Abstract: In an aspect, a lead acid battery comprises a sealed casing comprising sulfuric acid; an anode and a cathode that are both at least partially immersed in the sulfuric acid; wherein the anode comprises a current collector, an active layer, and a protective layer located in between the current collector and the active layer; wherein the protective layer comprises an electrically conductive carbon, a crosslinked, acid functionalized polymer, and an aliphatic acid or derivative thereof, wherein the aliphatic acid comprises a C6-30 aliphatic carboxylic acid.

Abstract: A lead carbon battery includes an activated carbon anode comprising the active layer and a current collector, wherein the active layer is in electrical contact with the current collector; a lead oxide cathode that is in electrical contact with a cathode side current collector; an acid located in between the activated carbon anode and the cathode; and a casing encapsulating the activated carbon anode, the cathode, and the acid wherein the active layer includes greater than or equal to 85 weight percent of the activated carbon, 1 to 15 weight percent of a fibrillated poly(vinylidene fluoride), and 0 to 10 weight percent of an electrically conductive filler.

Abstract: A method of making an active layer for an activated carbon anode in a lead carbon battery includes forming a solvent mixture including poly(vinylidene fluoride) and a solvent; combining the solvent mixture with a non-solvent to form a precipitate comprising an activated carbon in a fibrillated poly(vinylidene fluoride) matrix; separating the precipitate from the solvent and the non-solvent; and forming the active layer from the precipitate. An active layer is formed by the method. A lead carbon battery includes an activated carbon anode comprising the active layer and a current collector, wherein the active layer is in electrical contact with the current collector; a lead oxide cathode that is in electrical contact with a cathode side current collector; an acid located in between the activated carbon anode and the cathode; and a casing encapsulating the activated carbon anode, the cathode, and the acid.

Abstract: A reserve battery that is activated via a low energy mechanical force. The reserve battery generally includes a battery case having an electrolyte compartment at a first end and an electrode compartment at a second end, a first terminal having an external button connected to the case at the first end, and a second terminal connected to the case at the second end. A movable ampoule is movably positioned within the electrolyte compartment. A bias member is located within the case between the external button and the ampoule and a porous cutter is positioned within the case between the electrodes and the ampoule and supported by an inverted U-shaped support structure. When an external force is applied to the external button, the bias member transfers an internal force to the ampoule to cause the ampoule to engage the cutter and allow the electrolyte to release thus activating the battery.

Abstract: An electrochemical device includes an electrochemical device having an electrochemical cell located within the sealed first enclosure. The first enclosure has at least a portion that is flexible. A cavity is formed within the first enclosure so that the cavity is in fluidic communication with the electrochemical cell, and pressure inside the sealed first enclosure is less than one half pressure of pressure outside the sealed first enclosure.

Abstract: An electrochemical device includes an electrochemical device having an electrochemical cell located within the sealed first enclosure. The first enclosure has at least a portion that is flexible. A cavity is formed within the first enclosure so that the cavity is in fluidic communication with the electrochemical cell, and pressure inside the sealed first enclosure is less than one half pressure of pressure outside the sealed first enclosure.

Abstract: A current collector which uses a conductive primer layer under an electrode layer to improve the contact and adhesion of the electrode layer to a supporting member, wherein the conductive primer layer is composed of a polymeric material having pendant carboxylic acid groups crosslinked with a multifunctional crosslinking agent, and a conductive filler. The current collector may be used inter alia for making batteries.

Abstract: Provided is a composite material comprising a carrier, a conductive layer formed on the carrier, and a dielectric layer containing spacer particles formed on the conductive layer. The dielectric layer has an abrasion factor less than about 0.3 determined by a brass shim abrasion method, and a substantially uniform distribution of spacer particles substantially free of flat spots greater than about 100 microns in the x-y direction and 1500 square microns in area on any part of the surface. The spacer particles of the dielectric layer of the composite material preferably are amorphous silica. The composite material is useful in electrostatic imaging technology and provides images substantially free of defects, including artifacts or flares, dropouts and nib writing.Also provided is a process which permits the creation of very stable dispersions of solid particles in a dispersing medium useful for both the dielectric and conductive layers of the composite material of the invention.

Abstract: Processes for extruding thermoplastic coatings on substrates are provided by this invention. The processes include directing a substrate between two pressure roll means wherein one of the pressure roll means has a temperature less than the melting point of the thermoplastic. Next, the processes include providing a molten curtain of thermoplastic which is then directed with a current of a fluid medium, such as compressed air, so as to cause at least a first portion of the molten curtain to contact the first pressure roll means for a time sufficient to form a thermoplastic sheet. Next, the processes include extruding at least this thermoplastic sheet with the substrate between the two pressure roll means so as to form an extruded substrate having a thermoplastic layer which is separable from the substrate.

Abstract: A process of producing high quality extrusion coated paper for high quality printing by extruding polyethylene on a highly smoothed base sheet of paper and passing the coated base sheet through the nip of two cooperating rollers, at least one of which rollers is a low-friction gloss chill roller having a surface finish with a degree of roughness between that of a high gloss roller and a matte finished roller.