Abstract: A method includes processing at least one battery into a plurality of core sections. Each core section in the plurality of core sections includes an anode section, a cathode section including a cathode material, a separator section disposed between the anode section and the cathode section, and an electrolyte. The method also includes disposing the plurality of core sections into a solvent so as to produce a mixture of cathode materials from the plurality of core sections. The solvent and the electrolyte form an ionic conductive medium, and the mixture of the cathode materials is characterized by a substantially homogeneous distribution of an active element in the cathode material.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to methods of recycling battery waste. In some aspects, a method can include applying a first heat treatment at a temperature of between about 100° C. and about 700° C. to the battery waste, the first heat treatment decomposing at least about 80 wt % of the binder, separating the electrode material from the current collector, and applying a second heat treatment at a temperature between about 400° C. and about 1,200° C. to the electrode material to produce a regenerated electrode material, the second heat treatment decomposing at least 90 wt % of binder remaining in the electrode material to produce a regenerated electrode material. In some embodiments, the method can include applying a surface treatment to the electrode material to remove surface coatings and/or surface impurities from the electrode material. In some embodiments, the surface treatment can include applying a solvent to the electrode material.

Abstract: A method includes processing at least one battery into a plurality of core sections. Each core section in the plurality of core sections includes an anode section, a cathode section including a cathode material, a separator section disposed between the anode section and the cathode section, and an electrolyte. The method also includes disposing the plurality of core sections into a solvent so as to produce a mixture of cathode materials from the plurality of core sections. The solvent and the electrolyte form an ionic conductive medium, and the mixture of the cathode materials is characterized by a substantially homogeneous distribution of an active element in the cathode material.

Abstract: A method includes processing at least one battery into a plurality of core sections. Each core section in the plurality of core sections includes an anode section, a cathode section including a cathode material, a separator section disposed between the anode section and the cathode section, and an electrolyte. The method also includes disposing the plurality of core sections into a solvent so as to produce a mixture of cathode materials from the plurality of core sections. The solvent and the electrolyte form an ionic conductive medium, and the mixture of the cathode materials is characterized by a substantially homogeneous distribution of an active element in the cathode material.

Abstract: A method includes processing at least one battery into a plurality of core sections. Each core section in the plurality of core sections includes an anode section, a cathode section including a cathode material, a separator section disposed between the anode section and the cathode section, and an electrolyte. The method also includes disposing the plurality of core sections into a solvent so as to produce a mixture of cathode materials from the plurality of core sections. The solvent and the electrolyte form an ionic conductive medium, and the mixture of the cathode materials is characterized by a substantially homogeneous distribution of an active element in the cathode material.

Abstract: Re-lithiation methods and systems are disclosed. Example re-lithiation methods include separating lithium depleted active cathode material from a cathode and introducing lithium containing materials. Also disclosed are re-lithiation electrochemical flow systems utilizing voltage potential to re-lithiate a lithium depleted active cathode material from a reservoir of lithium containing material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically positioning a milking cluster at a preselected milking position is provided. A milking cluster is connected to a moveable cylinder which may be retracted at the conclusion of milking. Prior to milking, the moveable cylinder shifts into engagement with a sensor at a location corresponding to the preselected milking position. The movement of the cylinder is halted to locate and maintain the milking cluster at a height predetermined to be generally appropriate for the animals in the herd. The cylinder is counterbalanced to remain at the preselected height, or may be manually adjusted and remain counterbalanced at the adjusted height. At the conclusion of milking, the milking cluster may drop from the animal and cylinder retracted to a retracted position. The apparatus of the invention includes an arm connected to a milking cluster and a moveable member such as a pneumatic cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for use in conjunction with a milking machine for reducing the incidence of milking claw or cluster contamination following uncoupling and retraction of the milking claw or cluster from an animal. The milking claw is retracted from the animal by the application of negative pressure and is retained in a retracted position by a retaining device which retains the milking claw in a predetermined position, even when the milking machine is turned off or, in the case of a portable machine, transported to another location.

Abstract: A programmable, wide area insecticide (or other airborne chemical agent) dispensing system and method is disclosed in which a supply of a fluid insecticide is maintained and delivered under pressure to one or more spray heads which may be located remotely from the supply, as for example in various locations within a warehouse, dairy barn, or the like. A programmable controller effects the dispensing of the insecticide from the selected spray heads at predetermined times and in predetermined amounts so as to effectively control insects at various areas of the building at various times of the day so as to avoid indiscriminate spraying of the insecticide when it is not needed, or when it may interfere with activities within the building.

Abstract: A system for backflushing milking machinery comprises a backflush valve for alternatively connecting one or a plurality of milking units to a wash line or to a vacuum milk line. When the milking units are connected to the wash line, a manifold valve operated by high pressure air under automatic control, sends water, sanitizing fluid and air sequentially through the milking units. Provision is made for sending bursts of air through the water and sanitizing liquid as they are furnished to the milk units. Provision is also made for flushing the back-flush valve with water after a washing cycle to prevent entry of washing fluids into the milk line.

Abstract: To simulate the appearance of weathered wood, newer wood is treated with a compound that includes the combination of a first part of an oil-type carrier, a second part of rotten stone and a third part of wax. A surface of the wood is first subjected to a blackening procedure as by burning or dipping in a suitable stain. The surface is then treated with the compound. Thereafter, highlights are developed in the surface by scraping and/or buffing. A somewhat less-aged look also is obtained by suitably staining rough-sawed lumber.