Abstract: A method of treating lithium manganese oxide of spinel structure is disclosed. The method involves heating the lithium manganese oxide spinel in an atmosphere of an inert gas which does not react with the spinel. Such gases may be selected advantageously from argon, helium, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. Preferred nonreacting gases which may be employed for spinel treatment are nitrogen or carbon dioxide. The spinel is advantageously treated with such gases at elevated temperatures. Alternatively, the spinel may be first coated with a hydroxide, preferably lithium, sodium or potassium hydroxide and then heated in an atmosphere of carbon dioxide gas at elevated temperatures. Such treatment of lithium manganese oxide spinel has been determined to improve the performance of the spinel when employed as an electrode in rechargeable cells such as lithium-ion cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for treating manganese dioxide containing ion-exchangeable cations by replacing the ion-exchangeable cations present in the manganese dioxide with lithium by a process comprising first replacing ion-exchangeable cations present in the manganese dioxide with hydrogen. This readily is accomplished by slurrying the manganese dioxide in an aqueous acid solution. The resulting acidic manganese dioxide then is neutralized with a basic solution of a lithium containing compound, such as lithium hydroxide. This neutralization step serves to accomplish replacement of the previously introduced hydrogen, by ion-exchange, with lithium. The manganese dioxide then is washed with water, dried, and heat-treated at an elevated temperature, in conventional manner, to convert the gamma manganese dioxide to a mixture of the gamma and beta forms, which then is used as the active cathodic component in an electrochemical cell.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making a lithiated lithium manganese oxide spinel of the formula Li.sub.(1+x)Mn.sub.2 0.sub.4 comprising contacting a lithium manganese oxide spinel of the formula LiMn.sub.2 O.sub.4 with a lithium carboxylate compound, at a temperature and for a time sufficient to decompose the carboxylate compound and free the lithium to form said lithiated spinel.

Abstract: A current interrupt mechanism for electrochemical cells is disclosed. A thermally activated current interrupt mechanism is integrated into an end cap assembly for an electrochemical cell. The thermally responsive mechanism preferably includes a free floating bimetallic disk which deforms when exposed to elevated temperature causing a break in an electrical pathway within the end cap assembly. This prevents current from flowing through the cell and effectively shuts down an operating cell. Alternatively, the thermally responsive mechanism may include a meltable mass of material which melts when exposed to elevated temperature to break an electrical pathway within the end cap assembly. The end cap assembly may also include integrated therein a pressure responsive current interrupt mechanism.

Abstract: A light transparent moisture barrier useful for preventing moisture from destroying the effectiveness of a moisture sensitive cell condition tester on an electrochemical cell comprises a plurality of very thin; alternating layers of an inorganic material and an organic material on a flexible, polymeric substrate. The layers are not laminated, but are formed on the substrate by a deposition or coating process and the thickness of any layer is less than 5 microns.

Abstract: Disclosed is a charger unit for charging a rechargeable energy storage device. In particular, a universal charger unit is disclosed which comprises a connector having a set of externally accessible contacts for making electrical contact with a corresponding set of receptor contacts on a rechargeable energy storage device. The connector, which may comprise a removable module, also preferably includes a sensor to interact with the structure of the receptor on the rechargeable device, so that the output of the charger unit can be regulated to be compatible with the electrical characteristics of the rechargeable device as determined by the sensor. The charger unit and/or connector may include one or more replaceable electronics modules.

Abstract: A writing instrument with an advance-retract mechanism is operable by rotation of a knob opposite the writing tip. The knob rotates a shaft disposed in, and extending rearwardly from, the instrument body to advance and retract the writing tip when rotated. A retainer member has a first cylindrical portion with a plurality of inwardly extending tangs into which the shaft is received and a larger cylindrical portion having a surface directed toward the instrument body.