Abstract: A battery powered energy-using device is disclosed which operably distinguishes between batteries having standard and non-standard terminal configurations. The battery compartment in the device is provided with a terminal having first and second insulated contacts, one contact configured to make contact with a battery of standard terminal configuration and the second contact adapted to make contact with a second terminal. In one embodiment the device is associated with charging circuitry which is adapted to recharge a rechargeable battery having the special non-standard terminal configuration, while permitting discharge but not recharge of a primary battery having a standard terminal configuration.

Abstract: A tensioner with a pulley rotatably mounted to a pivot arm that is biased with a spring means, the pivot arm includes a leg extension for inhibiting movement of the arm with a damping means.

Abstract: A sealed rechargeable nickel electrode containing electrochemical cell has a pasted negative electrode having paste layers adhered to a nonforaminous conductive substrate, which retards growth (swelling) of the nickel electrode on cycling.

Abstract: A method for tensioning a synchronous toothed belt with the tensioner so as to substantially inhibit movements of the pivot arm as attributed to dynamic tension variations in a belt drive system while damping movements of the arm. A method for tensioning a synchronous belt drive with the tensioner by biasing a moveable pulley against the belt with a force sufficient to limit the amplitudes of resonance tension variations and damping the biasing of the pulley to prevent substantially most cyclic movements of the pivot arm while simultaneously accommodating thermal changes in drive length.

Abstract: A resilient, low modulus, semirigid shell for use as a component of an article of luggage. The shell comprises a first nonwoven batt of thermoplastic resin fibers and an exterior material attached to the first nonwoven batt. The first batt and exterior material are thermally formed to a predetermined shape. The shell may also include one or more additional component layers selected from a second nonwoven, fibrous batt, a layer of backing material, a water impermeable film, and a lining material. In manufacturing the shell, the exterior material is attached to a first portion of a substrate material which is comprised of the nonwoven batt of thermoplastic resin fibers. A second portion of the substrate material is secured to an apparatus for thermal forming and the exterior material and substrate material are thermally formed to a resilient, low modulus, semirigid shell having a predetermined configuration.

Abstract: A power tansmission belt having a body portion comprising at least one strip of belt body material helically wound at an incline with respect to the surfaces of the finished belt. The belt material is wound against itself to form generally inclined and successive plies of body material. Tensile material or load carrying cord is helically wound between the successive plies of the body material. The method and apparatus for simultaneously winding the belt body material and the load carrying cord is disclosed.

Abstract: A binary lead-tin alloy substrate for support of the electrochemically active material in lead-acid cells is disclosed having a tin concentration from about 0.3 to about 0.9 weight percent, the balance being lead. The tin impedes the formation of a passivation layer at the interface between the grid material and the active material improving cell recovery from deep discharge and improving cold cranking amperes performance.

Abstract: A high and low temperature resistant endless belt is disclosed. The belt includes a main belt body portion prepared from elastomeric material and a tensile member disposed in the body portion. A sheave contact portion is formed integral with the main body portion. The elastomeric material has high and low temperature resistant properties. The elastomeric material is formed from the reaction product of an amine or hydroxy terminated polyol, an hydroxl or amine terminated chain extender, and a polyisocyanate-containing composition adapted for rapid reaction with the extender when admixed therewith in a mold to retain flexibility and resiliency over heat age of the belt.

Abstract: A charger for charging a rechargeable electrochemical cell including: a first conductive terminal having a central opening therein and a first contact end, the first conductive terminal connected to circuitry capable of providing charging current at a first charging rate; and a second conductive terminal positioned within the opening, the second conductive terminal having a second contact end portion extending outwardly from and electrically insulated from the first contact end, the second conductive terminal connected to circuitry capable of providing charging current at a second charging rate. The charger may have an insulator with an insulating contact end portion in place of the second conductive terminal having a second contact end portion.

Abstract: A sealed rechargeable nickel electrode containing electrochemical cell has a pasted negative electrode having paste layers adhered to a nonforaminous conductive substrate, which retards growth (swelling) of the nickel electrode on cycling.

Abstract: A toothed sprocket with rim portion made of a first composite material of discontinuous fiber disposed in a plastic matrix and where the teeth of the rim portion are covered with an encircling layer of a second composite material that includes a fibrous material and an elastomeric matrix and fibers embedded in the matrix.

Abstract: A tensioner with a pulley rotatably mounted to a pivot arm that is biased with a spring, the pivot arm includes a leg extension for inhibiting movement of the arm with a damping member. A method for tensioning a synchronous toothed belt with the tensioner so as to substantially inhibit movements of the pivot arm as attributed to dynamic tension variations in a belt drive system while damping movements of the arm. A method for tensioning a synchronous belt drive with the tensioner by biasing a moveable pulley against the belt with a force sufficient to limit the amplitudes of resonance tension variations and damping the biasing of the pulley to prevent substantially most cyclic movements of the pivot arm while simultaneously accommodating thermal changes in drive length.

Abstract: A device for attaching thermoformed substrate material having front and back surfaces to a support frame. The device includes a fastener having a base portion and an attachment portion projecting from the base portion for engagement with the support frame. A nonwoven, needle-punched fiber sheet having first and second surfaces sandwiches the base portion between the first surface of the sheet and the back surface of the substrate. The sheet includes a central aperture having a width dimension sufficiently great to permit the attachment portion to project therethrough yet sufficiently narrow to enable the sheet to overlay the base portion. The sheet includes an enriched area of lower melting point fiber disposed proximate the first surface of the sheet and activatable to bond the first surface of the sheet to the back surface of the substrate without material flow and at a temperature utilized to thermoform the substrate material. This secures the base portion to the substrate material.

Abstract: In an electrochemical wound cell having a negative and positive plate strip, and at least one inorganic separator interleaved between the plates, the improvement comprising: a thin sheet of flexible material having a leading and trailing end, the sheet wrapped around the wound cell and heat softened to attach the trailing end to a portion of the sheet between the leading and trailing ends. A method for making the electrochemical cell characterized herein is also described.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell and method of making same are provided wherein the electrochemical cell includes a radial sealing function effected by the combination of a seal comprised of an amorphous polymer and a cell container wall having a stiffening rib on one axial side of the seal and a lip on the other side of the seal wherein the rib and the lip eliminate springback of the container wall upon removal of the external radial force establishing the compressive sealing forces.

Abstract: A method for producing a nonwoven fibrous, flexible panel having a textured outer surface, including the steps: of providing a needled web comprised of interengaged first fibers and second thermoplastic fibers; needlepunching the web to produce the textured outer surface; and passing a fluid, at a temperature sufficient to melt at least a portion of the second thermoplastic fibers, through the web in a direction from the textured outer surface to produce a plurality of weld joints of the melted second thermoplastic fibers, the textured outer surface thereafter being substantially free of the second thermoplastic fibers. A nonwoven fibrous panel produced by the methods characterized herein is also described.

Abstract: A power transmission wheel of the gear wheel sprocket wheel and pulley wheel type has hub portion or rim portion formed of a composite material of discontinuous fiber disposed in a plastic matrix where teeth are formed in one of the portions so as to define flank surfaces and where lateral side portion of fiber follow the contour of the surface so as to minimize in portions of fiber at ends the flank surfaces. A method for manufacturing a power transmission wheel by winding a strip of uncured material having embedded discontinuous lengths of fiber, and winding the strip in a volute fashion to form a preform having oppositely facing sides, and pressing the preform on one side and shaping the preform, and heating the preform to define a power transmission wheel.

Abstract: A tensioner with a pulley rotatably mounted to a pivot arm that is biased with a compression spring. The tensioner has a damping system with damping spring carried by a pin attached to the pivot arm. The damping spring is in the form of a compression spring and it presses a layer of friction material against a flat surface of the tensioner.

Abstract: A sensing element includes a body of pressure sensitive electrically conductive material formed by a non-conductive matrix of flexible elastomeric material, the matrix containing electrically conductive particles. The body is formed with spaced connection regions, at least one of which is a hole into which an electrical connector may be inserted as a push fit. The connector is oversize in a direction transversely of the hole to ensure that the connector is held in place in the body and makes good electrical connection therewith.

Abstract: A cadmium electrode for use in rechargeable alkaline cells is disclosed featuring use of dispersed polyamide having specific properties. The polyamide serves as a binder as well as an anti-agglomerant to retard cadmium agglomeration during use of the electrode. The use of elemental silver additive dispersed throughout the electrode is also disclosed, as is the use of zirconium material as an elecrolyte wicking and anti-compressive agent. A process for making any of the foregoing electrodes is disclosed featuring the step of forming a paste by mixing together the polymeric resin, active cadmium material and a non-aqueous solvent, applying the paste to a conductive substrate and removing the solvent. Alternatively, known prefabricated cadmium electrodes, such as Teflon-bonded or sintered types, are post-treated through dipping or the like in a solution of the aforementioned polyamide.