Abstract: Portable power supply with automatic start. The portable power supply includes a power source, an outlet electrically coupled to the power source and configured to connect to a load, and an electronic processor coupled to the power source and the outlet. The electronic processor is configured to automatically enable the outlet in response to a state of charge (SOC) of the power source satisfying an automatic start threshold.

Abstract: Battery electrodes using VACNT forests to create 3D electrode nanostructures, and methods of making, are described. The VACNTs are electrically and mechanically attached to the anode or cathode substrates, providing a large area of 3D surfaces for coating with active materials and high-conductivity electron pathways to the cell current collectors. A number of different active materials suitable for anodes and cathodes in lithium-ion batteries may be used to coat the individual carbon nanotubes. The high surface area provided by the VACNT forest and the nano-dimensions of the coated active materials enable both high energy-density and high power-density to be achieved with the same battery. Complete conformal coating of the individual CNTs may be achieved by a number of different methods, and coating with multiple active materials may be used to create nanolaminate coatings having improved electrochemical characteristics over single materials.

Abstract: The invention disclosed here is Zinc Manganese-Dioxide Electrochemical Battery Cell. The Zinc Manganese-Dioxide Electrochemical Battery Cell is comprised of at least one zinc foil anode coated with a polymer coating, at least one cathode comprised of a composite matrix of manganese dioxide and single-walled carbon nanotubes (“SWCNT”), and at least one separator, all contained within a sealed container filled with an aqueous electrolyte. There is always an equal number of anodes and cathodes. There is a separator between each adjacent anode and cathode. One cathode is fabricated upon a conductive substrate to which an electrical connection can be attached. Zinc Manganese-Dioxide Electrochemical Battery Cell uses a water-based electrolyte containing Zn sulfate and Mn sulfate additives. The cathode material of ?-MnO2 nanofibers.

Abstract: Battery electrodes using VACNT forests to create 3D electrode nanostructures, and methods of making, are described. The VACNTs are electrically and mechanically attached to the anode or cathode substrates, providing a large area of 3D surfaces for coating with active materials and high-conductivity electron pathways to the cell current collectors. A number of different active materials suitable for anodes and cathodes in lithium-ion batteries may be used to coat the individual carbon nanotubes. The high surface area provided by the VACNT forest and the nano-dimensions of the coated active materials enable both high energy-density and high power-density to be achieved with the same battery. Complete conformal coating of the individual CNTs may be achieved by a number of different methods, and coating with multiple active materials may be used to create nanolaminate coatings having improved electrochemical characteristics over single materials.

Abstract: Fuel cartridges for delivering fuel to a fuel consuming device, such as a fuel cell, are provided. Valves for use on cartridges or devices may include one or more internal seals that prevent fuel flow except when a valve is connected to a properly coupled corresponding valve and a seal between the two vales is established. Cartridge housings may include venting to maintain pressure equilibrium. A flexible or deformable fuel reservoir may be used with a pressurizing system that causes fuel to flow from a cartridge to a device independent of orientation.

Abstract: An improved bipolar lead-acid battery including a novel "cup" design of a bipolar plate, a resilient sliding rim seal for each battery cell, spring conductors for achieving both high compression and current collection, unique current collecting plates, and a self-sealing venting port on the external container.

Abstract: The Bipolar Battery Construction disclosed and claimed above solves the problem of constructing a bipolar battery (11,12) with a desired, uniform, constant, pressure between each bipolar plate (20) and separator (30) in the battery cell stack (48). The provision of such a pressure dramatically increases battery life, and increases the power of the cell stack (48). Compressive force is provided by spring-loaded clamping internal to the battery (11,12). A sealed battery case (52) provides common confinement of gases and vapors from all cells (58), minimizing battery sealing requirements. An inhibitor device (80,81) is provided for minimizing or eliminating leakage current between adjacent battery cells (58) through electrolyte (32), avoiding self-discharge of the cells (58). Insulation (54) minimize temperature gradients in the cell stack (48) which assures uniform and stable performance.