Abstract: Processes are provided for formation of complex shapes by embossing of a sheet of flexible graphite material. In one approach, a sheet of material is provided with a variable resin concentration across its width, and the position of the variable resin concentration is correlated with the position of embossing features which will result in thinner areas in the embossed articles. In a second approach, recesses are provided in the embossing rollers to accommodate material flow during embossing. These recesses result in protrusions formed on the articles, which protrusions must then be removed in a machining operation.

Abstract: Fluid permeable graphite article in the form of a perforated flexible graphite sheet having increased electrical and thermal conductivity transverse to the surfaces of the sheet.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing material suitable for the construction of a component of a fuel cell, such as a flow field plate or electrode. Uncured resin impregnated flexible graphite sheet is ground into particles. Without re-expanding the particles, and without adding further resin to the particles, the particles are molded into the form of the desired material. The material is then cured. Additives may be mixed with the particles to improve the properties of the material.

Abstract: An anode material for use in lithium based electrical cells is described. The anode material comprises a fine and uniform dispersion of second phase particles in lithium. The particles have an average particle size from about 0.5 .mu.M to about 40 .mu.M and are present at a concentration ranging from about 0.1 At % to about 10 At %. The anode material exhibits a reduction in dentrite and mossy Li formation, while maintaining the necessary mechanical properties of the material for easy working. The new anode demonstrates excellent cell performance and thermal stability.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrolyte for use in a secondary lithium battery comprising (i) vanadium oxide-based cathode active material having a molar ratio of oxygen to vanadium between two and three, (ii) an anode active material selected from the group consisting of lithium, lithium ion dischargeable alloys, lithium ion dischargeable intercalation or insertion compounds, and (iii) an electrolyte solution of lithium salt(s) dissolved in a mixed organic solvent. The organic solvent is a mixture of three kinds of solvents, namely ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC) and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (2MeTHF) in the following ratio:EC (x)PC(y)2MeTHF(z)where x, y and z are volumetric mixing percentages of each solvent, and x+y+z=100, x<y, z<y and x+y>50 (or z<50). The resultant secondary lithium battery has a good charge-discharge cycle life and is safe.

Abstract: An improvement is set forth in a thermionic fuel element which includes a collector base supporting a collector adjacent and closely spaced from an emitter which is supported by an emitter base, the emitter base being adapted to be heated by a heat source. In accordance with the invention a thermal shield structure is located between a portion of the emitter and the collector. The shield structure insulates that portion of the collector opposite the shield structure from receiving at least a portion of the radiation developed by the heat source.