Improvements in the Construction of Secondary Batteries.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 15th July, 1897
Complete Specification Left, 15th Apr., 1898--Accepted, 11th June, 1898.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Construction of Secondary Batteries.
I, HENRY LEITNER, of 207, Piccadilly, London, W., Electrical Engineer, do
hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:
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This invention relates to improvements in the construction of secondary
batteries, and its object is to provide a mechanical structure which will render
the accumulator more efficient than is at present the case.
I propose to construct each cell of the accumulator or battery in a cellular
manner, that is to say, consisting of a series of chambers, each containing a
positive and negative plate. Within the outer case which may be of any suitable
shape and of celluloid or like material, I place a series of cylinders also of
celluloid, these cylinders being open so that liquid contained in the case is free
to pass into all of the cells or cylinders.
I form each cylinder in a peculiar manner, taking a strip of the material of
the requisite size and shape, and after bending it round uniting the edges by a
second narrow strip. The edges are not closed so that a small groove is formed
in the interior of the cylinder which is adapted to receive the lead wire contacts
belonging to the peroxide plate. At the top and bottom of the cylinder a celluloid
ring is placed and after the plate subsequently to be converted into Pb, O₂ has
been inserted in the cylinder an internal tube or cylinder is fitted consisting of
celluloid formed with a large number of perforations placed close together so
as to form a sieve. This internal tube or shield is formed in a somewhat similar
manner to the outer cylinder the edges being connected by an internal strip and
separated so as to leave a hollow external groove. This groove is placed
opposite that in the cylinder and the connecting strip of the tube or whield. is
not perforated, so that while the lead contact wires lie in the groove or channel
so formed they will be protected or shielded from the action of the liquid. This
inner tube or shield is fixed to the celluloid rings at top and bottom by means of
acetone, or in any other suitable manner.
66
The per-oxide plate I employ is made according to a prior Patent of mine
No. 780 of 1896 entitled A new or improved method of manufacturing electrodes
for secondary electric batteries" in which a hard setting cement is formed from
oxide of lead and glycerine mixed with finely powered carbon. This paste or
cement is laid upon a sieve consisting of a thin perforated lead plate or sheet.
A per-oxide plate formed in this manner is of great strength and can be bent
round into any shape as described in the above mentioned specification. On this
plate being bent into circular form and placed in a cylinder and on its then
being changed into per-oxide of lead by chemical action in the cell, it will expand
bringing the two edges together, and at the same time pressing outwardly against
its enclosing cylinder.

page_text: In my present arrangement this action is utilised to bring the contacts at the
edges of the plate close together, so as to lie in the groove above described. On
the plate expanding in this manner it will tend to increase the diameter of the
cylinder and by pressing against the rings at each end it will also lengthen it.
The internal tube or sheath is strongly compressed, but owing to the compression
being equal on all sides it will not be liable to give way.
The lead sieve or
perforated plate is thus pressed in every direction tightly against the per-oxide
plate so as to form a perfect contact. The celluloid being an elastic material
will stretch owing to the expansion of the plate, but will always tend to recover
its original size and shape. It thus gives a constant and elastic pressure which
remains as long as the per-oxide plate is expanded so that the largest possible
contact surface is obtained. Owing to the plate being formed from porous lead
it is expanded to a considerable extent on the changing into per-oxide the
expansion being much greater than is the case with plates formed in the ordinary
manner. A secondary advantage of the great pressure obtained by this means
is that the lead net or perforated plate which is next to the outer cylinder is
protected from the acid, which does not attack it to an appreciable extent. It
can thus be made very thin without danger of being corroded through.
I also provide an arrangement by means of which the fluid in the cell is caused
to circulate through all the cylinders during the process of charging and dis-
charging. For this purpose I form each cylinder with a perforation or a number
of perforations close to each end, these perforations extending completely through
the plate so as to form a connection between the liquid inside the cylinder and
that in the external case or cell. In charging the cell the liquid in the cylinders
becomes lighter so that the remaining liquid in the external case passes in
through the lower hole and causes the level of the internal liquid to rise, the
latter being forced out through the upper holes. This action goes on during
the whole process of charging until the cell is fully charged when it ceases.
This arrangement enables the accumulator to be charged very rapidly as it ensures
all the liquid coming into contact with the plates.
An opposite action takes place in discharging the cell, the liquid within the
cylinders becoming heavier and sinking drawing in the lighter liquid from the
outside through the upper perforations.
The circulation enables all the liquid, whether in the cylinders or outside, to
be utilised, so that there is no waste.
"
The electrolyte I prefer to use in connection with this accumulator is that
described in my Application No. 1572 of 1897 entitled Improvements in
electrolytes for the disposition of zinc and for use in secondary batteries." This
electrolyte is formed from a solution of zinc sulphate, sulphuric acid, a concen-
trated solution of manganese sulphate and alum.
I also provide a means by which the negative plate or pole which is formed
from zinc deposited on an insulating rod may be protected and any loose zinc
be prevented from escaping into the general liquid. The zinc pole is formed
in the manner described in Specification No. 780 of 1896 the zinc being deposited
upon the lead covered insulating rod in several layers, the underneath layers
being amalgamated. This rod is placed in the centre of each cylinder, and
round the rod I propose to fit a tubular sheath or shield consisting of celluloid
provided with a number of perforations. This perforated sheath allows the liquid
to pass to and from the zinc rod, and a cavity or space is left between the zinc
and sheath. This sheath is carried at top and bottom by rings of insulating
material fitted to the rod so that it does not touch the zinc at any point. Owing
to the circulating arrangement above described the liquid is directed on to the
central rod and thus passes through the perforated sheath the latter not interfering
seriously with its circulation.
This sheath prevents any loose zinc that may be formed around the zinc pole
escaping into the body of liquid in the cell, and thus disturbing the action. Any

page_text: loose zinc thus formed will be retained within the sheath, and will assist in the
working of the cell.
1
111
T... 100%
GEO. H. RAYNER,.
37, Chancery Lane, London, Agent for the Applicant.
I, HENRY LEITNER, of 207, Piccadilly, London, W., Electrical Engineer, 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 to improvements in the construction of secondary
batteries, and its object is to provide a mechanical structure which will render
the accumulator more efficient than is at present the case.
I propose to construct each cell of the accumulator or battery in a cellular manner,
that is to say, consisting of a series of cylindrical chambers, each containing
a positive and negative plate. The expansive force of the material of the
per-oxide plate is utilised against the resiliency of highly resilient material such
as vulcanised rubber, celluloid, vulcanite, or the like, so as to ensure efficient
contact between the per-oxide and the conducting lead of the grid on which the
The resilient action of the accumulator also ensures the
per-oxide is carried.
plate keeping its proper shape as directly the contraction occurs in the plate the
resilient material will also contract and return the parts to their former position.
In order that the invenion may be more clearly understood, reference is had to
the accompanying sheet of drawings, in which Fig. 1 shows the grid of the
per-oxide plate before it is bent round into cylindrical form, Fig. 2 is a section
of the said plate, Fig. 3 is a section of the complete cylinder, Fig. 4 shows the
negative plate or rod employed in connection with the cylinders, Fig. 5 is an
elevation and Fig. 6 a sectional plan of the complete cylinder, and Figs. 7, 8
and 9 are respectively sectional elevations and a plan of a cell containing eight
of the cylinders.
The grid from which the per-oxide plate is formed consists of a lead sheet or
These perforations which
plate A which is formed with perforations or slots u. *
are numerous do not entirely fill the plate, a central strip a¹ being left free of
the perforations. The edges also of the plate are not perforated, strips of the
On the sheets so formed the lead
same thickness being left of solid metal.
This frame covers the unperforated edges
frame B is soldered or otherwise fixed.
This frame projects
of the plate, and also extends at over the contact bar a².
above the surface of the plate at one side, so as to form a slight rib extending
completely around the edges as shown clearly in Figs. 1 and 2.
material C fills the holes and covers the plate completely to a thickness equal to
the frame B so that the inner side of the plate is quite flat.
The active
The plate so formed is bent round into cylindrical shape, the outer edges of
the plate being slightly separated (Figs. 5 and 6). As shown in Figs. 3, 5, and 6
this plate in its cylindrical form is enclosed in the casing or tube D of a highly
resilient material not attacked by acids.
At the top and bottom of the cylinder a celluloid or other ring E is fixed and
after the plate (subsequently to be converted into per-oxide) has been inserted in
any other
the cylinder an internal tube e is fixed to the rings by acetone or in
suitable manner.

page_text: This internal tube or shield e is made of perforated material, the perforations
being formed as close together as possible and as large as practicable so that the
liquid can penetrate easily. The tube is preferably formed with a part unper-
forated, this unperforated portion covering the conducting parts or ribs B of the
per-oxide plate. The upper and lower edges of the perforated tube e are also
preferably solid protecting the upper and lower edges of the per-oxide plate. The
lug bis protected at its lower part not only by the upper ring E but also by the
small blocks e¹ and the tube e is provided with the extension covering the
lower part of the lug at the inside, this extension being fixed to the side pieces
or blocks e¹. The extension d belonging to the enclosing resilient cylinder
projects to the same height as the internal extension e and is also fixed to the
side pieces e¹ so that the lower part of the conducting lug is completely enclosed
and protected. The acid does not reach above this resilient case, and thus will
not penetrate the projecting parts of the conducting lug. The per-oxide plate
is thus completely enclosed in the two resilient casings, and on its expansion it
brings the edges of the plate together and tends to expand the plate so as to
increase its circumference.
The pressure of expansion will be taken up by the
casing so that the lead grid is pressed tightly against the outer resilient tube and
the active porous material is also pressed tightly against the conducting grid, the
latter being preserved from attack by the acid at all points. The expansion in
length of the per-oxide plate will also be taken up by the tubular casing, as the
upper and lower edges will press against the rings and will tend to increase the
length of the tube. This being resilient will give slightly but immediately
contraction occurs the plate will be returned to its normal position and shape.
The per-oxide I employ is made according to a prior Patent of mine No. 780
of 1896 entitled "A new or improved method of manufacturing the electrodes for
secondary electric batteries" in which a hard setting cement is formed from oxide
of lead and glycerine mixed with finely powdered carbon. A reduced lead plate
formed in this manner is of great strength and can be bent round into any shape,
and the subsequent expansion of the plate which occurs when the conversion into
per-oxide of lead takes place is very considerable.
The negative plate or rod shown in Fig. 4 is formed in a peculiar manner.
It consists of the core F of glass or other suitable material around which a
sheath of lead is placed zinc being deposited on this sheath. This glass core
does not extend to the top of the rod, but at the upper part a rod or core f¹ of
lead is provided the sheath f also enclosing it. This lead core forms the con-
ductor. The lower end of the glass rod projects a short distance beyond the
sheath, and at the bottom of the sheath the triangular rubber block G is fitted.
This triangular rubber block bears against the inside of the cylinder and supports
the negative plate in position within the cylinder preventing it moving sideways.
At the same time it leaves openings at the bottom of the cylinder which allow for
a thorough circulation of the liquid. At the upper part of the rod the rubber
lug or sheath 9 is placed a short distance above the glass core. This rubber
portion allows the liquid to pass freely through the top of the cylinder but
prevents a deposit of zinc upon the part of the rod above it. The upper end
of the rod is supported by means of the rubber cork or plug g¹ which fits into a
hole in the cover of the cell, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8.
The zinc is deposited upon the rod in a manner described in my Specification
No. 780, 1896, the zinc being deposited upon the lead covered insulating rod in
several layers, the underneath layers being amalgamated.
Referring to Figs. 7, 8 and 9, H is the external case which may be of rectangu-
lar or any other shape in which a series of cylinders, constructed as above described,
is placed. This case is provided with the cover h perforated to receive the rubber
plugs g¹. The resilient cylinders fit closely within the case, which is also of
resilient material so that the case and the cylinders expand simultaneously and
contract with great pressure on the contraction of the per-oxide. J and J¹ are

page_text: respectively the positive and negative connecting bars, which are connected to the
lugs a and to the upper ends of the zinc rods. The two bars J¹ are connected
together by the bridge j and the perforations j¹ and are provided in the central
bar and the bridge to enable the connections to be made easily between the cells,
the end of the bar of one, cell projecting over the bridge in the next.
The projecting ends of the glass cores F are adapted to rest upon the bottom
of the case H so that these rods are supported and the cylinders are also carried
at a short distance above the base of the outer case. These cylinders rest upon the
cross bars K preferably triangular in cross section which are placed upon the
bottom of the case, so as to support the whole arrangement. All parts are thus
completely fixed together and the liquid can pass freely from the outside to the
inside of the cylinders, passing through the openings at the top and bottom.
The bars K are of resilient material.
In charging the cell the liquid in the cylinders becomes lighter so that the
remaining liquid in the external case passes in through the lower end and causes
the internal liquid to rise, the latter passing out over the top.
This action goes
on during the whole process of charging until the cell is fully charged when it
ceases. This arrangement enables the accumulator to be charged very rapidly
as it ensures all the liquid coming into contact with the plates.
An opposite action takes place in discharging the cell, the liquid within the
cylinders becoming heavier and sinking drawing in the lighter liquid from the
outside through the top.
The circulation enables all the liquid whether in the cylinders or outside to be
utilised so that there is no waste.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is:
(1) In an improved accumulator of cellular form, the combination with a cylin-
drical peroxide plate, of an external cylinder or tube of highly resilient material
enclosing the plate, internal rings or ribs at the top or bottom of the said tube and
a perforated internal tube of resilient material, the whole forming a case completely
enclosing the plate substantially as described and for the purposes specified.
(2) In an improved accumulator of cellular form, the combination with a
cylindrical peroxide plate and an external cylinder of highly resilient material
enclosing the plate, of internal rings at the top and bottom of the said cylinder,
and a perforated internal tube of resilient material fixed at top and bottom with
an unperforated part covering the conducting ribs of the plate substantially as
described and for the purposes specified.
(3) In an improved accumulator of cellular form, the combination with an
internal case, of a series of cylinders within the said case, open at top and bottom
to allow of free circulation of the liquid, these cylinders being composed of an
external tube of highly resilient material, a perforated internal tube of the same
material, and a cylindrical peroxide plate between the said tubes and adapted to
expand and contract with them, substantially as described and shown and for
the purposes specified.
(4) In an improved accumulator of cellular form, the combination with a
cylindrical per-oxide plate, enclosing cylinder of highly resilient material, and an
internal perforated shield or tube of the same material, of a central zinc rod
supported within the cylinder, leaving openings at the top and bottom for free
circulation of the liquid, substantially as described and for the purposes specified.
(5) The improved cellular accumulator consisting of a series of tubes placed
within the outer case each tube being open at top and bottom, and composed of
an external cylinder of highly resilient material, an internal perforated tube of
the same material fixed to rings at top and bottom, and a cylindrical per-oxide
plate formed with a lead grid carrying the active material placed between the

page_text: resilient tubes, and a zinc rod fitted centrally within each cylinder, all constructed
substantially as described and shown and for the purposes specified.
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Dated this 15th day of April 1898.
GEO. H. RAYNER,
37, Chancery Lane, London, Agent for the Applicant.