Abstract: Provided herein are new apparatus and methods relating to the protective covering of remote speaker microphones of two-way radio systems, including radio systems used and worn by emergency response personnel in extreme environments such as structure fires, among others. The apparatus and methods eliminate or reduce the accumulation of water, dust, and debris, thereby reducing or eliminating garbled communications from the user that would otherwise result from the blocking of sound to the microphone by water, dust, or debris. Such garbled communications pose a significant threat to the user, especially in hostile environments where effective and reliable radio communication is a matter of life and death.

Abstract: A process for making an electrode for an electrochemical cell includes loading a porous metal support with an active material, placing a porous metal electrical connector on the loaded support, and compressing the connector and the loaded support together such that the connector and support interpenetrate each other. The resulting electrode comprises a porous support which is loaded with active material and incorporates an electrical connector displaying a structure similar to that of the support. The three-dimensional structures of the porous materials of the support and of the connector have interpenetrated and bonded through compression.