Abstract: Various embodiments relate to several processes that may recover commodity chemicals from an alkaline metal-air battery. In various embodiments, while the cell is operating, various side products and waste streams may be collected and processed to regain use or additional value. Various embodiments also include processes to be performed after the cell has been disassembled, and each of its electrodes have been separated such as not to be an electrical hazard. The alkaline metal battery recycling processes described herein may provide multiple forms of commodity iron, high purity transition metal ores, fluoropolymer dispersions, various carbons, commodity chemicals, and catalyst dispersions.

Abstract: A face mask include a bulbous area that reduces contact between the wearer and the mask, with the inner surface texture and material adapted to be comfortable to the wearer. The bulbous area may be equipped with a filter retained by slots at the edge of the bulbous area, with the inner surface texture and material of the filter also adapted to be comfortable to the wearer. The mask may be knit with seamless transitions between wearer-contacting surfaces and the bulbous area, which enhance the comfort of the mask. The mask may include silvered yarns for antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, the bulbous area increases the effective surface area of the mask on both inhalation and exhalation, unlike pleats that collapse on inhalation.

Abstract: A cleaning arrangement (200) for a coating apparatus (100). The coating apparatus has a base (123) for carrying loose material. The base is rotatable to coat the loose material. The cleaning arrangement includes a base-scraping arrangement (127) and further includes a mounting arrangement (131) by which the base-scraping arrangement is mounted to be reversibly lowered, from a coating position, to a scraping position at which the base-scraping arrangement is positioned to scrape buildup from the base.