Abstract: Solid composite electrolytes are provided for use in lithium batteries which exhibit moderate to high ionic conductivity at ambient temperatures and low activation energies. In one embodiment, a polymer-ceramic composite electrolyte containing poly(ethylene oxide), lithium tetrafluoroborate and titanium dioxide is provided in the form of an annealed film having a room temperature conductivity of from 10−5 S cm−1 to 10−3 S cm−1 and an activation energy of about 0.5 eV.

Abstract: Solid composite electrolytes are provided for use in lithium batteries which exhibit moderate to high ionic conductivity at ambient temperatures and low activation energies. In one embodiment, a ceramic-ceramic composite electrolyte is provided containing lithium nitride and lithium phosphate. The ceramic-ceramic composite is also preferably annealed and exhibits an activation energy of about 0.1 eV.

Abstract: A differential mechanism, connected to a driveshaft, transmits power to two halfshafts laterally directed toward the driven wheels of a motor vehicle. Each halfshaft is driveably connected to a pinion, which continually engages a gear fixed to an axle shaft, the pinion and gear forming a speed reduction gearset located between the halfshaft and axle shaft. Each gearset is located in a drop gear housing. Opposite axial ends of each halfshaft are fixed to a differential housing and the drop gear housing. Two extension tubes, each press fitted in the differential housing and a corresponding drop gear housing, provide structural continuity therebetween.

Abstract: A polymer-ceramic composite electrolyte is provided which may be formed into a thin film having a room temperature conductivity of from 10.sup.-5 S cm.sup.-1 to 10.sup.-3 S cm.sup.-1. In one embodiment, the composite electrolyte comprises from about 30 to 60% by weight poly(ethylene oxide), from about 10 to 20% by weight lithium tetrafluoroborate, and from about 25 to 60% by weight lithium nitride. The film is preferably produced by mixing and grinding the components, then placing the ground mixture in a die and compacting the mixture to form a disc which is then flattened. The resulting film is annealed to ensure high conductivity at room temperature.

Abstract: In units comprising solid polymer electrolytes, the ionic conductivity of such electrolytes is increased by mechanically exciting the units. Such units can be solid state batteries or electrochromic devices or the like. Mechanical excitation may be provided by, for example, a piezoelectric transducer.

Abstract: A spun or drawn glass fiber for use in the area of medical implants, and particularly as a reinforcement for bioabsorbable polymeric orthopaedic and dental implants. The glass fiber is bioabsorbable and has sufficient tensile strength and elasticity to be used as a reinforcement. It is made up of 5-50% calcium oxide (CaO), 50-95% phosphorous pentoxide (P.sub.2 O.sub.5), 0-5% calcium fluoride (CaF.sub.2), 0-5% water (H.sub.2 O), and 0-10% XO wherein X is either a single magnesium, zinc or strontium ion or two sodium, potassium, lithium, or aluminum ions and when X is aluminum the O represents three oxygen ions.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a segmented YAG laser rod having segments cemented together and its method of manufacture.