Abstract: An anode stream recirculation system for a fuel cell, the fuel cell including an anode gas input and an anode gas output, the anode stream recirculation system comprising: an anode gas supply; a switch connected with the anode gas supply; a pressure regulating device connected between the switch and the anode gas input of the fuel cell; a diaphragm pump connected between the anode gas output and the anode gas input of the fuel cell thereby forming an anode gas recirculation; wherein the diaphragm pump has at least a sensor electrically connected with the switch.

Abstract: Magnetic composites exhibit distinct flux properties due to gradient interfaces. The composites can be used to improve fuel cells and batteries and effect transport and separation of different species of materials, for example, transition metal species such as lanthanides and actinides. A variety of devices can be made utilizing the composites including a separator, an electrode for channeling flux of magnetic species, an electrode for effecting electrolysis of magnetic species, a system for channeling electrolyte species, a system for separating particles with different magnetic susceptibilities, improved fuel cells, batteries, and oxygen concentrators. Some composites can be used to make a separator for distinguishing between two species of materials and a flux switch to regulate the flow of a chemical species. Some composites can control chemical species transport and distribution. Other composites enable ambient pressure fuel cells having enhanced performance and reduced weight to be produced.

Abstract: Materials and methods for making and using magnetically enhanced composite materials are provided. Surfaces coated with such composites can be used to improve fuel cells, material separators, and other applications. A variety of devices can incorporate such composites, including fuel cells, separators, batteries, and electrodes that effect electrolysis of magnetic species.

Abstract: Magnetic composites exhibit distinct flux properties due to gradient interfaces. The composites can be used to improve fuel cells and batteries and effect transport and separation of different species of materials, for example, transition metal species such as lanthanides and actinides. A variety of devices can be made utilizing the composites including a separator, an electrode for channeling flux of magnetic species, an electrode for effecting electrolysis of magnetic species, a system for channeling electrolyte species, a system for separating particles with different magnetic susceptibilities, improved fuel cells, batteries, and oxygen concentrators. Some composites can be used to make a separator for distinguishing between two species of materials and a flux switch to regulate the flow of a chemical species. Some composites can control chemical species transport and distribution. Other composites enable ambient pressure fuel cells having enhanced performance and reduced weight to be produced.

Abstract: An electromechanical battery having an annular rotor structure with magnetic levitation components integrally mounted in the rotor structure providing a passive levitation system in conjunction with a central core having permanent magnet elements mounted thereon, eliminating the need for the shaft and hub typically used on such devices. The rotor structure and central core are disposed in an evacuated housing. The rotor comprises a composite core wrapped with one or more layers of high-strength composite filaments, wherein the first layer is wrapped over the composite core in a continuous filament spiral-wound pattern, the second layer is wound in the same pattern, but in a counter-rotating direction and the third layer is wound in sequential planes radial to the axis of the rotor. Preferably, the closed-circuit conductive coils are embedded in the rotor structure and the magnet elements are configured in a Halbach Array.

Abstract: Magnetic composites exhibit distinct flux properties due to gradient interfaces. The composites can be used to improve fuel cells and batteries and effect transport and separation of different species of materials, for example, transition metal species such as lanthanides and actinides. A variety of devices can be made utilizing the composites including a separator, an electrode for channeling flux of magnetic species, an electrode for effecting electrolysis of magnetic species, a system for channeling electrolyte species, a system for separating particles with different magnetic susceptibilities, improved fuel cells, batteries, and oxygen concentrators. Some composites can be used to make a separator for distinguishing between two species of materials and a flux switch to regulate the flow of a chemical species. Some composites can control chemical species transport and distribution. Other composites enable ambient pressure fuel cells having enhanced performance and reduced weight to be produced.

Abstract: A battery substitute pack (10), comprising a casing (15) dimensioned for accommodation in a battery compartment of predetermined size and housing therein an energy transfer circuit (14, 30) for receiving electrical energy remotely via a contactless charging unit (20-), and a positive supply terminal (16) and a negative supply terminal (17) coupled to the energy transfer circuit (14, 30) for connecting to corresponding positive and negative contacts of the battery compartment. Preferably, the battery substitute pack (10) contains at least one rechargeable cell (11) which may be recharged via induction by means of a contactless charging unit (20).

Abstract: Battery modification directed to problem of reduced withdrawable current capacity of transiently highly-loaded discharging batteries. Prior art batteries reviewed are: two which enhance galvanic reaction during discharge by circulating low-viscosity electrolyte around magnets spaced between electrodes; and one using magnetic material at negative electrodes to limit dendrite formation during battery charging, whether the electrolyte is a liquid solution or solidified by gelling. The present invention is a current collector preferably comprising a magnetized sheet of foamed nickel having North and South poles on opposite faces, and folded about a small coercivity mumetal insert, installing such an assembly as the current collector of any two-sided type plate electrode. A variety of embodiments is disclosed, as are various arrangements combining more than one type embodiment per battery.

Abstract: A fuel-cells system 20 is equipped with an oxygen enrichment unit 34 and supplies air whose oxygen partial pressure has been increased by the oxygen enrichment unit 34 to fuel cells 40 as oxidizing gas. The oxygen enrichment unit 34 is a magnetic oxygen enrichment device that effects oxygen enrichment utilizing the fact that the oxygen molecule is paramagnetic and when magnetized migrates toward a magnetic pole side. Specifically, a magnetic field is generated inside the oxygen enrichment unit 34 by an electromagnet, air compressed by a compressor unit 32 is supplied to the oxygen enrichment unit 34, and compressed oxygen-enriched air is discharged from the vicinity of the magnetic poles in the oxygen enrichment unit 34 and supplied to the fuel cells 40.

Abstract: In order to improve a method for determining the substance conversion during areal electrochemical reactions in at least one local surface area between a counterelectrode arrangement of an areal design and an electrode arrangement of an areal design, which has a contact element segment designed in accordance with the surface area and a contact element contacting the remaining surface areas and being electrically insulated in relation to the contact element segment, in such a manner that the substance conversion can be determined in as simple a manner as possible it is suggested that not only the contact element but also the contact element segment be connected to one current source or current drain provided for carrying out the electrochemical reaction, that a current flowing between the contact element segment and the current source or current drain via a conductor generate a magnetic field around the conductor and that the magnetic field be determined as a measure for the substance conversion in the local s

Abstract: A method of determining the charge and/or discharge capacities of non-aqueous batteries with an operating voltage of about 4 volts, is provided including determining an inverse molar susceptibility value at each of a plurality of different temperatures for a plurality of lithium manganese spinel oxide cathode materials having different respective Mn valencies; plotting the inverse molar susceptibility values against temperatures for each of the plurality of lithium manganese spinel oxide cathode materials; determining values of at least one of two paramagnetic parameters, Weiss temperature and effective magnetic moment, by obtaining the temperature dependence of the above inverse molar susceptibility from a plot derived from the Curie-Weiss law, the Weiss temperature corresponding to a temperature value extrapolated to a zero point of the inverse molar susceptibility and the effective magnetic moment being obtainable from the gradient value of the plot; producing plural rechargeable lithium batteries in which

Abstract: Magnetic composites exhibit distinct flux properties due to gradient interfaces. The composites can be used to improve fuel cells and batteries and effect transport and separation of different chemical species. Devices utilizing the composites include an electrode and improved fuel cells and batteries. Some composites, disposed on the surface of electrodes, prevent passivation of those electrodes and enable direct reformation of liquid fuels. Methods involving these composites provide distinct ways for these composites to be utilized.

Abstract: Magnetic composites exhibit distinct flux properties due to gradient interfaces. Such composites can be used, for example, to improve fuel cells and batteries and to effect transport and separation of different chemical species, such as transition metal species (lanthanides and actinides). A variety of devices can be made utilizing the composites, including a separator, an electrode for channeling flux of magnetic species, an electrode for effecting electrolysis of magnetic species, a system for channeling electrolyte species, a system for separating particles with different magnetic susceptibilities, as well as improved fuel cells, batteries, and oxygen concentrators.

Abstract: A long-life battery has a heat source and a magnetic field source to improve the efficiency and life of the battery's ability to deliver an electrical charge. In particular, an open-ended steel insert having two acid containers containing a muriatic-hydrochloric acid mixture heats up an electrolytic solution that flows within the battery. A magnet disposed between the acid containers generates the magnetic field. The battery may be terminal-less and use insulated leads that extend from the battery. The insulated leads have connectors for coupling to an electrically-powered device.

Abstract: A long-life battery has an acid based heat source and a magnetic field source to improve the efficiency and life of the battery's ability to deliver an electrical charge. In particular, an open-ended steel insert having two acid containers containing a muriatic-hydrochloric acid mixture heats up an electrolytic solution that flows within the battery. A magnet disposed between the acid containers generates the magnetic field. The battery may be terminal-less and use insulated leads that extend from the battery. The insulated leads have connectors for coupling to an electrically-powered device.

Abstract: A battery system and method of operation are shown. The battery system utilizes a microparticle fuel slurry containing microparticle spheres surrounded by active electrochemical material. In the operation of the battery system, the microparticle spheres are attracted to battery-cell electrode plates and held there by a magnetic field. The core of the microparticle spheres and battery-cell electrode plates may be permanently magnetic or ferromagnetic in nature. The magnetic field may originate from permanently magnetic materials or be induced using magnetic field windings or the like. The battery system may be recharged by replacing spent microparticle fuel slurry with unspent slurry. In some applications, such as when used to power an electro-motive vehicle, a reserve of unspent microparticle fuel slurry may be stored on-board the vehicle and used to periodically replace spent microparticle fuel slurry during operation.

Abstract: A method for coating a surface with a magnetic composite material exhibiting distinct flux properties due to gradient interfaces within the composite. Surfaces coated with such a composite can be used to improve fuel cells and to effect improved transport and separation of different species of materials. A wide variety of devices can incorporate such composite-coated surfaces, including separators, fuel cells, electrochemical cells, and electrodes for channeling flux of, or for effecting electrolysis of, magnetic species.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention, a novel stick-on peel-off fastener, comprising one or more conductive sticky elements, sandwiched between one or more terminals of a first object such as an electrical device and one or more terminals of a second object such as battery, can keep the battery affixed to the electrical device while the battery supplies power to the electrical device. One embodiment of a conductive sticky element includes a layer of conductive adhesive, such as a polymer resin that has a number of microscopic silver filings. Another embodiment of a conductive sticky element includes a number of hooks, such as those in Velcro.TM. elements. Yet another embodiment of a conductive sticky element includes a magnet that when used with another magnet, prevents improper coupling of the two objects due to magnetic repulsion.

Abstract: In a secondary battery including at least an anode, a cathode, an electrolyte and a battery housing, a magnetic-field generation unit for generating magnetic lines of force, orthogonal to an electric field during charging, at least on the surface of the anode is provided.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention, a novel stick-on peel-off fastener, comprising one or more conductive sticky elements, sandwiched between one or more terminals of a first object such as an electrical device and one or more terminals of a second object such as battery, can keep the battery affixed to the electrical device while the battery supplies power to the electrical device. One embodiment of a conductive sticky element includes a layer of conductive adhesive, such as a polymer resin that has a number of microscopic silver filings. Another embodiment of a conductive sticky element includes a number of hooks, such as those in Velcro.TM. elements. Yet another embodiment of a conductive sticky element includes a magnet that when used with another magnet, prevents improper coupling of the two objects due to magnetic repulsion.

Abstract: A prismatic metal-air battery is provided for having at least one prismatic metal-air cell received in a cell cavity of a prismatic casing. The casing comprises a wall portion which defines a surface. The wall portion has at least one opening in communication with the cell cavity which is adapted to allow the passage of air into the cell cavity. The casing also includes a valve member having a surface bearing on the wall portion surface. The valve member also has at least one opening therein. The wall portion surface and the valve member surface are adapted to allow movement of the valve member across the wall portion surface between a closed position, in which the valve member opening does not overlap with the wall portion opening, and an open position, in which the valve member opening and wall portion opening at least partially overlap. Importantly, the casing also includes means for providing an attractive force between the wall portion and the valve member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for unobtrusively measuring physical properties in electrochemical processes occurring in a predefined volume, such as the state of charge in an electrochemical battery. The invention provides for a coil (22) or (42) positioned relative to the predefined volume to minimize the reluctance path between the coil and the electrochemical process, with the winding axis of the coil generally transverse to a surface bounding the predefined volume. In this position, an alternating current is applied to the coil to generate an oscillatory magnetic field. Preferably, the coil includes a core (24) or a backing plate (46) for concentrating the magnetic field in a direction towards the process in the predefined volume. The physical properties are determined based upon a measurement of the electrical complex impedance of the coil, and data correlating the physical properties of the process with the electrical complex impedance of the coil.

Abstract: This invention relates to a nickel-hydride alkaline battery. In the battery, both negative and positive electrodes use an electrode plate with a net structure to solve the problems of high internal resistance, current collecting and heat releasing. The battery can be used practically as a starting and driving power for electric automobiles.

Abstract: A system for supplying electric power to a battery operated vehicle makes use of a support plate for receiving a series of batteries. The support plate, and the batteries which it receives, include complementary mechanical and electrical connections which facilitate their interconnection. The support plate permits either a series connection, or a shunt connection of the batteries making use of conducting parts which interconnect the batteries with one another and with cables for supplying the vehicle with electric power.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a device which may be used as a substitute for one or more of a plurality of DC batteries used as a power source. The device includes an electrically conducting elongated structure which is sized such that it forms an electrical contact with a DC battery contained in a battery compartment or a battery compartment. In one embodiment, the elongated structure includes a permanent magnet which is capable of replacing one or more of a plurality of DC batteries used as a power source and of extending the life of the batteries used. In an alternate embodiment, the elongated structure is electrically conducting.

Abstract: An ion-permeable spacer is provided for an electrochemical apparatus. The spacer comprises a perforated or ion-permeable, relatively-thin, synthetic plastic material sheet having two opposed faces and having a plurality of magnets completely embedded in both opposed faces thereof and including at least four vertically-upwardly slanting slits extending at an upwardly-sloping angle along each of the two opposed faces and also extending transversely through the spacer between the two opposed faces, the slits having a particularly defined width and disposed at a particular angle, thereby to provide greater combined flow and mixing of electrolyte through the spacer.

Abstract: A battery charging system is provided for charging a rechargeable batteries and for distinguishing the rechargeable battery from a non-rechargeable battery. The charging system establishes an electromagnetic field proximate the battery. A circuit within the battery enters a resonant condition in response to the electromagnetic field and the resonant condition is sensed by the charging system to switch the charging system from a non-charging mode to a charging mode.

Abstract: The invention consists of an electromagnetic-field pump. Electrolyte which is an electromagnetic conductor can be stirred and pumped by forcing a field through the electrolyte to magnetically charge the electrolyte and making use of magnetic force exerted on the charged electrolyte by a magnetic field to move the electrolyte. There are no moving parts in the device, only the changing magnetic fields. The magnetic pump assembly is submerged in an electrolyte and consists of an open ended tubular nonmagnetic chamber through which the electrolyte is forced to move in response to changing magnetic fields from external coils which are positioned about the exterior of the tubular chamber and operated to sequentially change in phase.

Abstract: An intimate mixture is prepared of a conductive metal powder and an active material in granular form. The mixture is then sintered by passing it through a variable magnetic field which is varied to produce trains of pulses in which the durations of the trains and intervals between trains are chosen in such a manner as to ensure that said metal powder is sintered without deteriorating said grains of active material.

Abstract: An electric storage battery including a magnetohydrodynamic pump between the active cell element and the container wall wherein the pump comprises a conduit magnet means for establishing a magnetic field transverse the conduit and electrode means for passing current transverse the field and the conduit to effect movement of electrolyte through the conduit.

Abstract: Magnetized active carbon composition consisting of active carbon and a magnetized ferromagnetic material mixed therewith has enhanced properties of active carbon, and may be used in order to remove carbon monoxide, hydrogen and nicotine from tobacco smoke and to control reactions in soil. The above properties are enhanced by applying a magnetic field and/or an electrostatic field to the magnetized active carbon.

Abstract: An improvement is provided for a battery which has an anode and a cathode, pair of spaced apart concentric tubes, a piston mounted in the inner tube, an electrolyte disposed in the inner tube between one side of the piston and one end of the inner tube, and a device disposed in the inner tube between the other side of the piston and the other end of the inner tube for biasing the piston toward the one end of the inner tube. The improvement includes the cathode being porous and being mounted in the annular space, and an electrolyte which substantially completely fills the pores of the cathode. The volume of the electrolyte within the porous cathode is substantially only sufficient for stoichiometry. A passageway is provided for communicating the electrolyte side of the inner tube with the annular space. The volume of the electrolyte within the inner tube is substantially only sufficient for filling the voids left within the annular space as the products react.

Abstract: A generating device is disclosed comprising first and second electrodes made of dissimilar metals, one of said electrodes being copper which has been irradiated with electromagnetic energy at the wavelength for excitation of the K shell electrons of the copper atoms. The other electrode contains at least one element chosen from Periodic groups I, II, III, IV, VII and VIII, and is preferably nickel plated brass. The two electrodes, when maintained in an electrolyte, provide a stable electrical output. When the ion concentration of the electrolyte is below a given level, the output is proportional to the ion concentration, such that an ion detector is provided.

Abstract: A device for detecting the overdischarge of the accumulator as well as the surface level of electrolyte contained in the accumulator comprising a floating member, a case housing the floating member and having a hole through which the electrolyte in the accumulator passes, a means for sucking the electrolyte through the hole into the case, and a magnetically sensing switch arranged to be operated responding to movement of the floating member. At least one chamber communicated with the outside of the case is provided in the case outside the hole through which the electrolyte passes.

Abstract: A battery in which, to improve its discharging performance, the liquid electrolyte is maintained at a specific gravity that is optimum for electrical conductivity, and a magnetic flux is imposed upon the battery plates, and other such conditions which also favor electrical conductivity, saturation, storage and desaturation are maintained.

Abstract: Fuel cell block comprising sealed compartments for fluid reactants and electrolyte, these compartments being delimited by plates, for example, the electrodes of the fuel cell.At least some of the plates delimiting the compartments are subjected to magnetic attractive forces balancing the action of the pressing forces exerted on these plates by the fluid contained in the compartments.

Abstract: An anode for use in the alkaline storage battery, which anode comprises an iron-electrode incorporating a permanent magnet.