Abstract: A battery module has a current collecting spacer positioned between two sides of a folded laminate including a first electrode layer. Top and bottom opposite electrode layers, of opposite polarity from the first electrode layer, are formed on the top and bottom of the folded laminate such that, when the opposite electrode layers and the folded laminate are compressed around the spacer, each opposite electrode layer forms, with a portion of the folded laminate, a substantially planar surface. A method for making the battery module is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling tension in a web includes devices such as unwinding and calendar or wind-up rollers for supporting opposite ends of the web. A pressure region is formed between the opposite ends of the web adjacent a first side of the web. The pressure region is at a lower pressure than ambient pressure, such that the web is urged in a direction of the pressure region. The web supported at its opposite ends by the supporting devices is placed in tension in an amount corresponding to the pressure of the pressure region.

Abstract: In a system for monitoring and controlling the thickness of a laminate, an apparatus is provided to apply material for forming a material layer onto a web so that a laminate is formed. The tip of a knife and the surface of the web upon which the material is applied define a space, and the knife is movable relative to the web to vary the size of the space. The web coated with the material layer is drawn past the knife to form a desired thickness material layer. A measuring apparatus measures whether the thickness of the material layer plus the thickness of the web is equal to a predetermined value. The tip of the knife is moved relative to the web to adjust the thickness of the material layer in response to a signal from the measuring apparatus. A method of monitoring and controlling the thickness of a laminate is also described.

Abstract: In a method for the continuous synthesis of vanadium oxide from ammonium metavanadate, ammonium metavanadate is fed to the interior of a dryer apparatus through an inlet opening. The interior of the apparatus is maintained at a temperature of approximately 440.degree. C. and an inert carrier gas flows through the interior of the apparatus. The ammonium metavanadate is conveyed through the interior of the dryer apparatus on a conveyer to an outlet opening over a period of approximately two hours, during which period the ammonium metavanadate is continuously agitated so that it is uniformly exposed to heat and to the carrier gas, thereby synthesizing homogeneous vanadium oxide. The vanadium oxide is continuously removed from the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a laminate having a smooth surface includes a planar member having, on at least one side thereof, desired surface roughness characteristics, is forced against the material layer on the substrate such that the material layer attains substantially the same surface roughness characteristics as the one side of the planar member.

Abstract: A current collector in electrical contact with an anode of a battery is extended beyond the anode to serve as a heat sink and presents a substantial surface area through which heat is dissipated from inside the battery to the atmosphere. When multiple battery cells are stacked, the current collectors extend to form fins across which air flows to efficiently dissipate heat.