Abstract: A method of sealing together two elements of a bipolar battery, the method comprising: interposing an inductive heating element between the two elements; applying a current to the inductive heating element to generate localized heat to melt material in the vicinity of the heating element to seal the two elements together.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite material, the method comprising: (i) providing a ceramic powder comprising ceramic agglomerates, the agglomerates having an intra-agglomerate void volume space; (ii) providing a polymer; (iii) mixing the polymer with the ceramic powder to form a mixture comprising the agglomerates at least partially impregnated with the polymer, wherein the volume of polymer in the mixture is at least 80% of the total intra-agglomerate void volume space, but less than 130% of the total intra-agglomerate void volume space; (iv) optionally shaping the mixture to form a preform; (v) and treating the mixture to provide ceramic agglomerates which are at least partially impregnated with solid polymer.

Abstract: A method of joining a substrate for a bipolar electrode of a bipolar battery to a frame for supporting the bipolar electrode for use in the bipolar battery includes the implanting of a thermoplastic material in the substrate. The substrate and the frame are then vibration welded together at a frequency in the range of 50 Hz to 1 kHz to melt the thermoplastic material. The melted thermoplastic material forms a continuous or substantially continuous loop around the substrate to join the substrate and the frame together. A bipolar battery comprising a substrate and a frame joined together by the method, and a substrate for a bipolar electrode for use in the method are also described.

Abstract: A method of joining a substrate for a bipolar electrode of a bipolar battery to a frame for supporting the bipolar electrode for use in the bipolar battery includes the implanting of a thermoplastic material in the substrate. The substrate and the frame are then vibration welded together at a frequency in the range of 50 Hz to 1 kHz to melt the thermoplastic material. The melted thermoplastic material forms a continuous or substantially continuous loop around the substrate to join the substrate and the frame together. A bipolar battery comprising a substrate and a frame joined together by the method, and a substrate for a bipolar electrode for use in the method are also described.

Abstract: A titanium suboxide powder comprising Ti4O7, Ti5O9 and Ti6O11, wherein the Ti4O7, Ti5O9 and Ti6O11 provide over 92% of the powder, and wherein the Ti4O7 is present at above 30% of the total powder.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a composite material, the method comprising: (i) providing a ceramic powder comprising ceramic agglomerates, the agglomerates having an intra-agglomerate void volume space; (ii) providing a polymer; (iii) mixing the polymer with the ceramic powder to form a mixture comprising the agglomerates at least partially impregnated with the polymer, wherein the volume of polymer in the mixture is at least 80% of the total intra-agglomerate void volume space, but less than 130% of the total intra-agglomerate void volume space; (iv) optionally shaping the mixture to form a preform; (v) and treating the mixture to provide ceramic agglomerates which are at least partially impregnated with solid polymer.

Abstract: A method of sealing together two elements of a bipolar battery, the method comprising: interposing an inductive heating element between the two elements; applying a current to the inductive heating element to generate localised heat to melt material in the vicinity of the heating element to seal the two elements together.

Abstract: An electrode (30) comprises a plate (31) having a major surface to which there has been attached an initially separate raised pattern (32) for guiding application of and/or retaining electrolyte paste adjacent the plate (31).

Abstract: A method of making an article comprises a heat cured composition with at least one foil or sheet applied on one face of the cured composition. The article may be an electrode. The composition may comprise titanium suboxide.

Abstract: A titanium suboxide powder comprising Ti4O7, Ti5O9 and Ti6O11, wherein the Ti4O7, Ti5O9 and Ti6O11 provide over 92% of the powder, and wherein the Ti4O7 is present at above 30% of the total powder.

Abstract: An electrode for a bipolar cell or battery includes a plate-like body made of hardened resin containing particles of titanium suboxide or other electrically conductive particulate arranged to form electrical paths. A method of testing the body for porosity is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrode for a bipolar cell or battery comprises a plate like body made of hardened resin containing particles of titanium suboxide or other electrically conductive particulate arranged to form electrical paths. A method of testing the body for porosity is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of continuously producing reduced compounds, which comprises continuously feeding our oxidised compound into a reaction chamber and contracting the oxidised compound with a reductant gas. The oxidised compound may be titanium dioxide. the reaction chamber may be a rotating kiln.

Abstract: An electrode (30) comprises a plate (31) having a major surface to which there has been attached an initially separate raised pattern (32) for guiding application of and/or retaining electrolyte paste adjacent the plate (31).

Abstract: A method of making an article comprises a heat cured composition with at least one foil or sheet applied on one face of the cured composition. The article may be an electrode. The composition may comprise titanium suboxide.

Abstract: An electrode comprises an elongate hollow tube made of porous titanium suboxide the inside wall of which is contacted at spaced apart locations by an electrical conductor so that the current is substantially uniformly distributed along the length of the electrode.

Abstract: An electrode comprises an outer tube containing a spiral inner electrode which surrounds a rod held at its ends by fittings in the ends of the tube.

Abstract: An electrochemical electrode of a tube of porous titanium suboxide with a contact connection to an electrical supply.

Abstract: A particulate composition having improved stability in typical electrolytes consisting essentially of Magneli phase substoichiometric titanium oxides.

Abstract: A particulate composition having improved stability in typical electrolytes consisting essentially of Magneli phase substoichiometric titanium oxides.