Abstract: A pseudo-capacitor having a high energy storage capacity develops a double layer capacitance as well as a Faradaic or battery-like redox reaction, also referred to as pseudo-capacitance. The Faradaic reaction gives rise to a capacitance much greater than that of the typical ruthenate oxide ultracapacitor which develops only charge separation-based double layer capacitance. The capacitor employs a lead and/or bismuth/ruthenate and/or iridium system having the formula A.sub.2 ?B.sub.2-x Pb.sub.x !O.sub.7-y, where A=Pb, Bi, and B=Ru, Ir, and O<x.ltoreq.1 and O<y<0.5 and limits the amount of ruthenate and/or iridium in the electrodes while increasing the energy storage capacity. The ruthenate can be synthesized at low temperatures (40.degree.-80.degree. C.) to form a compound with a high surface area and high electronic conductivity which, in combination with the increased pseudo-capacitance, affords high energy/power density in the pseudo-capacitor.

Abstract: In a graphics processing and display system wherein the view point is controlled according to position and orientation of a view point reference with respect to a representation of the displayed graphics data determined by a view point reference coordinate sensing system comprising a source and a sensor, wherein the sensor has a fixed position and orientation with respect to said view point reference and the source has a fixed position and orientation with respect to the schematic representation, calibration of the system requires two ordered steps: view point reference-sensor calibration and source-representation calibration. View point reference-sensor calibration is performed by registering and processing four configurations of the sensor housing. Source-representation calibration is performed by storing and processing three positions of the sensor housing.

Abstract: A graphics processing and display system includes a coordinate sensing system for determining position and orientation of a view point reference with respect to a schematic representation of at least one three-dimensional object; a view point controller for controlling a display view point according to the determined position and orientation of the view point reference with respect to the schematic representation; and a display processor for generating pixel data representing a two-dimensional rendering of the at least one three-dimensional object according to the graphics data and display view point, wherein the two-dimensional rendering is different from the schematic representation, and wherein the pixel data generated by the display processor is output for display on a display device.

Abstract: A computer graphics system includes a graphics processing engine for processing and displaying graphics data representing three-dimensional objects in a first portion of a display. A text processing engine displays text in a second portion of the display. Embedded in the text is a command or hotlink for controlling operation of the graphics processing engine. In response to user selection of first data displayed in the second portion of the display, a supervisory controller analyzes the first data to determine if the first data includes at least one hotlink command. Upon determining that the first data includes at least one hotlink command, the supervisory controller identifies the hotlink command included in the first data and controls operation of the graphics processing engine to perform at least one graphics function according to the hotlink command included in the first data.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a bimodal positive electrode, a negative electrode of an alkali metal, and a compatible electrolyte including an alkali metal salt molten at the cell operating temperature. The positive electrode has an electrochemically active layer of at least one transition metal chloride at least partially present as a charging product, and additives of bromide and/or iodide and sulfur in the positive electrode or the electrolyte. Electrode volumetric capacity is in excess of 400 Ah/cm.sup.3 ; the cell can be 90% recharged in three hours and can operate at temperatures below 160.degree. C. There is also disclosed a method of reducing the operating temperature and improving the overall volumetric capacity of an electrochemical cell and for producing a positive electrode having a BET area greater than 6.times.10.sup.4 cm.sup.2 /g of Ni.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell with a positive electrode having an electrochemically active layer of at least one transition metal chloride. A negative electrode of an alkali metal and a compatible electrolyte including an alkali metal salt molten at cell operating temperature is included in the cell. The electrolyte is present at least partially as a corrugated .beta." alumina tube surrounding the negative electrode interior to the positive electrode. The ratio of the volume of liquid electrolyte to the volume of the positive electrode is in the range of from about 0.1 to about 3. A plurality of stacked electrochemical cells is disclosed each having a positive electrode, a negative electrode of an alkali metal molten at cell operating temperature, and a compatible electrolyte. The electrolyte is at least partially present as a corrugated .beta." alumina sheet separating the negative electrode and interior to the positive electrodes.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having an alkali metal negative electrode such as sodium and a positive electrode including Ni or transition metals, separated by a .beta." alumina electrolyte and NaAlCl.sub.4 or other compatible material. Various concentrations of a bromine, iodine and/or sulfur containing additive and pore formers are disclosed, which enhance cell capacity and power. The pore formers may be the ammonium salts of carbonic acid or a weak organic acid or oxamide or methylcellulose.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a bimodal positive electrode, a negative electrode of an alkali metal, and a compatible electrolyte including an alkali metal salt molten at the cell operating temperature. The positive electrode has an electrochemically active layer of at least one transition metal chloride at least partially present as a charging product, and additives of bromide and/or iodide and sulfur in the positive electrode or the electrolyte. Electrode volumetric capacity is in excess of 400 Ah/cm.sup.3 ; the cell can be 90% recharged in three hours and can operate at temperatures below 160.degree. C. There is also disclosed a method of reducing the operating temperature and improving the overall volumetric capacity of an electrochemical cell and for producing a positive electrode having a BET area greater than 6.times.10.sup.4 cm.sup.2 /g of Ni.