Abstract: A brush for hygienic purposes includes a handle with a lower and an upper portion and a head. The upper portion is sized and shaped to capture the head. Preferably the head is a removable cartridge and includes a flexible base with a plurality bristles and a pad with holes disposed over the bristles. The pad could be a foam or sponge matrix or could be a stack of sheets removable one at a time. Upper portion of the handle is curved to provide a predetermined shape to the head. Optionally, a vibrating device is incorporated in the brush so that the brush can be used as to massage the skin or scalp.

Abstract: A brush assembly includes a handle and a brush head attached to the handle. The brush head includes a base with a plurality of integral bristles and a matrix. The matrix is made of sponge, foam or other compressible material. As the brush is used on a person or an animal skin or scalp, the hair or fur causes the matrix to compress and expose the bristles. When the brush is removed, the matrix springs back and removes any hair, fur, or other material entangled in the hair. Optionally a vibrating device is incorporated into the brush to provide massaging of the skin and/or scalp.

Abstract: A cleaning head for a sweeping and wringing apparatus is mounted on a lower end of a connecting rod thereof and comprises a cleaning element, having a sweeping part and a held part, a base plate, holding the held part of said cleaning element and having two fixing elements, which each have a fixing hole and a guiding surface.

Abstract: A holding assembly for a sweeping and wringing apparatus comprises a fastening assembly, fastened to a lower end of a holding rod of the sweeping and wringing apparatus, having a chamber which is enclosed by a left wall and a right wall into which insertion holes are bored, an insertion assembly, inserted between the insertion holes and having two cross-shaped insertion heads separated by a spring, and a release assembly, shaped like the letter U and having two end sections with chamfered end faces which wedge-like respectively enter spaces between the left and right walls and the insertion heads when the release assembly is pressed on, with a spring exerting a counterforce, so that a cleaning head of the sweeping and wringing apparatus is easily replaced.

Abstract: A grill oiler for applying oil to a grill comprising a handle attached to an applicator body. An applicator sleeve envelopes an applicator surface. The applicator surface is releasably attached to the applicator body such that the applicator sleeve may be easily replaced when worn or excessively soiled.

Abstract: A brush for hygienic purposes includes a handle with a lower and an upper portion and a head. The upper portion is sized and shaped to capture the head. Preferably the head is a removable cartridge and includes a flexible base with a plurality bristles and a pad with holes disposed over the bristles. The pad could be a foam or sponge matrix or could be a stack of sheets removable one at a time. Upper portion of the handle is curved to provide a predetermined shape to the head. Optionally, a vibrating device is incorporated in the brush so that the brush can be used as to massage the skin or scalp.

Abstract: The invention relates to a two-way brush having a rod, a brush body being disposed on an front end of the rod. A movable sleeve sheathes the middle of the rod. An end of the movable sleeve facing the brush body includes a bell-shaped opening for holding the brush body. Moreover, the brush body may be further covered with a cap of non-woven fabric. The two-way brush of the present invention is provided with the functionality of the brush body, and after covered with the cap of non-woven fabric, which is further provided with the functionality of the conventional sponge brush head. When the cap of non-woven fabric is to be replaced, only the movable sleeve needs to be pushed from the middle of the rod toward the front end, whereby the cap of non-woven fabric is pushed off the brush body, which is convenient while maintaining hygiene of hands.

Abstract: An angle-adjustable bath brush comprises a handle disposed with a sliding block and an elastic element that is connected to the sliding block, the sliding block having at least a protruded portion; and a connecting pole being connected to the handle which includes a plurality of brush fleeces and concave portions. When the protruded portion of the sliding block is engaged in the concave portion, the connecting pole is unadjustable, when the protruded portion of the sliding block is disengaged in the concave portion, the angle of the connecting pole is adjusted. When the protruded portion is engaged in other concave portions again, thus adjusting and fixing the angle of the connecting pole.

Abstract: A non-abrasive rotary scrub brush for cleaning rough or porous surfaces that are susceptible to damage by the use of abrasive or chemical cleaning, such as the non-skid surfaces of boats. The scrub brush consists of a flexible, circular base and a plurality of bristle tufts that are individually attached, extending from the base. The base is flexible and non-marring. Any number of polymers could be used, including a thermoplastic elastomer, thermoplastic polymer, or thermoset polymer to form the base using injection molding. The base consists generally of a first side(top) and a second side(bottom). The top side having a means to attach a drive unit, the bottom side having the bristle tufts extending from it. The bristle tufts can be made from filaments that are produced from natural or synthetic materials. The bristle tufts are positioned in either a random or ordered pattern on the second side.

Abstract: A hair brush includes a body, a cushion pad, and a plurality of bristles. The body includes at least a partial cavity at a first end, and the cavity includes a front portion, a rear portion, and a plurality of apertures. A cushion pad having a first surface is disposed near the front portion of the cavity when the hair brush is in a user position, and is disposed near a second surface located near the rear portion of the cavity when the hair brush is in a cleaning position. The plurality of bristles are disposed on the cushion pad, and have a first end that bristles extend substantially perpendicular from the first surface of the cushion pad through the apertures in the front portion of the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent textile product consisting of 100% synthetic fibers, particularly suitable for household cleaning and personal hygiene purposes.

Abstract: A wiper for an automobile rearview mirror includes a transmitting device, an elongate connect rod fixed on the rotary shaft lengthwise, and an elongate wiper. The transmitting device is fixed on a rear surface of a base of a rearview mirror, having a rotary shaft positioned on the front surface of the base and driven by the transmitting device to swing up and down on the surface of the mirror body. The wiper is wrapped around the connect rod, so the wiper, the connect rod and rotary shaft are moved together by the transmitting device. The base has a circumferential stop edge on the circumference for stopping the wiper, and when the wiper is swung to reach the upper or the lower stop edge of the base, it can reversely be swung to reciprocate up and down to wipe raindrops on the surface of the mirror body.

Abstract: A wiper for an automobile rear-view mirror includes a wiper transmission device disposed at the rear side of a mirror base, a connecting rod and a wiper. The wiper transmission device has a transmission motor provided with a drive gear engaged with a driven gear coupled with a worm that is engaged with a worm gear. The worm gear is connected with a driven worm by a support shaft, and the driven worm is engaged with a driven worm gear secured on a rotating shaft, which has its outer end inserted out of the rearview mirror and fixed with a connecting rod having a wiper fixed thereon. When the wiper transmission device is started, the wiper can sway upward and downward for wiping water drops off the surface of the rear-view mirror to keep it clear, enabling a driver to clearly watch the traffic conditions and drive safely.

Abstract: A wiper for an automobile rearview mirror includes a transmitting device, a connect rod and a wiper. The transmitting device is fixed on a rear side of the rearview mirror, composed of a motor, a drive worm fixed on the spindle of the motor, and a speed-changing gear unit engaging with the drive worm. The speed-changing gear unit consists of two shafts intercrossing each other for several gears fixed thereon and engaging with one another so that a drive gear fixed on a rotary shaft can be rotated by the transmitting device. The connect rod is fixed with the rotary shaft and then the wiper is fixed on the connect rod. Then the wiper is swung up and down together with the connect rod and the rotary shaft driven by the transmitting device, cleaning off water drops on the rearview mirror.

Abstract: The invention starts with a windshield wiper device (10), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one driving element (16) that can be fastened to the motor vehicle, at least two essentially elongate fastening elements (22, 48) which are disposed in an axially rigid manner and are able to engage in receptacles (24, 46) of the motor vehicle, and at least one damping element (28, 60) for damping mechanical vibrations. It is proposed that the driving element (16) has a driven shaft (44) and the fastening elements (22, 48) are positioned such that the driving element (16) can be fastened by being rotated around the driven shaft (44) or an axis that runs essentially parallel thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wiper crank with a wiper arm (10a-10h) and a wiper blade (12a-12h). According to the invention, the wiper arm (10a-10h) and the wiper blade (12a-12h) have a joint-free connection.

Abstract: A wiper is disclosed. The wiper comprises an elastic plate being elongated and having two ends with side edge provided with symmetrical notches; two securing seats provided with a substantially U-shaped slot and a grip section provided below the slot having a plurality of horizontal sectional holes; two rubber covers which are pointed and the bottom edge of the side edge of the cover being an inward hook section; and a bottom edge mounted with a buttoning rod seat with an engaging hook and a rubber stripe, whereby the elastic plate is mounted at the slot and is then engaged at the rubber cover, the grip is mounted with the rubber stripe and the center of the elastic plate and the two ends thereof are respectively securing to the buttoning rod seat and a protective cover, forming into the wiper.

Abstract: An arm main body is rotatably connected to an arm head. A spring urges a distal end portion of the arm main body toward a wiping surface to urge a wiper blade toward the wiping surface. The arm main body includes a receiving recess, which receives the spring and the arm head. The spring is placed on a side of a fixing portion of the arm head where the distal end portion of the arm main body is located. The arm main body is rotatably connected to the arm head at a location that is spaced from the spring on a side opposite from the distal end portion of the arm main body.

Abstract: A cleaning robot is provided having a drop-off detector provided on a case. The drop-off detector may be configured to contact a surface to be cleaned during movement of the robot. In this regard, the drop-off detector determines the presence or absence of a drop-off via a contact-state between the drop-off detector and the surface.

Abstract: There is provided a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes a dust storing part; a compression passage connecting a motor generating a negative pressure to the dust storing part; a flow passage control unit that controls opening and closing of the compression passage; and a compression unit compressing dust stored in the dust storing part when the compression passage is opened.

Abstract: The device includes a corral area with porous sides which allows air to pass through while leaves and debris are staged for insertion into the bagger; and an incline plane with an aeronautical design on top, which forces the air and leaves towards the bag chutes the bagging area where air is exhausted and leaves/debris are deposited into the bags via air pressure and gravity. The bags are held in an almost vertical position to facilitate complete filling. The design also includes an infinitely adjustable air baffle, which can be attached to any standard blower to aid in the insertion of the leaves and debris into the chute.

Abstract: There is provided a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner includes a dust separation part separating dust contained in air; a dust storing part storing dust separated by the dust separation part; a compression unit dividing the dust separation part and dust storing part, for compressing dust stored in the dust storing part; a motor connection passage communicated with a motor generating a negative pressure; a compression passage communicated with the dust storing part; a dust collection passage communicated with the dust separation part; and a flow passage control unit selectively opening and closing the compression passage and the dust collection passage.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a handle and an adapter accommodates the end region of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe at one end and the pipe socket of the handle at the other end is is improved by the adapter being of a durable construction that does not require a new vacuum cleaner suction pipe when the adapter is broken is achieved by the adapter being formed of at least two shells which are pivotably connected together via a film hinge which runs parallel to the lengthwise axis of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe and by their free end regions having a screw connection by which the adapter is detachably braced against the facing end region of the vacuum cleaner suction pipe in the mounted position of the adapter.

Abstract: The sterilizing vacuum cleaner for bed clothes includes a housing including an ultraviolet (UV) irradiating space depressed into a bottom surface thereof, a suction port formed in the UV irradiating space, a discharge port formed in a side surface thereof, an air passage for connecting the suction port and the discharge port, and a sticking prevention passage depressed into the bottom extending to the side surface to prevent an object to be sterilized from adhering to the bottom surface. A first UV light emitter is installed in the housing to irradiate ultraviolet rays to the UV irradiating space of the housing.

Abstract: A horizontally adjustable hinge (10) includes a frame leaf (11) and a door leaf (14). A capturing member (16) receives the head (19a) of an adjustment screw (19). An adjusting hole (14e) allows access for a tool to rotate the adjustment screw (19), and thereby horizontally adjust the hinge (10).

Abstract: A flat hinge assembly has a base and a body. The base is mounted securely on a keyboard of a plane electronic device and has at least one protrusion. The body is mounted pivotally on the base and has a pivoting leaf and an extending leaf. The pivoting leaf has a proximal end mounted pivotally on the base. The extending leaf is mounted securely on a monitor of the plane electronic device, is mounted slidably on the pivoting leaf and has at least one slot selectively engages with the protrusion of the base. With such an arrangement, the monitor of the plane electronic device can be push to coincide with the keyboard, so that the plane electronic device may have a smallest volume for carrying conveniently. Furthermore, the monitor can be pivoted to an appropriate angle to avoid reflecting light and facilitate users to watch.

Abstract: A hinge structure is disclosed to include a first hinge structure and a second hinge structure respectively mounted on the base member and cover of a lifter cover type mobile electronic product, two master connecting members coupled between the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure for allowing the cover to be opened from the base member, and two auxiliary connecting members coupled between the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure in such a manner that the auxiliary connecting members lock the cover to the second hinge structure and the cover is closed on the base member, and unlock the cover from the second hinge structure for adjustment of the inclined angle of the cover when the cover is opened from base member.

Abstract: A conveyor delivers a series of cylindrical wrapped fibrous modules to a station where the module is lifted off the conveyor and an operation conducted on the module. One operation is to find a tail, or unattached segment, of the cover. Another operation is to remove the cover, by slitting and then unwinding it. The cover is delivered to a storage area and the contents of the module are delivered into a hopper, or in some embodiments, into a disperser. In some embodiments, a grabber moves the slit cover from adjacent a slitting position to a storage area and includes a guide wheel for moving a conveyor up and down in response to the configuration of the round module. In one embodiments, the plastic cover is removed manually by workers guiding the plastic wrap as it is unrolled by the unrolling device.

Abstract: In a camel-back fleece laying machine with a laying arm attached to a joint, two endless card web transport belts are guided along this arm, and the bottom end of the laying arm carries a discharge gap, which is moved by an upper carriage transversely to the transport direction of an output conveyor belt in a plane above the output conveyor belt. A laying carriage is guided at a certain height between the output conveyor belt and the upper carriage on a path extending parallel to the upper carriage, and two closely adjacent deflecting rolls are mounted in the upper carriage, over each of which a cover belt is guided. The cover belts form a laying gap at the deflecting rolls, through which gap a card web supplied by the card web transport belts is conducted. The drive of the laying carriage is independent of the drive of the upper carriage, and the path of movement of the upper carriage extends beyond the path of movement of the laying carriage at least at one end.

Abstract: A single-piece fastener includes a relatively hard clip and a relatively soft seal. The seal can be overmolded onto the clip. A thermal bond is formed between the seal and the clip to inhibit removal of the seal from the clip. The flexible nature of the umbrella of the clip and the seal can accommodate sealing openings in panels of varying thicknesses.

Abstract: Described is a retention mechanism for a mobile terminal. The retention mechanism comprises a frame configured to receive the mobile terminal, where the frame includes channels. The retention mechanism also comprises a release lever configured to receive a wearable accessory, where the release lever includes rails. The frame is one of releasably and permanently coupled to the release lever by inserting the channels of the frame in the rails of the release lever.

Abstract: A secure locking slide for sliding along a zipper comprising: a slider housing which includes: a front member; a back member coupled to the front member; and a locking assembly rotatably coupled through the front member, having a locked and unlocked position. Transition between the locked position and the unlocked position is accomplished by rotation of the locking assembly substantially normal to the front member. The locking assembly includes a threaded member, rotatably coupled through the front member; and an elongated tab. The elongated tab is pivotally coupled to an end of the threaded member. The threaded member also includes a flange with a spike portion, to imbed the locking assembly in between zipper teeth. An inset cavity on an internal side of the front member, sized to receive the flange, provides the locking assembly an anchor to the front member. A visible indicator indicates an unlocked and locked position.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for determining the disposition of a shipped good, such as a car, damaged during transit. After the damage is detected, a digital image of the is obtained. The image is uploaded to a server typically along with the vehicle identification number and/or other identification data. The server determines the appropriate individual(s) to be contacted, and generates a notification message, typically including the URL of a web site where further information can he obtained. The appropriate individual (“user”) logs onto the server to view the digital images and provides input regarding the disposition of the good. The user may direct the damaged car to a repair shop, a dealer, or another destination. Alternatively, the user may indicate delivery of the car as originally planned. The server may notify other systems of the disposition as well. Other embodiments apply to the disposition of delivered packages.

Abstract: A clamp for joining two hull sections is disclosed. In some embodiments, the clamp is realized by a bulkhead and a wedge, wherein the wedge forces the two hull sections into a seated position on the bulkhead. In some embodiments, the clamp further comprises o-rings for providing a pressure seal.

Abstract: A locking device for securing an attachment member to a main body, including first engagement pawls provided in the attachment member so that the first engagement pawls extend in the direction of attachment-detachment of the attachment member and along the inner surface of the main body, and a push button assembly secured to the inner surface of the main body and provided with second engagement pawls that are engaged to and disengaged from the first engagement pawls; and the push button assembly being comprised of a back panel secured to the inner surface of the main body, a push button capable of protruding from an opening formed in the main body, the push button engaging with the back panel, the amount of protrusion thereof being limited, and the second engagement pawls being formed thereon, and a push button return spring compressed and installed between the back panel and push button.

Abstract: A method of forming a fabric is provided. The method includes the step of providing a plurality of yarn and batching the yarn on an A-frame so that the fabric is formed with a width greater than 102 inches and with a twill weave with a satin face. Also included is the step of passing the fabric across a plurality of rolls that have a rough surface and that apply compression to the fabric. The steps of applying fabric to a tenter frame and heating of the fabric is also included. The present invention also provides for a fabric in certain exemplary embodiments.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a circular expander (1) that allows an easy-to-adjust, continuous passage of textiles while not impairing the quality of the passing tubular fabric (12). For this purpose, a magnetic bearing (8) is provided optionally at the inlet or outlet of the circular expander and a conventional roller bearing (9) is provided at the opposite end of the circular expander.

Abstract: A degas apparatus for fabricating a semiconductor device is provided. The degas apparatus includes a chamber into which a wafer is loaded, a heating unit, disposed within the chamber, for heating the wafer to activate impurities remaining on the wafer, and a vacuum suction unit for sucking gases within the chamber by means of vacuum suction to discharge the activated impurities on the wafer to the outside. The degas apparatus also includes a hydrogen supply unit for supplying a hydrogen (H2) gas to the chamber, which is heated by the heating unit, to remove and/or prevent formation of a metal oxide layer on the wafer.

Abstract: Taught herein is a method for molding a bistable magnetic alloy wire, comprising: processing an alloy wire by heat treatment; and processing the alloy wire by cold treatment of mechanical twisting, the mechanical twisting being a repeated twisting in a continuous state. Also taught herein is a device for molding a bistable magnetic alloy wire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a tool for fabricating a toothing at a three-dimensional body produced by forming and fine blanking, especially an attachment for car seat components or the like produced out of a flat strip, wherein the flat strip by forming and fine blanking in a tool is formed into a pot-shaped body with placed in the base of the body inner forms like impressions and/or projections and/or indentations and/or recesses and/or sinks and/or holes and/or pivots and a substantially evenly curved edge and afterwards into the edge is fabricated a toothing radially extending to the inner side of the body.

Abstract: A power operated belt splicing system is provided. In one form, staples are driven through a belt and clinched in a final set using a power driven tool and a force applying member having multiple drive punches. A lower force applying end on a punch preferably has a first portion to drive the staple and a second portion to drive a leading edge of the belt fastener against the belt thereby distributing the drive force over both the staple and the belt fastener. Preferably, the second surface is shaped similarily to the outboard edge of the upper plate. A pair of adjacent punches can substantially simultaneously drive two pairs of preset staples with each pair of preset staples being associated with one of a pair of adjacent hinged belt fasteners thereby attaching a pair of belt fasteners to a belt in a single operation. The initial and final staple set may be done with the same power tool.

Abstract: A hydraulic subassembly is preassembled outside the vehicle into which it is later installed, using an assembly tool. The components of the subassembly are fastened in predetermined positions on the assembly tool, following which hydraulic connections are made between the components. The completed subassembly is fastened to a pickup tool and then disconnected from the assembly tool, allowing an assembly operator to lift the subassembly away from the assembly tool and carry it to the vehicle for installation. The pickup tool is also used to position and hold the subassembly within the vehicle while the subassembly is being connected to hydraulic systems on the vehicle. Following installation of the subassembly, the pickup tool is unfastened from the subassembly and removed from the vehicle.

Abstract: A container for receiving and holding effluent water containing oil/grease to be removed has sectional covers. A main sectional cover supports a partially immersed rotatable disk; a drive on the main sectional cover rotates the disk; a trough on the main sectional cover straddles the disk; and a blade on the trough scrapes a side of the disk, to direct oil and grease from the disk along the scraper blade along the trough for collection in a storage container. Efficiencies of construction of the sectional covers, disk and a sensor probe are disclosed.

Abstract: A device and method of use for aligning structural elements to be connected is presented. In particular, the present invention relates to providing an end of a first structural element and an end of a second structural element; providing an aligning device including a head configured to be removably secured proximate the end of the first structural element, the aligning device further including an alignment element attached to the head, the alignment element having a rotatably secured plunging body extendable from the head; extending the plunging body from the head to non-rotatably engage the second structural element; and moving the non-rotatably engaged second structural element via extension of the plunging body to align the end of the second structural element with the end of the first structural element.

Abstract: A method is provided for bending insulated metal pipe having an inner tubular pipe of the order of 0.5 to 1.00 inches diameter surrounded by a layer of a foam or other insulation material of the order of 1.5 to 2.0 inches diameter. The insulated pipe is manually grasped and pulled into a curve around a part circular channel shaped to receive and cup the outside surface of the insulated metal pipe where the channel has a diameter greater than 1.5 inches and the bender is formed solely from the channel member so as to be free from a handle or foot pedal portion to assist with bending. The channel includes at one end a portion which wraps around the insulated pipe to hold the pipe at that portion within the channel.

Abstract: A device for centering a work piece with respect to a centerline of a tool includes a radially-stationary component rigidly secured with respect to the tool such that the radially-stationary component and the tool are concentric. A biasing mechanism is biased away from the radially-stationary component to apply substantially equally-distributed radial force at a periphery of the work piece to thereby center the work piece with respect to the tool. A method of broaching a work piece having an inner and an outer diameter includes machining the outer diameter and then applying circumferentially-distributed radial force to the inner diameter or the outer diameter to thereby center the work piece with respect to a broach tool. After the applying step, the method includes broaching the inner diameter of the work piece using the broach tool.

Abstract: A manufacturing plant, in accordance with one embodiment, includes a turntable, interchangeable pick-up, and clamping devices for assemblies at several working locations. The pick-up and clamping devices are assigned at least one processing robot, set up for joining operations, which performs the joining operations on the assemblies held by the pick-up and clamping devices. The turntables 1, 2 are assigned interchange stations, with which the pick-up and clamping devices on turntables can be replaced by others. The interchange stations are preferably designed as turntables with different storage locations for the pickup and clamping devices to be replaced. The different pick-up and clamping devices needed for processing various types of assemblies as well as grippers for the handling robots are introduced exclusively from outside in exactly the same way as the pre-fabricated parts being processed, if a change from one type of assemblies to another type is required.

Abstract: A free layer functions such that a magnetization direction changes depending on an external magnetic field, and is made up of a multilayer structure including a first Heusler alloy layer, and a fixed magnetization layer takes a form wherein an inner pin layer and an outer pin layer are stacked one upon another with a nonmagnetic intermediated layer sandwiched between them. The inner pin layer is made up of a multilayer structure including a second Heusler alloy layer. The first and second Heusler alloy layers are each formed by a co-sputtering technique using a split target split into at least two sub-targets in such a way as to constitute a Heusler alloy layer composition. When the Heusler alloy layer is formed, therefore, it is possible to bring up a film-deposition rate, improve productivity, and improve the performance of the device.

Abstract: A method for bonding slider row bars for photolithography process, comprises steps of: (1) forming a holding device having a sticky surface; (2) providing a plurality of slider row bars each of which has a first surface for forming air bearing surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and securing the slider row bars on the holding device with their first surfaces facing to the sticky surface; (3) bonding the slider row bars together by an encapsulating glue; (4) providing a carrier and bonding the carrier to the second surfaces of the slider row bars; (5) removing the holding device. The invention also discloses a method for manufacturing sliders.

Abstract: Alkali (or other active) metal battery and other electrochemical cells incorporating active metal anodes together with aqueous cathode/electrolyte systems. The battery cells have a highly ionically conductive protective membrane adjacent to the alkali metal anode that effectively isolates (de-couples) the alkali metal electrode from solvent, electrolyte processing and/or cathode environments, and at the same time allows ion transport in and out of these environments. Isolation of the anode from other components of a battery cell or other electrochemical cell in this way allows the use of virtually any solvent, electrolyte and/or cathode material in conjunction with the anode. Also, optimization of electrolytes or cathode-side solvent systems may be done without impacting anode stability or performance. In particular, Li/water, Li/air and Li/metal hydride cells, components, configurations and fabrication techniques are provided.