Abstract: An electrode for use in an electrolytic cell, and, an electrolytic process, wherein the electrode includes an electrode active material having at least one partially inorganically fluoridated surface to, in turn, increase at least one of stability, capacity, and rate capacity of the electrode. The fluoridation can be carried out by atmospherically controlled plasma treatment.

Abstract: An outsole associated with the bottom surface of a boot upper including a base member, front and rear raised regions and a member for attaching the blade chassis to the base member. The base member includes an outer surface, a ball region and a heel region, as well as, a first and a second rigid layer. The second rigid layer overlies a portion of the first rigid layer. The first and second rigid layers extend into the front raised region and the rear raised region.

Abstract: A fluid for dissipating static electrical charge from the surface of a plastic object, such as a polyethylene pipe, and a method for using same, are provided. The solution comprises water, an anti-freezing agent and a static-dissipating enzyme.

Abstract: A method for drawing a portion of metallic material having a known hardness. The method includes the step of applying a localized heat treatment to predetermined portions of the metallic material. Additionally, the method comprises forming the localized heat treated regions into a desired drawn or stamped configuration, wherein the configuration is substantially devoid of cracks.

Abstract: An electrically controlled pump (20) for dispersing a volatile substance into a local environment includes an enclosure defining a volume, a moveable member (52) separating the enclosure into first (54) and second (56) chambers (the second chamber containing non-solid composition which includes a volatile substance), an electrochemical cell (48) for generating gas. The electrochemical cell is associated with the enclosure, and is in fluid communication with the first chamber. A port preferably communicates the second chamber with a medium for dispersing the volatile substance into the local environment. Also, a case (58) may encase the pump and hold it in an upright position with respect to a surface upon which the case is positioned.

Abstract: A protective helmet comprising a protective shell and a member for releasably attaching the protective helmet to a user. The protective shell includes a front region, a rear region, a first and a second side region and an outer surface. The releasable attachment member includes a first front strap, a second front strap, an attachment member and a rear strap. The first front strap extends from the first side region of the protective shell. The second front strap extends from the second side region of the protective shell. The attachment member is associated with each of the first and second front straps. The rear strap includes an outer region and two lower extension regions. The outer region extends along the outer surface of the protective shell and the two lower extension regions extend through at least two openings in the protective shell. The lower extension regions are associated with at least one of the first and second front straps.

Abstract: An apparatus for perforating a wall, such as the casing wall of a well hole, taking a sample of the fluids which may be behind the wall, and subsequently sealing the perforation so formed in the wall, wherein the perforating portion, the sampling portion and the sealing portion are operably disposed in the apparatus, so as to permit all of the perforating, sampling and sealing functions to be carried out without substantial movement of the apparatus between functions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing sulfur from gas streams, utilizing liquid redox, including an improved method for preventing build-up of elemental sulfur in a sulfur absorber. Ultrasonic irradiation of one or more portions of the structure of the absorber prevents sulfur build-up. In combination with monitoring of the pressure across the absorber, the freeing of sulfur from surfaces in an absorber can be automatically actuated.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device (10) operated by a first gas delivery device (12) (e.g. electrochemical pump) that takes advantage of sequential gas production methods. The fluid delivery device includes a container (14) with an interior surface. An first gas delivery device for producing or delivering a first gas is placed in one end of the container. A moveable member (e.g. piston, bladder (18) or membrane) is positioned within the container, which moveable member, together with the container's interior surface and the electrochemical cell, structurally define a fluid-tight chamber. The moveable member may abut a first reactive material. Unreacted material (34), chemically reactive with the either the first gas or the first reactive material to generate a second gas, is contained within the container.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a high capacity electrode paste and process for the fabrication of same. The resultant paste has a plurality of electrochemically active particles dispersed in solution. Additionally, during fabrication of the electrode paste, the electrochemically active material is subjected to a grinding step. After grinding the material to the desired particle sizes, the grinding medium is removed. However, the particles remain dispersed in solution, even after removal of the grinding medium. Accordingly, each of the individual particles have at least a portion of their respective surfaces in contact with the solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting electrical current from individual fuel cell stacks in a solid oxide fuel cell is provided, in which the current collectors are protected from oxidation through advantageous placement in non-oxidizing surroundings. Fuel cell module configurations employing and taking advantage of the current collecting apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to secondary electrolytic cells, and more particularly, to lithium ion electrolytic cells with an inorganic binder and an associated process for fabrication of same. A binder material is mixed with an active material for eventual application onto the surface of a first and/or second electrode. The binder material is soluble with the active material yet insoluble with respect to the associated organic electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrolytic cell having a controlled electrode surface interface, and, an associated manufacturing and chemical process. The electrolytic cell includes an electrode with a carbon surface, and, an electrolyte having a solvent. An additive, associated with at least one of the electrolyte or first and second electrodes, reacts with the carbon surface to form a passivating layer so as to block chemical interaction between the carbon surface and the solvent. Furthermore, the additive will not result in gas formation upon its decomposition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrolytic cell and associated process for fabrication, wherein the cell utilizes an intermediate sub-component connecting layer. This layer comprises an electrolyte which, in an at least partially cured state, is at least partially sandwiched between an electrolyte on a first sub-component and an electrolyte on a second sub-component. Prior to full curing of the intermediate sub-component connecting layer, the cell is oriented into a desired product configuration. Once such a configuration is obtained, the intermediate sub-component connecting layer is fully cured to, in turn, maintain the cell in the desired product configuration without concern of misalignment or mechanical degradation between the various sub-components and/or the cell.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the removal of sulfur, in the form of hydrogen sulfide, from gas, such as natural gas or industrial gas streams, in which the sulfur is removed and separated in the form of molten elemental sulfur.

Abstract: Bathtub or shower stall liner vacuum forming system for the forming of a liner to be positioned over an existing bathtub comprises a bathtub liner vacuum machine, a plumbing apparatus and a lift for moving the plumbing apparatus. The bathtub liner vacuum machine comprises a frame member, a track member, an oven and a skirt forming member. The plumbing apparatus includes a conventional plumbing fixture, a manifold, mesh member and a vacuum pump. Upon positioning of the formable member within the frame member and skirt forming member, the frame member is rolled along the track member into the oven. When the formable member is heated to the desired temperature, the bathtub is positioned into contact with the formable member and the air trapped therebetween is removed with the aid of the vacuum pump. As the air is evacuated, the formable member takes on the configuration of the conventional plumbing apparatus and mesh member. The invention further includes a method for forming a bathtub liner.