US4632699A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Process for preparing zinc powder for alkaline batteries
Assignee: SA ACEC-UNION MINIERE NV A Co UNDER LAW OF BELGIUM
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Filing: 1985-04-03
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Granted: 1986-12-30
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Expires: 2005-04-03
Abstract
Abstract Starting from a homogeneous molten bath composed of zinc, mercury and possibly other elements, an alloy powder with substantially homogeneous particles is prepared and that alloy powder is made to react with metallic mercury or with a mercury compound, thereby producing an alloy powder enriched with mercury.
Inventors
- 👤 Marcel L. Meeus
- 👤 Yvan A. J. Strauven
- 👤 Luc A. J. Groothaert
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 23:17
CPC Classifications
B; B22; B22F; B22F1/00; B22F1/17; H; H01; H01M; H01M4/00; H01M4/02; H01M4/36; H01M4/38; H01M4/42; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E60/00; Y02E60/10; Y10; Y10T; Y10T428/00; Y10T428/12; Y10T428/12014; Y10T428/12028
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
68 words
A process for preparing a zinc base powder containing mercury for alkaline batteries, comprising the steps of (a) preparing an homogeneous molten bath composed of zinc, mercury and possibly other elements, (b) preparing from said molten bath an alloy powder with substantially homogeneous particles; and (c) making said alloy powder to react with metallic mercury and/or with a mercury compound, thereby producing an alloy powder enriched with mercury.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
68 words
A process for preparing a zinc base powder containing mercury for alkaline batteries, comprising the steps of (a) preparing an homogeneous molten bath composed of zinc, mercury and possibly other elements, (b) preparing from said molten bath an alloy powder with substantially homogeneous particles; and (c) making said alloy powder to react with metallic mercury and/or with a mercury compound, thereby producing an alloy powder enriched with mercury.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein an alloy powder is prepared with a mercury content of 0.5 to 4% in weight.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A process according to claim 2 wherein an alloy powder is prepared with a mercury content of 0.5 to 2% in weight.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein the alloy powder is made to react with metallic mercury and/or with a mercury compound so as to add thereto 0.5 to 3% in weight of mercury.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A process according to claim 4 wherein 0.5 to 2% in weight of mercury is added to the alloy powder.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein one operates so as to produce an alloy powder enriched with mercury having a total mercury content of 1 to 7% in weight.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
A process according to claim 6 wherein one operates so as to produce an alloy powder enriched with mercury having a total mercury content of 1 to 4% in weight.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein the alloy powder is enriched with mercury by putting it in the presence of mercury vapour.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein the alloy powder is made to react with liquid mercury containing at least one of the elements Au, Ag, Pb, Cd, In, Tl, Bi, Ga.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
38 words
A process according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the elements Au, Ag, Pb, Cd, In, Tl, Bi and Ga is deposited by cementation on the alloy powder, either before or after its enrichment with mercury.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
9 words
Powder obtained by the process according to claim 1.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
37 words
Zinc base powder containing mercury for alkaline batteries, characterized in that its particles are composed of a core presenting a substantially homogeneous mercury distribution and of an outer layer having a higher mercury content than the core.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
37 words
Zinc base powder containing mercury for alkaline batteries, characterized in that its particles are composed of a core presenting a substantially homogeneous mercury distribution and of an outer layer having a higher mercury content than the core.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
21 words
Powder according to claim 12 wherein the core of the particles has a mercury content of 0.5 to 4% in weight.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
Powder according to claim 13 wherein the core has a mercury content of 0.5 to 2% in weight.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
17 words
Powder according to claim 12 wherein the total mercury content ranges from 1 to 7% in weight.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
17 words
Powder according to claim 15 wherein the total mercury content ranges from 1 to 4% in weight.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-12-29 | 1990-06-30 | 1990-12-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-12-29 | 1994-06-30 | 1994-12-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-12-29 | 1998-06-30 | 1998-12-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |