Abstract: The present invention relates to the application of a force to enhance the performance of an electrochemical cell. The force may comprise, in some instances, an anisotropic force with a component normal to an active surface of the anode of the electrochemical cell. In the embodiments described herein, electrochemical cells (e.g., rechargeable batteries) may undergo a charge/discharge cycle involving deposition of metal (e.g., lithium metal) on a surface of the anode upon charging and reaction of the metal on the anode surface, wherein the metal diffuses from the anode surface, upon discharging. The uniformity with which the metal is deposited on the anode may affect cell performance. For example, when lithium metal is redeposited on an anode, it may, in some cases, deposit unevenly forming a rough surface. The roughened surface may increase the amount of lithium metal available for undesired chemical reactions which may result in decreased cycling lifetime and/or poor cell performance.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment a clamping device comprising a first clamping device frame element coupled with a portion of a work tool coupled with the utility vehicle, a second clamping device frame element pivotally coupled with the first clamping device frame element, where the second clamping device frame element includes a first section and a second section, where the first section and the second section are positioned at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to each other, and a first movement actuator that movably couples the first clamping device frame element and the second clamping device frame element.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment a clamping device comprising a first clamping device frame element coupled with a portion of a work tool coupled with the utility vehicle, a second clamping device frame element pivotally coupled with the first clamping device frame element, where the second clamping device frame element includes a first section and a second section, where the first section and the second section are positioned at an angle of approximately 90 degrees relative to each other, and a first movement actuator that movably couples the first clamping device frame element and the second clamping device frame element.

Abstract: An air inlet arrangement is provided for a work vehicle that has an auxiliary bay external to the engine compartment. The auxiliary bay can have a bay cover in part forming a step panel for the operator. The auxiliary bay contains an air cleaner coupled to an air inlet via air ducting that extends through the engine compartment. In the case of work vehicles having an aftertreatment device within the engine compartment for example, the air duct extends through the engine compartment between a side wall of the engine cover and the engine and/or the aftertreatment device. The air duct can at least in part be formed as a unitary part of the engine cover with multiple tube segments of differing cross-sections. At least the segment passing between the engine cover and the aftertreatment device can be oblong with a major axis essentially parallel to the engine cover side wall.

Abstract: An air inlet arrangement is provided for a work vehicle that has an auxiliary bay external to the engine compartment. The auxiliary bay can have a bay cover in part forming a step panel for the operator. The auxiliary bay contains an air cleaner coupled to an air inlet via air ducting that extends through the engine compartment. In the case of work vehicles having an aftertreatment device within the engine compartment for example, the air duct extends through the engine compartment between a side wall of the engine cover and the engine and/or the aftertreatment device. The air duct can at least in part be formed as a unitary part of the engine cover with multiple tube segments of differing cross-sections. At least the segment passing between the engine cover and the aftertreatment device can be oblong with a major axis essentially parallel to the engine cover side wall.

Abstract: A separator plate construction for flake-like members including a plate body having a longitudinal axis, a plurality of elongated slot openings in the plate body extending longitudinally of the longitudinal axis, and orienters on the plate body for orienting elongated flake-like members which are thinner but wider than the openings into a direction extending longitudinally of the openings and rotating them so that they can pass through the openings.