Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a blend of cathode active materials. In one example, the blend of cathode active materials provides a high power battery with low direct current resistance while improving lithium ion cell safety performance. Methods and systems are further provided for fabricating the cathode active material blend and a battery including the blend.

Abstract: A coated cathode material for lithium-ion batteries is disclosed. Methods and systems are further provided for applying a coating to an active cathode material for use in a lithium-ion battery. In one example, the coated cathode material may include a high-nickel content active cathode material, such as lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide or lithium nickel aluminum cobalt oxide, coated with a coating including one or more high energy density active materials, such as lithium vanadium fluorophosphate and/or a lithium iron manganese phosphate compound. In some examples, the high-nickel content active cathode material may include greater than or equal to 60% nickel content.

Abstract: A pressurized gas-powered actuator includes a housing and a piston movably positioned within the housing. The piston has a drive pocket formed therein. A gas generator is positioned exterior of the piston and in fluid communication with the drive pocket.

Abstract: A vented pressurized gas-powered actuator includes a housing having a central longitudinal axis and an inner surface. The inner surface has a constant radius between first and second planes extending perpendicular to the axis. At least one vent groove extends from the inner surface in a direction away from the axis. The at least one vent groove has a first end intersecting the first plane and a second end intersecting the second plane.

Abstract: A pressurized gas-powered actuator includes a housing and a piston movably positioned within the housing. The piston has a drive pocket formed therein. A gas generator is positioned exterior of the piston and in fluid communication with the drive pocket.

Abstract: Various implementations include a linear actuator that provides controllable depressurization of the actuator and is tunable to the specifications set by the vehicle manufacturer. The linear actuator includes a housing and a piston and piston rod that are slidably disposed within a channel extending through the housing. The piston rod defines a vent path that includes an axial cavity adjacent the proximal end of the piston rod and radial channel extending from the axial cavity to an outer peripheral surface of the piston rod. Pressurized gas entering the housing causes the piston to move axially through the housing, and a portion of the gas vents through the cavity and radial channel to the channel of the housing and then to the environment. This venting allows the actuator to be returned to its initial or stored position within a time frame and without exceeding the force set by the manufacturer.

Abstract: A pressurized gas-powered actuator includes a housing and a piston movably positioned within the housing. The piston has a drive pocket formed therein. A gas generator is positioned exterior of the piston and in fluid communication with the drive pocket.

Abstract: A hood lifting mechanism according to various implementations includes a housing and a piston. A distal end of the piston is urged away from a distal end of the housing to lift a hood upwardly away from a vehicle body in response to the vehicle hitting a pedestrian. To prevent the piston from rattling or moving within the housing while in a stored position, a portion of the piston and a portion of the housing form an interference fit in the stored position. A gas generator in fluid communication with a proximal end of the housing provides sufficient force to overcome the interference fit and urge the distal end of the piston out of the housing.

Abstract: A guard attachable to a pressurized fluid-powered actuator incorporating a member extendible from a housing of the actuator. The guard includes a mounting portion structured for affixing the guard to the actuator housing, and a guard member defining an enclosure structured to extend about an end of the actuator housing when the guard member is affixed to the housing.

Abstract: Various implementations include a linear actuator that provides controllable depressurization of the actuator and is tunable to the specifications set by the vehicle manufacturer. The linear actuator includes a housing and a piston and piston rod that are slidably disposed within a channel extending through the housing. The piston rod defines a vent path that includes an axial cavity adjacent the proximal end of the piston rod and radial channel extending from the axial cavity to an outer peripheral surface of the piston rod. Pressurized gas entering the housing causes the piston to move axially through the housing, and a portion of the gas vents through the cavity and radial channel to the channel of the housing and then to the environment. This venting allows the actuator to be returned to its initial or stored position within a time frame and without exceeding the force set by the manufacturer.

Abstract: A hood lifting mechanism according to various implementations includes a housing and a piston. A distal end of the piston is urged away from a distal end of the housing to lift a hood upwardly away from a vehicle body in response to the vehicle hitting a pedestrian. To prevent the piston from rattling or moving within the housing while in a stored position, a portion of the piston and a portion of the housing form an interference fit in the stored position. A gas generator in fluid communication with a proximal end of the housing provides sufficient force to overcome the interference fit and urge the distal end of the piston out of the housing.

Abstract: A vented pressurized gas-powered actuator includes a housing having a central longitudinal axis and an inner surface. The inner surface has a constant radius between first and second planes extending perpendicular to the axis. At least one vent groove extends from the inner surface in a direction away from the axis. The at least one groove has a first end intersecting the first plane.

Abstract: A vented pressurized gas-powered actuator includes a housing having a central longitudinal axis and an inner surface. At least one vent groove extends from the inner surface in a direction away from the axis. The at least one groove has a first end spaced apart from a first plane extending perpendicular to the axis, and a second end spaced apart from a second plane extending perpendicular to the axis. The groove second end is closer to the second plane than to the first plane.

Abstract: A hood lifting mechanism includes a housing and a piston assembly movably mounted in the housing. The piston assembly has a groove formed therealong. A retainer is coupled to the housing so as to form a cavity therebetween. A locking member is positioned in the cavity so as to be engageable by the groove, for preventing motion of the piston assembly with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A pressurized gas-powered actuator includes a housing and a piston movably positioned within the housing. The piston has a drive pocket formed therein. A gas generator is positioned exterior of the piston and in fluid communication with the drive pocket.

Abstract: A piston rod assembly for a pressurized fluid-powered actuator is provided. The assembly includes a piston rod having a fluid flow passage extending along an interior thereof, and a cap secured to the piston rod at a position along the fluid flow passage. Sealing means is positioned between the piston rod and the cap so as to provide a fluid-tight seal between the piston rod and the cap.

Abstract: A vented pressurized gas-powered actuator includes a housing having a central longitudinal axis and an inner surface. The inner surface has a constant radius between first and second planes extending perpendicular to the axis. At least one vent groove extends from the inner surface in a direction away from the axis. The at least one groove has a first end intersecting the first plane.

Abstract: A vented pressurized gas-powered actuator includes a housing having a central longitudinal axis and an inner surface. At least one vent groove extends from the inner surface in a direction away from the axis. The at least one groove has a first end spaced apart from a first plane extending perpendicular to the axis, and a second end spaced apart from a second plane extending perpendicular to the axis. The groove second end is closer to the second plane than to the first plane.

Abstract: A vented pressurized gas-powered actuator includes a housing having a central longitudinal axis and an inner surface. The inner surface has a constant radius between first and second planes extending perpendicular to the axis. At least one vent groove extends from the inner surface in a direction away from the axis. The at least one vent groove has a first end intersecting the first plane and a second end intersecting the second plane.

Abstract: A hood lifting mechanism includes a housing and a piston assembly movably mounted in the housing. The piston assembly has a groove formed therealong. A retainer is coupled to the housing so as to form a cavity therebetween. A locking member is positioned in the cavity so as to be engageable by the groove, for preventing motion of the piston assembly with respect to the housing.