Abstract: A self-energized measuring system for determining primary and secondary battery/cell's performance, age, and health by measuring and recording battery/cell's voltage response to a specified load-changing perturbation spot-test event. The cell's voltage response is compared to a synchronously measured voltage signal of a comparator resistor. The relationship between the two voltage signals is analyzed on logarithmic time scale to determine performance parameters such as cell impedance and power and their variation in the time domain. The cell temperature is also measured for impedance and power normalization for 20 centigrade. Results are compared to a previously generated master data tabulation characteristic of a similar, new cell of perfect health condition. The time-domain performance parameters are related to the performance, age and health of the cell at any particular instant. The evaluation method can be easily adjusted to various battery chemistries, types.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-functional sensor system that simultaneously measures cathode and anode electrode potentials, dissolved ion (i.e. oxide) concentration, and temperatures in an electrochemical cell. One embodiment of the invented system generally comprises: a reference(saturated) electrode, a reference(sensing) electrode, and a data acquisition system. Thermocouples are built into the two reference electrodes to provide important temperature information.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell having a cathode and an anode in contact with an electrolyte. Both electrodes or one of them has an electrically conducting non-metal receptacle defining a chamber with a first metal having a melting point in the range of from about room temperature to about 800° C. inside said receptacle chamber. A second metal with a melting point greater than about 800° C. is in contact with the first metal inside the receptacle chamber and extends outside of the receptacle chamber to form a terminal for the anode. The electrolyte may include the oxides, halides or mixtures thereof of one or more of Li, V, U, Al and the lanthanides. Metal may be produced at the cathode during operation of the cell and oxygen or chlorine at the anode.

Abstract: Overdischarge indication and protection is provided in a lithium alloy - metal sulfide, secondary electrochemical cell and batteries of such cells through use of a low lithium activity phase that ordinarily is not matched with positive electrode material. Low lithium activity phases such as Li.sub.0.1 Al.sub.0.9 and LiAlSi in correspondence with positive electrode material cause a downward gradient in cell voltage as an indication of overdischarge prior to damage to the cell. Moreover, the low lithium activity phase contributes lithium into the electrolyte and provides a lithium shuttling current as overdischarge protection after all of the positive electrode material is discharged.

Abstract: In a lithium-alloy/metal sulfide high temperature electrochemical cell, cell damage caused by overcharging is avoided by providing excess lithium in a high-lithium solubility phase alloy in the negative electrode and a specified ratio maximum of the capacity of a matrix metal of the negative electrode in the working phase to the capacity of a transition metal of the positive electrode. In charging the cell, or a plurality of such cells in series and/or parallel, chemical transfer of elemental lithium from the negative electrode through the electrolyte to the positive electrode provides sufficient lithium to support an increased self-charge current to avoid anodic dissolution of the positive electrode components above a critical potential. The lithium is subsequently electrochemically transferred back to the negative electrode in an electrochemical/chemical cycle which maintains high self-discharge currents on the order of 3-15 mA/cm.sup.2 in the cell to prevent overcharging.

Abstract: A reference electrode utilizes a small thin, flat membrane of a highly conductive glass placed on a small diameter insulator tube having a reference material inside in contact with an internal voltage lead. When the sensor is placed in a non-aqueous ionic electrolytic solution, the concentration difference across the glass membrane generates a low voltage signal in precise relationship to the concentration of the species to be measured with high spatial resolution.

Abstract: A fully charged positive electrode composition for an electrochemical cell includes FeS.sub.2 and NiS.sub.2 in about equal molar amounts along with about 2-20 mole percent of the reaction product Li.sub.2 S. Through selection of appropriate electrolyte compositions, high power output or low operating temperatures can be obtained. The cell includes a substantially constant electrode impedance through most of its charge and discharge range. Exceptionally high discharge rates and overcharge protection are obtainable through use of the inventive electrode composition.

Abstract: A multifunctional, low mass reference electrode of a nickel tube, thermocouple means inside the nickel tube electrically insulated therefrom for measuring the temperature thereof, a housing surrounding the nickel tube, an electrolyte having a fixed sulfide ion activity between the housing and the outer surface of the nickel tube forming the nickel/nickel sulfide/sulfide half-cell. An ion diffusion barrier is associated with the housing in contact with the electrolyte. Also disclosed is a cell using the reference electrode to measure characteristics of a working electrode.

Abstract: The invention concerns a new process for the preparation of 5-halo-6,9.alpha.-oxido-prostaglandin derivatives of the general formula II ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group optionally substituted by aryl, amino, hydroxyl or a halogen atom, an equivalent of a pharmaceutically acceptable organic or inorganic cation or a conventional hydroxyl protecting group;R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group or a conventionally protected hydroxyl group;R.sup.3 is a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group;R.sup.4 represents a hydrogen atom or a conventional hydroxyl protecting group;R.sup.5 stands for a straight or branched chained alkyl group, optionally containing hetero atom(s) and optionally substituted by a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, andX stands for a halogen atom,which comprises subsjecting prostaglandin F.sub.2.alpha.