Abstract: A fluid regulating microvalve assembly for use to control fluid flow to a fluid consuming electrode, such as an oxygen reduction electrode, in an electrochemical cell is proposed. The microvalve assembly includes a stationary valve body having an aperture and microactuators movable from a first closed aperture position to at least a second position where fluid is able to pass through the microvalve body aperture. These microactuators control the movement of spring-like shape-retaining interior aperture covers, which covers can be belleville springs or flat springs. The fluid regulating microvalve assembly can utilize cell potential or a separate source. The latter assembly can be located outside or inside the cell housing, for example between a fluid inlet aperture and the fluid consuming electrode. Using a printing process to deposit at least one of the layers is proposed for making the multilayer microvalve assembly for a fluid depolarized battery.

Abstract: A combined system reinforces the safety of lithium ion batteries by redesign of electrolyte and the charging current a) modifying the electrolyte to inhibit or prevent dendrite growth preferably by the addition of lithiated polyphenoxy polyethylene glycol and/or a second surface active compound chosen from the family of fluorosurfactants, and/or a modest amount of lithium or sodium borate, b) modifying the charging cycle by a so-called ripple current in order to inhibit or prevent dendrite growth (ripple current meaning oscillation in the amount of amperage or voltage in the charging cycle), c) programmable battery management systems with temperature and electrical limits integrated in order to eliminate from the circuit and bypass malfunctioning cells based on past performance of the charging cycle and voltage endpoints achieved, d) minimizing any transient currents and voltages into or out of the battery system and e) maintaining a cool atmosphere in the battery space.

Abstract: A combined system reinforces the safety of lithium ion batteries by redesign of electrolyte and the charging current a) modifying the electrolyte to inhibit or prevent dendrite growth preferably by the addition of lithiated polyphenoxy polyethylene glycol and/or a second surface active compound chosen from the family of fluorosurfactants, and/or a modest amount of lithium or sodium borate, b) modifying the charging cycle by a so-called ripple current in order to inhibit or prevent dendrite growth (ripple current meaning oscillation in the amount of amperage or voltage in the charging cycle), c) programmable battery management systems with temperature and electrical limits integrated in order to eliminate from the circuit and bypass malfunctioning cells based on past performance of the charging cycle and voltage endpoints achieved, d) minimizing any transient currents and voltages into or out of the battery system and e) maintaining a cool atmosphere in the battery space.

Abstract: The invention proposes resealable, electrically responsive, microvalves in conjunction with a battery of cells, a case containing a battery, or a cell with an oxygen diffusion layer in order to increase the current supplying capability of small fuel cells and batteries by providing a metal, semiconductor or polymer barrier membrane containing metal oxides or other advantageous materials to allow increased fuel or oxygen diffusion into the fuel or oxygen depolarized cell or battery.

Abstract: The combination of a truly realistic three dimensional real image in color and a second device to produce a repetitive passage of a solid object through the real image creates the illusion of one solid body passing through another. A simple method of accomplishing this is to mount a clock with a pendulum over or under the image and allow a pendulum end to pass periodically through the real image. Other means such as a device running on a circular track could accomplish the same illusory effect. The pendulum end or the device can take various forms as can the real image. In principle the designs are not limited in size. The invention creates an exciting visual and illusory moment of a second object passing through an apparently solid object.

Abstract: A fluid regulating microvalve assembly for use to control fluid flow to a fluid consuming electrode, such as an oxygen reduction electrode, in an electrochemical cell is proposed. The microvalve assembly includes a stationary valve body having an aperture and microactuators movable from a first closed aperture position to at least a second position where fluid is able to pass through the microvalve body aperture. These microactuators control the movement of spring-like shape-retaining interior aperture covers, which covers can be belleville springs or flat springs. The fluid regulating microvalve assembly can utilize cell potential or a separate source. The latter assembly can be located outside or inside the cell housing, for example between a fluid inlet aperture and the fluid consuming electrode. Using a printing process to deposit at least one of the layers is proposed for making the multilayer microvalve assembly for a fluid depolarized battery.

Abstract: The combination of a truly realistic three dimensional real image in color and a second device to produce a repetitive passage of a solid object through the real image creates the illusion of one solid body passing through another. A simple method of accomplishing this is to mount a clock with a pendulum over or under the image and allow a pendulum end to pass periodically through the real image. Other means such as a device running on a circular track could accomplish the same illusory effect. The pendulum end or the device can take various forms as can the real image. In principle the designs are not limited in size. The invention creates an exciting visual and illusory moment of a second object passing through an apparently solid object.

Abstract: The combination of a truly realistic three dimensional real image in color and a second device to produce a repetitive passage of a solid object through the real image creates the illusion of one solid body passing through another. A simple method of accomplishing this is to mount a clockworks with a pendulum over or under the image and allow a pendulum end to pass periodically through the real image. Other means such as a device running on a circular track could accomplish the same illusory effect. The pendulum end or the device can take various forms as can the real image. In principle the designs are not limited in size. Further, an amusement ride is contemplated by directing a track with a vehicle and a rider in the vehicle at the proper angle toward the real image creating an exciting visual moment passing through the apparently solid object.

Abstract: A fluid regulating microvalve assembly for use to control fluid flow to a fluid consuming electrode, such as an oxygen reduction electrode, in an electrochemical cell. The microvalve assembly includes a stationary valve body having an aperture and a microactuator movable from a first position where the microvalve body aperture is closed to fluid flow to at least a second position where fluid is able to pass through the microvalve body aperture. The fluid regulating microvalve assembly can utilize cell potential or a separate source to open and close the microvalve. The fluid regulating microvalve assembly can be located outside the cell housing or inside the cell housing, for example between one or more fluid inlet apertures and the fluid consuming electrode. The invention includes a method of making a multilayer microvalve assembly, particularly one for use in a fluid depolarized battery, using a printing process to deposit at least one of the layers.

Abstract: A fluid regulating microvalve assembly for use to control fluid flow to a fluid consuming electrode, such as an oxygen reduction electrode, in an electrochemical cell. The microvalve assembly includes a stationary valve body having an aperture and a microactuator movable from a first position where the microvalve body aperture is closed to fluid flow to at least a second position where fluid is able to pass through the microvalve body aperture. The fluid regulating microvalve assembly can utilize cell potential or a separate source to open and close the microvalve. The fluid regulating microvalve assembly can be located outside the cell housing or inside the cell housing, for example between one or more fluid inlet apertures and the fluid consuming electrode. The invention includes a method of making a multilayer microvalve assembly, particularly one for use in a fluid depolarized battery, using a printing process to deposit at least one of the layers.

Abstract: The invention proposes resealable, electrically responsive, thermally actuated valves in conjunction with a battery of cells, a case containing a battery, or a cell which valves have certain rotational characteristics that preferably operate spirally and away from an initial plane allowing entry of fluid, and then, on inactivation of a circuit, return to a resting sealed position. A further proposal is to provide the microactuation valve action with a micro ferromagnetic device either printed or otherwise deposited on a substrate to be included in the fuel cell or battery porting system. A further proposal is to increase the current supplying capability of small fuel cells and batteries by providing a metal, semiconductor or polymer barrier membrane containing metal oxides or other advantageous materials to allow increased fuel or oxygen diffusion into the fuel or oxygen depolarized cell or battery.

Abstract: The combination of a truly realistic three dimensional real image in color and a second device to produce a repetitive passage of a solid object through the real image creates the illusion of one solid body passing through another. A simple method of accomplishing this is to mount a clockworks with a pendulum over or under the image and allow a pendulum end to pass periodically through the real image. Other means such as a device running on a circular track could accomplish the same illusory effect. The pendulum end or the device can take various forms as can the real image. In principle the designs are not limited in size. Further, an amusement ride is contemplated by directing a track with a vehicle and a rider in the vehicle at the proper angle toward the real image creating an exciting visual moment passing through the apparently solid object.

Abstract: A fluid regulating microvalve assembly for use to control fluid flow to a fluid consuming electrode, such as an oxygen reduction electrode, in an electrochemical cell. The microvalve assembly includes a stationary valve body having an aperture and a microactuator movable from a first position where the microvalve body aperture is closed to fluid flow to at least a second position where fluid is able to pass through the microvalve body aperture. The fluid regulating microvalve assembly can utilize cell potential or a separate source to open and close the microvalve. The fluid regulating microvalve assembly can be located outside the cell housing or inside the cell housing, for example between one or more fluid inlet apertures and the fluid consuming electrode. The invention includes a method of making a multilayer microvalve assembly, particularly one for use in a fluid depolarized battery, using a printing process to deposit at least one of the layers.

Abstract: The invention momentarily operates one or more tiny electronic semiconductor microactuator valve systems which operate a slide or flexing gate or gates disposed over the gas entrance hole or holes either on an appliance powered by a gas depolarized battery which has a sealed case or portion of a case, or disposed over an aperture in a gas depolarized battery. By such disposition, the entrance of oxygen from air (or other reacting fluid, either gaseous or liquid), to the gas (for example, air) depolarized electrochemical battery is only permitted when the battery is supplying electrical power to a load or when desired. By using two semiconductor microactuators, or a single microactuator with a ratcheting mechanism, the valve system only need be operated momentarily, usually when the appliance is turned on to open the valve system, and when it is turned off to close the valve system. Power for the valve is preferably derived from the battery itself but could be provided by a separate source.

Abstract: The placement in an electrical appliance of one or more tiny electrically activated thermally responsive semiconductor microactuators (a "valve-on-a-chip") disposed over the fluid entrance inlet(s) to regulate fluid flow to a gas depolarized electrochemical battery creates an efficient gas depolarized electrochemical power supply and appliance which permits the entrance of oxygen from air to the battery only when the battery is supplying electrical power to a load. Power for the valve is preferably derived from the battery itself but could be provided by a separate source within or without the battery. This tiny valve acts as a safety pressure vent and can act as a safety fuse as well. When electrical power is not required from the battery, the valve excludes entry of harmful impurities and unneeded fluid reactants thereby increasing the life of the battery during storage or when the electrical appliance the battery is powering is idle.

Abstract: This invention contemplates using semiconductor microactuators as small valves in combination with electric appliances powered by fluid depolarized electrochemical batteries, especially zinc-air cells, or in combination with fluid depolarized electrochemical batteries themselves, all to regulate fluid flow into the batteries. The purpose is to prevent degradation of the batteries when idle, yet permit fluid flow when operating and only when operating. The valves are proposed to be modified to use them as movement devices and valves, using the traditional moving part of the semiconduictor microactuator to move a slide. To increase the area available for fluid flow, the invention proposes to use grids of aperatures for structural integrity, which when the grids are aligned, allows for fluid flow, and when "unaligned" in the normally closed position, block fluid flow. Pressure relief characteristics, corrosion protection, control circuitry, circulation means, and other advantages and methods are also claimed.

Abstract: The combination of a gas depolarized electrochemical battery with one or more tiny electrically activated thermally responsive semiconductor microactuators ( a "valve on a chip") disposed over the fluid entrance inlet(s) creates an efficient gas depolarized electrochemical power supply which permits the entrance of oxygen from air to the battery only when the battery is supplying electrical power to a load. The valve on a chip is singularly suited for use in a single flashlight size cell. Power for the valve is preferably derived from the battery itself but could be provided by a separate source within or without the battery. The valve on a chip is singularly suited for use in a single flashlight size cell or smaller. Power for the valve is preferably derived from the battery itself but could be provided by a separate source within or without the battery. This tiny valve acts as a safety pressure vent and can act as a safety fuse as well.

Abstract: A plastic leak resistant and corrosion resistant end cover and contact for a battery having an electroless plated layer of nickel, tin or an alloy of nickel and tin on the surfaces thereof so that when in place in a battery it forms a conductive path for carrying current from inside the battery to the outside. A battery employing at least one of the afore described end cover.

Abstract: Galvanic cells of the Leclanche and zinc chloride type which employ cathode mixes having relatively high ratios of EMD to conductive material and which include a minor amount of ion exchange resin in their cathode mixes exhibit enhanced light drain service and comparable heavy drain service relative to conventional cells having lower EMD to conductive material ratios.

Abstract: A galvanic dry cell includes a cylindrical container having an open end provided with a closure having a centrally disposed aperture adapted to be slid over and secured to the carbon rod of the cell and a peripherally disposed depending flange having an undercoating of a soft sealant into which the upper rim of the container is embedded, thereby providing a seal closure for the container.