Abstract: A secondary battery is provided for cycling between a charged and a discharged state, the secondary battery including a battery enclosure, an electrode assembly, carrier ions, a non-aqueous liquid electrolyte within the battery enclosure, and a set of electrode constraints. The set of electrode constraints includes a primary constraint system having first and second primary growth constraints and at least one primary connecting member, the first and second primary growth constraints separated from each other in the longitudinal direction, wherein the primary constraint array restrains growth of the electrode assembly in the longitudinal direction such that any increase in the Feret diameter of the electrode assembly in the longitudinal direction over 20 consecutive cycles of the secondary battery is less than 20%.

Abstract: A locking device for multiple-section telescoping tubes wherein a smaller tube is telescopically retractable into or extensible from within a larger tube includes a pair of opposing blocks, disposed within the telescoping tubes, one block being attached to the smaller tube, the other block being configured to move laterally with respect to the first block when the blocks are moved longitudinally with respect to each other. Depending on the direction of longitudinal movement of the blocks, one block may be caused to bear against an inner side of the larger tube to resist retraction of the smaller tube, or the blocks may be allowed to move away from the inner side of the larger tube to allow free sliding extension of the smaller tube. The device also includes means for selectively longitudinally moving one of the blocks with respect to the other, so as to allow free sliding retraction of the smaller tube, when desired.

Abstract: A locking device for multiple-section telescoping tubes wherein a smaller tube is telescopically retractable into or extensible from within a larger tube includes a pair of opposing blocks, disposed within the telescoping tubes, one block being attached to the smaller tube, the other block being configured to move laterally with respect to the first block when the blocks are moved longitudinally with respect to each other. Depending on the direction of longitudinal movement of the blocks, one block may be caused to bear against an inner side of the larger tube to resist retraction of the smaller tube, or the blocks may be allowed to move away from the inner side of the larger tube to allow free sliding extension of the smaller tube. The device also includes means for selectively longitudinally moving one of the blocks with respect to the other, so as to allow free sliding retraction of the smaller tube, when desired.

Abstract: A fully adjustable paint box and easel which folds into a compact, light portable box shape for carrying. The novel tripod head assembly allows the outer legs to rotate out, the middle leg to rotate down, the painting holder assembly to rotate up, and the paint box to open forming a painter's easel.

Abstract: A locking device for multiple section telescope tubes that locks the telescoping tubes in any position of extension and releases the leg sections sequentially from the bottom up by depressing a push rod. The push rod releases a pin or ball that clamps the internal surface of an outer leg to the surface of an inner leg, thereby preventing an inner leg from sliding within the outer leg. The device can be used on any telescoping device. For example, the locking device may be used with tripods for cameras, painter's easels, telescopes, and other optical instruments, as a single multi-section stand for music, microphones, light stands, canes, walking sticks, flagpoles, umbrellas, handles, tent poles, or for devices such as radio antennae or pointing devices.