Abstract: Electronic circuit and control system and method in hardware and software for controlling fuel cell and fuel cell powered electrical or electronic device. System, device, method and computer program and computer program product for monitoring and controlling fuel cell based power supply and powered information appliance, such as mobile telephone and laptop computer. Fuel cell for powering and fuel cell powered information appliance or computer. Fuel cell power pack adapted to provide electrical operating power to an electrical device. Interface circuit and control device and method for a fuel cell powered electronic device. Method of controlling operation of a fuel cell to generate electricity for an electrical device. Electrical control power pack adapted to replace battery for a laptop computer.

Abstract: A composite solid electrolyte film is formed by dissolving a lithium salt such as lithium iodide in a mixture of a first solvent which is a cosolvent for the lithium salt and a binder polymer such as polyethylene oxide and a second solvent which is a solvent for the binder polymer and has poor solubility for the lithium salt. Reinforcing filler such as alumina particles are then added to form a suspension followed by the slow addition of binder polymer. The binder polymer does not agglomerate the alumina particles. The suspension is cast into a uniform film.

Abstract: Power density of a sodium/transition metal halide cell, particularly a Na/NiCl.sub.2 cell is enhanced by forming a high area foil nickel chloride electrode such as a film of sintered nickel chloride deposited on an expanded metal screen and folded or coiled into a compact form and immersed in the aluminate salt catholyte disposed within a beta alumina solid electrolyte tube.

Abstract: The method includes steps for forming a carbon electrode composed of graphitic carbon particles adhered by an ethylene propylene diene monomer binder. An effective binder composition is disclosed for achieving a carbon electrode capable of subsequent intercalation by lithium ions. The method also includes steps for reacting the carbon electrode with lithium ions to incorporate lithium ions into graphitic carbon particles of the electrode. An electrical current is repeatedly applied to the carbon electrode to initially cause a surface reaction between the lithium ions and to the carbon and subsequently cause intercalation of the lithium ions into crystalline layers of the graphitic carbon particles. With repeated application of the electrical current, intercalation is achieved to near a theoretical maximum. Two differing multi-stage intercalation processes are disclosed. In the first, a fixed current is reapplied.

Abstract: A composite solid electrolyte film for a lithium battery comprising a dispersion of small reinforcing particles such as alumina in a binder rein such as polyethylene oxide. The particles are coated with a compatible lithium salt such as lithium iodide and the alumina particles preferably have a size below 0.5 microns.

Abstract: An ambient temperature, high density, rechargeable lithium battery includes a Li.sub.x Mg.sub.2 Si anode which intercalates lithium to form a single crystalline phase when x is up to 1.0 and an amorphous phase when x is from 1 to 2.0. The electrode has good reversibility and mechanical strength after cycling.

Abstract: A cathode additive is provided for protecting an ambient temperature secondary lithium cell from over-charging or over-discharging. The cathode additive is chosen to create an upper voltage plateau which is slightly higher than a characteristic charge cutoff voltage of the cathode of the cell. The cathode additive additionally creates a lower voltage plateau which is slightly lower than the characteristic discharge cutoff voltage of the cell. Preferably the cathode additive is a transition metal oxide or a sulfide may, for example, include a mixture of Li.sub.2 Mn.sub.2 O.sub.4 and Li.sub.0.1 MoO.sub.2.

Abstract: Activation of thermoplastics, such as polyphenylene sulfide, polysulfone, and polyether sulfone thermoplastics by subjection thereof to bromine is disclosed. The activation process is carried out at relatively low temperatures, such as below 200.degree. F. and illustratively, may be carried out at room temperatures. The bromine, in the illustrated embodiment, is provided in an aqueous solution with or without acids or halide salts. The halide salts, when utilized, provide control of the activity of the bromine. The process advantageously adapted for activating the thermoplastic material where it is intended that it serve as a substrate for use in accepting copper plating, as in printed circuit board manufacture.