Abstract: Methods for preparing nanocomposites with electrical properties modified by powder size below 100 nanometers. Both low-loaded and highly-loaded nanocomposites are included. Nanoscale coated, un-coated, whisker type fillers are taught. Electrical nanocomposite layers may be prepared on substrates.

Abstract: A rechargeable non-aqueous lithium-air battery is provided having a multilayered cathode structure which uses a functionized carbon paper base with tubular catalysts. The multilayer cathode has a sufficient pore size to prevent clogging of the cathode by reaction products and further has a hydrophobic coating to repel moisture. The stable electrolyte is made by ionic liquid and additives which have no reaction with discharge products and offers solubility for oxygen and lithium oxide.

Abstract: Methods for preparing nanocomposites with thermal properties modified by powder size below 100 nanometers. Both low-loaded and highly-loaded nanocomposites are included. Nanoscale coated, un-coated, whisker type fillers are taught. Thermal nanocomposite layers may be prepared on substrates.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage material and process is provided in which alkali borohydride materials are created which contain effective amounts of catalyst(s) which include transition metal oxides, halides, and chlorides of titanium, zirconium, tin, and combinations of the various catalysts. When the catalysts are added to an alkali borodydride such as a lithium borohydride, the initial hydrogen release point of the resulting mixture is substantially lowered. Additionally, the hydrogen storage material may be rehydrided with weight percent values of hydrogen at least about 9 percent.

Abstract: A process of forming a hydrogen storage material, including the steps of: providing a first material of the formula M(BH4)X, where M is an alkali metal or an alkali earth metal, providing a second material selected from M(AlH4)x, a mixture of M(AlH4)x and MClx, a mixture of MClx and Al, a mixture of MClx and AlH3, a mixture of MHx and Al, Al, and AlH3. The first and second materials are combined at an elevated temperature and at an elevated hydrogen pressure for a time period forming a third material having a lower hydrogen release temperature than the first material and a higher hydrogen gravimetric density than the second material.

Abstract: Methods for preparing nanocomposites with electrical properties modified by powder size below 100 nanometers. Both low-loaded and highly-loaded nanocomposites are included. Nanoscale coated, un-coated, whisker type fillers are taught. Electrical nanocomposite layers may be prepared on substrates.

Abstract: Methods for preparing nanocomposites with thermal properties modified by powder size below 100 nanometers. Both low-loaded and highly-loaded nanocomposites are included. Nanoscale coated, un-coated, whisker type fillers are taught. Thermal nanocomposite layers may be prepared on substrates.

Abstract: The nanoscale architecture of anode materials and the process for forming an anode for a lithium ion battery is provided along with an apparatus. The anodes comprise aligned nanorods of metals which are formed on metallic substrates. When used as the anodes in a lithium-ion battery, the resulting battery demonstrates higher energy storage capacity and has greater capability to accommodate the volume expansion and contraction during repeated charging and discharging.

Abstract: A process of forming a hydrogen storage material, including the steps of: providing a first material of the formula M(BH4)x, where M is an alkali metal or an alkali earth metal, providing a second material selected from M(AlH4)x, a mixture of M(AlH4)x and MClx, a mixture of MClx and Al, a mixture of MClxand AlH3, a mixture of MHx and Al, Al, and AlH3. The first and second materials are combined at an elevated temperature and at an elevated hydrogen pressure for a time period forming a third material having a lower hydrogen release temperature than the first material and a higher hydrogen gravimetric density than the second material.

Abstract: A method of controlling a two-phase stepping motor to operate in one of a plurality of operating modes in which output of the motor behaves differently upon encountering obstacle, comprises the steps of: generating an electrical driving current comprising a repeating series of a positive active driving region, a first inactive driving region, a negative active driving region and a second inactive driving region; determining one of the duration of the active driving regions and the duration of the inactive driving regions relative to the other of the durations to thereby cause the motor to operate in a corresponding mode of the operating modes; and applying the driving current to the motor.

Abstract: An article of motion such as a toy has moving parts that are motivated slowly and with low torque by an electronic timepiece movement.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage material and process is provided in which catalyzed alkali borohydride materials and partially substituted borohydride materials are created and which may contain effective amounts of catalyst(s) which include transition metal oxides, halides, and chlorides of titanium, zirconium, tin, vanadium, iron, cobalt and combinations of the various catalysts and the destabilization agents which include metals, metal hydrides, metal chlorides and complex hydrides of magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, aluminum, gallium, indium, thallium and combinations of the various destabilization agents. When the catalysts and destabilization agents are added to an alkali borodydride such as a lithium borohydride, the initial hydrogen release point of the resulting mixture is substantially lowered. Additionally, the hydrogen storage material may be rehydrided with weight percent values of hydrogen of at least about nine percent.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage material and process is provided in which alkali borohydride materials are created which contain effective amounts of catalyst(s) which include transition metal oxides, halides, and chlorides of titanium, zirconium, tin, and combinations of the various catalysts. When the catalysts are added to an alkali borodydride such as a lithium borohydride, the initial hydrogen release point of the resulting mixture is substantially lowered. Additionally, the hydrogen storage material may be rehydrided with weight percent values of hydrogen at least about 9 percent.

Abstract: Coated nanoparticles are used for composites and media. Exemplary applications include magnetic applications involving a solid matrix material and a nanostructured magnetic material.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention provides a nanocrystalline powder suitable for storing hydrogen and a method of producing such a powder. One embodiment provides a nanocrystalline powder containing crystals of an aluminum alloy selected from the group consisting of NaAlx, LiAlx, and MgAl2x, wherein x is between 0.9 and 1.1, desirably 0.95-1.05, preferably about 1. The nanocrystalline powder also desirably includes an intercalated catalyst selected from the group consisting of C, Ti, Pt, Pd, V, Zr, and combinations of two or more of those materials.

Abstract: Nanostructured non-stoichiometric materials and methods of reducing manufacturing and raw material costs through the use of nanostructured materials are provided. Specifically, use of non-stoichiometric materials of oxide, nitride, carbide, chalcogenides, borides, alloys and other compositions are taught.

Abstract: Methods for preparing nanocomposites with thermal properties modified by powder size below 100 nanometers. Both low-loaded and highly-loaded nanocomposites are included. Nanoscale coated, un-coated, whisker type fillers are taught. Thermal nanocomposite layers may be prepared on substrates.

Abstract: Methods for preparing low resistivity nanocomposite layers that simultaneously offer optical clarity, wear resistance and superior functional performance. Nanofillers and a substance having a polymer are mixed. Both low-loaded and highly-loaded nanocomposites are included. Nanoscale coated and un-coated fillers may be used. Nanocomposite films may be coated on substrates.

Abstract: Nanostructured non-equilibrium, non-stoichiometric materials and device made using the nanonostructured non-equilibrium non-stoichiometric materials are provided. Applications and methods of implementing such devices and applications are also provided. More specifically, the specifications teach the use of nanostructured non-equilibrium, non-stoichiometric materials in polymer and plastic filler applications, electrical devices, magnetic products, fuels, biomedical applications, markers, drug delivery, optical components, thermal devices, catalysts, combinatorial discovery of materials, and various manufacturing processes.

Abstract: Nanostructured non-stoichiometric materials are disclosed. Novel magnetic materials and their applications are discussed. More specifically, the specifications teach the use of nanotechnology and nanostructured materials for developing novel magnetic devices and products.