(US4505997-A)      Ionic cpds. of formula M+ (CxXpY)2N- are new. In this formula, X is halogen, Y is CO or SO2, n is 1-4, p is 2n+1, and M is an alkali metal. Prepn. of these cpds. comprises reaction of corresp. carboxylic anhydrides with an alkali metal cyanate in MeCN at about 20 deg.; or reaction of the corresp. sulphonic anhydride with urea in the presence of the corresp. sulphonic acid.    USE -   The prods. are used in polymer materials to provide ionic conductance, esp. for the construction of battery systems. (6pp)n
(US4440838-A)      Battery separator comprises a flexible, fibrous polyolefin substrate composed of physically entangled microfibres and a wetting compsn. adhered to external surfaces of the fibres. The wetting compsn. comprises (1) an epoxide emulstion of epoxy cpd., wetting agent and emulsifier and (2) polyamine curing agent which form a crosslinked prod. which is insoluble but hydrophilic in the electrolyte.    When the wetting agent is immersed in the electrolyte soln. it remains on the fibre, does not dissolve in the electrolyte and provides rapid wetting. The crosslinked epoxy cpd. contains tert- amine gps. forming a polymeric salt. The salt is dispersed over the microfibres after neutralisation raising its critical surface tension above that of the electrolyte. Wetting of the salt is permanent while the separator is immersed in the electrolyte.    The separator is used to physically separate the plates of a Pb-acid battery. It holds paste on the plate grids to reduce shedding of paste and stop shedded paste falling to the bottom of the cell as mud. It has improved resistance to strong acid and oxidn.. (8pp)
(GB2132007-B)      A method for the production of a positive active mass for lead storage batteries which method comprises mixing together water, PTFE, glycerine and an active material that comprises PbO and PbOx (where x is a number between 1 and 2) in any ratio, said active material including not more than 35% metallic lead.e    (US4572793-A)      Prodn. of positive active material for lead storage batteries comprises PbO and PbOx powders in opt. ratio, where x is 1-2 and the metal lead content of the powders is up to 35 wt.%, is claimed. An addn. material comprising (a) 25-125 g, glycerine, (b) 0.05-10 g PTFE and (c) 150-500 g water is blended with each kg of active material.    Suitably, 200-600 cm3 addn. material is incorporated per kg active material and mixing takes place at 45-60 deg.C.    ADVANTAGE -   The prod. is suitable for wet filling. It keeps constant viscosity for a long time and does not undergo fractionation. Porosity of the finished electrode can be varied over a wide range. (5pp)
(US4556616-A)      Ionic cpd. of formula (AlO4(SiR3)4)(-).M(+) is new, where R is an aprotic hydrocarbon gp. and at least one R is aralkyl, and M is alkali metal. Suitably, R comprises alkyl and aralkyl gps. contg. less than 15C.    Material having ionic conduction comprises the ionic cpd. entirely dissolved within a macromolecular material formed at least in part by a polymer having monomer units comprising a hetero atom which forms bonds of the donor-acceptor type with the cation of the ionic cpd.    USE -   The material is used for prodn. of solid electrolytes and electrodes for electrochemical generators. (6pp)
(US4543306-A)      Electrochemical device comprises an electrolyte suspended in solvent and first and second electrodes. The first electrode comprises a polymer film on a conductive support. The film is obtd. by electrochemical polymerisation of a monomer, M. The polymer has conductivity of 0.01-100 ohm-1, cm-1 and has formula (M+X-y)n.    In the formula, X- is an anion obtd. from the electrolyte used during the polymerisation, y is 0.1-0.5; and n is the polymerisation degree. The monomer is a heterocycle of formula (I) where X is 0 and R1 and R2 are alkyl, alkoxy, OH, (substd.) aryl, halo, methyl trihalide, cyano, amino or dialkylamino; and one of R1 and R2 may be H.    USE -   Esp. for storing and restoring energy by electrochemical (oxido)reduction. An electrochromic display device using the system is claimed. The description also allows for the monomer to be (I:X = NH or S) or a substd. indole. (6pp)t
(US4556615-A)      Solid state electrochemical cell comprises an anode having an alkali metal as active material, a cathode and an electrolyte comprising a salt. The anion of the salt comprises an anionic gp. covalently bonded to a polymer and hence partially immobilised. The cation of the salt is an electrochemically active ion of an alkali metal.    Suitably, the anion constitutes part of the chain of poly(meth acryloyl oxy benzoate) and the alkali metal ion is Li.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte has high ionic strength. Formation of undesirable discharge prods. at the electrodes and compositional changes of the electrolyte are avoided. (3pp)
(US4493878-A)      Fuel element for supplying liq. fuel to a fuel cell comprises a non-fluid material binding a fuel in a non-fluidised state within an outer wrapping or cartridge such that the element may be removably positioned within the fuel cell.    The fuel element may be wrapped in a fibrous substrate material, and it may e.g. release liq. fuel on contact with water. Suitably, the fuel is converted to liq. which forms the anolyte of the cell. It may comprise methanol, formic acid, formalin or hydrazine.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The element is easy to handle and insert and remove from the cell. It is leak resistant and esp. useful for portable power sources. (6pp)    (JP92013828-B)      Fuel element for a liq. fuel cell has the fuel chemically or physically treated so it assumes a non-fluidised state, and can be returned to the initial liq. fuel at any time by physical or chemical means. The liq. fuel is pref. adsorbed by an adsorbing agent or chemically reacted with another substance to form solid salts or polymers. The fuel element is pref. contained in a cartridge, esp. wrapped in a fibrous substrate and contained in a cartridge.    A liq. fuel cell contains an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte between them, and has a detachable cartridge contg. a fuel element as above attached to the cell via a check valve preventing electrolyte flowing back into the fuel cartridge.    The fuel cell can be used by ordinary people, as there is no risk of fuel leakage. The cartridge is supplied with fuel in solidified form, and is activated after attachment by adding water and/or het to render the fuel liq. and activated the cell. The graph shows operation of such a cell, at 40mA/cm2, using an air blower to supply air oxidant, with the fuel element renewed at A and B. (J58186170-A)
(DE3216434-C)      H2 and O2, which are released in elastic electric accumulators with aq. esp. alkaline electrolyte, are recombined on a hydrophobic catalytic carrier layer. This layer is flooded by electrolyte at least during the recombination phase and the gas mixture is passed for recombination through this carrier layer which has a fibrous structure.    The carrier for the catalyst layer is a (co)polymer of PTFE, polyethylene, polypropylene in Ni coated fibres, or Ni powder, to give a bubble point of 0.01-0.06 bar.    This removes the risk of catalyst overheating and ensures a high recombination efficiency.    (GB2120005-B)      A method of recombining hydrogen and oxygen released in electrical accumulator cells from an aqueous electrolyte, on a waterproof or water repellent catalyst carrier zone, wherein the catalyst carrier zone is flooded by the electrolyte at least during a recombination phase and the mixture of hydrogen and oxygen gases which is to be recombined is conducted through the flooded catalyst carrier zone.
(US4471037-A)      Solid state electrochemical cell comprises an anode having lithium as active material, a cathode and an electrolyte comprising a complex of a polyether with lithium. The polyether is atactic with glass transition temp. below ) deg. C and can form a complex with Li ions but not with Na ions.    The polyether may be a polyvinyl methyl ether and may be blended with another polymer (e.g. polyethylene oxide) to improve its mechanical properties.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte has higher ionic conductivity than known Li polymer complexes. (2pp)i
(US6317818-N)      Fuel cell using impure hydrogen fuels contg. CO or carbonaceous fuels, has an anode consisting of a Pd/Pt alloy supported on a graphitised or partially graphitised carbon material. The carbon support may be supported on a porous electronic conductor.    Pref. the alloy contains 20-65 wt.% Pd and the total metal loading on the support is 1-15 wt.% of the catalyst. The electrode pref. also contains 25-60 wt.% hydrophobic polymer, pref. using PTFE in an amt approx. 40 wt.%. The metal:polymer ratio is pref. 0.1-10 wt.%. High electrochemical activity is achieved together with high resistance to the cell environment. (15pp)
(US4478917-A)      Fuel cell has an electrolyte ion exchange membrane and an oxidiser electrode comprising a mixt. of noble metal particles, Gp.VIII, and water repellent particles, formed on one side of the membrane by dispersion plating. There is a hydrophilic fuel electrode contg. noble metal particles, Gp.VIII, fixed to the other side of the membrane. Oxidiser is supplied to the oxidiser electrode and methanol is supplied to the fuel electrode.    Pref. the ion exchange membrane is strongly acidic and the oxidiser in air. The noble metal particles are pref. Pt, Ru, Pd or Rh. The water repellent particles are pref. styrene divinyl benzene copolymer, polyethylene, and/or fluorocarbon.    ADVANTAGE -   Three phase boundary is easily obtainable with an oxidiser electrode. (8pp)    (JP92013827-B)      Fuel cell comprises an ion exchange membrane between a fuel chamber and oxidiser chamber contg. an oxidiser electrode composed of a chemical plating eutectic pptn. membrane. The membrane is made by the chemical plating of water repelling grains with Pt black; this membrane is formed on the ion exchange membrane.    Used for d-c power sources. (J58165266-A)
(US4507855-A)      Charged Pb acid storage cell is made by forming positive electrode by chemically prepg. particulate beta Pb dioxide and supporting it with a carrier, then making a negative electrode by compacting fine Pb around a carrier. The electrodes are then assembled together with the electrolyte to form the cell.    Pref. the beta Pb dioxide is mixed with a binder which is pref. PTFE, more pref. in an amt. not more than 20(2)wt.% of the mixt.    ADVANTAGE -   The conventional route for the pptn. of the oxide is avoided. (6pp)s    (US4508147-A)      Pb acid storage battery is made by chemically prepg. particulate beta Pb dioxide and forming it into a positive electrode for the battery which also has a conventional negative electrode and electrolyte.    Pref. the Pb dioxide is mixed with a small amt. of binder, pref. PTFE, and the mixt. is applied to a perforated conductive support structure. The Pb dioxide and PTFE are pref. ground together to form a fibrillated mass.    ADVANTAGE -   The positive electrode is subjected to an initial relatively short electric charge. (5pp)a
(DE3210159-C)      The parent patent describes a gastight and liquid-tight seal for a pole of an accumulator, esp. a lead accumulator, comprising a lower layer of hard cast material, esp. an acid-resistant, two-component resin, an intermediate layer above this of permanently elastic, acid-resistant plastics, esp. a fusion adhesive such as ethylene acryl polymer or other product such as bitumen, wax, resin or grease, and an upper layer of hard material, esp. acid-resistant, two-component resin. All these are contained within a pot forming part of the plastic cover of the battery.    In the patent of addition, the upper zone of the pot also comprises an annular, externally sealed chamber in communication with the central layer and permitting expansion of that layer. (6pp):    (EP89619-B)      A gas and liquid-tight pole grommet for storage batteries having a housing made of plastic, predominantly of polyethylene or polypropylene, especially for lead-acid storage batteries, comprising a) a cup-shaped configuration of the plastic cover (2) in the region of a through-opening (3) for the pole (1), b) if applicable, a lower layer (5) made of rigid casting material on the cup bottom (4), c) a middle layer (6, 17) of thermoplastic, permanently elastic, acid proof plastic or of bitumen, wax, resin, grease, d) an upper layer (7,23) contiguous therewith and made of rigid casting material on top of said middle layer (6,17), and e) a free chamber (14,22) sealed with respect to the outside and being in communication with said middle layer (6,17). (11pp)
(US4656104-A)      Sealed miniature cell has a cell cover secured at the open end of a cell container with an interposed sealing gasket. The cross-sectional area of the gasket in the plane contg. its central axis and perpendicular to its base has uniform cross section. The gasket has an upright annular sidewall having an inner, outer and top surface, and an inwardly disposed flange at the base of the sidewall.    The sidewall inner surface is linearly tapered from bottom to top. An upper portion of the gasket and container sidewall is crimped such that the upper portion of the gasket is compressed between the peripheral edge of the cell cover and the top of the container sidewall. The bent over top of the container sidewall is parallel to the container base and is disposed below the top surface of the cell cover.    The gasket may be of nylon, PTFE, fluorinated ethylene-propylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, etc. and can be coated with fatty polyamide resin.    ADVANTAGE -   Sealing surface area and terminal clearing are increased. (7pp)
(US4427747-A)      Anolyte is for use in an anhydrous rechargeable storage battery with an electrochemical reactant pair of an alkali or alkaline earth metal and sulphur, and incorporating a cation exchange membrane sepg. the anode and cathode compartments.    The anolyte consists of anhydrous ammonia together with a bronze suppressing conductivity enhancing salt of the metal soluble in the ammonia, and a bronze suppressing aromatic organic soluble in the ammonia and inert to reaction with the ammonia and metal. Pref. the metal is Na, Ti, Ca, or K. The salt is pref. the bromide, iodide, nitrate, thiocyanate, or perchlorate, present in an amt. 0.5-9 moles/litre of ammonia.    A further claimed cell pref. uses a cationic exchange membrane of polyethylene or polypropylene and having functional gps. of sulphonic and/or carboxylic acid. (11pp)
(US4518088-A)      Assembly for forming a stand structure for supporting storage batteries, comprises step-shaped side plates defining at least two shelves, the side plates having top edges which extend perpendicularly to the side plates with elongated openings in the top edges, longitudinal stringers or bars arranged for mutual engagement with the top edges and having a downwardly-opening slot, and removable mounting devices extending through respective openings and slots for connecting the stringers to the side plates.    Pref. the stringers are coated with PVC both inside and out. The mounting devices may be apertured plates and bolts extending through the apertures. (5pp)a
(US4557985-A)      Galvanic element has a solid ceramic electrolyte and solid electrodes at least one of which consists of polyacetylene which is directly polymerised onto the ceramic.    Pref. the negative electrode is made of Li or Na. The electrolyte is pref. Na ion conductive beta Al2O3, Na3Zr2Si2PO12 and related mixed crystal cpds of the system ZrO2-P2O5-SiO2-Na2O or Li ion conductive Li nitride.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful in batteries. A compact design is achieved. (4pp)
(DE3249282-C)      Electrode of a galvanic element comprises a current collector and a linear, easily mouldable electroactive polymer (I) which forms the active electrode material. (I) is reversibly oxidisable, reducible, or oxidisable and reducible, with the formation of a linear charged polymer contg. charge-compensating ionic doping agents. (I) has a diradically repeating units selected from a heterocyclic ring system, including at least one atom of Gp. 5B or 6B, none of the ring C-atoms being satd.; and b) a bonding unit or mixt. of these. The repeating unit a), in the form of a monomeric repeating unit, is capable of a reversible oxidn., reversible redn. or to both of these effects, to form a stable ionic form. Bonding unit (b) is a conjugated system, or an atom or a gp. of atoms which maintains a pi-orbital overlapping with the heterocyclic ring system.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrode is formed from easily mouldable organic polymer.
(US4506028-A)      Prepn. of a fuel cell electrode substrate comprises mixing carbon fibres (dia. 5-30 micro-m; length 0.05-2.0mm; 30-50 wt.%) with a carbonaceous resin binder (20-50 wt.%) which has a 30-75 wt.% residue on carbonising, and an organic granulate (20-50 wt.%) which carbonises to leave up to 30 wt.% residue and which generates pores in the prod.; the mixt. is pressed and moulded at 100-200 deg./5-100 kg/cm2 for 2-60 mins., cured at about 150 deg. and 0.5 kg/cm2 for 0.5-10 h. per. mm thickness of material, and then calcined at 1000-3000 deg. in an inert atmos. for 0.5-5.0 h.    ADVANTAGE -   The resulting electrode substrate has high porosity coupled with mechanical strength and electrical conductivity. (4pp)    (DE3247799-C)      Fuel cell electrode substrate (I) is produced by moulding, hardening and carbonizing a mixt. of carbon fibres and a binder. A mixt. of 30-50 wt.% carbon fibres, 20-50 wt.% of a binder selected from phenol resins, pitch, furfuryl alcohol resins and mixts. of these and 20-50% of organic particles having a carbonisation yield of 30 wt.% max. and a dia. of 30-300 microns, which neither evaporate, nor melt nor flow at 100 deg.C, is moulded at a wt. ratio of total amt. of carbon fibres and organic particles, to the amt. of binder of 1.4 to 4.0; hardened; and carbonised. Pref. the organic particles comprise polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene or mixt. of these.    ADVANTAGE -   (I) has high porosity, good mechanical strength and electrical conductivity and narrow pore radius distribution. (5pp)
(GB2118762-B)      A method for the extrusion compacting of a cathode against the inner wall of a container of an electro-chemical cell which comprises placing the particulate cathode active material admixed with a particulate electronically conductive material within said cell container and compressively extruding said admixture against said inner wall, and in which a particulate polyolefin is added, as lubricant, to said admixture prior to extrusion, said polyolefin particles having a particle size ranging between 30 and 300 microns and wherein said polyolefin comprises between 0.1% to by weight of said admixture.
(US4478918-A)      A fuel cell stack has cells each with a pair of gas-diffusion electrodes and an interposed matrix contg. electrolyte soln. An interconnector (21) with a fuel gas passages (24) on one surface and oxidising gas passages (25) on the other is interposed between each pair of cells, at least one interconnector including a cooling pipe (23) coated with an insulating film and embedded in a unitary moulding (22).    The interconnectors are pref. of carbon and thermosetting resin, and the insulating film is electrostatically coated PTFE subsequently heat-treated at above its m.p. There are pref. multiple cooling pipes which are U-shaped and interconnected by bridges. The soln. is pref. of phosphoric acid and the passages are sets of grooves which are mutually perpendicular on the opposited surfaces.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides high stable output over long period of operation. (8pp)c
(US4467021-A)      Cell-lid for electric-accumulators moulded in polypropylene-copolymer has a concave surface facing the cell container. The lid profile extends downwardly from the rim to a central area and is connected with bushes of accumulator poles and a central-inlet of the electrolyte-soln. in order to enable the poles to elongate during the service-life of the accumulator.    The lid around the electrolyte inlet pref. presents a circular-profiled rim. (6pp)n    (EP82826-B)      A blow moulded casing for accumulator batteries made of polyethylene or polypropylene plastics material, of thickness less than the minimum obtainable by conventional moulding the vertical walls of said casing having impressions (2:7) in perimetral horizontal bas-relief bands, arranged at such heights so as to allow the modular cut of the manufactured item according to standard battery sizes and being such as to guarantee the stiffness of the vertical walls. (5pp)
(US4521500-A)      In an alkaline cell a member accommodating positive electrode materials and a member covering the negative electrode materials are sepd. by a polyamide gasket. Sealant comprising 100 pts. wt. asphalt and 0.5-25(0.5-10) % wt. EVA copolymer is provided between one or both members and the gasket.    Pref. the asphalt is a straight asphalt with softening point at least 60 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For alkaline manganese, silver oxide, mercury, nickel or alkaline air cells. Improved leak resistance is obtd. (4pp)s    (EP81201-B)      A leak-proof alkaline cell comprising positive and negative electrode materials, a container for accommodating said positive electrode materials, a lid covering said negative electrode materials, a gasket made of polyamide provided between said container and lid, and a sealant which is interposed between the gasket and at least one of said members constituting the cell, said sealant comprising asphalt and a polymeric compound, characterised in that said polymeric compound is a copolymer of vinyl acetate and a monomer selected from ethylene, acrylic ester, vinylchloride, vinyl ether or vinyl ester. (6pp)
(US4435488-A)      Anodes for alkaline cells are gelled by combining the anode active material (I) with crosslinked CMC and alkaline electrolyte soln. (II). Pref. (I) is Zn and (II) is KOH soln.. The CMC pref. has crosslinking degree 0.01-10% based on the number of individual glucose anhydride units. The CMC may comprise 0.5-7 wt.% of the anode.    The cell cathode may comprise Mn dioxide, Ag oxide or Hg oxide. Problems normally found with CMC gelled anodes, e.g. settling on storage, excessive cell gassing and transport of cell reaction prods., are avoided. (4pp)n    (DE3308221-C)      A gelatinised anode for alkaline electrochemical cells is made by gelling anodic active material, pref. Zn, with crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose and an alkaline electrolyte soln.    ADVANTAGE -   The anode has max. electrochemical activity. (5pp)
(DE3302535-C2)      Battery separator which is acid- but not water-wettable comprises a mixt. of 10-20(12-16)wt.% polyolefin fibres, 2-8(3-6)wt.% polyester fibres, 0-15(5-15)wt.% glass fibres, 50-75(50-70)wt.% diatomaceous earth and 7-15(8.5-14)wt.% acrylic copolymer binder. The separator has a total volume of at least 70%, pref. 70-90%, an average pore dia. equal to or less than 14 microns and an ohmic resistance of at most 0.23 ohm/dm power 2 (0.015 ohm per sq.ft.). A process for prepg. the separator is also claimed.    The separator is free from cellulose, has high yield and can be used in batteries which do not need maintenance.
(GB2109622-B)      Air-depolarised cell, e.g. zinc air cell, design eliminating leakage of electrolyte from cathode can air-hole. Referring to Fig. 1., a ring 44 of Ni or Ni-plated steel, pref. of L-shaped cross-section is placed on top of air electrode 22 in cathode can 12 and forced down such that microporous hydrophobic layer 34 beneath is compressed, pref. to 30-80% of its original thickness. This ensures that electrolyte added in subsequent assembly operations is prevented from seeping around the air electrode, thus eliminating leakage via cathode can air hole 16.    An electrolyte-tight seal is produced between cathode can and air electrode and reliable electrical contact ensured using a single ring similar to those widely employed in conventional button cells, permitting standard assembly techniques to be used.
(EP82389-B)      A fuel cell assembly (1) comprising: first and second electrodes (11 and 12); an electrolyte matrix (10) situated between said electrodes (11,12); first and second plates (17 and 18) situated adjacent said first and second electrodes (11 and 12), respectively, and defining therewith first and second channels (17c and 18c) for carrying first and second process gases, respectively; an elongated groove (19) in said second plate (18) for carrying an electrolyte, said groove (19) being in communication with said matrix (10); a passage (21) in said second plate (18) communicating with one end (19a) of said groove (19), said passage (21) carrying electrolyte through said second plate (18); and a passage (22) in said first plate (17) communicating with the other end (19b) of said groove (19), said passage (22) carrying electrolyte through said first plate (17); said fuel cell assembly being further characterized in that: a wall (51) is situated in said groove (19), said wall (51) being of less height than the depth of said groove (19) to thereby define a reservoir for the electrolyte. (9pp)
(US4433035-A)      Air depolarised cell esp. a Zn-air cell has a catalytic cathode comprising carbonaceous material activated by a metal permanganate mixed with unactived carbonaceous material.    Pref. the carbonaceous materials are carbon black and the metal is K. The mixt. pref. contains 5-80 wt.% activated material and 5-80 wt.% unactivated material, more pref. together with up to 40 wt.% electrolytic MnO2. The mixt. pref. also contains 5-30 wt.% hydrophobic dispersion, more pref. PTFE or fluorinated ethylene propylene copolymer.    Useful in bottom cells etc. operating characteristics on load are improved. (4pp)e
(US4556614-A)      Prodn. of a solid electrolyte for electrochemical cells comprises mixing (A) a first complexing polymer having a hetero atom in its monomer units and having an ionisable alkaline salt complexed with it and (B) a second polymer having crosslinkable functions. A crosslinkable functions are then physically crosslinked while bringing the complexing polymer to an amorphous state. (B) is acrylic polybutadiene eleastomer, methyl polyethylene acrylate ester, elastomer polyester or polyglymous polymer grafted onto styrene.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte can be used in cells operating at ambient temp. (5pp)    (EP78505-B)      Prodn. of a solid electrolyte is claimed for electrochemical generators, comprising a complexing polymer (I) contg. a heteroatom (pref. O or N) in its monomer unit, and an ionisable alkaline salt complexed in (I). The novel feature is that (I) is mixed with a second polymer (II) which is inter miscible with (I) and has crosslinkable gps., and these gps. are then crosslinked by physical means, (I) being brought to an amorphous state during the crosslinking.    Crosslinking is pref. effected by irradiating or by hot calendering and (I) is made amorphous pref. by heating at 100 deg.C.    For electrochemical generators operating at room temp. Presence of (II) prevents crystallisation of (I) (19pp)
(US4456645-A)      Gas cooler for cooling a fuel cell is made by applying electrically conductive and adhesive materials to separate regions of two plates of carboiyable material, bringing the plates together so that similar regions are adjacent, and heating the assembly to carbonise the plates.    The regions of electrically conductive material define cooling channels.    ADVANTAGE -   Cooler is strong enough to handle. (4pp)o
(US4461816-A)      Battery with a solid electrolyte which contains Li nitride impregnated in a resin matrix, has an anode made of an alloy comprising 65-85% Li and 15-35% Pb or a mixt. of Pb and Sn. The cathode consists of material which interdates whilst reacting with Li.    The cathode is pref. contains TiS2, MoS3, MoO3, NiPS3, NiS2, or FeS2. The electrolyte resin is pref. a polyolefin or PTFE. The cathode materials are pref. mixed with 1-6 wt.% Mo powder or a mixt. of Mo powder and a polyfluorinated resin.    ADVANTAGE -   High specific energy. (4pp)    (DE3235828-C)      Electrochemical power source has an anode of 70-80 % Li and 20-30 % Pb and/or Sn, with a cathode of oxides and/or sulphides of transition metals, selected from the gp. TiS2, MoS3, Mo03, NiPS3, NiS2 and FeS2, pref. 80 mol. % TiS2-20 mol. % MoS3 or 40-60 % NiS2-60-40 % FeS2 mix unit. Electrolyte is composed of Li nitride as active material, impregnated in a plastic mass, e.g. of Teflon.    ADVANTAGE -   Long life, high specific energy. (5pp)
(US4447507-A)      Alkaline electric cell has a contact assembly comprising inner (9) and outer (1) metal discs engaging each other coaxially to form an external anode and the inner disc having a cylindrical projection with a coaxial bore and the edges of both discs being embedded in a plastics cell cover (8). A cylindrical collector rod (4) is coaxially in the cell with one end seated in the bore and in electrical contact with it such that contact is maintained when rod and cover are moved relatively axially.    The inner disc pref. has in its flat region a semi-toroidal countersunk area (9a) opening towards the outer disc which has off-centre apertures (1a) in its flat part opening into the area. The cover pref. has a corresponding number of axially parallel tapered passageways (8a) with narrow ends opening against the side of the area and coinciding with the outer disc apertures.    The arrangement prevents loss of contact due to internal pressure. (6pp)
(DE3147548-C)      A housing for a chemical current source includes a one piece plastic box shaped member with rounded rib sections, and pole support members. The vertical ribs extend out from the side walls and the ratio of the max. rib surface to wall distance to rib width in 0.05-0.3. Lower, horizontal ribs extend from the base, and their length to width ratio is 0.05 to 0.3. The bore also has at least one additional reinforcing rib, parallel to the side walls, and its height to width ratio is at least 1. The upper wall also has a reinforcing rib with the same height to width ratio.    ADVANTAGE -   The housing is strong and reliable, and is economical to produce. (6pp)
(JP94028153-B2)      Prepn. of battery separators comprises adding surfactants to vinyl monomer solns. (and opt. emulsifying one or more monomers insoluble in the vinyl monomer solns) in order to graft vinyl monomers to synthetic resin films by reacting the vinyl monomer solns. with the synthetic resin films with irradiation causing electrolytic dissociation. Electrolytic dissociation may occur by irradiating synthetic resin films in the presence of the vinyl monomers, or irradiating synthetic resin films before contact with the vinyl monomer solns.    ADVANTAGE -   Addn. of the surfactants to the vinyl monomer solns. accelerates the polymerisation speed, and the method gives a predetermined percentage of grafting in shorter reaction times.
(GB2108099-B)      A matrix material for a molten carbonate fuel cell characterised by particles inert to molten carbonate electrolyte having a particle size less than 1 micron, ceramic particles having a particle size greater than 25 microns, and an organic polymeric binder material, the matrix material being flexible, pliable and compliant at room temperature.r    (US4538348-A)      Molten carbonate fuel cell is assembled by initially stacking a series of electrodes sepd. by layers of matrix material. The matrix material is composed of particles inert to molten carbonate and less than 1 micron in size, ceramic particles larger than 25 microns, together with at least 35 vol.% organic polymer binder. The matrix material is flexible, pliable and compliant at room temp. The fuel cell anode is porous enough to contain sufficient electrolyte for continuous operation of the cell for at least 40,000 hrs.    ADVANTAGE -   The matrix can withstand flexural and compressive forces during assembly and has satisfactory inert particle distribution. (4pp)d    (DE3235241-C)      Matrix material, for carbonate melt fuel cells, contains particles which are inert to the electrolyte and have a particle size below 1 micron; and ceramic particles having a particle size above 25 microns.    The improvement is that an organic polymeric binder is present, in an amt. of at least 35 vol.%. Pref. the inert particles are lithium aluminate and are present in amt. of 40-45 vol.%; and the ceramic particles are aluminium oxide and are present in amt. of at least 15 vol.%. Pref. the polymeric binder is polyvinyl butyral.    ADVANTAGE -   new material is thin and is flexible, pliable and compliant at room temp. (4pp)
(DE3235240-C)      Matrix matrial for carbonate melt fuel cells has a fine-pore, gas-permeable, anode-stable metal layer having a porosity of 25-35 vol.%, and is bonded with a matrix tape (I). Tape (I) contains particles which are inert to the electrolyte and have a particle size below 1 micron; ceramic particles having a particle size above 25 microns; and an organic polymeric binder which is present in amt. of at least 25 vol.%; and is flexible, pliable and compliant at room temp. Pref. the inert particles make up 40-45 vol.% of the material and the ceramic particles are present in amt. of at least 15 vol.%.    ADVANTAGE -   new material enables carbonate melt fuel cells to be produced with improved sealing-, stability and performance properties. (6pp)
(US4782585-A)      Grid for Pb storage battery has a grid structure (11) of acid-proof synthetic resin, part of the grid rib structure, including at least one conductor lug (12) is immersed in molten Pb or Pb alloy, forming a Pb or Pb alloy film (16) on the grid structure. The part to be coated includes part of a frame rib (13) and an active material support rib (14, 15). The active material support rib constituting the grid mesh is partly cut off (18), to enchance Pb coating. The structure is pref. of polypropylene mixed with glass fibres.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduced wt. grid by redn. of Pb gives battery with prolonged life. (9pp)
(DE3139400-C)      Galvanic solid state cell, with a solid anode and cathode, at least one of which consists of polyacetylene, contains a solid adduct of an alkylene oxide polymer and an alkali metal salt as electrolyte.    Pref. polyalkylene oxide is polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide. The anode consists of Li-doped polyacetylene. The anion of the alkali metal salt is a Br, I, SCN, BF4, C1O4, CF3CO2, CF3SO3, HgI3 or AsF6 anion.    The cell is lightweight and suitable for miniaturisation and the electrolyte is not a critical constituent. The cell voltage is 1.8 V. The solid organic substances of all the components of the cell rot completely, so that the spent batteries do not cause environmental pollution. (7pp)
(GB2106704-B)      A solid cathode for a nonaqueous cell comprises Sb2S3; and pref. a binder, esp. PTFE or ethylene acrylic acid copolymer; and pref. a conductive material, esp. C or graphite. A solid nonaqueous cell comprises an anode, pref. Li, K, Na, Mg, Ca or alloy; an electrolyte soln. based on organic solvent, pref. sulpholane, tetrahydrofuran, 2-methyl-2-oxazolidone; 1,3 dioxolane, 1-2-dimethoxyethane, propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, or gamma butyrolactone; and a cathode as above.    The Sb2S3 does not exhibit excessive expansion when fully charged; a cell will deliver its entire 6 electron capacity on low drain conditions (0.15mA/cm2); the electrode discharges at a unipotential level, and delivers a voltage compatible with Zn/MnO and Ag/Ag2O cells; and Sb2S3 is readily available throughout the world. (6pp)    (DE3235941-C)      A non-aq. battery cell contains A) a known negative electrode, a substance dissolved in an organic solvent and B) positive electrode Sb203 in physical admixture with C as conducting material and pref. PTFE or an ethene acrylic acid copolymer as binder.    Pref. the negative electrode consists of Li, K, Ca and/or Mg. The electrolyte is a soln. of LiCF2SO3 in 3-Me-2-oxazolidone, 1,3-dioxolane or 1,2-dimethoxy ethane and the negative electrode is esp. Li.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For high energy batteries. New solid positive electrode material is provided, allowing relatively easy calculation of the potential electrical energy. (6pp)
(US4560633-A)      In a battery, at least one electrode comprises a reinforced acetylene polymer shaped article comprising (1) acetylene high polymer or electroconductive acetylene high polymer doped with a dopant and (2) 10-500 pts. wt. per 100 pts. wt. (1), of the sheet-form prod. of a fibrous material.    The electrode is prepd. by shaping under pressure a swollen or gel-like acetylene polymer contg. organic solvent together with (2). (2) may be a woven or knitted fabric, nonwoven fabric or net or screen and consists of high polymer organic fibre or inorganic fibre. The acetylene polymer is prepd. using a catalyst system of transition metal cpd. present at 0.0001-0.1 mole per l polymerisation solVent and organo-metallic cpd.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrode has high mechanical strength. The battery has increased discharge capacity (or energy density), improved voltage levelness and reduced self-discharge. A sec. battery has prolonged cycle life. (16pp)p
(US4436777-A)      Battery casing is made from a decorated heat shrinkable enclosure by shrinking the enclosure on a support, decorating the enclosure, removing the enclosure from the support, and fitting a battery in the enclosure.    The support is pref. a mandrel having a dia. slightly larger than the battery. The enclosure is pref. decorated by hot stamping, and may be of PVC.    Casing is mechanically and chemically resistant to degradation. (4pp)
(US4421832-A)      Electrochemical cell of limited electrolyte type has a pack of absorbent separators compressed between positive and negative plates, electrolyte fully absorbed by separators and plates, and a case closed by a lid and with a flat end wall abutting the pack. Channels are formed at the pack-end wall interface to promote uniform distribution of electrolyte within the pack at least during filling.    An unrestricted path connects the case opening with the channels for effective distribution of electrolyte to the interface. The channels are pref. recessed into the end wall and are transversely of the direction in which the plate and separator edges extend. The separators pref. extend beyond the plate edges and form the abutting pack end. Alternatively, the channels may be in the lid and the pack is contained in an open-top polymeric bag. (7pp)6
(DE3133323-C)      The substrate is used to carry an electrode mass; and is made starting from a laminate. The laminate consists of a thin core sheet or foil (b) made of a polymer resisting attack by H2SO4; and sheet (b) is coated on both sides with a thin lead foil (a,c) resisting attack by H2SO4. The laminate (abc) is provided with rows of slots, and is then stretched to form an expanded laminate, i.e. a grid with holes in which an electrode can be located.    The laminate (abc) provided with the slots is pref. heated before being stretched; and the holes in the grid can be used to retain a lead paste or a lead oxide paste forming an electrode mass.    The electrodes have high mechanical stability, but provide lead-acid accumulators with improved electric properties.
(US4461815-A)      Electrochemical cell has an anode made of Ca or Mg or one of their alloys, and free of alkali metals. There is also a porous inert current collector and a liq. cathode in contact with the anode and current collector comprising an inorganic oxyhalide in which a soluble Ca salt is dissolved, forming a conductive soln. with the solvent. Pref. the anode is pure Ca and the cathode is thionyl chloride. The current collector is pref. Teflon bonded C. The electrolyte salt is pref. Ca(AlCl4)2.    ADVANTAGE -   The safety of the cell is ensured during abuse.    (8pp)a    (DE3224032-C)      An electrochemical cell which is protected against incorrect- or over-charging, includes an alkaline earth metal anode chosen from calcium and magnesium or their alloys, a porous inert current collector, a liq. cathode and a housing. The liq. cathode is in contact with the anode and the current collector, and contains thionylchloride as the inorganicm oxyhalogenide, in which Ca(AlCl4)2 is the only salt which forms a conducting soln..    ADVANTAGE -   The cell has a high energy density and good storage characteristics. (11pp)
(US4507367-A)      A metal-air cell has a flat consumable metal electrode (1) extending into an electrolyte container (4), and a gas-diffusion electrode (5) spaced from the metal electrode. There is a gas-collection space in the container so that gas pressure acts on the electrolyte, displaced electrolyte being transferred from the upper to the lower region of the container via a pipe system.    A cover (3) seals the container and holds the metal electrode, and an electrolyte discharge pipe projects through the cover and has an opening defining the lower limit of the gas-collection space. The pipe (7) leads to an overflow vessel (8) with a return pipe to the container lower end. There is a flexible siphon hose (10) connected from the return pipe (9) to a venting and electrolyte outlet closure (11). The metal electrode is pref. surrounded by polypropylene sieve netting at least at the working surface.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides higher power outputs. (7pp)y    (DE3129248-C)      A metal-air cell, includes an expendable metal electrode which is flat and which extends into a liq. electrolyte in a container, and a gas diffusion electrode which acts as a cathode. The top of the container has a gas tight collection area for the gas produced by the electrochemical process, e.g. hydrogen. A pipe system is connected to the top of the container and transports the electrolyte from the top to the bottom. The metal electrode is pref. covered by a polypropylene sieve material.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell output is improved without the need for pumps etc.. (7pp)
(US4426340-A)      Porous resin bonded C-fibre articles having zones of different pore sizes are produced by depositing in a mould known quantities of different C-fibre/resin mixtures corresponding to the different pore size zones, and compacting and heating the mixtures.    The resin may be of the thermosetting type, and the article is heated until the resin is fully cured. The articles may be formed on the moving surface of a continuous belt. (13pp)c    (DE3234076-C)      Fuel cell electrode substrates are mfd. from a dry mix of C fibres and carbonised resin, which is placed on part of the surface of a mould, while a second mix is applied to a second region of the mould. One of the mixts., which is to have a high density and a small mean particle size, has a smaller ratio of mean length to dia. of the C fibres and thus a larger bulk density than the other mix. The moulding materials are compacted to a predetermined vol. and are simultaneously heated to the melting temp. of the resin.    ADVANTAGE -   Optimum particles and density relationships between different regions.
(DE3234075-C)      An electrode substrate for an electrochemical cell includes 65-90 wt.% carbon fibres and 10-35 wt.% polymer carbon, a slat member with parallel ribs which extend from die side outwards, and which form parallel channels, and an edge seal. The slat member has a mean pore size of 25-45 mm and the ribs have a mean pore size of 60-75% of the mean pore size in the slat member.    ADVANTAGE -   The substrate is simple to produce and is efficient and reliable. (11pp)
(US4574113-A)      Anhydrous cell comprises (A) a cathode comprising a mixt. of polyacetylene powder and an electroconductive material, (B) organic solvent and electrolyte comprising a salt soluble in the solvent, and (C) an inorganic interchelating anode. The cathode is insoluble in the solvent when the cathode is either undoped or p-doped. The solvent is stable to electrochemical decomposition and the anions of the salt can p-dope the polyacetylene when an electrical power source is supplied to the cell.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell exhibits high energy density and enhanced recyclability. (5pp)
(DE3124703-C)      Grid plates are made by extruding strips of electrolyte resistant plastic (polyethylene, PVC, polystyrene) on a belt conveyor and laying on them the conductive metal (lead) grid. After applying to the metal a network of plastic metal or glass fibres, a second layer of plastic strips is applied to register with the first. Press rolls finally combine both plastic strip layers to each other.    This system operates with a high functional reliability and reduces the waste of active material carriers to a min. The plastic strips are securely anchored to the conductive metal grid.
(US6424111-N)      Combined gas seal and electrical insulator has a closed frame shape interconnecting a fuel cell stack and a reactant gas plenum of a fuel cell generator. The frame has segments interconnected by slidable spline joints to permit expansion or contraction. The segments have both straight and angular portions to allow assembly into a rectangular shape.    Lateral sideways movement across sealing surfaces facing the plenum or fuel cell stacks are minimised so that damage is reduced. (11pp)
(US4493878-A)      Fuel element for supplying liq. fuel to a fuel cell comprises a non-fluid material binding a fuel in a non-fluidised state within an outer wrapping or cartridge such that the element may be removably positioned within the fuel cell.    The fuel element may be wrapped in a fibrous substrate material, and it may e.g. release liq. fuel on contact with water. Suitably, the fuel is converted to liq. which forms the anolyte of the cell. It may comprise methanol, formic acid, formalin or hydrazine.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The element is easy to handle and insert and remove from the cell. It is leak resistant and esp. useful for portable power sources. (6pp)    (JP92013828-B)      Fuel element for a liq. fuel cell has the fuel chemically or physically treated so it assumes a non-fluidised state, and can be returned to the initial liq. fuel at any time by physical or chemical means. The liq. fuel is pref. adsorbed by an adsorbing agent or chemically reacted with another substance to form solid salts or polymers. The fuel element is pref. contained in a cartridge, esp. wrapped in a fibrous substrate and contained in a cartridge.    A liq. fuel cell contains an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte between them, and has a detachable cartridge contg. a fuel element as above attached to the cell via a check valve preventing electrolyte flowing back into the fuel cartridge.    The fuel cell can be used by ordinary people, as there is no risk of fuel leakage. The cartridge is supplied with fuel in solidified form, and is activated after attachment by adding water and/or het to render the fuel liq. and activated the cell. The graph shows operation of such a cell, at 40mA/cm2, using an air blower to supply air oxidant, with the fuel element renewed at A and B. (J58186170-A)
(US4480017-A)      A molten carbonate fuel cell comprises (a) a pair of electrodes; (b) a porous body impregnated with a metal carbonate (mixt) electrolye sandwiched between the electrodes, comprising a refreactory, non-electron-conductive inorganic material contg. sufficient Li titanate to stabilise the material at opening temp.; (c) an oxidant passage supplying oxidant gas to one electrode; and (d) a fuel passage supplying H2-enriched fuel gas to the other electrode.    The porous body pref. contains 50 wt.% or more Li titanate, up to 100% Li titanate. The Li titanate may be in the form of fibres and/or powder, pref. with 3 (esp. 10) wt.% or more fibres, remainder powder. The Li titanate fibres are pref. 1 micron or less average di., 10-100 micron ion g. The electrolyte body pref. comprises 30-60 wt.% electrolyte retaining material 70-40 wt.% electrolyte to 100 wt.%.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte body remains stable in long term contact with corrosive alkali metal carbonates and has excellent mechanical strength. It remains crack free after frequent heat cycles and provides stable long term operation e.g. no noticeable performance drop after 100 hr. successive operation, and no gas crossover or gas leakage from the wet seal after repeated operation and shut-down (650-300 deg. C). (3pp)p
(US4431494-A)      Alkaline peroxide soln. is produced electrolytically using an aq. alkaline soln. contg. an impurity which catalytically decomposes peroxide together with a stabiliser consisting of a complexing- or chelating agent. The stabiliser is present in an amt. sufficient to make at least some of the catalyst inactive.    Pref. the chelating agent is EDTA alkali metal salt. The soln. pref. contains an alkali metal hydroxide, more pref. KOM or NaOH being used. The stabiliser is pref. present in an amt. 0.5-5.0 g/l.    Catalytic decomposition of peroxide is reduced. (3pp)a    (EP86896-B)      A method for electrochemically reacting a liquid with a gas in an electrochemical cell of the type having at least two electrodes separated by a liquid permeable separator; at least one of said electrodes supporting said separator and being porous and self-draining, said method comprising: (a) flowing the gas and the liquid into the self-draining electrode; (b) electrochemically reacting the liquid with the gas to form at least one nonvolatile product; and (c) removing the electrochemical products from said self-draining electrode, characterised in that in step (a) the gas and the liquid are introduced at different sides of the separator and the liquid flow into the porous, self-draining electrode is through the separator and thereby controlled at a rate which is about equal to the drainage rate of the electrode, and in an amount which fills only a portion of the electrode pores. (8pp)
(JP92018676-B)      Electrolytic system comprises anode, cathode, and at least one electrolyte contg. trifluoromethane sulphonic acid (TFMSA) in soln.    Pref. one electrode is at least composed of a porous, gas-fed structure, and incorporates a catalyst of Au, Pt, Pd, Ag or spinels of Ni or Co.    System is for mfg. gas, esp. Cl2 for salt electrolysis for obtg. cations and as a metal air battery or fuel cell. TFMSA lowers the cathode polarisation. (J59009868-A)
(US4478918-A)      A fuel cell stack has cells each with a pair of gas-diffusion electrodes and an interposed matrix contg. electrolyte soln. An interconnector (21) with a fuel gas passages (24) on one surface and oxidising gas passages (25) on the other is interposed between each pair of cells, at least one interconnector including a cooling pipe (23) coated with an insulating film and embedded in a unitary moulding (22).    The interconnectors are pref. of carbon and thermosetting resin, and the insulating film is electrostatically coated PTFE subsequently heat-treated at above its m.p. There are pref. multiple cooling pipes which are U-shaped and interconnected by bridges. The soln. is pref. of phosphoric acid and the passages are sets of grooves which are mutually perpendicular on the opposited surfaces.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides high stable output over long period of operation. (8pp)c
(EP82389-B)      A fuel cell assembly (1) comprising: first and second electrodes (11 and 12); an electrolyte matrix (10) situated between said electrodes (11,12); first and second plates (17 and 18) situated adjacent said first and second electrodes (11 and 12), respectively, and defining therewith first and second channels (17c and 18c) for carrying first and second process gases, respectively; an elongated groove (19) in said second plate (18) for carrying an electrolyte, said groove (19) being in communication with said matrix (10); a passage (21) in said second plate (18) communicating with one end (19a) of said groove (19), said passage (21) carrying electrolyte through said second plate (18); and a passage (22) in said first plate (17) communicating with the other end (19b) of said groove (19), said passage (22) carrying electrolyte through said first plate (17); said fuel cell assembly being further characterized in that: a wall (51) is situated in said groove (19), said wall (51) being of less height than the depth of said groove (19) to thereby define a reservoir for the electrolyte. (9pp)
(GB2108099-B)      A matrix material for a molten carbonate fuel cell characterised by particles inert to molten carbonate electrolyte having a particle size less than 1 micron, ceramic particles having a particle size greater than 25 microns, and an organic polymeric binder material, the matrix material being flexible, pliable and compliant at room temperature.r    (US4538348-A)      Molten carbonate fuel cell is assembled by initially stacking a series of electrodes sepd. by layers of matrix material. The matrix material is composed of particles inert to molten carbonate and less than 1 micron in size, ceramic particles larger than 25 microns, together with at least 35 vol.% organic polymer binder. The matrix material is flexible, pliable and compliant at room temp. The fuel cell anode is porous enough to contain sufficient electrolyte for continuous operation of the cell for at least 40,000 hrs.    ADVANTAGE -   The matrix can withstand flexural and compressive forces during assembly and has satisfactory inert particle distribution. (4pp)d    (DE3235241-C)      Matrix material, for carbonate melt fuel cells, contains particles which are inert to the electrolyte and have a particle size below 1 micron; and ceramic particles having a particle size above 25 microns.    The improvement is that an organic polymeric binder is present, in an amt. of at least 35 vol.%. Pref. the inert particles are lithium aluminate and are present in amt. of 40-45 vol.%; and the ceramic particles are aluminium oxide and are present in amt. of at least 15 vol.%. Pref. the polymeric binder is polyvinyl butyral.    ADVANTAGE -   new material is thin and is flexible, pliable and compliant at room temp. (4pp)
(DE3235240-C)      Matrix matrial for carbonate melt fuel cells has a fine-pore, gas-permeable, anode-stable metal layer having a porosity of 25-35 vol.%, and is bonded with a matrix tape (I). Tape (I) contains particles which are inert to the electrolyte and have a particle size below 1 micron; ceramic particles having a particle size above 25 microns; and an organic polymeric binder which is present in amt. of at least 25 vol.%; and is flexible, pliable and compliant at room temp. Pref. the inert particles make up 40-45 vol.% of the material and the ceramic particles are present in amt. of at least 15 vol.%.    ADVANTAGE -   new material enables carbonate melt fuel cells to be produced with improved sealing-, stability and performance properties. (6pp)
(DE3139957-C)      In a joint between a metal substrate and ceramic tubes, e.g. as used in high temp. vapour-phase electrolysis, ceramic tubes are mounted on metal connecting pieces. The dias. are dimensioned so that there is a gap between tube and connecting piece at room temp., whereas a force-locking, gas-tight connecting joint is formed at operating temp., e.g. about 950 deg. C, through the different coeffts. of expansion. Pref. ceramics are ZrO2 or Al2O3 and the metals can be 'Incoloy 800' (RTM) or 'Inconel 601' (RTM).    Joint is used in a high temp. fuel cell battery. Few, relatively cheap materials can be used. The assembly is simple. (9pp)
(US4529671-A)      Phosphoric acid-type fuel cell has a pair of gas diffusion electrodes, between which is a phosphoric acid electrolyte-retaining matrix consisting of 30-90 wt.% of a substance unreactive with phosphoric acid and 10-70 wt.% of a metal phosphate binder, pref. Zr phosphate. Unreactive substance is pref. an inorganic substance partic. a carbide e.g. SiC.    Matrix is a porous structure of particles of the unreactive substance bonded together with the metal phosphate, the substance particles having an average particle dia. of 0.1-10 mu.    ADVANTAGE -   Retaining power of the matrix is higher than that of a SiC-polytetrafluoroethylene matrix. (9pp)w    (US4623415-A)      Phosphoric acid type fuel cell has an electrolyte-retaining matrix which is made from a mixt. of Si carbide of particle size 0.1-10 microns and a metal phosphate forming inorganic material. Excess phosphoric acid is added and the mixt. heated to 100-250 deg.C to form the metal phosphate as a binder in a matrix contg. 30-90 wt.% Si carbide powder and 10-70 wt.% metal phosphate.    Pref. the inorganic material is Zr oxide or Zr chloride.    ADVANTAGE -   The matrix has a high capacity for retaining phosphoric acid. (9pp)
(DE3229314-C)      NH3 gas is continuously removed from a gas stream (I) with the aid of a bed of solid porous material which is wetted with an acid. The NH3 gas is removed from (I), by reaction with the acid to form ammonium salts of the acid on the porous material.    The ammonium salts are converted continuously into acid, N2 gas and H2 gas by keeping the porous material at an electrochemical potential which is sufficient for the oxidn. of the ammonium salts of the acid. Pref. steam (I) comprises H2. Pref. the potential is 0.7 to 1.0 volt. Pref. the acid si phosphoric acid and the salt is ammonium dihydrogen phosphate.    ADVANTAGE -   Process is continuous and the presence of O2 to regenerate the acid is unnecessary. (5pp)
(US4464444-A)      Fuel cell power plant has a device which supplies air to the cathodes and a device which produces H2 by a reaction between fuel and steam. The water content of gases emitted from the cathodes is condensed and revapourised and the steam supplied to the hydrogen producing device. There are means for temporarily accumulating heat generated by the fuel cells and further means for using the heat accumulated in order to vapourise the water initially.    Pref. there are also means for temporarily accumulating generated heat in the hydrogen producing device and means for temporarily accumulating part of the combustion energy of the unreacted gas of the fuel gases. The heat obtd. is used to vapour the water.    ADVANTAGE -   Temp. is constant irrespective of the load level and waste heat is effectively recovered. (3pp)
(US4495078-A)      Solid proton conductor comprises zeolites having proton-contg. cations and 6-membered rings and/or larger rings as secondary structural gps. of the zeolitic structure. A phase is present in the crystal lattice passages which promotes proton transport. The zeolite consists of analcime, chabazite, phillipsite, and/or faujasite.    Pref. the phase is present in an amt. which also forms a monomolecular layer on the crystal surfaces.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electrolysis cells, electrochromic displays, timers or memory elements etc. There are no corrosion problems with contacting electrodes. (4pp)
(US4451968-A)      The solar array has a number of spherical semiconductor particles. Respective particles are pressed against a metal foil while pressure and low heat are applied between the particle and foil. The pressure is applied to achieve a predetermined degree of deformation of the foil and the ohmic contact has an approximate preset resistance.    A silicon particle is provided with an exposed convex surface. The temperature of the applied heat is less than 300 deg.C and the pressure applied between the respective particle and foil is in the range 0.5 to 10 pounds per particle. The contacts exhibits opposition to physical separation. (5pp)
(DE3140974-C)      The solar-cell module has a hologram (1) dispersing the received solar radiation and directing it onto photocells (2-4) each having a different specified sensitivity. The hologram is made using light sources of different wavelength and splits up the solar radiation into beams each received by the solar cell most sensitive to its wavelength.    Alternatively, the hologram may consist of two parts - a transmission hologram and a reflection hologram. The reflection hologram lies opposite the transmission hologram and receives light from it and reflects it onto the photocells. The advantage lies in efficient conversion and efficient use of photocell material.
(US4624045-A)      Several spaced apart conductive electrodes are formed on an insulative substrate. A corresponding number of diffusion metal sources are each in contact with a respective electrode, each of the sources being an evaporated aluminum film whose surface is selectively oxidised to prevent diffusion. A thin film of amorphous silicon is formed on the conductive electrode and insulative substrate. Aluminum is diffused from the sources into the film so as to produce diffused regions at the same time as the forming of the film.    The regions reach the remote surface of the film while keeping the substrate at a temperature of between 180 and 300 deg.C. Several spaced apart conductive electrodes are provided on the surface of the film and the diffused regions which are connected to the first electrodes.    ADVANTAGE -   Series connected solar battery cells may be made with small number of process steps. (9pp)b    (DE3234925-C)      The solar cell or similar thin-film device has a substrate (20), a first electrode pattern (21'), a thin-film (23), and a second electrode pattern (25). The thin-film lies on selected parts of the first electrode pattern and the exposed parts of the substrate. The thin-film has a given pattern and contains at least one diffused zone (24) that contacts at least part of the first electrode pattern.    The second electrode pattern lies in a selected part of the thin film and contacts the upper end of the diffused zone so that the latter connects the two electrode patterns. The thin-film is amorphous silicon with a needle structure. The substrate and the first electrode pattern are transparent. The advantage lies in ready integration.
(US4542258-A)      The bus bars are spot attached to the solar cell which is then solder dipped. The solder will flow between the bus bars and solar cell by capillary action. The spot attachment provides a clearance between the bus bars and solar cell surface for allowing the molten solder to flow between. The bus bars are caused to have a stronger mechanical and electrical bond to the conductive surface of the solar cell by means of the solder bond between the bus bars and the solar cell surface.    On an upper surface of the cell, the conductive surface may comprise a grid. A pre-metallised grid pattern is made conductive by application of the solder, which also serves to simultaneously attach the bus bars to the solar cell. The bus bars can be spot attached to the solar cell by means of a double-stick adhesive material. (6pp)h
(EP76455-B)      The solar power station has plates (22,23) mounted directly onto horizontal supports (96-107) that are held by two or more masts or columns (45). The plates hold solar collectors and/or solar cells. The horizontal supports are high enough from the ground to prevent buildings, trees, mountains, etc. casting a shadow on the plates.    The distance of the lowest support from the ground is at least 2 metres. The masts are separated by at least 1 metre so that the ground beneath the array can be used. The plates are positioned so that one does not cast a shadow on another.
(DE3049331-C)      Support system for a frame of solar energy panels supported between masts. The design minimises rotary oscillations during high winds and is intended for large installations in mountainous regions. The method could also be used for smaller military installations and also for ship mounted ones. Two side masts (41,42) with top pulleys (43,44) carry a support cable (35) which has hanging supports (9,9a) with a rotational bearing (10,10a) at the centre onto which the solar panel (1,1a,2,2a,3,3a) frames are hung.    The feature is the rotational support cable arrangements (45,45a) on additional mast pulleys (46,46a) which are attached at the outer sides of the solar panel array and which operate in conjunction with a cable centre adjustment (55) to enable the panels to be rotated to the best advantage for power generation.
(US4514624-A)      The detector consists of a block of semi-conductor material with two opposite faces through one of which a beam of radiation can enter and from the other can emerge. Spaced end electrodes are in contact with the block, one adjacent to each of the opposite faces. Similarly, at least two intermediate electrodes are in contact with the block and positioned between the end electrodes. An impedance connects the end electrodes, such that the change in sensitivity of the detector with the position of the beam in the block can be made small.    The block of semi-conductor material is bar shaped with the opposite faces parallel to end faces of the bar. The electrodes are preferably ring electrodes, embracing the block and parallel with the planes of the opposite faces. The semi-conductor may be P-doped germanium and about 30 ohm centimetre resistivity, and the impedance may be a resistance in the range from about 100 to 400 ohm. (3pp)    (GB2104289-B)      A photon drag detector having a block of semi conductor material with two opposite faces through one of which a beam of radiation can enter and from the other of which it can emerge; spaced end electrodes in contact with said block, one adjacent to each of said opposite faces; at least two intermediate electrodes in contact with said block, arranged intermediate and spaced from said end electrodes and spaced from each other; and a suitable impedance connecting said end electrodes; whereby the change in sensitivity of the detector with the position of the beam in the said block can be made small.
(GB2103011-B)      A deployable sheet assembly which includes two sheet portions which when in a compact furled condition lie in a generally side-by-side position, unfurling means for extending each from a compact furled condition to an unfurled generally planar condition and unfolding means for effecting relative -hinging movement of the portions from a side-by-side position to an outspread position.
(US4437017-A)      The power plant contains a flow tube for the water, an inlet tube leading to the tube and a discharge tube leading from the tube. In the tube a turbine is arranged to be driven by the flowing water and which via a drive shaft drives an electric generator. The turbine and generator are located in the direct vicinity of each other and together with the drive shaft form a unit arranged to be traversed by flowing water.    The generator has a watertight enclosure into which the drive shaft extends through a watertight bushing. An electric cable for transmitting the electricity produced is connected. The flow tube is vertical and provides a support for the unit and, at its upper end, an aperture through which the unit can be lowered.    (6pp)
(US4430519-A)      Photovoltaic power generating module has elongate cells (2) each with current collection grids on the light-recieiving surface, each grid having a collector pad adjacent one long edge. The connection between pads of one cell and the undersurface of an adjacent cell comprises a metal foil strip with its major surfaces fully insulated by respective dielectric laminae.    The strip (14) has uniformly spaced tabs (21) extending normally from an edge and each with a contact point (22) electron beam welded to a respective pad. The other strip surface has a contact point (23) promixate to each tab and e lectron beam welded to the adjacent cell. The contact points are formed by disintegrating the laminae during welding. The arrangement is suitable for low-cost automated connection processes. (10pp)
(US4513167-A)      The positive pole of each element in each column is connected to the negative pole of the next adjacent element in the column. The positive pole of each second element in a column is connected to the positive pole of the corresponding element of one of the two adjacent columns. The positive pole of each alternate second element in a column is connected to the positive pole of the corresponding element in the other of the two adjacent columns.    The positive poles of the elements at the positive end of each column are connected to a common positive terminal. The negative poles are similarly connected to a common negative terminal.    ADVANTAGE -   Has improved output when some of cells are in shadow. (11pp)
(US4688986-A)      A bulb turbine has a gate operating ring rotatable about a generally horizontal axis between a gate open position and a gate closed position to open and close wicket gates. It also has appts. for rotating the ring to the closed position when the primary rotating appts. is inoperable without presenting an unbalanced laod on the ring during normal operation of the primary appts.    This backup appts. contains a counterweight having an initial weight insufficient to present an unbalanced load on the ring during normal operation of the primary rotating appts. It can selectively increase the weight of the counterweight when the primary is inoperable to a weight sufficient to rotate the ring from the open to the closed position. It will also selectively reduce the weight of the counterweight when the primary regains operability so that the ring does not experience unbalanced loads during normal operation and the counterweight is operable to close wicket gates upon failure of the primary.    ADVANTAGE -   Counterweight is automatically activatable in emergency, utilises flow of water to provide necessary weight, reduces size of gate ring servomotors. (5pp)
(DE3210312-C)      The solar generator for a space craft has a flexible surface on which the solar cells are mounted, which can be unrolled or unfolded when ready for operation. This surface is formed of a set of seven sections made of a foil forming a very thin layer on which are formed conductive copper tracks using a photoresist and etching process. Each section is a double section, with solar cell connections along the two outer edges, and between these connection points and each edge are longitudinal conductive tracks with intermediate connection points.    The sections are connected by hinges, the axes of the hinges being across the generator unit. Each section has projecting fingers which interlock with fingers on an adjacent section, and adjacent to the roots of the fingers are rectangular welding zones. Further welding zones are at the tips of the fingers. The lunge elements are between the welding zones.
(GB2115497-B)      The assembly comprises a safety device consisting of a cylindrical gate valve (6) located between the inlet scroll (1) and the turbine wheel (4). The gate valve (6) is controlled by a system comprising a rod (7), linkages (8), a shaft (9) and levers (91,92) one of which is connected to a counterweight (10) which causes closing of the gate valve in the event of a loss of oil pressure in a jack (11) connected to the other lever for maintaining the gate valve open.    The control system may alternatively cause the gate valve to close in the event of a drop in the electrical voltage of the mains, the jack (11) being supplied with oil by a pump which is electrically driven from the mains.
(US4502831-A)      The degree of opening of movable guide vanes of one of the highest and lowest pressure stages are controlled in accordance with control instructions regarding load. The degree of opening of the movable guide vanes of the other one of the highest and lowest pressure stages are controlled in accordance with control instructions regarding hydraulic pressure difference between a pressure at a portion between the highest and lowest pressure stages and a pressure at a portion outside of one of the highest and lowest pressure stages.    One of these pressure stages is the highest stage and the portion outside one of these stages is a portion on an inlet side of the highest stage.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents generation of cavitation, vibration and noises. (17pp)    (DE3300978-C2)      The method of controlling the operation of a multistage hydraulic machine working constantly as a turbine requires the pressure stages equipped with rotors to be connected in series using return lines. The highest and lowest pressure stages are equipped with adjustable conduction vanes having a deg. of opening which is independent for each vane. During operation, the deg. of opening of the vanes of the stages is controlled using a control signal which is determined by the load or the throughput.    The rotor (2) of the high-pressure stage and the rotor (3) of the low-pressure stage are arranged with axial spacing on a common shaft (1), with a spiral housing (13) arranged outside the rotor chamber (8) which is joined to a spiral chamber (14) of housing (13).    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids any redn. in hydraulic efficiency and occurrence of cavitation.
(DE3201507-C)      The kinetic energy of water streams is used for electric power generation in a device utilising potential energy inherent in different level water heads. The current generating system comprises a turbine and a current generator proper. The entire system is fitted into a buoyant housing, floating on the lower level water head.    The current generator housing is pref. provided in the stream supplied from an upper water head, e.g. a reservoir. A dammed water head may also be used. Alternately, a waterfall provides the necessary stream. The housing may have an inlet funnel whose wide opening accepts the water stream, while its narrow opening faces a turbine inlet. The housing may be guided vertically by appropriate devices in dependence on the variations of the lower water head level. (10pp)
(DE3229248-C)      A fixture for solar cells and other components for a space craft is a frame on a structure of reinforcing struts. The frame has a surface to carry e.g. the solar cells and a second surface which contacts the struts and is separated from the first by an aluminium honeycomb element. Each surface plate has at least one skin element consisting of one layer of woven polyparabenzamide tissue. The reinforcing struts are made of carbon fibre reinforced epoxy resin. All reinforcing elements have the same thermal coefficient of expansion in a direction parallel to the skin element surfaces. Every junction of the reinforcing struts has a jointing piece made of epoxy resin reinforced and woven polyparabenzamide cloth.    ADVANTAGE -   This fixture is free from vibration both during the lift-off and during the flight of a space craft. It is able to withstand large temp. changes. (10pp)
(US4481132-A)      Conductive polyacetylene material is doped with a chloride of Cr, Ni, Fe, Ti, W, Mo, Eu or Yb. Pref. doppants are WCl6 and MoCl5. The doping may be uniform to a level above 0.05 and the material pref. has conductivity at least 10 ohm-1. cm-1.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The material has high thermal stability and stability to oxygen. It can be used as an organic conductor or p-type semiconductor, opt. in combination with an n-type semiconductor. It can be in the form of a strong, flexible film. (5pp)e    (EP69641-B)      A conductive polyacetylene material with a high thermal stability and stability to oxygen, wherein said material is made conductive by incorporating a dopant, characterised in that the dopant is constituted by a chloride of an element belonging either to the family of the transition metals or to the family of lanthanides. (9pp)
(US4464511-A)      New polymer of mol. wt. 500-1,000,000 capable of forming at least two stable, reversibly interconvertible oxidn. states with half-wave potentials E1/2 of from -1.5 to +1V, contains, as a side gp., a 1,9-disubstd. phenalene radical linked to the main polymer chain via the 9-position of the phenylene radical. The polymer is obtd. by reacting (a) a vinyl polymer contg. reactive gps. of formula (III), (IV) or (V) in which X is OH, SH, NH2, -COOR1, -O-C(O)-R5, COCl or halogen; R1 is H, 1-5C alkyl or aryl; R2 is 1-5C alkylene, 1-5C alkylidene or arylene; R3 is 1-5C alkylene, 1-5C alkylidene, 1,4-cycloalkylene or p-arylene; R4 is -(CH(C6H5)-CH2)-; and R5 is 1-5C alkyl; the vinyl polymer contg. 5-10,000 reactive gps. as repeating units and having a mol. wt. of 500-1,000,000; with (b) a 1,9-disubstd. phenalene of formula (I) or (II) in which Y is O, NR, S, Se or Te; Z is OR, SR, NR2, -O-(CH2)m-OR, -NH-(CH2)m-OR, -S-(CH2)m-OR, -NH-(CH2)m-NR2, -O-(CH2)m-NR2, -S-(CH2)m-NR2, -O-(CH2)m-CHO or N2MeF6 in which Me is As or Sb and Y' is -OR, -SR or -NR2; Z' is -OR, -SR or -NR2; and R is H, 1-5C alkyl, 6-12C cycloalkyl or 7-14C aralkyl and, in -NR2, the two gps. R may be cyclically linked to one another; and m is 1-5.    USE -   Wide range of uses in electrical industry and in chemistry, e.g. converting and fixing radiation and antistatic finishes on plastics. (7pp)e    (EP69292-B)      A polymer which is capable of forming at least two stable, reversibly interconvertible oxidation states with half wave potentials E1/2 of from -1.5 to +1 V, and contains, as a side group, a 1.9-disubstituted phenalene radical linked to the main polymer chain via the 9-position of the phenylene radical. (15pp)
(GB2111188-B)      The light absorbing surface is arranged so that incident electro-magnetic radiation is at least partly absorbed by a surface oriented to receive the radiation, the non-absorbed radiation being diffusely reflected, and the surface having a columnar structure in which the diameter of the individual columns is comparable with that of the incident waves whereby the relative proportions of absorbed and reflected radiation are dependent on the direction in which the surface is viewed.    The columnar structure is preferably produced by vacuum deposition of a metal vapour on a substrate surface positioned to receive the vapour stream at an inclined angle, the background gas in the vacuum chamber and the temperature of the substrate being controlled at a level that promotes the preferred morphology of the columnar structure. In this manner it is possible to produce a surface which appears matt black when viewed in one direction, but diffusely reflecting when viewed in another direction. (4pp)
(US4500167-A)      A tubular element (10) is designed such that convergent or parallel rays of light (L) provided by a lens becomes incident on a light input end of (10') of the tube (10) and propagates through the tube (10). Such a hollow configuration minimises the consumption of silica glass, production cost and overall weight. The tube (10) may be made of acryl or like material instead of the silica glass, as long as the alternative material permits optical energy to propagate only through the hollow interior (12) of the tube (10). In this case, the inner surface of the tube (10) will be mirror-finished.    When light converged by a lens or the like is incident on the inlet end (10') of the tube (10), light rays (L') around the convergent or parallel rays (L) become incident on an end face (14') of a side wall (14) of the tube (10) and then propagate through the side wall (14). If the transmissibility of the material which constitutes the side wall (14) is insufficient, the energy of light rays (L') in the side wall (14) will be attenuated and fail to be utilised.    ADVANTAGE -   Element efficiently transmits optical energy with hardly any loss. (10pp)n    (DE3241774-C)      The tubular light conductor has a cylindrical wall (14) of quartz glass fitteo with a stop (36) at its light input end, maoe of a material with the same or a lesser refractive index. The input end of the light conductor is preceded by a convergent optical system for the light output from a source.    Pref. the dia. of the light conductor at the input end has a greater dia. than the light output end. A number of similar conductors are pref. combined to form a light conductor bundle with the gaps between the individual light conductors filled with a transparent material, pref. with the same refractive index as the stop (36) inserted in each light conductor end.    ADVANTAGE -   Low light losses over relatively long transmission path. (7pp)
(DE3390497-T)      The piezoelectric generator for extracting energy from a fluid flow uses a piezoelectric flexure element (14) which is clamped at one side, coupled to a deflection vane inserted in the fluid flowstream, so that it is caused to oscillate. The deflection vane (16) is formed by an axial projection at the free end of the flexure element, exhibiting a greater width.    Pref. the fluid flow is directed onto the piezoelectric flexure element via an associated funnel for focussing the fluid flow.    USE -   Utilising wind energy to generate electricity. (8pp)
(US4472937-A)      The water driven power system has a cylindrical body with valved water supply and drain ports in the bottom, the valves including valve plates rotatable between valve open and valve closed positions. A float is freely movable up and down between an upper limit position and a lower limit position in the cylindrical body due to buoyancy during supply of water through the supply valve and due to gravity during drainage through the drain valve. The float movement during the time of water supply is converted to rotation and a one-way clutch mechanism supplies the motion to an output mechanism.    A valve opening and closing mechanism closes the water supply valve and opens the drain valve at the upper limit position of the float and opens the water supply valve and closes the drain valve at the lower limit position of the float. A linkage is connected to the respective ones of the valve plates and is driven up and down for moving the valve plates in rotation by springs which are compressed and then caused to drive the linkage when the linkage is released.    ADVANTAGE -   Is easily installed in rivers for driving generators or for operating machines. (8pp)n    (DE3244816-C)      A float rises and falls with water feed and outflow so translatory movement is converted by rack gear into shaft rotation, the float position also controlling a cylindrical container bottom inlet and outlet on a reciprocal basis. The inlet (3) and outlet (5) are controlled by an actuator bar (32) in the float movement sense with an associated control rod (43).    The rod cocks springs (33,34) to move the bar (32) up and down and cancel locking devices (37,38) which locate the bar in its end settings and are positively joined to the float.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Renewable energy, river systems. Float movement used to control container inlet and outlet via coupled linkages for continuous service. (6pp)
(US4515148-A)      A reflector (1) is formed by reflecting elements (6) engaged between consecutive frames (2). Each of the frames is formed by two members (7) moulded from Zanak and fixed to an aluminium beam (11) having a triangular cross-sectional shape.    Each pair of members (7) defines arms (17). The reflector is rotatively mounted on a fixed absorber tube (3). The latter is protected by a transparent hood (28) fixed on supports (4) disposed on each side of the reflector. A device (34,35,37) for adjusting the angular position of the reflector is provided at at least one end of the collector. (10pp)
(EP80007-B)      The system consists of a rectangular channel floating in the sea and closed at the top and open at the bottom. The channel contains a membrane held movably by several rollers. The membrane follows the motion of the waves and produces zones of compression and suction in that region above it.    One-way valves are located in the region and convey the water in this region in one direction. The membrane acts as a pump. The pumped water may be used to drive a machine coupled to a generator. (11pp)
(US4491125-A)      A reflective concave surface has its face inclined to a north-south horizontal axis by an angle equal to the latitude of the location of the solar collector. A caustical conical concentrator located at the focus of the concave surface has a concentrated second focus for radiation reflected onto its surface from the concave surface. A heat exchanger is located at the second focus. The caustical conical concentrator is mounted to a support rotatable about the second focus along a north-south axis and a east-west axis.    A reflective concentrator is mounted on the support at the opposite side of the second focus from the caustical concentrator to shadow the concentrator when both are in alignment with the sum. The concentrator having its focus located at the second focus. A drive maintains the conical and the relective concentrator in alignment with the sun.    ADVANTAGE -   Has point and simple tracking. (17pp)e
(US4468569-A)      The varying impedance of a solar generator is matched with the fixed or varying impedance of a load driven from there by comparing the generator voltage with a reference voltage and producing a difference signal indicative of the difference, if any, in thevoltages, repetitively switching 'on' and 'off' the current flow from the generator to the load according to the voltage difference so as to maintain the generator voltage at a constant level.    Energy generated during periods when current is not supplied to the load is stored for supply during periods when current is switched on to the load.    ADVANTAGE -   By repetitively interrupting the current to the load on the generator it is possible to maintain the generator terminal voltage at or near an optimum constant level and the transfer of power from the generator to the load can be maximised not withstanding variation in load impedance or in light intensity. (5pp)
(US4451968-A)      The solar array has a number of spherical semiconductor particles. Respective particles are pressed against a metal foil while pressure and low heat are applied between the particle and foil. The pressure is applied to achieve a predetermined degree of deformation of the foil and the ohmic contact has an approximate preset resistance.    A silicon particle is provided with an exposed convex surface. The temperature of the applied heat is less than 300 deg.C and the pressure applied between the respective particle and foil is in the range 0.5 to 10 pounds per particle. The contacts exhibits opposition to physical separation. (5pp)
(DE3140974-C)      The solar-cell module has a hologram (1) dispersing the received solar radiation and directing it onto photocells (2-4) each having a different specified sensitivity. The hologram is made using light sources of different wavelength and splits up the solar radiation into beams each received by the solar cell most sensitive to its wavelength.    Alternatively, the hologram may consist of two parts - a transmission hologram and a reflection hologram. The reflection hologram lies opposite the transmission hologram and receives light from it and reflects it onto the photocells. The advantage lies in efficient conversion and efficient use of photocell material.
(US4624045-A)      Several spaced apart conductive electrodes are formed on an insulative substrate. A corresponding number of diffusion metal sources are each in contact with a respective electrode, each of the sources being an evaporated aluminum film whose surface is selectively oxidised to prevent diffusion. A thin film of amorphous silicon is formed on the conductive electrode and insulative substrate. Aluminum is diffused from the sources into the film so as to produce diffused regions at the same time as the forming of the film.    The regions reach the remote surface of the film while keeping the substrate at a temperature of between 180 and 300 deg.C. Several spaced apart conductive electrodes are provided on the surface of the film and the diffused regions which are connected to the first electrodes.    ADVANTAGE -   Series connected solar battery cells may be made with small number of process steps. (9pp)b    (DE3234925-C)      The solar cell or similar thin-film device has a substrate (20), a first electrode pattern (21'), a thin-film (23), and a second electrode pattern (25). The thin-film lies on selected parts of the first electrode pattern and the exposed parts of the substrate. The thin-film has a given pattern and contains at least one diffused zone (24) that contacts at least part of the first electrode pattern.    The second electrode pattern lies in a selected part of the thin film and contacts the upper end of the diffused zone so that the latter connects the two electrode patterns. The thin-film is amorphous silicon with a needle structure. The substrate and the first electrode pattern are transparent. The advantage lies in ready integration.
(DE3139162-C)      The system concentrates solar radiation onto radiation receivers via mirrors. The latter are grouped together so that each group reflects radiation onto one receiver at any given time of day. As the day progresses, any one group of reflectors progressively reflects radiation onto different receivers so that the overall efficiency of the system is increased.    The mirrors may be grouped into squares (6) each with a receiver (2) at the top of a tower (3) at one corner. Each mirror has its own drive that allows it to be tilted at specified angles depending on the position of the sun (4) so that different reflection patterns are produced at different times of day.
(US4542258-A)      The bus bars are spot attached to the solar cell which is then solder dipped. The solder will flow between the bus bars and solar cell by capillary action. The spot attachment provides a clearance between the bus bars and solar cell surface for allowing the molten solder to flow between. The bus bars are caused to have a stronger mechanical and electrical bond to the conductive surface of the solar cell by means of the solder bond between the bus bars and the solar cell surface.    On an upper surface of the cell, the conductive surface may comprise a grid. A pre-metallised grid pattern is made conductive by application of the solder, which also serves to simultaneously attach the bus bars to the solar cell. The bus bars can be spot attached to the solar cell by means of a double-stick adhesive material. (6pp)h
(US4421990-A)      Each turbine is disposed in a main channel between the sea and storage reservoir. A connection channel is arranged above the main channel containing the turbine. A shutoff device is located at the reservoir side of the turbine and the connection channel to control and direct the flow of water.    A single shutoff device in the form of a sluice gate is operable under pressure in order to open the connection channel and to cut-off the turbine, or vice-versa. Pref. an arrangement provides total isolation of the working region of the tidal power plant to permit inspection and maintenance work when needed. (8pp)d    (DE3201173-C)      The plant uses the level differences between a reservoir (2) separated from the sea (1) by a dam wall and the sea itself with a turbine (5) having an approximately horizontal axis incorporated in the dam wall. The turbine (5) is driven by water flowing from the reservoir to the sea.    The water can flow from the sea to the reservoir via at least one flow channel (4) above the turbine, with a vertically adjusted blocking element (6) selectively blocking either the turbine or the flow channel. The generation plant has a high efficiency and provides a good power output while having a relatively simple construction.
(US4426052-A)      The device has an electromagnetic motor associated with each of the control surfaces for controlling its angular position relative to its associated solar panel. The device includes a detector filter, control logic and amplifier for generating and supplying to the motors, cyclic actuating currents dependent on errors of position or angular velocity of the satellite. Each motor causes its associated control surface, to vary its angular position during rotation of the satellite in a direction to reduce the erros.    Detectors with each motor detect the angular speed of the associated control surface and introduce a damping in the control of the surface. (9pp)
(US4434374-A)      The device comprises a tread plate having an elongated channel member having a top web with downwardly extending side walls. The sides have inwardly directed flanges which mate with a base member having a channel member defining a base web with upstanding side walls of a common height. These terminate at outwardly directed flanges, the tread plate in mating telescopic engagement with the base enabling relative vertical movement of the tread plate.    Rocker arms are spaced so that at least two rocker arms are depressed whenever weight is exerted on the tread plate. The plate enables the rocker arms to depress even when downward force is applied around the outer periphery. The shaft is connected to a gear generator device by way of a torque energy storage device so that torque energy insufficient to initially turn the gear generator will be stored and utilized whenever possible. (6pp)
(DE3049331-C)      Support system for a frame of solar energy panels supported between masts. The design minimises rotary oscillations during high winds and is intended for large installations in mountainous regions. The method could also be used for smaller military installations and also for ship mounted ones. Two side masts (41,42) with top pulleys (43,44) carry a support cable (35) which has hanging supports (9,9a) with a rotational bearing (10,10a) at the centre onto which the solar panel (1,1a,2,2a,3,3a) frames are hung.    The feature is the rotational support cable arrangements (45,45a) on additional mast pulleys (46,46a) which are attached at the outer sides of the solar panel array and which operate in conjunction with a cable centre adjustment (55) to enable the panels to be rotated to the best advantage for power generation.
(US4441030-A)      Wave driven pump units each comprising a pillow shaped flexible bag are mounted on a spine. Water surround the system flows to both sides of the bag so that it is not in abrading contact with spine. Lower edges of bags are attached to the spine and each upper edge has a passage through which air is pumped back and forth when waves collapse and expand the bag. The passage is at one top corner of the bag and at the other is a dummy passage so that the corners are not stressed in use.    A common pipe defines the passage of one bag and the dummy passage of the adjacent bag. The pumped fluid from each bag is passed through a module located outside the spine which includes a uni-directional turbine for converting fluid energy into shaft-electrical energy. (8pp)h
(GB2104974-B)      The device for converting the energy of waves or currents of oceans, rivers or lakes into electricity, comprises a buoyant body which supports a bucket wheel or bucket chain when converting energy, wave the rise and fall of buoyant body (1) with the wave motion causes bucket wheel (9) or chain to rotate or circulate unidirectionally respectively. This movement is transmitted to a generator (33) or other energy conversion device on the buoyant body (1) and thence to shore.    Where the energy is taken from under water currents, the bucket wheel (9) or bucket chain is supported by the buoyant body at a depth in the region of the under water currents, and where the currents are surface water currents a bucket wheel is fixedly secured to the buoyant body for circulation about horizontal axis disposed above the surface of the water or a bucket chain is mounted about the buoyant body. The buckets may be hingedly connected to the respective bucket carrying arrangement.
(US4531063-A)      A pickup member is kept in a submerged position and is mechanically connected to one end of at least one resilient line. The other end is connected to means fixed to the sea bed. The interior of the line is in communication at one end with an accumulation member and is closed at the other end, is also filled with an incompressible liquid.    An accumulation member is constituted by a vessel filled with gas under pressure. The pressure and kinetic energy of the incompressible liquid is connected into mechanical energy. The communication between the resilient lines and the accumulation member may be interrupted. The interior of the lines communicates with the accumulation member by way of a connection channel. (16pp)n
(US4574659-A)      The precision drive includes a casing mounted for rotation about a vertical shaft. The casing carries a pair of motor driven gear trains. A primary stage reduction gearing of each train comprises a cyclo-gear or a harmonic drive, while the secondary stage includes a monoplanetary gear train having a planet gear mounted to an eccentric carrier. The planet gear teeth simultaneously engage a fixed ring gear and a rotatable ring gear.    The output of the primary stage drives the carrier, and the    rotatable ring gear provides output rotation. One gear train engages a pinion fixed to the vertical shaft for rotation the casing about the shaft, while the rotatable ring gear of the other gear train engages a horizontal shaft for adjustment of the elevation angle.    USE -   Locking of solar energy collection appts. (9pp)
(EP71550-B)      Optical assembly having two frames (4) and (10) carried by a fixed chassis (5a), each of them provided with a Fresnel cylindrical mirror having plane elementary reflectors (2 and 8) the progressive inclination of which defining for each of said Fresnel mirrors a linear focalisation, whereas each of said elementary reflectors (2 or 8) is carried by an axle parallel to its plane and adapted to be oscillated about said axle by means of central driving means, the latter being common both to all elementary reflectors (2) with axles (3) parallel to each other in the first frame (4) on the one hand, and to all elementary reflectors (8) with axles (9) parallel to each other in the second frame (10), characterised in that the plane of both frames (4 and 10) define a reflecting diedre having an angle of 90 degrees or less, whilst the direction of axles (3) in said first frame (4) is perpendicular to the direction of axles (9) in said second frame (10), so that incident beams (1) are focalised onto a target (17). (6pp)
(US4501469-A)      The mirror structure comprises a rotatably pivoted supporting framework made of flexurally stiff supporting members (12,13,14), with single mirrors adjustably attached to them. In order to be able to use thinner, lighter, not pre-bent, yet flexibly adjustable single mirrors, essentially flat planar carrying frames (1,2,4) are attached to the supporting framework, pref. by way of three-point connections (5).    Several flexible, smaller individual mirrors (6) are mounted on each of these carrying frames, with the aid of pins which are axially adjustably supported by mounting elements which are attached to the respective carrying frames. On the other hand, the pins are insertable into the socket fixtures, which comprise defined stop surfaces and which are attached to the back side of the single mirrors.    USE -   In heliostat. (7pp)
(US4425905-A)      The sunlight collecting and concentrating apparatus having a mirror or lens device rotated indpenendently about a vertical and horizontal aixs, respectively. The mirror or lens always faces the sun when despite change is in the sun's azimuth and altitude. An optical conductor is provided which has a first section arranged coaxially with the horizontal axis and a second section arranged coaxially with the vertical axis. An arrangement is provided between the conductors for allowing relative rotation between them.    Thus, no winding torsion of the conductors take place during the rotational movement of the mirror about the first and the second axes. Winding or torsion is prevented for cable for transmission of signals from the tracking sensor device to a control circuit for operating the mirror. (8pp)
(GB2103011-B)      A deployable sheet assembly which includes two sheet portions which when in a compact furled condition lie in a generally side-by-side position, unfurling means for extending each from a compact furled condition to an unfurled generally planar condition and unfolding means for effecting relative -hinging movement of the portions from a side-by-side position to an outspread position.
(US4419981-A)      The appts. has two shafts, the horizontal one being rotatably supported by the vertical one. A pair of photosensors are supported on the vertical shaft, symmetrically opposed on the horizontal shaft axis. A second pair of photosensors are supported by the horizontal shaft, so as to rotate therewith, at symmetrically opposed positions on an axis perpendicular to the horizontal axis. Fresnel lenses are used to direct the sunlight to the sensors via optical fibres.    Driving units are used to operate the vertical shaft for rotating it in a predetermined direction in accordance with the difference in outputs of the first pair of sensors and the horizontal shaft for rotating it in a predetermined direction in accordance with the difference in outputs of the second pair of sensors. (8pp)h
(DE3123162-C)      The focussing device is for a light beam. It has a rigid casing with at least two facets which concentrate light rays onto a common focal point (F). The light concentrating facets consist of holograms which may be either of the transparent or the light concentrating type. They have a grating structure which has the effect of a lens.    The hologram producing appts. has a laser (4), the beam from which is reflected via a rotating mirror (5) to a beam splitter (6). The beam reflected from this splitter goes through a lens (7) followed by a second lens (8) to make a broad collimated beam. This is reflected by a mirror (9) via a further mirror (10) onto a hologram plate (2). The final mirror (10) is semitransparent. The light passing straight through the beam splitter may be reflected from a mirror (11) through a lens (12) which focusses it on the desired point (F). The light then falls on the hologram plate after passing through the mirror (10).    (US4682841-A)      The method of making the light radiation concentrator consists in using light-sensitive objects, the number of which is equal to the number of the concentrating facets. The light-sensitive objects are secured in the concentrator frame and an interference pattern produced by a collimated reference radiation beam, and an object radiation beam diverging from the focal spot is recorded in a sequence on each of the light-sensitive objects.    The recording is effected by causing the collimated reference beam to move in parallel with itself and by directing the object beam from the focal spot to the respective light-sensitive object.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Optical engineering. Increases power in local spot. (6pp)
(US4430519-A)      Photovoltaic power generating module has elongate cells (2) each with current collection grids on the light-recieiving surface, each grid having a collector pad adjacent one long edge. The connection between pads of one cell and the undersurface of an adjacent cell comprises a metal foil strip with its major surfaces fully insulated by respective dielectric laminae.    The strip (14) has uniformly spaced tabs (21) extending normally from an edge and each with a contact point (22) electron beam welded to a respective pad. The other strip surface has a contact point (23) promixate to each tab and e lectron beam welded to the adjacent cell. The contact points are formed by disintegrating the laminae during welding. The arrangement is suitable for low-cost automated connection processes. (10pp)
(GB2120399-B)      The system maintains the solar panel (6) in alignment with a celestial body, such as the sun throughout seasonal variations in the circle of apparent movement of the body. The appts. includes a device (A) for rotating the object (6) about the axis of an extension (20) of the counterweighted driving arm to follow the body's movement across the sky between rising and setting.    A member (2) is reciprocated along a shaft (1) which is moved vertically up and down. The reciprocal movements are translated into angular movement of the object (6) such that throughout the year it is normal to incident light rays. The axis of the shaft (1) is aligned with the rotary axis of the first device (A) twice a year at the equinoxes and between them tilts the first device (A) upward or downward.
(US4511755-A)      The apparatus includes a number of lenses located on at least one of the opposing flat surfaces of a mount. Several light conductors equal in number to the lenses are carried by a conductor mount which is held integral with and spaced from the lens mount by spacers and a frame. The focal point of each lens coincides with the nearby end of its associated light conductor. The lenses, lens mount, conductor mount, spacers, and frame are made of materials, the coefficient of expansion of which is equal to one other.    The end of each light conductor is moved into alignment with the centre of the adjacent lens, and then to the focal point of the lens where it is fixed in position. Stray beams in the apparatus are converted into electrical energy.    ADVANTAGE -   Overcomes influence of solar heat. (11pp)    (US4659176-A)      The structure comprises a large number of lens for focussing the light, and a large number of optical fibres, each having a photo-receiving edge arranged on the focus of the lens. A supporting plate has a large number of holes coaxial with each of the optical axis of said lens, and a retaining member retains the optical fibre movably along the direction of the optical axis.    The retaining member is bound with an adhesive agent to the supporting plate, and the optical fibre is bound with an adhesive agent to the retaining member.    ADVANTAGE -   Protects operator from getting burnt. (5pp)h
(US4513167-A)      The positive pole of each element in each column is connected to the negative pole of the next adjacent element in the column. The positive pole of each second element in a column is connected to the positive pole of the corresponding element of one of the two adjacent columns. The positive pole of each alternate second element in a column is connected to the positive pole of the corresponding element in the other of the two adjacent columns.    The positive poles of the elements at the positive end of each column are connected to a common positive terminal. The negative poles are similarly connected to a common negative terminal.    ADVANTAGE -   Has improved output when some of cells are in shadow. (11pp)
(EP93662-B)      The mirror is fixed on a support which can be rotated, and which includes a vertical spindle with an external thread. The spindle is used to orient the mirror, w.r.t. the movement of the sun. The spindle meshes with a nut contg. an internal thread; and the nut can move axially but cannot rotate.    The spindle is hollow, and its bore forms a hydraulic cylinder in which a piston can be driven in either direction; and the piston is fixed to the nut. Pref. the nut comprises moulded synthetic material. The device is used esp. to orient a parabolic mirror and requires min. maintenance.
(DE3210375-C)      The generation plant has two or more water wheels arranged in series and acted on by the flow along a channel defined by two spaced hulls. The inlet to the second water wheel can be restricted by baffle plates attached to the opposing surfaces of the two hulls on either side of the channel.    Behind the first water wheel lie the inlets of two tunnel flow channels extending through the respective floats with their outlets facing in opposite directions. Each inlet can be blocked by a pivoted batch with an angle of adjustment of 20 deqrees. Pref. stabilising devices are spaced along each hull end adjusted relative to one another via hydraulic motors. The generation plant provides a high power output.
(DE3216387-C)      A solid, heat-resisting substrate (a) is coated with a selectively-absorbing, highly-doped, semiconductor layer (b). Layer (b) absorbs solar rays by inter-band absorption; and also uses plasma reflection to reflect heat radiation. The substrate (a) is cleaned, and then heated to min. 150 deg.C, in a vacuum chamber, in which it is provided with a high atomic concn. of metal atoms producing a fine-grained, polycrystalline layer (b) less than 1 micron thick and with a high dislocation-and grain boundary- density. The pref. vacuum chamber contains several evaporators for the semiconductor and the dopant, and also for a top optical layer (c).    A highly efficient but inexpensive layer (b) is obtd.
(US4504553-A)      The covering comprises an IR reflecting substrate having a layer deposited on it an d consisting of at least one metal or alloy of the metal. A second layer deposited on the first layer consists of an amorphous material capable of absorbing solar radiation.    Pref. the reflecting layer consists of copper, silver or gold and the first layer is of a transition alloy of e.g. stainless steel and has a thickness equal to or greater than that of the first layer pref. in the region of 50 150mm thick. The first and second layers may be deposited by cathodic sputtering.    ADVANTAGE -   Layers are thermally stable and free from hydrogen. (5pp)
(DE3215434-C)      The device for locking the individual panels of unfolding satellite solar generators in the unfolded position characteristically has one panel (10) of an adjoining pair with a pivoted locking arm (70) and the other (20) with a notch (80) which a pin (9) on this arm can engage. A cam-plate (11) guides that pin during the unfolding process and a pring (12) pulls the arm towards the panel-movement pivot.    A stop (90) projecting beyond the cam-plate rim behind the slot prevents the panels moving beyond the fully unfolded position.
(DE3215431-C)      The device for unfolding satellite solar generators basically involves springs mounted between the generator panels. Characteristically the panels (1,2) are moved apart by a coil spring (5) fastened around the projecting end of a hinge pin (4), rotationally fixed relative to one of the panels (1).    The other panel (2) pivots about this pin and has the other end of the spring rotationally-rigidly fastened to its hinge bracket (6) by a bolt through a bush (8,7).
(US4441321-A)      An ocean thermal energy converter generates electricity from warm surface water in dropping 100 meters or so, and then raises it back to the surface using its own thermal energy in a large floating vacuum chamber. A mist flow process is employed to accelerate water droplets and water vapour upward from the bottom of the chamber under a pressure difference created by spraying cold water from lower ocean levels into the same chamber.    The cold water is sprayed upward and parallel to the upper side walls of the chamber to control the flow of the warm droplets, as well as condense the vapour. This cold spray has too small an initial velocity to reach the top of the chamber, but receives momentum from the accelerated warm droplets. The warm water may be injected vertically or alternatively at an angle inclined toward the axis of the chamber to assist in coalescing and concentrating the stream after the individual droplets have been accelerated upward. (11pp)e
(DE3210312-C)      The solar generator for a space craft has a flexible surface on which the solar cells are mounted, which can be unrolled or unfolded when ready for operation. This surface is formed of a set of seven sections made of a foil forming a very thin layer on which are formed conductive copper tracks using a photoresist and etching process. Each section is a double section, with solar cell connections along the two outer edges, and between these connection points and each edge are longitudinal conductive tracks with intermediate connection points.    The sections are connected by hinges, the axes of the hinges being across the generator unit. Each section has projecting fingers which interlock with fingers on an adjacent section, and adjacent to the roots of the fingers are rectangular welding zones. Further welding zones are at the tips of the fingers. The lunge elements are between the welding zones.
(DE3205439-C)      The solar concentrator has hollow mirrors or parabolic reflectors (15) which concentrate the sun's radiation on a semiconductor photoelement or elements, forming the absorbing surface (8) between the reflectors and the sun. These reflectors are made as massive blocks of transparent material, with the underside (2) of convex shape and silvered and with the upper side (3) accommodating the photoelements.    On the upper side pipes are fixed to take away the heat, with a holder (11a,11b) profiled to hold a pipe (11). This holder is in two parts, insulated from one another and stretching along the pipe and each forming one pole of the photoelement. Fluid circulates in the pipes.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The terminals of the photoelements allow the elements themselves to be assembled and dismantled easily. It is suitable for solar energy installations.
(US4459428-A)      The two sets of copper plate segments are spaced with the thermoelectric elements, which generate the electricity, being disposed between and soldered to the copper plate segment inner surfaces. The copper segments define a lead pattern which connect the thermoelectric elements electrically in series and thermally in parallel. A ceramic potting compound having high electrical and thermal resistivity fills the voids between the thermoelectric elements and the copper plate segments to thus insulate and protect the elements.    The copper plate segments also include a layer of thick film insulator on the outer surfaces thereof opposite the solder paste. These insulating thick films serve as a mask for fabricating the copper plate segments during an etching operation in the manufacture of the device.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Uses the thick films to electrically insulate the copper segments and thermoelectric elements from a heat exchanger in a thermoelectric system. (11pp)
(US4468854-A)      The appts. includes two conductive strip receiving fixtures, a thermoelectric element receiving fixture and a U-shaped member. The conductive strip receiving fixtures act to retain the strips in proper registry during the processing steps of screen printing insulating material, or solder paste as well as during attachment of thermoelectric elements.    The element receiving fixture is complemental with either of the strip receiving fixtures to maintain the elements in place during the coupling of the elements to the strips in one of the strip receiving fixtures. The strip receiving fixtures are complemental with the U-shaped member to complete the coupling of the elements to the strips such that the elements are coupled thermally in parallel and electrically in series. The U-shaped member also facilitates the introduction of a ceramic potting compound between them.    USE -   For thermoelectric device mfr. (17pp)a
(US4448028-A)      The system includes several heat pipes having at least one planar sidewall and integral heat collecting fins. The planar sidewalls on the heat pipes enable broad surface thermal contact with thermoelectric devices. The heat pipes and integral heat collecting fins provide for the efficient collection and transmission of waste heat to the side of the thermoelectric devices contacting the heat pipes at a location outside of the flow of waste heat.    The other side of each thermoelectric device is either water or air cooled to establish a temperature differential across it for the generation of electrical energy. The heat pipes are preferably generally rectangular in cross section to provide opposed planar surfaces for making efficient, low heat loss, broad surface thermal contact with the thermoelectric devices. (8pp)c
(US4509500-A)      The solar ray collection appts. comprises a capsule and a solar ray collector housed in the capsule and including several lenses. The solar ray collector is controlled to chase the sun in response to an output of a photodetector which may be located inside or outside the capsule.    The capsule comprises a number of interconnected transparent members which are inclined by a specific angle which effects the most efficient collection of the solar energy at any position of the sun. Pref. a photodetector is positioned at the centre of a circular light receiving surface which is defined by the lenses.    ADVANTAGE -   Is excellent in mechanical strength and resistivity to wind due to unique configuration of each transparent member. (8pp)    (EP85846-B)      A solary ray collection apparatus (10) with a housing or capsule (12) and with solar ray collector means (14) for collecting the solar rays, said means being installed within the capsule (12) and including a plurality of lenses (16), said lenses defining a light receiving surface following the sun by means of movement about two axes controlled by a photodetector, characterised in that the housing or capsule (12) is made up of a number of interconnected transparent members (34) the inclination angles of said transparent members which lie within a region confined by imaginary lines which extend perpendicular from the peripheral edge (36) of the light receiving surface are chosen so that solar rays falling onto the light receiving surface in the direction parallel to said imaginary lines are allowed to penetrate the capsule (12), whereas the inclination of transparent members which lie outside said region are chosen so that solar rays in said direction parallel to said imaginary lines are totally reflected. (9pp)
(EP99221-B)      A substantially transparent glass-ceramic of the silica-alumina system having a predominant crystalline phase containing mullite characterised in that it is prepared from a precursor glass capable of being melted at temperatures no higher than 1650 deg.C and is crystallized in situ at high viscosities of from 10 power 9 to 10 power 12 poises (from 10 power 8 to 10 power 11 Pa . s), and in that it comprises, expressed in terms of weight percent on the oxide basis, from 10 to 70% SiO2, from 7 to 40% B2O3, from 14 to 50% Al2O3, from 0 to 35% RO, wherein RO comprises at least one of the following MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO and PbO and from 0 to 30% R2O, wherein R2O comprises at least one of the following Li2O, Na2O, K2O, Rb2O and Cs2O, the mole ratio of Al2O3:RO+R2O being greater than 1.3:1. (14pp)
(US4496787-A)      Collimated radiation coming from the sun is received through an optical device which is thermally insulated and orientatable so as to track the radiation. The beam of radiation emanating from a focal point is collected through a small opening. The beam then penetrates a positionally fixed, thermally insulated enclosure.    The enclosure is brought to a negative pressure to cause air or another gas to flow there-into it. The solar radiation not previously absorbed is received by absorbent surfaces while air or another gas is circulated in the intermediate space. The total incident energy transferred both to the thermal focus and to the gas is circulated.    ADVANTAGE -   Has improved efficiency with minimal thermal losses. (20pp)f
(US4471613-A)      The motor comprises a supply of liquid and a rotor including a hollow buoyant member which is at least partially immersed in the supply of liquid so that it tends to rise. A carrier rotatably and radially movably mounts the buoyant member. A succession of expansible and contractible (variable-volume) compartments are provided on (e.g. in the interior of) the buoyant member. A hot gaseous fluid is admitted into successive compartments so as to move the buoyant member to a position of eccentricity with reference to the carrier and at least in part transversely of the direction of the force tending to lift the buoyant member for rotation. The carrier may be a stationary part whose axis is laterally offset with reference to the axis of the buoyant member when the latter is held in the position of eccentricity due to admission of pressurised fluid into some of the compartments. (19pp)
(GB2111603-B)      The appts. comprises an array of members (10) each having a leading edge joined to a thinner trailing edge by tapering surfaces. Multi-directional fluid wave motion incident on the leading side of the array is so directed by the members that motion of fluid leaving the trailing side of the array is generally uni-directional.    The surfaces of each member may be capable of limited movement. The appts. may be used to stabilise an oil rig or oil exploration platform or used for driving small or large vessels. The vessel may have electrical generators driven by passage through the water to charge power packs for driving a standby source of motive power.
(DE3229248-C)      A fixture for solar cells and other components for a space craft is a frame on a structure of reinforcing struts. The frame has a surface to carry e.g. the solar cells and a second surface which contacts the struts and is separated from the first by an aluminium honeycomb element. Each surface plate has at least one skin element consisting of one layer of woven polyparabenzamide tissue. The reinforcing struts are made of carbon fibre reinforced epoxy resin. All reinforcing elements have the same thermal coefficient of expansion in a direction parallel to the skin element surfaces. Every junction of the reinforcing struts has a jointing piece made of epoxy resin reinforced and woven polyparabenzamide cloth.    ADVANTAGE -   This fixture is free from vibration both during the lift-off and during the flight of a space craft. It is able to withstand large temp. changes. (10pp)
(US4461813-A)      The interconnector is formed of a high density carbon plate. The electrochemical power generator uses as an anode reactant material a gas containing hydrogen as a major component, and uses as a cathode reactant material an oxidising gas.    Several grooves which function as a gas passage for the gas containing hydrogen as its major component are formed in the other surface of the anode. The cathode is thinner than the anode and is waterproofed. Several grooves which function as a gas passage for the oxidising gas are formed in one surface of the interconnector.    ADVANTAGE -   Has excellent mechanical strength and may be efficiently and stably operated without deterioration over a long time. (5pp)
(EP80129-B)      The assembly has a first carbonised plate (2) with one flat side (2a) and a second side (2b) with grooves (4) forming channels for carrying a cooling gas. The grooves in the plate (2) define three sides of each cooling gas channel whilst the fourth side of the channel is provided by the flat surface (3a) of the second plate (3) which is also made of a carbonised material material.    Since the cooling channels are defined by a grooved and a flat surface, misalignment problems and attendant losses in electrical conductivity and change in gas flow, are avoided and improved results obtained. The outer surfaces of the two plates (2,3) may carry process gas grooves (6,7) situated in transverse relationship without affecting cooling groove alignment. In a further embodiment a central plate which carries gas grooves on both sides is sandwiched between the flat surfaces of two outer plates.
(US4582765-A)      Cooling channels are segregated from the process fluid flowing in reacting communication with the anodes and cathodes of the stack. A cooling fluid flows through a recirculating loop which includes, in addition to the fuel cell stack, a heat exchanger, a pump, and a diverter valve. The loop is preferably arranged so that cooling fluid exiting the stack is first cooled in the exchanger and, at a lower temperature, passed through the pump and returned to the stack.    The conduits connecting the loop components, and the valve, are arranged so that the direction of cooling fluid flow may be periodically reversed. Fluid flow reversal is provided as a function of the thermal time constant of the fuel cell stack.    ADVANTAGE -   Cooling fluid flow may be reversed without stopping or reversing pump. (7pp)
(DE3221995-C)      Generator system comprising several parallel driven fuel cells that have several series-connected (electrically) or parallel connected mixing chambers on the fuel side, the chambers being arranged in a pile, is arranged to uniformly load each fuel cell and to provide high efficiency with a parallel drive arrangement of the fuel cells.    Each of the parallel connected fuel cells (6,7 or 8,9) is connected to a control circuit that has an interrupter comprising gated switching elements (17,20) and having connection to the cells outputs. Triggering circuits are provided to fire the gated elements (17,20) such that the interrupter output current can be set to a predetermined value.
(US6424111-N)      Combined gas seal and electrical insulator has a closed frame shape interconnecting a fuel cell stack and a reactant gas plenum of a fuel cell generator. The frame has segments interconnected by slidable spline joints to permit expansion or contraction. The segments have both straight and angular portions to allow assembly into a rectangular shape.    Lateral sideways movement across sealing surfaces facing the plenum or fuel cell stacks are minimised so that damage is reduced. (11pp)
(US4489564-A)      Hydride storage for hydrogen has a rigid tubular housing contg. storage material. One end is closed by a plug and the other end has an external connection. A passage including a step bore is defined by a metal braid conduit for H2 flour. There is a filter in the passage and the storage material around the passage holds the storage material.    The conduit material is resistant to H2 and bounds one axially extending surface of the storage material so that storage material can expand and contract radially into and out of the space defined by the metal braid.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved temp. and pressure distribution are achieved. (7pp)
(US4493878-A)      Fuel element for supplying liq. fuel to a fuel cell comprises a non-fluid material binding a fuel in a non-fluidised state within an outer wrapping or cartridge such that the element may be removably positioned within the fuel cell.    The fuel element may be wrapped in a fibrous substrate material, and it may e.g. release liq. fuel on contact with water. Suitably, the fuel is converted to liq. which forms the anolyte of the cell. It may comprise methanol, formic acid, formalin or hydrazine.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The element is easy to handle and insert and remove from the cell. It is leak resistant and esp. useful for portable power sources. (6pp)    (JP92013828-B)      Fuel element for a liq. fuel cell has the fuel chemically or physically treated so it assumes a non-fluidised state, and can be returned to the initial liq. fuel at any time by physical or chemical means. The liq. fuel is pref. adsorbed by an adsorbing agent or chemically reacted with another substance to form solid salts or polymers. The fuel element is pref. contained in a cartridge, esp. wrapped in a fibrous substrate and contained in a cartridge.    A liq. fuel cell contains an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte between them, and has a detachable cartridge contg. a fuel element as above attached to the cell via a check valve preventing electrolyte flowing back into the fuel cartridge.    The fuel cell can be used by ordinary people, as there is no risk of fuel leakage. The cartridge is supplied with fuel in solidified form, and is activated after attachment by adding water and/or het to render the fuel liq. and activated the cell. The graph shows operation of such a cell, at 40mA/cm2, using an air blower to supply air oxidant, with the fuel element renewed at A and B. (J58186170-A)
(US4478917-A)      Fuel cell has an electrolyte ion exchange membrane and an oxidiser electrode comprising a mixt. of noble metal particles, Gp.VIII, and water repellent particles, formed on one side of the membrane by dispersion plating. There is a hydrophilic fuel electrode contg. noble metal particles, Gp.VIII, fixed to the other side of the membrane. Oxidiser is supplied to the oxidiser electrode and methanol is supplied to the fuel electrode.    Pref. the ion exchange membrane is strongly acidic and the oxidiser in air. The noble metal particles are pref. Pt, Ru, Pd or Rh. The water repellent particles are pref. styrene divinyl benzene copolymer, polyethylene, and/or fluorocarbon.    ADVANTAGE -   Three phase boundary is easily obtainable with an oxidiser electrode. (8pp)    (JP92013827-B)      Fuel cell comprises an ion exchange membrane between a fuel chamber and oxidiser chamber contg. an oxidiser electrode composed of a chemical plating eutectic pptn. membrane. The membrane is made by the chemical plating of water repelling grains with Pt black; this membrane is formed on the ion exchange membrane.    Used for d-c power sources. (J58165266-A)
(US4476199-A)      Fused carbonate type cuel cell comprises an electrolytic body holding an electrolyte arranged between an anode and a cathode. Electricity is electrochemically generated by feeding fuel and oxidant to a fuel chamber arranged on the anode side and an oxidant chamber arranged on the cathode side.    The electrolytic body comprises an electrolyte of alkali metal carbonate, an electrolyte-retaining member for retaining the electrolyte and an inorganic binder of an alkali metal metaphosphate MPO3 (M is alkali metal.).    (JP92049751-B)      A fused carbonate fuel cell comprises an electrolytic body holding an electrolyte arranged between an anode and a cathode. The electrolytic body comprises (a) electrolyte; (b) an electrolyte retaining material; and (c) an inorganic binder, pref. an inorganic polymer, esp. a metal salt of a polyacid, esp. alkali metal salt. Electricity is electrochemically generated by feeding fuel to a fuel chamber on the anode side of the cell, and oxidant to an oxidant chamber on the cathode side.    The electrolytic body has good moulding properties, high mechanical strength, excellent electrolyte capacity and allows stable high cell capacity. It is free from warping and cracking during prepn. and operation. (J58129782-A
(US4431715-A)      The electrical connection of the fuel cell electrodes to the electrical output bus, which is brought through the generator housing to be connected to an electrical load line maintains a highly uniform temperature distribution. The electrical connection means includes an electrode bus which is spaced parallel to the output bus with a number of symmetrically spaced transversely extending conductors extending between the electrode bus and the output bus, with thermal insulation means provided about the transverse conductors between the spaced apart buses.    Single or several stages of the insulated transversely extending conductors can be provided within the high temperatures regions of the fuel cell generator to provide highly homogeneous temperature distribution over the contacting surfaces. (5pp)f
(US4737249-A)      Water electrolysis is effected by continuously electrolytically generating and recovering hydrogen gas from the interface of an aq. alkaline soln. held at above 60 deg. and a cathode. This occurs at low over-potential subsequent to an initial break-in period of comparatively high over potential. The cathode operates at current density of the order of 200 mA/m2. The cathode comprises a hydrogenated species of bonded fine powder material including an AB5 phase, where (a) A = Ca and/or rare earth, (b) B = Ni and/or Co, (c) Zr and/or Th can be substd. atom-for-atom for up to 0.2 atom of A, and (d) Cu, Al, Sn, Fe and/or Cr can be similarly substd. for up to 1.5 atoms of B.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrolysis is effected at low cathodic overpotential and at commercial significant rate. (9pp)
(US4480017-A)      A molten carbonate fuel cell comprises (a) a pair of electrodes; (b) a porous body impregnated with a metal carbonate (mixt) electrolye sandwiched between the electrodes, comprising a refreactory, non-electron-conductive inorganic material contg. sufficient Li titanate to stabilise the material at opening temp.; (c) an oxidant passage supplying oxidant gas to one electrode; and (d) a fuel passage supplying H2-enriched fuel gas to the other electrode.    The porous body pref. contains 50 wt.% or more Li titanate, up to 100% Li titanate. The Li titanate may be in the form of fibres and/or powder, pref. with 3 (esp. 10) wt.% or more fibres, remainder powder. The Li titanate fibres are pref. 1 micron or less average di., 10-100 micron ion g. The electrolyte body pref. comprises 30-60 wt.% electrolyte retaining material 70-40 wt.% electrolyte to 100 wt.%.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte body remains stable in long term contact with corrosive alkali metal carbonates and has excellent mechanical strength. It remains crack free after frequent heat cycles and provides stable long term operation e.g. no noticeable performance drop after 100 hr. successive operation, and no gas crossover or gas leakage from the wet seal after repeated operation and shut-down (650-300 deg. C). (3pp)p
(US4431494-A)      Alkaline peroxide soln. is produced electrolytically using an aq. alkaline soln. contg. an impurity which catalytically decomposes peroxide together with a stabiliser consisting of a complexing- or chelating agent. The stabiliser is present in an amt. sufficient to make at least some of the catalyst inactive.    Pref. the chelating agent is EDTA alkali metal salt. The soln. pref. contains an alkali metal hydroxide, more pref. KOM or NaOH being used. The stabiliser is pref. present in an amt. 0.5-5.0 g/l.    Catalytic decomposition of peroxide is reduced. (3pp)a    (EP86896-B)      A method for electrochemically reacting a liquid with a gas in an electrochemical cell of the type having at least two electrodes separated by a liquid permeable separator; at least one of said electrodes supporting said separator and being porous and self-draining, said method comprising: (a) flowing the gas and the liquid into the self-draining electrode; (b) electrochemically reacting the liquid with the gas to form at least one nonvolatile product; and (c) removing the electrochemical products from said self-draining electrode, characterised in that in step (a) the gas and the liquid are introduced at different sides of the separator and the liquid flow into the porous, self-draining electrode is through the separator and thereby controlled at a rate which is about equal to the drainage rate of the electrode, and in an amount which fills only a portion of the electrode pores. (8pp)
(JP92018676-B)      Electrolytic system comprises anode, cathode, and at least one electrolyte contg. trifluoromethane sulphonic acid (TFMSA) in soln.    Pref. one electrode is at least composed of a porous, gas-fed structure, and incorporates a catalyst of Au, Pt, Pd, Ag or spinels of Ni or Co.    System is for mfg. gas, esp. Cl2 for salt electrolysis for obtg. cations and as a metal air battery or fuel cell. TFMSA lowers the cathode polarisation. (J59009868-A)
(US4542079-A)      The cell comprises at least a pair of electrodes of electron conductive catalytic refractory material and at least an electrolyte body comprising an electrolyte-retainable porous, refractory, non-electron conductive, inorganic material and an electrolyte retained in the electrolyte-retainable porous material. The electrolyte body is provided between the pair of the electrode, an oxidizing agent passage means for supplying an oxidizing agent to one of the electrodes, a fuel passage for supplying a fuel gas to the other electrode, where the electrolyte body is integrated with at least one of the pair of the electrodes, or through an intermediary provided between at least one of the pair of the electrodes and the electrolyte body.    The electrolyte body has a coating layer of constituent materials of the electrode on at least one surface of the electrolyte body, where the coating layer is a melt injection layer. (8pp)
(US4463065-A)      Fuel cell comprises multiple stacked parallel sheets of fluid-impermeable solid electrolyte capable of transporting oxygen ions. Each sheet having multiple parallel ribs with the sheets stacked so that channels in the first group are at an angle to those in a second group. The first group channels contain catalytic oxygen dissociating material while channels of the second group contain an oxidn. promoting catalyst. The outside of the sheets have an electrically conducting coating which is linked to external conductors.    The sheets can be pref. moulded from polymer containing a catalyst filler.    ADVANTAGE -   The construction can provide a fuel cell with a high power output or a cell for novel chemical reactions. (10pp)o    (US4643806-A)      Method of electrocatalytic energy prodn. and electrosynthesis of chemical, comprises a reaction in a solid-state electrocatalytic cross flow monolith formed of an oxygen ion conducting electrolyte having a high ion transport surface area per reactor vol.    Electrochemical reactions composite (a)oxidn. of (i) to SO2 or SO3 (ii) H2S to SO2 or SO3 (iii) CH3OH to HCHO (iv) (2C or more) alcohols to corresp. oxidn. prods., (v) paraffins to corresp. oxidn. prods., (vi) defins to corresp oxidn prods., (vii) alkyl-aromatics to corresp. oxidn. prods., (viii) naphthalene to phthalic anhydride (ix) benzene to maleic anhydride (x) butane to maleic anhydride, and (vi) butene to maleic anhydride; (b) addn. of (xii) NH3 + O2 + CH4 to HCN (xiii) CO + H2 to higher hydrocarbons (xiv) CO + H2 to partially oxidised hydrocarbons, and (xv) CO + H2 + olefins to higher hydrocarbons; (c) decomposition of NO to N2 and O2; and (d) mfr. of Al from Al2O3 in a eutectic soln.    ADVANTAGE -   Yields are improved. (4pp)
(US4465778-A)      Fluorite oxide sinterable in the solid state and which contains fluorite oxide which is partly or fully stabilised contains 0.05-0.15 mole % MgO and no Al2O3.    Pref. the fluorite oxide is of particle size not more than 1 micron. The fluorite oxide is pref. ZrO2 (which may include HfO2), CeO2, or ThO2, or a single phase solid soln. between at least two of them.    In a claimed method of making a ceramic body, the shaped material is sintered at a temp. below that at which any liq. forms, until the density is at least 96% of the theoretical value.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful in oxygen monitors, fuel cells and batteries. Sintering is easily carried out and good mechanical properties are obtd. (-pp)
(DE3150758-C)      The circuit for converting solar radiation into electric energy has a photovoltaic generator (1) such as a solar cell connected to an electrochemical energy converter (2) such as an electrolysis cell for producing hydrogen. Between them is a switching circuit (6) connected to an additional electrochemical storage device (7) so as to match the output of the solar cell to the electrolysis cell. The switching circuit is connected by a line (8) to the solar cell, so that it is operated according to the temperature of the cell.    The storage device can be a chargeable electrochemical battery, or a reversible fuel cell, and the switching circuit can use an inverter to match the input and output loads. The storage device can be connected to a remote power supply. The switching system can be connected in steps to more than one storage device so that at lower temperatures the generator stores energy and at higher temperatures electrical energy is passed to the converter.
(US4478918-A)      A fuel cell stack has cells each with a pair of gas-diffusion electrodes and an interposed matrix contg. electrolyte soln. An interconnector (21) with a fuel gas passages (24) on one surface and oxidising gas passages (25) on the other is interposed between each pair of cells, at least one interconnector including a cooling pipe (23) coated with an insulating film and embedded in a unitary moulding (22).    The interconnectors are pref. of carbon and thermosetting resin, and the insulating film is electrostatically coated PTFE subsequently heat-treated at above its m.p. There are pref. multiple cooling pipes which are U-shaped and interconnected by bridges. The soln. is pref. of phosphoric acid and the passages are sets of grooves which are mutually perpendicular on the opposited surfaces.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides high stable output over long period of operation. (8pp)c
(EP82389-B)      A fuel cell assembly (1) comprising: first and second electrodes (11 and 12); an electrolyte matrix (10) situated between said electrodes (11,12); first and second plates (17 and 18) situated adjacent said first and second electrodes (11 and 12), respectively, and defining therewith first and second channels (17c and 18c) for carrying first and second process gases, respectively; an elongated groove (19) in said second plate (18) for carrying an electrolyte, said groove (19) being in communication with said matrix (10); a passage (21) in said second plate (18) communicating with one end (19a) of said groove (19), said passage (21) carrying electrolyte through said second plate (18); and a passage (22) in said first plate (17) communicating with the other end (19b) of said groove (19), said passage (22) carrying electrolyte through said first plate (17); said fuel cell assembly being further characterized in that: a wall (51) is situated in said groove (19), said wall (51) being of less height than the depth of said groove (19) to thereby define a reservoir for the electrolyte. (9pp)
(US4456645-A)      Gas cooler for cooling a fuel cell is made by applying electrically conductive and adhesive materials to separate regions of two plates of carboiyable material, bringing the plates together so that similar regions are adjacent, and heating the assembly to carbonise the plates.    The regions of electrically conductive material define cooling channels.    ADVANTAGE -   Cooler is strong enough to handle. (4pp)o
(EP97218-B)      A process for generating hydrogen from water containing an acid by passing an electric current through the water using an electrode exposed to light, said electrode being a semiconductor having a transition metal complex bonded to the surface of the electrode, characterised in that said electrode is a cathode, said complex is a metallocenophane compound, and the bonding is provided by a polymer. (4pp)
(GB2108099-B)      A matrix material for a molten carbonate fuel cell characterised by particles inert to molten carbonate electrolyte having a particle size less than 1 micron, ceramic particles having a particle size greater than 25 microns, and an organic polymeric binder material, the matrix material being flexible, pliable and compliant at room temperature.r    (US4538348-A)      Molten carbonate fuel cell is assembled by initially stacking a series of electrodes sepd. by layers of matrix material. The matrix material is composed of particles inert to molten carbonate and less than 1 micron in size, ceramic particles larger than 25 microns, together with at least 35 vol.% organic polymer binder. The matrix material is flexible, pliable and compliant at room temp. The fuel cell anode is porous enough to contain sufficient electrolyte for continuous operation of the cell for at least 40,000 hrs.    ADVANTAGE -   The matrix can withstand flexural and compressive forces during assembly and has satisfactory inert particle distribution. (4pp)d    (DE3235241-C)      Matrix material, for carbonate melt fuel cells, contains particles which are inert to the electrolyte and have a particle size below 1 micron; and ceramic particles having a particle size above 25 microns.    The improvement is that an organic polymeric binder is present, in an amt. of at least 35 vol.%. Pref. the inert particles are lithium aluminate and are present in amt. of 40-45 vol.%; and the ceramic particles are aluminium oxide and are present in amt. of at least 15 vol.%. Pref. the polymeric binder is polyvinyl butyral.    ADVANTAGE -   new material is thin and is flexible, pliable and compliant at room temp. (4pp)
(DE3235240-C)      Matrix matrial for carbonate melt fuel cells has a fine-pore, gas-permeable, anode-stable metal layer having a porosity of 25-35 vol.%, and is bonded with a matrix tape (I). Tape (I) contains particles which are inert to the electrolyte and have a particle size below 1 micron; ceramic particles having a particle size above 25 microns; and an organic polymeric binder which is present in amt. of at least 25 vol.%; and is flexible, pliable and compliant at room temp. Pref. the inert particles make up 40-45 vol.% of the material and the ceramic particles are present in amt. of at least 15 vol.%.    ADVANTAGE -   new material enables carbonate melt fuel cells to be produced with improved sealing-, stability and performance properties. (6pp)
(DE3139957-C)      In a joint between a metal substrate and ceramic tubes, e.g. as used in high temp. vapour-phase electrolysis, ceramic tubes are mounted on metal connecting pieces. The dias. are dimensioned so that there is a gap between tube and connecting piece at room temp., whereas a force-locking, gas-tight connecting joint is formed at operating temp., e.g. about 950 deg. C, through the different coeffts. of expansion. Pref. ceramics are ZrO2 or Al2O3 and the metals can be 'Incoloy 800' (RTM) or 'Inconel 601' (RTM).    Joint is used in a high temp. fuel cell battery. Few, relatively cheap materials can be used. The assembly is simple. (9pp)
(US4529671-A)      Phosphoric acid-type fuel cell has a pair of gas diffusion electrodes, between which is a phosphoric acid electrolyte-retaining matrix consisting of 30-90 wt.% of a substance unreactive with phosphoric acid and 10-70 wt.% of a metal phosphate binder, pref. Zr phosphate. Unreactive substance is pref. an inorganic substance partic. a carbide e.g. SiC.    Matrix is a porous structure of particles of the unreactive substance bonded together with the metal phosphate, the substance particles having an average particle dia. of 0.1-10 mu.    ADVANTAGE -   Retaining power of the matrix is higher than that of a SiC-polytetrafluoroethylene matrix. (9pp)w    (US4623415-A)      Phosphoric acid type fuel cell has an electrolyte-retaining matrix which is made from a mixt. of Si carbide of particle size 0.1-10 microns and a metal phosphate forming inorganic material. Excess phosphoric acid is added and the mixt. heated to 100-250 deg.C to form the metal phosphate as a binder in a matrix contg. 30-90 wt.% Si carbide powder and 10-70 wt.% metal phosphate.    Pref. the inorganic material is Zr oxide or Zr chloride.    ADVANTAGE -   The matrix has a high capacity for retaining phosphoric acid. (9pp)
(DE3229314-C)      NH3 gas is continuously removed from a gas stream (I) with the aid of a bed of solid porous material which is wetted with an acid. The NH3 gas is removed from (I), by reaction with the acid to form ammonium salts of the acid on the porous material.    The ammonium salts are converted continuously into acid, N2 gas and H2 gas by keeping the porous material at an electrochemical potential which is sufficient for the oxidn. of the ammonium salts of the acid. Pref. steam (I) comprises H2. Pref. the potential is 0.7 to 1.0 volt. Pref. the acid si phosphoric acid and the salt is ammonium dihydrogen phosphate.    ADVANTAGE -   Process is continuous and the presence of O2 to regenerate the acid is unnecessary. (5pp)
(DE3229286-C)      Electrolyte vapours are sepd. from a gas stream contg. water vapour in a fuel cell by cooling the gas stream to a temp. below the vaporisation temp. of the electrolyte but above the vaporisation temp. of water and bringing the cooled stream into contact with a passive condenser of large surface area, with a number of closely packed parallel flat surfaces, pref. of C, to condense out the vapours. The gas stream can be cooled in a heat exchanger or by sprays of a cooling medium, partic. air or water. The electrolyte can be phosphoric acid or a carbonate salt.    ADVANTAGE -   Process is simple and effective. (5pp)
(US4464444-A)      Fuel cell power plant has a device which supplies air to the cathodes and a device which produces H2 by a reaction between fuel and steam. The water content of gases emitted from the cathodes is condensed and revapourised and the steam supplied to the hydrogen producing device. There are means for temporarily accumulating heat generated by the fuel cells and further means for using the heat accumulated in order to vapourise the water initially.    Pref. there are also means for temporarily accumulating generated heat in the hydrogen producing device and means for temporarily accumulating part of the combustion energy of the unreacted gas of the fuel gases. The heat obtd. is used to vapour the water.    ADVANTAGE -   Temp. is constant irrespective of the load level and waste heat is effectively recovered. (3pp)
(US4495078-A)      Solid proton conductor comprises zeolites having proton-contg. cations and 6-membered rings and/or larger rings as secondary structural gps. of the zeolitic structure. A phase is present in the crystal lattice passages which promotes proton transport. The zeolite consists of analcime, chabazite, phillipsite, and/or faujasite.    Pref. the phase is present in an amt. which also forms a monomolecular layer on the crystal surfaces.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electrolysis cells, electrochromic displays, timers or memory elements etc. There are no corrosion problems with contacting electrodes. (4pp)
(US4541908-A)      Electrode comprises a solid electrical conducting material on the surface of which cytochrome C3 is immobilised in an amt. of 20-100% of monolayer coverage.    Other claims cover electrolysis of water to hydrogen and oxygen, prodn. of hydrogen and dissociation of hydrogen, e.g. using the electrode as a fuel cell anode.    USE -   Catalytic 4-electron redn. of dioxygen directly to water in an aq. soln. comprises placing the electrode into a first aq. electrolyte soln. of pH 4-10, placing a second electrode into a second aq. electrolyte soln. current to cause oxygen redn. to water at the first electrode. (7pp)c
(EP82116-B)      A method for the delignification of wood and other ligno-cellu-losic materials in which the latter are continuously leached and heated with aqueous phenol in the presence of acid, which comprises using for one p.p.w. of the ligno-cellulosic material from 0.5 to less than 4 p.p.w of an aqueous diluted strong mineral acid at a pH below 1.5 and a concentration not exceeding 5% p.p.w. and at least 0.4 p.p.w of phenol or other phenolic compounds and operating under atmospheric pressure at a temperature in the range of 90 to 110 deg.C of the aqueous mixture. (13pp)
(US4907964-A)      Appts. for extracting and burning gas from landfill refuse sites comprises a ventri with high-pressure inlet connected to a compressed air source and supported vertically above a truncated triangular frame by a horizontal plate at the frame top. The venturi has a low pressure inlet for inflammable gas, and an outlet for mixed air and gas.    An upper support plate extends upwardly from the frame top and carries a second venturi with high-pressure inlet connected to the first venturi outlet, and a low-pressure inlet formed by a gap between an axially movable collar and the second venturi outlet end. A burner has its inlet connected to the second veturi outlet and is supported vertically above it.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved gas extraction and control of burning. @(7pp)@