Abstract: A warning system for warning a user of an approaching vehicle, wherein the approaching vehicle activates a signal transmitter. The system comprising at least one transmitter and at least one receiver. The transmitter includes a member for receiving the signal from a signal transmitter; and a member associated with the receiving means for transmitting at least one signal component. The receiver is positioned remotely from the transmitter and includes a member for receiving the at least one signal component, a member associated with the receiving means for processing the at least one signal component and a member associated with the processing means for alerting a user as to an approaching vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrode, and associated fabrication process, for use in an electrochemical cell. The electrode has an active material comprising a transition metal oxide. A lithium salt having an organic component is associated with the surface of the transition metal oxide so as to increase compatibility with an associated electrolyte. In another embodiment, a lithium salt of saccharin may be adsorbed onto the surface of the transition metal oxide.

Abstract: An electrolyte, and a process for its formation, for a solid oxide fuel cell comprising an electrolyte plate and a supporting member. The electrolyte plate includes an upper and a lower surface. The support member includes a plurality of non-intersecting support members which are positioned on at least one of the upper and the lower surfaces of the electrolyte plate.

Abstract: A power source for an arc furnace having an intermediate circuit transformer including a magnetic decoupled booster transformer and an AC main-driven converter. Such a power source comprises a current controller and a zero voltage switch. The current controller and the zero voltage switch are integrated in the intermediate circuit transformer. The zero voltage switch short-circuits the main reactance of the booster transformer whenever the current controller faces a current cut off and is blocked.

Abstract: A battery apparatus comprising a casing, at least two stacked lithium ion cells a member for maximizing the utilization of the casing and a member for precluding inadvertent deformation of the casing. The casing includes a non-uniform inner periphery. Each of at least two stacked lithium ion cells is positioned within the casing. The utilization maximizing member maximizes the utilization of the inner periphery of the casing by facilitating the independent shaping of each of the at least two stacked lithium ion cells to confirm to the inner periphery. As a result, the shape of one cell does not limit or dictate the shape of any other cell. The deformation precluding member is associated with each of the at least two lithium ion cells, and, substantially precludes inadvertent deformation of the casing by the at least two lithium ion cells, during cell cycling and storage. The invention further includes a process for fabricating a battery apparatus.

Abstract: A portable, easily composable supporting skeleton which serves as a supporting structure of buildings composable in situ. The skeleton comprises a pipe-like spacer. Two dismountable node plates can be fixed to the spacer by way of clamping assemblies. Each node plate includes an eye having a through-hole. A joint assembly which comprises a crosswise tie-piece can be interconnected pivotably to the through-hole of the eye of one of the node plates.

Abstract: A process for fabricating an electrode for use in an electrochemical cell comprising the steps of: a) associating a current collector with an active material having a surface; b) applying an overlayment material to a substrate; c) associating the overlayment material with at least a portion of the surface of the active material; d) at least alternatively partially curing the active material; and e) removing the substrate and, in turn transferring at least a portion of the overlayment material to at least a portion of the active material. The electrode produced is used in an electrochemical cell comprising a current collector, an electrode active material having a surface, and an overlayment material associated with at least a portion of the active material. The electrode further includes means for increasing compatability of the electrode with an associated electrolyte.

Abstract: An electrode for use in an electrochemical cell comprising a current collecting substrate, an electrode active material cluster having at least one particle wherein the particle includes at least one inclusion, an elastomer binder surrounding at least a portion of the at least one particle, and means associated with the elastomer binder for precluding mechanical degradation of the electrode active material cluster and, in turn, loss of electrical continuity between the at least one particle therein.

Abstract: A device for introducing a first fluid into a second fluid stream comprising an enclosure and a member which causes release of a first fluid. The enclosure releasably retains the first fluid. The release causing member causes the release of the first fluid from the enclosure into the second fluid stream upon detection of a predetermined condition associated with the second fluid stream.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, an electrolyte, and a dopant associated with the electrolyte, wherein the dopant comprises a reservoir for controllably releasing salt into the electrolyte. The dopant further comprises means for controllably regulating internal pressure of the electrochemical cell as well as means for substantially precluding dendrite formation within the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus permitting rapid and thorough hydration of an initially dry hydratable matrix element contained within an iontophoretic bioelectrode. The apparatus of the invention comprises a bioelectrode system for iontophoretic delivery of medicaments having at least one hydratable matrix element and associated removable hydration assembly. The preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises two hydratable matrix elements each having an associated removable hydration assembly and each being associated with an electrical current distribution element. The removable hydration assembly includes an initially sealed liquid-storage component which maintains the desired hydrating liquid in isolation from the hydratable matrix element until such time as hydration is desired.