Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods of preparing prismatic cells which comprise the steps of winding lithium metal anode, separator, and cathode layers on a rounded mandrel having a large circumference relative to the external dimensions of the prismatic cell stack and of compressing the multilayer rounded cell stack into a prismatic shape and then filling the prismatic subassembly with electrolyte to form a prismatic ell stack, or alternatively of winding into such a rounded cell stack and filling with electrolyte and then compressing into a prismatic cell stack, prior to enclosing the prismatic cell stack in a barrier material film and sealing to form the casing of the prismatic cell. The present invention also pertains to electric current producing cells prepared according to such methods.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to methods of preparing prismatic cells which comprise the steps of winding lithium metal anode, separator, and cathode layers on a rounded mandrel having a large circumference relative to the external dimensions of the prismatic cell stack and of compressing the multilayer rounded cell stack into a prismatic shape and then filling the prismatic subassembly with electrolyte to form a prismatic ell stack, or alternatively of winding into such a rounded cell stack and filling with electrolyte and then compressing into a prismatic cell stack, prior to enclosing the prismatic cell stack in a barrier material film and sealing to form the casing of the prismatic cell. The present invention also pertains to electric current producing cells prepared according to such methods.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to current limiting (overcurrent protection) header assemblies which employ a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) device. More particularly, this invention pertains to current limiting header assemblies which employ a PTC device and which have particular design features, specifically, a dimpled support plate and an apertured PTC plate positioned above the dimpled support plate, wherein the dimple protrudes into or through the aperture. The header assemblies are useful in battery cells, particularly in battery cells which employ a glass-to-metal, plastic-to-metal, and similar seal instead of a stacked and crimped design. The header assemblies are compact, effectively taking up only a little more thickness than would be required for just an end cap, permitting the use of more electroactive materials and thereby yielding a battery with increased energy density.

Abstract: An actuator for precisely moving and positioning a manufacturing component includes a housing on which a magnet is mounted. An electrical coil is wound around a coil piston which is slidingly mounted on the housing for movement within the magnetic field generated by the magnet. A rod, having a member for gripping the component, is attached for movement with the coil piston, and a source of electrical current is connected to the coil which is wrapped around the coil piston. In the operation of the actuator, a current is selectively passed through the coil. This current in the coil then moves the coil piston and the attached grip within the magnetic field to position the component as desired. Additionally, a position sensor can be mounted on the device to determine the location of the coil piston and a controller can be incorporated in the actuator to use this position determination for controlling movement of the coil piston and the attached grip.