part of
the rubber packing ring, is raised, so that an occasional and temporary outlet
of escape for the accumulated gases is rendered possible.
In all other respects this modification is identical with the cell or element first
herein described.
This galvanic element or cell, which, being easily renewed or maintained in
effective work, can therefore be uninterruptedly employed,-which is also
externally insulated, and always remaining dry on its outside; and wherein the
relatively largest electrodes are brought into the nearest possible proximity to
each other, in a constant fluid medium; whereof also the life-duration is quite
independent of the duration of an electrode, as well as of the variations in a
merely humid mass originally sufficient, but subject to diminution by exposure to
drying influences, and consequently offering increased resistance, this cell, is an
element which, more than any other should fulfil every possible requirement, in
respect of efficiency, economy, durability, convenience and compactness; and
which, further offers every good point and advantage that, as is well-known to
appertain to the dry battery without any of its admitted defects, such as excessive
cost of working and maintenance, low power of current, deficiency in durability
and restricted efficacy whether in continual use for short periods only.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion as communicated to me by my foreign correspondents and in what manner the
same is to be performed, I declare that what I claim is;-
A durable and easily renewable galvanic cell or element that admits of being
hermetically sealed for use with charges of all kinds whereof the one electrode is
not liable to waste away in use, and, with or without a protecting and insulating
casing, serves as a receptacle or cell to contain together with the materials of the

page_text: charge, the second electrode which is liable to waste away in use but admits of
being renewed. The whole substantially as described and illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
Dated 21st day of February 1894.
W. P. THOMPSON & BOULT,
Agents for the Applicant.