Improvements in Electric Batteries.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 6th June, 1893-Accepted, 8th July, 1893
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Electric Batteries.
I, MARIE LOUISE MATHILDE HELLESEN, née Barnekow, of 9, Martinsvej,
Copenhagen, in the Kingdom of Denmark, 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 galvanic or voltaic batteries, the object being to simplify
their construction and allow a minimum amount of internal resistance.
According to my invention the electrodes are separated only by a single or
double layer of fabric or the like the negative electrode being permanently kept
moist and saturated with exiting liquid by means of a supply of exiting mixture
stored in the positive electrode, in order to keep the connection between the
electrodes in active condition as long as any depolarising power is left in the
depolariser. At the same time a system of ventilation is provided which, while
allowing any gases arising from the cell during action to readily escape, will not at
ordinary temperatures, allow any direct evaporation of the liquid of the cell.
To enable my invention to be fully understood I will describe how it can be
carried into practice by reference to the accompanying drawing which represents a
vertical section of a galvanic or voltaic battery constructed according to my
invention.
B is a zinc tube or cylinder provided with numerous holes, the inner side of the
said tube being lined with a single or double layer C of paper, parchment paper,
fabric or the like, with both ends projecting some inches beyond the zinc tube. In
the centre of the tube B is placed a carbon rod D provided at its upper end with a
terminal E and kept in position while the depolarising material F, is pressed into
the lined tube. The depolarising material consists of manganese peroxide and
plumbago mixed in suitable proportions (about 65 per cent. of the former to
35 per cent. of the latter) and moistened with a solution of ammonium chloride
absorbed and thickened by gum tragacanth. The depolarising material F presses
the paper-parchment or fabric C closely against the side of the zinc tube B a space
forming a chamber G being left above the said material. Tbe projecting ends of
the separating layer C are gathered and tied in at each end as shown at H, H.
This body is placed in a zinc vessel A the space between which and the tube B is
filled up to K, with exiting mixture I. This latter consists of 90 to 95 per cent. of
plaster of Paris and 5 to 10 per cent. of gum tragacanth to which I sometimes add a
quantity of ground pumice, saw-dust or like porous material, the whole being made
into a thin paste with a solution of ammonium chloride. K is an annular layer of
bituminous compound forming a hermetical sealing between the zinc vessel and
tube A and B on top of the exiting mixture I. L is an annular layer of ground
pumice, saw-dust or like porous material on the top layer of bituminous
compound K. M is a hermetically closing cover of bituminous compound. N is a
tube connecting the chamber G with the porous layer L. O is another tube
connecting the layer L with the atmosphere. P is an insulating outer covering of
water-proof cardboard or the like. Q is a closing and insulating base of bituminous
compound. The terminal R consists of a copper wire soldered to the zinc vessel
and tube A and B.
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. An electric battery consisting of a perforated zinc tube or cylinder placed

page_text: and the space between them being filled with the electrolyte which is only separated
by a layer or covering of paper parchment-paper, or fabric from the negative
electrode, the depolarising material of which is pressed into, and occupies the space
comprised between the said layer or covering and the central carbon rod, thus
providing a galvanic cell, of simple form, and of low resistance and which is active
as long as any depolarising power is left in the depolariser, substantially as
described.
2. In an electric battery constructed in the manner referred to in Claim 1, the
employment of a porous annular layer at the upper end of the space between
the zinc vessel and tube which porous layer, by means of tubes is in communication
with a chamber above the negative electrode and with the atmosphere, in order to
allow of the escape of any gases arising from the cell when in action and at the
same time prevent any direct evaporation of the liquid of the cell at ordinary
temperatures, substantially as described.
3. The improved galvanic or voltaic battery hereinbefore described and illus-
trated in the accompanying drawing.
Dated the 6th day of June 1893
G. F. REDFERN & Co.,
4, South Street, Finsbury, London, Agents for the Applicant.