Abstract: An end cap assembly for an electrochemical cell having an end cap, a current collector, and a seal. The end cap has a top surface and a bottom surface. The current collector has a columnar body with a head at one end thereof. The seal has a central boss with an opening through which the current collector is inserted. The seal also has a peripheral edge and a connecting part connecting the central boss with the peripheral edge. The connecting part of the seal has a top surface and a bottom surface. The central boss has a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of the central boss faces the bottom surface of the end cap and the bottom surface of the central boss does not extend below the bottom surface of the connecting part. The current collector is positioned within the opening of the central boss so that the head of the current collector does not touch the top surface of the central boss thus forming a gap from about 0.01 mm to about 0.

Abstract: A primary lithium battery can include a current collector that includes aluminum, a positive lead that includes aluminum, or both. The aluminum battery components can have high mechanical strength and low electrical resistance.

Abstract: Primary lithium cells are provided, the cells having an anode comprising lithium and a cathode comprising iron disulfide. Features of the cells are optimized in order to enhance the cell performance within the constraints imposed by the maximum permitted level of lithium and standard cell dimensions.

Abstract: Batteries are disclosed having a vent opening that is sealed by a metal foil. Methods and tooling for manufacturing such batteries and methods of venting sealed batteries are also disclosed. In some implementations, sealing is performed using ultrasonic metal welding.

Abstract: Primary lithium cells are provided, the cells having an anode comprising lithium and a cathode comprising iron disulfide. Features of the cells are optimized in order to enhance the cell performance within the constraints imposed by the maximum permitted level of lithium and standard cell dimensions.

Abstract: A primary lithium battery can include a current collector that includes aluminum, a positive lead that includes aluminum, or both. The aluminum battery components can have high mechanical strength and low electrical resistance.

Abstract: A primary lithium battery can include a current collector that includes aluminum, a positive lead that includes aluminum, or both. The aluminum battery components can have high mechanical strength and low electrical resistance.

Abstract: An end cap assembly for a primary lithium cell is disclosed. The end cap has a principal application in closing and sealing a primary lithium cell having wound electrodes. The cell may typically have an anode comprising lithium and a cathode comprising iron disulfide (FeS2). The end cap assembly has a metal cathode contact cup therein having a closed end and opposing open end with integral side walls therebetween. The cathode contact cup is electrically connected to the cathode and is within the electrical pathway between the cathode and terminal end cap. The cathode contact cup has one or more grooves formed at the closed end thereof resulting in thinned or rupturable portions of remaining metal underlying said grooves. The thin or rupturable remaining metal portions are exposed directly to gas within the cell interior and are designed to rupture when gas within the cell builds to a predetermined level.

Abstract: Batteries are disclosed having a vent opening that is sealed by a metal foil. Methods and tooling for manufacturing such batteries and methods of venting sealed batteries are also disclosed. In some implementations, sealing is performed using ultrasonic metal welding.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for palletizing rectangular packages received in random size and weight. A “corner”-based modeling system is used to assist in evaluating possible placements of packages accumulated on a line conveyor, and a placement evaluation process is used to select a “best” package placement based on heuristic analysis. Statistically-based measurement and comparison is used to assist in the evaluation process.

Abstract: A battery has a housing, a cover, and a seal engaged with the cover. The cover has an outer edge and is connected to the housing at the outer edge. The cover includes at least one portion of reduced thickness between the outer edge of the cover and the seal.

Abstract: A primary battery having at least one flat side running along its length. The battery can be used, for example, in a digital camera. The battery can have an anode comprising lithium and low resistance contacts. The anode and cathode can be in the form of sheets which are spirally wound with separator therebetween. The negative and positive contacts are uniquely positioned to prevent recharging the battery in the event that the battery is inserted into a conventional recharger designed for same size rechargeable batteries.

Abstract: A primary lithium battery can include a current collector that includes aluminum, a positive lead that includes aluminum, or both. The aluminum battery components can have high mechanical strength and low electrical resistance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for palletizing rectangular packages received in random size and weight. A “corner”-based modeling system is used to assist in evaluating possible placements of packages accumulated on a line conveyor, and a placement evaluation process is used to select a “best” package placement based on heuristic analysis. Statistically-based measurement and comparison is used to assist in the evaluation process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for palletizing rectangular packages received in random size and weight. A “corner”-based modeling system is used to assist in evaluating possible placements of packages accumulated on a line conveyor, and a placement evaluation process is used to select a “best” package placement based on heuristic analysis. Statistically-based measurement and comparison is used to assist in the evaluation process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for palletizing rectangular packages received in random size and weight. A “corner”-based modeling system is used to assist in evaluating possible placements of packages accumulated on a line conveyor, and a placement evaluation process is used to select a “best” package placement based on heuristic analysis. Statistically-based measurement and comparison is used to assist in the evaluation process.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping parcels which includes a pair of cooperating side clamps connected by a scissors actuator, configured for movement with a suction holding device. A controller and a trigger switch are likewise used to facilitate accurate gripping of parcels thereby.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for palletizing rectangular packages received in random size and weight. A “corner”-based modeling system is used to assist in evaluating possible placements of packages accumulated on a line conveyor, and a placement evaluation process is used to select a “best” package placement based on heuristic analysis. Statistically-based measurement and comparison is used to assist in the evaluation process.

Abstract: An efficient package sorting system in which a stationary matrix of multi-directional conveyor cells sorts packages to a plurality of destination locations. In a preferred embodiment, the matrix delivers sorted packages to a plurality of lift assemblies that further transfer the packages to receiving conveyors or chutes on different levels. According to another preferred aspect of the system, a selectively elevating stop bar is provided to control side transfer between conveyor cells. A controller is operative to plan a path for each of the objects from the input cell to a destination location, to monitor availability of successive conveyor cells along the path, and to cause an object to be moved to the next conveyor cell along its path only when the next conveyor cell is available. The system may include a plurality of sensors positioned to sense the passage of objects from one conveyor cell to another, the sensors being connected to the controller.

Abstract: The optical path between a camera positioned above a conveyor and objects traveling on the conveyor is adjusted by moving a plurality of mirrors that at least partially define the optical path. The mirrors are manipulated as a function of the height of the objects so that the length of the optical path between each object and the camera is generally the same. The plurality of movable mirrors are equidistant from and arranged about a central point. The plurality of movable mirrors are contemporaneously moved toward and away from the central point to equalize the length of the optical path. Each of the movable mirrors translates along a different travel path. The travel paths are non-parallel. The plurality of movable mirrors are arranged so that the optical path includes a plurality of segments, and at least one intersection is defined between the segments distant from the movable mirrors.