Alkaline cell with flat housing

US7294429B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Gillette Company LLC · US

Inventors

• David Anglin · Brookfield, US
• Mark Ashbolt · Newtown, US
• Derek Bobowick · Sandy Hook, US
• Robert S. Ferrin · Bethel, US
• Anthony Malgioglio · San Jose, US
• Brien Merrill · New Fairfield, US
• Alexander Shelekhin · Ridgefield, US
• Steven J. Specht · Brookfield, US
• Matthew Sylvestre · Woodbury, US
• Philip Trainer · Sandy Hook, US
• Robert A. Yoppolo · New Milford, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 26, 2003
• Grant date: Nov 13, 2007
• Expiry date: Nov 10, 2025

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/4911
• WIPO field: Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

An alkaline cell having a flat housing, preferably of cuboid shape. The cell can have an anode comprising zinc and a cathode comprising MnO2. The housing can have a relatively small overall thickness, typically between about 5 and 10 mm. Cell contents can be supplied through an open end in the housing and an end cap assembly inserted therein to seal the cell. There can be a gap between separator and cathode for insertion of additional electrolyte. The end cap assembly includes a vent mechanism, preferably a grooved vent, which can activate, when gas pressure within the cell reaches a threshold level typically between about 250 and 800 psig (1724×103 and 5515×103 pascal gage). The cell can have a supplemental vent mechanism such as a laser welded region on the surface of the housing which may activate at higher pressure levels.