Abstract: A negative electrode for a lithium-ion battery includes a negative electrode current collector, a negative electrode active layer disposed over the negative electrode current collector, and a ceramic particle-containing layer disposed over the negative electrode active layer. The negative electrode active layer is composed of negative electrode active material. Advantageously, the ceramic particle-containing layer is composed of ceramic particles and a binder where the binder is composed of the residues of cross-linkable monomers.

Abstract: A lithium-ion battery component and pre-cured electrode are disclosed, featuring a current collector and a slurry containing graphite, silicon-based particles, and a chemically cross-linkable monomer. Upon initiation, the monomer chemically crosslinks to form a binder that mechanically binds the graphite and silicon-based particles, creating a coating adhered to the current collector the chemically crosslinked binder enables volume expansion during charging and facilitates volume contraction during discharging, maintaining some of the electrode's initial capacity. The chemically cross-linkable monomer is present at a weight percentage relative to the graphite and silicon-based particles, while the current collector is composed of a metal foil. The battery component and pre-cured electrode may increase performance and longevity in lithium-ion batteries through their chemically crosslinked binder and slurry composition.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a lithium-ion battery with an enhanced electrode structure and methods for forming such an electrode structure. The electrode may comprise a metal current collector and a multi-layered active material coated thereon, which includes a discrete graphite-rich and a discrete silicon-rich layer. The silicon-rich layer is positioned between and in direct contact with the metal current collector and the graphite-rich layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for scrubbing carbon dioxide-contaminated gas for use in a fuel cell. The device comprises at least one first opening for allowing gas to enter or exit the device, at least one second opening for allowing gas to exit or enter the device, and at least one sorbent that is capable of removing carbon dioxide from the gas and is arranged in a form of layers which the gas contacts when it flows from the first to the second opening. The device may further comprise one or two gas preparation units for removing solid and/or liquid contaminants from the gas and for adjusting the temperature and/or humidity of the gas.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the catalytic thermal decomposition of ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen by contacting ammonia at a temperature of at least 500° C. with a porous ceramic layer which comprises nickel. Also disclosed is a reactor for carrying out the process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the catalytic thermal decomposition of ammonia into hydrogen and nitrogen by contacting ammonia at a temperature of at least 500° C. with a porous ceramic layer which comprises nickel. Also disclosed is a reactor for carrying out the process.

Abstract: A wearable cranial device has a substrate conformable to an individual's upper cranial hemisphere housing a force sensor for measuring forces associated with impacts to the exterior of the device in combination with a physiological sensor for measuring physiological data of the individual, and a transmitter for transmitting data from physiological sensor and force sensor to a remote receiver for evaluation of the individual's status.

Abstract: A wearable cranial device has a substrate conformable to an individual's upper cranial hemisphere housing a force sensor for measuring forces associated with impacts to the exterior of the device in combination with a physiological sensor for measuring physiological data of the individual, and a transmitter for transmitting data from physiological sensor and force sensor to a remote receiver for evaluation of the individual's status.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for scrubbing carbon dioxide-contaminated gas for use in a fuel cell. The device comprises at least one first opening for allowing gas to enter or exit the device, at least one second opening for allowing gas to exit or enter the device, and at least one sorbent that is capable of removing carbon dioxide from the gas and is arranged in a form of layers which the gas contacts when it flows from the first to the second opening. The device may further comprise one or two gas preparation units for removing solid and/or liquid contaminants from the gas and for adjusting the temperature and/or humidity of the gas.

Abstract: An electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) and method for manufacturing thereof. The ELDC includes at least one capacitor cell with two parallel current collectors, two opposite polarity electrodes, a separator, and a rigid dielectric frame. Each electrode is disposed on a respective current collector and impregnated with aqueous electrolyte. The frame is disposed along the perimeter on the surface of a current collector and enclosing the electrodes. The two electrodes of an individual cell are configured asymmetrically, such as being composed of different materials, having different weights, and/or having different thicknesses. The electrode material may include: activated carbon, a transitional metal oxide, a conductive polymer, and/or graphene.

Abstract: An electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) and method for manufacturing thereof. The ELDC includes at least one capacitor cell with two parallel current collectors, two opposite polarity electrodes, a separator, and a rigid dielectric frame. Each electrode is disposed on a respective current collector and impregnated with aqueous electrolyte. The frame is disposed along the perimeter on the surface of a current collector and enclosing the electrodes. The two electrodes of an individual cell are configured asymmetrically, such as being composed of different materials, having different weights, and/or having different thicknesses. The electrode material may include: activated carbon, a transitional metal oxide, a conductive polymer, and/or graphene.

Abstract: An electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) and method for manufacturing thereof. The ELDC includes at least one capacitor cell with two parallel current collectors, two opposite polarity electrodes, a separator, a rigid dielectric frame, and at least one evacuation mechanism. Each electrode is disposed on a respective current collector, and impregnated with aqueous electrolyte. The frame is disposed along the perimeter on the surface of a current collector and enclosing the electrodes. The evacuation mechanism removes superfluous fluid material from the capacitor cell interior. The evacuation mechanism may be a compartment in the frame, operative to collect residual electrolyte that seeps out from the electrodes, or a capillary formed within the frame and extending into a portion of the electrode, the capillary composed of a porous hydrophobic material and operative to evacuate discharged gases from the electrodes out of the EDLC.

Abstract: An electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) and method for manufacturing thereof. The ELDC includes at least one capacitor cell with two parallel current collectors, two opposite polarity electrodes, a separator, a rigid dielectric frame, and at least one evacuation mechanism. Each electrode is disposed on a respective current collector, and impregnated with aqueous electrolyte. The frame is disposed along the perimeter on the surface of a current collector and enclosing the electrodes. The evacuation mechanism removes superfluous fluid material from the capacitor cell interior. The evacuation mechanism may be a compartment in the frame, operative to collect residual electrolyte that seeps out from the electrodes, or a capillary formed within the frame and extending into a portion of the electrode, the capillary composed of a porous hydrophobic material and operative to evacuate discharged gases from the electrodes out of the EDLC.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of identifying whether a candidate compound is a modulator of a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). In preferred embodiments, the GPCR is human. In other preferred embodiments, the GPCR is coupled to Gi and lowers the level of intracellular cAMP. In other preferred embodiments, the GPCR is expressed endogenously by adipocytes. In further preferred embodiments, the GPCR inhibits intracellular lipolysis. In other further preferred embodiments, the GPCR is a nicotinic acid receptor. The present invention also relates to methods of using a modulator of said GPCR. Preferred modulator is agonist. Agonists of the invention are useful as therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of metabolic-related disorders, including dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, stroke, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: A hydrogen generation device includes a liquid fuel chamber, a catalytic hydrogen generation chamber, a hydrogen collection chamber and separation elements between these chambers. Once a certain hydrogen pressure in the device is reached liquid fuel is substantially prevented from being catalytically converted into hydrogen, whereby the production of hydrogen is stopped until hydrogen is allowed to exit the device to lower the pressure therein. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: Described is a leak-proof fuel cell which comprises at least one liquid within a casing that comprises at least one opening which is sealed by a first structure that is gas-pervious and substantially impervious to the at least one liquid. At least that portion of the casing which comprises the at least one opening is enclosed by a second structure which allows gas to pass therethrough. A space defined by the casing and the second structure comprising therein at least one material that is capable of binding the at least one liquid. This Abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of identifying whether a candidate compound is a modulator of a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). In preferred embodiments, the GPCR is human. In other preferred embodiments, the GPCR is coupled to Gi and lowers the level of intracellular cAMP. In other preferred embodiments, the GPCR is expressed endogenously by adipocytes. In further preferred embodiments, the GPCR inhibits intracellular lipolysis. In other further preferred embodiments, the GPCR is a nicotinic acid receptor. The present invention also relates to methods of using a modulator of said GPCR. Preferred modulator is agonist. Agonists of the invention are useful as therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of metabolic-related disorders, including dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, stroke, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.

Abstract: A direct liquid fuel cell includes a cathode, an anode, a fuel chamber, and at least one membrane arranged between the anode and the fuel chamber. The membrane is structured and arranged to allow gas which is formed on or in the vicinity of the surface of the anode which faces the fuel chamber to accumulate adjacent to the anode at least to a point where the accumulated gas substantially prevents a direct contact between the anode and the liquid fuel. A method of preventing or reducing fuel decomposition in the fuel cell is also disclosed. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of identifying whether a candidate compound is a modulator of a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR). In preferred embodiments, the GPCR is human. In other preferred embodiments, the GPCR is coupled to Gi and lowers the level of intracellular cAMP. In other preferred embodiments, the GPCR is expressed endogenously by adipocytes. In further preferred embodiments, the GPCR inhibits intracellular lipolysis. In other further preferred embodiments, the GPCR is a nicotinic acid receptor. The present invention also relates to methods of using a modulator of said GPCR. Preferred modulator is agonist. Agonists of the invention are useful as therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of metabolic-related disorders, including dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, stroke, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.