Kenneth R Kusel

US Patent:

57891028, Aug 4, 1998

Filed:

Dec 4, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/760613

Inventors:

Robert J. Jacus - Madison WI
Douglas Pagoria - Mt. Horeb WI
Kenneth Kusel - Dodgeville WI

Assignee:

Rayovac Corporation - Madison WI

International Classification:

H01M 208

US Classification:

429141

Abstract:

A separator system for an alkaline cell comprises an absorbent layer and a barrier layer adjacent to the absorbent layer. The arrangement of the separator material in the cell improves separation between anode and cathode, increases the volume available in the cell for active material or void volume, thereby improving cell performance or enhancing reliability of cells containing the system.

US Patent:

54628199, Oct 31, 1995

Filed:

Jun 10, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/257569

Inventors:

Robert J. Jacus - Madison WI
James A. Senn - Platteville WI
Kenneth R. Kusel - Dodgeville WI

Assignee:

Rayovac Corporation - Madison WI

International Classification:

H01M 216

US Classification:

429174

Abstract:

During repeated cycling of alkaline manganese dioxide cells, it is critical to ensure that adequate barrier protection is formed and maintained between the anode and cathode of the cell to prevent shorts from occurring between the cathode and anode. However, the potential also exists for anodic zinc to migrate via the absorbent separator and create a short path to the cathode. To prevent this, cells are fabricated wherein a separator is placed into the cells, a hot melt material is metered into the cell so that the hot melted material flows under the bottom edge of the separator, which is then pushed down and seated in the hot melt material as it cools. The end result is a barrier which is forms at the bottom of the cell and at both sides of the separator and virtually eliminates shorts from developing between the electrodes.