(US4629540-A)      Prodn. of a polyaniline comprises (A) mixing aniline, p-aminodiphenylamine or a deriv. and a super acid in the liq. phase contg. fluoride ions; and (B) electrochemically oxidising the reaction mixt.. Pref. starting cpd. is of formula (I) or (II), where R1-9 are H, aryl, alkyl, NO2, NH2, CF3, SO2, CN, OCH3, Cl, F, COOH, COOR, SCN, OCN, COR, SO2R, S(O)R, P(O)(OR)2 or SR (where R is aryl or alkyl) or aryl or alkyl substd. by one of the listed substits. NO2, NH2, CF3 etc..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The prepn. proceeds with efficiency close to theoretical. Sec. oligomer prods. are not formed and the polyaniline prodn. can be used as a battery active electrode material.    (6pp)
(US4536272-A)      Porous electrode includes a porous catalytic layer which comprises at least 3-30 pts.wt. mouldable polymer binder, 50-94 pts.wt. carbon particles and 3-47 pts.wt. hard hydrophobic polymer particles. Suitably the binder comprises PTFE as a major component and it contains at most 5 wt.% amorphous polymer. A major portion of the hard hydrophobic polymer may be hard PTFE.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in fuel cells. The electrode has improved electrochemical performance and stability with time and shows relatively low polarisation.    (7pp)
(US4555324-A)      Porous gas diffusion electrode comprises an electroconductive porous substrate, which has on one surface reaction gas feed channels or is used with one surface in contact with reaction gas feed channels. It comprises gas impermeable, electrically insulating seals formed from a material comprising a TFE-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer and a substance (I) wettable w.r.t. an electrolyte and thermally and chemically stable provided on the substrate at least at both end portions parallel to the reaction gas feed channels.    (I) is used on the substrate at least at a hot pressure bonded portion formed from the copolymer of the face opposite the face having the gas feed channels or the face opposite the face to be contacted with the reaction gas feed channels during use.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For an air-metal cell or hydrogen-air (oxygen) cell. Mixing of different gases at end portions of the substrate is prevented and insulation is maintained. (11pp)    (JP93078145-B)      The electrode comprises (a) an electroconductive porous substrate having one surface contg. or contacting reaction gas feed channels and (b) gas impermeable, electrically insulating seals of tetrafluoroethylene perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether (PFA) copolymer provided on the substrate at at least both the ends parallel to the reaction gas feed channels.    The electrode is mfd. by (i) applying the PFA copolymer on the substrate, at least at the end portions parallel to the gas feed channels; and (ii) subjecting the coated substrate to hot pressure bonding using a pressure bonding tool of metal precoated with a fluoride oil to form the seals.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrodes are useful for fuel cells or metal air cells. The electrode positively shields the gas streams at the coated ends and maintains electrical insulation even when subjected to pressure for lamination. Lamination of elements is simplified, mfr. time is shortened and yield is increased. (J60091560-A)
(GB2139807-B)      A closure for a cell having a casing with an opening at one end, the closure having an axial bore therethrough for receiving in use a current collector in the form of a nail, wherein the bore is tapered over a major portion of its length from the in use external end thereof to the in use internal end thereof, the maximum diameter of the tapered portion of the bore being from 5% to 35% greater than the minimum diameter thereof.
(US4544615-A)      Battery includes at least one electrode, composed of a polymeric cpd. having conjugated double bonds in the main chain, and an electrolyte soln. comprising organic solvent and dissolved electrolyte.    The solvent is a nitrile cpd. of formula R-CN or (R1)m-Ar-(R2)n, where R is 2-7C alkyl, satd. 3-7C alicyclic hydrocarbon gp., CH3(CH2)xO(CH2)y- or NC(CH2)z; x, y and z are 0-5; Ar is a benzene ring; R1 is (CH2)p-CN, O(CH2)qCN or NR3-(CH2)r-CN; R3 is 1-5C alkyl; p, q and r are 0-5; R2 is 1-5C alkyl, 1-5C alkoxy or (CH2)tCN; t is 0-3; m is 1-3; and n is 0.3.    ADVANTAGE -   The low cost battery has high energy density, high charge-discharge efficiency, low cycle life, good voltage levelness and low self-discharging rate.    Its wt. and size can be reduced.    (28pp)    (JP93030026-B)      Battery comprises at least one electrode consisting of a polymeric cpd. (A) having conjugated double bonds in the main chain and an electrolyte in which the organic solvent is at least one nitrile of formulae R-CN (I) or (II). R = 2-7C alkyl, 3-7C satd. alicyclic gp., CH3-(CH2)xO-(CH2)y or -CH2)zCN; x, y and z =0-5, R1 = -(CH2)p-CN; -O-(CH2)q-CN or -N(R3)-(CH2)r-CH; R3 = 1-5C alkyl; p, q and r = 0-5; R2 = 1-5C alkyl or alkoxy, or -(CH2)l-CN; l and n = 0-3; m = 1-3.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   This battery has higher energy density and charge-discharge efficiency; longer cycle life; better stability at the voltage level and lower self-discharge rate compared with electrolyte contg. solvents e.g. propylene carbonate. They are inexpensive and easily miniaturised. (J59203368-A)
(EP123960-B)      A fuel cell assembly comprising: first and second electrodes; a matrix for carrying electrolyte sandwiched between said electrodes, said matrix having a peripheral area extending beyond said electrodes; first and second process gas plates sandwiching said matrix and said electrodes; and independent shims sealing said peripheral area, characterised in that each said shim is integral and comprises silicon carbide in an amount of at least about 50 percent by weight.    (6pp)
(GB2140610-A)      A separator made of non-woven fabric for a battery having an alkaline electrolyte, wherein the non-woven fabric consists to the extent of at least 20% by weight of hollow polypropylene fibres having a fineness of less than or equal to 5 denier, a length of less than or equal to 100 mm and an internal diameter of less than or equal to 15 microns.    (GB2140610-B)      A separator made of non-woven fabric for a battery having an alkaline electrolyte, wherein the non-woven fabric consists to the extent of at least 20% by weight of hollow polypropylene fibres having a fineness of less than or equal to 5 denier, a length of less than or equal to 100 mm and an internal diameter of less than or equal to 15 microns.
(EP123201-A)      cell in button form, consisting of an inner metal can, receiving the electrolyte and the negative electrode material and an outer metal can, containing a multi-layered, positive air-depolarised electrode, the cans being joined together with an insulating seal in between, an inwardly pointing concentric bead being formed from the bottom of the outer metal can and the mylti-layered, positive air-depolarised electrode being clamped firmly between the bead and a sealing foot, characterised in that the sealing foot is bevelled at its base before the fitting together of the cell.    (4pp)    (US4557983-A)      Air-oxygen cell has an inner metal cup for the electrolyte and negative electrode material. An outer metal cup receives a multi layer positive electrode and the cups are joined by an insulating seal. An inwardly extending rib shaped in the bottom of the outer metal cup and spaced from the bottom periphery is positioned so that the positive electrode is firmly clamped between the rib and the seal.    Pref. the positive electrode is clamped between the rib and the seal bottom, the bottom portions of the seal being sloped prior to clamping.    ADVANTAGE -   Deformation of the cathode is avoided during assembly and good contact made between the cathode and cell cup. (4pp)    (EP123201-B)      cell in button form, consisting of an inner metal can, receiving the electrolyte and the negative electrode material and an outer metal can, containing a multi-layered, positive air-depolarised electrode, the cans being joined together with an insulating seal in between, an inwardly pointing concentric bead being formed from the bottom of the outer metal can and the mylti-layered, positive air-depolarised electrode being clamped firmly between the bead and a sealing foot, characterised in that the sealing foot is bevelled at its base before the fitting together of the cell.
(US4522901-A)      Sec. battery comprises an electrolyte soln. of a salt of formula:-    MBR(4-w-y-z)R'wR''yXz,    where M is alkali metal; B is boron; R is alkyl; R' is aryl or alkyl-substd. aryl; R'' is heterocycle; X is F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OCN, SCN, perfluoroalkyl, fluoroaryl or perfluoroalkyl-substd. aryl; w, y and z are 0-4 such that w+y+z is 4 or less. Where X is soley F, Cl, Br, I, CN, OCN, SCN or perfluoroalkyl, z is not 4. The cell anode contains a conjugated backbone polymer which, in reduced state has potential of 0.1-0.5V (relative to M/M+).    ADVANTAGE -   The anode is stable with a high level of inserted alkali metal cations relative to other alkali metal salts.    (9pp)
(JP92034264-B)      Gelating agent for alkaline cell comprises an alkali salt of carboxymethyl cellulose having an etherification deg. of 2.4-3.0; the mean polymerisation deg. may be 150-800 and salt may be a Na, Li, K or ammonium salt.    USE -   For DC power sources. (J59160967-A)    (DE3432474-C2)      An alkaline cell comprising a cathode dispersed in a gelatinising or gelation medium which comprises an alkali salt of carboxymethylcellulose with a substitution index of 2.4 to 3.0 or more specifically having a substitution index of 2.7.    The cell specifically has mercuric oxide, silver oxide, manganese dioxide, oxygen or air as the anode, zinc power, dispersed in a carboxymethylcellulose gel, as cathode, and a potassium hydroxide soln. as an electrolyte. The average polymerisation index of the carboxy-methylcellulose is 150 to 800.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved alkaline battery cell.
(US4582632-A)      Non-permeable carbonised formed bodies consist of carbonaceous material contg. 5-50 wt.% graphite and balance glassy carbon formed by bake-carbonising thermosetting resin.    The bodies are produced by kneading a mixt. of thermosetting resin powder, graphite powder and thermosetting resin liq. in the required proportions; shaping, drying and hardening the mixt.; then bake-carbonising the shaped body in a non-oxidising atmos., pref. at 800-2000 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The bodies have high layered compressive strength and bending strength. They have high electroconductivity and are used esp. as separators and collectors in phosphate-type fuel cells.    (10pp)    (DE3413646-C)      Impermeable carbon moulding (I) is obtd. by converting a heat-curable resin into carbon by heat treatment.    (I) comprises 5-50 wt.% of graphite, the rest being glass-type carbon; and (I) has a density Y which is greater than or equal to (0.004.X) + 1.235 in which X the amt. of graphite in wt.%; and (I) has a gas    permeability which is smaller than 1.421 cubic dm/m2.d.bar. per 1mm thickness.    ADVANTAGE -   Moulding (I) has improved mechanical strength, esp. improved compressive strength in laminated state, and has improved bending strength.    (11pp)
(US4604333-A)      Non. aq. electrolyte battery has an elongated shape light metal negative plate (1) separated from a positive plate (6) of similar shape by a separator (4). Each plate is connected to a respective lead and a respective heat resistant member (5) is on the surface of each plate over the respective lead on the opposite surface to it. The assembly forms an electrode body which is spirally wound upon itself so that the leads are opposite the respective plates. Typically the separator is porous polypropylene and the heat resistant member is PTFE.    ADVANTAGE -   The heat resistant member prevents internal short circuiting even if the separator melts.    (5pp)    (DE3412890-C)      The galvanic cell uses a non-aq electrolyte and a spiral electrode obtd by winding a negative electrode band (1) of a light metal and a positive electrode band (6), with an intermediate separator (4). Part of the interwound sections of the electrode bands (1,6) are interleaved with a heat resistive insulation layer (5) with a high melting point.    Pref the insulation layer (5) is in the form of a thin plate or foil, a U-shaped thin plate or foil obtd by folding a flat plate, or a column or rod with a slot in which the ends of the 2 electrode bands (1,6) and the separator (4) are inserted.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents internal short circuits.    (6pp)
(US4687719-A)      Metallised synthetic resin electrode structure has relatively large internal surface area and is made from a nonwoven fleece-like fabric. It has porosity 85-96% and fibre thickness 10-30 micron (as measured for the unmetallised fibres). Quotient of flexural stiffness (DIN 53362) by a cantilever test and of the square of fabric thickness (DIN 53855) is 800-400 CN (for the non-metallised fabric). Deformation of a sample stack in the 5th cycle under 200 N in a compression test. (DIN 54305) is 6-18mm. Force required to obtain half the deformation is 30-70N. The fibre may be of polyolefin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrode structure offers relatively high strength without need for a metallic support or for sintering. Reproducibility and dimensional stability problems are minimised. Improved lifetimes in cycle operation are obtd. Used for galvanic cells.    (5pp)
(DE3312550-C)      Negative electrodes for Pb batteries is in the form of an expanded metal plate of Cu (11), forming the support for active mass and being used for supply or withdrawal of current, with a Pb strip at one end, extending over the whole width of the plate and forming one piece with the connection lug.    The end region of the grid plate is pressed flat into the plane of the plate for the Pb to be cast round it, the lower edge of the Pb strip running through the outermost intersection points (15) of the grid plate.    ADVANTAGE -   Secure joint between Pb strip and the expanded metal, not susceptible to corrosion.    (5pp)    (US33133-E)      Negative electrode for Pb accumulators consists of a grid plate (11) of expanded Cu, cut off at the top so that short webs remain above crossing points (15), which are embedded in the Pb strip (13) carrying the connection lug (12). At the lower end, the metal is cut off near the crossing points and is embedded in a termination strip (14) of synthetic material. The grid is covered with an electrolytically applied layer of Pb-Sn alloy and the Pb strip is cast on top of the layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Problem-free connection between Pb strip and grid plate.    (5pp)
(DE3311313-C)      Battery has a positive and a negative electrode, of which at least one consists of an organic polymer which has been doped to render it conductive, in an organic electrolyte contg. a conducting salt.    The electrolyte contains a mixture of triethylene-glycol-dimethyl ether and/or tetraethylene-glycol-dimethyl ether and SO2, the concn.    of which is near saturation value. Dopant for the positive electrode is an anion from a gp. of I(-), Br(-), Cl(-), F(-), ClO4(-), PF6(-), AsF6(-), SO3CF3(-), BF4(-), BCl4(-), NO3(-), POF4(-), CN(-), SiF5(-), CH3CO2(-), CF3CO2(-), C6H5CO2(-), CH3C6H4SO3(-), SiF6(-) and So4(-), while dopant for negative electrode is a cation from the gp. H(+), alkali metal (+), NH(+), tetraalkylammonium (+), NO(+), and NO2(+).    ADVANTAGE -   High saturation capacity of electrolyte and indifference to electrodes.    (3pp)
(US4595643-A)      Air cell has a catalyst comprising Mn oxide with X-ray diffraction peaks corresponding to its lattice constants which have the characteristics of Mn5O8 and with an analysis for MnOx where 1.45x is not more than 1.60.    Pref. the oxide is present as acicular crystals. The catalyst pref. also contains activated C, C black and a F-contg. resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Air Zn cell with hiqh rate discharge characteristics and good storage characteristics.    (12pp)
(US4661423-A)      Fuel cell electrolyte matrix, interposed between a fuel electrode and oxidising electrode comprises (a) a first layer of tightly connected particles of electron-insulating, electrolyte-resistive material having electrolyte filled in the spaces formed among the particles; (b) a second, adjacent layer formed of loosely connected particles of electron-insulating, electrolyte-resistive material having electrolyte filled in the spaces formed among the particles; and (c) electrolyte of phosphoric acid or polymer of trifluoromethanol sulphonic acid.    Amt of electrolyte in (a) per unit wt of particles is larger than that in (b), pref. 1-2 times. The electrolyte-resistive material may be SiC, WC, Si3N4, ZrO2, Ta2O5, Zr phosphate or Si phosphate.    ADVANTAGE -   A large amt. of electrolyte can be impregnated into the matrix without reducing the bubble pressure.    High conductivity of the H ions is preserved and high performance of the resultant fuel cell ensured.    (7pp)    (JP93044145-B)      Fuel cell electrolyte matrix, interposed between a fuel electrode and oxidising electrode comprises (a) a 1st. layer of tightly connected particles of electron-insulating, electrolyte-resistive material having electrolyte filled in the spaces formed among the particles; (b) 2nd. adjacent layer formed of loosely connected particles of electron-insulating, electrolyte-resistive material having electrolyte filled in the spaces formed among the particles and (c) electrolyte of phosphoric acid or polymer of trifluoromethanol sulphonic acid. Amt. of electrolyte in (a) per unit wt. of particles is larger than that in (b), pref. 1-2 times. The electrolyte-resistive material may be SiC, WC, Si3N4, ZrO2, Ta2O5, Zr phosphate or Si phosphate.    ADVANTAGE -   A large amt. of electrolyte can be impregnated into the matrix without reducing the bubble pressure. High conductivity of the H ions is preserved and high performance of the resultant fuel cell ensured. (J59181466-A)
(US4578326-A)      Ionically conductive macromolecular material comprises a solid soln. of ionic cpd. dissolved in a copolymer of ethylene oxide and a cyclic ether oxide. The copolymer has polyether structure and ratio of cyclic ether units to ethylene oxide units such that the material is non-crystalline at ambient temps.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The material has improved conductivity at temps. higher and lower than the m.pt. of ethylene oxide crystallites. Used for electrodes and electrolytes of prim. and sec. electrochemical generators. (14pp)
(US4514474-A)      Prim. battery has an alkali metal anode and an air cathode structure together with an aq. alkaline electrolyte. The cathode consists of a matrix active layer defining an air surface and a current collector grid on one face. There is a porous electrically non-conductive polypropylene separator on the opposite face of the matrix active layer between the matrix active layer and the anode. The collector grid and separator are permanently bonded to the matrix active layer. The separator has a preselected porosity providing low IR losses, and high resistance to air flow through the matrix to maintain high bubble pressure characteristics.    ADVANTAGE -   Shorting of cells during discharge is avoided and degradation by the flowing electrolyte is prevented.    (4pp)
(JP94055983-B2)      Transfer mechanism for moving elastomeric ribbon between first and second mechanisms of ply fabrication appts., comprises a gripper shuttle for releasably holding a ribbon and movable in a holder shorter than itself. The holder is movable w.r.t. a fixed support by an actuating mechanism which raises and lowers the support holder. A rack-gear system moves the gripper shuttle horizontally upon the holder towards the second mechanism, i.e. the ply assembly mechanism. Specifically the gripper shuttle is transferred to a drive element of the ply assembly mechanism.    Pref. the drive element of the ply assembly mechanism is a toothed belt.    USE -   Assembling reinforcement fabric from bias-cut elastomeric strips in prodn. of tyres, belts, hose, containers, such as fuel cells.
(JP92060302-B)      The cell comprises (a) an active anode; (b) a non-aq. electrolyte of solute in organic solvent; and (c) a solid cathode contg. MnO2, a binder (pref. PTFE or ethylene acrylic acid copolymer), a conductive agent and a minor amt. additive from borates, silicates, molybdates, phosphates, aluminates, niobates, tantalates, titanates, vanadates, zirconates, manganates, (Mn+4), cobaltates and tungstates of alkali metals Li, K, Rb, Cs or alkaline earth metals Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, esp. Li2SiO3 or Li2WO4.    ADVANTAGE -   The additive suppresses or minimises the increase in internal impedance in the cell during storage and discharge, improving voltage maintenance and pulse discharge characteristics,e.g., internal resistance 10.3 ohms after 60 days at 20 deg.C, 4.1 ohms fresh, c.f. 32.9 ohms, 6.9 ohms, respectively, without additive. (J60501730-W)
(EP130603-A)      A solid electrolyte for use in a solid state cell comprising a vitreous lithium cation conductor of the composition SiS2,xLi2S, YLil where x is from 0.8 to 1.5; y is from 0 to about 2 and wherein said conductor has a conductivity of at least 0.75 x 10 power(-4) ohm power (-1) at 25 deg.C.    (5pp)    (EP130603-B)      A solid electrolyte for use in a solid state cell comprising a vitreous lithium cation conductor of the composition SiS2,xLi2S, YLil where x is from 0.8 to 1.5; y is from 0 to about 2 and wherein said conductor has a conductivity of at least 0.75 x 10 power(-4) ohm power (-1) at 25 deg.C.    (JP92050710-B)      The electrolyte composition is SiS2xLi2S.yLiI; where x = 0.8-1.5 and y = 0-2; e.g. Li2SiS3. The composition has a conductivity at least 0.000.75 ohm-1 cm-1 at 25 degree C.    A claimed solid state cell comprises (a) an anode. preferably Li, Na, K, Rb or Ag; (b) a cathode, preferably, TiS2, poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) + 12 + TiS2, FeS2, Sb2S3, MnO2, or poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) + 12; and (c) a solid electrolyte as above. Li2SiS3 is prepared by mixing SiS2 and Li2S in 1:1 mole ratio in an inert gas filled dry box.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte has sufficient ionic conductivity for use in miniaturised cells for powering e.g. microelectronic devices. It can be prepared at atmospheric pressure on a commercial basis. (J60501731-W
(EP131825-A)      A solid state cell comprising an anode, a cathode and a solid electrolyte, characterised in that the solid electrolyte is a crystalline lithium cation conductor, having the composition Li2S, SiS2 in various mole ratios.    (4pp)    (EP131825-B)      A solid state cell comprising an anode, a cathode and a solid electrolyte, characterised in that the solid electrolyte is a crystalline lithium cation conductor, having the composition Li2S, SiS2 in various mole ratios.
(JP92066894-B)      The electrolytes are produced by ring opening-polymerising (1) cyclic monomers of formula (I) in the presence of (2) electrolytes comprising salts of (a) alkali metals and (b) Cl, B I, BF4, BPh4, CF3SO3, ClO4, PF6, MgI3, AsF6, CN or CF3CO2 thereby supporting (2) on (3) polymer matrix or chemical-bonding (2) to (3). (n (I) X is -O-, -S-, -NH-, -SS-, -CH=CH-, -CO-, -CONH-, -OCH2O-, -OCOO-, -NHCONH-, -NHCOO-, -CO-O-CO- or -CO-NH-CO and n is 2-14.    Pref., 0.3-2.0 mole/litre of (2) is dissolved in (I). Pref., the polymer electrolytes formed have ion conductivities of above 10 power -10 ohm -1 cm - 1.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Flexible thin sheets are moulded from the electrolytes. They are used as solid electrolytes for batteries. (J59124932-A)
(US4485157-A)      Metal-halogen cell separator comprises a polymer sheet contg. a filler. In the periphery area the pores of the sheet are filled with a dielectric elastomer consisting of a cured silicone dielectric resin.    Pref. the polymer is a high mol. wt. polyethylene and the filler which is pref. silica, provides a porosity of approx. 50%. The peripheral area is pref. coated with a fluorocarbon rubber.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Higher voltage electrochemical cells. An adequate seal is obtd.    (4pp)
(US4663255-A)      Battery has two metal electrodes and two metal-contg. active materials which can each electrically conductively communicate with one electrode only.    A porous separator separates the electrode active materials and electrolyte is circulated within the battery.    One active material comprises composite particles movably suspended in the electrolyte.    Each composite particle includes a Zn particle supported by a particle of inactive fibrous material, esp. cellulose fibres.    A thin, porous, wear resistant layer of PVA or PVAc may be present on the outside of the particles.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery allows increased energy density and higher changing and discharging currents.    It can operate at elevated temp and under pressure.    The electrolyte and metal-contg. active mass can be easily replaced.    (10pp)
(US4603118-A)      Prepn. of a catalytically active electrode material for oxygen consuming electrodes comprises mixing (A) aq. stable dispersion of hydrophobic organic polymer particles of size 0.1-0.5 micron contg. a surfactant as dispersing aid, (B) aq. alkaline Ag salt soln. and (C) reducing agent. The pH is constantly maintained at 4-11 so that the dispersion is stable and Ag ions are reduced. The Ag salt is reduced to Ag metal at 0-50 deg. C whereby Ag is deposited on the polymer particles.    The resulting ppte. contg. the polymer particles and 20-90 wt.% Ag metal is collected. wt. ratio of Ag to solids in the organic dispersion is 20:80-90:10 both in the starting mixt. and in the ppte.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Prod. has high catalytic activity and is produced without a size redn. stage. Used esp.. in chlor-alkali and fuel cells.    (6pp)    (JP93079380-B)      In the prodn. of catalytic electrode material for electrodes consuming oxygen by deposition of Ag from an Ag salt soln. by redn., (a) an aq. dispersion of a hydrophobic organic polymer, (b) an aq. salt soln. and (c) a reducing agent for Ag-I ions are combined and a pH is maintained at which the dispersion is stable and the Ag salt is reduced.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrodes are esp. useful in electrochemical cells e.g. alkali chloride electrolysis cells and fuel cells. The catalytic material is obtd. by a simple process in very active form, using a low deposition temp. Pulverisation is unnecessary and the process also saves chemicals. (J59145047-A)
(EP115339-B)      A tubular envelope (1) for an accumulator electrode con-stituted by two cloth layers which are interconnected along parallel lines so as to form juxtaposed tubes, characterised in that at leastone thread or bundle of threads constituting a rectilinear spacer-forming rib (3,33) is woven into the structure of each of said layers.    (7pp)
(US4467020-A)      Rechargeable Pb-H electrochemical cell includes a cell stack, a retainer supporting the stack and an enclosing pressure vessel contg. H2. The cell stack includes a Pb oxide positive electrode, two gas-porous negative electrodes contg. catalyst, aq. H2SO4 as electrolyte, two separators, and gas screens on respective sides of the negative electrode which have a respective separator on the other side. The electrodes and separators contain the acid. The pressure vessel has an inlet together with connections to the electrodes.    The catalyst is pref. Pt and/or Pd and the positive electrode is pref. a sheet of Pb dioxide.    ADVANTAGE -   High specific energy density and a superior performance to prior art cells.    (9pp)
(US4481267-A)      Electrochemical cell includes a solid active cathode made of at least one heavy metal polysulphide of formula    Mxpower on (Sy)z power (-2)    in which M is the heavy metal, S is sulphur, mx=2z and y is greater than 2.    Pref. M is Co, Cu, Ni, or Fe and y is at least 3.5. The anode in the cell is pref. made of an alkali or alkaline earth metal, more pref. Li.    ADVANTAGE -   Very high energy densities are achieved without increasing electrolyte viscosity, reduced cell discharge rate capability or internal cell    short circuiting.    (4pp)    (JP93062432-B)      The electrochemical cells contain an anode, an electrolyte and a solid active cathode formed of one or several polysulphides of heavy metals each having the formula Mm.x.Sy.-2.z in which M is a heavy metal, S is sulphur mx = 2z and y is greater than 2 pref. at least 3.5. The anode is of the metal chosen from the alkaline metals or alkaline eths. The electrolyte is a fluid in which the polysulphide of heavy metal is insoluble, and the heavy metal is chosen from cobalt, copper, nickel and iron.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Cathodes for electrochemical cells. The cathodes have high energy density. (J59186260-A)    (DE3411256-C2)      Cathode for electrochemical cell contains one or more heavy metal polysulphides of formula Mxm(Sy)z-2 (where M = heavy metal, S = sulphur, mx = 2z, y greater than 3) and a binder. The heavy metal is Co, Cu, Ni or Fe.    ADVANTAGE -   The cathode has a high energy density.
(EP113850-A)      An electrode for an electrochemical generator, comprising an active material on the basis of a bivalent silver oxide powder AgO, an electronic conductor in an intimate mixture with said powder and a binder which serves to plastify the unit, characterised in that said electronic conductor is present in the form of films of a body chosen amongst silver and graphite, having essentially the form of a disc presenting a diameter/thickness ratio higher than 40.    (3pp)    (EP113850-B)      An electrode for an electrochemical generator, comprising an active material on the basis of a bivalent silver oxide powder AgO, an electronic conductor in an intimate mixture with said powder and a binder which serves to plastify the unit, characterised in that said electronic conductor is present in the form of films of a body chosen amongst silver and graphite, having essentially the form of a disc presenting a diameter/thickness ratio higher than 40.
(US4592925-A)      Solar cell is coated by applying a soln. of polyamic acid of formula (I) to a solar radiation transmitting component, then heating to convert the polyanic acid to a polyimide film having recurring structural units of formula (II).    Suitably, the polyamic acid is obtd. by reacting equimolar amts. of 2,2-bis (3-aminophenyl)hexafluoropropane and 4,4'-hexafluoroisopropylidene bis (phthalic anhydride) in solvent.    ADVANTAGE -   A colourless, transparent protective, heat resistant polymeric coating is obtd.    It has high resistance to low energy protons and electron bombardment and resistance to UV ligh degradation.    (7pp)    (US4864016-A)      Solar cell comprises a photoreactive layer with a primer coating upon it.    Primer coating has a colourless transparent protective polymeric coating upon it, which can transmit solar radiation, having high degradation resistance to solar radiation in the ultraviolet spectrum and low energy particle resistance. Coating comprises a polymide of formula (I), where R has formula (II) or (III) where n is 10-2000.    ADVANTAGE -   Is heat resistant and highly effective in repelling low energy proton    particles.    (7pp)
(EP112068-B)      An electrically conductive plastics electrode for a zinc-bromine secondary cell stack battery, comprising an electrode body of electrically conductive plastics material, with a porous sheet of electrically conducting material having a porosity higher than 2.0 volume %, fixed to the surface of said electrode body, characterised in that the porous sheet is a fabric of carbon fibres having a pore size of from 3 to 700 nm.    (5pp)
(US4565754-A)      Electrode assembly for an organic battery is made from organic conductive material and a layer of C material which covers about 30-70% of the surface and perforated so that 70-30% of the surface of the electrode is exposed. Pref. the C material is made from pressed powdered graphite or a mesh of combined C fibres.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrode degradation is avoided sothatdecrease of output of the battery is avoided. (3pp)
(US4535039-A)      Battery or electrochemical store has at least one cathode, one anode, and one media for current transport. The active material of the cathode and/or anode consists of at least conductive polymer with a conductivity of more than 0.01/ohm/cm. It contains electrochemically oxidisable and/or reducible redox gps. with a defined structure and capable of forming two or more stable oxidn. states.    Pref. the polymer is a p- or n-doped polyene which contains redox gps. as side gps. bonded to the main chain.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Lightweight battery or electrochemical store with a high energy density and power density.    (8pp)
(DE3244782-C)      Galvanic element has a negative electrode (I) contg.    lithium, a non-aq. electrolyte, and a positive electrode whose reducible material is chromium oxide, CrOx.    (I) is an organic polymer (II), doped with lithium, which has a system of conjugated double bonds along its main chain. Pref.    (II) is polyacetylene (PA). Pref. the non-aq. electrolyte is a soln. of a lithium salt in a cyclic ether, pref. 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran, 2,5-dimethyl tetrahydrofuran and dioxan, or their mixts.    ADVANTAGE -   New element can function fully as a sec. cell without forming dendrites.    (4pp)
(JP93017259-B)      Compsn. consists of an electrically conductive substance and a polymer having conjugated double bond chain in the main chain. It is prepd. by synthesis of the polymer under stirring in the presence of the electrically conductive substance. The electrically conductive substance includes fine metal powder, metal fibre, metal netting, carbon black, acetylene black, carbon fibre, graphite, etc. and their mixt. with synthetic resin. It has an electric conductivity of at least 0.00001 (at least 0.1) per cm. and is contained in the compsn. in an amt. of 1-90 (3-80) wt.%.    Pref. polymers are polyacetylene, poly-phenyl (methyl) acetylene, poly (2,5-thienylene), poly(3-methyl thienylene), polyparaphenylene and poly(pyrrole). The polymerisation is performed by any known method which allows sufficient agitation.    The substance has good miscibility with the polymer and resultant compsns. has high mechanical strength and is suitable for battery electrode etc. (J59075943-A)
(US4551402-A)      Electrode separator for a cell comprises a mat of continuous filaments.    Each filament has segments of 2-4 micron dia. and segments of 10-30 micron dia.    These segments are in amts. of 30-50 and 20-40 % respectively, w.r.t. the total in a unit area of the mat.    Pref. the filaments are of polypropylene or polyethylene and they are entangled with each other.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Interstices in the mat are extremely small. It can hold a large amt. of electrolyte and has good electrical and stiffness properties.    Used e.g. for a Li cell.    (5pp)
(EP109282-B)      A paper having a first layer comprising a first fibre and a second layer comprising a second fibre different from the first, the fibres of at least one of the first and second layers being non-cellulosic, the paper additionally having an interface layer bonding the first and second layers together and in which both the first and second fibres are intermingled and interlinked in orientations more disorders than the fibres in the first and second layers, the interface layer bonding together the first and second layers with a bond strength at least as great as the bond strength of at least one of the first and second layers.    (17pp)    (JP96001036-B2)      In mfg. paper, a liq. slurry (II) is applied onto a less liq. slurry (I) so that disturbance only occurs at the interface between the layers. This is achieved by controlled application of slurry (II) w.r.t. angle, distance and velocity relative to slurry (I). Pref. slurry (II) is applied from flow box nozzles at 2.5-12 deg. to slurry (I); from a ht. of 1-20 mm above slurry (I); and at 102-115% of the velocity of slurry (I).    Used esp. in paper for battery separators and in filtration. No binder is required, a strong bond being formed by intermingling of the fibres at the interface between adjacent layers.
(US4518665-A)      Sheet-shaped polymer sec. battery of layer built type comprises a laminate of sheet shaped unit cells. Each cell comprises (1) a positive electrode made of film shaped polymer having conjugated double bonds and provided with a thin metal layer at one side of the surface and capable of reversibly joping and undoping negative ions; (2) a negative electrode the same as the positive electrode but capable of reversibly doping and undoping positive ions; and (3) an insulating porous separator supporting a dopant contg. electrolyte.    The separator is between the electrodes and adjacent the sides not having the metal layer. The cells are laminated such that the metal layer of the cathode of one cell contacts the metal layer of the anode of the next cell. The electrode films can be of polyacetylene.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery is usable even under a flexed condition. It has high charging and discharging efficiency and long life.    (5pp)
(GB2131597-A)      An organic electrolyte battery comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode composed of a light metal as active material and a separator disposed between the positive and negative electrodes, wherein the separator comprises overlying layers of a non-woven fabric made of polyolefinic    fibres and an electrolyte-resisting microporous film which is permable to electrolyte ions but is impermeable or substantially impermeable to particles of the active material liberated from the positive electrode, said microporous film being    disposed on the side of the separator most adjacent the positive electrode.    (GB2131597-B)      An organic electrolyte battery comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode composed of a light metal as active material and a separator disposed between the positive and negative electrodes, wherein the separator comprises overlying layers of a non-woven fabric made of polyolefinic fibres and an electrolyte-resisting microporous film which is permable to electrolyte ions but is impermeable or substantially impermeable to particles of the active material liberated from the positive electrode, said microporous film being disposed on the side of the separator most adjacent the positive electrode.
(DE3240806-C)      A galvanic cell includes a negative lithium electrode and a cylindrical housing which has a closeable lid through which the electrode passes. The electrode conductor has the shape of a nail, and has an upper flange and a sealing section. A sealing plate is located on the top of the lid, and is held firmly against the seal. The nail section is pref. made of stainless steel and the seal is pref. made of polypropylene.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell is economical and reliable.    (4pp)
(GB2128901-B)      A method of recovering scrap material in which lead acid accumulator scrap is delivered to a chamber from which acid content flows to a sump for treatment and collection whereas solid components and oxide sludge are conveyed for further treatment.
(US4450212-A)      Porous sealed gas distribution plate for a fuel cell includes a seal which comprises a groove extending along one edge of the plate through to an impervious layer covering one face, and a resin member and paste surrounding the member filling the groove.    The seal is pref. parallel to the gas flow.    Seal is resistant to detioration by electrolyte in the cell.    (10pp)
(US4467019-A)      Fuel cell has an electrolyte distribution system with a laminate of two porous layers within the cell, one layer being electrically insulating but passing an ionic current when filled with electrolyte in the relatively large pores of the layer. The second layer has smaller pores to draw electrolyte from the first layer and pass it to a contiguous electrode.    The first layer receives electrolyte from a reservoir outside the cell, and there is pref.a third layer similar to the second and on the opposite side if the first layer to pass electrolyte to a second electrode. The insulating layer is pref. of silicon carbide particles bonded with PTFE.    (6pp)
(US4490443-A)      A battery comprises a housing (10) holding cell units (11) each including galvanic elements each having a consumable planar metal electrode with a gas diffusion electrode (5) spaced from its working surface, with a receptacle (4) into which the metal electrode extends and which supports the diffusion electrode. Each receptacle can be flushed with electrolyte and has sidewalls flushed without exposure to air or oxygen.    An electrolyte supply reservoir (8) is in the housing below the units, with an electrolyte activation tank (15) at least partly above the electrolyte working level in the elements. There is a member between reservoir and tank for allowing and stopping communication. A pump is connected to the reservoir and to branch lines to deliver electrolyte to the receptacles and to circulate electrolyte. Reservoir and tank are pref. of KOH-resistant polypropylene.    ADVANTAGE -   Can withstand long-term operation under high load, can be rapidly recharged and can be stored without restriction relating to activation and deactivation.    (6pp)    (DE3239396-C)      A battery includes numerous galvanic elements, esp. metal-air cells, which comprise usable metal electrode sections which extend down into a container filled with an electrolyte. The side walls of the container are free from air or oxygen. A storage chamber is located under one of the cell units, and contains the electrolyte. The latter can be pumped to each cell, into activation tanks via a closing member. The tanks pref. consist of polypropylene.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery can operate for long periods at high load. It can be recharged quickly and simply.    (6pp)
(US4515871-A)      Electrochemical power generator consists of stacked unit cells with interposed interconnectors.    Each cell has a porous carbon plate anode with gas passage grooves on one surface and a catalyst layer on the other surface.    There is also a cathode with a catalyst layer on one surface and a fluoropolymer resin hydrophobic powder on the other surface. There is an electrolyte layer between the anode and cathode in contact with the catalyst layers.    The electrolyte is prepd. by impregnating an acidic electrolyte into an inorganic cpd. powder which is resistant to heat and chemicals.    The interconnections consist of high density carbon plate with grooves on the surface contacting the cathode, the grooves accommodating H2 as an anode active material.    Two sets of ribs, the second wider than the first are formed between adjacent grooves of the anode substrate, the second ribs being present for every 5-10 of the first ribs. Catalyst is dispersed in the cathode extending in from the surface.    ADVANTAGE -   High generating efficiency is achieved over a long period.    (9pp)
(JP92008897-B)      Electrode comprises (1) Zn alloy powder composed of at least 1 of Hg, In, Pb and Zn and metal Zn powder having particle dia. 1-6 microns, and (2) zinc oxide powder having particle dia. 0.1-0.5 microns.    Coarse crystallisation of cathode active agent in charge-discharge cycle is prevented, zinc electrode breakdown is suppressed and battery cycle life if improved. (J59042775-A)
(DE3237828-C)      Lead accumulator cell includes a housing contg. alternate posture and negative plates sepd. by separator units. The material on the negative plates acts as a support and is in the form of a powder or granules, which is exposed to sulphuric acid, and slowly forms a microporous separator. The granular material is pref. attached to the surface, and is pref.    sintered together with the separator plate.    The granular material is pref. mixed with PVC powder.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell is simple in construction and has a long operational life.    (5pp)
(US4522899-A)      In an electric storage battery having an extending pole shaft, a gas and liq. tight pole seal is provided by a first ring-shaped moulding formed of elastic thermoplastic synthetic surrounding the pole shaft and a second moulding formed of less elastic plastic material completely surrounding the first moulding. Suitably, the rubber is e.g. cis-1,4-polyisoprene, SBR, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber or chlorosulphonated polyethylene and the less elastic material is polypropylene.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. for lead storage batteries with plastic cases.    The seal is easy to produce and not subject to corrosion.    (3pp)
(US4547439-A)      Electrochemical generator has cathode and anode compartments sepd. by a semipermeable diaphragm. In one of the compartments in which the active electrode material is an organic polymer, the electrolyte of the compartment comprises an electroactive cpd. which is soluble in the electrolyte and has redox potential close to that of the organic polymer with which it is in contact. Variation between the redox potentials of the electroactive cpd. and the organic polymer is up to 500 mV.    The electroactive cpd. may be a ferrocene (deriv.), methoxylated benzene deriv., diphenyl-9,10-anthracene or its methoxylated deriv., aromatic heterocyclic cpd. etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The generator exhibits high capacity and can be used as a car battery.    (9pp)    (JP92054350-B)      Generator comprises an anode compartment (15) and a cathode compartment (17) sepd. by a semipermeable membrane (7), each compartment contg. an electrode active material (sand 11) and an electrolyte and the active material (5) of at least one of the electrodes comprising an electronically conductive organic polymer.    In one of the compartments (15) when the active material is an organic polymer, the electrolyte of that compartment comprises an electroactive cpd which is soluble in the electrolyte and has a redox potential equal to or higher than the absolute value of the organic polymer with which it is in contact. Used partic. as battery. Transport of electrons in the organic polymer is accelerated while diffusion in the polymer of the counter-ions from the electrolyte is also improved. (J59060967-A
(EP103658-B)      A layered dry-cell battery having a plurality of dry cell units (20) stacked one on top of another to form a series connection, said dry-cell units each comprising: a positive electrode (25) which includes an electrolyte formed into a shape having a top surface, a bottom surface and at least one side; a water proof and acid resistant lining (24) enclosing the side or sides of the positive electrode and leaving exposed central areas of the top and bottom surfaces of the positive electrode; a paper sheet (23) abutting the bottom surface of the positive electrode (25); a negative electrode (22) in sheet form abutting the paper sheet (23); a carbon film (21) having an upper surface abutting the negative electrode and a lower surface; and a plastic case (26) retaining the positive electrode (25), the lining (24), the paper sheet (23), the negative electrode (22) and the carbon film (21) as a laminate with the central area of the top surface of the positive electrode (25) and the central area of the lower surface of the carbon film (21) exposed.    (5pp)
(US4585717-A)      In an organic polymer battery, at least one electrode has, as active mass, an electroconductive macromolecular film (I) throughout which fibres are distributed. The fibres are denser on the film surface than inside the film cuts or through-holes are made in the film to increase an inside section and facilitate passage of dopant.    The cell comprises organic electrolyte contg. dopant in polar, aprotic organic solvent and has a container providing a reduced pressure inert atmos.. A separator is present between the electrodes. Pref. the film (I) is of polyacetylene.    ADVANTAGE -   Charge/discharge efficiency is enhanced.    (7pp)    (DE3333034-C)      Galvanic battery contg. a known organic electrolyte has an electrode material an electrically conducting, thin, macromolecular layer, pref. made of polyacetylene, contg. fibres, which are arranged less densely inside the layer than on the surface.    Total cross-sectional area of the electrode material is enlarged by cut-ins in direction of thickness or by throughgoing boreholes.    ADVANTAGE -   Battery has better charging/discharging characteristics than known ones.    (8pp)
(JP92038106-B)      Cell comprises a sealed housing contg. an electrochemical cell element consisting of a zinc electrode with current collector and active mass; a nickel electrode; a separator between them; a known amount of electrolyte in the cell housing, terminals connected to the electrodes; and a means for oxidising the hydrogen evolved in service to maintain a low internal pressure. The zinc electrode is free of zinc metal in the discharged state.    Pref. the zinc electrode consists of a mixt. of zinc oxide, a source of cadmium in an amount to provide at lest 20% of the ampere-hour capacity of the nickel electrode, and a carboxylated styrene butadiene binder in an amount sufficient to provide a coherent zinc electrode.    The cell is capable of being allowed to stand in storage for long periods in a discharged condition without undue pressure build-up. Minimal zinc passivation occurs. The cell has operate at relatively high current levels. The cell possess improved tolerance to overcharge conditions. (J59501521-W)
(US4537840-A)      Fuel cell for operation at room temp. to 100 deg. C has a fuel electrode and an oxidiser electrode facing each other with an electrolyte between them. The electrolyte is an organic electrolyte of mol. wt. at least 1000. It is at least part sol. in water to generate low mol. wt. ions and high mol. wt. ions. The ions are hardly permeable through the electrodes. Suitably, the electrolyte has a dissociated sulphonic or phosphine gp. radical.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte is not highly corrosive and electrolyte leakage is reduced.    (12pp)
(US4529673-A)      An electrochemical cell comprises a container in which the active cell components are assembled, fitted with one or more spring loaded safety vents, such that gases liberated during the cell operation produce a build up in pressure, which forces open the valve at intervals to allow excess gas to escape, releasing the pressure. The valve is constructed so that components which are in contact with the electrolyte or gases are corrosion-resistant; and one or more members which are displaced by the pressurised gas are resiliently deformable and resistant to corrosion. Pref. corrosion-resistant materials are perfluoro-ethylene (co)polymers, nylon, polycarbonates, glass, ceramics and resistant metals.    USE -   The prods. are partic. applicable to cells employing non-aqueous corrosive electrolytes such as inorganic oxyhalides. (10pp)
(EP100005-A)      Fleeces with increased electrical conductivity consisting of known fleece-forming fibre materials and 1-99% of burr- or fibre-shaped polyacetylene.    (5pp)
(US4517265-A)      Anode is in the form of a thin flexible film composed of (1) plastic or elastomeric macromolecular material with ionic conductivity, (2) finely divided Li alloy having granulometry below 40 micron and providing lithium activity corresp. to potentials below 1.2 V w.r.t. a Li electrode and (3) particles of LixC (where X is O to less than 0.3) which are finely divided to granulometry below 40 micron and are present in an amt. of 15-40 vol. %.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For prim. and sec. non-aq. electrolyte Li cells. The anode has large exchange surface, maintains contacts during cycling and optimises the use of active material.    (7pp)
(EP98680-B)      A method of making a titanium and silver complex-impregnated cellulosic separator for electrochemical cells, wherein the said method comprises impregnating a sheet of regenerated cellulose in a treating zone outside of an electrochemical cell sequentially with two different selected aqueous reagents for a time and temperature sufficient to separately introduce silver and titanium into the cellulose, and wherein the silver and titanium form a complex in the cellulose to improve the oxidation resistance of the cellulose.    (7pp)
(EP98675-B)      A method of making a titanium and silver complex-impregnated regenerated cellulose    method comprises treating a sheet of regenerated cellulose with a reagent for a time and at a temp. sufficient to simultaneously introduce silver and titanium into the cellulose from an aq. soln. in a treating zone outside the electrochemical cell and wherein the silver and titanium form a complex to improve the oxidn. resistance of the cellulose.    (6pp)
(US4477485-A)      Electrode of organic conductive material for use in an organic cell is made by forming a thin metal film or part of at least one side of a sheet of the material at a temp. at which no thermal deterioration occurs in the material. This is followed by forming an atom-interdiffused layer at the interface between the thin film and the electrode by recoil ion implantation.    Pref. the organic material is polyacetylene, polyparaphenylene, or polypyorole and the metal film is Al, Ni, or Sn.    ADVANTAGE -   A secure bond is formed without any ill-effect on the organic material.    (3pp)    (DE3324968-C)      Electrode is produced from an organic, electrically conducting polymer, pref. polyacetylene, polyparaphenylene or polypyrrole, by (A) forming a thin sheet of metal, pref. Al, No or Sn, on at least part of 1 surface of a sheet or film shaped electrode below the decomposition temp. of the polymer and (B) forming an atom interdiffusin layer between the metal and electrode by a recoil ion implantation process, pref. using Ke ions.    The metal film pref. has a comb or mesh or weave like    or is in the form of dots or patches or is a mesh like pattern of dots connected by lines. The metal film is formed by vacuum deposition or printing below 200 deg.C, esp. by an electron beam process under a vacuum of 66.7 nbar on a polyacetylene film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electrode for a galvanic sec cell; a reliable connection is obtd. between the polymer and the metal without any damage to the polymer.    (3pp)
(US4476002-A)      Metal current carrier for use in the mfr. of electrochemical cell electrodes comprises a thin metal screen has a thin porous layer of coarse metal particles on at least one side. The particles are of size 4.1-5.8 mils and at least partially fill the multiple openings. They are sintered to themselves and to the screen. The layer provides a rough textured high surface area interface for cohesively bonding an active layer to the screen.    Pref. the particles are coated with a metal catalyst which pref. is Pt, Au, or Ag. The screen is pref. Ni and the metal particles are also pref. Ni.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in fabricating air cathodes for fuel cells, industrial electrolytic cells, and metal air cells. The cathode significantly increases catalytic activity for decomposing peroxide ions produced in the cells.    (10pp)
(US4663248-A)      Electrochemical cell has a metallic cell container contg. spirally wound electrodes and sealed with a compression seal of an inward curled end of the container and a cell top with an outward curled edge compressively held together with the inward curled end and sepd. from it by an insulating gasket.    One electrode has a conductive extension caught and compressively held between the inwardly curled end and the container.    The extension is electrically connected to the container which acts as an external terminal.    ADVANTAGE -   Economical and reliable electrode-terminal connection.    (4pp)
(US4583583-A)      Cooler for coolant circulated from a fuel cell comprises a bendable length of flexible conformable conduit with a coolant passage formed by straight parallel spaced sections connected by end bends in serpentine shape.    A coil (70) is located in each bend (72) so that the material can bend to small radius without crimping and the coils are connected by straight lengths (74) of the same material passing through the straight sections.    The cooler may be metal-free, or the conduit may be formed in PTFE and the coils be of metallic material.    The conduit is pref. supported by a plate (41) with grooves for conforming the conduit into intimate contact with the plate.    ADVANTAGE -   Can be adapted to various configurations without impairing through flow to maximise heat transfer.    (15pp)    (US4945010-A)      Cooling assembly for removing heat from a fuel cell comprises at least one conduit held in the cooling assembly by a member conforming to part of the conduit. The member includes a channel whose inner surface has a truncated half-circle contour to conform the conduit to the shape of the channel automatically when the member and conduit are assembled. The conduit is metal free.    ADVANTAGE -   Heat transfer is maximised without undue mfg. and assembly tolerances. @(15pp)@
(US4554225-A)      Molten carbonate fuel cell has a cathode and anode of porous material in contact with an electrolyte, the cathode and anode each comprising a bilayered structure. The structure has a porous layer at the side of the electrolyte and a porous layer at the side of an element for supplying fuel (oxidant) gas and consisting of a sintered layer of fibrous material. The pores in the layer adjacent to the electrolyte have a capillary action towards the molten carbonate, and the pores in the other layer are not capable of capillary action.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell can be operated at a high output density for a long period and a low internal resistance is obtd.. (9pp)
(EP123960-B)      A fuel cell assembly comprising: first and second electrodes; a matrix for carrying electrolyte sandwiched between said electrodes, said matrix having a peripheral area extending beyond said electrodes; first and second process gas plates sandwiching said matrix and said electrodes; and independent shims sealing said peripheral area, characterised in that each said shim is integral and comprises silicon carbide in an amount of at least about 50 percent by weight.    (6pp)
(US6541213-N)      Solid oxide fuel cell has a monolithic core in which each electrolyte wall consists of thin layers of cathode (32) and anode (30) materials sandwiching a thin layer of electrolyte. There is an array of electrolyte and interconnect walls (36,38) in which the latter consist of thin layers of the cathode and anode materials sandwiching a thin layer of interconnect material. The electrolyte walls (36) are back folded between adjacent interconnect walls (38) to define core passages alternately arranged where the inside faces have only the anode or the cathode material exposed. Fuel is directed to the anode exposed core passages and oxidant is directed to the cathode exposed core passage. The layers of electrolyte and interconnect materials are each 0.002-0.01 cm. thick and the cathode and anode layers are each 0.002-0.05 cm. thick.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell is designed with no non-active materials for support.    (35pp)
(US6541178-N)      Solid oxide fuel cell has a core defining elongated passages for fuel and oxidant gases. The cathode and anode are sepd. in certain regions by the y electrolyte and in other regions by interconnect material defining a wall across which potentials are added in series. Cathode and anode passages are oriented between parallel interconnect walls and electrolyte walls angled back and forth between interconnect walls.    Separator walls extend from the core side faces and are midway between and parallel to adjacent overlying and underlying interconnect walls to define manifold chambers (18,19,20,21) on opposite sides of each intermediate separator wall. Each angled electrolyte wall (34,35) blends into the intermediate separator wall redirecting corresponding fuel and oxidant passages to respective chambers above or below the intermediate wall. There are inlet and outlet connections to the chambers.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell manifolding eliminates the need for oxidant feed tubes. Cell passage cross-sections are small and high power densities are obtd.    (31pp)
(US6541177-N)      Solid oxide fuel cell has a monolithic core with flow passage (13,14) for the fuel and oxidant gases extending transversely to one another. The fuel flow passages are defined by anode material and the oxidant flow passages are defined by cathode material. The cathode and anode materials are sepd. from each other in certain region of the core by electrolyte material to define an electrolyte wall (45) across which electrical potential is generated. The cathode and anode materials are also sepd. from each other in other regions of the core by an interconnected material defining an interconnect wall (48) across which the potential generated at the electrolyte walls are added together in series.    ADVANTAGE -   Full face core manifolding of gases and their reaction prods. are achieved.    (22pp)
(US4582632-A)      Non-permeable carbonised formed bodies consist of carbonaceous material contg. 5-50 wt.% graphite and balance glassy carbon formed by bake-carbonising thermosetting resin.    The bodies are produced by kneading a mixt. of thermosetting resin powder, graphite powder and thermosetting resin liq. in the required proportions; shaping, drying and hardening the mixt.; then bake-carbonising the shaped body in a non-oxidising atmos., pref. at 800-2000 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The bodies have high layered compressive strength and bending strength. They have high electroconductivity and are used esp. as separators and collectors in phosphate-type fuel cells.    (10pp)    (DE3413646-C)      Impermeable carbon moulding (I) is obtd. by converting a heat-curable resin into carbon by heat treatment.    (I) comprises 5-50 wt.% of graphite, the rest being glass-type carbon; and (I) has a density Y which is greater than or equal to (0.004.X) + 1.235 in which X the amt. of graphite in wt.%; and (I) has a gas    permeability which is smaller than 1.421 cubic dm/m2.d.bar. per 1mm thickness.    ADVANTAGE -   Moulding (I) has improved mechanical strength, esp. improved compressive strength in laminated state, and has improved bending strength.    (11pp)
(US4661423-A)      Fuel cell electrolyte matrix, interposed between a fuel electrode and oxidising electrode comprises (a) a first layer of tightly connected particles of electron-insulating, electrolyte-resistive material having electrolyte filled in the spaces formed among the particles; (b) a second, adjacent layer formed of loosely connected particles of electron-insulating, electrolyte-resistive material having electrolyte filled in the spaces formed among the particles; and (c) electrolyte of phosphoric acid or polymer of trifluoromethanol sulphonic acid.    Amt of electrolyte in (a) per unit wt of particles is larger than that in (b), pref. 1-2 times. The electrolyte-resistive material may be SiC, WC, Si3N4, ZrO2, Ta2O5, Zr phosphate or Si phosphate.    ADVANTAGE -   A large amt. of electrolyte can be impregnated into the matrix without reducing the bubble pressure.    High conductivity of the H ions is preserved and high performance of the resultant fuel cell ensured.    (7pp)    (JP93044145-B)      Fuel cell electrolyte matrix, interposed between a fuel electrode and oxidising electrode comprises (a) a 1st. layer of tightly connected particles of electron-insulating, electrolyte-resistive material having electrolyte filled in the spaces formed among the particles; (b) 2nd. adjacent layer formed of loosely connected particles of electron-insulating, electrolyte-resistive material having electrolyte filled in the spaces formed among the particles and (c) electrolyte of phosphoric acid or polymer of trifluoromethanol sulphonic acid. Amt. of electrolyte in (a) per unit wt. of particles is larger than that in (b), pref. 1-2 times. The electrolyte-resistive material may be SiC, WC, Si3N4, ZrO2, Ta2O5, Zr phosphate or Si phosphate.    ADVANTAGE -   A large amt. of electrolyte can be impregnated into the matrix without reducing the bubble pressure. High conductivity of the H ions is preserved and high performance of the resultant fuel cell ensured. (J59181466-A)
(US4552631-A)      Reinforced ion exchange membrane comprises a fluorinated (co)polymer membrane capable of cation exchange, in which the first two or more layers of fluorinated polymer units have functional gps. of formula -CFZ-COOM or -CFQ-SO3M, the former in the first layer and the latter in the second layer; such that the layers adhere together and such that the outer surface of the first layer has gaps (void vol. 5-40%, with an open surface area 15-100%) which enhance hydrogen bubble release. In the formulae, M is H, Na, K or NH4; Z is F, CF3 or CF2Cl; and Q is F, Cl, 1-10C perfluoroalkyl or CF2Cl.    USE -   The prods. are membranes for divided cell electrolysis, esp. with aq. NaCl electrolytes or for the electrolytic prodn. of hydrogen and oxygen, and in fuel cells. (17pp)
(US4473622-A)      A rapid-start hydrocarbon catalytic cracking system comprises a reactor with a burner (44) operating on a mixt. of the reformable hydrocarbon and air during start-up and hydrogen after reaching cracking temp. Combustion gases are passed into contact with the reactor housing (43) and also through the reactor (40) for indirect and direct heating of catalyst (42).    Direct heating is stopped when cracking temp. is reached, and hydrocarbon is then passed through the reactor to form hydrogen, part of which is supplied to the burner to maintain indirect heating of the catalyst by burning the hydrogen. In partic., the system is connected to supply hydrogen as fuel gas to a fuel cell power system.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Partic. for vehicular power plant, providing rapid start-up.    (8pp)
(US4657829-A)      A continuously operable fuel cell power system operating with reformate H2 and air in normal power intervals and switching to pure H2 and O2 during peak power intervals comprises a fuel cell stack with a hydrocarbon converter producing H2 for normal operation, and water electrolyser producing pure H2 and O2.    Electrolysis current is supplied from a part of the stack to the electrolyser when power demand from the stack is below a set level, the resultant H2 and O2 being stored. Switching responsive to power output level from the stack interrupts the flow of air and reformate H2 and supplies the pure H2 and O2 when output rises above an upper limit.    ADVANTAGE -   allows the stack to be sized for normal low power/air operation but with peak power capacity several times greater.    (6pp)
(US6513523-N)      In    internal dual catalyst system within an anode zone for a fuel cell, an anode has an electrochemically active catalyst with active Ni which converts H2 to H ions. A reforming catalyst is supported and thermally connected to the anode and comprises a thin porous layer of particulate spinel contg. active Ni, heat from the electrochemical reaction being transferred from the anode catalyst through the spinel to the Ni in the reforming catalyst. Hydrocarbon is steam reformed to produce H2 and CO at 350-900 deg.C.    ADVANTAGE -   Hydrocarbon such as CH4 can be utilised as fuel and reforming is carried out internally in the cell. Heat generated at the anode is utilised and the reforming catalyst and anode are combined in a compact structure.    (7pp)
(EP115697-A)      A process for preparing carbon-metal catalysis having a substantial amount of catalytically active metal deposited on the surface of the carbon wherein the metal is in the form of atom clusters, which process comprises: vaporising the metal in the vicinity of an organic or inorganic liquid solvent; dissolving the metal as a labile solvated zero-valent complex in the liquid solvent; contacting a solution of the solvated metal complex, with a solid particulate carbon so as to cause deposition of the solvated metal complex into the pores of and onto the surface of the carbon; and removing excess liquid solvent or solution from the carbon.    (11pp)    (EP115697-B)      A process for preparing carbon-metal catalysis having a substantial amount of catalytically active metal deposited on the surface of the carbon wherein the metal is in the form of atom clusters, which process comprises: vaporising the metal in the vicinity of an organic or inorganic liquid solvent; dissolving the metal as a labile solvated zero-valent complex in the liquid solvent; contacting a solution of the solvated metal complex, with a solid particulate carbon so as to cause deposition of the solvated metal complex into the pores of and onto the surface of the carbon; and removing excess liquid solvent or solution from the carbon.
(US4520081-A)      Hydrogen/bromine cell has two cell frame halves (11,12) made of graphite and each having a face surface with a recess and a back surface. There is an electrode inside each recess one being a bromine electrode (13) and the other one a hydrogen electrode (14). A nonporous pyrographite layer covers at least the surface of the bromine electrode recess and a cation exchanger diaphragm (16) is between the frame halves. The frame halves define tubular holes for the recesses for providing reactants and reaction prods. to and from the cell. The cell is held together by a clamping arrangement adjacent to the frame back surfaces.    ADVANTAGE -   Varying energy supplies can be matched with varying energy demands and decentralisation of energy storage is possible.    (5pp)
(US4560626-A)      A refuellable fuel cell has a housing with an anode support (30) carried by one wall (16), an anode supply opening in the opposed wall aligned with the support, a pair of cathodes (24) on opposite sides of the anode (22) to form dual cells, biasing (42) separately urging each cathode under constant force towards the anode, and an electrolyte feed between each cathode and the anode.    The biasing is pref. an inflatable member which is collapsible to allow the cathodes to be oppositely biased (40) to retracted positions. The support pref. holds the anode centred between the cathodes and there is a current collector between each cathode and the anode. Each cathode is pref. carried by a support with seals (44) between each support and the housing to define an electrolyte path between the cathodes and around the anode.    (5pp)
(US4721513-A)      Molten carbonate electrolyte fuel cell cathode is made using a porous sintered plaque of Li-free Ni which is oxidised by contact with an O2-contg. gas at 600-700 deg. C. A small amt. of Li salt is added at the same temp. to lithiate the Ni oxide to 1-6 atom% Li without destroying the structural integrity.    Pref. the Li salt is free of chlorides.    ADVANTAGE -   Sintering conditions can be selected for strength and porosity without regard to retention of Li.    (4pp)
(US4537840-A)      Fuel cell for operation at room temp. to 100 deg. C has a fuel electrode and an oxidiser electrode facing each other with an electrolyte between them. The electrolyte is an organic electrolyte of mol. wt. at least 1000. It is at least part sol. in water to generate low mol. wt. ions and high mol. wt. ions. The ions are hardly permeable through the electrodes. Suitably, the electrolyte has a dissociated sulphonic or phosphine gp. radical.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte is not highly corrosive and electrolyte leakage is reduced.    (12pp)
(DE3317269-C)      A known thin layer solar cell has a transparent substrate a thermostable film of an F contg. polymer. The film material is pref. stable to at least 200 deg.C for a period corresponding to the prodn. time of the cell. The polymer is pref. a C2F4 polymer, which cannot be melt processed, esp. PTFE or a copolymer of C2F4 contg. up to 1.5 mol. % F contg. monomer, e.g. C3F6, perfluoro (1-5C esp. 3C) alkyl vinyl ether, C2C1F3. The film has a water vapour permeability not above 10 g/m2. d. bar referred to a film thickness of 100 micrometre.    ADVANTAGE -   The substrate has the temp. stability, transparency, low specific gravity low vapour permeability and durability of these properties during use in a natural environment as well as strong adhesion to a metal oxide layer. (94pp)
(US4595789-A)      The assembly comprises two modules, each comprising a solar cell, a pair of input terminals and a pair of output terminals provided on two sides of the module. The solar cell is connected to at least one of the lines, a pair of input terminals for parallel connection and a pair of output terminals for parallel connection provided on the other two sides of the module, by using input and output lines for parallel connection, input and output terminals are connected to each other and are connected across said solar cell which is connected to the series input or output line.    The assembly further comprises a normally-on switch for turning the switch off when the series input terminals of the first module are connected to the output terminals for second module.    The switch is connected across the output lines and opens when input terminals of said first module are connected to output terminals of the second module.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates wire connections between modules. (6pp)    (DE3415828-C)      The solar cell module has cells arranged in a housing with a terminal (1a) of one polarity on one face of the housing and a terminal (1b) of the opposite polarity on the opposite face. The two terminals are such that a further identical module can be played onto those faces to form a series of cells.    On the two faces there are respective further terminals electrically coupled together.    The terminals are connected to the further terminal via a switch (5b) which, by plugging in an identical module, is opened. On third and fourth faces of the housing there is a connection pair such that by plugging on a further similar module to the third or fourth face, a parallel circuit arises.    (6pp)
(DE3317309-C)      Thin film solar cell arrangement has substrate for carrying the solar cell,w hich is made of an electrically insulating flexible film, and contg. electrical circuits. The film contains reinforcing fibres and has electrically conducting wires running at an angle to the fibres. Some of the wires are electrically connected to the solar cells. The reinforcing fibres are pref. based on aramide fibres.    ADVANTAGE -   Solar cell is simple to produce, efficient and reliable.    (5pp)
(US4555585-A)      The apparatus has at least two panel portions which are connected together at a foldable edge to form at least one foldable pair which, in the folded-together state, is preferably stored in a panel container. A stationary folding and unfolding system brings the solar cell panel into the folded or unfolded state. During the folding process, the lowermost deployed foldable pair is folded together while the foldable pairs above it remain unfolded.    The deployed foldable pairs are folded together individually in succession. During the unfolding process, the uppermost foldable pair stored in the panel container is unfolded while the fold pairs below it are held in the folded state. The stored foldable pairs are unfolded in succession during deployment. (14pp)    (DE3316789-C)      In a device for folding or unfolding a foldable solar cell sheet, a cord system is provided having at least two    cords (11,12). One end of the lines is mechanically connected to the end plate (7) of the uppermost sheet part (2), while the other end is windable via a sprung drum (13,14) on the lowermost part.    A device is provided to lock the lower pair of sheets in their folded position while the upper pair remain unfolded.    A holder is provided which, during and after an unfolding operation, hinders the unfolding of the folded together pair in a folding out operation.    The upper pair is capable of folding out while the lower pair can remain closed so that all pairs can individually be folded in or out w.r.t. each other.    (10pp)
(DE3315439-C)      The system for converting the flow (S) energy of air (wind) or water into usable power concentrates the flow and cross-flow (e.g. Savonius) rotors (2) with backward-curved blades (8) between end discs 13 and leaving an axial gap Sp near their common central axis (9).    The rotors are arranged in a gap (3) between the two parts (30,31) of a body which is provided with portions (22,22') projecting into the flow and thus presenting obstacles creating a potential vortex (W; with centre WA a little below the rotor axis 9).    The body has an aerodynamically acting slotted (3) aerofoil carrier wing profile having the rotor(s) freely rotatably arranged in the 8contoured (contoured 22,15,22' etc.) slot (3) with generators integrated in the end discs (13). The wing (30,31) angle (alpha) relative to the flow direction (S) is preferably adjustable, and the upper portion (30) may be independently rotatably adjustable about the rotor axis (9). The assembly may be horizontally (rotatably) mast-mounted or vertically mounted.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Power generation, in vertical position also to produce auxiliary power, e.g. on ship where assembly produces additional force component contributing to propulsion.    System has better gust and storm resistance that prior art free-standing units, operates reliably with little maintenance over long periods, and maximises utilisation of flow energy.    (6pp)
(US4578017-A)      The method includes the steps of initiating the closing of the highest stage movable guide vanes firstly and the lowest stage movable guide vanes secondly and judging whether a closing relation between the highest and lowest stage vanes is normal or not in accordance with predetermined criteria after initiation of closing the lowest stage movable guide vanes. The method includes the steps of controlling the closing of the lowest stage movable guide vanes based on the judgement result, and the step of closing the inlet valve.    USE -   For stopping a multi-stage hydraulic machine with an inlet valve, guide vanes including highest and lowest stage guide vanes, and a return passage connected between flow passages of respective stages, wherein the machine is in turbine operation. (11pp)
(DE3312053-C)      Process for    preventing short circuits in a large surface, thin layered solar cell, includes applying a primary semiconductor layer to a substrate with an electrical contact, followed by a secondary semiconductor layer of opposite conductivity, or a Schottky layer. After the first layer is applied, the non-working regions are passified before the second layer is applied. The process is pref. used in the prodn. of tandem solar cell systems.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is efficient and reliable, and ensures that inhomogeneities do not lead to interference points in the finished cell.    (5pp)    (US4544797-A)      In a method for preventing short circuits or shunts in a large thin film solar cell, a substrate is given a contact followed by a p- or n-type conductive layer, then a n- or p-type conductive layer or a Schottky barrier layer.    The second layer    also has a second conductivity contact. Before the second layer is applied, the areas of the first contact uncovered by the first layer are passivated.    Pref. the first contact is Ag, the first layer is n-type Cd sulphide and the second layer is p-type Cu sulphide.    Passivation of the Ag is carried out by converting it into the sulphide.    ADVANTAGE -   Existing homogeneities in the finished cell will not cause failures, in the large scale prodn. of large area solar cells.    (5pp)
(DE3312052-C)      Large area solar cells are produced by a process which includes applying a primary semiconductor layer onto a substrate, followed by a secondary semiconductor layer, of the opposite conductivity. The layers have electrical contacts, and a blocking layer is arranged between the first contact and the semiconductor. The blocking layer is produced by transforming the semiconductor layer facing the first electrical contact.    ADVANTAGE -   D- The thin film solar cells are simple and economical to produce.    (4pp)
(GB2137285-B)      A method to convert Energy driving Natural Fluid Flows to Mechanical Power gained by means of an appts. consisting of: an open-ended Cylindrical Encasement having integrally blended across it's entire length a non-convergent Tangential Inlet Structure; convergent for Wind; to collect and arrange Flow to produce a vortical whirl therein, being a confined Parallel Velocity Energised Vortex thus imparting rotation to a fully engulfed Shafting Configuration, generally at 10% in diameter of the machine's axial length for wind; plus one third less than that 10%; for water; on which Curved Blades and Balances are statically affixed at axially and circumferentially spaced locations, the entire Assembly concentrically positioned and installed on bearings situated at each open end, where to one end the Vortex Character spirals to exit, whilst maintaining it's Suction Core Presence at that end oppositely.
(US4640664-A)      The method of controlling the operation of multi-stage hydraulic machine comprises the steps of controlling the degree of opening of movable guide vanes of one of the highest and lowest pressure stages of the multistage hydraulic machine to a degree of opening corresp. to an aimed load and satisfying a relative relation between degrees of opening of the highest and lowest pressure stages movable guide vanes for achieving a high performance operation under a predetermined head.    The degree of opening of movable guide vanes of the other one of the highest and lowest pressure stages is controlled to a degree of opening satisfying a relative relation between the degrees of openings of the movable guide vanes of the highest and lowest pressure stages for maintaing a hydraulically stable operation under a predetermined head.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents generation of cavitation, vibration, noises and abnormal pressure rise at lowest pressure stage. (19pp)
(US4613760-A)      The system includes a differential drive unit having an output shaft coupled to the generator. An input is coupled to the turbine, and a second a second input coupled to a reaction machine, the latter controlling the torque on the second input in response to changes in the first input in a sense which tends to compensate for turbine torque variations.    The torque control on the second input of the differential drive unit directly controls the load torque on the turbine as well as the torque on the generator.    ADVANTAGE -   Fluctuations of torque on generator are reduced.
(US4527007-A)      Photoelectric conversion device having a junction between hydrogenated amorphous Si and an electrode made of In-Sn oxide, on the surface of which a passivation film of Si oxide is formed, is made in a process in which the film is formed by plasma chemical vapour deposition at a temp. lower than 300 deg.C in an atmos. of mixed gas. Gas is prepared by mixing and excess of O-contg. gas, selected from the gp. N2O, CO2, and O2, with silane gas, pref. in a mixing ratio of 20-80:1.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Image sensor, conversion device for solar cells etc.. Deterioration is prevented and favourable insulating properties are maintained.    (6pp)    (EP117980-B)      A process for forming a passivation film on the surface of a photoelectric conversion device having a junction between hydrogenated amorphous silicon and a transparent conductive electrode, characterized in that said process comprises a step of depositing silicon oxide on said photoelectric conversion device as the passivation film in an atmosphere of mixed gas prepared by admixing a silane gas with an excess of an oxygen-containing gas in accordance with the plasma CVD method.    (7pp)
(US4532199-A)      Amorphous Si film electrophotographic photoconductive drum is made using at least one plasma generation chamber communicating with a reaction chamber contg. a rotatable drum with a conductive substrate.    A plasma gas is formed by electron cyclotron resonance generated by an alternating electric field and magnetic field, the gas consisting of H2 or a mixt. of H2 and N2.    A Si-contg. gas is introduced into the reaction chamber and directed toward the drum.    The drum is rotated and plasma gas introduced into the chamber in a direction which intersects the feed direction of the Si-contg. gas.    Drum rotation is continued while the Si-contg. gas is converted into radicals which react with the substrate surface to form an amorphous Si film.    ADVANTAGE -   Mass prodn. of amorphous Si film with good photoconductivity is possible.    (7pp)    (DE3407643-C)      An amorphous silicon film is produced by a process which includes forming a plasma in a plasma generation chamber, feeding a gas contg. silicon atoms into a reaction chamber, and feeding the plasma into the reaction chamber. The gas stream is directed onto a rotating drum in the reaction chamber, which has an electrically conducting mantle. The gas in the plasma generator is hydrogen or a mixt. of hydrogen and nitrogen. The drum is rotated while the plasma enters the chamber.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is efficient and reliable, and the film produced is used in electrophotography.    (8pp)
(US4567316-A)      The assembly, comprises a number of individual solar cells disposed in rows and at least partly electrically interconnected in series. At least one bypass diode is shunted across at least are of the series-connected solar cells. The diode is normally cut off during operation of the solar cell module and directly integrated into the solar cell module.    A conductor ribbon electrically interconnects two of the solar cells in series. A sheet metal cooling body is connected to the conductor ribbon. The bypass diode is disposed on the cooling body and is connected between another of the solar cells and the conductor ribbon.    ADVANTAGE -   Bypass diode connected without great effort and without additional conductors.    (5pp)
(DE3303926-A)      Disc-shaped solar cells are mfd., the cells (7,8,9,10) being derived through division of a large solar cell disc onto which there is at least one jointing so arranged and formed that after the division, each individual solar cell (7,8,9,10) has at least one junction part (6a-6d) projecting from the disc edge.    On the conductor extent there can be a number of connecting pieces having one end secured to the conductor train.    The free end of the conductor overlaps the adjoining connecting piece part.    The conductor trains can be of disc form projecting over the surfaces of the solar cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Small solar cells can be made.    (6pp)    (US4525594-A)      The device comprises a rear side contact and a conduction path system as front side contact which receives indicent light. At least one metallic, aluminium or copper, connector member is connected to the conduction path system for interconnection of the solar cells with other solar cells.    The connectors are so connected at several spaced locations to the conduction path or paths in an electrically conductive and mechanically fixed manner that when the solar cell is split up into several smaller cells, each individual cell is already provided with at least one connector member protruding beyond the wafer edge.    (7pp)    (DE3303926-C)      Disc-shaped solar cells are mfd., the cells (7,8,9,10) being derived through division of a large solar cell disc onto which there is at least one jointing so arranged and formed that after the division, each individual solar cell (7,8,9,10) has at least one junction part (6a-6d) projecting from the disc edge. On the conductor extent there can be a number of connecting pieces having one end secured to the conductor train.    The free end of the conductor overlaps the adjoining connecting piece part. The conductor trains can be of disc form projecting over the surfaces of the solar cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Small solar cells can be made.
(US4587171-A)      Photoelectric conversion device has hydrogenated amorphous Si between a transparent upper electrode and a lower electrode. There is a junction between the Si and the upper electrode and this is covered with a passivation film.    The passivation film consists of a layer of Si oxide formed by plasma chemical vapour deposition below 400 deg.C. There is also a layer of Si nitride formed in a similar way.    ADVANTAGE -   The dark current is lower than in a device with only an oxide or only a nitride passivation film, the light/dark current ratio being the same as in a device with no passivation film.    (6pp)    (JP93082065-B)      The device has a junction between a hydrogenated amorphous Si and electrically conductive electrodes, pref. of In-Sn oxide and is passivated by (a) forming a passivation film of Si oxide on the device surface; and (b) forming a passivation film of Si nitride on the Si oxide.    The device having the two-layer passivation film, where the layers are formed by plasma CVD is claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   The passivation includes Si3N4 to provide very low permeability to water or alkali ion and heat resistance, with a buffer SiO2 film avoiding peeling through stress, both films capable of being deposited at low temp. to avoid H elimination. The device characteristics are not deteriorated by the passivation. The passivation may also serve as an antireflection film by controlling layer thicknesses. (J59143362-A)
(US4563630-A)      A number of dump loads are associated with the electrical output of the generator and changes in frequency of the output phase voltage of the generator are detector. The dump loads are switched into or out of association with the generator in response to the frequency changes so as to cause compensating frequency changes. The rate at which the compensating frequency changes occurs are damped desirably by use of a flywheel.    The generator output monitor comprises a bandpass filter to receive incoming signals, a pulse generator to provide count pulses which are counted for a period determined by the frequency of the incoming signals passed by the filter.    (16pp)
(US4577286-A)      The calculator has a removable integrated unit comprising solar cells, a protective filter and a support for securing the solar cells to the filter. Terminals are present for obtaining the power generated by the solar cells. A device achieves electrical connections either between the solar cells or between the solar cells and in electronic parts upon installing the integrated unit into the electronic appliance.    The support has a moulded securing device connected to ends of the filter for directly securing the protective filter to the solar cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple replacement of solar cell. (5pp)    (DE3400292-C)      The electronic equipment described has a housing consisting of an upper part and a base, an electronic circuit inside the housing, solar cells inside the housing, and terminals for connecting the solar cells in series, with the circuit.    The upper part of the housing has an opening through which a filter can be inserted and can be removed and the back of the filter is manufactured with recesses for the solar cells.    The filter has elastic elements or tabs to hold the cells in position.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The advantage is that the solar cells can easily be exchanged.    The design is also compact, with good connections between the solar cells.    (5pp)
(JP92045991-B)      Process comprises applying DC voltage to a substrate (which has electrical conductivity) when an amorphous silicon membrane is formed on the substrate. The amorphous Si membrane is pref. a membrane for a photovoltaic element, and the membrane is pref. formed by plasma CVD or sputtering.    An amorphous Si membrane whose photo energy gaps are freely controlled is obtd. without lowering the photo and electrical conductivity of the membrane. (J59097514-A
(US4485264-A)      Large-area photovoltaic cell comprises an electrically insulating pattern on a semiconductor body dividing the surface into a matrix of small area segments, with a transparent electrically conductive coating over the semiconductor in each segment. The pattern is thicker than the coating so that it isolates the segments and the body is on an electrically conductive common substrate.    The pattern is pref. of silicone paste 1 mil thick and divides the area into 180 segments, leaving a peripheral border 1/8-3/4 inch wide. The method of forming a cell by depositing a pattern and then the coating is claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates the need for scribing steps.    (10pp)
(US4788582-A)      Semiconductor device comprises (a) a substrate; (b) a semiconductor layer made of amorphous silicon formed over (a); (c) a transparent conductive layer formed by an interfacial reaction between (b) and a portion of a metallic film (I) directly formed on (b); and (d) a remaining portion of film (I) extending on (c), and being patterned to selectively expose a predetermined surface portion of (c), so that only this predetermined surface portion of (c) provides an exposed surface that serves as a light-receiving window, on which incident light directly impinges.    USE -   Semiconductor device having a transparent electrode is provided which is applicable to a solar cell, photodiode, imaging device etc.    (11pp)    (US5151385-A)      Mfr. of a semiconductor device comprises forming hydrogenated amorphous Si (a-Si:H) layer over a given substrate and a metallic film on the Si layer. Metallic film is heat treated to produce a transparent conductive layer by an interfacial reaction between a-Si:H and the metallic film. Specified area of the metallic film is removed to expose a portion of the layer for light incidence.    ADVANTAGE -   Device has a transparent electrode which can reduce electrode mfg. steps.    (JP92081353-B)      Semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor layer of amorphous Si formed on a substrate, and a transparent conductive layer formed by interfacial reaction between the Si and a metal film formed on the Si. Metal film is pref. Cr, Mo, W, Ti, V, Zr, Nb, Ta, Hf, Ni, Pd, Co, Pt and Rh.    Used esp. in solar cell structures, photodiodes, solid state imaging devices, etc.. Method simplifies the formation of the transparent electrode device, e.g., compared to formation of an ITO electrode. (J59110179-A)
(US4575307-A)      A main shaft carries a runner with guide vanes varying the angle of attack of water to the runner. A guide ring is rotatably arranged around the shaft, with a mechanism being provided for a linkage between the shaft and the vanes so as to drive the guide vanes between fully-open and fully-closed positions.    At least one servomotor has a reciprocating actuating rod, with a guide ring actuator transmitting the driving power to the ring to cause rotation of the latter. The ring actuator connects the actuating rod to the ring so as to permit the rod and the ring to make a cranking motion relative to each other.    ADVANTAGE -   Dimensions of vane operating mechanism are reduced so facilitating maintenance.    (9pp)    (EP111330-B)      A guide vane operating mechanism in a water turbine having a runner secured on the turbine shaft, a volute casing embedded in a concrete structure and surrounding the turbine shaft and adjustable guide vanes for varying the angle of attack of water to the runner, the operating mechanism comprising: a guide ring (31) rotatably arranged around the turbine shaft (19) and connected to the shafts (2) of the guide vanes (1) by levers (33) to rotate the guide vanes (1) between full-open and full-closed positions and - at least one servo motor (13) secured at its rear end on the inner wall of the concrete structure and having a reciprocating actuating rod (12) tangentially disposed to the guide ring (31) for rotating the guide ring (31), -characterised in that the actuating rod (12) of the servo motor (13) is connected to the guide ring (31) by a crankshaft (30) which is formed of two columnar bodies integrally incorporated together in a staggered manner and - that the guide ring (31) is an annular disc ring guided with its inner peripheral edge by a step of an inner cylinder (22a) of the volute casing.    (11pp)
(EP110141-B)      Water turbine with a vertically oriented rotatable main shaft (3) carrying a turbine rotor (4) with rotor blades (5), which rotor is surrounded concentrically by a fixed casing (1), and with a circular guide blade arrangement (10) being positioned coaxially up-stream of the rotor blades (5), and which guide    blade arrangement (10) carries guide blades (11) being oriented such to the position of the rotor blades (5), that incoming water is acting at a high gain onto the rotor (4), and with a shiftable setting means (6,3;70,4,3,18;33,31a,31b,18a,6,72) by means of which the effective outlet cross section (a2,a3) of the rotor (4) is changeable, characterised in that the guide blades arrangement (10) is positioned over the rotor, and at the cylindrical casing (1) underneath or sideways of the lower region of the rotor (4) a casing cone (7,33) is connected, which is directed down-stream with its widening end, and the    rotor (4) has a cylindrical hub (62), which in the region of the outlet cross section is widening in the down-stream direction into a displacing cone (70), and the casing cone (7,33) and the displacing cone (79    (70) are shiftable supported relative to each other such, that the down-stream rim (61) of the displacing cone (70) is    settable between the two edges (A,B) of the casing cone (7,33).    (15pp)
(US4585671-A)      Amorphous Si film is made from gaseous silane of formula SiN H2n+2 (where n is at least 2). This is subjected to photochemical decomposition using light of wavelength 300 nm or shorter at 100-300 deg.C and at at least atmospheric pressure.    Pref. the silane contains 2-6 Si and the pressure is less than 2 kg/cm2-G. Decomposition is pref. carried out in the absence of Hg vapour.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solar batteries, photosensors, thin-film transistors, optical sensors. The use of Hg vapour as a decomposition catalyst is avoided.    (6pp)    (JP93046092-B)      Process permits formation at 300 deg.C. or less by photodecomposition of a higher order silane with the formula Si(n)H2(n+2) (n = 2 or larger integer), pref. a silane with 2-6 Si atoms, by irradiation with light with a wavelength of not more than 300 nm, pref. 200-300 nm ultraviolet (UV) light, or better far UV light with a wavelength of 200 nm or less, at atmospheric pressure or higher, pref. at 2 kg/cm2.G.    In an example, feed gas diluted with He and contg. 10% Si2H6 was supplied at 500 cc/min. into a 40 mm dia. x 600 mm long quartz tube together with carrier N2 at 2 l/min., and decomposition and deposition were effected for 30 minutes. at 100 deg.C. and 0.5 kg/cm2.G by 100 mW/cm2 irradiation by a low pressure Hg lamp. 60% of the light radiated by the lamp was 254 nm UV light and 30% was light with a wavelength of 185 nm. (J59089407-A
(DE3240327-C)      Two panels (1,2) carrying solar cells and used on a satellite are swung open by springs into their operating position.    They are connected by electrical wiring (3) secured by screws, and mechanically by hinges (5,6).    The ends of the wiring nearest the hinge point (7) are spirally wound.    These spirally wound ends are approximately 90 degrees apart before mounting.    ADVANTAGE -   Alterations in conductors due to temp. changes do not apply stresses to the panels.    (3pp)
(DE3239676-C2)      The solar generator is mfd. by placing the solar cells (6) between melt-glue films (3, 4), and covering the sides. The assembly is evacuated and heated. An edge film of melt-glue is laid between the covering films (3, 4) in the regions not occupied by solar cells. The edge film is of the same thickness as the cells. An elastic ring (7) is placed around the assembly, with lips (9, 10) enclosing the side covers (1, 2), sealing an evacuable cavity (8).    The thermal treatment is adapted so that an optically clear, bubble-free generator is produced, and the ring is removed.    ADVANTAGE -   Simplified handling of solar cell assembly.
(US4490808-A)      This simulator comprises circuits for introducing working conditions of the turbine, such as, for example, the position of the gate controlling the quantity of water flowing through the turbine and the water head. The working conditions are converted by a number of multiplication circuits into standardised signals that are supplied to simulating circuits in which the standardised signal are converted into transfer functions.    Each of these simulating circuits receives at least one of the standardised signals as an input signal and generates an output signal representing intermediary results, such as the water flow or the generated power. The so obtained intermediary results are then supplied to other multiplication circuits in which they are converted into useful signals representative of the working conditions of the turbine. This simulator may also comprise additional circuits for simultaneously simulating a penstock and thus varying the water head conditions of the turbine and/or simulating a speed regulator acting on the gate position as a function of the angular speed of the turbine and the power generated.    USE -   For simulation of hydro turbines.    (25pp)
(US4479757-A)      The turbine runner is rotatable about an axis of rotation and having a crown, forming one axial end a band concentric with the crown on the axis of rotation and an array of blades extending between the band and crown. The runner terminates at its end axially remote from the crown in an outlet end, each of the blades having a suction face leading in the direction of rotation of the runner (as a turbine as opposed to a pump) and a pressure face.    The suction and pressure faces meet at their outer peripheries between the band and the crown in a flow dividing edge. The faces provide smooth streamlined surfaces to define flow paths between adjacent of the blades in the array. Each blade has a portion of its suction surface exposed when viewed in an axial direction toward the outlet end.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides extra 3% reduction in shaft speed before cavitation is encountered.    (6pp)
(US4605813-A)      Flexible amorphous Si solar battery for attaching to a curved body portion has a metal foil substrate supporting an insulating layer of amorphous Si nitride contg. H. The layer is 0.05-0.2 micron thick and is formed integrally by plasma chemical vapour deposition. At least one amorphous Si photoelectric conversion portion is formed on the Si nitride.    Pref. the metal foil is stainless steel, Al, or Fe.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful in vehicle etc. The device is free of cracks and other deteriorations in physical properties. It has a high conversion efficiency.    (7pp)
(DE3235493-C)      Wiring for a solar cell includes a semiconductor plate which is glued between two plastic bands, conductors on the semiconductor, and connection members. Both plastic bands have formed openings which expose the front and back of the semiconductor plate, only leaving the edges covered. The connection members are located at the edge of the upper covering band. Plastic band is pref. made of polyimide, a polymerised polyparaban acid, or polyamide.    ADVANTAGE -   Wiring can be automated and is simple and reliable.    (4pp)
(GB2125112-B)      A wind or water driven horizontal rotating structure of which an integral part is a horizontal vaned rotator having left hand and right hand extensions, such extensions having driving discs for the transmission of energy fitted between each extension flange and the corresponding flange of the left hand and right hand bearing base casing extensions and each bearing base casing forming part of a special bearing mechanism allowing the structure to turn on a fixed axle so that the driving discs actuate a secondary shaft (which can transmit energy either directly or for the generation and/or storage of electricity) such rotational structure being fitted on an undercarriage structure; such undercarriage structure can be either fixed or movable.
(US4461239-A)      AC powered plasma system has electrode with a series of closely spaced conducting plates on one side, spaced from each other by a predetermined distance and which prevent the formation of plasma on their side of the electrode. The plates provide serial capacitance with the electrode to reduce the capacitance to the power supply.    Pref. a conductive shield encloses the plates. The shield has a bottom wall close to the plate furthest from the electrode and is coupled to ground potential.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Mfr. of photovoltaic devices. Reduced input capacitance to facilitate transfer of power to the electrode. (8pp)    (EP100611-B)      An electrode assembly for use in an alternating current powered plasma apparatus, the assembly comprising an electrode (56) which is arranged to be energised by an alternating current power and thus to maintain, in use, a plasma region (64) on one side of the electrode, characterised by a stack of electrically conductive plates (58) which are spaced apart face to face with one another and with the other side of the electrode (56), the spacing precluding the formation of a plasma region on said other side of the electrode (56); whereby the plates (58) provide a plurality of capacitances in series with the electrode (56) to present a low capacitance to alternating current power with which the electrode (56) is, in use, energised.    (9pp)
(US4589821-A)      The turbine includes a shaft (1) supported by an upper hydrodynamic bearing (2) and a lower bearing attached to a bend (5). The bearings are supplied with water from a high-pressure duct (6). A seal is provided between the shaft and the bend (5). A hydrostatic bearing (12) directly supplied with water and under pressure from the high-pressure duct, acts as both a bearing and as a seal.    The bearing comprises pockets for receiving water through channels from the high pressure duct. The bearing (12) is located above the lower bearing (4).    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces centre-to-centre distance between shaft support bearings, making it possible to employ labrynth seals with reduced clearances.    (4pp)    (EP99796-B)      A high-fall multi-stage pump turbine, of the type comprising an upper hydrodynamic bearing (2) and a lower bearing which is integral with an elbow (5) and comprising a joint arranged between the pump shaft and the elbow, characterised in that the said pump comprises a hydrostatic bearing (12), whichis supplied directly with water under pressure from the high pressure conduit and which acts as a joint since it is arranged between the inside and the outside of the said elbow.    (5pp)
(WO8401981-A)      The energy converter has a rotor with several sets of eight vanes (3) arranged underwater in e.g. a stream. Each vane has a pair of arms (6) joined at their ends by rods (7). Each pair supports three blades (8), each blade (8) having three hinged leaves (11). Stops at opposite sides of the blade limit the hinging movement of the leaves (11). Each blade (8) in its closed working position in the plane of the arms (6) engages a bar extending between the arms.    Pref. the rotor is submerged in a water stream (16) which pushes against the closed blades (8) above the shaft (2). Beneath the shaft the blades swing to open positions allowing water flow between them. Pref. a central gear on the shaft drives an alternator. The system achieves effective energy conversion even at low water flow rates.    (US4679985-A)      The energy converter includes a frame, a rotor mounted in the frame with a rotor shaft and vanes, and an element that can connect the rotor shaft to a generator, an alternator or another energy-converting mechanism. Each vane has a holder, a number of blades which hinge in the holder about small axes which lie in parallel relationship with the rotor shaft, and stops for the blades.    The blades are leaves which hinge on one another about axes which lie in parallel relationship with the rotor shaft. Stops limit the relative hinging motion of the leaves on the one hand to the position where they lie in extension of one another, and on the other hand to a position where the leaves form angles, for example in the range of 135 degrees.    ADVANTAGE -   Picks up enough power from flow even when flow has limited speed.    (7pp)
(US4537838-A)      Several panels (5) having the same size and comprising electrically interconnected photoelectric elements (2) are arranged side by side, sepd. from one another, in a compartmented folding pocket (1) open at one side and consisting of flexible insulating material. Each panel (5) is in electrical contact with the connection strips (7,12) incorporated in the material of the compartmented folding pocket (1). The strips extend along the longitudinal edges of the compartmented folding pocket (1), by means of solder strips (3,4). The connections strips (7,12) consist of a flexible metal fabric and form a series and/or parallel connection of the panels (5). Corresponding voltages at the associated currents may be tapped at contact elements (6,6',13,14). At the same time, these elements mechanically hold in place the solder strips (3,4) of the panels (5) with the connection strips (7,12) and the material of the compartmented folding pocket (1). Furthermore, it is possible to transport the interconnected panels conveniently and safely in the folded condition of the compartmented folding pocket.    ADVANTAGE -   Panels connected without using wires. Panels can be readily replaced.    (10pp)
(DE3226167-C)      The solar energy conversion plant has a focussing system directing the solar radiation onto a solar converter using solar cells (22) cooled via a fluid which absorbs the component of the incident radiation which is not converted into electrical energy.    The focussed incident beam (10,11,13) exhibits its smallest cross-section within the cooling fluid, with further divergent beams (16) falling on the solar cells (22) which are attached to a concave shell (23) concentric to the point at which the focussed beam (10,11,13) has its smallest cross-section. The cooling fluid can pass through holes in this shell (23) for obtaining different flow streams for optimum heat transfer.    USE -   Obtaining both electrical and heat energy.    (7pp)
(US4441029-A)      The low-head hydropower turbine system comprises a flow conduit unit inclusive of a runner housing which defines a chamber, and a flow intake which directs fluid into the chamber.    The runner housing has an upper narrow portion defining a vertical discharge channel for fluid.    A valve is positioned beneath the narrow portion within the chamber for controlling the fluid flow discharge from the vertical discharge channel.    The system also includes a runner-generator unit including a generator and a fixed blade propeller turbine runner which is at least partially surrounded by the vertical discharge channel of the flow conduit unit.    A low energy loss, neutrally buoyant needle valve is located below the flow discharge channel of the housing, which regulates the flow discharge by contraction of the discharge area, thus functioning as a flow control device.    (7pp)
(US4791309-A)      The hydroelectric power system has a reservoir (prime moved) (17) driving an electrical generator (10) which supplies a consumer load (B) and an auxiliary load (14). A control system (11) operates control (15) for the prime mover, control (13) for the auxiliary load and/or control (12) for the consumer load in response to a signal from the generator (10) or some other source, so that the supply is stabilised so far as possible to a min.    Normally no energy is dissipated in the auxiliary load, except during a control sequence.    ADVANTAGE -   Can accept step change of consumer load from 100% to 0%.    (5pp)    (DE3382594-G)      The electrical system has a prime mover (16) during an electrical generator (10) connected to a consumer load (B) and an auxiliary load (14). A control system (11) has a sensor responsive to paramter(s) of the generation system. The loads are controlled to receive varying proportions of the generator output in response to the sensor or an external signal. In addition the power output of the prime mover is controlled, so that normally the auxiliary load receives nor or a minimum of power. The prime mover may be a water turbine, in which case its output is controlled by controlling its gates. It may also be a diesel engine, in which case control is of its throttle. The parameter sensed may be the frequency of the generator output. The external signal may be determined by a clock. The system accommodates a step change of consumer load from 100 percent to 0 percent by virtually instantaneous diversion of excess power into an auxiliary resistance bank. The system is also used in a diesel engine driven generating system.
(DE3221098-C)      The floating body - which converts energy from a flowing medium into electrical energy - has two or more horizontal load carrying surfaces which are raised and lowered alternately to drive a generator. The surfaces are connected by rack and pinion drives to a flaoting platform with the generator in its middle, the racks being vertical and the movement being reciprocated in the direction of flow.    Each surface is supported by floating bodies, and the surfaces and bodies are connected by cables to the platform. The toothed racks act as vertical guides, and are housed in tubes.    ADVANTAGE -   Power can be generated at relatively low speeds. (4pp)
(US4586487-A)      A tube-like structure may be deployed from a stowed position where it lies out of the depth of sunlight directed by the concentrator to the receiver, to a deployed position where the structure forms a tube lying forward of the receiver and completely surrounding the axis which connects the centre of the receiver to the centre of the concentrator. The structure is moved primarily parallel to the axis of the receiver.    One protective system includes a group of telescoping tubes in the form of a collapsible camping cup. Another apparatus includes a strip of material wound in a spiral and lying around the receiver, and deployed to a position where it forms a helix, in the nature of a Chinese yoyo. Other alternatives include a bellows and a single tube.    (6pp)
(US4541415-A)      The device is comprised of a supporting base plate on which a large number of hexagonal recesses are provided and a large number of optical systems are arranged on each of the recesses. Each of the optical systems is made up of a hexagonal focusing lens of a dimension that is approximately the same as the hexagonal recesses and of a head-cut hexagonal pyramid which extends downward from the light collecting lens as an upper surface of the recess.    An optical conductor which is a light-receiving surface is provided on the focus of the light collecting lens.    Furthermore, the upper internal circumferential surface of the side wall forming the recess is so formed that it may be able to move freely on the surface of the hexagonal pyramid.    (5pp)
(DE3317269-C)      A known thin layer solar cell has a transparent substrate a thermostable film of an F contg. polymer. The film material is pref. stable to at least 200 deg.C for a period corresponding to the prodn. time of the cell. The polymer is pref. a C2F4 polymer, which cannot be melt processed, esp. PTFE or a copolymer of C2F4 contg. up to 1.5 mol. % F contg. monomer, e.g. C3F6, perfluoro (1-5C esp. 3C) alkyl vinyl ether, C2C1F3. The film has a water vapour permeability not above 10 g/m2. d. bar referred to a film thickness of 100 micrometre.    ADVANTAGE -   The substrate has the temp. stability, transparency, low specific gravity low vapour permeability and durability of these properties during use in a natural environment as well as strong adhesion to a metal oxide layer. (94pp)
(US4595789-A)      The assembly comprises two modules, each comprising a solar cell, a pair of input terminals and a pair of output terminals provided on two sides of the module. The solar cell is connected to at least one of the lines, a pair of input terminals for parallel connection and a pair of output terminals for parallel connection provided on the other two sides of the module, by using input and output lines for parallel connection, input and output terminals are connected to each other and are connected across said solar cell which is connected to the series input or output line.    The assembly further comprises a normally-on switch for turning the switch off when the series input terminals of the first module are connected to the output terminals for second module.    The switch is connected across the output lines and opens when input terminals of said first module are connected to output terminals of the second module.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates wire connections between modules. (6pp)    (DE3415828-C)      The solar cell module has cells arranged in a housing with a terminal (1a) of one polarity on one face of the housing and a terminal (1b) of the opposite polarity on the opposite face. The two terminals are such that a further identical module can be played onto those faces to form a series of cells.    On the two faces there are respective further terminals electrically coupled together.    The terminals are connected to the further terminal via a switch (5b) which, by plugging in an identical module, is opened. On third and fourth faces of the housing there is a connection pair such that by plugging on a further similar module to the third or fourth face, a parallel circuit arises.    (6pp)
(DE3317309-C)      Thin film solar cell arrangement has substrate for carrying the solar cell,w hich is made of an electrically insulating flexible film, and contg. electrical circuits. The film contains reinforcing fibres and has electrically conducting wires running at an angle to the fibres. Some of the wires are electrically connected to the solar cells. The reinforcing fibres are pref. based on aramide fibres.    ADVANTAGE -   Solar cell is simple to produce, efficient and reliable.    (5pp)
(US4672948-A)      A solar radiation collector comprises a horizontal elongated receiver, a concentrator, and an intermediate device positioned between the concentrator and the receiver for reducing energy losses due to radiation emitted by the receiver. The device completely encloses the receiver and has an elongated closed transparent window parallel to the length of the receiver for transmitting solar radiation focussed by the concentrator onto the receiver. The device has reflective arcuate surfaces for reflecting solar radiation reflected from the receiver back onto the receiver. The concentrator comprises a concave mirror. The collector is mounted for tracking the sun.    (21pp)
(DE3317509-C)      The actuator has its drive within the satellite and an axial and radial bearing for the shaft composed of constantly pre-tensioned roller bearings with uniform temp. coefficient plus a slip-ring on the common shaft for signal and/or energy transmission.    The slip-ring and drive are inside the satellite and the bearing is placed between them.    The drive should consist of two stepping motors (2) of appreciable radial size, using axial air gaps and rotors joined to the drive shaft (11).    One motor (22) acts as passive redundancy.    The roller bearings (5,6) form the only bearing.    Their contact angle is such as to prevent play between inside and outside parts when the inner parts are powerfully heated.    The drive unit is near the outer skin of the satellite and the slip-ring is positioned remote from this.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Satellite, solar collector or antenna power supply.    Low-cost actuator is proof against temp. fluctuations and has redundant drive motor for emergencies.
(US4555585-A)      The apparatus has at least two panel portions which are connected together at a foldable edge to form at least one foldable pair which, in the folded-together state, is preferably stored in a panel container. A stationary folding and unfolding system brings the solar cell panel into the folded or unfolded state. During the folding process, the lowermost deployed foldable pair is folded together while the foldable pairs above it remain unfolded.    The deployed foldable pairs are folded together individually in succession. During the unfolding process, the uppermost foldable pair stored in the panel container is unfolded while the fold pairs below it are held in the folded state. The stored foldable pairs are unfolded in succession during deployment. (14pp)    (DE3316789-C)      In a device for folding or unfolding a foldable solar cell sheet, a cord system is provided having at least two    cords (11,12). One end of the lines is mechanically connected to the end plate (7) of the uppermost sheet part (2), while the other end is windable via a sprung drum (13,14) on the lowermost part.    A device is provided to lock the lower pair of sheets in their folded position while the upper pair remain unfolded.    A holder is provided which, during and after an unfolding operation, hinders the unfolding of the folded together pair in a folding out operation.    The upper pair is capable of folding out while the lower pair can remain closed so that all pairs can individually be folded in or out w.r.t. each other.    (10pp)
(US6490090-N)      A mirror module for concentrating solar radiation includes a flexible membrane stretched on a frame in a drum-like manner. The membrane is pref. a polymer or otherwise impregnated fabric material or metal sheet or mesh screen.    On one side of the membrane is an optical reflecting surface, such as silvered glass securely bonded to the membrane.    The composite member is attached to the frame by springs.    Non-uniform edge tension can be used to change the shape of the flexible membrane from a generally flat arrangement to a parabolic trough arrangement for enhanced solar radiation concentration.    The modules may be employed individually or as a collective assembly in a heliostat.    (17pp)    (US4511215-A)      The system focusses solar radiation on a point or a line as defined by an array of solar collectors. Each mirror module includes a flexible membrane stretched over a frame and further includes a silvered glass or plastic mirror for forming an optical reflecting surface.    The configuration of the optical reflecting surface is variably adjustable to provide for the focussing of the solar energy on a given collector array.    ADVANTAGE -   Flexible mirror-membrane combination is lightweight to facilitate installation and reduce system cost, yet structurally strong enough to provide for precise focussing of incident solar radiation in semi-rigid reflector system in which unwanted reflector displacement is minimised.    (7pp)
(US4538886-A)      The panel has a reflective continuous anticlastic surface concave in a first direction with a curved arc cross-section in each plane extending in the first direction.    The surface is convex in a second direction perpendicular to the first and has a curved arc cross-section in the second direction for providing a linear zo zone of concentration.    The zone is a narrow band spaced from and extending in the second direction.    The location of the zone moves in the first direction as a result of changes in the angle of incidence of impinging sunlight.    The zone moves in a plane parallel to the tangentline at the midpoint of the panel.    A collector absorbs light reflected onto the zone and is mounted for movement with that of the zone.    The collector movement is controlled by a microprocessor programmed with an algorithm.    ADVANTAGE -   The device is simplified and more efficient.    (US4587951-A)      The roof includes a concentrator made up of one or more anticlastic panels that feature a non-developable doubly curved surface. The panels are concave in the north-south direction and convex in the east-west direction. The panels are formed to have parallel circular arcs in the north-south direction of increasing radius from the centre of the panel to its edges and having a curved cross-section in the east-west direction.    The concentrator reflects light to a narrow zone    of concentration which moves within a plane in response to changes in the angle of incidence of sunlight.    ADVANTAGE -   Does not require special support frame to maintain shape.    (12pp)
(US6471392-N)      Vertical tube flash evaporator for introducing a super-heated liquid into a flash evaporation chamber comprises a vertical inlet tube with a flared diffuser at its upper outlet.    Annular screens are axially spaced around the tube below the diffuser.    The screens are pref. cup-shaped.    Unvapourised liquid sheets and drops collide with each other to enhance evaporation.    USE -   Generating electric power from temp. gradients in ocean water.    (13pp)
(US4613760-A)      The system includes a differential drive unit having an output shaft coupled to the generator. An input is coupled to the turbine, and a second a second input coupled to a reaction machine, the latter controlling the torque on the second input in response to changes in the first input in a sense which tends to compensate for turbine torque variations.    The torque control on the second input of the differential drive unit directly controls the load torque on the turbine as well as the torque on the generator.    ADVANTAGE -   Fluctuations of torque on generator are reduced.
(EP119908-B)      Process for illumination for the optical inspection of solar panels comprising a plurality of solar cells (1000), according to which a source (3) of cold light is displaced in front of a solar panel (4) forming the subject of the said inspection, in order to successively observe all the cells (1000) thereof, the process consisting in generating light at a distance from this panel (4), in collecting a part of this light and in transmitting it to a location in proximity to the panel (4) at a mobile unit (3) forming an apparent source of cold light and with which this light is projected at grazing incidence on a zone of the said panel (4) in the form of an incident beam (5), the focusing of which is adjusted in the course of inspection in dependence upon the requirements inherent in the observation, and in observing the said zone of the panel (4) in a direction (D) close to that of the said incident beam (5).    (7pp)
(US4499329-A)      Thermoelements are mounted between heat exchangers provided with a hot-fluid or cold-fluid circulation duct and alternating with the thermoelements to form stacks or columns placed side by side. This forms an assembly or mounting rack in which the thermoelements are placed in parallel planes and the exchangers facing each other in the form of rows. Two fluid circulation ducts are demarcated, one for the hot fluid and the other for the cold fluid. The constituent elements of each column are held together by tightening portions.    Since the ducts of the exchangers are located outside the tightening axis of the stacks, the exchangers adjacent to one row can turn in relation to one another about the axis of their circulation duct. The thermoelement and the exchangers are in contact along the tightening axis of the stacks, their contacts on at least one of their surfaces having a profile that permits a rotation in relation to the axis of the ducts.    (9pp)
(DE3308895-C)      The multi-stage pump turbine unit (centripetal turbine inlet 1, centrifugal pump inlet 4) is provided with openings (6,14) adjacent to the shaft (8) for the passage of gas and with one or more ducts (7,9,15-17) for discharging gas. The ducts extend from openings (6,14) at the points of smallest radii of liquid rotation.    The ducts are arranged in the central part of the unit defined by the shaft (i.e. 7,15-17) and the rotor (3) hubs (i.e. 9) to connect    to an area (4,18) where the pressure is lower than near the opening.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. turbine in gas scrubbing or petrochemical installation driven by heavily gas-laden liquid, hydroelectric power generator. Effectively discharges gas released during pressure drop of liquid without affecting turbine operation.    (4pp)
(US4567316-A)      The assembly, comprises a number of individual solar cells disposed in rows and at least partly electrically interconnected in series. At least one bypass diode is shunted across at least are of the series-connected solar cells. The diode is normally cut off during operation of the solar cell module and directly integrated into the solar cell module.    A conductor ribbon electrically interconnects two of the solar cells in series. A sheet metal cooling body is connected to the conductor ribbon. The bypass diode is disposed on the cooling body and is connected between another of the solar cells and the conductor ribbon.    ADVANTAGE -   Bypass diode connected without great effort and without additional conductors.    (5pp)
(US4497973-A)      Several thermoelectric generating elements, two coupling devices on opposite respective sides of the elements for interconnecting the elements in accordance with a predetermined pattern, and a rigid substrate affixed to one coupline device on the side opposite the elements, are provided. To permit the elements, the substrate, and the coupling to expand the contract responsive to thermal cycling of the device, stress relieving elements are provided.    The elements comprise one or more flexible electrically conductive members which serve as part of the electrically interconnector of the elements. Alternatively a flexible, thermally-conductive joint connects the second coupling to a second rigid substrate of an electrically insulating, thermally conducting layer upon the second electrical interconnection is provided.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides high degree of resistance to thermally generated stress and resists warpage which could damage elements, or result in poor thermal contact of device to heat exchanger, and subsequent loss of efficiency.    (11pp)
(DE3303926-A)      Disc-shaped solar cells are mfd., the cells (7,8,9,10) being derived through division of a large solar cell disc onto which there is at least one jointing so arranged and formed that after the division, each individual solar cell (7,8,9,10) has at least one junction part (6a-6d) projecting from the disc edge.    On the conductor extent there can be a number of connecting pieces having one end secured to the conductor train.    The free end of the conductor overlaps the adjoining connecting piece part.    The conductor trains can be of disc form projecting over the surfaces of the solar cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Small solar cells can be made.    (6pp)    (US4525594-A)      The device comprises a rear side contact and a conduction path system as front side contact which receives indicent light. At least one metallic, aluminium or copper, connector member is connected to the conduction path system for interconnection of the solar cells with other solar cells.    The connectors are so connected at several spaced locations to the conduction path or paths in an electrically conductive and mechanically fixed manner that when the solar cell is split up into several smaller cells, each individual cell is already provided with at least one connector member protruding beyond the wafer edge.    (7pp)    (DE3303926-C)      Disc-shaped solar cells are mfd., the cells (7,8,9,10) being derived through division of a large solar cell disc onto which there is at least one jointing so arranged and formed that after the division, each individual solar cell (7,8,9,10) has at least one junction part (6a-6d) projecting from the disc edge. On the conductor extent there can be a number of connecting pieces having one end secured to the conductor train.    The free end of the conductor overlaps the adjoining connecting piece part. The conductor trains can be of disc form projecting over the surfaces of the solar cells.    ADVANTAGE -   Small solar cells can be made.
(DE3303000-C)      A solar energy collector (1) is driven according to the position of the sun. It (1) has a reflector (2) with a heat recorder element (3) in the focal region, rotatable about an axis (4), there being a servo drive (5) together with two auxiliary collectors (6,6') coupled together for automatic equal energy collection with respective auxiliary heat receiving elements (7,7'). The latter (7,7') are connected together, through a heat conduction element (8). This enables the heat transfer medium to pass from one auxiliary collector (6) to the other (6') so that, due to the gravitational force, the reflector (2) is piVoted about the tilt axis (4).    The heat transfer medium can be a refrigerant substance. Each auxiliary collector (6,6') can have supplementary reflectors associated with them.    ADVANTAGE -   Obviates hydraulic servo drive.    (5pp)
(US4585318-A)      The first object e.g. solar device is mounted rotatably on a shaft having an axis different to that for the curved path along which the object is to be maintained in alignment with the second object e.g. the sun, the mounting axis being perpendicular to that of the shaft. A hinge is connected by at least one limb to the first object.    A second hinge is arranged on a fixed relationship to the curve path axis and intersects the shaft axis and the mounting axis. The second hinge is connected to the first hinge by a directing limb to tilt the first object around the amounting axis when the drive rotates the shaft.    (18pp)
(US4766884-A)      The solar energy accumulator comprises an optical system for focussing the sunlight and a photoconductor having its light receiving end disposed at the focal point of the optical system. The sunlight is focussed through the optical system and transmitted through the photoconductor to any desired place. A transparent conduit defines a fluid passage through which the photoconductor passes.    An induction substance flows through the fluid passage at a flow rate responsive to the intensity of the sunlight. The induction substance is capable of transformation to a higher energy level by a photochemical reaction to accumulate solar energy from the light component. When the energy level of the induction substance returns to its original state, the energy is emitted as heat.    (7pp)    (US4982723-A)      The solar energy accumulator arrangement comprises a transparent conduit defining a fluid passage. An induction substance flows through the fluid passage at a flow rate responsive to the intensity of sunlight. The induction substance is of a type which transforms to a higher energy level by a photochemical reaction to thereby accumulate solar energy from the light component, when the energy level of the induction substance returns to its original state. The energy is emitted as heat.    A number of optical systems are disposed to focus the sunlight onto said fluid passage to increase the intensity of the sunlight. The optical system focuses the sunlight sufficiently to transform the induction substance to a higher energy level by a photochemical reaction. A solar cell is disposed on the outer surface of a part of said fluid passage outside of the vicinity of the focal points. @(7pp)@
(US4564312-A)      The system uses the energy of waves in the ocean, and comprises a wall having compartments separated by vertical and horizontal partitions. The water of a wave covers the entrance of a compartment and then enters the compartment, and the wave advance forces the air in that compartment through a conduit, past a non-return valve and into a storage tank, from which the compressed air may then be supplied to a turbine.    The partitions between compartments assure that while the entrance to one compartment may be covered with water, whereby the air is forced to the storage tank, the air does not escape through other compartments which are not then covered.    ADVANTAGE -   Utilises both frontal impact of wave and ascending effect on surface of wave.    (5pp)    (GB2131886-B)      Appts. for utilising the energy of waves on a body of water, comprising panel members installed in the path of the waves and interconnected to define a plurality of separate compartments arranged in a substantially horizontal row, each compartment having an opening facing the body of water and being connected to a respective air conduit extending upwardly from the compartment to a common air storage means to which the conduit is connected via non-return valve means, whereby when waves impinge on the opening of a compartment water is forced into the compartment and forces air in the respective conduit through the non-return valve means into the air storage means.
(US4485264-A)      Large-area photovoltaic cell comprises an electrically insulating pattern on a semiconductor body dividing the surface into a matrix of small area segments, with a transparent electrically conductive coating over the semiconductor in each segment. The pattern is thicker than the coating so that it isolates the segments and the body is on an electrically conductive common substrate.    The pattern is pref. of silicone paste 1 mil thick and divides the area into 180 segments, leaving a peripheral border 1/8-3/4 inch wide. The method of forming a cell by depositing a pattern and then the coating is claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates the need for scribing steps.    (10pp)
(US4603551-A)      A relatively lightweight 'motivator buoy' (15), constrained by guides (93)attached to a ballasted 'floating platform' (1) of contrasting and static buoyancy characteristics, reciprocates vertically by wave action. The assembly lifts water via a piston (20) and cylinder (4) through automai non-return valves (21,22) into a pressurised storage compartment (23) incorporating a compressible medium such as an air space.    A water turbine (10) and electricity generator (11) are thus turned or alternatively a hydraulic power source is provided for other uses. Modules so constructed may be linked by an above-water framework to form continuous arrays.    ADVANTAGE -   Complete assembly, before adding ballast is of min. weight and material content.    (8pp)
(DE3238797-A)      The tower for generating power from solar radiation uses tiers of reflectors (1) for directing solar radiation to collectors (2) carried by a horizontal structure (3) aligned between east and west or mounted on a vertical column. Each collector receives radiation from a group of reflectors. The angle between lines at right angles to a group of reflectors and the horizontal plane is smaller than or equal to the angle between the sides of the collectors and the horizontal.    The collectors can be V-shaped parabolic concentrators partic. when mounted on a horizontal structure or, conical parabolic concentrators when mounted on a vertical tower. They can be mounted on carriages for vertical adjustment.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher output from set of reflectors.    (8pp)    (DE3238797-C)      The tower for generating power from solar radiation uses tiers of reflectors (1) for directing solar radiation to collectors (2) carried by a horizontal structure (3) aligned between east and west or mounted on a vertical column. Each collector receives radiation from a group of reflectors. The angle between lines at right angles to a group of reflectors and the horizontal plane is smaller than or equal to the angle between the sides of the collectors and the horizontal.    The collectors can be V-shaped parabolic concentrators partic. when mounted on a horizontal structure or, conical parabolic concentrators when mounted on a vertical tower. They can be mounted on carriages for vertical adjustment.    ADVANTAGE -   Higher output from set of reflectors.
(US4520273-A)      The generator includes an elongated cylindrically shaped framework. An elongated rotor is longitudinally aligned within the framework and is rotatably mounted in it. The rotor has a number of curved blades which cause rotation of the rotor when there is fluid flow, such as water or air current.    The rotor has a magnetic characteristic which is provided by attaching magnets to the rotor blades or magnetising the blades themselves. Several wires are mounted on the framework about the rotor so that when the rotor is rotated current is induced in the wires. The current is collected so that it may be provided for charging a battery.    (7pp)
(DE3239676-C2)      The solar generator is mfd. by placing the solar cells (6) between melt-glue films (3, 4), and covering the sides. The assembly is evacuated and heated. An edge film of melt-glue is laid between the covering films (3, 4) in the regions not occupied by solar cells. The edge film is of the same thickness as the cells. An elastic ring (7) is placed around the assembly, with lips (9, 10) enclosing the side covers (1, 2), sealing an evacuable cavity (8).    The thermal treatment is adapted so that an optically clear, bubble-free generator is produced, and the ring is removed.    ADVANTAGE -   Simplified handling of solar cell assembly.
(US4858434-A)      The wave-activated power generator includes a main body floatable in the water surface and an air chamber formed in the main body. An operating passage is formed extending from the air chamber with its open end submerged under the water. There is a guide passage communicating the air chamber to the atmosphere via a power generator.    Due to the motion of the water column inside the operating passage, there is formed an air flow from the air chamber to the atmosphere through the guide passage, driving the power generator. The operating passage of the present wave-activated power generator is bent approximately in the shape of "L" with its open end oriented toward the downstream direction with respect to the advancing direction of waves, so that it is structured to promote the motion of the water column inside the operating passage due to wave motion.    ADVANTAGE -   High efficiency, even in shallow seq..    (8pp)
(US4485803-A)      The solar receiver comprises several vapour generating tube panels and several superheating tube panels interspersed with the vapour generating tube panels to maintain nearly a constant absorbed power ratio between the superheating and vapour generating tubes independently of heat flux distribution on the absorber surface.    Pref. the superheating tube panels are disposed outwardly of the vapour generating tube panels with respect to the pattern in which they are disposed.    Each of the vapour generating tube panels has at least one web extending behind at least one tube of an adjacent superheating tube panel to act as a radiation shield for the space between each vapour generating tube panel and superheating tube panel.    ADVANTAGE -   Is simple in design, rugged in construction, and    economical to manufacture, and to operate.    (13pp)
(US4512336-A)      At least two parallel vapour generating tubes are spaced apart to provide a gap. A superheating tube is contiguous with each of the two vapour generating tubes and is disposed rearwardly of the gap. The tube receives radiation energy from forward of the gap to assure a proper distribution of incident heat flux among the tubes.    A support is disposed rearwardly of and adjacent the superheating tube and extends transversely to the longitudinal direction. The vapour generating tubes are supported by tie bars connected between them. The superheating tube is held between the vapour generating tubes and the support.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates need for complex and expensive vibration supports for vapour generating tubes.    (13pp)
(US4605813-A)      Flexible amorphous Si solar battery for attaching to a curved body portion has a metal foil substrate supporting an insulating layer of amorphous Si nitride contg. H. The layer is 0.05-0.2 micron thick and is formed integrally by plasma chemical vapour deposition. At least one amorphous Si photoelectric conversion portion is formed on the Si nitride.    Pref. the metal foil is stainless steel, Al, or Fe.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful in vehicle etc. The device is free of cracks and other deteriorations in physical properties. It has a high conversion efficiency.    (7pp)
(DE3235493-C)      Wiring for a solar cell includes a semiconductor plate which is glued between two plastic bands, conductors on the semiconductor, and connection members. Both plastic bands have formed openings which expose the front and back of the semiconductor plate, only leaving the edges covered. The connection members are located at the edge of the upper covering band. Plastic band is pref. made of polyimide, a polymerised polyparaban acid, or polyamide.    ADVANTAGE -   Wiring can be automated and is simple and reliable.    (4pp)
(US6352738-N)      Method employs an evacuated chamber contg. a target, a seed material adjacent the target, a target heater and a source of high energy ions. The target is heated to a preset temp. and then bombarded, together with the seed material, by high energy ions to sputter etch its surface. The seed material is pref. a material of sputter yield less than that of the target, e.g. of stainless steel, and sputter etching is pref. effected at a target temp. of 250-900K for 5-10 mins. using noble gas ions at at least 400eV.    The reflectance properties of the target surface can be controlled in a predictable manner by controlling the target temp., and the target surface may be textured to absorb sunlight efficiently and have minimal emittance in the infrared region so that it is useful as a solar absorber.
(US4533292-A)      A rotary pedestal fixed to a rotary shaft is provided with rotor blades having a zero lift plane on a circular surface coaxial with the shaft. The circular surface is generated by rotating a straight line about the shaft, the straight line held at a non-zero angle to a plane. The plane intersects the rotary shaft at a perpendicular angle. The reciprocating flow is directed radially outward and radially inward when viewed from the centre of rotation.    The blades have a configuration comprised of an alignment of a blade configuration, symmetrical in a plane of radial and angular coordinates about a radial coordinate, the coordinates mappable by conformal representation into the physical coordinates of the blade.    (18pp)
(US4484565-A)      The device comprises a casing which is open at opposite ends and a member for closing one of the open ends of the casing and formed with a cruciform opening. A second member closes the other open end of the casing. A photosensor is mounted on the second closure member aligned with the centre of the cruciform opening in the first closure member.    At least two of symmetrical second photosensors are mounted on the second closure member such that each is intersected by an imaginary perpendicular extending from an adjacent outermost edge of the cruciform opening on a predetermined portion. The predetermined portion of each of the second photosensors is pref. an inner edge or an intermediate portion.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for solar energy collector. Is not influenced by indirect incident light beams.    (15pp)
(US4461239-A)      AC powered plasma system has electrode with a series of closely spaced conducting plates on one side, spaced from each other by a predetermined distance and which prevent the formation of plasma on their side of the electrode. The plates provide serial capacitance with the electrode to reduce the capacitance to the power supply.    Pref. a conductive shield encloses the plates. The shield has a bottom wall close to the plate furthest from the electrode and is coupled to ground potential.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Mfr. of photovoltaic devices. Reduced input capacitance to facilitate transfer of power to the electrode. (8pp)    (EP100611-B)      An electrode assembly for use in an alternating current powered plasma apparatus, the assembly comprising an electrode (56) which is arranged to be energised by an alternating current power and thus to maintain, in use, a plasma region (64) on one side of the electrode, characterised by a stack of electrically conductive plates (58) which are spaced apart face to face with one another and with the other side of the electrode (56), the spacing precluding the formation of a plasma region on said other side of the electrode (56); whereby the plates (58) provide a plurality of capacitances in series with the electrode (56) to present a low capacitance to alternating current power with which the electrode (56) is, in use, energised.    (9pp)
(US4428200-B)      System for extending the operational life of the reinjection system of a geothermal power plant energised by high temp., high silica content geothermal brine from a source such as the Salton Sea geothermal field or the Brawley geothermal field is claimed.    The stream of geothermal brine which flows through the plant is passed slowly through a zone of particulate material having large cumulative area in contact with the brine to seed the pptn. of dissolved silica from the brine onto the particles so as to reduce the amt. of dissolved silia available for pptn. in the reinjection system.    The zone of particulate material may be established as a floating silica sludge blanket in a reactor clarifier which also has a reaction zone in which silica precipitation is initiated. The vessel such as a reactor clarifier in which the zone of particulate material is established is maintained devoid of atmospheric oxygen to minimise other chemical reactions in the zone that would be injurious to the reinjection system.
(GB2124306-B)      A heat engine comprising a duct through which a continuous flow of a fluid medium is directed in use, a first control gate in the duct defining the upstream end of a controlled section of the duct, a second control gate in the duct defining the downstream end of said section, said gates operating to pass the flow through said section in use while sustaining a pressure differential therein, means for extracting heat from the medium passing through said section and thereby continuously creating a pressure differential therein, and power output means to which a driving force derived from said pressure differential is operatively applied.
(WO8401981-A)      The energy converter has a rotor with several sets of eight vanes (3) arranged underwater in e.g. a stream. Each vane has a pair of arms (6) joined at their ends by rods (7). Each pair supports three blades (8), each blade (8) having three hinged leaves (11). Stops at opposite sides of the blade limit the hinging movement of the leaves (11). Each blade (8) in its closed working position in the plane of the arms (6) engages a bar extending between the arms.    Pref. the rotor is submerged in a water stream (16) which pushes against the closed blades (8) above the shaft (2). Beneath the shaft the blades swing to open positions allowing water flow between them. Pref. a central gear on the shaft drives an alternator. The system achieves effective energy conversion even at low water flow rates.    (US4679985-A)      The energy converter includes a frame, a rotor mounted in the frame with a rotor shaft and vanes, and an element that can connect the rotor shaft to a generator, an alternator or another energy-converting mechanism. Each vane has a holder, a number of blades which hinge in the holder about small axes which lie in parallel relationship with the rotor shaft, and stops for the blades.    The blades are leaves which hinge on one another about axes which lie in parallel relationship with the rotor shaft. Stops limit the relative hinging motion of the leaves on the one hand to the position where they lie in extension of one another, and on the other hand to a position where the leaves form angles, for example in the range of 135 degrees.    ADVANTAGE -   Picks up enough power from flow even when flow has limited speed.    (7pp)
(US4477145-A)      The appts. includes a lens for collecting sunlight and a sensor for detecting the sun's azimuth and altitude.    An optical conductor receives the sunlight collected by the lens and a first rotatable shaft turnably supports the lens.    A support arm turnably supports the first rotatable shaft and a second rotatable shaft turnably supports the support arm about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the first rotatable shaft.    A capsule is provided in which all of the above are hermetically sealed.    When the sun's azimuth and altitude are detected by the sensor, the turning of the first and second rotatable shafts is controlled to cause the lens to face the position of the sun so as to introduce the collected sunlight by the lens means into said optical conductor.    A suction pump or blower is provided within the capsule so as to produce an air current around the sensor and to maintain the temperature around the sensor to a proper level.    ADVANTAGE -   Temp. fluctuations within the capsule are avoided.    (7pp)
(US4730602-A)      Solar power plant has a stationary radiation collector and a balanced reflector with a low friction mounting which moves around a swivel axis.    An adjusting mechanism directs the radiation onto the collector and an electric motor driven the mechanism through a high ratio redn. fear.    There are at least two solar cells connected in a parallel circuit opposite each other. The circuit is directly connected to the    motor so that when the cells are exposed to focussed radiation voltages are produced amplification.    The voltages are the sole powe supply.    ADVANTAGE -   The tracking system is simple and the use of piston-cylinder drives which occupy a lot of space are not required.    (7pp)
(US4490621-A)      At least one caisson which is part or all of a breakwater forms a water chamber whose closure is a pendulum having a natural period in rocking or oscillating the same as a period of stationary wave surfes caused in the water chamber by rocking movement of the pendulum owing to wave force impinging against the pendulum. At least one double-acting piston and cylinder assembly is connected to the pendulum.    When a piston of the assembly is reciprocatively moved by the pendulum, pressure difference between cylinder chambers on both sides of the piston of the assembly controls a change-over valve which in turn controls hydraulic pressure discharged from the cylinder chambers to be supplied to hydraulic motors respectively having accumulators. Accumulated pressure and volume of the hydraulic liquid are proportional to each other, whereby driving a common generator alternately by the hydraulic motors.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates fluctuation of output due to periodic variation in wave energy. Has high power generating efficiency over wide range (high to low) of waves.    (11pp)
(US4583583-A)      Cooler for coolant circulated from a fuel cell comprises a bendable length of flexible conformable conduit with a coolant passage formed by straight parallel spaced sections connected by end bends in serpentine shape.    A coil (70) is located in each bend (72) so that the material can bend to small radius without crimping and the coils are connected by straight lengths (74) of the same material passing through the straight sections.    The cooler may be metal-free, or the conduit may be formed in PTFE and the coils be of metallic material.    The conduit is pref. supported by a plate (41) with grooves for conforming the conduit into intimate contact with the plate.    ADVANTAGE -   Can be adapted to various configurations without impairing through flow to maximise heat transfer.    (15pp)    (US4945010-A)      Cooling assembly for removing heat from a fuel cell comprises at least one conduit held in the cooling assembly by a member conforming to part of the conduit. The member includes a channel whose inner surface has a truncated half-circle contour to conform the conduit to the shape of the channel automatically when the member and conduit are assembled. The conduit is metal free.    ADVANTAGE -   Heat transfer is maximised without undue mfg. and assembly tolerances. @(15pp)@
(US4555324-A)      Porous gas diffusion electrode comprises an electroconductive porous substrate, which has on one surface reaction gas feed channels or is used with one surface in contact with reaction gas feed channels. It comprises gas impermeable, electrically insulating seals formed from a material comprising a TFE-perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether copolymer and a substance (I) wettable w.r.t. an electrolyte and thermally and chemically stable provided on the substrate at least at both end portions parallel to the reaction gas feed channels.    (I) is used on the substrate at least at a hot pressure bonded portion formed from the copolymer of the face opposite the face having the gas feed channels or the face opposite the face to be contacted with the reaction gas feed channels during use.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For an air-metal cell or hydrogen-air (oxygen) cell. Mixing of different gases at end portions of the substrate is prevented and insulation is maintained. (11pp)    (JP93078145-B)      The electrode comprises (a) an electroconductive porous substrate having one surface contg. or contacting reaction gas feed channels and (b) gas impermeable, electrically insulating seals of tetrafluoroethylene perfluoroalkyl vinyl ether (PFA) copolymer provided on the substrate at at least both the ends parallel to the reaction gas feed channels.    The electrode is mfd. by (i) applying the PFA copolymer on the substrate, at least at the end portions parallel to the gas feed channels; and (ii) subjecting the coated substrate to hot pressure bonding using a pressure bonding tool of metal precoated with a fluoride oil to form the seals.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrodes are useful for fuel cells or metal air cells. The electrode positively shields the gas streams at the coated ends and maintains electrical insulation even when subjected to pressure for lamination. Lamination of elements is simplified, mfr. time is shortened and yield is increased. (J60091560-A)
(US4544461-A)      Anode for electrochemically oxidising a S-contg. gas comprises a multi component disordered catalytic material including a host matrix including at least one transition metal and at least one modifier element, consisting of S or O, which promotes the disorder in the structure.    The material has at least one amorphous phase microcrystalline phase and/or polycrystalline phase lacking long range compsns. order.    Pref. the host matrix is C, Co, Mo, Fe, Ru, Ti, W, Cu, or Pb and the modifying element provides a sulphide, oxide, or oxysulphide of the host matrix element.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Fuel cells using H2S as a fuel, in which optimum catalytic activity is achieved by the use of tailor-made catalytic material.    (10pp)    (JP94045910-B2)      Anode for oxidn. of S-contg. gas comprises a host matrix contg.: at least one transition metal pref. C, Co, Mo, Fe, Ru, Ti, W, Cu or Pb; and an O or S modifier pref. forming sulphide, oxide or oxy-sulphide of the host metal and providing compositional disorder in the material. The material has a form which increases the density of catalytically active sites and is pref. amorphous, micro-crystalline or poly-crystalline lacking long-range order.    Membrane cell for oxidising S-contg. fluid which includes the above anode in contact with the fluid.    USE -   Specifically in an H2S fuel cell or a cell for removing H2S from a fluid, esp. natural gas. Anode has high catalytic activity and good resistance to poisoning.
(DE3316136-C)      Complex cpds. which participate in redox reactions and have deteriorated due to hydratisomery, are re-activated by adding to the soln. of the redox system ethylene diamine or linear N-alkylamine oligomers of formula    H2N-CH2-CH2-(NH-CH2-CH2-)nNH2    in which n is 1, 2 or 3 and/or N,N,N',N'-tetraethyldiethylene-triamine.    Pref. the redox system is a Cr2+/Cr3+ soln. in HCl of an electrolytic cell. Pref. about 0.01 mol./l are added to the Cr2+/-Cr3+ soln. Pref. conducting salts, esp. KCl are added to the Cr2+/Cr3+ soln..    ADVANTAGE -   Long-life electrolytic energy reservoir can be produced contg. a Cr3+/Cr3+ redox pair.    (3pp)
(US4513066-A)      The fuel cell comprises at least one oxygen electrode and at least one hydrogen electrode separated by thin-film porous hydrophilic membranes wetted with a solution of electrolyte. Between the hydrophilic membrane and oxygen electrode and also between the hydrophilic membrane and hydrogen electrode there are located two electrically-conducting metal elements, each associated with a hydrophobic porous membrane plated with a thin film of noble metal catalyst. The thin film of catalyst each has a thickness of up to 100 A.    The sequential arrangement of electrodes, membranes, electrolyte, conducting elements and catalyst films is subjected to a gas pressure of 5000 to 20,000 psi whereby the oxygen and hydrogen gases go into solution in the electrolyte electric current generated by the reaction of the gases at the surface of the catalysts is taken from the electrically-conducting elements. The preferred noble metal for the thin film catalyst is platinum. The preferred electrolyte is aqueous potassium hydroxide.    (9pp)
(US4554225-A)      Molten carbonate fuel cell has a cathode and anode of porous material in contact with an electrolyte, the cathode and anode each comprising a bilayered structure. The structure has a porous layer at the side of the electrolyte and a porous layer at the side of an element for supplying fuel (oxidant) gas and consisting of a sintered layer of fibrous material. The pores in the layer adjacent to the electrolyte have a capillary action towards the molten carbonate, and the pores in the other layer are not capable of capillary action.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell can be operated at a high output density for a long period and a low internal resistance is obtd.. (9pp)
(EP123960-B)      A fuel cell assembly comprising: first and second electrodes; a matrix for carrying electrolyte sandwiched between said electrodes, said matrix having a peripheral area extending beyond said electrodes; first and second process gas plates sandwiching said matrix and said electrodes; and independent shims sealing said peripheral area, characterised in that each said shim is integral and comprises silicon carbide in an amount of at least about 50 percent by weight.    (6pp)
(US4526812-A)      A porous tape for holding electrolyte in a molten carbonate fuel cell is produced by A) mixing ceramic particles coated with a carbonate and having a dia. of 0.1-5 microns with sufficient binding agent to B) allow shaping into a self supporting tape, C) heating the tape to decompose and vapourise the binding agent to produce D) a tape a) less than 760 mm thick but substantially thicker than the dia of the ceramic particles, b) having a porosity 30-65 vol.% referred to tape volume and c) having a pore size 0.2-2 microns. The binder is solid at room temp., liquid at elevated temp., decomposes below 400 deg. C and vaporises without leaving any significant residue. The ceramic particles pref. consist of Li aluminate and/or Sr titanate. The carbonate coating is Li2CO3, Na2CO3 and/or K2CO3 or their mixt. with SrCO3.    ADVANTAGE -   The tapes can be produced economically; they are unaffected by the molten carbonate electrolyte and withstand operating conditions without breaking.    (7pp)    (US4540640-A)      Porous electrolyte tape for supporting electrolyte is a molten carbonate fuel cell consists of electrolyte carbonate coated ceramic particles of size 0.1-5 microns, the coating representing 5-30 vol.% of the particles.    The tape is thicker than the dia. of the particles, and is less than 30 mils thick with a porosity of 30-65 vol.    Also claimed is a composite useful in a molten carbonate fuel cell and comprising an electrode carrying a similar porous electrolyte tape on one face.    The ceramic particles in the tape are pref.    Li aluminate and/or Sr titanate.    ADVANTAGE -   Cracking is avoided upon electrolyte impregnation in the fuel cell.    (7pp)
(US6541213-N)      Solid oxide fuel cell has a monolithic core in which each electrolyte wall consists of thin layers of cathode (32) and anode (30) materials sandwiching a thin layer of electrolyte. There is an array of electrolyte and interconnect walls (36,38) in which the latter consist of thin layers of the cathode and anode materials sandwiching a thin layer of interconnect material. The electrolyte walls (36) are back folded between adjacent interconnect walls (38) to define core passages alternately arranged where the inside faces have only the anode or the cathode material exposed. Fuel is directed to the anode exposed core passages and oxidant is directed to the cathode exposed core passage. The layers of electrolyte and interconnect materials are each 0.002-0.01 cm. thick and the cathode and anode layers are each 0.002-0.05 cm. thick.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell is designed with no non-active materials for support.    (35pp)
(US6541178-N)      Solid oxide fuel cell has a core defining elongated passages for fuel and oxidant gases. The cathode and anode are sepd. in certain regions by the y electrolyte and in other regions by interconnect material defining a wall across which potentials are added in series. Cathode and anode passages are oriented between parallel interconnect walls and electrolyte walls angled back and forth between interconnect walls.    Separator walls extend from the core side faces and are midway between and parallel to adjacent overlying and underlying interconnect walls to define manifold chambers (18,19,20,21) on opposite sides of each intermediate separator wall. Each angled electrolyte wall (34,35) blends into the intermediate separator wall redirecting corresponding fuel and oxidant passages to respective chambers above or below the intermediate wall. There are inlet and outlet connections to the chambers.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell manifolding eliminates the need for oxidant feed tubes. Cell passage cross-sections are small and high power densities are obtd.    (31pp)
(US6541177-N)      Solid oxide fuel cell has a monolithic core with flow passage (13,14) for the fuel and oxidant gases extending transversely to one another. The fuel flow passages are defined by anode material and the oxidant flow passages are defined by cathode material. The cathode and anode materials are sepd. from each other in certain region of the core by electrolyte material to define an electrolyte wall (45) across which electrical potential is generated. The cathode and anode materials are also sepd. from each other in other regions of the core by an interconnected material defining an interconnect wall (48) across which the potential generated at the electrolyte walls are added together in series.    ADVANTAGE -   Full face core manifolding of gases and their reaction prods. are achieved.    (22pp)
(US4539084-A)      Unreinforced fluorinated polymer membrane which is impermeable to hydraulic liq. flow comprises first and second layers of fluorinated polymer whose functional gps. are CFZ-COOM and CFQ-SO3M/ respectively, where M is H, Na, K or NH4; Z is F2CF3 or CF2Cl; and Q is F, Cl, 1-10C perfluoro alkyl or CF2Cl.    Adjacent layers are adhered together and a hydrogen bubble release layer is provided as the outer surface of the first layer. Voids are present at the outer surface of the second layer to a void content of 20-70%. Polymer with CFZ COOM gps. has equiv. wt. 670-1500. Polymer with CFQ-SO3M gps. has equiv. wt. 600-1500.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For sepg. compartments in a chloralkali cell. The cell operates at low voltage, high current efficiency and low power consumption.    (11pp)
(US4582632-A)      Non-permeable carbonised formed bodies consist of carbonaceous material contg. 5-50 wt.% graphite and balance glassy carbon formed by bake-carbonising thermosetting resin.    The bodies are produced by kneading a mixt. of thermosetting resin powder, graphite powder and thermosetting resin liq. in the required proportions; shaping, drying and hardening the mixt.; then bake-carbonising the shaped body in a non-oxidising atmos., pref. at 800-2000 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The bodies have high layered compressive strength and bending strength. They have high electroconductivity and are used esp. as separators and collectors in phosphate-type fuel cells.    (10pp)    (DE3413646-C)      Impermeable carbon moulding (I) is obtd. by converting a heat-curable resin into carbon by heat treatment.    (I) comprises 5-50 wt.% of graphite, the rest being glass-type carbon; and (I) has a density Y which is greater than or equal to (0.004.X) + 1.235 in which X the amt. of graphite in wt.%; and (I) has a gas    permeability which is smaller than 1.421 cubic dm/m2.d.bar. per 1mm thickness.    ADVANTAGE -   Moulding (I) has improved mechanical strength, esp. improved compressive strength in laminated state, and has improved bending strength.    (11pp)
(US4481266-A)      Battery has a reactive metal electrode, flowed electrolyte, and a porous cathode defining a catalytically active surface at an interface with the electrolyte.    Electrochemically reducible soluble cathode reactant material is supplied through the cathode to the active surface where it is reduced to maintain a high energy discharge rate.    The cathode is pref. a solid electrochemically reducible porous material.    Pref. the reactant material is supplied through flow passages distributed through the cathode.    The reactant material is pref. a halogen, alternatively hydrogen peroxide, Li peroxide, a nitrite bromate, chlorate, sulphite, dinitrogentrioxide or hypochlorite.    ADVANTAGE -   Significant amts. of unused reactant are avoided.    (4pp)
(US4661423-A)      Fuel cell electrolyte matrix, interposed between a fuel electrode and oxidising electrode comprises (a) a first layer of tightly connected particles of electron-insulating, electrolyte-resistive material having electrolyte filled in the spaces formed among the particles; (b) a second, adjacent layer formed of loosely connected particles of electron-insulating, electrolyte-resistive material having electrolyte filled in the spaces formed among the particles; and (c) electrolyte of phosphoric acid or polymer of trifluoromethanol sulphonic acid.    Amt of electrolyte in (a) per unit wt of particles is larger than that in (b), pref. 1-2 times. The electrolyte-resistive material may be SiC, WC, Si3N4, ZrO2, Ta2O5, Zr phosphate or Si phosphate.    ADVANTAGE -   A large amt. of electrolyte can be impregnated into the matrix without reducing the bubble pressure.    High conductivity of the H ions is preserved and high performance of the resultant fuel cell ensured.    (7pp)    (JP93044145-B)      Fuel cell electrolyte matrix, interposed between a fuel electrode and oxidising electrode comprises (a) a 1st. layer of tightly connected particles of electron-insulating, electrolyte-resistive material having electrolyte filled in the spaces formed among the particles; (b) 2nd. adjacent layer formed of loosely connected particles of electron-insulating, electrolyte-resistive material having electrolyte filled in the spaces formed among the particles and (c) electrolyte of phosphoric acid or polymer of trifluoromethanol sulphonic acid. Amt. of electrolyte in (a) per unit wt. of particles is larger than that in (b), pref. 1-2 times. The electrolyte-resistive material may be SiC, WC, Si3N4, ZrO2, Ta2O5, Zr phosphate or Si phosphate.    ADVANTAGE -   A large amt. of electrolyte can be impregnated into the matrix without reducing the bubble pressure. High conductivity of the H ions is preserved and high performance of the resultant fuel cell ensured. (J59181466-A)
(US4546010-A)      Conductive layer is formed on the surface of a solid electrolyte using an organic ion exchange material swollen in a liq., impregnated with a soln. of metal ions then dried and exposed to a reactive atmos. in a gas stream at 50-250 deg.C. The metal ions are converted into finely distributed particles electrically contacting each other. The doped ion exchange material is swollen in an organic polar solvent and is converted into a brushable paste which is applied to the electrolyte by brushing or screen printing then dried.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electrochemical cell in which a coating process is used with minimal expenditure on appts. to obtain a conductive layer.    (5pp)
(US4552631-A)      Reinforced ion exchange membrane comprises a fluorinated (co)polymer membrane capable of cation exchange, in which the first two or more layers of fluorinated polymer units have functional gps. of formula -CFZ-COOM or -CFQ-SO3M, the former in the first layer and the latter in the second layer; such that the layers adhere together and such that the outer surface of the first layer has gaps (void vol. 5-40%, with an open surface area 15-100%) which enhance hydrogen bubble release. In the formulae, M is H, Na, K or NH4; Z is F, CF3 or CF2Cl; and Q is F, Cl, 1-10C perfluoroalkyl or CF2Cl.    USE -   The prods. are membranes for divided cell electrolysis, esp. with aq. NaCl electrolytes or for the electrolytic prodn. of hydrogen and oxygen, and in fuel cells. (17pp)
(EP190150-A)      An oxygen sensor comprises (a) a layer of ceramic Ni(Nb1-x Mnx)2 06-x or Ni2 (Nb1-x Mnx)2 07-x; where M = Zr+4, Ti+4, Sn+4, Hf+4 and/or Cr+4; and x = 0-0.2; pref. Ni Nb206 sandwiched between two layers of porous metallic conductor.    Alternatively oxygen sensor or fuel cell comprises (a') a number of layers (20) of electrolytic ceramic; (b') layers (22,26) of porous metallic conductor interposed and contained between the ceramic layers to form a solid body; where first alternate metal layers (22) are exposed along a first side (24) and second alternate metal layers are exposed along a second opposing side (28); and (c') first and second metal electrodes (30,32) connecting first alternate metal layers at the first side and second alternate metal layers at the second side.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The oxygen sensors provide an electronic signal indicating O2 partial pressure of a first gas w.r.t. O2 partial pressure of a second gas, esp. for combustion systems. The threshold operating temp. is lower then the 600 deg. C of conventional ZrO2-Y2O3, and may be below 350 deg. C. The electrodes are less subject to erosion and corrosion.
(US4496637-A)      Electrode for a flow cell is made of C fibre having 002 crystal direction spacing of quasi-graphite structure of not more than 3.70 angstroms and an average C-axis size of crystallite of not less than 9.0 angstroms and at least 3 mole % oxygen bound to the fibre surface.    Pref. the fibre is a knitted fabric, pref. with an observed density of less than 0.35 g/cm3 and longitudinal and vertical elongation at break of not less than 5%. The electrode is claimed for use in a redox flow secondary battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Good conductivity current efficiency, handling characteristics and hydrodynamic characteristics.    (7pp)
(US6465418-N)      Photoelectrochemical cell has a semiconductor electrode with a charge conductive polymer film chemically or physically attached to or overcoated on the surface. The film includes at least one catalyst and/or charge-relaying reagent.    Polymers used include polyacetylene-, poly(p-phenylene)-, polypyroole-, or phthalocyaninatometal based materials. The semiconductor material used have a band gap of 0.5-3.0 eV and include Si, Se, Fe2O3, Gp. III-V cpds. transitional metal chalcogenides etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Interfacial charge-transfer kinetics can be manipulated so that photodecomposition is suppressed and the required redox reactions promoted. Uses include decomposition of water into H2 and O2, synthesis of alcohols etc.    (27pp)
(US4555317-A)      In the electrolytic mfr. of H2, a cathode is used which has an active surface comprising a Ni substrate coated with a porous layer of conductive material and then with a porous dendritic coating of Ni or Co. The dendritic coating is produced in situ in a chlor-alkali cell by electrolytic deposition. The cathode is the seat of an electrolytic proton redn. in an aq. electrolyte contg. Ni or Co ions.    Pref. the substrate is an impermeable Ni film on a support made of conductive material. The intermediate layer is pref. obtd. by spraying Ni oxide powder in a plasma jet on the substrate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electrolysis of NaCl brine in which a significant redn. in the electrode voltage is obtd. (6pp)
(US4473622-A)      A rapid-start hydrocarbon catalytic cracking system comprises a reactor with a burner (44) operating on a mixt. of the reformable hydrocarbon and air during start-up and hydrogen after reaching cracking temp. Combustion gases are passed into contact with the reactor housing (43) and also through the reactor (40) for indirect and direct heating of catalyst (42).    Direct heating is stopped when cracking temp. is reached, and hydrocarbon is then passed through the reactor to form hydrogen, part of which is supplied to the burner to maintain indirect heating of the catalyst by burning the hydrogen. In partic., the system is connected to supply hydrogen as fuel gas to a fuel cell power system.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Partic. for vehicular power plant, providing rapid start-up.    (8pp)
(US4657829-A)      A continuously operable fuel cell power system operating with reformate H2 and air in normal power intervals and switching to pure H2 and O2 during peak power intervals comprises a fuel cell stack with a hydrocarbon converter producing H2 for normal operation, and water electrolyser producing pure H2 and O2.    Electrolysis current is supplied from a part of the stack to the electrolyser when power demand from the stack is below a set level, the resultant H2 and O2 being stored. Switching responsive to power output level from the stack interrupts the flow of air and reformate H2 and supplies the pure H2 and O2 when output rises above an upper limit.    ADVANTAGE -   allows the stack to be sized for normal low power/air operation but with peak power capacity several times greater.    (6pp)
(US6513523-N)      In    internal dual catalyst system within an anode zone for a fuel cell, an anode has an electrochemically active catalyst with active Ni which converts H2 to H ions. A reforming catalyst is supported and thermally connected to the anode and comprises a thin porous layer of particulate spinel contg. active Ni, heat from the electrochemical reaction being transferred from the anode catalyst through the spinel to the Ni in the reforming catalyst. Hydrocarbon is steam reformed to produce H2 and CO at 350-900 deg.C.    ADVANTAGE -   Hydrocarbon such as CH4 can be utilised as fuel and reforming is carried out internally in the cell. Heat generated at the anode is utilised and the reforming catalyst and anode are combined in a compact structure.    (7pp)
(EP115697-A)      A process for preparing carbon-metal catalysis having a substantial amount of catalytically active metal deposited on the surface of the carbon wherein the metal is in the form of atom clusters, which process comprises: vaporising the metal in the vicinity of an organic or inorganic liquid solvent; dissolving the metal as a labile solvated zero-valent complex in the liquid solvent; contacting a solution of the solvated metal complex, with a solid particulate carbon so as to cause deposition of the solvated metal complex into the pores of and onto the surface of the carbon; and removing excess liquid solvent or solution from the carbon.    (11pp)    (EP115697-B)      A process for preparing carbon-metal catalysis having a substantial amount of catalytically active metal deposited on the surface of the carbon wherein the metal is in the form of atom clusters, which process comprises: vaporising the metal in the vicinity of an organic or inorganic liquid solvent; dissolving the metal as a labile solvated zero-valent complex in the liquid solvent; contacting a solution of the solvated metal complex, with a solid particulate carbon so as to cause deposition of the solvated metal complex into the pores of and onto the surface of the carbon; and removing excess liquid solvent or solution from the carbon.
(US4797379-A)      A molten carbonate fuel cell electrode (I) is made from an electrode structure having pores.    Firstly, an amt. of carbonate constituent for (I) is preselected, and a stabilising constituent is selected for (I).    A ceramic oxide is incorporated into the pores of the electrode structure.    An alkaline hydroxide (II), in soln. form, is incorporated into the pores of the electrode structure at room temp.    The amt. of (II) is selected to be sufficient to enable (II) and the ceramic oxide in the pores of the electrode structure, to be converted to the pre-selected amt. of carbonate constituent and the stabilising constituent, on subjecting the electrode structure to carbon dioxide.    Finally, subsequent to the incorporation steps, the electrode structure, carrying (II) and the ceramic oxide in the pores of the electrode structure, is subjected to carbon dioxide to convert (II) and the ceramic oxide to the pre-selected amt. of carbonate constituent, and the stabilising constituent.    ADVANTAGE -   Cells so obtd. have better performance and cell endurance relative to known cells.    (5pp)
(US4728533-A)      The process for producing an integral edge seal in a gas distribution plate for a fuel cell comprises the steps of providing a porous gas distribution plate and forming a sealing layer along an edge by impregnating the pores in the layer with a material adapted to provide a seal which is operative dry and when wetted by an electrolyte of the cell. The impregnating step is carried out while vibratory energy is applied to the material whereby the pores in the edge are more uniformly sealed throughout the cross-section of the edge of the plate (8). The impregnating step comprises providing a bath of the material, vibratory agitating the bath, and immersing the edge in the bath to form the layer. The bath comprises the material and a solvent, and further includes the steps of removing excess materials from the gas distribution plate and drying the plate to drive off the solvent.    ADVANTAGE -   Does not have need of lengthy heat treatment and has good structural stability.    (9pp)
(US4520081-A)      Hydrogen/bromine cell has two cell frame halves (11,12) made of graphite and each having a face surface with a recess and a back surface. There is an electrode inside each recess one being a bromine electrode (13) and the other one a hydrogen electrode (14). A nonporous pyrographite layer covers at least the surface of the bromine electrode recess and a cation exchanger diaphragm (16) is between the frame halves. The frame halves define tubular holes for the recesses for providing reactants and reaction prods. to and from the cell. The cell is held together by a clamping arrangement adjacent to the frame back surfaces.    ADVANTAGE -   Varying energy supplies can be matched with varying energy demands and decentralisation of energy storage is possible.    (5pp)
(US4517258-A)      Storage battery has a zinc negative electrode, a positive electrode (2) and horizontal parallel pipes of rectangular section with the lower wall forming the negative upper face of a flat bipolar current collector (3) and upper wall including a separator while lateral walls are inert. Alkaline electrolyte can be circulated (10) through the pipes and is charged with zinc salts and spherical particles (9) having an inert core with a conductive coating.    Electrolyte is circulated intermittently by a pump and the particles settle on the lower walls when not circulating and are charged with zinc at the collector. The pump off:on times ratio is pref. 10 for the discharge, and 5 for the charge, phase. The electrolyte is pref. concentrated potash and the particles are of 0.004-0.005 m in dia.. A battery pref. has stacked units with the pipes superposed and connected for serial flow through the units.    ADVANTAGE -   Permits recharging of zinc electrode during large number of cycles without forming dendrites causing internal short circuits or change in electrode shape.    (8pp)
(US4450212-A)      Porous sealed gas distribution plate for a fuel cell includes a seal which comprises a groove extending along one edge of the plate through to an impervious layer covering one face, and a resin member and paste surrounding the member filling the groove.    The seal is pref. parallel to the gas flow.    Seal is resistant to detioration by electrolyte in the cell.    (10pp)
(US4467019-A)      Fuel cell has an electrolyte distribution system with a laminate of two porous layers within the cell, one layer being electrically insulating but passing an ionic current when filled with electrolyte in the relatively large pores of the layer. The second layer has smaller pores to draw electrolyte from the first layer and pass it to a contiguous electrode.    The first layer receives electrolyte from a reservoir outside the cell, and there is pref.a third layer similar to the second and on the opposite side if the first layer to pass electrolyte to a second electrode. The insulating layer is pref. of silicon carbide particles bonded with PTFE.    (6pp)
(US4826716-A)      The non-corrodible, fluid impervious electrically conducting interfacial composite comprises a first porous conductive layer, a second perforate conductive layer, and a resinous layer disposed between the first and second conductive layers. The resinous layer comprises a resinous material filling all of the perforations in the perforate conductive layer.    The resinous material is selected form the fluorinated polymers and mixtures. The fluorinated polymers are selected from the group consisting of polytetrafluoroethylent (PTFE), fluorinated ethylenepropylene and perfluoroalkoxy polymers, or mixtures.    (7pp)    (US4938833-A)      A fuel cell stack has a number of stacked elements with at least one corrosion resistant electrically conductive interface arranged between two of the adjacent elements.    The interface comprises a conductive layer and a second perforate conductive layer bonded by a hot-pressed resin.    The two conductive layers and the resin are arranged to provide bridging electrical contact between a gas distribution plate and filling any remaining void space in the two conductive layers.    The process comprises hot pressing (for example, at a pressure of from about 400 to about 600 psi and at a temp. of from about 600 to 700 degrees F).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Fuel cell stacks for use for e.g. in space.    Impervious to gas or liquids.    (7pp)
(US4460443-A)      Photocatalytic dissociation of chemical cpds. involves ionising in an aq. soln. which is contacted with electrodes consisting respectively of p-type and n-type Fe oxide semiconductor materials. Light is directed    onto the electrodes to induce a potential between the electrodes and through the soln. Cations and anions are neutralised and liberated at the respective electrode.    Pref. the light has an energy of at least 2.2 electron volts. The n-type oxide is pref. doped with Si and the p-type oxide is pref. doped with Mg.    USE -   Photoelectrolytic cell.    (6pp)    (US4533608-A)      Photochemical diode which generates an electrical potential when irradiated with visible light consists of an n-type Fe oxide semiconductor connected to a p-type Fe oxide semiconductor in an insulated low resistance manner.    Pref. the n-type semiconductor is doped with Si and the p-type semiconductor is doped with Mg, more pref. in respective amts. of 1-10 atom.% and 1-20 atom.%.    Also claimed is a method for generating a potential and current using visible light as the sole energy source.    ADVANTAGE -   Externally applied potentials are not required and common readily available, electrode materials are used in simple fabrication techniques.    (6pp)
(US4515871-A)      Electrochemical power generator consists of stacked unit cells with interposed interconnectors.    Each cell has a porous carbon plate anode with gas passage grooves on one surface and a catalyst layer on the other surface.    There is also a cathode with a catalyst layer on one surface and a fluoropolymer resin hydrophobic powder on the other surface. There is an electrolyte layer between the anode and cathode in contact with the catalyst layers.    The electrolyte is prepd. by impregnating an acidic electrolyte into an inorganic cpd. powder which is resistant to heat and chemicals.    The interconnections consist of high density carbon plate with grooves on the surface contacting the cathode, the grooves accommodating H2 as an anode active material.    Two sets of ribs, the second wider than the first are formed between adjacent grooves of the anode substrate, the second ribs being present for every 5-10 of the first ribs. Catalyst is dispersed in the cathode extending in from the surface.    ADVANTAGE -   High generating efficiency is achieved over a long period.    (9pp)
(US4501803-A)      Porous gas diffusion electrode using Ru as an electrocatalyst is conditioned before use as a hydrogen consuming anode by connecting as a cathode in an electrolyte. A current is passed until the electrode drops below the reversible hydrogen potential and evolved H2.    Pref. the Ru is partially oxidised on its surface and the current is passed until the oxidised surface is eliminated.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Secondary metal-hydrogen cells or in the electrowinning of metals or the electrolysis of Na salts. Cell performance is improved and in metal recovery significant energy savings are made.    (3pp)
(US4560626-A)      A refuellable fuel cell has a housing with an anode support (30) carried by one wall (16), an anode supply opening in the opposed wall aligned with the support, a pair of cathodes (24) on opposite sides of the anode (22) to form dual cells, biasing (42) separately urging each cathode under constant force towards the anode, and an electrolyte feed between each cathode and the anode.    The biasing is pref. an inflatable member which is collapsible to allow the cathodes to be oppositely biased (40) to retracted positions. The support pref. holds the anode centred between the cathodes and there is a current collector between each cathode and the anode. Each cathode is pref. carried by a support with seals (44) between each support and the housing to define an electrolyte path between the cathodes and around the anode.    (5pp)
(US4478696-A)      Ionisable reducing and oxidising gases are introduced into an electrochemical cell by introducing a catalytic electrode or barrier of gas permeable material into the cell electrolyte with a rim external to the electrolyte in a chamber which is isolated from the electrolyte. The gas permeable material is of a thickness which is relatively small and the gas flows in the chamber along the rim, before diffusing to the main portion along paths perpendicular to the thickness.    A similar process is claimed independently for introducing H2 into an electrochemical cell. Pref. in this process a catalytic barrier is used and the electrolyte is a metal ion aq. electrolyte soln. The H2 induces H redn. and metal deposition on the barrier.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Metal recovery cells and fuel cells etc., in which the feed systems are simply constructed and are easy to operate. Metal deposition is restricted to the confined barrier region of the cell.    (8pp)
(US4547418-A)      The substrate has a bending strength of not less than 50 kg/sq. cm and a porosity of 50-80%, not less than 70% of pores being open pores and not less than 60% of the pores having a diameter in the range of 5-50 micron. A double layer structure consists of a layer having ribs on one side and a non-ribbed layer having a flat surface on both sides and having a bulk density lower than that of the ribbed layer. The non-ribbed layer is laminated onto a flat surface of the ribbed layer, the laminated sheet being calcinated.    The bulk density of the ribbed layer is 0.5-0.8g/cc and the bulk density of the non-ribbed layer is 0.4-0.6g/cc. The thickness of the ribbed layer excluding the height of the ribs ranges from 1/4 to 5/6 of the total substrate thickness portions the height of the ribs is not included in the total substrate thickness.    (4pp)    (DE3330378-C)      A porous carbon contg. carrier material for a fuel cell electrode has a porosity of 50-80%, and 70% or more of the pores are open, and not less than 60% have a dia. of 5-50 micron.    The material has a bending strength of at least 4.9 Mpa, and has a double layer structure, with a ribbed layer and a non-ribbed layer.    The material density of the ribbed layer is 0.5-0.8 per cu.cm and the non-ribbed layer density is 0.4-0.6 g per cu.cm. The ribbed layer thickness is 1/4 to 5/6 of the carrier material thickness.    (5pp)
(DE3231366-C)      Water is decomposed by electrolysis in hydrogen and oxygen The two gas connections between water container and gas tank pass through piston-cylinder units with valves.    The voltage source is a solar cell battery.    The controls include a barometer and an electromagnet to operate the piston downwards; a spring pulls the piston upwards and closes two contacts.    ADVANTAGE -   This ensures that the gases are kept in their tanks at a constant pressure.    (5pp)
(US4487818-A)      The anode is formed from a host matrix including at least one transition element which is structurally modified by the incorporation of at least one modifier element to improve its catalytic properties. The catalytic body is based on a disordered non-equilibrium material designed to have a high density of catalytically active sites, resistance to poisoning, and long operating life.    Modifier elements, including Ti, Mo, Zr, Mg, V, Si or Al, structurally modify the local chemical environments of a nickel or other transition element host matrix to form the catalytic materials of the anode. The catalytic materials can be deposited as a layer on the surface of porous electrode substrates to form a gas diffusion anode or can be formed as a gas    diffusion electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases operating efficiencies of fuel cells. (8pp)
(US4436793-A)      System for controlling H2 generation upon demand comprises a Hw generator relying on anodic corrosion for generation, a H2 consumer for receiving and using the H2, and a controller for regulating current-in the generator circuit in response to the demand from the consumer.    Pressure, voltage, current on temp. can be used as a measure for the consumer. The anode may be of Mg, Al, and Mg/Al alloy; and the cathode is of steel.    H2 generation is automatically controlled.    (12pp)    (US4463063-A)      Hydrogen generator which produces H2 at least partly by anodic corrosion, has anodic material with a relatively high surface area/vol. ratio, and a cathode is positioned close to it. Aq. electrolyte is between the anodic material and the cathode, the stoichiometric ratio of anodic material to the water in the electrolyte being relatively low. On activating, current flows to produce H2 at a rapid rate.    The anodic material pref. includes, Mg, Al, or one of their alloys. The spacing between the anodic material and cathode is pref. 3-100 mms. The electrolyte is pref. salt water.    ADVANTAGE -   The generator is demand responsive and has a high energy density.    (9pp)    (US4513065-A)      H2 generator includes a drum containing cartridges filled with an electrolyte and an anode and a cathode. The cartridges are activated by an electric current to generate H2 by anodic corrosion. The cartridges are pref. electrically insulated from each other. The H2 is pref. generated in response to demand.    ADVANTAGE -   Can turn on and off almost instantaneously/ (8pp)
(US4537840-A)      Fuel cell for operation at room temp. to 100 deg. C has a fuel electrode and an oxidiser electrode facing each other with an electrolyte between them. The electrolyte is an organic electrolyte of mol. wt. at least 1000. It is at least part sol. in water to generate low mol. wt. ions and high mol. wt. ions. The ions are hardly permeable through the electrodes. Suitably, the electrolyte has a dissociated sulphonic or phosphine gp. radical.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte is not highly corrosive and electrolyte leakage is reduced.    (12pp)
(US4545883-A)      Multicomponent disordered catalyst has a host matrix with at least one transition element and at least one modifier consisting of Ti, Mo, Si, La, Ta, Ce, Zn, O, Cr, Nb, Cu, Fe, V or mischmetal. The modifier changes the local structural chemical environments to provide disorder and create an increased density of catalytically active sites for acting as a catalyst for H2 evolution in an electrolytic cell. The material has at least one amorphous phase, microcrystalline phase, and/or polycrystalline phase lacking long range order. Pref. the host element is Ni, Mo or Co.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Cathode in an electrolytic cell e.g. chlor-alkali cell. The cathode can be made tailor-made to have optimum catalytic activity for H2 evolution.    (8pp)    (JP95033597-B2)      Catalytically active, cathode material for H2 prodn. is mfd. from at least one transition metal, pref. Ni, Mo, or Co, as the host matrix and incorporates 1 or more modifier elements, at least 1 of which is a transition metal, to impart compositional and structural disorders. Modifiers include Ti, Mo, Sr, La, Ce, O and Co, and may also include Al or Zn as a leachable element, subsequently partially removed. Mfr. is by vacuum deposition, pref. on to a substrate, to form an amorphous, microcrystalline or polycrystalline structure or any mixt.    H2 overvoltage redn. up to 210 mV is obtd. w.r.t. mild steel cathodes at 1KA/sq.m. current density. The material is mechanically stable and cheaper and more resistant to poisoning than noble metal compsns. Commercial mfr. of H2 at higher current density than with mild steel is economic.
(US4467050-A)      Fuel cell catalyst member for use in a fuel cell which receives process gas contg. hydrocarbon content. The member reforms the hydrocarbon content through communication between the process gas and the member. The member comprises (a) a metallic plate having a continuous surface of extended dimension; (b) a porous support layer of ceramic material electrophoretically deposited on the surface and comprising lithium aluminate; and (c) an active catalyst material dispersed in (b).    Pref. (c) contains Ni and (a) contains stainless steel. Pref. (c) is uniformly or non-uniformly dispersed in (b).    ADVANTAGE -   Adaptable for use in molten carbonate and solid oxide fule cells.    (10pp)
(US4444851-A)      The stack includes two passages arranged in opposition to support countercurrent flow of the fuel and oxidant process gases. An internal manifold is common to and couples with one of the two passages. The other passage couples with a first external manifold which is likewise common to the other passage. A third passage is disposed transverse to the first and second passages and carries a cooling gas which is coupled to the passage via a second external manifold.    A containment vessel encloses the fuel cell stack and cooperates with the stack to define the first and second external manifolds means.    (8pp)
(US4543303-A)      The fuel cell battery comprises a number of cells separated into cascaded sections in which the oxidant gas from one section of the battery is directly utilisable in the next section of the battery. The cells in each section of the cascaded battery include a hydrated cation transporting membrane separating the cell into anode and cathode chambers. Anode and cathode electrodes are bonded to opposite sides of the membrane and the cells are separated by internally cooled, bipolar separators.    The cathode side outlet of each cell includes cell water/gas separator elements which remove the product water from the outlet gas stream. The oxidant stream may therefore be coupled to an outlet oxidant manifold while the water is removed through a separate water outlet manifold.    ADVANTAGE -   Cells can operate at different pressures.    (7pp)    (DE3323491-C)      The battery is formed from at least two fuel cells, a cell (10) having a cation-exchanging membrane (11) between bipolar separators (12,13), separating the cell into anode (14) and cathode (15) chambers. The adjacent cell has a membrane (16) between bipolar separators (13,17).    A porous C film (21) between each cathode and separator surfaces has a hydrophobic binder, forming product water into drops. A water/gas separator (35) is provided at a separator (12) base to separate water from O.    ADVANTAGE -   Cascade arrangement of cells can be operated at different pressures while allowing product water to drain off.
(EP167696-A)      Installation for the production of biogas in which organic substances together with waste materials, particularly from agricultural operations, are fermented into methane in a number of steps, including a container for the initial aerobic fermentation and a plurality of fermentation tanks the fermentation tanks having a device for circulated the fermenting material, characterised in that the device for circulating the fermenting material is constituted by at least two cap-like, preferably umbrella-shaped bodies which are mounted with their open sides directed towards one another on a tube such is guided on a central spindle so as to be displaceable in a longitudinal direction.    (9pp)    (EP167696-B)      Installation for the production of biogas in which organic substances together with waste materials, particularly from agricultural operations, are fermented into methane in a number of steps, including a container for the initial aerobic fermentation and a plurality of fermentation tanks the fermentation tanks having a device for circulated the fermenting material, characterised in that the device for circulating the fermenting material is constituted by at least two cap-like, preferably umbrella-shaped bodies which are mounted with their open sides directed towards one another on a tube such is guided on a central spindle so as to be displaceable in a longitudinal direction.