Manufacture of electric dry cells

858,955. Batteries. BURNDEPT Ltd. July 8, 1959 [July 31, 1958], No. 24746/58. Class 53. The white mix of a dry cell consists of the electrolyte salts mixed with water, bentonite, and starch or flour, the bentonite being present to the extent of 0À75% to 3À5% by weight of the mix. In an example the mix contains the chlorides of zinc, ammonium, and mercury, water, bentonite, starch, flour and gum. The bentonite is first dispersed in a part of the water and allowed to swell. The rest of the water is then added with stirring, followed by the zinc chloride in solution, and then by a mixture of ammonium chloride and mercuric chloride and gum. When the ingredients have been dispersed, the starch and flour are added and the mixture stirred to form a smooth paste. When used in a Leclanche cell it is cooked on a water bath for a few minutes at 73 ‹C.