Abstract: An asymmetric split bearing with a geometrically contoured work surface is provided that has an upper segment and lower segment and a plurality of spaced, recesses in the sidewall of the bearing segment, which are joined together by means of bearing surfaces or lands. The asymmetric split bearing allows for a greater range of applications, such as reciprocating engine crankshafts, which require split bearings for support. The number of bearing surfaces on each segment can be optimized for load conditions and to minimize friction. The bearing utilizes powdered metal manufacturing and is self-cleaning.

Abstract: An asymmetric split bearing with a geometrically contoured work surface is provided that has an upper segment and lower segment and a plurality of spaced, recesses in the sidewall of the bearing segment, which are joined together by means of bearing surfaces or lands. The asymmetric split bearing allows for a greater range of applications, such as reciprocating engine crankshafts, which require split bearings for support. The number of bearing surfaces on each segment can be optimized for load conditions and to minimize friction. The bearing utilizes powdered metal manufacturing and is self-cleaning.

Abstract: A high energy density battery is provided that improves energy density through efficient placement of the inter-plate connections within the battery enclosure. The placement of the current carrying leads in the high energy density battery allows for a greater volume of active material to be placed within the battery enclosure. This placement design can also be used to reduce the size of existing power sources. Methods for constructing high energy density batteries and methods for increasing the volumetric energy density of an implantable battery are also provided. The resulting high energy density battery can be used to power electronics associated with a variety of devices such as medical devices.

Abstract: The invention provides a thin film solid state (TFSS) battery that can conform to the surface of an apparatus having a complex, three-dimensional surface. The invention also provides methods for constructing the thin film solid state battery by forming components directly onto a substrate of a complex three-dimensional shape. The resulting thin film solid state battery can be used to power electronics associated with a variety of devices such as medical devices.

Abstract: A laryngoscope constructed of materials including metal components having very low magnetic susceptibilities is described. The battery powering the laryngoscope lamp is a lithium battery also constructed of materials having low magnetic susceptibilities. The battery further includes a unique terminal configuration that prevents the inadvertent use of other batteries, including non-magnetic batteries, in the laryngoscope. A unique lamp retaining mechanism provides for quick and easy replacement of the lamp.

Abstract: A penlight constructed of materials including metal components having very low magnetic susceptibilities is described. The battery powering the penlight lamp is a lithium battery also constructed of materials having low magnetic susceptibilities. The penlight is particularly useful in the vicinity of the strong magnetic field of an MRI scanner.

Abstract: A laryngoscope constructed of materials including metal components having very low magnetic susceptibilities is described. The battery powering the laryngoscope lamp is a lithium battery also constructed of materials having low magnetic susceptibilities. The battery further includes a unique terminal configuration that prevents the inadvertent use of other batteries, including non-magnetic batteries, in the laryngoscope. A unique lamp retaining mechanism provides for quick and easy replacement of the lamp.

Abstract: A perforated fabric for modifying the effective electrochemical surface area of a cell is described. The size and pattern of perforations in the fabric determine the effective electrochemical surface area of the cell. In practice, the modified cell comprises a layer of perforated fabric placed between the anode and the cathode along with a suitable electrolyte absorbent separator material. Electrodes are then assembled into a cell using typical techniques with a spirally-wound configuration being preferred. The present perforated fabric provides for the production of cells with variable effective electrochemical surface areas while using a single manufacturing line. A preferred cell chemistry comprises a fluorinated carbon electrode present in an alkali metal system with the preferred perforated fabric comprising a Fluorpeel fabric, which is a woven fiberglass cloth impregnated with PTFE polymer.

Abstract: A perforated fabric for modifying the effective electrochemical surface area of a cell is described. The size and pattern of perforations in the fabric determine the effective electrochemical surface area of the cell. In practice, the modified cell comprises a layer of perforated fabric placed between the anode and the cathode along with a suitable electrolyte absorbent separator material. Electrodes are then assembled into a cell using typical techniques with a spirally-wound configuration being preferred. The present perforated fabric provides for the production of cells with variable effective electrochemical surface areas while using a single manufacturing line. A preferred cell chemistry comprises a fluorinated carbon electrode present in an alkali metal system with the preferred perforated fabric comprising a Fluorpeel fabric, which is a woven fiberglass cloth impregnated with PTFE polymer.

Abstract: A spirally-wound electrochemical cell having a resilient member such as a resilient pad or a wave spring disposed between the spirally-wound electrode and separator assembly and at least one of the end walls for resiliently dissipating mechanical forces acting to otherwise cause axial movements of the spirally-wound assembly.

Abstract: A method for preparing an electrode component comprises mixing an electrode active material in a water-based environment with the aid of surfactants. A preferred embodiment of this process comprises combining a high surface area carbonaceous cathode active material with a water/surfactant mixture, and then adding a fluoro-polymer as the binder material to the slurry. The resulting paste is processed and formed into the cathode material. This process replaces the use of isopropyl alcohol with the water/surfactant mixture as the solvent. Preferred surfactants include those of the polyglycol family.

Abstract: A structure for stabilizing of an electrochemical cell stack against high shock and vibration forces through the use of a plurality of electrode connections at both the top and bottom of the stack is described. Constructing the cell casing having a tubular shape rather than the typical deep drawn can shape, allows access to the lower portion of the stack. There, additional leads are welded to the cell case, which significantly adds to the stability of the stack within the case. The lower portion of the case is then within the case. The lower portion of the case is then hermetically sealed by fitting and welding a disc in place.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing electrochemical cells having a low electrochemical surface, from standard electrodes used in cells having a high electrochemical surface, includes configuring the standard electrodes by folding one or more of the standard electrodes to reduce the overall length, and hence the electrochemical surface area to a fraction of that of the unfolded standard electrode. A cell stack is assembled by placing the folded electrode and a standard electrode, or alternatively a folded cathode and a folded anode, in a face-to-face relationship with a separator therebetween.

Abstract: A fabric separator woven from synthetic halogenated polymeric fibers for use in an electrochemical cell comprising a Group IA, IIA and IIIB metal anode and a depolarizer/catholyte or a solid cathode/electrolyte system, is described. The separator is resistant to the highly oxidizing components present in the cell, is tear resistant and has a reduced thickness to minimize the diminishing effect of the separator on the volumetric amount of active components in the cell. The separator can be used by itself or as a laminate with a microporous film, preferably made of a fluoropolymeric fiber.

Abstract: Voltage suppression is an important problem in the Li/CF.sub.x battery system. The voltage that a Li/CF.sub.x battery will deliver just after the circuit has been closed can be as low as the voltage near the end of battery life. Electronic circuitry powered by Li/CF.sub.x batteries are complicated by the need to design around this problem.The processing of fluorinated carbon (CF.sub.x) to lower the initial voltage suppression is disclosed wherein fluorinated carbon is treated with a Group IA metal-alkyl or -aryl compound. The reaction between these compounds (e.g., n-butyl lithium) and the fluorinated carbon produces a battery grade product which undergoes reduced to almost no suppression of the initial closed circuit voltage.