Abstract: A battery apparatus which includes a battery housing having a plurality of battery cell receptacles, each of the battery cell receptacles having an inwardly tapered opening. A plurality of battery cells are respectively inserted in the battery cell receptacles, and electrodes of each battery cell are connected via wires or bus bars to electrodes of another battery cell. A collar is secured to and surrounds each of the plurality of battery cells, the collar being located at a central portion of the battery cells. A portion of the collar is inwardly tapered, with the inward taper of the battery cell receptacle matching the inward taper of the collar. Retaining tabs secure each battery cell and its respective collar to the battery housing. An adhesive material is applied to a surface of the central portion of each battery cell, with the adhesive material bonding to an inner surface of the respective collar. An electrically insulating material is also embedded in the adhesive material.

Abstract: A thin multi-passage cooler that produces an isothermal heating surface, high heat transfer coefficients, without producing an excessive pressure drop across the coolant passages. The cooler having a plurality of first passages in fluid communication with a plurality of second passages. A coolant flows through the second passages and then through first passages which are in close proximity to a heating source. The first and second passages are oriented and connected such that the direction of coolant flow in the first passages is opposite to the direction of flow in the second passages. To promote high heat transfer coefficients the passages are constructed to have large length to width ratios and small hydraulic diameters.

Abstract: An accessory for trucks, such as pickup trucks, for the storage of miscellaneous items, rifles or shotguns comprising a flexible panel supported upon the vehicle only at its upper edge including a plurality of upper vertically oriented pockets and a horizontally disposed elongated long gun receiving pocket adjacent the panel lower edge. The mounting of the panel at only the upper edge permits the lower portion to be flexed and positioned as desired to provide access to the gun storage pocket, and a closure within the firearm storage pocket access opening seals the opening to comply with the firearm transport regulations.