Abstract:
A polymer electrolyte suitable for use in a lithium ion cell comprises polyvinylidene fluoride (PVdF) combined with a solution of a salt such as lithium perchlorate, in a compatible solvent such as an ethylene carbonate/N-methyl-pyrrolidone mixture. The PVdF is a homopolymer of high molecular weight, with a melt flow index at 230.degree. C. and 10 kg of less than 1.O g/10 min.
Abstract:
Apparatus for the on-line treatment of chemical reagents, including a flow line for a reagent flow, a vortex mixer in the flow line for combining and mixing the reagent flow with at least one further reagent flow, a pulser in the flow line for causing the pulsing of the mixed flow from the vortex mixer, and a vessel having an array of vortex cells for receiving the pulsing mixed flow to cause development and growth of precipitate under narrow residence time distribution conditions. Flow lines mix a flow of reagents to initiate precipitation. The pulser pulses the admixed reagents and causes the pulsing mixed flow to swirl with a constantly reversing rotational flow to achieve development and growth of precipitate.
Abstract:
An electromagnetic machine which is suitable for use as a direct-drive, directly-coupled, mains electricity generator (14) to be driven by a low speed device such as a wind turbine (18), consists of one or more rotor rings (30) of many permanent magnets (40) of alternating polarity, with coaxial stator rings (28) of many laminated yokes (35), each yoke defining slots to locate coils (38). The yokes (35) and coils (38) form modules which are supported by beams (32) relative to the rotor rings (30). The rotor rings (30) may also be of modular construction. Manufacture and assembly are thereby simplified, and sub-harmonic magnetic flux components are suppressed.
Abstract:
A dry powder inhaler (10) consists of a chamber (12) into which powder is introduced from a metering system, and a mouthpiece (26) through which a patient inhales, connected by a duct (16), so that air flows through the chamber carrying the powder into the patient's lungs. Within the duct is an impactor (25) consisting of a plate (27) spaced in front of a similarly sized aperture, and between the chamber and the impactor plate is an orifice (18) narrower than the duct, so the air stream is diverted along S-shaped paths to avoid the plate. The presence of the impactor can improve the efficiency of delivery of a drug to the lungs, and decrease the unwanted dose to the mouth and throat, as the latter is principally due to agglomerates or larger particles which are intercepted or broken up by the impactor.
Abstract:
Metal matrix composite is made by blending non-metal reinforcement powder with powder of metal or metal alloy matrix material, heating to a temperature high enough to cause melting of the matrix metal/alloy and subjecting the mixture to high pressure in a die press before solidification occurs.