Abstract: An in-situ thermal management system for an energy storage device. The energy storage device includes a plurality of energy storage cells each being coupled in parallel to common positive and negative connections. Each of the energy storage cells, in accordance with the cell's technology, dimensions, and thermal/electrical properties, is configured to have a ratio of energy content-to-contact surface area such that thermal energy produced by a short-circuit in a particular cell is conducted to a cell adjacent the particular cell so as to prevent the temperature of the particular cell from exceeding a breakdown temperature. In one embodiment, a fuse is coupled in series with each of a number of energy storage cells. The fuses are activated by a current spike capacitively produced by a cell upon occurrence of a short-circuit in the cell, thereby electrically isolating the short-circuited cell from the common positive and negative connections.

Abstract: A family of working liquids useful in modifying exposed surfaces of wafers for semiconductor fabrication are provided along with methods of modifying exposed surfaces of wafers for semiconductor fabrication utilizing such a family of working liquids, and semiconductor wafers made according the foregoing process. The working liquid of the invention is a solution of initial components, the components comprising: an oxidizing agent; an ionic buffer; a passivating agent; a chelating agent selected from iminodiacetic acid and salts thereof; and water.

Abstract: An improved electrochemical generator is disclosed. The electrochemical generator includes a thin-film electrochemical cell which is maintained in a state of compression through use of an internal or an external pressure apparatus. A thermal conductor, which is connected to at least one of the positive or negative contacts of the cell, conducts current into and out of the cell and also conducts thermal energy between the cell and thermally conductive, electrically resistive material disposed on a vessel wall adjacent the conductor. The thermally conductive, electrically resistive material may include an anodized coating or a thin sheet of a plastic, mineral-based material or conductive polymer material. The thermal conductor is fabricated to include a resilient portion which expands and contracts to maintain mechanical contact between the cell and the thermally conductive material in the presence of relative movement between the cell and the wall structure.

Abstract: A thermal conductor for use with an electrochemical energy storage device is disclosed. The thermal conductor is attached to one or both of the anode and cathode contacts of an electrochemical cell. A resilient portion of the conductor varies in height or position to maintain contact between the conductor and an adjacent wall structure of a containment vessel in response to relative movement between the conductor and the wall structure. The thermal conductor conducts current into and out of the electrochemical cell and conducts thermal energy between the electrochemical cell and thermally conductive and electrically resistive material disposed between the conductor and the wall structure. The thermal conductor may be fabricated to include a resilient portion having one of a substantially C-shaped, double C-shaped, Z-shaped, V-shaped, O-shaped, S-shaped, or finger-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: An in-situ thermal management system for an energy storage device. The energy storage device includes a plurality of energy storage cells each being coupled in parallel to common positive and negative connections. Each of the energy storage cells, in accordance with the cell's technology, dimensions, and thermal/electrical properties, is configured to have a ratio of energy content-to-contact surface area such that thermal energy produced by a short-circuit in a particular cell is conducted to a cell adjacent the particular cell so as to prevent the temperature of the particular cell from exceeding a breakdown temperature. In one embodiment, a fuse is coupled in series with each of a number of energy storage cells. The fuses are activated by a current spike capacitively produced by a cell upon occurrence of a short-circuit in the cell, thereby electrically isolating the short-circuited cell from the common positive and negative connections.

Abstract: An improved electrochemical energy storing device includes a number of thin-film electrochemical cells which are maintained in a state of compression through use of an internal or an external pressure apparatus. A thermal conductor, which is connected to at least one of the positive or negative contacts of each electrochemical cell, conducts current into and out of the electrochemical cells and also conducts thermal energy between the electrochemical cells and thermally conductive material disposed on a wall structure adjacent the conductors. The wall structure includes electrically resistive material, such as an anodized coating or a thin film of plastic. The thermal conductors are fabricated to include a spring mechanism which expands and contacts to maintain mechanical contact between the electrochemical cells and the thermally conductive material in the presence of relative movement between the electrochemical cells and the wall structure.

Abstract: A fixture and method for use in deposition of a material over a substrate make use of an apparatus for actively heating and cooling the substrate during the deposition process. The active heating and cooling structure enables careful control of the temperature of the substrate, and can provide rapid temperature adjustment in response to temperature variation. The fixture and method are thereby capable of accelerating the overall deposition process. The fixture and method also make use of structure for reducing warpage in the fixture during the deposition process due to thermal gradients. By reducing the susceptibility of the fixture to warpage and providing improved temperature control, the fixture and method enable fabrication of layers with more consistent characteristics.

Abstract: An improved high-intensity roto-peen flap, constructed of coated fabric material, the coating including a plurality of layers at least one of which comprises a linear polyurethane elastomer, exhibits improved life over previous high-intensity roto peen flaps. A method of making such a flap, a wheel incorporating at least one of the flaps, and a method of high-intensity roto-peening using the wheel are also presented.

Abstract: An improved high-intensity rotary peening particle support of the type having a plurality of peening particles metallurgically secured to an exposed face thereof is presented, the support having a base composition consisting essentially of from about 0.08 to about 0.34 weight percent carbon, the balance iron, and a Ni-enriched layer which provides a hard, wear resistant surface. A method of producing such a support is also described, the method including cold forming a peening particle support base composition as described, stress relieving, brazing peening particles to an exposed face of the support, austenitizing, quenching, and tempering the support to form a support having a Ni-enriched layer which is harder than the base composition.