Abstract: A thermal battery includes a first conductive layer containing an anode material separated from a second conductive layer containing a cathode material by a separator layer containing a separator material; and a flexible pyrotechnic heat source, wherein the first conductive layer, the separator layer, and the second conductive layer are rolled together to form the spiral wound configuration. A method of manufacturing a thermal spiral wound battery includes preparing three slurries, each containing one of an anode material, a cathode material, and a separator material, depositing each of the materials from the slurries onto conductive substrates to form three layers, stacking the layers, and winding the layers together into a spiral wound configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments directed to a method of manufacturing a pyrotechnic article for use with a thermal battery are disclosed. The method includes forming an iron oxide preform from iron oxide powder. The method also includes reducing the iron oxide preform to an iron preform made of metallic iron. The method further includes impregnating the iron preform with an oxidizer to form the pyrotechnic article.

Abstract: At least a portion of the enclosure of a thermal battery is formed of a ceramic material that is non-porous and electrically-non-conductive. The thermal battery includes at least one cell, a squib that when activated causes the at least one cell to become active, and an enclosure that surrounds the at least one cell and the squib. Squib terminals and battery terminals extend through the enclosure and are electrically connected to the squib and to the at least one cell, respectively. At least the portion of the enclosure through which the squib and battery terminals extend is formed of the ceramic material. The enclosure includes a container and a header. At least the header is made from the ceramic material, and preferably both the container and the header are made from the ceramic material.

Abstract: A thermal battery includes a first conductive layer containing an anode material separated from a second conductive layer containing a cathode material by a separator layer containing a separator material; and a flexible pyrotechnic heat source, wherein the first conductive layer, the separator layer, and the second conductive layer are rolled together to form the spiral wound configuration. A method of manufacturing a thermal spiral wound battery includes preparing three slurries, each containing one of an anode material, a cathode material, and a separator material, depositing each of the materials from the slurries onto conductive substrates to form three layers, stacking the layers, and winding the layers together into a spiral wound configuration.

Abstract: At least a portion of the enclosure of a thermal battery is formed of a ceramic material that is non-porous and electrically-non-conductive. The thermal battery includes at least one cell, a squib that when activated causes the at least one cell to become active, and an enclosure that surrounds the at least one cell and the squib. Squib terminals and battery terminals extend through the enclosure and are electrically connected to the squib and to the at least one cell, respectively. At least the portion of the enclosure through which the squib and battery terminals extend is formed of the ceramic material. The enclosure includes a container and a header. At least the header is made from the ceramic material, and preferably both the container and the header are made from the ceramic material.

Abstract: A pair of removable soft pliant plugs is inserted in the Vas to impede the flow of sperm to provide reversible male contraception.

Abstract: A pair of removable soft pliant plugs is inserted in the Vas to impede the flow of sperm to provide reversible male contraception.

Abstract: A device for positioning reading material for use by a person in the horizontal position. The device includes a frame, including a base, a vertical arm extending above the base, and a horizontal arm extending over the location of the person. Also included is a housing for mounting the horizontal portion of the frame. The housing includes a back plate extending horizontally in the frame and a reader plate frame for housing a reader plate. The reader plate frame is below the back plate and is spaced therefrom to position reading material in an open orientation facing the person.Also include are first and second clear reader plates mounted horizontally in the reader plate frame to enclose both sides of reading material while leaving a spaced region between the plates for access to the reading material by a person in the horizontal position.