Abstract: The methods and compositions of the invention provide two solutions to reduce the reactivity of VDF-based copolymers to lithiated graphite. The two approaches can be used separately or combined. In one embodiment, the relative proportion of the VdF and the other fluorinated monomer (OFM, i.e. HFP) in the copolymer is significantly reduced below conventional formulations in order to reduce the reactivity of the copolymer. In a second approach, the reactivity of the copolymer, over a broad range of monomer VdF:OFM molar ratios, is reduced by deactivating the reactive sites on the copolymer, thereby blocking the ability to undergo undesired reaction during cell operation. These methods and compositions have heretofore not been proposed and are of primary importance in preventing large exothermic reaction which can lead to thermal runaway when conventional polymer formulations are utilized in batteries in the presence of reactive components such as lithiated graphite.

Abstract: A method for improving surface adhesion characteristics of a polymer substrate in which the portion of the surface of the polymeric substrate to be treated is contacted with a fluid material containing at least one oxidizing agent. The oxidizing agent in the fluid material is present in a kinetically degrading state capable of producing at least one chemical intermediate which is reactive with the polymeric substrate. Contact between the fluid containing the oxidizing agent and the polymeric substrate is maintained for an interval sufficient to produce or modify functional groups in the polymeric substrate proximate to its surface. The oxidizing agent of choice is a bivalent oxygen compound. The oxidizing agent is activated by an activator agent containing at least one carboxylic acid group or derivative thereof. The activator agent may be present in the fluid upon initial contact with the polymeric substrate or may be added to the fluid subsequent to initial contact with the polymeric substrate.

Abstract: A split seal (1) having an annular cross-section and a central axis (X) comprises at least two components (2,3) of arcuate form, each component having two end portions (4,4',5,5') and each end portion having a surface (F1,F2) formed and arranged for mating engagement with a respective complementary end portion surface of another of the components. Each end portion surface (F1,F2) extends in an indirect manner over one of the radial width (.delta..sub.r) and the axial length (l) of the seal and each end portion surface (F1,F2) extends substantially continuously in non-reentrant manner over the other one of the radial width (.delta..sub.r) and the axial length (l) of the seal so that the matingly engaged components are substantially smoothly, relatively translatable in one of a generally axial direction and a generally radial direction. In a preferred embodiment each end portion surface (F1,F2) extends in a zigzag manner.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine coolant fan assembly including a self contained thermally controlled clutch or externally controlled clutch having a housing and a fan blade assembly which is attached to the housing by a circular hub utilizing an interference fit or threaded connection. Preferably, the housing includes cooling fins, and the blade assembly circular hub is mounted on the outer edges of the cooling fins.

Abstract: A method for increasing homogeneously the wettability of a porous body vis a vis a fluid includes a step in which the porous body is exposed in a treatment chamber to a nitrogen plasma generated by an electromagnetic wave discharge in nitrogen gas. Applications include increasing the wettability of a marker tip.

Abstract: An air quenching system for cooling heated parts under controlled conditions having cooling air ejection nozzles located in opposed relation on opposite sides of the heated part and air exhaust orifices adjacent the air supply nozzles for quickly removing the cooling air after engagement with the heated part. The cooling air, and exhausting thereof, may be controlled in various zones spaced along the length of the air quenching system for controlling air flow and the rate of cooling.

Abstract: A multiple phase heteropolar inductor electrical machine utilizing relatively movable stators and rotors wherein the rotors include electrical winding for producing electricity. The stators and rotors are spaced as to produce an electrical balancing among the machine phases. Preferably, a balance is achieved in the energy conversion process as measured over any given one-half electrical cycle within that phase. The machine substantially achieves equal and balanced peak torque per amp performance within a half cycle of operation of any given phase through the spacing between the stator and elements.

Abstract: A corrugated cardboard pallet usable either by itself or as the base member of a palletized container. The pallet includes a tray having side walls and a bottom wall; a plurality of blocks positioned within the tray proximate the side walls at spaced locations about the periphery of the side wall and each having a bottom face position on the bottom wall of the tray and an upper face lying in a common plane with the upper faces of other blocks; and a panel positioned within the side walls on top of the blocks. A plurality of flaps are provided in the side walls of the tray and the flaps, following placement of the panel within the side walls over the blocks, are folded upwardly and inwardly out of the side walls between adjacent blocks against the underface of the panel and secured to the underface of the panel.

Abstract: A workpiece positioning apparatus comprising a housing including opposite side walls defining a hollow therebetween; a motor assembly secured to a housing side wall and including an output shaft; and a rotor. The rotor includes a first journal portion connected to the output shaft and journaled in one of the housing side walls, a second journal portion journaled in the other housing side wall, and a central generally circular disc portion positioned in the hollow of the housing between the housing side walls and defining a bifurcated segment. A pivot shaft is journaled in a the housing for rotation about an axis laterally spaced from and parallel to the rotational axis of the output shaft and a driven member is drivingly connected to the pivot shaft, positioned within the housing between the housing side walls, and defines a crank arm.

Abstract: An improved wheel alignment apparatus having a fixed support structure and a pair of cylindrical rollers communicating with the support structure, wherein the rollers support the wheels of a motor vehicle and allow rotation of the wheels while maintaining the motor vehicle in an essentially stationary position. The rollers are supported on a float plate utilizing a layer of pressurized air pumped below the float plate to allow the float plate to move along a substantially flat horizontal surface to allow the vehicle to settle into a steady rotational mode. The front of the float plates are connected through a series of linkages and a connecting rod to a linear actuator pivoting about a vertical axis. The linear actuator retracts to straighten the connecting rod which centers the float plate to a limited motion along the horizontal surface, and extends so that the connecting rod may pivot about a longitudinal axis and turn with the float plate and wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A compact chain belt-type conveyor for conveying articles along a non-linear path through an industrial washer and drier. The chain belt-type conveyor provides an article sensing means wherein the sensing means is responsive to the presence of an article at a predetermined station along a predetermined non-linear path. A signalling means, responsive to the sensing means, signals a driving means to stop the conveyor when an article is present at the predetermined station for a predetermined amount of time and starts when an article is absent from the predetermined station. The signalling means ensures that each article will only be placed through one washing and drying cycle. An article holding means may be provided to secure the articles along the conveyor and provide proper orientation of the articles through the washing and drying process. A chain mesh construction conveyor may also be utilized to support and carry articles without the use of the article holding means.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a battery design for bi-cell polymer matrix batteries. Each bi-cell comprises, sequentially, a first counter electrode, a first separator membrane, a centrally located electrode, a second separator membrane, and a second counter electrode. The current collector of each of the counter electrodes is positioned other than medially within the counter electrode. Generally, the current collector of the counter electrode is located within the outer half of the counter electrode. When the current collector is located at the extreme outer edge of the counter electrode, a capping film of polymer matrix material is preferably laminated to the perforated current collector, and, through the perforated current collector, to the counter electrode material itself.

Abstract: A refueling fuel level responsive control valve with a two-stage closing operation providing an initial soft shutoff cue to the filler nozzle operator, and a subsequent final shutoff after a limited amount of "roundoff" filling to a maximum fuel level. The control valve includes two float-operated valve elements which close serially in response to initial shutoff and final shutoff refueling fuel levels. The initial shutoff partially closes the control valve to create a temporary shutoff-inducing increase in fuel tank pressure. Final shutoff occurs after allowing a few round-off "clicks" of the filler nozzle to fully close venting through the control valve.

Abstract: A viscous material dispense system including a dispense valve having an outlet, a mix tube secured at an upper end thereof to the outlet of the dispense valve, a mixer shroud positioned telescopically over the mix tube and including a conical lower end, and an air shroud fitted telescopically over the lower end of the mixer shroud and defining a conical surface positioned in confronting relation to the conical tip portion of the mixer shroud. The air shroud and the lower end of the mixer shroud coact to define a plurality of circumferentially spaced axially extending flutes extending downwardly between the outer surface of the mixer shroud and the inner surface of the air shroud and a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending flutes defined between the conical tip portion of the mixer shroud and the conical surface of the air shroud.

Abstract: A shim for providing a gradual ramp between adjacent flooring materials includes a right angled triangular strip having grooved lines across its width for easy scoring with a knife for height adjustment. Fan-shaped end caps provided for abutment to the triangular strip and having corresponding grooved lines for height adjustment to provide a ramp across a 180.degree. radius.

Abstract: A fluid-damped automotive door latch actuator comprising a fluid cylinder mounted adjacent the inside surface of an escutcheon plate between the door handle crank arms. A shaft connected to and extending between the crank arms is rotated to actuate the door latch. Damping action is caused in one embodiment by rotation of a shaft-mounted vane relative to a cylinder housing fixed to the escutcheon plate. In a second embodiment, the damper is designed to provide a fluid shearing action.