Abstract: A particle, including: a plurality of crystallites including a first composition having a layered ?-NaFeO2-type structure and including lithium in an amount of about 0.1 to about 1.3 moles, per mole of the first composition, nickel in an amount of about 0.1 to about 0.79 mole, per mole of the first composition, cobalt in an amount of 0 to about 0.5 mole, per mole of the first composition, and oxygen in an amount of about 1.7 to about 2.3 moles, per mole of the first composition; and a grain boundary between adjacent crystallites of the plurality of crystallites and including a second composition having the layered ?-NaFeO2-type structure, a cubic structure, or a combination thereof, wherein a concentration of cobalt in the grain boundary is greater than a concentration of cobalt in the crystallites.

Abstract: A method for improving the environmental stability of cathode materials used in lithium-based batteries. Most currently used cathode active materials are acutely sensitive to environmental conditions, e.g. leading to moisture and CO.sub.2 pickup, that cause problems for material handling especially during electrode preparation and to gassing during charge and discharge cycles. Binder materials used for making cathodes, such as PVDF and PTFE, are mixed with and/or coated on the cathode materials to improve the environmental sensitivity of the cathode materials.

Abstract: Recuperation systems and methods are applied to vapor compression cycles in dehumidification, such as in air conditioning. In some embodiments, a method for dehumidification includes introducing a refrigerant from a heating unit to a cooling unit along a first path; introducing the refrigerant from the cooling unit to the heating unit along a second path different from the first path; introducing the refrigerant from the heating unit to the cooling unit along a third path different from the first path; and contacting the cooling unit and the heating unit with a first gas stream.

Abstract: A fired heater unit is disclosed having at least one radiant heating section with each of the at least one radiant heating section having a heating element located therein. The unit includes a convection section operatively connected to the at least one radiant heating section, wherein the convection section having at least one vertically oriented convection tube. Each of the at least one convection tube being operatively connected to the at least one radiant heating section. Each of the at least one convection tube includes an inner tube having process fluid flowing therethrough, wherein the process fluid being heated by the at least one radiant heating section, and an outer tube extending along a predetermined portion of the inner tube, wherein the outer tube is spaced from the inner tube to form a flow path therebetween.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a cathode capable of reversibly releasing and receiving an alkali metal; an anode capable of reversibly releasing and receiving the alkali metal; and a non-aqueous electrolyte including one or more dissolved lithium salts, one or more nitriles, sulfur dioxide, and one or more other polar aprotic solvents.

Abstract: A method includes combining fumed silicon oxide with a metal to form silicon having an average particle size of less than approximately 100 nm. The silicon can be incorporated into an anode of a lithium ion cell.

Abstract: Recuperation systems and methods are applied to vapor compression cycles in dehumidification, such as in air conditioning. In some embodiments, a method for dehumidification includes introducing a refrigerant from a heating unit to a cooling unit along a first path; introducing the refrigerant from the cooling unit to the heating unit along a second path different from the first path; introducing the refrigerant from the heating unit to the cooling unit along a third path different from the first path; and contacting the cooling unit and the heating unit with a first gas stream.

Abstract: A system for determining battery characteristics based on differential current monitoring includes a first battery; a second battery, the second battery being connected in parallel with the first battery; and a differential current measurement module comprising at least one current measuring device, the differential current measurement module being configured to determine a differential current associated with the first battery and the second battery. A method for determining battery characteristics based on differential current monitoring includes determining a differential current associated with a first battery and a second battery, the first battery being connected in parallel with the second battery.

Abstract: Recuperation systems and methods are applied to vapor compression cycles in dehumidification, such as in air conditioning. In some embodiments, a method for dehumidification includes introducing a refrigerant from a heating unit to a cooling unit along a first path; introducing the refrigerant from the cooling unit to the heating unit along a second path different from the first path; introducing the refrigerant from the heating unit to the cooling unit along a third path different from the first path; and contacting the cooling unit and the heating unit with a first gas stream.

Abstract: A system includes a first source containing a liquid fuel, a second source containing a gaseous fuel, and a combustion burner connected to the first and second sources and selectively in fluid communication with the liquid fuel and the gaseous fuel to receive the fuels. The burner is capable of switching between combustion of the liquid fuel and combustion of the gaseous fuel without modification to the burner or the system.

Abstract: A free piston Stirling engine, comprising a power piston fitted into a cylinder further includes: a support structure carrying moving magnets for a linear alternator; and a passive structure that at normal operating power and frequency produces a restoring force on the piston in the absence of contact with the cylinder. In one variation, the passive structure further comprises a mass suspended within the piston from at least one spring, such that the mass oscillates under influence of movement of the piston at normal operating power and frequency so as to produce the restoring force. In another variation, the passive structure further comprises: a magnet disposed outside the cylinder at a position and in an orientation to produce a field that opposes a field of a moving magnet carried by the support structure when the piston moves toward the magnet.

Abstract: An integrated ensemble for personal protection and comfort. The integrated ensemble may generally include one or more multifunctional layers. Each layer may include functionality directed to provision of specific types of protection and/or personal comfort. A liner may be generally capable of providing immersion protection, cooling, and cold weather protection. A shell may be designed for wear in cooperation with the liner. The shell may be capable of providing protection against flame, acceleration, and other environmental factors, as well as providing cooling and gear carriage. The disclosed integrated ensembles are generally low-bulk to facilitate movement.

Abstract: A method and system for removing impurities from water including heating a first gas stream including a first gas or a gas mixture and pre-humidifying the first gas stream using water from an impure water source. Heat may be transferred the first gas stream to a second gas stream, wherein the second gas stream includes a second gas or a gas mixture and wherein the first gas stream and the second gas stream flow in opposing directions. Water may be condensed out of the first gas stream and the second gas stream may be contacted with impure water, evaporating at least a portion of water from the impure water into the second gas stream to humidify the second gas stream. The first gas stream and the second gas stream are sustained at or near ambient pressure.

Abstract: A system includes a first source including a first reactant; a second source including a second reactant capable of reacting with the first reactant to form a first product; and a reactor. The reactor includes a first element having a wall connecting a first point and a second point, the wall extending more than 180° around the first point; and a second element movably engaged with the first element to define a reconfigurable reaction chamber capable of being in fluid communication with the first and second reactants.

Abstract: In a refrigeration system, an asymmetric scroll expander has an orbiting scroll element engaged with a fixed scroll element. The orbiting scroll element and fixed scroll element can define a first expansion pocket and a second expansion pocket at positions relative to one another.

Abstract: A burner apparatus utilizes a reticulated member to promote mixing of a fuel and oxidizer mixture. A plurality of exit ports, disposed on a wall or surface encapsulating the reticulated member, defines exit streams of the mixture that produces flames upon combustion. The burner apparatus have high heating rates and turndown ratios of at least about 18:1.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a cathode capable of reversibly releasing and receiving an alkali metal; an anode capable of reversibly releasing and receiving the alkali metal; and a non-aqueous electrolyte including one or more dissolved lithium salts, one or more nitriles, sulfur dioxide, and one or more other polar aprotic solvents.

Abstract: A system includes a first source containing a liquid fuel, a second source containing a gaseous fuel, and a combustion burner connected to the first and second sources and selectively in fluid communication with the liquid fuel and the gaseous fuel to receive the fuels. The burner is capable of switching between combustion of the liquid fuel and combustion of the gaseous fuel without modification to the burner or the system.

Abstract: A system includes a first source including a first reactant; a second source including a second reactant capable of reacting with the first reactant to form a first product; and a reactor. The reactor includes a first element having a wall connecting a first point and a second point, the wall extending more than 180° around the first point; and a second element movably engaged with the first element to define a reconfigurable reaction chamber capable of being in fluid communication with the first and second reactants.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a first measurement subsystem including a driver and a measurement component. The measurement component includes a set of sensors for generating complementary signals representing each of one or more characteristics. The complementary signals representing a characteristic include related error components. The driver is configured to accept the complementary signals for a characteristic and to determine a measurement value for the characteristic by combining the complementary signals to reduce effects of the error components in the complementary signals.