Abstract: A system for measuring a heat response of a cell during a thermal runaway event includes a housing. An insulation is positioned within the housing. A calorimeter is positioned within the insulation and the housing. The calorimeter is configured to have the cell positioned therein. The calorimeter is configured to measure a temperature increase of the cell, one or more components of the calorimeter, or a combination thereof during the thermal runaway event of the cell. A total energy yield of the thermal runaway event is configured to be determined based at least partially upon the temperature increase. A ratio is configured to be determined based at least partially upon the temperature increase. The ratio includes energy released through a casing of the cell during the thermal runaway event vs. energy released through ejecta material from the cell during the thermal runaway event.

Abstract: A battery assembly may include bus strips located on one or more sides and displaced ends of battery cells. The battery assembly may comprise a heater. The battery assembly may comprise one or more refractory panels. A refractory panel may comprise weakened regions corresponding to battery cells.

Abstract: A battery assembly may include bus strips located on one or more sides and displaced ends of battery cells. The battery assembly may comprise a heater. The battery assembly may comprise one or more refractory panels. A refractory panel may comprise weakened regions corresponding to battery cells.

Abstract: An illuminating writing instrument for providing an illuminated writing surface and a method for its manufacture. The illuminating writing instrument includes a housing that defines an enclosure that holds the components of the illuminating instrument. The housing has an end that supports a writing point and an end that supports an upper portion having a transparent window portion that allows light to pass therethrough. The housing also encloses an electrical circuit that includes a power source, a switch, and a light source such that when the switch is activated, the light source produces illumination. The upper portion of the housing also includes a reflector that reflects light from the light source through the transparent window portion to illuminate a writing surface.

Abstract: A bipolar silver-iron plate is provided in which both the silver electrode and iron electrode are fully charged upon fabrication. The iron electrode may be formed in a standard manner. The silver anode is formed by applying a paste formed from polyvinyl alcohol, water and silver oxide powder to a fiber grid provided on the anodic side of the bipolar plate. When dried, the paste forms a silver oxide electrode which is fully charged. If desired, the iron electrode can be formed in the same manner. When so formed, potassium hydroxide should be added to the polyvinyl alcohol water solution to prevent oxidation of iron powder. The silver and iron electrodes formed by this manner are malleable and can thus be fabricated into a multi-ply sheet and rolled around a cylindrical core to form a jelly-roll battery.

Abstract: A separator for use in a silver-iron battery is provided having a case and a cover within which are disposed a positive silver electrode and negative iron electrode. A separator is provided between these two electrodes. The separator includes alternating layers of a low density, radiation-grafted polyethylene layer provided adjacent the silver electrode and a cellophane film layer provided adjacent the polyethylene layer. Additional alternating layers of polyethylene and cellophane film can be provided as desired. The separator of the present invention blocks migration of the silver ion while maintaining low resistance to electrolytic transfer. The separator of the present invention provides for improved low temperature performance for silver-iron battery cells.