Abstract: A lithium metal thin-film battery composite structure is provided that includes a combination of a thin, stable, solid electrolyte layer [18] such as Lipon, designed in use to be in contact with a lithium metal anode layer; and a rapid-deposit solid electrolyte layer [16] such as LiAlF4 in contact with the thin, stable, solid electrolyte layer [18]. Batteries made up of or containing these structures are more efficient to produce than other lithium metal batteries that use only a single solid electrolyte. They are also more resistant to stress and strain than batteries made using layers of only the stable, solid electrolyte materials. Furthermore, lithium anode batteries as disclosed herein are useful as rechargeable batteries.

Abstract: The installation system and method for installing an architectural covering material to a substrate surface utilizes an adhesive mat having layers of adhesive and release layers arranged to allow the covering material to be initially positioned, and later repositioned to be permanently set. The adhesive mat includes a planar carrier member, one or more adhesive layers on at least one planar side of the planar carrier member, and at least one release layer of material removably covering the one or more adhesive layers. In one form, the adhesive mat includes a carrier sheet, first and second adhesive layers on opposing planar sides of the carrier sheet, and first and second release layers of material removably covering the two adhesive layers.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for manufacturing lithium-metal anode [18] assemblies for thin-film, thick-film and hulk secondary batteries that use liquid or gel-type electrolytes [14], and lithium-metal anode [18] assemblies for thick-film and bulk secondary batteries that use solid electrolytes [18]. These methods involve electrolytic formation of a lithium metal anode [18] between a protecting lithium-stable, solid electrolyte [18] material and an eieethcaiiy-Gonductive substance [20]. Secondary lithium_ batteries made by these methods aw also provided.

Abstract: The combination wedge and notch trowel includes a reversible grip handle and an integrated wedge, for applying cement or adhesive to a substrate surface for installation of tiles. The ergonomically contoured reversible handle allows a user to use the notch trowel in a forward or backwards position with the same hand. The blade portion includes a notch pattern of conically shaped trapezoidal notches and large parabolic notches. The integrated wedge allows a user to use the wedge side of the trowel to pry up and remove tiles.

Abstract: A method for protecting catalytic metal-based sensor for sensing the presence of hydrogen in an environment comprising, depositing a protective layer on said sensor, said protective layer being permeable to hydrogen.

Abstract: A system and method for merchandising products in a home improvement or commercial construction retail store by providing an enhanced, integrated shopping experience for customers that improves the customer's understanding of a particular home improvement or commercial construction project while introducing the seller's products adapted to perform the home improvement or commercial construction project through coordination of graphic elements such as color or number coding of the seller's products with an interactive display that conveys information regarding the project and aisle merchandising that directs the customer to the seller's products.

Abstract: A protective coating for a surface comprising a layer permeable to hydrogen, said coating being deposited on a catalyst layer; wherein the catalytic activity of the catalyst layer is preserved.

Abstract: A reverse configuration, lithium thin film battery (300) having a buried lithium anode layer (305) and process for making the same. The present invention is formed from a precursor composite structure (200) made by depositing electrolyte layer (204) onto substrate (201), followed by sequential depositions of cathode layer (203) and current collector (202) on the electrolyte layer. The precursor is subjected to an activation step, wherein a buried lithium anode layer (305) is formed via electroplating a lithium anode layer at the interface of substrate (201) and electrolyte film (204). The electroplating is accomplished by applying a current between anode current collector (201) and cathode current collector (202).

Abstract: A thermally-activated exhaust treatment device, such as a catalytic converter, for vehicles includes a core having an inner housing and a catalytic material. A jacket includes an outer housing enclosing the inner housing, but characteristically not contacting the inner housing. The inner and outer housings include walls forming a vacuum-drawn sealed insulation cavity around the inner housing. A temperature-activated variable insulator device is positioned within the outer housing and includes a hydrogen source and controls for controlling the variable insulator device. A vacuum-maintenance device is incorporated into the insulation cavity, and includes a small container, getter material positioned in the container, and a porous member allowing gas in the insulation cavity to communicate with the getter material. A multi-layered radiation shield is positioned in the vacuum space and is loosely coupled to the inner housing. A vacuum detector includes a visible indicator of the vacuum in the insulation cavity.

Abstract: A composite board for use as backerboard for tile, the board including a mesh layer with a mesh fabric, a mat layer with a mat fabric and a polystyrene layer disposed between the two portions where a non-shrinking cement compound saturates and connects the two outer portions with the polystyrene substrate. The composite board's mesh layer incorporates a stretchable mesh which in conjunction with the polystyrene substrate and the non-shrinking cement compound supports standard fasteners used in the home-building industry along with providing a suitable tile adhesion surface. The mat layer incorporates a fiberglass mat which provides high rigidity as well as being suitable for contact with an inner wall or studs. The combination of materials provides a backerboard that is light weight, rigid, economical and easy to build with.

Abstract: Catalyst compositions that are highly tolerant of catalyst poisons comprising a cationic or zwitterionic Group 4 metal complex of the constrained geometry type and an organoaluminum hydrocarbyloxide compound according to the formula R.sup.1.sub.2 Al(OR.sup.2),wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently each ocurrence are C.sub.1-30 hydrocarbyl,the molar ratio of complex to organoaluminum hydrocarbyloxide compound being from 1:0.1 to 1:100.

Abstract: A supported catalyst composition comprising a complex of a Group 4 metal cyclopentadienyl derivative reacted with silica treated with an aluminoxane demonstrates improved reactivity, especially for incorporating long chain alpha-olefins and also shows improved resistance to catalyst poisoning. The supported catalyst composition is adapted to produce homogeneous polymers, copolymers, terpolymers, etc., for example, homogeneous polyethylene, homogeneous poly(ethylene-octene) copolymers and the like. The invention further includes the process of preparing the supported catalyst compositions and a process for preparing olefinic polymers using these catalyst compositions.

Abstract: An addition polymerization catalyst comprising a cationic complex of a Group 4 metal cyclopentadienyl derivative and an alumoxane shows improved resistance to catalyst poisons.

Abstract: A picture construction is provided wherein a cabinet is formed with an overlying pivotally mounted transparent glass member secured to a bottommost surface of the cabinet. The cabinet includes a series of ramps and feed troughs for storage and viewing of animals, such as gerbils and the like, therewithin. Ventilation and lighting is arranged wherein optionally selectively replaceable pictures are positionable onto a rearward face of the cabinet, wherein the pictures include fiber optic filaments therethrough, wherein an overlying illumination source directs light through the pictures and through the translucent material forming the body of the picture to enhance the visual effect of the picture in association with the animals within the cabinet.

Abstract: Hydrogen gas filled hollow hole-free microspheres are stored in a chamber. The microspheres are directed from the storage chamber to a heated chamber where the hydrogen gas is diffused through the outer surface of the microspheres and delivered to an engine for use as a fuel. After substantially all the hydrogen gas is removed, the microspheres are transported to another storage chamber from which they are completely removed for refilling with hydrogen gas while the first mentioned storage chamber is refilled with fueled microspheres.

Abstract: A precision level is the type that has a level indicating means and is turned end for end to determine the amount one point on which the end of the level rests must be changed in height with respect to a point at the other end of the level to have the points on a horizontal line. A mounting through one end of the main body of the present level positions a conventional differential dial indicator above a foot that is adjustable in height, and the sensing stem of the indicator follows the upper end of the foot to show the amount the points must be changed in height to position the points on a horizontal line. For levels of different lengths, sections for the main body are connected together. Latching assemblies for joining the sections have hook-shaped members mounted on eccentric pins, the pins being rotated to pull the sections tightly together.