Improvements in and relating to Primary Batteries.
Year: 1898

page_text: Date of Application, 28th Feb., 1898-Accepted, 28th May, 1898
Improvements in and relating to Primary Batteries.
I, CARL KOENIG, of 5, Oranienburgerstrasse, Berlin, in the Empire of Germany,
Manufacturer, 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 that class of batteries known as primary in which
the generation of the electric current takes place through consumption of one or
other of the elements in a fluid electrolyte.
The invention consists generally in constructing a simple and compact form of
cell for primary batteries, having the elements and connections so arranged that
by the introduction of the fluid electrolyte the cells of the batteries can be put
into action at once. This forms a portable battery useful for many purposes.
The method of carrying the invention into effect is illustrated in the accompany-
ing sheet of drawings:
Figure 1 is a vertical section through the improved battery, and,
Figure 2 is a plan of the same.
A containing pot g of glass or other suitable substance has packed within it a
compact layer of sawdust s and upon this layer of sawdust a zinc cylinder Z and
carbon rod k are placed. The carbon rod is held in position by an insulating mass t
of resin, pitch, wax or like material carried on a tray such as a the whole practically
forming a cap for the battery, and through this insulating cap tubes 1, 3, 3 are
arranged. The tube as shown on the plan is terminated at its exterior by a
very fine slot which is always open, and this tube operates as a safety exit for the
gases generated by the battery when in action. The tubes 2, 3, permit of the
fluid electrolyte being introduced within the battery, one receiving the fluid while
the other permits the displaced air to escape. These tubes are closed by suitable
plugs or stoppers not shown upon the drawings.
If preferred the carbon rod k may be made hollow as shown by dotted lines in
elevation in the drawing, and a zinc cylinder Z' be placed within to form an
additional element and a perforation o may be arranged for the introduction of the
fluid electrolyte. Round the carbon rod is arranged a coating of manganese di-
oxide held together in any suitable way, and the two zinc elements may be coupled
together as shown, a terminal 72 leading through the insulating cap; the carbon
rod having a terminal of the usual construction as shown.
By the herein before described arrangement of attaching the zinc plate z by its
terminal 2, and the carbon rod k directly to the insulating cap and providing the
necessary inlets for the electrolytic fluids, a compact portable battery cell is
formed with the respective electrodes at the proper distance apart, so that upon
the introduction of the electrolyte into the cell generation of current at once
takes place

page_text: 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. In primary batteries using fluid electrolytes, the provision of an insulating
cap of resin, pitch, wax or like material to hold the elements of the battery in
one constant predetermined position and through which suitable channels or
openings for filling and emptying the battery and the escape of gas generated
during its action are arranged, the whole as a means of forming a compact and
portable cell.
2. Improvements in primary batteries substantially as hereinbefore described
with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings.
MARKS & CLERK,
18, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., and
13, Temple Street, Birmingham, Agents.