Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
168 words
In a rechargeable electrochemical cell including a closed container confining therewithin at least a cathode, a gas generating and consuming anode, a separator and electrolyte storage material between the cathode and the anode, an electrolyte in the storage material and an open volume for gas storage, the improvement which comprises: lining the inside surface of the closed container defining the open volume for gas storage with a layer of a capillary mat material, said lining of said capillary mat material having at least a portion thereof in liquid transfer contact with the separator and electrolyte storage material located between the cathode and the anode, whereby any electrolyte vaporized into the gas storage volume will condense onto said lining material, and whereby the liquid transfer contact of said lining material and the separator and electrolyte storage material between the cathode and the anode will provide a liquid flow path for returning vaporized and subsequently condensed electrolyte to the separator and electrolyte storage material between the cathode and the anode.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
168 words
In a rechargeable electrochemical cell including a closed container confining therewithin at least a cathode, a gas generating and consuming anode, a separator and electrolyte storage material between the cathode and the anode, an electrolyte in the storage material and an open volume for gas storage, the improvement which comprises: lining the inside surface of the closed container defining the open volume for gas storage with a layer of a capillary mat material, said lining of said capillary mat material having at least a portion thereof in liquid transfer contact with the separator and electrolyte storage material located between the cathode and the anode, whereby any electrolyte vaporized into the gas storage volume will condense onto said lining material, and whereby the liquid transfer contact of said lining material and the separator and electrolyte storage material between the cathode and the anode will provide a liquid flow path for returning vaporized and subsequently condensed electrolyte to the separator and electrolyte storage material between the cathode and the anode.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
The improved electrochemical cell of claim 1 wherein: said capillary mat material forming said lining material is relatively thin with respect to the separator and electrolyte storage material located between the cathode and the anode whereby the bulk of the volume of the electrolyte is stored between the cathode and the anode.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The improved electrochemical cell of claim 2 wherein: said lining material is no more than about one-half the thickness of the separator and electrolyte storage material between the cathode and the anode.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The improved electrochemical cell of claim 1 wherein: said lining material and the separator and electrolyte storage material are formed of the same material.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The improved electrochemical cell of claim 4 wherein: the material forming said lining material and the separator is a non-woven nylon material.