Abstract: A lithium oxyhalide cell electrically connected in parallel with a lithium ion cell is described. Importantly, the open circuit voltage of the freshly built primary lithium oxyhalide cell is equal to or less that the open circuit voltage of the lithium ion cell in a fully charged state. This provides a power system that combines the high capacity of the primary cell with the high pulse power of the secondary cell. This hybrid power system exhibits increased rate capability, higher capacity and improved safety in addition to elimination of voltage delay in comparison to a comparable lithium oxyhalide cell discharge alone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating continuous cathode collecters for use in lithium/thionyl chloride and lithium/sulfuryl chloride cells is described. The preferred electrically conductive material is acetylene black mixed with a polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE) binder in a dry, powderized form. The collector substrate is a nickel or stainless steel foil that has been expanded into a mesh or otherwise provided with perforations. A centering adjustment of the collector substrate controls loading of the electrically conductive mixture onto each side thereof. The dry, powdered electrically conductive mixture is then continuously fed into the calender and formed into a collector structure by locking to itself through the collector substrate perforations before being cut to size.

Abstract: A protective housing for a circuit board mounted on an end of a cell is described. The protective housing includes a cut-out in its sidewall and a retaining wall centered in the cut-out. This provides a pair of gaps, one on each side of the retaining wall between the cut-out. These gaps are size so that lead wires extending from the circuit board are captured therein in a tight-fitting relationship. Consequently, the lengths of the leads extending from the protective housing of the cell to a quick disconnect at the distal end of the leads is precisely controlled. If desired, there can be more than one retaining wall providing a plurality of gaps for capturing a plurality of lead wires therein.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for draining a component of a beverage forming system such as a coffee brewer. A tank used for holding and/or heating a beverage precursor liquid may be automatically drained. A beverage forming machine including a drain system may be self-contained in that the liquid drained from the tank is held by another tank that is part of the beverage forming machine. The tank into which the drained liquid is deposited may be removable from the beverage forming machine.

Abstract: A lithium oxyhalide cell electrically connected in parallel with a lithium ion cell is described. Importantly, the open circuit voltage of the freshly built primary lithium oxyhalide cell is equal to or less that the open circuit voltage of the lithium ion cell in a fully charged state. This provides a power system that combines the high capacity of the primary cell with the high pulse power of the secondary cell. This hybrid power system exhibits increased rate capability, higher capacity and improved safety in addition to elimination of voltage delay in comparison to a comparable lithium oxyhalide cell discharge alone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fabricating continuous cathode collecters for use in lithium/thionyl chloride and lithium/sulfuryl chloride cells is described. The preferred electrically conductive material is acetylene black mixed with a polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE) binder in a dry, powderized form. The collector substrate is a nickel or stainless steel foil that has been expanded into a mesh or otherwise provided with perforations. A centering adjustment of the collector substrate controls loading of the electrically conductive mixture onto each side thereof. The dry, powdered electrically conductive mixture is then continuosly fed into the calender and formed into a collector structure by locking to itself through the collector substrate perforations before being cut to size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for draining a component of a beverage forming system such as a coffee brewer. A tank used for holding and/or heating a beverage precursor liquid may be automatically drained. A beverage forming machine including a drain system may be self-contained in that the liquid drained from the tank is held by another tank that is part of the beverage forming machine. The tank into which the drained liquid is deposited may be removable from the beverage forming machine.

Abstract: A battery, such as an alkaline battery, that can provide a high energy output at a high rate and that has a relatively high ratio of manganese dioxide to cathode volume is disclosed. The battery can provide high energy output at a high rate when the battery is intermittently subjected to a high energy load.

Abstract: A primary alkaline battery includes a housing, a cathode within the housing, an anode within the housing, and a separator electrically separating the anode and the cathode. The battery has a substantial (S/V)2 value.

Abstract: A battery includes a housing, a first electrode, and a non-cylindrical second electrode within the first electrode.

Abstract: A battery includes a cylindrical housing, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator. The second electrode includes a plurality of cavities within the first electrode.

Abstract: A battery includes a housing, a first electrode, a second electrode having a plurality of cavities within the first electrode, a separator between each cavity and the first electrode, a seal positioned above the first electrode and the cavity, and a current collector. The current collector includes a member passing through the seal, a prong extending into each cavity, and a branch member connecting each prong to the member beneath the seal.