Abstract: A labeling head (22) has an applicator surface (24) having an outward curvature for holding a label (12) and applying it to a labeling surface (16) of an article (14). The labeling head is rotatable about a pivot pin (38) which passes through a pivot end (28) of the labeling head, allowing a free end (26) of the labeling head to be biased toward the article at an initial angle of bias, as determined by, for example, an adjustment screw (40). The initial angle of bias and the curvature of the labeling head are such that the portion of the label nearest the free end is parallel to the labeling surface. As the labeling head is lowered, the label is applied with a substantial rolling motion to avoid trapped air bubbles.

Abstract: A method for preparing a lithiated transition metal oxide electrochemical charge storage material for use in an electrochemical cell. The cell (10) includes a cathode (20), an anode (30) and an electrolyte (40) disposed therebetween. The method involves the preparation of the lithiated transition metal oxide material in an inert environment. The materials are characterized by improved electrochemical performance, and a multiphase composition in which at least one phase is substantially crystalline, while a second phase is substantially amorphous. By-products of the process may be re-used by converting them into one of the starting materials for the preparation process.

Abstract: An electrical device (40) has a contact (58) for electrically interconnecting with a second device. The contact (58) is disposed on a rib (60) extending downward from the top of an upper housing (42) of the electrical device. The contact (58) has a cantilevered arm extending from a downward portion (68), and terminates in a contact head (78) which extend upwards through an opening (56). The downward portion (68) of the contact (58) has a contact point (72) for contacting an exposed conductor (50) deflectably mounted on a printed circuit board (46), which is disposed in a lower housing (44). When the upper and lower housings (42) and (44) are assembled together, the contact point (72) is pressed against the exposed conductor (50), deflecting it, and forming a gas tight solderless electrical connection.

Abstract: An energy storage system (10) including a first energy storage device (12), such as a secondary or rechargeable battery, and a second energy storage device (14), such as an electrochemical capacitor. The electrochemical capacitor provides intermittent energy bursts to satisfy the power requires of, for example, pulsed power communication devices. Such devices typically require power pulses in excess of those which conventional battery cells can easily provide for numerous cycles. The system (10) further includes circuitry (16) for coupling the capacitor (14) to a load in response to changes in the battery (12).

Abstract: An electrolyte system (40) for use in connection with an electrochemical cell (10). The cell (10) includes a positive electrode (20) and a negative electrode (30) with the electrolyte system (40) disposed therebetween. The electrolyte system is a polymer gel electrolyte system including a liquid electrolyte species which may be either aqueous or non-aqueous and a polymer gel electrolyte support structure. The polymer gel electrolyte support structure includes at least an non woven first polymer and a second polymer which is adapted to absorb the electrolyte active species. The first polymer is a fibrous polymer to reduce swelling of the gel electrolyte in the presence of the electrolyte active species, and further to enhance mechanical integrity of the support structure.

Abstract: An electrode for an energy storage device uses a protonated polymer that is imbedded with an electroactive metal and coated onto activated carbon. Protonated poly(4-vinylpyridine) is coated onto particles of activated carbon that have high surface area, and the coating is then imbedded with a metal that exhibits electroactive behavior. In one embodiment, ruthenium is plated onto the poly(4-vinylpyridine) to create the electrode. Optionally, a coating of an ionically conductive negatively charged polymer is applied over the ruthenium-imbedded coating. The improved electrode is used to make a capacitor.