Abstract: A compression fixture includes a base and a plurality of compression plate sets coupled to the base. Each compression plate set includes a fixed compression plate, a moveable compression plate, and at least one spring coupled to the moveable compression plate. The moveable compression plate is moveable relative to the fixed compression plate between a first position and a second position in which the moveable compression plate is positioned farther from the fixed compression plate than in the first position. The fixed compression plate and the moveable compression plate define a battery receptacle therebetween for receiving a lithium containing secondary battery. The at least one spring biases the moveable compression plate towards the fixed compression plate such that a compressive force is applied to the lithium containing secondary battery when positioned within the battery receptacle. The compression fixture may be incorporated into a cell formation system for lithium containing secondary batteries.

Abstract: a reactor for conducting laboratory reactions comprises includes reaction vessel, a catalyst holder in the reaction vessel, and a drive system configured to drive reciprocating linear movement of the catalyst basket. The catalyst holder can be configured to hold a plurality of catalyst particles so the catalyst particles remain spaced apart from one another. A reactor for conducting laboratory reactions can also include a reaction vessel, an impeller in the reaction vessel, and a drive system configured to drive reciprocating linear movement of the impeller.

Abstract: a reactor for conducting laboratory reactions comprises includes reaction vessel, a catalyst holder in the reaction vessel, and a drive system configured to drive reciprocating linear movement of the catalyst basket. The catalyst holder can be configured to hold a plurality of catalyst particles so the catalyst particles remain spaced apart from one another. A reactor for conducting laboratory reactions can also include a reaction vessel, an impeller in the reaction vessel, and a drive system configured to drive reciprocating linear movement of the impeller.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample. A solid state electrochemical sensor can include a redox active moiety having an oxidation and/or reduction potential that is sensitive to the presence of an analyte immobilized over a surface of a working electrode. A redox active moiety having an oxidation and/or reduction potential that is insensitive to the presence of the analyte can be used for reference. Voltammetric measurements made using such systems can accurately determine the presence and/or concentration of the analyte in the sample. The solid state electrochemical sensor can be robust and not require calibration or re-calibration.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample. A solid state electrochemical sensor can include a redox active moiety having an oxidation and/or reduction potential that is sensitive to the presence of an analyte immobilized over a surface of a working electrode. A redox active moiety having an oxidation and/or reduction potential that is insensitive to the presence of the analyte can be used for reference. Voltammetric measurements made using such systems can accurately determine the presence and/or concentration of the analyte in the sample. The solid state electrochemical sensor can be robust and not require calibration or re-calibration.

Abstract: Described is a parallel batch reactor for effecting chemical reactions. The parallel batch reactor includes a plurality of reactor vessels for receiving components of a reaction, an inlet port for receiving pressurized fluid, and a plurality of valves configured to transfer fluid from the inlet port to the reactor vessels and fluidically isolate one or more of the reactor vessels from at least one of the other reactor vessels. The reactor further includes a pressure monitoring system comprising an array of pressure sensors configured to sense pressure in the reactor vessels. Each of the pressure sensors is aligned with one of the plurality of reactor vessels and located external to the reactor vessels and fluid passageways in fluid communication with the reactor vessels.

Abstract: A reactor system includes a housing and a plurality of reactors at least partially contained in the housing. The reactors each have a containment structure enclosing an internal space in the reactor. The containment structure including a circumferential sidewall having opposite ends and surrounding at least a portion of said internal space. The sidewall has a thermal mass and a sidewall heater adjacent an exterior surface of the sidewall. The ratio of the thermal mass of the sidewall to a volume of the portion of the internal space that is surrounded by the sidewall is relatively low.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a parallel batch reactor generally includes a plurality of reactor vessels and a plurality of valves configured to allow flow into the reactor vessels when a gas is supplied to the reactor at a pressure higher than a pressure within the reactor vessels and restrict flow from the reactor vessels. A method includes inserting chemical components into the reactor vessels, supplying a first gas to the reactor vessels to pressurize the reactor vessels, stopping supply of the first gas, and supplying a second gas to the reactor at a lower pressure than a pressure within the reactor vessels. The second gas passes through the valves and into the reactor vessels when the pressure within the reactor vessels drops below the pressure of the second gas.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a parallel batch reactor generally includes a plurality of reactor vessels and a plurality of valves configured to allow flow into the reactor vessels when a gas is supplied to the reactor at a pressure higher than a pressure within the reactor vessels and restrict flow from the reactor vessels. A method includes inserting chemical components into the reactor vessels, supplying a first gas to the reactor vessels to pressurize the reactor vessels, stopping supply of the first gas, and supplying a second gas to the reactor at a lower pressure than a pressure within the reactor vessels. The second gas passes through the valves and into the reactor vessels when the pressure within the reactor vessels drops below the pressure of the second gas.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a parallel batch reactor for effecting chemical reactions includes a vessel block comprising reactor vessels for receiving components of a reaction and a valve block removably attached to the vessel block. The valve block includes a first plurality of valves in fluid communication with an inlet port for supplying pressurized fluid to the reactor vessels and configured to fluidically isolate one or more of the reactor vessels from at least one of the other reactor vessels. The valve block further includes a second plurality of valves in fluid communication with the reactor vessels for injecting chemical components into the pressurized reactor vessels or sampling chemical components from the pressurized reactor vessels. The vessel block and valve block are configured to sustain an operating pressure of at least 15 psig.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a parallel batch reactor for effecting chemical reactions includes a plurality of reactor vessels for receiving components of a reaction, an inlet port for receiving pressurized fluid, and a plurality of valves configured to transfer fluid from the inlet port to the reactor vessels and fluidically isolate one or more of the reactor vessels from at least one of the other reactor vessels. The reactor further includes a pressure monitoring system comprising an array of pressure sensors configured to sense pressure in the reactor vessels. Each of the pressure sensors is aligned with one of the plurality of reactor vessels and located external to the reactor vessels and fluid passageways in fluid communication with the reactor vessels.