Abstract: Energy devices with ultra-capacitor structures and methods thereof are presented. The energy devices include, for example: an ultra-capacitor structure having a power input terminal; and a battery structure electrically connected to the ultra-capacitor structure via a switching element, the switching element being selectively controllable between a first state and a second state, wherein the first state functions as a pass through to electrically connect the battery structure to the power input terminal of the ultra-capacitor structure, and the second state functions to electrically isolate the battery structure from the power input terminal of the ultra-capacitor structure. The methods include: selectively charging the battery structure through the ultra-capacitor structure using at least a portion of the electrical power provided to the power input terminal thereof.

Abstract: The performance of an ABx type metal hydride alloy is improved by adding an element to the alloy which element is operative to enhance the surface area morphology of the alloy. The alloy may include surface regions of differing morphologies.

Abstract: A hybrid power cell is provided that combines a nickel-metal hydride battery, solid state hydrogen storage, and alkaline fuel cell technologies in a single cell operating within a targeted intermediate temperature range. A cell includes a cathode that is capable of using raw atmospheric air as an oxygen source and an anode that is capable of reversible electrochemical and gas phase hydrogen storage, where the anode and the cathode are highly functional at intermediate temperatures. The resulting hybrid power cell overcomes prior challenges of reliable high-capacity grid-tied energy storage necessary for greater renewable energy adoption.

Abstract: A structurally and compositionally disordered electrochemically active alloy material is provided with excellent capacity and cycle life, as well as superior high-rate dischargeability. The alloy employs a disordered A2B4+x(AB5) structure, wherein x is a number between 1 and 4. This crystal structure combined with a tailored amount of electrochemically active AB5 secondary phase material produces superior electrochemical properties.

Abstract: Ultra-capacitor structures and methods thereof are presented. In one aspect, a structure includes: an ultra-capacitor structure having multiple ultra-capacitor cells; and a switching mechanism, the switching mechanism being operable to selectively connect different electrical interconnect configurations of the multiple ultra-capacitor cells of the ultra-capacitor structure to provide any one of a plurality of different voltages or currents to at least one electrical load, and to selectively control charging of the multiple ultra-capacitor cells using energy from at least one battery. In another aspect, a method includes: obtaining an ultra-capacitor structure having multiple ultra-capacitor cells; connecting different electrical interconnect configurations of the multiple ultra-capacitor cells of the ultra-capacitor structure to provide any one of a plurality of different voltages or currents to at least one electrical load; and charging the ultra-capacitor structure using energy from at least one battery.

Abstract: A multi-phase metal hydride alloy material which is capable of reversibly absorbing and desorbing hydrogen includes a first main phase or group of phases having an ABx type crystalline structure and a second phase which has a concentration of a modifier element therein which is greater than the concentration of the modifier element in the first phase or group of phases. The modifier element functions to promote the formation of the second phase and may comprise a light rare earth element such as yttrium. The first phase or group of phases may incorporate one or more Laves phases such as a C14, C15, and/or C36 phase. Further disclosed are metal hydride batteries including the alloys.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tampon applicator assembly having an applicator barrel with an insertion tip with a maximum of three petals. Additionally, the tampon applicator assembly can be provided with a tapered insertion tip. A shaped pledget can be housed in the applicator barrel, which provides support to the petals.

Abstract: A tampon for feminine hygiene, having an insertion end, a recovery end, a recovery tape, and a longitudinal axis. The tampon is made of compressed fibrous material and has an outer surface that is at least partially provided with spirally shaped, pressed longitudinal grooves. The grooves define spirally shaped longitudinal ribs. Also disclosed is a method for producing the tampon.

Abstract: A hybrid power cell is provided that combines a nickel-metal hydride battery, solid state hydrogen storage, and alkaline fuel cell technologies in a single cell operating within a targeted intermediate temperature range. A cell includes a cathode that is capable of using raw atmospheric air as an oxygen source and an anode that is capable of reversible electrochemical and gas phase hydrogen storage, where the anode and the cathode are highly functional at intermediate temperatures. The resulting hybrid power cell overcomes prior challenges of reliable high-capacity grid-tied energy storage necessary for greater renewable energy adoption.

Abstract: A hybrid power cell is provided that combines a nickel-metal hydride battery, solid state hydrogen storage, and alkaline fuel cell technologies in a single cell operating within a targeted intermediate temperature range. A cell includes a cathode that is capable of using raw atmospheric air as an oxygen source and an anode that is capable of reversible electrochemical and gas phase hydrogen storage, where the anode and the cathode are highly functional at intermediate temperatures. The resulting hybrid power cell overcomes prior challenges of reliable high-capacity grid-tied energy storage necessary for greater renewable energy adoption.

Abstract: A display package includes a container that defines a first row between a base panel and a first top panel and a second row between the base panel and the second top panel. A first article set is disposed within the first row. A backing card is coupled to the container to define an interior volume including the first and second rows. A flap of the backing card extends into the interior volume at a predetermined angle. A top edge of the flap is positioned between the base panel and the second top panel. A second article set is disposed within the second row and is secured between the top edge and the second top panel. The second article set is positioned higher than the first article set, such that sides of the second article set are visible over the first set of articles.

Abstract: A razor cartridge includes razor blade assemblies having an inter-blade guard attached to a side of a razor blade. The razor blade is formed from strip that is manufactured including a thermal oxidation process to form a chromium oxide layer on the side surface of the razor blade. This oxide film prevents electrochemical corrosion of the razor blade that may be visible to a user and prevents real or perceived premature failure of the razor blade and thus the razor cartridge during its extended life. The razor blade assembly may also have an array of closely spaced droplets of a liquid adapted to inhibit corrosion of the razor blade applied to the side of the razor blade visible to a user.

Abstract: A tampon for feminine hygiene, having an insertion end, a recovery end, a recovery tape, and a longitudinal axis. The tampon is made of compressed fibrous material and has an outer surface that is at least partially provided with spirally shaped, pressed longitudinal grooves. The grooves define spirally shaped longitudinal ribs. Also disclosed is a method for producing the tampon.

Abstract: The inventive body care device having a handle and a treatment head, which is hingedly connected mechanically therewith, has a flexible zone for enabling an elastic deflection of the treatment head with respect to the handle and a deflection sensor, which is capable of generating an electric signal as a function of the elastic deflection. This signal can be used to control an automatic start and/or stop function, a use counter and/or operating states of an electric vibrational element integrated in the body care device.

Abstract: A tampon pledget is made by assembling one or more pads in a pad compression configuration, radially compressing the pad compression configuration in a traverse direction into a cylindrical form, and axially compressing the cylindrical form in a direction along a vertical axis to form the tampon pledget. In one embodiment, the axial compression is performed as a pressure is applied to at least one of a first and a second end of the cylindrical form. In one aspect of the present invention, the formed tampon pledget has an absorbent capacity as measured by the syngyna test of between about 6.0 grams to 9.0 grams and a density of about 0.4603 grams/cubic centimeter. In another aspect of the invention, the formed tampon pledget has an absorbent capacity as measured by the syngyna test of between about 9.0 grams to 12.0 grams and a density of about 0.4755 grams/cubic centimeter.

Abstract: A sealing mechanism for a waste storage container includes a waste storage container that has a body, a lid and a cartridge adapted to be positioned in the body. The cartridge has a continuous length of storage film therein. The storage film emanates through a gap between a rim and a core tube of the cartridge and is folded down through a core opening in the core tube into an interior space of the body of the waste storage container. The sealing mechanism includes an actuator accessible from outside of the body, a gear assembly operably connected to the actuator, a retaining assembly that holds stationary a dispensed portion of the storage film in the interior space of the body during a twist-closure operation, and a plunger operably connected to the gear assembly.

Abstract: An elongated flat strip of martensitic stainless steel material for use in manufacturing razor blades is provided with an elongated weakened portion. The weakened portion is provided after hardening, sharpening and cutting edge coating processes are performed. The weakened portion is provided by the application of laser energy that forms a groove along a side of the razor blade and converts previously tempered martensite to untempered martensite in the weakened portion. The razor blade is attached to a support and removed at the weakened portion. The weakened portion can be provided before or after the razor blade is attached to the support.

Abstract: An electrochemical battery cell is provided having a housing formed by a can and a cup, with a sealing gasket disposed therebetween. First and second electrodes and electrolyte are disposed within the housing. The first electrode is provided in an electrode assembly that is bonded to the can in an air diffusion region to prevent doming of the electrode assembly.