Abstract: Silicon particles for active materials and electro-chemical cells are provided. The active materials comprising silicon particles described herein can be utilized as an electrode material for a battery. In certain embodiments, the composite material includes greater than 0% and less than about 90% by weight of silicon particles. The silicon particles have an average particle size between about 0.1 ?m and about 30 ?m and a surface including nanometer-sized features. The composite material also includes greater than 0% and less than about 90% by weight of one or more types of carbon phases. At least one of the one or more types of carbon phases is a substantially continuous phase.

Abstract: Silicon particles for active materials and electro-chemical cells are provided. The active materials comprising silicon particles described herein can be utilized as an electrode material for a battery. In certain embodiments, the composite material includes greater than 0% and less than about 90% by weight of silicon particles. The silicon particles have an average particle size between about 0.1 ?m and about 30 ?m and a surface including nanometer-sized features. The composite material also includes greater than 0% and less than about 90% by weight of one or more types of carbon phases. At least one of the one or more types of carbon phases is a substantially continuous phase.

Abstract: Methods of making a battery component are provided. The method comprises gas phase depositing a composition onto an electrode, the composition comprising a first component and a second component, and removing at least a portion of the second component to form a separator comprising a porous polymer film on the electrode. The first component is selected from the group consisting of polymers, dimers and monomers. In some embodiments, the second component is selected from the group consisting of polymers, dimers and monomers and is different from the first component. The first component and the second component each form separate polymer phases and together form a layer. In some embodiments, the second component is selected from the group consisting of by-products and remaining portions of the first component from the forming the first polymer.

Abstract: A clamping device for an electrochemical cell stack is provided. The clamping device can include a first plate and a second plate. The second plate can be positionable relative to the first plate such that a space between the first plate and the second plate can be sized to receive an electrochemical cell stack. The device also can include a coupling member coupling the first plate to the second plate. At least one of the first and second plates can be movable away from the other plate. The coupling member can have a first end portion and a second end portion. The device further can include an elastic member disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion.

Abstract: The disclosure herein provides compact portable head supporting devices that secure a user's head in a position sufficient to enhance the user's comfort in a seated position. A head supporting device comprises a first member configured to be at least partially sandwiched between a user and a seat, a support apparatus configured to support a head of the user relative to the first member, and a coupling member configured to couple the support apparatus to the first member, the coupling member further configured to enable repositioning of the support apparatus with respect to the first member.

Abstract: The disclosure herein provides compact portable head supporting devices that secure a user's head in a position sufficient to enhance the user's comfort in a seated position. A head supporting device comprises: an elongate anchor member for positioning between a back of a user and a seat; a first head support member movably coupled to a distal end of the anchor member; a second head support member movably coupled to the distal end of the anchor member; and a flexible band coupled to and extending between distal ends of the first and second head support members.

Abstract: The disclosure herein provides compact portable head supporting devices that secure a user's head in a position sufficient to enhance the user's comfort in a seated position. A head supporting device comprises a first member configured to be at least partially sandwiched between a user and a seat, a support apparatus configured to support a head of the user relative to the first member, and a coupling member configured to couple the support apparatus to the first member, the coupling member further configured to enable repositioning of the support apparatus with respect to the first member.

Abstract: A clamping device for an electrochemical cell stack is provided. The clamping device can include a first plate and a second plate. The second plate can be positionable relative to the first plate such that a space between the first plate and the second plate can be sized to receive an electrochemical cell stack. The device also can include a coupling member coupling the first plate to the second plate. At least one of the first and second plates can be movable away from the other plate. The coupling member can have a first end portion and a second end portion. The device further can include an elastic member disposed between the first end portion and the second end portion.

Abstract: Methods of making a battery component are provided. The method comprises gas phase depositing a composition onto an electrode, the composition comprising a first component and a second component, and removing at least a portion of the second component to form a separator comprising a porous polymer film on the electrode. The first component is selected from the group consisting of polymers, dimers and monomers. In some embodiments, the second component is selected from the group consisting of polymers, dimers and monomers and is different from the first component. The first component and the second component each form separate polymer phases and together form a layer. In some embodiments, the second component is selected from the group consisting of by-products and remaining portions of the first component from the forming the first polymer.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a battery component comprises an electrode and a separator deposited on a surface of the electrode is provided. The separator comprises a porous poly(para-xylylene) film. In some embodiments, the electrode can include at least one cavity or protrusion, and the separator layer can be gas phase deposited directly on the electrode. In certain embodiments, methods of making a battery component are also provided.