Abstract: The invention provides a separator for an energy cell which includes a compressible web made from a blend of elastomeric material and cross-linking agent, the elastomeric material being selected from natural rubber and a mixture of natural rubber and synthetic rubber. The blend is expanded, cast and cured to form a web containing micropores so that the resulting web comprises an open cell structure having a thickness ranging from about 40 to about 150 mils, an alcohol porosity of from about 45 to about 90% and a compressibility of at least about 20%. Lead-acid battery cells containing the separators have the advantage of significantly improved life as a result of the improved strength and resiliency of the separator.

Abstract: The invention provides a printing apparatus for printing an image having a spatial resolution onto a print medium. The printing apparatus includes a printhead having a plurality of printing elements for ejecting ink droplets having a mass onto the print medium, and a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the printhead, producing a temperature signal. The apparatus also includes a media sensor for determining what type of print medium is loaded in the printer and producing a print medium signal based on the type of print medium installed in the printer. A plurality of heating devices are located adjacent the printhead for adjusting the temperature the printhead.