Improvements in Electric Batteries.
Year: 1897

page_text: Date of Application, 25th Sept., 1897-Accepted, 13th Nov., 1897
Improvements in Electric Batteries.
A communication from abroad by THE BELL ELECTRIC COMPANY, of No. 46 East
14th Street, New York City, New York, United States of America, a
Corporation organized under the laws of the State of New York.
I, REGINALD WILLIAM JAMES, of the Firm of Fell & James, of No. 1 Queen
Victoria Street, in the City of London, Chartered Patent Agents, 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:-
My invention relates to electric batteries and has for its object the construction
of a simple and durable battery easily and cheaply manufactured, and efficient for
general use.
My invention consists chiefly in the means for connecting the electrodes of the
battery with the wiring of the same; and further in the provision of a vent to
permit of the egress of the gases generated in the battery case.
In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification, my
invention is shown in the form in which I prefer to embody it for use in connec-
tion with a lamp for bicycles, but it is to be understood that I do not limit myself"
to this specific use of the battery.
Figure 1 is a plan view of a double cell battery and lamp.
Figure 2 is a horizontal section on the line of Figure 8.
Figure 3 is a detail view of the negative electrode of our battery.
Figure 4 is a view of the positive electrode before completion.
Figure 5 is a view, partly in section, showing the completed positive electrode
and the means for supporting and electrically connecting the same.
Figure 6 is a like view showing a modification of the construction shown in
Figure 5.
Figure 7 is an enlarged vertical section of the vent which I employ, taken at
the line yy, Fig. 1.
Figure 8 is a side elevation of the battery and lamp.
Figure 9 is a vertical section on the line of Figure 1.
Figures 10 and 11 are detail views of forms of disks employed in making up
the positive electrode shown in detail in Figure 4.
Corresponding parts are indicated by like reference numbers in all the views.
1 is a containing case or box substantially cubical in shape and molded of a
plastic insulating material proof against the corroding effects of acids and possessed,
when set," of sufficient hardness and cohesiveness to permit of the handling to
which such a case or box would be ordinarily subjected. 2 is a central longitudinal
partition dividing the case into two compartments or cells. 3 is a metal frame or
support bent as shown and attached to the case 1 by screws, and carrying the
clamp 4, lined with rubber or other elastic material 5, by which the lamp is
attached to the lamp bracket of the bicycle by a set screw 6.
On the front side of the case and properly secured thereto is a metallic reflector

page_text: frame 8, carrying a reflector 9 suitably polished, and having at its front edge a glass
or lens 10 mounted in a metallic frame 11. Within the reflector 9 is arranged an
incandescent lamp 12 of the usual construction, and whose threaded metallic
socket 13 screws into a threaded metallic ring 14 molded into a projecting circular
portion 15 of case 1.
In electrical contact with the threaded ring 14 is a conducting wire 16 molded
into the case 1, which wire, as shown in Figure 9, is in electrical contact at its
upper end with an interiorly threaded metallic ring 17 molded or embedded in
the top 18 of the case 1, which top is formed with a hole or perforation concentric
with said ring but of smaller diameter, so that there is formed by the material of
the case top a circular ledge 19 to receive and support a flange 20 at the upper end
of a zinc rod 21. Between the said flange and said ledge a soft rubber ring 22
is preferably interposed to form a liquid tight joint. The uppermost end of the
zinc element is preferably provided with a short stem 23 to facilitate the introduc-
tion and removal of the said element.
24 designated a cap which is composed of an exteriorly threaded nut-like
device 25 having a tubular or hollow shank 26 which is embedded in and sur-
rounded by a hard rubber or other desirable or suitable material 27, conveniently
shaped. The short stem 23 is accommodated within the said tubular shank 26.
The exteriorly threaded portion of the metallic nut-like device extends below the
material in which its shank is embedded and is screwed into the metallic ring 17
to such an extent as that its under side comes down onto the top surface of the
flange 22 of the zinc rod, thus forcing it to its seat and forming a perfect electrical
connection between said zinc and the molded-in ring 17 and its lamp wire.
28 designates the positive electrode as an entirety, and which may be made in
any known way and of any desired material so as to co-operate with the zinc
element 21 and form therewith a suitable voltaic couple. But the said positive
electrode 28 is represented as formed in a new way and constitutes the subject-
matter of a separate application filed by me simultaneously with this. The said
electrode will therefore be only briefly described herein as to its mode of construc-
tion; but, since the means for connecting the said electrode or any other suitable
or substitute electrode forms an essential part of the invention herein, said means
will be described fully and in detail.
Referring to Figure 4, 29 designates a central metallic rod upon which is strung
a series of leaden disks 30 which are provided with projections 31. The said
Disks, as shown at Figures 10 and 11, have their projections differently located,
and in stringing them upon the central rod the said disks are alternately arranged.
The said projections of adjacent disks being out of register with one another, the
said disks are always maintained properly spaced apart. At the lower end of the
rod 29 is a head 32 and at the upper end a head 33, which head is preferably pro-
vided with a circular flange 34, the rod preferably projecting above said flange.
When the disks have been placed upon the rod as shown at Figure 4, the positively
constructed electrode is subjected to the various processes described in the aforesaid
contemporaneous application and the electrode 28 (as shown at Figure 5) is thereby
produced, and which is one formed or provided with a mass of active material.
The means for supporting this electrode in the battery case and for connecting
it electrically with the circuit formed therein are substantially the same as those
described with reference to the supporting and connecting of the zinc element.
Within the top 18 of the battery case is molded or embedded a flanged ring 35
which is threaded interiorly and which is adapted to receive an exteriorly threaded
flanged ring or nut 36 molded or embedded in a cap piece 37 formed of hard rubber,
or other suitable composition. The under side of the cap piece is preferably made
dishing and is also formed with a hollow 38 to receive the projecting end of the
rod 29. The lower edge of the metallic flanged ring 36 is flush with or projects
beyond the hard rubber or other head 37 in order that, when the said ring is
screwed into the flanged ring 36 in the top 18, the said lower edge may be brought
down into electrical contact with the flange 34 of the electrode, which flange is

page_text: supported upon a circular edge 39 formed around the opening in the top 18
through which the electrode 28 is inserted. If desired, a soft rubber ring 40 may
be placed under said flange.
Within the top 18 is molded or embedded a conducting wire 41 (Fig. 1) which
at one end is attached to the ring 35 and at the other end to a metallic pivot or
stud 42 also molded into said top. A switch 43 is attached at one end to said
pivot and at its opposite end is provided with a finger piece 44. The under side
of the free end of said switch is adapted to contact with a molded-in metallic
button or head 45, to which one end of a short conducting wire 46 is attached,
the other end thereof being attached to a flanged ring 17 of the zinc element of
the other couple, there being two voltaic couples employed in this battery. The
zinc and positive electrodes of the second couple are supported and connected in
precisely the same manner as the similar electrodes of the first couple.
From the flanged ring 35 of the positive electrode of the second couple extends
a conducting wire 47 which passes down through the material of the case, as shown
at Figure 9, and near its end is electrically connected to the incandescent lamp,
there being a metallic projection 48 at the rear end of the socket of the lamp
which is adapted to bear firmly against said wire when the lamp is screwed in.
49 designates a suitable battery fluid contained in each compartment formed by
the division plate 2.
From the foregoing it will be understood that the circuit may be traced from one.
terminal of the lamp, as 48, through the wire 47, ring 35 of one couple, its
associated ring 36, flange 40, electrode 28, battery fluid 49 of one compartment,
zine element 21 in said compartment, its flange 22, its bearing ring 25, flanged
ring 17, wire 46, contact 45, switch 43, wire 41, flanged ring 35, of the positive
electrode of the other couple, its associated flanged ring 36, flange 40 on which
said ring bears, electrode 28, the battery fluid of this compartment, the zinc elec-
trode therein, its flange 22, ring 25, threaded ring 17 and wire 16 to the other
terminal of the lamp.
Referring now to Figure 6, the electrode therein exhibited is provided with a
flange or head 34 which is seated upon a circular ledge 39 formed in the material
of the top of the case, and, immediately surrounding said ledge, is also formed
of the material of the case a circular flange 50, on the outside of which is arranged
a molded-in, flanged, externally threaded ring 51. Screwed up to this flange is
an internally threaded nut 52 formed or provided with a circular flange 53 which
is adapted to bear down on the top of the electrode flange 34. The said nut 52
may be embedded in or encased by a hard rubber or other suitable covering 54.
This modified construction embodies the principle shown in the other views, of
the mode of bringing the electrode positively into the circuit.
In order to permit of the egress of the hydrogen and other gases generated by
the electrolytic action within the battery case, and, at the same time, prevent the
spilling of any portion of the battery liquid, I make use of a hollow plug like
venting device 55 shown in vertical section in Figure 7 and composed preferably
of the same material as the battery case.
The lower tubular end 56 of the plug is exteriorly threaded, in
order that it may be screwed in to and out of the top 18 of the case 1.
The plug is interiorly threaded at its uppermost portion, and is interiorly of
varying diameter, the greatest diameter being at the top, the least at the bottom
and the central or mid section being of a diameter between those of the top and
bottom. The interior thread at the uppermost portion extends the full depth of
the greatest interior diameter of the tube or plug 55 and fitting into this portion
is the circular plate 57 having attached to its under side the J-shaped tube 58.
The bore of said J-shaped tube or piece is as small as practicable at the nose or
nozzle 59, which latter approaches to within a short distance of the underside of
the plate 57, and the other end of said J-shaped piece, which is attached to plate 57,
preferably by a driving fit, is of slightly larger bore, the bore of the J-shaped
piece gradually increasing from the inlet to the outlet. 60 is an exteriorly

page_text: threaded ring having the slot 61 for the insertion of a screw-driver, which screws
down upon the plate 57 holding the latter firmly in place between said ring and
the circular ledge or shoulder caused by the contraction of the diameter of the
device 55. Screwed into the upper part of the interiorly threaded portion of 55
is the cap piece 62 having a central perforation 63.
The gases generated by the action in the battery pass into the tube 55 and thence
are afforded egress through the nozzle or nose of the J-shaped piece 58, passing
into the chamber 64 between the plate 57 and cap piece, through the central
hole 63 of which latter they finally pass into the atmosphere.
When, owing to the sudden jars or jolts to which the bicycle lamp is subjected
in ordinary usage the battery liquid may be forced up against the top plate 18,
a certain quantity of the liquid may pass up into the plug, but it is found in prac-
tice that should it do so, the expanded diameter 65 of the plug and the exceedingly
small diameter of the nozzle of the J-shaped tube and the difficulty of access to
such tube due to the construction of the vent, combine to prevent the escape of
any of the battery liquid even under the most violent usuage.
The vent plug 55 therefore is found to permit of the egress of the battery gases
while interposing an effectual check to the escape of the liquid. Such a vent is
easily constructed and avoids the use of valves or other moving parts, which
complicate the structure, are not easily fitted when necessarily of such small size,
and are liable to get out of working order.
During the operation of the battery the gases evolved will in venting from the
apparatus carry in suspension or otherwise minute particles or portions of the
battery fluid which will be condensed or otherwise deposited upon the plate 57 as
the gas bubbles burst, but it is never possible for enough of the liquid to be thus
carried out to fill the space or chamber between the plate 57 and the cap 62.
Various changes in construction, arrangement of parts, and so forth, may of
course be made in my battery without affecting the essentially novel features
thereof.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed. I declare that what I
claim is:-
:-
1. In an electrical battery of the general character specified, connecting an
electrode in the wire circuit of the battery by means of a ring connected to a wire
or other conductor, and a cap adapted to the said ring and also bearing upon
the said electrode.
2. In an electric battery of the general character specified, an electrode having
a flange and, suspended thereby within the battery case, a screw-threaded ring,
molded or embedded in the top of the battery case and connected to the wiring
system, and a cap having a threaded portion adapted to engage with said threaded
ring and also a portion adapted to hear upon said flange.
3. In an electric battery of the general character specified, a battery case having
molded-in wires and a molded-in screw-threaded ring, an electrode having a flange
which is seated upon a ledge formed in the top of the battery case interiorly of
said molded-in threaded ring, whereby the said electrode is suspended therefrom
within the battery case, and a screw-threaded cap ring engaging with said molded-
in ring and bearing forcibly upon the flange of the electrode, whereby the latter
is not only held firmly in position but is also positively connected in the metallic
electric circuit.
4. In an electric battery of the general character specified, a molded-in metallic
ring connected with the circuit conductors, a ledge formed in the top of the bat-
tery case, an electrode provided with a flange which is seated upon said ledge, and
a cap comprising essentially a metallic device which contacts with said molded-in
ring and also with the flange of said electrode.
5. In an electric battery of the general character specified, a flanged electrode
seated on a
ledge in the top of the battery case, a surrounding molded-in threaded

page_text: metainc ring connected to the circuit conductors, and a cap provided with a
molded-in or embedded threaded metallic ring and operating in connection with
the molded-in ring in the top of the case and the flange of the electrode in sub
stantially the manner set forth.
6. In an electric battery of the general character specified, a hollow vent plug
or device containing interiorly a suspended vent tube.
7. In an electric battery of the general character specified, a hollow vent plug
or device containing interiorly a detachably suspended vent tube.
8. In an electric battery of the general character specified, a hollow detachable
vent plug or device containing interiorly a vent tube.
9. In an electric battery of the general character specified, a hollow vent plug
or device, a plate or diaphragm supported therein, and a vent tube supported by
said plate or diaphragm.
10. In an electric battery of the general character specified, a hollow vent plug
or device, a plate or diaphragm supported therein, means for holding said plate
or diaphragm in position and a vent tube supported by said plate or diaphragm.
11. In an electric battery of the general character specified, a hollow vent plug
or device, a plate or diaphragm supported therein, means for holding said plate
or diaphragni in position, a vent tube supported by said plate or diaphragm, and
a perforated cap above the latter.
12. In an electric battery of the general character specified, a hollow vent plug
or device, a plate or diaphragm supported therein, a screw-threaded ring for clamp-
ing said plate or diaphragm in position, the interior of the said plug or device
being formed with a shoulder and with a threaded bore, and a threaded and per-
forated cap piece screwed to the upper end of the plug or device.
13. In an electric battery of the general character specified, a hollow vent plug
or device having an interior shoulder, and a threaded bore, a plate or diaphragm
supported on said shoulder and supporting a J-shaped vent tube, a threaded clamp-
ng ring, and a screw-threaded perforated cap piece.
14. In an electric battery of the general character specified, a hollow vent plug
r device having an enlarged or expanding chamber 65, a vent tube suspended
vithin said plug or device and having its inlet end arranged within said enlarged
r expanding chamber.
Dated this 25th day of September 100%
FELL & JAMES,
Agents for the Applicant.