Abstract: In a system for applying material to a substrate, a first material is applied to the substrate and the substrate coated with the first material is drawn between a pair of rollers to form a material layer. The roller which contacts the first material is grounded and an electrostatic charging device sprays electrostatically charged particles of a second material onto the roller such that the particles are evenly dispersed on the surface of the roller. The particles of the second material on the roller tend to prevent the first material from adhering to the roller and are preferably incorporated into the second material.

Abstract: Non-aqueous solid electrochemical cells with improved performance can be fabricated by employing an electrolyte having an electrolyte solvent which contains a carbonate having the structure R'OCOOR" where R' and R" are independently selected from branched alkyl groups with 3 to 7 carbons. A preferred solvent includes diisopropyl carbonate. The cells are particularly suited for low and high temperature applications.

Abstract: Electrochemical cells having a current collector that includes a redox polymer film affords overdischarge protection. The redox polymers can reversibly insert anions and/or cations during oxidation and/or reduction thereby rendering the polymers conductive relatively to their neutral state.

Abstract: Superior bonding of an electrode layer to a separator layer can be achieved by applying a coat of pre-lamination solvent on the surface of the electrode and/or separator prior to attachment in fabricating electrochemical cells. The amount of solvent added is effective to dissolve at least a portion of the polymer material on the surface coated so that upon attachment the electrode and separator layers develop excellent adhesion. Preferred pre-lamination solvent has a boiling point higher than about 50.degree. C. at 760 mm of Hg. Preferred pre-lamination solvents include, for example, N,N-dimethyl formamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide, 1,3-dioxolane dioxane, methyl ethyl ketone, and mixtures thereof. Acetone can be included in the pre-lamination solvent.

Abstract: A method of fabricating electrochemical cells and batteries wherein the successive anode and cathode layers are separated by a polymeric electrolyte layer having a protruding polymer edge around its perimeter which reduces the likelihood of inadvertent contact between the anode and cathode current collectors is provided. The polymer edge functions as a non-conducting physical barrier positioned between adjacent current collectors. An apparatus for preparing electrochemical cells is also disclosed.

Abstract: Non-aqueous solid electrochemical cells with improved performance can be fabricated by employing intercalation based carbon anodes comprising graphitized microbead carbon particles. When employed in a lithium electrochemical cell sufficient cathode material is employed to intercalate the anode active material to attain a specific electrode capacity of greater than about 372 mAh/g. The electrochemical cell has a cycle life of greater than 200 cycles, and has a first cycle capacity loss of only about 10% to 15%.

Abstract: A method for removing plasticizers such dibutyl phthalate from the anode, cathode, and polymeric matrix components of an electrochemical cell precursor using an extraction solvent and ultrasound waves is provided.

Abstract: A method of improving the structural integrity of polymer electrolytes of electrochemical cell by employing lithiated zeolites, and optionally, inorganic fillers selected from SiO.sub.2, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, TiO.sub.2 and ZrO is provided.

Abstract: Non-aqueous solid electrochemical cells with improved performance can be fabricated by employing intercalation based carbon anodes comprising a mixture of carbon particles having different morphologies and selected from platelet-type, microbead-type and/or fiber-type structures. The anodes exhibit good cohesion and adhesion characteristics. When employed in an electrochemical cell, the anode can attain a specific electrode capacity of at least 300 mAh/g. The electrochemical cell has a cycle life of greater than 1000 cycles, and has a first cycle capacity loss of only about 5-15%.

Abstract: A method of fabricating electrochemical cells and batteries wherein the successive anode and cathode layers are separated by a polymeric electrolyte layer having a protruding polymer edge around its perimeter which reduces the likelihood of inadvertent contact between the anode and cathode current collectors is provided. The polymer edge functions as a non-conducting physical barrier positioned between adjacent current collectors.

Abstract: In a method for coating a shear-thinning cathode material having a high viscosity on a substrate, the substrate is drawn through a nip defined by a rotating backing roller and a notched bar disposed at a distance from the backing roller. The notched bar is convexly curved in shape in a region prior to the nip and is formed with a notch extending in from the curved region of the notched bar at the nip. The cathode material is supplied onto a first surface of the substrate, the first surface facing the notched bar. At least a portion of the first surface of the substrate is coated with a uniform thickness layer of the cathode material by applying steadily increasing shear forces to the supplied cathode material as the cathode material on the substrate is drawn into the nip and contacts the curved region of the notched bar. The cathode material layer is removed from contact with the notched bar by drawing the cathode material layer coated on the substrate past the notch in the notched bar.

Abstract: Electrode material for solid electrochemical cells is selected on the basis of its electrochemical impedance spectrum.

Abstract: A solid electrolyte that includes a complexing agent that is incorporated into the solid matrix provides for more effective transfer of current in an electrochemical cell or battery. The complexing agent immobilizes anions in the solid electrolyte so that at least a substantial majority of the charge transport is due to the cations, e.g., lithium ions. Preferred complexing agents are derived from aza-ethers. With the inventive solid electrolyte, it is expected that the lithium transference number should approach unity.

Abstract: A solid secondary, lithium electrochemical cell comprises a physical mixture of Li.sub.x Mn.sub.2 O.sub.4 (spinel) (O<x.ltoreq.2) and Li.sub.y -.alpha.-MnO.sub.2 (O.ltoreq.y<1). The cell is particularly suitable for use with anodes carbon materials.

Abstract: A method of making non-stoichiometric vanadium oxides V.sub.6 O.sub.13+X by treatment with H.sub.2 O.sub.2.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous process for the synthesis of electrode-quality metal oxide particles by the thermal decomposition of ammonium metal oxides in a fluidized bed under oxidation/reduction conditions which are controlled by the temperature and ammonium content of the process gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for achieving desired surface roughness characteristics on an electrode material that is coated on a substrate such that the electrode material has desired surface roughness characteristics includes a roller. The roller has surface roughness characteristics corresponding to those desired in the electrode material. The apparatus includes a device for rotating the roller. The apparatus presses electrode material coated on a substrate against the surface of the roller so that the electrode material assumes substantially the same roughness characteristics as the surface of the roller. A nip roller is used to press the electrode material against the surface of the roller, the position of the nip roller being movable to adjust the thickness of the electrode material. A refrigeration apparatus is provided to cool the roller to a casting temperature for casting electrode material that has been pressed against the roller.

Abstract: This invention is directed to novel allyl carbonates and to solid electrolytes containing a solid matrix having incorporated therein allyl carbonates. The solid matrix is used in an electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A video recording system employs an editing device to communicate schedules of instructions to a videotape recorder control system which, in turn, communicates selected ones of the instructions from the schedules to a time-base corrector so that the time-base corrector automatically controls and adjusts video signal parameters at the output of the videotape recorder in accordance with an appropriate one of the schedules. Operation of the system includes the steps of storing schedules of instructions in the editing device, communicating the schedules of instructions to a videotape recorder control system connected to a time-base corrector, storing time lines of the instructions in the videotape recorder control system, and operating the time-base corrector to manipulate video signal information at the output of a recorder mechanism according to the time line schedules.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling is provided for a fluid flowmeter wherein the magnetic coupling includes a first and a second magnet assembly. The first magnet assembly includes a plurality of magnets coupled to the counter mechanism of the flowmeter, and the second magnet assembly includes a plurality of magnets coupled to the propeller. The two magnet assemblies are constructed and located so that they magnetically influence one another, and when the propeller rotates the second assembly, the first assembly is driven to rotate thereby driving the counter.