Abstract:
The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for improving the accuracy of measuring resistivity and/or conductivity of a paste. Exemplary embodiments relate to an apparatus for measuring electrical characteristics of a material. A sample of material is placed in a first charge conducting region with a first cross-sectional area and in a second charge conducting region with a second cross-sectional area, the first cross-sectional area being greater than the second cross-sectional area. Further, the apparatus conducts an electric charge through the first and second charge conducting regions via a conductive terminal located in the first charge conducting region.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a novel process for synthesizing vanadium oxide V.sub.6 O.sub.13 with a filament-like morphology by thermally decomposing ammonium metavanadate NH.sub.4 VO.sub.3 in the presence of a compound which sublimes upon heating. The reaction is carried out in an inert gas flow. The V.sub.6 O.sub.13 synthesized according to this invention can be used as cathode active material in electrochemical batteries.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for measuring electrical characteristics of materials having undefined geometries in an accurate and reproducible manner. Generally speaking, electrical characteristics such as conductivity and resistance are measured by compressing the material with a predetermined force or pressure in a controlled manner to provide reproducible results.
Abstract:
There is provided a sample holder for use in radiant spectroscopy analysis. The sample holder comprises a plurality of openings defined by one or more solid, substantially opaque, structural elements, each of the openings being arranged to retain a solid, semi-solid, gel or liquid material sample in the opening. Desirably, the openings constitute at least a major portion of the combined area of the one or more structural elements and the openings. In one embodiment, the sample holder comprises a plurality of strips secured together at irregular (random) or regular intervals. Desirably, one first group of strips is disposed in parallel spaced apart relation and a second group of strips disposed in parallel relation with the groups intersecting at an angle of between 30 and 150 degrees and secured together at substantially regular intervals. The strips may be woven as in wire mesh, or non-woven as in expanded metal. In another embodiment, the sample holder is a sheet of metal having perforations. In each embodiment, the sample holder is of structural elements which are substantially solid and opaque to infrared (IR) radiation. The void spaces or openings are defined by the structural elements (i.e. wires). The void spaces retain the sample to be analyzed by spectroscopy.