Abstract: A means for energy storage includes: a Li-B alloy, wherein the molecular formula of the Li—B alloy is Lix B1-x, x is the atomic fraction of Li, and x is between 0.1 and 0.95. A means for energy release includes: a Li—B alloy adapted to react with oxygen at ambient temperature, wherein the molecular formula of the Li—B alloy is Lix B1-x, x is the atomic fraction of Li, and x is between 0.1 and 0.95. A method for controlling a released heat of a Li—B alloy includes the steps of: providing a Li—B alloy placed in a container; and controlling oxygen flux to the container.

Abstract: Ternary metallic alloys of the formula Li.sub.x B.sub.y Mg.sub.z wherein 5.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.90, 0.05.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.0.90, 0.05.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.0.90, and x+y+z=1 and a method of preparing them. These alloys find use in areas where superlight weight, high specific strength (strength/weight ratio) and oxidation resistance are required.

Abstract: Alloy complexes which are composed of (1) lithium (Li, (2) Boron (B), and ) one or more of the following elements: sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), and cesium (Ce). These alloy complexes in powder form react spontaneously with air upon contact to produce large amounts of heat.

Abstract: A memory element made of a shape-memory alloy includes lead-attachment and shape-memory portions and a partition interconnecting such portions. The lead-attachment and shape-memory portions are comprised of characteristic internal structures, while the partition is comprised of an internal structure dissimilar to the characteristic internal structure of at least one of the lead-attachment and shape-memory portions. Shape-memory effect characteristics of the shape-memory portion are preserved to maintain the memory function of the memory element by configuring the dissimilar internal structure to block transmigration from the lead-attachment to the shape-memory portions of selected contaminant material existing in the lead-attachment portion. The partition functions as a contaminant filter to control the concentration of contaminant material in the shape-memory portion, thereby enhancing the durability of the memory element.

Abstract: A thermal-mechanical energy converting device including a fixed cylinder, a frame mounted to co-axially rotate about the fixed cylinder, at least one wheel rotatably support on the frame, and endless transmission elements of a material having a memory effect capable in the bending mode of converting thermal energy into mechanical energy when heated from a temperature below its transition temperature to a temperature above its transition temperature. The transmission elements serve to drive the wheel and the frame about the cylinder upon the application of thermal energy to the transmission elements. This is accomplished by supplying the thermal energy to the cylinder. The thermal energy is transferred from the cylinder to the transmission elements over at least a major portion of the circumferential contact therewith.

Abstract: A process for improving the shape change memory properties of a titanium-kel base alloy by (1) heat treating the alloy to convert the TiNi phase to CsCl (B2)-type crystal structure, (2) cold working the alloy to increase the micro-twining, and finally (3) thermal cycling the alloy through the transition temperature range (TTR) while a load is applied in order to improve the orientation of the micro-twins.

Abstract: A thermal-mechanical energy converting device with at least two rotatably supported wheels and with one or more endless transmission elements of a material having a memory effect capable in the bending mode of converting thermal energy into mechanical energy when heated from a temperature below its transition temperature to a temperature above its transition temperature; the transmission elements serve to drive one wheel from the other wheel upon application of thermal energy to the transmission elements, whereby the thermal energy is transferred from the other wheel to the transmission elements over at least a major portion of the circumferential contact of the transmission elements with the other wheel.

Abstract: A new anode material consisting essentially of from about 50 weight percent o about 90 weight percent of lithium and from about 50 weight percent to about 10 weight percent of boron, and current generating electrochemical cells utilizing said anode material.

Abstract: Metallic alloys of the formula Li.sub.x B.sub.1-x wherein 0<x<1 are obtained by a four step heating and mixing process. These alloys find use in many areas where light weight, strong materials are required.