Abstract: A tissue clip for use in electrosurgical procedures includes an arm having a first electrode formed thereon. The tissue clip also includes a body pivotally coupled to the arm. The body includes a power source and a second electrode. The arm is moveable from a first position relative to the body for approximating tissue and a second position closer to the body for grasping tissue therebetween.

Abstract: A secondary battery includes a current cut-off device that cuts off a current flow between a battery element and an external terminal of a positive electrode, and a bypass member electrically connected to an external terminal of a negative electrode. The current cut-off device includes a current collecting member electrically connected to the battery element inside an outer casing, and an inversion plate electrically connected to the current collecting member. The inversion plate comes apart from the current collecting member when the inner pressure of the outer casing becomes increased so as to cut off conduction between the battery element and the external terminal of the positive electrode, and becomes further deformed to electrically connect the bypass member and the external terminal of the positive electrode.

Abstract: A prismatic secondary battery includes an electrode assembly, a casing having an opening, a sealing plate sealing the opening, a terminal connected to an electrode that constitutes the electrode assembly, and a current collector connected to the electrode. The current collector has a base portion located along the sealing plate and a lead portion extending from an end portion of the base portion toward a bottom of the casing. The base portion is welded to the terminal. The lead portion is connected to a substrate exposure portion of the electrode and has a fusible portion that is fusible by an excessive current and that has a smallest cross section compared to the remaining portion. The fusible portion has a cross section equal to or smaller than 92% of a cross section of the base portion that passes through an end portion of a weld-connection portion closer to the lead portion.

Abstract: A method of operating a redox flow battery string including at least first and second redox flow batteries and an outside power source includes: providing a least first and second redox flow batteries in a string electrically connected in a string, and each redox flow battery having a state-or-charge (SOC) and an electrical load, wherein the electrical load for at least one of the first and second redox flow batteries in the string is powered by the outside power source; obtaining an SOC value for each redox flow battery in the string; identifying a target SOC value in the string; and adjusting the SOC value for at least one of the first and second redox flow batteries to correspond to the target SOC value by using a portion of stored energy in the at least one first or second redox flow battery to supply power to the electrical load.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery including: an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate; a case accommodating the electrode assembly; a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal electrically connected to the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, respectively, and protruding to the outside of the case; and a first terminal plate and a second terminal plate positioned outside the case and coupled to the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal, respectively, and a terminal plate of the first terminal plate and the second terminal plate includes a first fuse.

Abstract: A secondary battery includes a case; an electrode assembly accommodated in the case, and including a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator between the first and second electrode plates; a first terminal portion electrically connected to the electrode assembly; and a cap plate configured to cover an opening of the case, and the first terminal portion includes a first electrode terminal passing through the cap plate to protrude upward from a first position of the cap plate, and a first current collector including a first end connected to the first electrode terminal, and a second end connected to the first electrode plate, the first current collector including a plurality of notches.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes a battery case, a cover that closes an open end of the battery case, and a power collection terminal arranged on the cover to supply power from a power generating element to an external terminal. The power collection terminal extends through a gasket arranged on a lower surface of the cover, an insulator arranged on an upper surface of the cover, and the external terminal arranged on an upper surface of the insulator. An annular sealing member is held between the lower surface of the cover and the gasket. The insulator is a resin-molded component. The insulator includes a through hole defined by an inner wall that includes a lower open end, an upper open end, and a central portion. At least one of the lower open end and the upper open end has a larger diameter than the central portion.

Abstract: An actuating structure of battery safety valve includes an end plate, a safety valve, a positive-terminal conductive plate, a negative-terminal conductive plate, a ventilate plate and an actuating plate. A positive terminal and a negative terminal penetrate through the end plate and the safety valve. The positive-terminal and the negative-terminal conductive plates are disposed on the end plate and extended from the positive terminal and the negative terminal to the safety valve, respectively. The ventilate plate is disposed on the end plate and corresponding to the safety valve. The actuating plate is disposed between the ventilate plate and the safety valve, and restricted under a normal condition by the safety valve. When an internal pressure of the battery exceeds a breaking pressure of the safety valve, the actuating plate is released, so that an electric connection path is formed between the positive and the negative terminals.

Abstract: An electricity storage device including: plural electricity storage modules, each including an electricity storage module case, plural electricity storage cells housed in the electricity storage module case, and external terminals; an electricity storage case in which the plurality of electricity storage modules are arranged and housed; plural wire harnesses connected to the external terminals of the electricity storage modules; and a vibration damping material provided in a space region between one surface of the electricity storage case and, among the plurality of wire harnesses, at least a wire harness including the longest length extending in an arrangement direction of the electricity storage modules, wherein the wire harness including the longest length extending in the arrangement direction of the electricity storage modules is biased toward a side of the electricity storage module case by the one surface of the electricity storage case, through the vibration damping material.

Abstract: A wiring module includes connecting members for electrically connecting electrode terminals of adjacent power storage elements, an insulating protector for accommodating the connecting members and an insulating cover for covering the insulating protector. The insulating cover is configured by arranging a plurality of division covers. At least one of the division covers is formed with an overlapping portion to be overlapped with an adjacent one of the division covers.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a casing having an inner surface and a battery module accommodated in the casing. The battery module includes a battery unit and two end plates. The battery unit includes battery cells that are arranged side by side. The end plates hold the battery unit in between. At least one of the end plates has a projection that projects further toward the inner surface of the casing than the battery unit.

Abstract: A plurality of cascade-connected voltage detection ICs detect each voltage of a plurality of battery cells connected in series and constituting an assembled battery, through a plurality of voltage detection lines. Power sources receive power from the assembled battery, for supplying power to the plurality of the voltage detection ICs. Communication lines connect between the plurality of the voltage detection ICs. A controlling circuit is connected to at least one of the plurality of the voltage detection ICs. First to third dummy resistors are connected to each of one or more of the voltage detection ICs which are not directly communicated to the controlling circuit out of the plurality of the voltage detection ICs. First to third switches turn on or off current supply through the first to third dummy resistors.

Abstract: A rechargeable secondary battery includes: a case; an electrode assembly in the case; and a cap plate coupled to the case and protecting the electrode assembly, wherein the cap plate comprises a fuse part electrically connected to the electrode assembly.

Abstract: A utility vehicle power distribution module for a plurality of fuses on a first level and a second level of a multi-level housing. Each fuse may be installed between a pair of fuse connection terminals. One of each pair of fuse connection terminals may be connected to an electrical bus bar, and the other of each pair of fuse connection terminals connected to a cable extending through one of a plurality of cable entry and exit openings in an outside wall on a first side and a second side of the multi-level housing.

Abstract: A lid assembly for use in a battery module includes a lid with apertures extending through the lid in a vertical direction, where each of the apertures is configured to receive a terminal of a battery cell of the battery module. The lid assembly also includes one or more extensions extending away from the lid in the vertical direction. Each of the one or more extensions is configured to couple the lid to a printed circuit board assembly of the battery module. The lid assembly also includes walls extending away from the lid in the vertical direction. Each of the walls is configured to extend between a first terminal of a first battery cell and a second terminal of a second battery cell.

Abstract: A device may include an electronic component stack cover having an open end sized to receive a modular electronic component stack including a plurality of like modular electronic components, an at least partially closed end, and sides extending from the at least partially closed end toward the open end. The at least partially closed end and the at least one side may form a chamber. At least one electrically conductive probe may extend from the at least partially closed end into the chamber. The chamber may conform to an outer shape of at least a portion of the modular electronic component stack, and the electrically conductive probe may be configured to electrically interface with a first connector on the electronic component stack when the stack is within the chamber.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly including a first electrode and a second electrode, a case in which the electrode assembly is mounted, a cap plate coupled to the case, the cap plate including a short-circuit hole therethrough, a first terminal electrically connected to the first electrode, a second terminal electrically connected to the second electrode, an upper insulating member between the second terminal and the cap plate, the upper insulating member including a connection hole in fluid communication with the short-circuit hole, and an air vent hole spaced apart from the connection hole, and a short-circuit member in the short-circuit hole, the short-circuit member being between the cap plate and the upper insulating member, and the short-circuit member being configured to deform to electrically connect the first electrode with the second electrode.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery, including a case including an internal space; an electrode assembly in the case; a cap plate coupled with an opening of the case; a first terminal electrically connected to the electrode assembly, the first terminal being on the cap plate; and a connecting member to electrically connect the first terminal to the cap plate, the connecting member including two insulation parts, the insulation parts including an insulating layer, and the connecting member further including an exposure part in which the insulating layer is not formed, the exposure part being between the insulation parts.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system and a method. A system includes at least two individually controllable electrochemical cells configured to output electric power. Each individually controllable cell includes an electrolyte, and a first working electrode configured to transfer electrons to or from the electrolyte. Each individually controllable cell includes a second working electrode configured to transfer electrons to or from the electrolyte. Each individually controllable cell includes a gating electrode spaced-apart from the second working electrode and configured if biased relative to the second working electrode to modify an electric charge, field, or potential in the space between the electrolyte and the second working electrode. The system includes a control circuit coupled to apply a respective biasing signal to each gating electrode of each controllable cell of the at least two controllable cells.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a lithium ion secondary battery, first, lithium nickel manganese oxide which is a positive electrode active material is exposed to fluorine-based gas to form a coating film containing amorphous lithium fluoride on a surface of the positive electrode active material. Next, a phosphate compound is added to the positive electrode active material on which the coating film containing the lithium fluoride is formed. After a lithium ion secondary battery which includes a positive electrode including the positive electrode active material is formed, the lithium ion secondary battery is charged to form a coating film containing amorphous lithium phosphate on the surface of the positive electrode active material.

Abstract: A traction battery assembly includes first and second arrays each having cells with terminals on a terminal side of the array. The arrays are arranged with the terminal sides facing each other. A thermal plate is disposed between the arrays and is in contact with the terminal sides. A busbar mechanically and electrically connects a terminal of a cell in the first array to a terminal of a cell in the second array.

Abstract: A power battery cap structure and a power battery are provided in the present invention. The power battery cap structure includes a first terminal, a second terminal and a cap assembly; both the first terminal and the second terminal are provided on the cap assembly, and the second terminal is electrically insulated from the cap assembly. The power battery cap structure further includes a resistance attached to the first terminal and electrically connected the first terminal with the cap assembly. The cap assembly includes a cap sheet, a first short circuit part and a second short circuit part; the first short circuit part and the second short circuit part are attached to the cap sheet and configured to act upwards when pressure inside the power battery increases so that the first terminal and the second terminal are electrically connected to form a protection loop; and the first short circuit part and the resistance are connected in parallel when the protection loop is formed.

Abstract: The present invention is a polymer supercapacitor and method for making such a supercapacitor. The supercapacitor is formed by loading a flexible electrode plate of a high surface area material with metal oxide particles, then encasing the electrode plate in a coating of a polymer electrolyte. The electrode plate is then folded in half and flexible plates attached to the upper and lower surfaces to form the supercapacitor.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for sensing swelling of a battery. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus for sensing swelling of a battery includes: a sensing circuit configured to be coupled to one side of a housing of the battery; a current sensing unit configured to sense whether a current is conducted between the sensing circuit and the other side of the housing of the battery; and a determination unit configured to determine whether the battery is swelled by the sensing.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of obtaining a battery capable of achieving a uniform temperature among a plurality of battery cells in a simple configuration while achieving size and weight reductions, and a battery module using the battery block. The battery block of the present invention has a structure such that a pair of end plates is disposed at both ends of a plurality of battery cells in an arranged direction; first spacers are disposed between the plurality of battery cells; and second spacers are disposed between the battery cells and the end plates. The first spacers have a space for allowing a flow of cooling gas. The second spacers block the flow of the cooling gas between the battery cells and the end plates and have a thermal insulating property for suppressing heat transmission between the battery cells and the end plates.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery module includes: a plurality of unit cells arranged along a first direction; a bus bar holder on the unit cells; a bus bar in the bus bar holder electrically connecting the unit cells; first and second end plates on opposite ends of the unit cells in the first direction; and a side plate on opposite ends of the unit cells in a second direction intersecting the first direction and connected to the end plates, wherein the bus bar comprises a first member extending in the first direction and connected to electrode terminals of the unit cells, and a second member connected to the first member.

Abstract: A high current fuse with a short time constant is provided for use in an electric vehicle. The fuse is designed to exhibit thermal characteristics that are similar if not substantially identical to those of the wire bond interconnects used in the vehicle's battery pack. As a result, the system does not go into an overheat protection condition when the system is subjected to repetitive high current cycles, such as those common during aggressive and/or spirited driving.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery including an electrode assembly including a first electrode and a second electrode; a case in which the electrode assembly is accommodated, the case including an opening; a first terminal electrically coupled to the first electrode; a second terminal electrically coupled to the second electrode; a cap plate coupled to the opening, the cap plate including a short-circuit hole and being electrically coupled to the first electrode; a short-circuit member in the short-circuit hole, the short-circuit member electrically coupling the cap plate and the second terminal when deformed; and an upper cover including a first barrier wall covering the short-circuit hole, the first barrier wall protruding toward the short-circuit member, the first barrier wall including a first exhaust hole, and a top surface of the upper cover including an external hole connected to the first exhaust hole.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly including a first electrode and a second electrode, a case to receive the electrode assembly, a cap plate coupled with the case and including a short circuit hole, a first terminal electrically connected to the first electrode, a second terminal electrically connected to the second electrode, an upper insulator member disposed between the second terminal and the cap plate, the upper insulator member having a connection hole communicating with the short circuit hole, and a terminal hole spaced apart from the connection hole, a short circuit member in the short circuit hole to electrically connect the cap plate with the second terminal when the short circuit member is modified, and a gap between the upper insulator member and the cap plate, the gap extending continuously from the connection hole toward the terminal hole.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes a case having an electrode assembly, a cap plate to seal an opening of the case, and an electrode terminal in the cap plate. The electrode terminal includes a plate terminal at an upper area and a bent plate to electrically couple the plate terminal to the cap plate. The bent plate sets a gap between the plate terminal and the cap plate, and provides a current path from the plate terminal to the cap plate having a length greater than an interval between the plate terminal and the cap plate.

Abstract: A multi-electrode device that includes an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and a gate electrode situated between the anode and cathode, and having an electrolyte. The multi-electrode device can be a secondary (rechargeable) electrochemical cell. The gate electrode is permeable to at least one mobile species which is redox-active at at least one of the anode and cathode. The gate electrode has a resistance that is lower than that of a conductive non-uniform morphological feature that could be grown on the anode. The gate electrode provides the ability to avoid, recognize, and remove the presence of such non-uniform morphological features, and provides an electrical electrode that can be used to remove such non-uniform morphological features.

Abstract: A battery module having a minimized size is provided. The battery module includes a secondary battery unit including a plurality of secondary batteries arranged with a predetermined interval in horizontal and vertical directions, a compression plate wrapping an exterior portion of the secondary battery unit and compressing the secondary battery unit with a predetermined pressure, and a housing accommodating the secondary battery unit combined with the compression plate, the housing including one or more bolt fastening units corresponding to portions between the plurality of secondary batteries arranged in the horizontal direction and protruding from a bottom surface of the housing and one or more bolts fastened with the one or more bolt fastening units by way of the portions between the plurality of secondary batteries arranged in the horizontal direction while passing through the compression plate.

Abstract: A capacitor housing case with output terminal withdrawn forward comprises: a rear plate for forming the placement space which is divided by division portion being projected longitudinally; a top plate which is vertically formed forward from a top of the rear plate; a bottom plate which is formed parallel to the top plate forward from a bottom of the rear plate; a side plate for forming the placement space having a front opening by coupling to both sides of the rear plate, a top plate and a bottom plate; and at least two fixed mount, which is exposed outside parallel to the rear plate, for having a fixation groove penetrating up and down; wherein a capacitor output terminal is extended through the front opening, and epoxy is inserted through the front opening, and the capacitor elements and the first, the second busbar-formed portion are epoxy molded.

Abstract: A laminated electric core for a lithium-ion battery includes a first current collecting substrate; a first electrode active material layer coated on an inner surface of the first current collecting substrate; a second current collecting substrate; a second electrode active material layer coated on an inner surface of the second current collecting substrate; a separator sandwiched between the first electrode active material layer and the second electrode active material layer, wherein an electrolyte is retained at least in the separator; an adhesive layer between the first electrode active material layer and the separator; a first sealant layer on the inner surface of the first current collecting substrate along peripheral edges of the first electrode active material layer; and a second sealant layer on the inner surface of the second current collecting substrate along peripheral edges of the second electrode active material layer.

Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in one direction, a pair of end plates at outsides of respective outermost battery cells among the plurality of battery cells, a pair of end blocks between the end plates and the respective outermost battery cells, and a protection device in at least one end block of the pair of end blocks.

Abstract: A power connection box is disclosed for a hybrid vehicle and includes a current supply member and a lead line installation member. The current supply member has a first main relay, a second main relay, a bus bar, and a preliminary relay. The bus bar is connected to the first main relay and has a side connected to a battery and an opposite side connected to an inverter. The preliminary relay is positioned between the first main relay and the bus bar connected to the first main relay. The lead line installation member has a plurality of lead lines connected to the first main relay, the second main relay, and the preliminary relay.

Abstract: A wireless power receiver for wirelessly receiving driving power from a wireless power transmitter and a method for wirelessly receiving charging power at a wireless power receiver from a wireless power transmitter are provided. The wireless power receiver includes a power reception unit configured to wirelessly receive the charging power from the wireless power transmitter; a rectifier configured to rectify the charging power from the power reception unit; a load unit configured to store the rectified charging power from the rectifier; and a controller configured to detect a change of a charging mode for the load unit, and control to adjust an impedance in the power reception unit according to the change of the charging mode.

Abstract: The arrangement for disconnecting at least one of a plurality of battery modules in an automotive battery comprises a device arranged to detect that at least one battery module is to be disconnected, and a bypass switch arranged at each battery module, wherein the bypass switch arranged at the detected at least one battery module is controllable to bypass the at least one detected battery module via a bypass path. The arrangement further comprises a disconnect switch arranged at each battery module, wherein the disconnect switch arranged at the at least one bypassed battery module is controllable to disconnect the at least one detected battery module from remaining battery modules, either simultaneously as, or after, the bypassing of the detected battery module.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery including an electrode assembly; a terminal; and a current collector electrically connecting the electrode assembly and the terminal, the current collector including a first fuse for a first current and a second fuse for a second current, the first current being different from the second current.

Abstract: A circuit for protecting a battery for an electric vehicle includes a high voltage battery configured to output a DC voltage, an inverter configured to selectively receive the DC voltage from the high voltage battery and invert the DC voltage into an AC voltage when the inverter receives the DC voltage, a relay disposed between the high voltage battery and the inverter and configured to selectively block the DC voltage from the high voltage battery to the inverter, and a battery management system including a microchip configured to output a main relay control signal for controlling the relay. The battery management system is configured to receive the DC voltage from the high voltage battery, and output a voltage relay control signal controlling the relay separately from the control by the microchip.

Abstract: A system for monitoring battery status and estimating battery life including a battery monitor configured to connect to a battery. The battery monitor comprises a voltage detection circuit, a temperature sensor and a wireless transmitter configured to transmit voltage and temperature data measured by the voltage detection circuit and the temperature sensor. The system further includes a remote device operative to receive battery voltage and temperature data from the battery monitor, generate a real-time indication of battery voltage, and generate predicted battery life data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a battery stack with a leapfrogging communication network. Each cell stage may include a controller, a transmitter, and a pair of receivers. The cell stage in the battery stack may be coupled to the closest two preceding battery cell stages in the stack. In this manner, each cell stage may be able to determine if a fault is present in an immediately preceding cell stage in the stack by monitoring the first preceding cell stage and the second preceding cell stage. If discharge/charge commands transmitted by the second preceding cell stage are not reaching the battery cell stage at issue, the controller may determine that there is a fault in the first preceding cell stage and discharge/charge the cell stage based on the commands transmitted by the second preceding cell stage.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes fuses inside and outside a cell, thereby improving safety by preventing abnormal breakdown from occurring in the cell due to an electric short circuit. The rechargeable battery includes an electrode assembly including a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate and a separator between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, a case accommodating the electrode assembly, and a first electrode terminal and a second electrode terminal electrically connected to the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate and protruding to the outside of the case. One of the first electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal includes a fuse part.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte battery system includes a battery voltage output section for outputting a voltage of a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery and a freezing determination section for performing freezing determination to a non-aqueous electrolyte. In the freezing determination, the freezing determination section executes freezing determination current control for supplying a current at a freezing determination current value at a freezing determination time in a direction to charge the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery. When a voltage value output from the battery voltage output section exhibits a transition that rises once to a peak value during execution of the freezing determination current control, and then decreases with time, it is determined that the non-aqueous electrolyte is in a frozen state.

Abstract: A battery sensor data transmission unit is described as including a connection state ascertainment unit for ascertaining a series connection state in which a battery cell is connected in series to one other battery cell with the aid of a power transmission line and/or for determining a bypassing state in which at least one pole of the battery cell is decoupled from at least one other battery cell. Furthermore, the battery sensor data transmission unit includes a data transmission unit designed for outputting a sensor signal, which represents a physical variable in or at the battery cell, in the series connection state to an evaluation device using the power transmission line and/or outputting the sensor signal in the bypassing state to the evaluation device using a battery housing wall as the transmission medium.

Abstract: A non-aqueous secondary battery production method is provided. The method comprises constructing a preconditioning cell that comprises a positive electrode comprising a positive electrode active material, a preconditioning electrolyte solution comprising a supporting salt and a fluorine-containing non-ionic compound, and a preconditioning negative electrode (step S110); of carrying out a preconditioning process by charging the preconditioning cell and allowing the fluorine-containing non-ionic compound to be decomposed at the positive electrode to form coatings on surfaces of the positive electrode active material (step S120); and of constructing a non-aqueous secondary battery, using the coated positive electrode active material, a non-aqueous electrolyte solution different from the preconditioning electrolyte solution, and a negative electrode comprising a negative electrode active material (step S130).

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that manages use of a battery in a portable electronic device. During operation, the system uses a reference electrode in the battery to monitor an anode potential of an anode in the battery during charging of the battery in the portable electronic device. If the anode potential falls below an anode potential threshold, the system modifies a charging technique for the battery to extend a cycle life of the battery. For example, the system may reduce a charge current of the battery if the anode potential falls below the anode potential threshold to prevent degradation caused by a negative anode potential during charging of the battery.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus. The apparatus includes a sensor head section, a base section, a telescoping section, and an electronic component. The base section is connected to the sensor head section. The telescoping section includes a first end and a second end. The telescoping section is connected to the base section. The electronic component is proximate the first end of the telescoping section. The electronic component is protected from making contact with high current, electrically conductive battery elements and configured to sense battery parameters.

Abstract: A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly comprising a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate and a separator located between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate; a case accommodating the electrode assembly; a cap plate sealing the case; a first collector plate comprising a first vertical part electrically connected to the first electrode plate, a first horizontal part bent from the first vertical part and extending between the electrode assembly and the cap plate, and a first protrusion protruding from the first horizontal part; and a first electrode terminal electrically connected to the first collector plate and extending through the cap plate, wherein the first electrode terminal has a coupling opening engaged with the first protrusion.

Abstract: A battery cell design is disclosed that provides a predictable pathway through a portion of the cell (e.g., the cell cap assembly) for the efficient release of the thermal energy that occurs during thermal runaway, thereby reducing the chances of a rupture in an undesirable location. Furthermore the disclosed design maintains the functionality of the cell cap as the positive terminal of the cell, thereby having minimal impact on the manufacturability of the cell as well as its use in a variety of applications.