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 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 and process for applying an electrode paste onto a substrate for use in an electrolytic cell. The apparatus includes a mixing device which mixes, and then dispenses, predetermined amounts of an electrode paste and a polymerization initiator onto a substrate. The mixing device is constructed so as to substantially preclude polymerization of the electrode paste during such mixing, as well as to preclude polymerization prior to application of the mixture onto the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for applying an electrode paste onto a substrate for use in an electrolytic cell. The apparatus includes a mixing device which mixes, and then dispenses, predetermined amounts of an electrode paste and a polymerization initiator onto a substrate. The mixing device is constructed so as to substantially preclude polymerization of the electrode paste during such mixing, as well as to preclude polymerization prior to application of the mixture onto the substrate.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell, such as a rechargeable lithium battery, fabricated in a carbon dioxide atmosphere, having a lithium carbonate passivating layer associated with a lithium ion source electrode and an electrolyte. Fabrication of an electrolytic cell containing an acrylic polymer paste cathode, anode and electrolyte increases the efficiency of the polymer initiator and facilitates free radical chain growth polymerizations.

Abstract: A current collector device for a rechargeable electrolytic cell and method for manufacturing same. The device includes an aluminum current collector having a substantially reduced oxidation layer relative to its native oxide layer, to, in turn, exhibit a relatively low interfacial impedance. A layer of electrode material is applied and adhered to the surface of the aluminum current collector to enable electrochemical activity with the particular ions in an electrolyte within the electrolytic cell. A primer may be applied between the electrode material and the aluminum current collector, wherein the primer serves to substantially preclude re-growth of the oxide layer which would otherwise occur absent such a primer.

Abstract: A current collector device for a rechargeable electrolytic cell and method for manufacturing same. The device includes an aluminum current collector having a substantially reduced oxidation layer relative to its native oxide layer, to, in turn, exhibit a relatively low interfacial impedance. A layer of electrode material is applied and adhered to the surface of the aluminum current collector to enable electrochemical activity with the particular ions in an electrolyte within the electrolytic cell. A primer may be applied between the electrode material and the aluminum current collector, wherein the primer serves to substantially preclude re-growth of the oxide layer which would otherwise occur absent such a primer.

Abstract: A method for preparing an electrode is provided including generating aerosol droplets of a precursor capable of being converted into a component of an electrode in a carrier liquid; converting the droplets into precursor particles; converting the precursor particles into particles of the electrode component; and depositing the electrode component onto an electrically conductive substrate. The electrode is characterized by a highly porous structure having a surface area in the range of >4 m.sup.2 /g and a discharge density at least 1.5 times greater than comparable electrodes prepared by conventional methods.

Abstract: An electrolytic cell having an electrolyte, a first and second electrode and a primer comprised of lithium polysilicate and carbon, applied to at least one of the first and second electrodes, wherein the primer is chemically and electrochemically stable and electronically conductive so as to decrease interfacial resistance in the cell to enhance columbic efficiency.

Abstract: A current collector device for an electrolytic cell and method for manufacturing same. The device includes an aluminum current collector having a substantially reduced oxidation layer relative to its native oxide layer, to, in turn, exhibit a relatively low interfacial resistance. A coating of material which includes an etching agent and a primer are both applied to the surface of the aluminum current collector in a single mixture so that actual etching and bonding of the primer to the surface can be accomplished by a single step. It is also contemplated that the primer material act as an electrode material which enables electrochemical activity with the particular ions in an electrolyte within the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: A current collector device for an electrolytic cell and method for manufacturing same. The device includes an aluminum current collector having a substantially reduced oxidation layer relative to its native oxide layer, to, in turn, exhibit a relatively low interfacial resistance. A coating of material which includes an etching agent and a primer are both applied to the surface of the aluminum current collector in a single mixture so that actual etching and bonding of the primer to the surface can be accomplished by a single step. It is also contemplated that the primer material act as an electrode material which enables electrochemical activity with the particular ions in an electrolyte within the electrolytic cell.

Abstract: Compounds are provided for use in an electrolyte comprising repeating unit selected from the group consisting of cyclic and heterocyclic species having y carbon atoms and z heteroatoms, X, and where y is 4, 5 or 6 and z is 0, 1 or 2. The heteroatom is selected from the group consisting of O, S and N. The repeating unit is further substituted by four to six pendant groups having the formula, (CHR.sub.1).sub.m O(CHR.sub.1 CHR.sub.1 O).sub.n Y, where the majority of pendant groups comprises at least two O and further,in which m is 0 or 1,in which n is in the range of 0 to 25,in which each R.sub.1 is the same or different and R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, allylic and alkenyl radicals having 1 to 18 carbon atoms and Y, andin which each Y is the same or different and Y is a functional group selected from the group consisting of polymerizable functionalities, plasticizing agents and ionic species. Electrolytes, plasticizers and macroions prepared from these compounds are described.

Abstract: Compounds are provided for use in an electrolyte comprising repeating unit selected from the group consisting of cyclic and heterocyclic species having y carbon atoms and z heteroatoms, X, and where y is 4, 5 or 6 and z is 0, 1 or 2. The heteroatom is selected from the group consisting of O, S and N. The repeating unit is further substituted by four to six pendant groups having the formula, (CHR.sub.1).sub.m O(CHR.sub.1 CHR.sub.1 O).sub.n Y, where the majority of pendant groups comprises at least two O and further,in which m is 0 or 1,in which n is in the range of 0 to 25,in which each R.sub.1 is the same or different and R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, allylic and alkenyl radicals having 1 to 18 carbon atoms and Y, andin which each Y is the same or different and Y is a functional group selected from the group consisting of polymerizable functionalities, plasticizing agents and ionic species. Electrolytes, plasticizers and macro-ions prepared from these compounds are described.

Abstract: A slippery orthopedic cast tape produced by depositing onto a substrate a layer of microencapsulated lubricating or friction-reducing material. The substrate is impregnated with a material which is hardenable upon exposure to an activating agent. The coating of each one of the microgranules is formed of a material which is removable upon the application thereto of a removing stimulus. The microencapsulated lubricious material is applied to the inner end of a rolled cast tape so that it will be adjacent the outer layers of a formed cast. In one embodiment, the microgranules are formed of a water-insoluble polymeric coating over a polyethoxylated surfactant which serves as the lubricious material, the polymeric coating being rupturable upon the application of pressure in order to release the lubricious material.

Abstract: A battery operated hand-held dispenser which operates efficiently at lower power levels than prior art devices. The dispenser as included therein has spray, foam or stream, dispensing capabilities coupled with pump mechanisms, vent mechanisms and positive closures.

Abstract: An improved closed-end manometer which overcomes the problems associated with prior U-tube manometer devices. The invention comprises a small bore tube which is transparent or translucent at least along the measuring portion and which may be of tapered or cylindrical bore, a permanent closure at one end of the tube, a relatively small indicating slug formed of a suitable liquid, a measuring scale to note the position of the liquid slug, and a measured quantity of a selected gas between the closure and the nearest end of the liquid slug. The open end of the tube is connected to the vessel or system whose pressure is to be measured or monitored. One feature of the present invention is its ability to provide quantitative pressure indications over a wide range of pressures, or the invention may be calibrated to provide increased sensitivity over a relatively short measuring range. Another feature of the invention is its ability to provide accurate pressure measurements regardless of the instrument's orientation.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant vessel which contains a liquid is provided with a non-adherent multi-walled construction having, in one embodiment, at least two adjacent non-adherent layers for providing a void in between to enable tamper indication by discoloration indicative of gross spoliage. In one embodiment, the container or vessel has an opaque inner wall and a closely spaced transparent outer wall, with a void in between. Puncture from the outside through the two walls provides seepage of the interiorly-carried liquid between the multiple walls to provide the look of spoilage.

Abstract: An optically transparent organometallic polymer is disclosed prepared from a polyvalent metal salt-containing monomer of the formula ##STR1## wherein M is a polyvalent metal, R is C.sub.1 to C.sub.12 alkyl, R.sub.1 is C.sub.1 to C.sub.12 alkyl, phenyl or naphthyl unsubstituted or substituted with C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkoxy, amino, C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkylamino, di-C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkylamino, nitro or halo or heterocyclic aryl, the heteroatom selected from the group nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur. A process for preparing these high metal content optically transparent materials is disclosed. The polymers are useful in forming transparent radiation barrier sheets and films.

Abstract: Screen printing stencils are prepared by afixing to a printing screen substrate an indicia-defining, ultraviolet-sensitive film and cross-linking the film by exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The coating compositions used to form the film comprise copolyacrylate/polyurethane block copolymers, in which the copolyacrylate blocks are copolymers of at least one hydroxy-containing acrylate and at least one acrylate or methacrylate which may be partially substituted with bromine, ultraviolet initiators and cross-linking monomers. Screen printing stencils are provided which are compatible with both water-based and oil-based inks. The disclosed screen printing stencils are used in improved screen-printing methods.

Abstract: A lithographic printing plate in which the oleophilic imaging areas are formed as a thin cross-linked block copolymer film adhered to the hydrophilic surface of a backing plate. The block copolymer comprises blocks of copolyacrylate and polyurethane wherein the copolyacrylate blocks are a copolymer of a hydroxy-containing acrylate and a second acrylate component comprising one or more esters of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid or mixtures thereof and the polyurethane blocks are formed of polyoxybutylene as the prepolymer component. In forming the printing plate the block copolymer is deposited as a thin film containing an ultraviolet initiator and a cross linking promoter and the cross-linked imaging areas are formed by exposure to ultraviolet radiation.