Abstract: Nonaqueous electrolyte rechargeable cells may contain an excess of negative electrode material to improve the rechargeability. This excess of negative electrode material can form brittle alloys with noncorrosive current collector metals in positive electrodes at low cell voltages. The invention discloses that an excess of current collector material in the positive electrode directly opposite to the negative electrode improves the safety characteristics of the rechargeable cells during overdischarge and multiple voltage reversal abuses.

Abstract: Lithiated nickel dioxide cathode-active materials for electrochemical cells aving the formula Li.sub.x Ni.sub.2-x-y M.sub.y O.sub.2, with x being between about 0.8 and about 1.0, M being one or more metals selected from cobalt, iron, chromium, titanium, manganese and vanadium, and y being less than about 0.2, with the proviso that y is less than about 0.5 for cobalt, which material is substantially free of lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate. The materials are prepared by providing a substantially homogeneous dry intermediate mixture of a starting material containing a nickel compound selected from nickel oxide, nickel hydroxide, and mixtures thereof, and optionally including one or more oxides or hydroxides of a transition metal selected from cobalt, iron, chromium, titanium, manganese and vanadium, together with between about a 10 and about a 25% stoichiometric excess of lithium hydroxide. The mixture is heat treated at a temperature above about 600.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention is an electrolyte which provides superior safety characteristics on cells using the electrolyte. The electrolyte allows for the preparation of cells having acceptable performance when placed in environments where safety concerns are paramount.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming spot mounds used in assisting the germination and growth of tree seedlings in reforestation. A crawler moves forwardly while a digging blade connected to a frame is lowered into the soil in order to overturn the soil and form a mound. After the digging blade is lowered into the ground, the digging blade rotates so as to better form and thereafter pass the formed mound without interference.

Abstract: A fish rearing system. The fish rearing system includes a rearing tank, filtration means and means to recycle water in the system. The system includes an ozone contact unit in which, when the system is in use, a predetermined amount of recycling water can be contacted with ozone in an amount sufficient to lower the total nitrite content of the water to a level acceptable to fish life but not leave free ozone in the water re-entering the rearing tank.