Abstract: The present disclosure relates to energy storage devices having: a sealed container configured to house a plurality of energy storage devices and enable electrical communication via terminals of the sealed container and a vent located on a periphery of the sealed container. The vent generally comprises a vent panel; a countersink located adjacent the vent panel; at least one score located in the countersink; a buckling initiator at least partially located on the countersink, where the buckling initiator is configured to intersect with the at least one score; and a hinge portion attached to the vent panel, where the hinge portion is positioned opposite the buckling initiator.

Abstract: The present application provides for various embodiments of energy storage devices and various methods of utilizing the same.

Abstract: A multi-shouldered friction stir welding tool comprises an exterior threaded solid pin having a diameter and a length; a shoulder having a threadless inner diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the exterior threaded solid pin and at least one substantially radial threaded set screw hole; an monolithic shoulder-shank having a threadless inner diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the exterior threaded solid pin and at least one substantially radial threaded set screw hole; a pair of locking nuts having a threadless outer diameter and a threaded inner diameter operably compatable with the exterior threaded solid pin, wherein the shoulder and the monolithic shoulder-shank are capable of slidable engagement with the exterior threaded solid pin along the length of the exterior threaded solid pin to set a space slightly larger than a thickness of a work piece to be welded.

Abstract: A multi-shouldered friction stir welding tool comprises an exterior threaded solid pin having a diameter and a length; a shoulder having a threadless inner diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the exterior threaded solid pin and at least one substantially radial threaded set screw hole; an monolithic shoulder-shank having a threadless inner diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the exterior threaded solid pin and at least one substantially radial threaded set screw hole; a pair of locking nuts having a threadless outer diameter and a threaded inner diameter operably compatable with the exterior threaded solid pin, wherein the shoulder and the monolithic shoulder-shank are capable of slidable engagement with the exterior threaded solid pin along the length of the exterior threaded solid pin to set a space slightly larger than a thickness of a work piece to be welded.

Abstract: A multi-shouldered friction stir welding tool (10) comprises an integral shank-pin unit (11) having a plurality of pin portions on the shank-pin unit, where the plurality of pin portions for driving into a plurality of joints to perform a friction stir welding operation on the corresponding plurality of joints and, where a shank portion of the shank-pin unit is for attachment to an optional axial tension rod (19), each of the friction stir welding modules comprises a pair of shoulders (13, 14) that is connected to the shank-pin unit where each shoulder has a distal end and a proximal end, where the proximal end of each shoulder faces the pin portion of the shank-pin unit, whereby the shoulder and pin(s) rotate in unison, and a pair of split collars or a pair of nuts that is connected to the shank-pin unit and faces the distal end of each shoulder, where the plurality of friction stir welding modules are connected to each other whereby the modules rotate in unison to simultaneously make a plurality of parallel

Abstract: A coiled heat pipe and methods of making a coiled heat pipe are provided. The coiled heat pipe includes a sealed-exterior coil and a plurality of interior-perforated coils. The exterior coil and the plurality of interior-perforated coils are be formed from a single aluminum sheet. The exterior coil is sealed and houses, or otherwise contains, a partial vacuum and a working fluid.

Abstract: A multi-shouldered friction stir welding tool comprises an integral shank-pin unit having a plurality of pin portions for driving into a plurality of joints. A shank portion of the shank-pin unit is for attachment to an optional axial tension rod. A plurality of friction stir welding modules comprise a pair of shoulders that is connected to the shank-pin unit. The proximal end of each shoulder faces the pin portion of the shank-pin unit, whereby the shoulder and pin(s) rotate in unison. A pair of split collars or a pair of nuts is connected to the shank-pin unit and faces the distal end of each shoulder. The plurality of friction stir welding modules are connected to each other and rotate in unison to simultaneously make a plurality of parallel welds.

Abstract: A multi-shouldered friction stir welding tool (10) comprises an integral shank-pin unit (11) having a plurality of pin portions on the shank-pin unit, where the plurality of pin portions for driving into a plurality of joints to perform a friction stir welding operation on the corresponding plurality of joints and, where a shank portion of the shank-pin unit is for attachment to an optional axial tension rod (19), each of the friction stir welding modules comprises a pair of shoulders (13, 14) that is connected to the shank-pin unit where each shoulder has a distal end and a proximal end, where the proximal end of each shoulder faces the pin portion of the shank-pin unit, whereby the shoulder and pin(s) rotate in unison, and a pair of split collars or a pair of nuts that is connected to the shank-pin unit and faces the distal end of each shoulder, where the plurality of friction stir welding modules are connected to each other whereby the modules rotate in unison to simultaneously make a plurality of parallel

Abstract: A production line method of resistance welding comprising the steps of contacting a metal sheet with an electrode having an initial contact surface area at a force to provide a pressure to the metal sheet; applying a current though the electrode to the metal sheet; measuring dimensional changes of the electrode; correlating dimensional changes in the electrode to changes in the initial contact surface area; and adjusting the force to compensate for the changes in the initial contact surface area of the electrode to maintain pressure to the metal sheet. The force may be adjusted by stepping the force to maintain pressure to the faying surface of the metal sheet to be welded. By maintaining the pressure at the faying surface the life cycle of the electrodes may be increased without forming discrepant welds.

Abstract: Friction stir welding tool to facilitate stress reduction within the tool that may include a body, a pin, a tension member, and an end assembly, the tension member and end assembly facilitating axial compression of the pin. The tension member may be decoupled from the pin and/or body of the tool via one or more decoupling members. The end assembly may comprise spring members to provide an axial force to the tension member. The pin may include various features to facilitate stress reduction proximal the pin.

Abstract: A method of producing a metal structure with a grooved wicking surface is provided. An aluminum alloy is provided that is thermomechanically processed to produce grain size and shape suitable for wicking. Then, the alloy is heat treated to produce a continuous etchable phase on the grain boundaries. The alloy is then etched with a solvent that dissolves the continuous etchable phase on the grain boundaries to produce the metal structure with a grooved wicking surface. In addition, the method of producing a laminate metal structure with a grooved wicking surface is provided. The laminate is provided with at least a top layer and a bottom layer where the top layer and bottom layer are made of an aluminum alloy. The laminate is thermomechanically processed to produce grain size and shape spanning the entire depth of the top layer suitable for wicking. Then, the laminate is heat treated to produce a continuous etchable phase on the grain boundaries within the top layer.

Abstract: A method of making an integral antenna from a metal laminate is provided. The metal laminate comprises a top metal layer, a middle thermoplastic layer, and a bottom metal layer. A portion of the top metal layer of the metal laminate is isolated to create an antenna structure so that the antenna remains a part of the metal laminate to create an integral antenna.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-shouldered friction stir welding tool.

Abstract: The present invention provides a production line method of resistance welding comprising the steps of contacting a metal sheet with an electrode having an initial contact surface area at a force provide a pressure to the metal sheet; applying a current though the electrode to the metal sheet; measuring dimensional changes of the electrode; correlating dimensional changes in the electrode to changes in the initial contact surface area; and adjusting the force to compensate for the changes in the initial contact surface area of the electrode to maintain pressure to the metal sheet. The force may be adjusted by stepping the force to maintain pressure to the flaying surface of the metal sheet to be welded. By maintaining the pressure at the faying surface the life cycle of the electrodes may be increased without forming discrepant welds.

Abstract: A method of resistance welding comprising the steps of contacting a metal sheet with an electrode having an initial contact surface area at a force to provide a pressure to the metal sheet applying a current through the electrode to the metal sheet; measuring dimensional changes of the electrode; correlating dimensional changes in the electrode to changes in the initial contact surface area; and adjusting the force to compensate for the changes in the initial contact surface area of the electrode to maintain pressure to the metal sheet. The force may be adjusted by stepping the force to maintain pressure to the faying surface of the metal sheet to be welded. By maintaining the pressure at the faying surface the life cycle of the electrodes may be increased without forming discrepant welds. The current may also be stepped to further extend electrode life.

Abstract: Friction stir welding tool to facilitate stress reduction within the tool that may include a body, a pin, a tension member, and an end assembly, the tension member and end assembly facilitating axial compression of the pin. The tension member may be decoupled from the pin and/or body of the tool via one or more decoupling members. The end assembly may comprise spring members to provide an axial force to the tension member. The pin may include various features to facilitate stress reduction proximal the pin.