Abstract: A current collector structure that is used to distribute an electrical potential to an electrode layer of an electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell has an electrolyte layer adjacent the electrode layer for transport of oxygen ions. The current collector structure has a porous, electrically conductive layer located on the electrode layer. Additionally, at least one elongated strip-like layer formed of an electrically conductive material is located on the porous, electrically conductive layer, opposite the electrode and oriented in a lengthwise direction of the electrode layer.

Abstract: A process for forming an end cap in an extruded ceramic tube. An end cap forming cavity of an end cap forming die is positioned so that, when the body of the end cap forming die is situated against an extrusion die, ceramic material is able to be forced into the end cap forming cavity, through a passageway communicating between the end cap forming cavity and a backfill reservoir, and into the backfill reservoir. A plunger projects into the backfill reservoir to force the ceramic material from the backfill reservoir back through the passageway and into the end cap forming cavity to compact the ceramic material so that the ceramic material within the end cap will be provided with a substantially uniform density.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention a process is provided for achieving a phase-pure BSCCO or lead doped BSCCO powder or precursor of the 2201, 2212 or 2223 phase. In this process a cation solution is intimately mixed with an anion solution and precipitation is caused at a carefully controlled pH in the range from about 10 to about 12.5. The resulting product is filtered and dried or heat-treated at a temperature of from about 400.degree. to about 500.degree. C. for a period of from about 8 to about 12 hours. The heat-treated powder is then subjected to a second heat treatment at a reduced oxygen of from about 3 to about 10 torr and a temperature of from about 700.degree. to about 800.degree. to form a precursor powder. The precursor powder is heat-treated at ambient pressure in CO.sub.2 -free air from about 12 to about 31 hours or more at a temperature of from about 800.degree. to about 850.degree. C.