Abstract: The present invention relates to dual-layered structured sulfur cathodes comprising (a) an electroactive layer and (b) a non-electroactive conductive layer, wherein the non-electroactive conductive layer adsorbs soluble polysulfides and provides reaction sites for the reduction of polysulfides. The present invention also relates to method of making dual-layered structured sulfur cathodes and electrochemical cells.

Abstract: A deep tissue massage device that includes a compliant cylinder formed of compressible material, the cylinder having an external surface with at least one external ridge pattern formed on the exterior surface of the cylinder. The at least one ridge pattern includes a single ridge circumferentially formed on the exterior surface of the cylinder that has a V-shaped branch portion that extends from one end of the single ridge and joins together at a second end of the single ridge to form two opposing Y-shaped ridges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dual-layered structured sulfur cathodes comprising (a) an electroactive layer and (b) a non-electroactive conductive layer, wherein the non-electroactive conductive layer adsorbs soluble polysulfides and provides reaction sites for the reduction of polysulfides. The present invention also relates to method of making dual-layered structured sulfur cathodes and electrochemical cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a deep tissue massage device that includes a compliant cylinder formed of compressible material, the cylinder having an external surface with at least one external ridge pattern formed on the exterior surface of the cylinder. The at least one ridge pattern includes a single ridge circumferentially formed on the exterior surface of the cylinder that has a V-shaped branch portion that extends from one end of the single ridge and joins together at a second end of the single ridge to form two opposing Y-shaped ridges.

Abstract: A lithium/oxygen battery includes a lithium anode, an air cathode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte soaked in a microporous separator membrane, wherein non-aqueous electrolyte comprises a lithium salt with a general molecular formula of LiBF3X (X?F, Cl, or Br, respectively) and a non-aqueous solvent mixture.

Abstract: Carbon fluoride is synthesized by reactively or high intensity/energy milling at ambient room temperature carbon-containing material (such as graphite, carbon black, coke, or other carbon-based material) with an inorganic fluoride agent (such as cobalt trifluoride) other than fluorine gas. The following chemical reaction occurs: xC+CoF3?CxF+CoF2, wherein x equals 1 to 4. The CxF is separated from the CoF2 and the CoF3 by digesting the CxF, CoF2 and the CoF3 in hot water of at least approximately 90° C. causing the CoF2 to dissolve; and then filtering the CoF2. The CoF3 is unreacted and undergoes hydrolysis in the hot water to form Co(OH)3 or Co2O3.3H2O, which is removed by washing with sulfuric acid. Alternatively, the CxF is separated from the CoF2 and the CoF3 by digesting the CxF, CoF2 and the CoF3 in heated sulfuric acid followed by filtration and washing with sulfuric acid and then with hot water.

Abstract: An electrolyte for a metal-oxygen battery includes a non-aqueous solvent which is characterized in that the solubility of oxygen therein is at least 0.1150 cc O2/cc of solvent at STP. The electrolyte also includes an electrolyte salt dissolved in the solvent. The solvent may comprise a mixture of materials in which at least 50%, on a weight basis, of the materials have an oxygen solubility of at least 0.1760 cc O2/cc at STP. Also disclosed is a method for optimizing the composition of an electrolyte for a metal-oxygen battery by selecting the solvent for the electrolyte from those materials which will dissolve the electrolyte salt and which have a solubility for oxygen which is at least 0.1150 cc O2/cc at STP.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cathode material for a metal-oxygen battery such as a lithium-oxygen battery. The material comprises, on a weight basis, a first component which is an oxide or a sulfide of a metal. The first component is capable of intercalating lithium, and is present in an amount which is greater than 20% and up to 80% of the material. The material includes a second component which comprises carbon. The carbon is an electroactive catalyst which is capable of reducing oxygen, and comprises 10–80% of the material. The material further includes a binder, such as a fluoropolymer binder, which is present in an amount of 5–40%. Also disclosed is a battery which incorporates the cathode material.

Abstract: A test fixture for an electronic device is provided that removes debris from a socket of the test fixture using back side air blow off. In general, the test fixture includes a circuit board, a socket on a front side of the circuit board, and an air manifold on a back side of the circuit board. Pressurized air is provided to the air manifold through an air supply inlet coupling the air manifold to an external pressurized air supply. At least one via formed through the circuit board fluidly couples the air manifold on the back side of the circuit board to the socket on the front side of the circuit board. Accordingly, the pressurized air from the air manifold flows through the vias and up through the socket such that debris is removed from the socket.

Abstract: An electrode for a rechargeable lithium-ion battery is formed by mixing stanous oxide (SnO) and lithium nitride (Li3N) in a stoichiometric ratio of 2 moles of Li3N to 3 moles of SnO to form a mixture, milling the mixture to obtain a milled powder, and processing the milled powder in accordance with an electrode-forming technique. The electrode forming technique can be any one of die pressing, spraying, doctor-blading and rolling. Conductive additives, such as carbon and binders (PVDF, cellulose and Teflon), can be introduced during the processing step. Preferably, the method is carried out in a dry, inert atmosphere of argon or helium. As a result of the invention, a smaller, lighter and more efficient lithium-ion battery is produced.

Abstract: A catalyst composition for use in a rechargeable metal-air electrochemical cell comprises an oxygen evolution catalyst coated with a thin film deposition of a binder and an electrically conductive particulate material which is not corroded during charge. This catalyst is useful to make an air electrode which has greater corrosion protection than an air electrode having an oxygen evolution catalyst without the thin film deposition.