![""]("http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/07/28/science/28batt-600.jpg")
Justin Maxon for The New York Times
INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION Nick Peterson, a coater machine operator at International Battery in Allentown, Pa. The company is in a global competition to develop small, cost-effective batteries for electric cars, windmills and solar cells.
!["Article]("http://graphics8.nytimes.com/ads/fox/article-sponsor.gif"){kind=small}
![""]("http://graphics8.nytimes.com/adx/images/ADS/20/63/ad.206332/500days_nytimes_120x60_NP.gif")