Abstract: A normally sealed starved electrolyte recombinant lead-acid cell of high discharge rate capability whose plates have a thickness from about 0.007 to about 0.027 inches, and whose grids are formed of high hydrogen overvoltage lead with a thickness of from about 0.005 inches to no more than 0.019 inches, with an inter-plate spacing of typically from about 0.005 to about 0.020 inches.

Abstract: Latex coated electrodes comprising a foraminous, electrically conductive substrate which supports a paste comprising a mixture of (a) finely divided, particulate, rechargeable, active material and, (b) a fibrous interconnecting network of an unsintered, uncoalesced, hydrophobic linear fluorocarbon polymer, wherein said active material is dispersed throughout and bound in said fibrous network and being accessible to said electrolyte and to gas being generated during overcharge of the cell have excellent mechanical integrity. These electrodes have a greater storage life than similar uncoated electrodes and rechargeable cells employing these electrodes have excellent electrical properties with respect to both voltage characteristics and pressure buildup.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for manufacturing an electrode for a rechargeable electrochemical cell by electrodepositing a metallic active material on a continuously moving metallic strip emmersed in an electrolytic bath containing an anode of the metal to be deposited. After depositing the metallic active material on the strip, the strip is passed through a second electrolytic bath wherein the metallic active material is at least partially oxidized.

Abstract: A sealed gas recombining lead-acid cell with absorbed electrolyte is produced by assembling unformed plates and high porosity glass mat separator whose surface area is from 0.2-1.7 m.sup.2 /g, adding a limited quantity of acid into the cell, and then either prior to or after sealing of the cell electrochemically forming the plates of the cell in situ. High rate performance of the cell is significantly improved over cells using conventional high surface area glass separators.

Abstract: A sealed gas recombining lead-acid cell with absorbed electrolyte is produced by assembling unformed plates and high porosity glass mat separator whose surface area is from 0.2-1.7 m.sup.2 /g, adding a limited quantity of acid into the cell, and then either prior to or after sealing of the cell electrochemically forming the plates of the cell in situ. High rate performance of the cell is significantly improved over the cells using conventional high surface area glass separators.

Abstract: A preferably sealed lead-acid battery having a microfine glass separator pasting paper integrated with its adjoining plate, and the associated method by which the separator pasting paper is applied directly to the freshly pasted plate.

Abstract: Electrochemical cell or battery housing modules are joined together to form an integral vibration-resistant multi-unit battery through adherence together of corresponding ribs formed on the outer walls of the modules.

Abstract: A through-the-wall intercell connection for adjacent cells of a battery in which integral extensions of the current collector tabs emanating from the respective plates are directly welded together at the partition opening. The individual tabs are bent along a smooth curve which, together with interposed cushioned insulating material between bent tabs, lends vibration resistance to the intercell connection.

Abstract: A portable thermal collector and storage apparatus is disclosed as comprising a container for receiving a phase change material for selectively absorbing and emitting thermal energy, a base for supporting the phase change container with respect to a floor surface, and a set of wheels or rollers mounted on the base for facilitating the movement of the base and the phase change container from a first, thermal absorbing location to a second, thermal emitting location. In a further aspect of this invention, the thermal collector and storage apparatus includes a tabletop for receiving and supporting the phase change container. The tabletop includes a plate for presenting a table surface, and is made of a material transmissive to solar radiation, whereby solar radiation may be directed through the plate and onto the phase change container.

Abstract: A multi-layered gas permeable separator for lead-acid maintenance-free batteries, particularly for sealed gas recombining type rechargeable lead-acid batteries, is disclosed. The outer separator layers, adapted to be positioned against the opposite polarity plates of the battery, are composed of ultrafine fibers particularly glass fibers of relatively high fiber surface area. A third layer is interposed between the outer layers and is comprised of ultrafine fibers particularly of fiber glass, but has a fiber surface area on an equivalent weight basis which is substantially less than that of at least one of the outer layers. High rate, low temperature discharge performance of the battery is enhanced.

Abstract: An essentially tubeless heat exchange structure and an attendant controlled evaporative or condensing process is disclosed. A finned heat exchanger body has multiple spaced through passages constructed by locally deforming the fin metal. Each through passage includes multiple terraced liquid traps and coaxial orifices for counter-flowing gas. A liquid supply device and gas pressure relief device is provided for each through passage. The physical construction of the finned heat exchanger body can vary widely depending upon application.

Abstract: A method of making synthetic fireplace logs or the like and the logs so produced. Approximately 80-95% by weight of pulverized coal is mixed with 5-20% by weight of dry paraffin to form a heterogeneous mixture. The mixture is fed into a cylindrical log mold and subjected to pressures of approximately 5,000 to 12,000 psi. The logs are then coated with a liquid paraffin.

Abstract: A heater system comprising a main water discharge and main water return adapted for connection to space or domestic hot water heating means, a main water heater operative for heating water flow therethrough and connected in series with a main pump, and a control system adapted for connection to the space or domestic water heating means and operative to actuate the pump and cause the heater to heat water passing therethrough in response to a signal from a thermostatic sensor in the space or domestic water heating means.