Abstract: A lower melting point metal substrate such as zinc is covered with a higher melting point metal layer such as nickel. In order to render the nickel layer suitable for coining without cracking, it is quickly annealed with a burst of induction heat. The induction heat is limited so that only the metal layer is heated without allowing substantial heat transfer to the metal substrate. This protects the metal substrate from any substantial melting, deformation or warping and maintains the metal substrate substantially in tact and without a change in properties and shape.

Abstract: A prefabricated sacrificial galvanic anode panel includes a rigid or semi-rigid backing board or similar support surface over which a thin layer of cement, mortar or adhesive is applied for holding a compliant layer of material in place on the support surface. The layer of wet adhesive, cement or mortar is sufficiently thin so that upon drying it does not cause warping of the support surface. The compliant or spongy layer is laminated or sandwiched between a thicker layer of ionically conductive galvanic mortar and the substrate support surface. The compliant or spongy layer prevents the thicker layer of galvanic mortar from wetting the backing board or substrate support surface so as to prevent warpage upon drying of the thicker layer of galvanic mortar and also accommodates the expansion of corrosion products from the galvanic anode material.

Abstract: A discrete sacrificial zinc anode is fabricated from one or more slotted and slatted metal plates. The plates are fixed in a parallel planar configuration using conventional fasteners. One or more electrical connection wires are formed with a looped portion for spacing the anode assembly a predetermined distance from a steel reinforcing member.

Abstract: A membrane electrode assembly includes a gas diffusion layer, a catalytic layer in fluid communication with the gas diffusion layer, an anodic layer and a bipolar solid electrolyte disposed between the catalytic and anodic layers. The bipolar solid electrolyte inhibits carbonate formation in air breathing alkaline cells and inhibits dendritic growth between the anodic and catalytic layers.

Abstract: A device for providing biofeedback information to a subject, including a receiver for receiving heart rate data from a sensor, said heart rate data corresponding to a human subject, a storage device for storing a time series of the received heart rate data, a display, and a processor that is programmed to enable access to the storage device and to perform actions including estimating an RSA strength of the subject's heart from the time series of the received heart rate data, calculating an accumulated RSA strength from a designated starting time until the present time, determining a motion by a virtual agent based on the accumulated RSA strength at the present time, said virtual agent being a graphical object or character that represents the subject, and displaying the motion of the virtual agent determined by said determining on the display.

Abstract: A method of operating a redox flow battery includes a step of observing a difference in relative volume between the anolyte fluid volume and the catholyte fluid volume. The ionic molality of anolyte fluid is increased if the relative volume of the anolyte fluid decreases. A redox flow battery having balanced anolyte and catholyte initial ionic molalities is also provided.

Abstract: A secondary redox flow battery having a charge capacity and an efficiency includes an anode half-cell and a cathode half-cell having a fluid-containing vessel defining a cavity in which is disposed an electrode and a catholyte. The catholyte consists of a solvent, at least two cation species, and an anionic transition metal complex. The catholyte cation species are selected from the group consisting of Group I element ions, Group II element ions and ammonium ions. The battery also includes a reservoir fluidly communicating with the cavity and a separator ionically communicating between the anode half-cell and the cathode half-cell. The battery is capable of a discharge current equal to or greater than 20 milliamperes/cm2.

Abstract: A method and associated system is provided for providing an interactive checklist and collaborative shopping session. The method includes displaying desired items on an interactive checklist. A primary user may designate which users can view specific items and should purchase specific items. The method also includes the option for the primary user to send an email to a secondary user with information, extracted from a checklist or registry, with a wish list of items that the recipient can buy with a click to a shopping cart. The primary user may also initiate a real-time or static collaborative shopping session where multiple users can suggest, comment on and purchase items. The primary user may “return” a gift item before the item is shipped and receive credit or cash.

Abstract: Alloys of copper and manganese and copper, manganese and zinc can be used for the production of coins, such as the U.S. five cent piece or “nickel.” With appropriate platings, these alloys can match the electromagnetic signatures or electrical conductivity of currently circulated coins. This is important as modern vending machines include sensors which measure the conductivity of coins to ensure they are genuine.

Abstract: A method for treating a metal element for an automobile includes hardening the metal element so as to obtain a press hardened metal element. Scale from the press hardened metal element are removed by placing the press hardened metal element in an ultrasonic liquid and preforming an ultrasonic process thereon so as to obtain a de-scaled press hardened metal element. The ultrasonic liquid is an aqueous solution comprising an organic carboxylic acid in a concentration of from 0.1 to 10 vol.-%. The de-scaled press hardened metal element is coated in a coating process with an anti-corrosion coating.

Abstract: A stacked cell battery including anode plates and cathode plates that define an anolyte chamber and a catholyte chamber that are divided by a separator membrane. Perimeter flanges of the anode plate and cathode plate may define a seal retainer on the plate that extends between the perimeter flanges and the housing. Alternatively, an over-molded seal may be provided on the flanges of the anode plate and cathode plate that extends between the flanges and the housing.

Abstract: A flow cell battery system includes a plurality of stacked cells that include an anode plate and a cathode plate that are separated by a seal layer off an inner side of the anode plates and cathode plates. An outer side of the anode plates and cathode plates is disposed in an anolyte flow path and a catholyte flow path, respectively. A membrane acts as a barrier between the anolyte flow path and the catholyte flow path. A flow screen may be provided in the flow paths to mix the anolyte and catholyte in the respective flow paths.

Abstract: High performance flow batteries, based on alkaline zinc/ferro-ferricyanide rechargeable (“ZnFe”) and similar flow batteries, may include one or more of the following improvements. First, the battery design has a cell stack comprising a low resistance positive electrode in at least one positive half cell and a low resistance negative electrode in at least one negative half cell, where the positive electrode and negative electrode resistances are selected for uniform high current density across a region of the cell stack. Second, a flow of electrolyte, such as zinc species in the ZnFe battery, with a high level of mixing through at least one negative half cell in a Zn deposition region proximate a deposition surface where the electrolyte close to the deposition surface has sufficiently high zinc concentration for deposition rates on the deposition surface that sustain the uniform high current density.

Abstract: An energy storage cell charged and discharged by electrolyte fluid. The cell includes a module that comprises a wall that separates an anode plate from a cathode plate. An anode hub is connected to the anode plate and a cathode hub is connected to the cathode plate. The anode hub and cathode hub are assembled together through an opening in the wall. An electrical connector connects the anode hub to the cathode hub to electrically connect the anode plate to the cathode plate maintaining the plates on separate sides of the wall at the same electrical potential. A plurality of energy storage cells are connected together to provide a flow cell battery system.

Abstract: An electrolytic mortar for fabricating galvanic anode panels is strengthened with fibers to improve green strength and resistance to cracking. Elongated reinforcing fibers are introduced into a flowing stream of mortar and deposited in multiple layers upon a platen or mold. A sacrificial zinc anode of open construction is embedded between the multiple layers to allow for electrolytic conduction between the layers and over all surfaces of the zinc anode.

Abstract: An energy storage system according to the present disclosure includes a cell having an electrode and a deposition facilitating structure proximate the electrode for facilitating deposition of material on the electrode. The deposition facilitating structure includes first and second outer layers and an intermediate support arrangement positioned between the outer layers and connected to the outer layers.

Abstract: A partial flow cell may include a cathode chamber, an anode chamber, and a separator arrangement sandwiched between the cathode and anode chambers. The separator arrangement may be configured to permit ionic flow between electroactive materials disposed within the cathode and anode chambers. One of the cathode and anode chambers may be configured to permit an electroactive material to flow through the chamber during operation. The other of the cathode and anode chambers may be configured to hold an electroactive material fixed within the chamber during operation.

Abstract: A partial flow cell may include a cathode chamber, an anode chamber, and a separator arrangement sandwiched between the cathode and anode chambers. The separator arrangement may be configured to permit ionic flow between electroactive materials disposed within the cathode and anode chambers. One of the cathode and anode chambers may be configured to permit an electroactive material to flow through the chamber during operation. The other of the cathode and anode chambers may be configured to hold an electroactive material fixed within the chamber during operation.