(JP92009164-B)      Prepn. comprises (a) forming thin layer contg. Zeigler-Natta catalyst on a desired place in a closed vessel, (b) preparing polyacetylene membrane on the thin layer (a), by feeding acetylene gas to the vessel, (c) forming thin layer (thinner than layer (a) contg. Ziegler-Natta catalyst on the membrane (b), and (d) preparing Ziegler-Natta catalyst on the membrane (c), by feeding acetylene gas into the vessel. The same procedure (i.e. forming layer and preparing membrane) can be repeated, and thicker membrane can be obtd..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A polyacetylene thick membrane (i.e. more than 150 microns) is obtd. The membrane has superior electroconductivity. Used as electrode material for sec. cell. (J60221406-A)
(US4640748-A)      Poly(isothianaphthene) polymers of structure (I) and (II) are new. In the formulae, R1 and R2 are H or 1-5C hydrocarbyl or they may together combine to form a benzene ring fused to the existing benzene ring. X is S, Se or Te. Y is an electrolyte anion. z is 0.01-1. n is 5-500. Pref. Y is a Cl, Br, I, ClO4, BF4, PF6, AsF6, SbF6, AlCl4, AlBr4, FeCl4 or CF3SO3 anion.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For electrodes, electrochromic display elements, solar batteries, electric splicing, electromagnetic wave fixing and conversion devices or reversible oxidn.-redn. systems. The polymers can exhibit high conductivity and can repeatedly perform electrochemical oxidn.-redn. reaction while assuming inherent colours in the respective states. (21pp)o    (EP164974-B)      A polymer having an isothianaphthene structure represented by the formula (Ia) and/or (Ib): wherein R1 and R2 each represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon, alkoxy or alkylthio residue having 1-5 cabron atoms of R1 and R2 together form along with the benzene ring to which they are attached, a fuxing ring which is naphthelene; X is sulphur, selenium or tellurium; Y- represents an anion of an electrolyte; z represents a number from 0.01-1 showing a ratio of the anion per mol of a monomer; and n represents a number of from 5-500 showing a deg. of polymerisation. (27pp)
(US4567121-A)      An electrical cell consists of A) as known 2 electrically conducting parts sealed together by an organic polymer adhesive and B) are electrically insulated from each other by a layer of Al2O3, pref. formed by an anodising process of a part made of Al (alloy) and 0.1-25 microns thick, on a surface of one of the parts.    The 2 parts are pref. each connected to a respective electrode of the cell. One of the parts is a terminal for the cell and is made of a laminar member consisting of a 1st metal suitable as electrical contact and is covered by a layer of Al which bears the Al2O3 layer. The other part of the cell is a container for the electrochemical component of the cell. The adhesive is a hot melt adhesive.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For the prodn. of small hermetically sealed batteries; the electrically conducting parts are firmly sealed together with a thin seal providing a high degree of electrical insulation; the mechanical bond between the parts is very strong.    (8pp)
(US4676338-A)      Composite material comprises Pb or Pb alloy contg. 0.7-100% Ag, 0.1-1.0% Ca or 0.7-1.0% Ag and 0.1-1.0% Ca having pores filled with a resin that is solid at room temp..    Pref. the resin is a thermoplastic resin, insoluble in acid or alkali and having creep strength at least equal to that of Pb or the Pb alloy. It is esp. present at 30-90 vol.% w.r.t. the overall composite material and is an epoxy resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As an anode for nonferrous metal prodn., battery electrode or acoustical insulation. The material exhibits good mechanical and chemical resistance, light wt. and good ageing resistance. (3pp)o    (DE3518436-C)      Electrode material applicable as anode for electrolyte recovery of non-ferrous metals or as battery electrodes consists of porous, open-pored or spongy Pb or an appropriate Pb alloy with ag and/or Ca, in which the pores are filled with a resin which is solid at room temp. Resin is a thermoplastic resin, insoluble in acids and/or bases, with a creep resistance at least as good as the Pb or Pb alloy.    ADVANTAGE -   Saving in wt. and expensive alloy.
(US4619796-A)      Porous carbon plates are made by impregnating (A) a sheet formed by a paper making method from a mixt. of 65-90 wt.% carbon fibre-forming unoxidised organic fibre and 10-35 wt.% pulp, with (B) a soln. of organic polymeric substance. The impregnated sheet is subjected to oxidising treatment then carbonised at at least 800 deg. C in an inert gas atmos..    Suitably, the oxidising treatment is effected in air at 150-350 deg. C. The carbon-fibre forming fibre is e.g. of polyacrylonitrile, rayon, pitch, lignin or phenolic resin.    ADVANTAGE -   A thick, high quality porous carbon plate with excellent chemical resistance, electrical conductivity and strength is obtd. at moderate cost. It can be used as a fuel cell electrode material. (5pp)i
(US4589197-A)      Mfr. of solid state electrochemical cells comprises forming a sheet or film from a soln. of insertion electrode material and a polymeric material capable of forming a complex with a lithium salt. The sheet is then rolled at sufficient pressure to cause densification.    The cell is assembled using the composite cathode, an anode with lithium as the active material and an electrolyte comprising a polymeric material capable of forming a complex with a lithium salt to give an ionically conducting phase in one or both of the composite cathode and the electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   The cells are more compact and have enhanced capacity retention when subject to many charge/discharge cycles. (2pp)
(US4576882-A)      A solid polymer electrolyte consists of A) a matrix of linear poly(ethyleneimine) of formula (-CH2CH2NH-)n and B) LiI,LiClO4,NaI,NaBr,KI,CsSCN,AgNO3,CuCl2,CoCl2 or Mg(ClO4)2. The salt is dissolved and uniformly distributed in the matrix. At least 0 to 0.10, esp. to 0.05 mol salt is present per mol -CH2CH2NH unit.    The salt is pref. LiI,LiClO4,NaI,NaBr,KI or CsSCN, esp. NaI. The mol.wt. of the polymer is esp. 2,000-4,000. The electrolyte is suitably in the form of thin, large area films.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As substitute for aq. electrolytes in electrochemical cells; the films reduce cell resistance and allow large current drains at low current densities; the matrix can be readily made into thin, large area films. (3pp)
(JP93052031-B)      Conductive powder contg. layers consists of many microknotted sections formed by conductive powder contg. poly-tetrachloroethylene resin, and poly-tetrachloroethylene resin fine fibre sections. The fine fibre sections connect three dimensionally the microknotted sections.    Layers consist of many conductive powder free poly-tetrachloroethylene resin microknotted sections and many fine fibres. The fine fibres connect three dimensionally the mmicroknotted sections. The layers are provided between the conductive substance powder contg. layers.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The material for gas diffusion electrode is used for a fuel cell or oxygen-metal cell. The material has high performance and long life and is mass produced at low cost. (J60193269-A)
(US4664994-A)      Lead storage battery has (1) pole posts provided with a layer of polyolefin resin adhered by a layer of epoxy resin and (2) a jacket comprising lamite film or sheet comprising polyolefin film on the inside conducting the electrode plate assembly and a film comprising thermoplastic synthetic resin layers on the outside. The jacket is heat sealed at its periphery except for a portion acting as a safety valve which is left in film-to-film adhering state. The jacket is also heat sealed to the pole posts polyolefin resin layers.    ADVANTAGE -   High reliability heat sealing can be obtd. whereby electrolyte leakage and pole post corrosion are avoided. The plate assembly can be of varying thickness or size. Process is easy, economical and can be automated. (8pp)    (JP93026300-B)      An enclosed lead storage battery comprises a plate assembly consisting of a positive plate, negative plates and a separator; an electrolyte held in position by the plate assembly; and a jacket electrolyte held in position by the plate assembly; and a jacket enveloping the plate assembly and electrolyte made from a laminate film or sheet made by disposing a polyolefin film on the inside in contact with the plate assembly and laminating a film of thermopolastic synthetic resin in at least two layers on the outside of the polyolefin film.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process allows plate assemblies of any thickness and size to be enveloped with ease and at low cost. The batteries are suitable for automated prodn. methods. Good sealing between the jacket and the battery terminal posts is obtd. by heat sealing giving reliable leak-proofing of the battery. The batteries are useful for powering portable electric devices. (J60230353-A)
(US4563404-A)      Anode active material (I) for alkaline cells is gelled with hydrolysed polyacrylonitrile (II) and an alkaline electrolyte soln.. Suitably, (I) comprises zinc and (II) is alkali (esp. KOH) hydrolysed polyacrylonitrile. Pref. (I) comprises 0.8-1.2 wt.% of the anode. The cell cathode may be of Mn, Ag or Hg oxide or air.    ADVANTAGE -   The gelled anode has improved storage life, stability and handling properties. (3pp)r    (JP93006791-B)      Gellification of anodes for alkaline cells comprises the gellification of an active anode material (I) with a hydrolysed polyacrylonitrile (II) and an alkaline electrolyte soln.    Pref. (I) is Zn and pref. the percentage of (II) w.r.t (I) + the alkaline electrolyte soln. is 0.6-1.5 wt.%. Also claimed is an electrochemical cell comprising a gellified anode, a cathode and an aq. alkaline electrolyte, the anode contg. a hydrolysed polyacrylonitrile.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell has improved storage stability, storage life, and handling properties. The gellifying agent (also claimed) can be used with all suitable cathodes e.g metal oxides. Ni hydroxide and air. (J61013561-A)    (DE3521302-C2)      Electrochemical cell has a gelled anode, a cathode and an aq. alkaline electrolyte. The anode contains hydrolysed polyacrylonitrile (PAN).    Pref. anode contains Zn, the aq. electrolyte is a KOH soln., the cathode contains MnO2, silver oxide, mercury oxide and air, and the alkali hydrolysed PAN is 0.8-1.2 wt.% of the anode.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell has a longer life than cells with gel anodes of starch-block copolymers, and has a higher capacity at higher temp.. The gel has better physical characteristics than acrylic acid gels, and gives similar performance.
(DE3413257-C)      A primary cell, and partic. a button-form gas-depolarised cell, with alkaline electrolyte in a metal casing, consists of an inner anode container for the negative electrode material and an outer cathode container insulated from the anode by a polymer seal with a flange against the inner side of the anode. The electrode material is locked in position in the anode space by cutouts and/or projecting lugs on the flange part. The polymer is polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyacetalene or polysulphone.    ADVANTAGE -   The design has a high energy density and a compact, firm construction without risk of leakage or short circuiting.
(JP92067752-B)      An Ni electrode comprises a conductive support having a layer of a mixt. of (a) Ni active material, pref. Ni(0H)2; and (b) a diluent of conductive graphite contg. 1-30 wt.%, based on wt. diluent of a spinel type oxide M2C0204; where M2 = Co, Ni, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and/or Cd; pref. CoCo204, NiCo204 or MnCo204; and pref. (c) a binder, esp. PTFE.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrode is useful for alkaline storage batteries. The oxidn. of the graphite diluent is decreased, and electrode life is increased. Alkaline sec. batteries using the electrode exhibited a deep discharge- cycling capacity in excess of 750 cycles. Similar cells without the spinel oxide showed loss of capacity after 500 deep discharge cycles. (J61158667-A)
(US4576861-A)      Composite material as gas diffusing electrode, comprises (a) a first layer comprising a sheet of expanded porous PTFE having nodes interconnected by fibrils having an initial thickness, and contg. a powdered electroconductive substance; and (b) a second layer comprising a sheet of pure, expanded porous PTFE having nodes interconnected by fibrils having an initial thickness.    Layer (b) is more highly porous than (a), and is bonded to and integrated with it. Thickness of composite is less than the combined initial thicknesses of (a) and (b). Part of the nodes and fibrils of (a) and (b) are interconnected and intertwined to form the bond between the layers.    USE -   In electrolytic cells or in batteries, e.g. fuel cells, oxygen-metal cells, zinc-air battery, and sodium chloride electrolytic cells, retaining waterproof characteristic for a long time. (5pp)
(DE3512866-C)      Electrode substrate for fuel cells consists of two porous C-contg. layers (2,2'), a C sheet (3) and two flexible graphite films (4), are each between a porous layer and the sheet. The C sheet has a mean overall density of 1.2 g/cm3 or more a specific gas permeability of 0.02 cm2/hr. Pa or less, and is 2mm or less thick. The graphite film has a mean density of 1.0 g/cm3 or less, specific gas permeability of 0.02 cm2/hr. Pa or less and is 1.0 mm thick or less. The layers are integrated by calcining. A number of channels (5) are provided in the porous layers for supply of reaction gases.    ADVANTAGE -   Flexible films absorb differential expansion and prevent exfoliation. (22pp)l    (US4855092-A)      An electrode substrate is prepd. for fuel cells including a gas permeable layer which is formed of a carbon plate (I), first and second flexible graphite sheets (II) provided on respective sides of (I), and first and second porous carbonaceous layers which are provided on respective sides of (II) and which have a number of elongated holes for feeding reactant gases into a fuel cell provided near the centre of the thickness of the porous layer. (I) and (II) form a gas-impermeable layer. The porous carbonaceous layer has an average bulk density of 0.4-0.8 g/cm3, a porosity of 50-80% and a specific gas permeability of 20 ml/cm-hr-mmAq or more. 60% or more of open pores in the porous layer has a diameter of 5-50 microns.    ADVANTAGE -   Substrate so prepd. avoids exfoliation of layers. (17pp)
(US6580982-N)      Sec. battery has a zinc electrode and a separator between the anode and cathode. The separator comprises a microporous substrate carrying a soln. of tert. amine having B carbon chains each contg. 6-8C in benzene, toluene or xylene as organic solvent. Suitably, the substrate is soaked in the liq. tert. amine.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. for a Ni-Zn battery. The separator reduces rate of Zn dendrite growth in the separator during battery operation, thus prolonging battery life by preventing short circuits. (19pp)
(US6662657-N)      Electrically conductive polymers are synthesised from a solvent-free solid polymer electrolyte. An assembly of a substrate provided with an electrode, a thin coating of solid electrolyte including a soln. of polyethylene oxide complexed with alkali salt and a thin transparent noble metal electrode are disposed in a vacuum chamber into Monomer vapour is fed into the chamber while an electric potential is applied across the solid electrolyte to hold the thin metal electrode at a positive potential relative to the electrode on the substrate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A highly conductive polymer film (e.g. of polypyrrole) is grown-photoelectric conversion devices are produced without handling difficulties. (23pp)
(GB2157066-B)      A novel solid state electrochemical device contains a polymer/ salt adduct electrolyte and an anode of Mg, Ca, Zn and/or Al.    The polymer is solely or partially polyethylene oxide. The electrolyte salt cation is Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Mg, Ca, Zn or Al and the anion is thio- -cyanate, perchlorate, trifluoromethane sulphonate or tetrafluoroborate. The cathode is a transition metal oxide, TiS2 or opt. complexed iodine.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a current producing cell (claimed) or timer. The device is robust and leak free, and does not incorporate an alkali metal anode as in prior art devices using polymeric electrolytes. The electrolyte is of low mass and vol., can maintain the same contact area between electrolyte and electrodes due to its plastic and flexible nature. The completed device may be manipulated into different cell geometries.
(US4633032-A)      Solar cell package comprises: a glass substrate with a first surface for receiving light anf a second surface with a solar cell element; a spaced backplate on the second surface and connected via a peripheral frame; a sealing resin around the inside of the frame sealing the space between backplate and second surface; a layer of dessicant on the inner surface of the backplate; and leads from the solar cell element. Dessicant is pref. a zeolite.    ADVANTAGE -   Package provides good protection for the cell and permits cell to withstand harsh conditions over a long period; it is low cost and can be mass produced. (First major country equivalent to J60170270-A)
(US4567119-A)      Bipolar nickel hydrogen battery has a pressure vessel contg. H3 in which a number of unit cells are located and stacked for axial current flow. Each cell has walls defining a unit space and a hydrogen electrode is in the cell space. A Ni electrode is within the cell space and has at least one opening to facilitate oxygen recombination, forming water and preventing O2 migration. A separator is between the Ni and hydrogen electrodes and is designed to allow O2 to reach the hydrogen electrode and cooperate with the Ni electrode to prevent O2 migration outside the unit cell. Electrolyte is present to permit reaction between the Ni and hydrogen electrodes.    ADVANTAGE -   Water maldistribution is prevented together with parasitic currents and ion migration. (9pp)r
(US4737421-A)      Carbon membrane has very low gas permeability (10 power (-6) cm2/s N2 at about 20 deg.C and 1 atm.), resistivity not more than 0.05 ohm-cm, and a bending strength at least 1,200 kg/cm. Prodn. of these membranes comprises laminating sheets of fibrous cellulose impregnated with thermosetting resin; curing; and then baking at 600-1200 deg.C in a non-oxidising environment.    USE -   The prods. are efficient separators in fuel cells. (7pp)    (JP94022135-B2)      Process comprises impregnating thermosetting resin varnish into cellulosic paper substrates opt. contg. carbonaceous filler to provide prepreg. sheets, laminating and hot pressing prepreg sheets to provide laminated sheet and calcining the laminated sheet by sandwiching it between two stainless steel sheets.    Cellulosic paper substrate is pref. kraft paper or paper made from cellulosic fibre and carbonaceous filler (e.g. C fibre and/or graphite powder up to 40 wt.%). Thermosetting resin varnish is pref. phenol resin or furan resin dissolved in acetone or ethanol. Laminated sheet is calcined by controlling the heating rate at 1.5 deg.C for temp. range of 230-360 deg.C under inert gas atmos. contg. O2 in partial press. of 0.05-0.3 atom and heating rate at 5-10 deg.C for other temp. ranges.    USE -   Thin C film is useful as a separator membrane for fuel cell. (J60161144-A).
(EP154248-B)      A membrane made of an organic polymer, containing a crystalline carrier compound capable of selective transport of low molecular weight substances, wherein the carrier compound used is a compound of the formula (I) where R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each hydrogen, methyl, methoxy, fluorine or trifluoromethyl and R5 is -CH2CH2- or a gp.(II) or a zeolite which is produced from the starting materials in a solution of the organic polymer. (5pp)
(US4584359-A)      Membrane is made of a vinyl polymer comprising (A) 10-90 mol.% units of monomer of formula CHA=CH2, (B) 10-90 mol.% units derived from vinyl pyridines and (C) 0-80 mol.% units derived from vinyl (co)monomers. In the formula, A is a Co(salene) gp. of formula (I), where R1-4 are H, CH3, CH3O, F or CF3 and R5 is CH2CH2 or a gp. of formula (II).    Pref. the polymer consists of (A), vinyl pyridine and styrene units.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The membrane has excellent oxygen permeability, good sepn. factor and increased lift. Used for oxygen sepn. from air, air enrichment with oxygen, and fuel cell cathodes. (4pp)
(US4609600-A)      In an electrochemical cell or battery, the electrolyte consists of a soln. or suspension of an ionic or ionisable cpd., as conductive salt, in organic solvent and contains an organic complex ligand having units of formula -XCH2CH2-, where X is O, S or NH. At least one electrode contains, as active material an electrochemically oxidisable and/or reducible polymer which, in oxidised and/or reduced state has electroconductivity exceeding 0.01 ohm-1. cm-1. The organic complex ligand may be a crown ether, cryptand or podand and it is pref. present at 0.05-2 mole/l solvent.    ADVANTAGE -   High packing density, high energy density, and reduced self discharge are exhibited. Shelf life is improved and very high discharge is obtainable, with high stability in a large number of cycles. (7pp)h
(US4548880-A)      Flat cell comprises non-aq. electrode and facing positive and negative electrode metal plates. An adhesive sealing member which seals the peripheral edges of the plates has a three layer structure in which ionomer resin pieces are disposed on the opposite sides of a polyethylene or ethylene copolymer piece. Pref. the ionomer resin pieces are 0.02-0.05 mm thick and the polyethylene piece is 0.10-0.30 mm thick.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For powering calculators, watches, etc.. The cell has improved reliability of long term storage. (4pp)
(US4601919-A)      Positive electrode for a non-aq. electrolyte cell is prepd. by (1) applying a mixt. of positive electrode active material, electrically conductive agent, dispersion of PTFE, polyacrylic acid and water on one or both sides of a support, then (2) drying the support at 250 deg.C for 5-10 hrs.    Pref. the electrode active material is MnO2 or carbon fluoride and the conductive agent is graphite or acetylene black.    ADVANTAGE -   The active material is uniformly distributed and the electrode has uniform thickness and is flexible. The MnO2 is not reduced. (6pp)    (EP149494-B)      A method for preparing a positive electrode for use in a non-aqueous electrolyte cell comprising the steps of; applying a mixture of a positive electrode-active material, an electrically conductive agent, and a binder on one side or both sides of a supporting material and drying said applied supporting material, wherein the binder is a dispersion of polytetra-fluoroethylene or a tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, water, and polyacrylic acid in a water-soluble free acid form. (8pp)
(US4615108-A)      Assembly of bipolar electrodes and separators is mfd. by squeezing the electrodes and separators together such that plastic margins on all the components are caused to overlap, and heating the overlapping margins to cause softening and form an enveloping shell. Release coated filler pegs are kept in posn. between the components during squeezing, and removed after cooling.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrical flow resistances are independent of the cell structure. (11pp)t
(US4579793-A)      Macromolecular material displaying ionic conduction comprises a salt dissolved in an organometallic polymer. The polymer comprises a metal directly connected via an O atom to at least two organic polymer chains. The chains comprise at least one monomer contg. a heteroatom which can from a donor acceptor bond with the salt cation. The polymer may comprise monomer gp. of formula:    CH2-CHR'-O-    where R1 is H, Ra, CH2O-Re-Ra or CH2-N(CH3)2; Ra is 1-16C (cyclo)alkyl; Re is polyether gp.; CH2CH2O)p; and p is 1-100.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a solid electrolyte in an electrochemical generator. The material is (sufficiently) non-crystalline and is stable in the redox environment of the generator. (7pp)
(JP61500618-W)      In an ionically conductive, ion-contg. polymer prepd. from an amorphous polymer and a source of ions and having a bulk ionic conductivity at 20 deg.C and 10 kHz greater than 10 power (-6)/omega/cm, the copolymer comprises a backbone from which depends at least 1 residue of formula -(CH2CHR-O)n- n is greater than 1; R = H or (substd.) lower alkyl.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Claimed use is as a galvanic cell in which the polymer is the electrolyte. The polymer has better storage properties and reduced size and wt., w.r.t. liq. electrolytes, and has greater bulk ionic conductivity at ambient temp. (.eg. log10 (sigma(omega-1 cm-1)) may be greater than -5 and is often above -4.5.    (US5051211-A)      Ionically conductive ion-contg. polymeric material is prepd. from an amorphous copolymer and ion source of bulk ionic conductivity more than 10.power.-6 mho per cm. at 20 deg.C and 10kHz. Copolymer comprises a polymerised (meth) acrylic acid or siloxane backbone from which depends 1 or more residue of formula (CH2CH(R)O)n. R is H or opt. substd. (1-5C)alkyl; and n is more than 1.    USE -   In galvanic cells, having superior storage properties and reduced size and wt. w.r.t. fluid electrolytes. @(6pp)    (JP94010922-B2)      In an ionically conductive, ion-contg. polymer prepd. from an amorphous polymer and a source of ions and having a bulk ionic conductivity at 20 deg.C and 10 kHz greater than 10 power(-6)/omega/cm, the copolymer comprises a backbone from which depends at least 1 residue of formula -(CH2CHR-O)n- n is greater than 1; R = H or (substd.) lower alkyl.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used as a galvanic cell in which the polymer is the electrolyte. The polymer has better storage properties and reduced size and wt., w.r.t. liq. electrolytes, and has greater bulk ionic conductivity at ambient temp. (e.g. log10 (sigma(omega-1 cm-1)) may be greater than -5 and is often above -4.5. (J61500618-A).
(JP92013287-B)      Conductive porous plane has three dimensional network structure and porosity of 60-80%. Thus porous body made of a resin or a metal and having three dimensional network structure is treated with fused pitch then burned to obtain porous carbon which is then placed in a reaction injection moulding ribbed cavity. Then two kinds of chemically active liqs. are used and the reaction injection moulding is carried out and resulting moulded electrode plate (ribbed) is burned. The liq. for the reaction injection moulding is pref. previously mixed with a foaming agent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The produced conductive porous plane is esp. useful for a fuel cell electrode with improved fuel combustion ability, conductivity as well as corrosion resistance against electrolytes etc. (J60086013-A)
(US4670334-A)      Electrode for use as a -type semiconductor in a photoelectric transducer comprises Ir oxide formed by reactive sputtering of Ir or Ir oxide in 02. Pref. the film is 200-1000 Angstrom thick and is deposited on a plastic substrate, pref. acrylic resin, polyester resin, polyethylene resin or vinyl resin.    Sputtering is effected at a pressure of 0.01-1 pref. 0.1-1 torr, power 0.4 W/sq. an max. oref. 0.2-0.4 w/sq. cm., and and deposition speed 0.05-0.15 Anstrom/sec. Film has a transmittance to He-Ne laser light (633nm) of 90% or more and a resitivity of 0.01 ohm. cm or less.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in a solar cell. Transparent, low resistance p-type film is obtd. at low temp. e.g. a substrate temp. of about 20-25 deg.C. (First major country equivalent to J60084716-A)
(US4529677-A)      Battery separator comprises a uniform mixt. of 5-20 wt.% polyolefin fibre, 2-15 wt.% polyester fibres, 0-20 wt.% glass fibres, 40-75 wt.% diatomaceous earth and 7-20 wt.% acrylate copolymer binder having a silane coupling agent attached to the polymeric backbone. It has average pore size 5-30 micron and ohmic resistance 0.015 ohm per sq. inch or less.    USE -   p    ADVANTAGE -   Esp. for maintenance-free batteries. The low cost, high performance separator is acid-wettable but not water-wettable and has low chemical oxygen demand. (8pp)i    (US4618401-A)      Battery separator is produced from an aq. dispersion of 5-20 wt.% polyolefin fibre, 2-15 wt.% polyester fibre, 12-20 wt.% glass fibre, and 40-75 wt.% diatomaceous earth, stabilised in the presence of an anionic dispersing agent and comprising non-flocculated agglomerates.    Acrylate copolymer binder which is anionic and includes silane coupling agent attached to the backbone is added in an amt. of 7-20 wt.%, then the dispersion is conveyed to a porous supports and cationic flocculant is added before delivery to the support. The dispersion is distributed and drained and the wet web is dried. All wt.% refer to the finished separator.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The low cost high performance separator has acid wettability of under 5 sec. exposure time, total pore vol. at least 70% average pore size 5-30 micron, low chemical oxygen demand and ohmic resistance under 0.015 ohm/in2. Used esp. for maintenance free batteries. (8pp)r
(US4892559-A)      Electrochemical device is made from a body of sensitive electrode material.    Process comprises (a) assembling electrode material and a layer of flexible protective material, at least part of which is swellable by electrolyte liq. with which is comes into contact; (b) deforming the material to decrease its thickness and increase its surface area, while in contact; and (c) inserting assembly obtd. into liq. electrolyte in an electrochemical device to swell protective material and increase its permeability so that it can function as a separator. Non-swollen protective material functions protects electrode material. Protective material functions as separator when electrode material is used as electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   Can be rolled into thin sheets and be conveniently fed to automatic cell assembly appts. (8pp)8    (EP145231-B)      A method of making an electrochemical device which comprises an electrode located in a liquid electrolyte, the method comprising: (a) crosslinking a sheet of polymeric material (2) that, in the absence of the crosslinks, would be soluble in the said liquid electrolyte; (b) before or after the crosslinking step, applying the sheet of polymeric material (2) to a body of reactive metal electrode material (1) so as to protect the body; and (c) positioning the body of electrode material (1) and the protective polymeric material (2) in the electrolyte, the electrolyte causing the sheet of polymeric material to swell so that is permeability is increased. (12pp)
(EP144569-B)      Battery case cover (10) having a guide structure (112) engageable with the inner surface (114) of the case to locate the cover (10) on the case is welded to the case using a weld head assembly which raises the cover from the case by a distance less than the length of the guide structure (112), directly heats the confronting weld surfaces of the case ( at 592) and cover, and then brings the cover and case into engagement to effect welding of the case/cover joint.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Forming a permanent hermetic seal automatically between the cover and case of a battery, the seal being resistant to vibration, temperature extremes, and acid, The engagement between the guide structure (34) and casing (110) ensures maintenance of alignment during both heating and welding to effect a reliable strong seal.
(DE3444188-C)      A sec. electrical energy storage device contains an electrode (A) having a body of a C contg. material with an elasticity modulus 6.9-380, pref. 69-380, esp. 138-311 GPa, a surface of 0.1-50, pref. 0.1-10, esp. 0.1-5 m2/g and a length:dia ratio at least 100:1; (B) having at least near or close to the surface a benzene like or similar skeleton structure obtd. by graphitisation and/or carbonisation of a polymer; and (C) has a current collector electrically conducting connected to it.    The electrode body pref. has an independent structural integrity 6.45-930 cm2 and is made of woven fabric, a film, paper or nonwoven planar sheet or similar structure. The electrolyte is esp. a soln. of LiClO4 in propylene carbonate.    ADVANTAGE -   The electrode has a long operating life even after being subjected to repeated electrical charge and discharge cycles. (12pp)    (NL189635-B)      Electrode for use in a sec. device for storage of electrical energy comprises an electrode body of electrically conductive C-contg. material with a Young's modulus of 6.9-380 GPa, a specific surface of 0.1-50 m2/g and an aspect ratio (l/d) of greater than 100:1, and a current collector connected electrically to it.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrodes are useful in sec. cells for the storage of electricity comprising a housing with an electrically non-conductive interior surface and a moisture-impermeable outer surface, contg. at least one pair of electrically conductive electrodes which are electrically insulated from each other and an essentially non-aq. electrolyte. The electrodes are an improvement over those described in US3476603, and are capable of withstanding a very large number of charge/discharge cycles.
(DE3441706-C)      Container is a block of thermally insulating material, esp. expanded polystyrene with seating chambers in the block of material to suit partic. battery sizes. These chambers may be designed either for horizontal or vertical positioning of the batteries.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The use of thermally insulating material, esp. polystyrene for storage of electrical batteries (claimed). Typically, such batteries are those that will be intermittently used, for example for blood measuring equipment, photographic cameras, alarm lights, earphone equipment, etc. By using a polystyrene block as described, the life of the battery is greatly increased, even up to 14-16 years.
(EP146246-B)      A method of making an electrode for use in an electrochemical device, which comprises: (a) applying to a body of an electrode material (1) a layer of substantially non-porous relatively fluid-impermeable protective material (2), which comprises a component that is removable so as to increase the permeability of the protective material (2) to enable it to function as an electrode separator in the device and (b) reshaping the electrode material (1) while protected by the protective material so as to increase its surface area significantly, while decreasing its thickness. (21pp)
(US4526708-A)      Electrons are introduced together with alkali metal cations into polyacetylene (PA) by A) contacting the PA with a cpd. MR under conditions conductive to forming negatively charges PA intercalated by M(+) ions in sufficient amounts to B) produce a conductivity of at least 10 power-5 s/cm in the PA and an organic byproduct unable to react with the negatively charged PA to reform MR. In the formula M is an alkali metal, pref. Li, Na or K; R is 1-12 C alkyl, Ph or 7-12 C alkyl-Ph, pref. 2-4 C alkyl. The organic byproduct is a 4-8 C R-R alkane. The contacting can be carried out at any convenient temp. and press, opt. in presence of a solvent. The level of doping can be controlled by the identity of R.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As battery electrode; the weight of the electrode is not significantly changed by the doping; the battery can be readily broken in. (4pp)f    (US4640006-A)      Prodn. of a battery comprises introducing a cpd. of formula MR into an enclosure contg. two electrodes, at least one of which comprises polyacetylene, and also contg. organic solvent. Negatively charged polyacetylene intercalated by M(+) cations is formed in an amt. to produce conductivity in the polyacetylene of at least 10 power(-5) S/cm and an organic by-prod. unreactive with negatively charged polyacetylene to reform the cpd. MR. In the formula, M is alkali metal, and R is 1-12C alkyl, phenyl or 7-12C alkylphenyl.    ADVANTAGE -   The doped electrodes can be rapidly charged electrochemically, thereby eliminating the normal break in cycle and reducing mfg. time. (5pp)
(JP93036911-B)      The electrode consists of a foil produced by rolling together (a) a dry mixt. of PTFE, as binder, and Raney Ni powder, as catalyst with (b) a Ni mesh. Pref. (i) The Raney Ni powder is preserved against air-oxidn. (ii). The dry mixt. contains 2-12 (5-8) wt.% PTFE. (iii). The mesh-reinforced Raney Ni layer is provided with a rolled-on porous PTFE layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The elctrodes are used esp. for electrolysis- and fuel cells. Claimed uses are: (1) in electrolytic or catalytic nitrate removal from aq. solns. esp. the pptn. liquor of sinter electrode finishing, (2) as H2-consuming electrodes, (3) in H2/O2-fuel cells working with forced electrolyte flow, (4) in electrodialysis cells as H2 anodes and H2 cathodes, in which the H2 generated by cathodic deposition is charged to the anode for electrochemical release, and (5) in electrolytic cells as H2- and O2-sepn. electrodes. The electrodes combine low polarisation resistance, high mechanical stability and low material consumption/unit surface. (J60193270-A)
(US4681822-A)      An ionic/electronic composite conductor is a continuous, coherent, electronic conducting material consisting of A) (substd.) polyacetylene, poly-phenylene or polyphenyl diphenyl vinylene intimately mixed with B) a continuous conducting material being a complex of an ionic salt, e.g. LiClO4, and a polymer solvating agent, pref. a polyalkylene oxide, so that the m.pt. of B) is higher than its normal m.pt.    The conductor is pref. a coherent film. The electronically conducting material is obtd. by heating a polymer of 7,8-bis-(CF3) tricyclo(4,2,3,02.5) -deca-3,7,9-triene. An energy storage cell contains 2 electrodes, of which at least 1 is made of the above ionic/electronic conductor and with the solid electrolyte between the electrodes being an ionic but not an electronic conductor.    ADVANTAGE -   The ion diffusion rate in conventional conducting composite materials is considerably increased, so that they are useful in solid state energy storage devices. (4pp)i    (US4734343-A)      Prodn. of an ionic/electronic composite conductor comprises (1) prepg. in a common solvent (mixt.) a soln. of ionic conducting material and electronic conducting material; (2) casting the intimately mixed soln. on a substrate; and (3) removing the solvent to obtain a continuous coherent film.    The electronic material may be in the form of a precursor which is transformed to the electronic material by heating at below 130 deg.C after the solvent removal step. Pref. the ionic conducting material is a polyalkylene oxide polymer contg. an ionic salt and the precursor electronic conducting material is a 7,8-bis(trifluoromethyl) tricyclo(4,2,3,0(2,5))-deca -3,7,9-triene.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. as electrodes in solid state energy storage devices. The ionic conducting material exhibits increased m.pt. and ion diffusion rate of the composite is reduced. (4pp)
(US4547443-A)      A plate for a lead-acid battery comprises a porous body formed of a substrate having a surface layer of conductive tin oxide that is thermodynamically stable during charge and discharge of the battery. A first layer of a matrix resin is impregnated into the pores of the body to form a conductive, fluid impervious layer. A second layer adjacent the first, contains electrochemically active lead oxide material in the pores of the body. The substrate is pref. glass in the form of powder, filaments, fibres or a sintered porous sheet. Pref. the fibres are in a resin, such as polyolefin or polypropylene.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery is lightweight and reliable. (4pp)
(US4559284-A)      Secondary battery has electrodes made from a polymer having conjugated double bonds in a main chain. The negative electrode is doped with a cation from the electrolyte and the positive electrode is doped with an anion from the electrolyte.    In the improvement the negative electrode has a larger surface than the positive electrode.    Pref. the polymer is polyacetylene, polyparaphenylene, or polyaniline.    ADVANTAGE -   Long charge-discharge cycle life. (8pp)s    (JP93038430-B)      A sec. battery comprises a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolyte between the electrodes. At least one of the electrodes is made from a polymer having conjugated double bonds in a main chain. The negative electrode is doped with a cation from the electrolyte and the positive electrode is doped with an anion from the electrolyte. The negative electrode has a larger electrode surface area than the positive electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery has a long charge-discharge cycle life. (J60084776-A)
(DE3339756-C)      (1). Fibrous active C comprises a flexible core surrounded by an activated C layer. The core consists of a heat-resistant fibre, partic. a glass or ceramic fibre, which is stable to activating agents. The specific surface of the activated C layer is 300-3000 sq. m./g. (2). The fibrous active C is produced by: (a) coating a heat-resistant fibre or fabric with a melt or soln.-contg. a carbonisable material, e.g. pitch, thermosetting or thermoplastic resins or carbohydrates, and (b) carbonising the layer by heating in an inert atmos. and activating the C layer by heating in an atmos. contg. activating agents.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The prods. are used esp. for protective clothing but also for filters and electrodes for electrochemical cells. The prods. resist bending and buckling stress.
(US4882828-A)      A protected electrode is produced by providing a body (I) of a reactive metal which can function as an electrode in an electrochemical device, part of the body being protected by a layer (II) of fluid-impermeable polymeric material. Then layer (II) is stretched and body (I) while protected by the polymeric material, so that i) the thickness of the body of reactivated metal is reduced significantly, and ii) the fluid-permeability of the polymeric material is increased sufficiently to allow it to function as an electrode separator in an electrochemical device, without significant alteration of its compsn. Pref. the reactive metal is lithium.    ADVANTAGE -   The protective material in its relatively fluid-impermeable state, gives most protection against physical and chemical damage and, after alteration into the more fluid-permeable state, it permits greater access of fluids for desirable ends, while still providing a degree of physical support and protection. (8pp),
(US4618547-A)      Electrochemical cell is sealed with a material, which is virtually non-tacky and consists of (A) a solvent castable film forming acrylic polymer, nylon, polypropene, polyethene or PVC thermoplast and (B) a polymeric binder, liquid at room temp and composed of polybutene, polyisobutene or polybutadiene opt terminated by COOH or OH. The liquid binder contains 5-45, pref. 10-25 wt.% sealant (A).    (A) is pref. polyethene and (B) polybutene. The cell is a button cell, esp. an alkaline cell contg. HgO.    ADVANTAGE -   Sealant has better leak resistance than known ones and can be easily and economically applied. (4pp)r    (GB2147731-B)      An electrochemical cell sealed with an insulative sealing member having a sealant material applied thereto characterised in that said sealant material is substantially non-tacky and is comprised of a solvent castable, film forming thermoplastic polymer and a polymeric binder material which is in the liquid state at room temperature, wherein said liquid binder material comprises between 5-45% by weight of said sealant material.
(US4725516-A)      Sealed Pb-acid battery has positive plates 3-4 mm thick and contg. active material and micropores. The negative plates also contain active material and micropores. Separators between the plates are made of glass fibres and micropores and have a specific surface area which is smaller than that of the plates. The total surface area of the separators is less than that of the positive or negative active material. The separators have a lower electrolyte absorptivity and retention power than the plates. There is more electrolyte in the plates than in the separators and the micropores in the plates remain filled whilst those in the separators are only partially filled when the amt. of electrolyte in the cell is below the optimum.    ADVANTAGE -   A high rate discharge characteristic is retained even after many repeated cycles and even if the level of electrolyte falls due to overcharging. (9pp)
(EP141146-B)      Web comprises a dry sintered sheet of a mixt. of metal-coated C fibres and metal powder in a ratio of 95:5 to 5:95. The web pref. includes a silicate and the metal is pref. Ni, Zn, Ag, Pb, Cd or Fe.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As battery plates, esp. an Ni plate for an Ni-Cd battery. Structure is lightweight and has good conductivity and chemical stability.
(GB2149197-B)      A method of making a solid state electrochemical cell by assembling together in electrical contact an anode having lithium as its active material, a polymeric electrolyte, and a cathode in the form of a composite of an insertion electrode material or similarly active material in combination with a polymeric material, wherein the anode, electrolyte and cathode are heated together in intimate contact under pressure either before or during assembly of the cell.
(US4617242-A)      Alkaline electrochemical cell comprises an air cathode sub-assembly with an air supply means, a Zn anode, an organic siliconate in contact with the anode; an electrolyte in contact with the Zn anode; and a non-metallic separator between the cathode and anode.    The cell may be a sealed button cell with the cathode can having an air entry port in the bottom. The siliconate may be methyl siliconate. The siliconate may be present as a coating on the Zn anode or as an electrolyte additive.    ADVANTAGE -   ZnO growth on the anode surface is reduced. Cell rate capacity and efficiency are thus increased and internal resistance reduced. (8pp)i
(EP143300-B)      A battery made up of redox cells connected in series in bipolar manner and which each have two electrode chambers separated from one another by a membrane, characterised in that the electrode chambers of adjacent cells, which are intended for electrodes of differing polarities, are in each case separated from one another only by a flexible, non-porous graphite foil. (5pp)
(US4576879-A)      A sealed lead-acid battery comprises a rectangular case with vertical partitions, made of polypropylene with 5-20% inert filler and 2-4 mm wall thickness. Each cell holds rectangular positive and negative plates separated by a larger microfibrous glass separator, with the assemblies pressed into the cells to provide a positive pressure on the plates of 35-60 kg/cm2.    Straps connect the electrodes and a cover is sealed to the casing and has fill ports, terminals and a gas collection manifold connected by vent passages to the top of each cell and a common vent in a cover recess formed by a cylindrical small-diameter tube with notches in its upper part and covered by an elastic cap to release gas when pressure is 0.2-0.4 kg/cm2 above ambient. A gas permeable filter is superimposed on and restrains the cap and is under a loose fitting cover.    ADVANTAGE -   Improves resistance to vibration and prevents bulging of the casing. (8pp)    (DE3436290-C)      Sealed lead-acid battery has a venting valve adjusted o an opening pressure of 0.2-0.4 kg/sq. cm., a forcable pressure of the positive and negative plate groups adjusted to 35-60 kg/sq. dm., a housing made of polypropylene contg. filler and a container sidewall thickness of 2-4 mm.    ADVANTAGE -   Bulging of the battery housing during use is prevented, the battery has improved resistance to vibrations, and the load capacity and reliability of fastening of the lid to the container are improved.
(JP92043997-B)      A selenophene monomer is dissolved in an electrolytic soln. comprising an organic solvent, a pair of electrode plates are inserted into soln., electric voltage is imparted between electrode plates, and a polyselenophene film is formed on the surface of the anode plate.    The polyselenophene has formula (I) and chemical compsn.: H(1.9%), C(37.35%), and Se(60.74%). Pref. organic solvents are acetonitrile, benzonitrile, nitrobenzene, propylene-carbonate, tetrahydrofuran or their mixt. Pref. elecrolytes are LiClO4, LiBF4, NaBG4, AgBF4, AgClO4, LiPF6, NaPF6, NaAsF6, KAsF6 or their mixt. Electrodes are made pref. of Pt, Ni or similar metals, electroconductive glass semiconductor, etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The formed polyselenophene film has electroconductive properties and may be used as material for battery or solar battery, and in prodn. of photoelectronic elements, and electrophotographic sensitive materials. (J60050194-A)
(DE3335454-C)      A galvanic element with a positive and a negative electrode, at least one of which consists of an organic polymer made conductive by doping, contains a liq. electrolyte which is a soln. of a conductivity salt in an aprotic inorganic solvent.    Suitable solvents are thionyl chloride, sulphuryl chloride, phosphoryl chloride or esp. liq. SO2.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of an inorganic electrolyte in the cell gives a high energy density and allows the cell to be charged with high current strengths.
(EP157878-B)      A nonaqueous electrochemical cell comprising in operative relationship, a. a cathode current collector; b. an ionically conductive, liquid cathode-electrolyte solution; and c. an active metal anode, the anode having on its surface which contacts the cathode-electrolyte a polyether film. (14pp)
(US4627944-A)      A separator for a fuel cell is produced by A) forming a single sheet from a mixt. of cellulose fibres, pref. paper, and a thermosetting resin and B) curing the resin, then baking the shaped sheet at 800-1,300 deg. C to convert the resin into C.    The resin is pref. a furan or phenol resin. The wt. ratio resin:fibres is 100:25-70. The sheet is subjected to a static pressure of 1-100 kg/cm2 for 10-20 hr during curing. Baking is suitably carried out at 800-1,200 deg. C for 50-400 hr..    ADVANTAGE -   Thermal shrinkage and crack formation during baking is avoided; the separator has a high electrical conductivity, is free from warping and is very strong. (5pp)
(DE3334667-C)      Prodn. of a sinterable, fine-particle PVC moulding compsn. by homo-, CO- or graft suspension polymerisation of VC monomer in presence of an oil-soluble free-radical initiator, a suspension stabiliser, emulsifier and opt. other polymerisation aids. After ending the polymerisation and sepg. the bulk of the polymer a non-ionic or amphoteric wetting agent is added before drying.    The process novelty claimed is the addn. at this stage of an aq. soln. of a non- surface active acid with an acid dissociation constant up to 3 pKs at 20 deg.C.. Pref. 0.01-5 wt.% on dry polymer of a phosphorus or sulphur contg. acid, esp. P contg. acid, with low volatility at 120 deg.C. is added after sepg. the greater part of the polymer from the aq. phase after polymerisation has ended.    The polymer has a K-value =55-90, bulk density =400-700g/cdm, and a particle distribution of 99-30 wt.% less than 33 microns, 1-60 wt.% 33-63 microns, 0-9 wt.% 63-125 microns and 0.1 wt.% greater than 125 microns.    Sintered shaped articles esp. separator plates for electric cells are claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   Polymer powder is more easily handled and conveyed, and properties are less degraded on processing (sintering) in the presence of air at 180-250 deg.C.. The absence of heavy metals Cr, As, or Te from the acids used improve the performance of the cell separators, which also have good colour and improved mechanical properties.
(US4539271-A)      A coiled electrode assembly for use in a galvanic cell comprises a separator assembly having a first pocket, composed of two superimposed strips of separator material and having an adhereable edge, and a second pocket, composed of two superimposed strips of separator material and having an adhereable edge, the socket pocket being superimposed over the first pocket such that the adhereable edges are aligned with at least a portion of the edges adhering to one another.    A first electrode is disposed in the first pocket, and a second electrode in the second pocket, the electrode assembly being coiled about an axis transverse to the adhered edges such that the edges are in a plane which is normal to the coiling axis. (5pp)o    (US4668320-A)      Mfr. of a coiled electrode assembly for use in a galvanic cell comprises superimposing a first separator element over a second separator element and adhering the elements together along at least a portion of a thin line running along the middle of the widths of the separators. An elongated seam is thereby formed extending along the lengths of the elements, forming respective pockets adapted to receive two electrodes. The assembly is folded along the seam so that one pocket is superimposed over the other. The electrodes are inserted in the pockets, and the assembly wound about an axis transverse to the seam such that the seam is in a plane normal to the winding axis.    ADVANTAGE -   The method is adaptable to high speed automated processes. (5pp)
(US4879192-A)      Polymer sec. cell comprises a positive electrode and a negative electrode, at least one of which is composed of a polymer having conjugated double bonds; and an electrolyte interposed between the electrodes. During charging and discharging of the sec. cell, electrochemical reactions occur to form, as reaction prods. radicals which can destroy the conjugated double bonds.    The sec. cell further comprises at least one of (1) radical scavengers which react with the radicals to remove the radicals prior to the radicals destroying the conjugated double bonds, and (2) absorbents, other than polyacetylene, which adsorb the reaction prods. so as to prevent destruction of the conjugated double bonds.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell has superior life characteristics. (9pp)a
(DE3331699-C)      An oxygen electrode, for alkaline galvanic elements, consists of a catalyst-contg. carbon layer, a current collector and a separator for separating a liq. space from a gas space such that gas can pass through the carbon layer to the liq. but liq. cannot enter the gas space.    The novelty is that the current collector consists of a metal mesh at least partially embedded inthe carbon layer.    Also claimed is prodn. of the oxygen electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of a mesh instead of the usual sintered material as current collector gives minimal coverage of the active catalyst surfaces and minimal current path from the catalyst layer, resulting in power outputs of 350 mA/sq.cm. and over 1 A/sq.cm. in the air and oxygen respectively (independently of temp. in the range 20-80 deg.C) and constant potential under load over an extended period.    (US4643235-A)      Single layer oxygen electrode for alkaline galvanic cells includes a C layer contg. in wt.% 30-40 C, 15-30 Ag, 10-20 Pd, and 20-30 binder. A catalyst salt soln. is mixed with a liq. to form an aq. activated C suspension and so that catalyst is deposited on the C to form a catalyst dispersion. The liq. is sepd. off and a metal grid at least partially embedded in the compsn..    Pref. the grid is initially pre-roughened and mixing of the constituents is carried out in an ultrasonic bath.    ADVANTAGE -   The cell can be maintained under load for a long time. (7pp)e    (EP143199-B)      An oxygen electrode for alkaline galvanic cells comprising a carbon layer containing silver as an additional catalyst, a current collector made of silver or nickel metal netting and at least partly embedded in the carbon layer, and a separating agent for separating a liquid space from a gas space, characterised in that the carbon layer comprises 30 to 40 wt.% carbon, 15-30 wt.% silver, 10 to 20 wt.% palladium and 20 to 30 wt.% binder, and the separating agent is a film. (8pp)
(DE3437039-C2)      A sealing part, for electrolytic cells sealingly bonded to the cell with a double flanged seam, is made of a thermoplastic material contg. 5-45 wt.% filler. The material and filler are inert to the electrolyte in the sealed cell. The sealing part has a breakable blow-off region, which is thinner than the material surrounding this region.    The material is pref. a polymer of C3H6 and/or C2H4. The filler is CaCO3, mica or esp. talc. Polypropene contains 15-40 wt.% talc. The sealing part is tempered for at least 1 hr. at 70-155 deg.C.    ADVANTAGE -   H2 can escape from the cell. Ingress to and loss of liq. from the cell is prevented as well as ingress of 02 and CO2. Explosions due to gas pressure build-up are avoided.    (JP93060214-B)      Element for galvanic cells seals by crimping comprises a thermoplastic material comprising 5-45 wt.% filler, chemically compatible with the electrolyte to be used in the cell. The element has a degassing zone which can break, of reduced thickness w.r.t. the thickness of the material surrounding the degassing zone. The thermoplastic material is polypropylene (preferred), polyethylene or their copolymers and the filler is talc, CaCO3 or mica, pref. talc in an amount of 15-40 wt.%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used esp. for alkaline primary cells. The closure element permits the escape of gaseous excess pressure hydrogen from the cell without loss of electrolyte liquid. (J60117540-A)
(US4537841-A)      A cylindrical sealed galvanic cell has a can with one closed end and holding an anode and cathode. A top sealing insulator is crimped to the can top and comprises a moulded thermoplastics body and metal disc spaced over part of the body, which has an inward peripheral shoulder at the lower end of a discontinuous skirt formed as discrete legs.    The disc has a central opening making an interference fit over a central upward boss on the body upper surface, and has at least one opening for pressure equalisation between cell exterior and space between disc and body. The thermoplastics is pref. polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon or copolymers of these, partic. polypropylene.    ADVANTAGE -   Ensures reliable sealing compression and allows hydrogen permeation to prevent pressure build-up. (8pp)i    (DE3436415-C2)      The sealing and insulation for a cylindrical battery cell is a cast thermoplastic body unit, together with a metal disc over it with a space between them. The cast thermoplastic body has an inner shoulder at its rim, to give a downwards and outwards apron zone with a number of projecting legs. The metal disc has a central opening, and is inserted in a press fit into a central projecting reinforcement at the surface of the thermoplastic body. The metal disc has at least one opening to compensate for pressure differences between the outer side of the battery cell and the space between the metal disc and the thermoplastic body.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The unit is a cylindrical battery cell, such as prim. alkaline cells and the like. The thermoplastic body, pref. polypropylene, allows hydrogen gas to escape, even when the battery is inverted with the sealing at the bottom on an underlay, with an effective sealing action.
(US4695518-A)      Fuel cell comprises spaced apart gas diffusion electrodes having a porous electrolyte retaining matrix in the space between them. The matrix has porosity at least 38% and consists of 70-90 wt.% SiC and balance hydrophilic polyethersulphone as binder. Phosphoric acid electrolyte is disposed within the matrix. The matrix remains in tact for at least 17000 hr. of fuel cell operation at 375 deg. F. Pref. the matrix includes 10-20 wt.% polyethersulphone and the polyether sulphone has unit formula -p-C6H4-SO2-p-C6H4-O- and number average mol. wt. at least 17.000, esp. at least 25000.    ADVANTAGE -   The matrix has improved strength and good wettability and bubble pressure characteristics. (6pp),
(JP92050335-B)      Membranes comprise (1) one layer contg. cation exchange gps. on pendant chains and (2) other layer contg. anion exchange gps. on pendant chains and (3) main chain comprising perfluoro-carbon polymers.    Preferably, cation exchange gps. include sulphonic acid gps. and/or carboxylic acid gps. and the anion exchange gps. include quat. ammonium gps. Preferably (1) and (2) comprise repeating units of formula (I) and (II) respectively. (X is F or CF3; Y is SO3M or COOM (M; an alkali metal); 1 : O or 1-5; m: O or 1; n: 1 or 2-5; p and q; positive numbers, p/q: 2-16; Z; a quaternary ammonium gp., contg. (gp). (1) and (2) are preferably 5-3000 micron thick. The membranes are plane film or tubular.    ADVANTAGE -   The membranes resist repetition of drying and swelling and are not released and have chemical and solvent resistance. They are used as separators for fuel batteries and for hydrolysis of salt solutions. (J60001234-A
(GB2143539-B)      A solid polymeric electrolyte is made by complexing an alkali metal salt with a polymer capable of existing in an amorphous state converting the polymer to an amorphous state, if not already amorphous, and crosslinking the amorphous complexed polymer. All steps are carried out under dry conditions.    The polymer is polyethylene oxide, polyethylene sulphide or a polyester. The alkali metal salt is a sodium or lithium salt, e.g. LiClO4, F3CSO3Li, LiBF4 or LiASF6.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte is used in batteries. Exclusion of water from the reagents and during preparation of the electrolyte avoids a reduction in conductivity over time.
(EP185830-B)      Method of fabrication of a cadmium electrode in which a porous support constituted by a metallic foam is impregnated with a paste containing an active substance and in which the metallic foam has a crosslinked structure having a totally open porosity which is higher than 95% with a means pore diameter within the range of 0.3mm to 1mm, said active substance is cadmium oxide into which there is introduced a plasticising agent constituted by polytetrafluoroethylene so as to cause fibrilisation within the active substance, the polytetrafluoroethylene is present in said paste in a proportion of 2 to 4% by weight with respect to the cadmium oxide and the impregnation is carried out by filling the pores of the metallic foam throughout its entire thickness by means of said paste.    (EP185830-B2)      Method of fabrication of a cadmium electrode in which a porous support constituted by a metallic foam is impregnated with a paste containing an active substance and in which the metallic foam has a crosslinked structure having a totally open porosity which is higher than 95% with a means pore diameter within the range of 0.3mm to 1mm, said active substance is cadmium oxide into which there is introduced a plasticising agent constituted by polytetrafluoroethylene so as to cause fibrilisation within the active substance, the polytetrafluoroethylene is present in said paste in a proportion of 2 to 4% by weight with respect to the cadmium oxide and the impregnation is carried out by filling the pores of the metallic foam throughout its entire thickness by means of said paste.
(GB2149196-B)      A method for improving the capacity of a battery electrode of a battery having an electrode frame of metallised polypropylene or propylenecopolymerisate fibre, wherein the electrode frame is irreversibly condensed in the thickness direction by up to 15%, before it is impregnated with the active masses of the battery with a tool having a surface temperature of 110 to 180 deg. C.
(EP134982-B)      A galvanic cell comprising a cylindrical container (16) having a closed end, an open end and an upstanding wall (20) with an inwardly turned peripheral edge portion (22), said edge portion (22) having an inner surface and an outer surface, said container including therein electrochemically active ingredients; and a closure member (2) disposed over the open end of said container (16), said closure member (2) comprising a resilient annular flange (4) extending toward the closed end of said container, said flange (4) defining an outer circumference notch (12) and being positioned such that the inwardly turned peripheral edge portion (22) of the container (16) is inserted into said circumferential notch (12); characterised in that the inwardly turned peripheral edge portion (22) of the container (16) is inwardly crimped with a crimp radius of about 0.16 cm at an angle of between about 85 degrees and about 95 degrees relative to the upstanding wall (20) of the container, and said closure member (2) further comprises an outer sealing lip (6) which extends substantially parallel to and is in contiguous sealing relationship with the outer surface of the inwardly turned peripheral edge portion (22) of the container (16), said lip (6) having an inner face and defining a circumferential groove (14) in said inner face, such that the sealing lip (6) and inwardly turned peripheral edge portion (22) of the container (16) comprise a resealable venting means operable in that the build up of pressure inside the cell beyond a predetermined limit will cause said sealing lip (6) to momentarily deflect, thereby permitting the release of such pressure from inside the cell. (11pp)
(US4540641-A)      Electrochemical cell comprises an oxidisable active anode material, a cathode current collector (I) and an electrolyte soln. comprising reducible liq. cathode material in which electrolyte solute is dissolved. (I) consists of a carbon black-polymer mixt. and a supporting substrate. The polymer is a polyacetylene, polyphenylene, or polyheterocyclic or a mixt., corresp. copolymer or crosslinked polymer thereof.    ADVANTAGE -   (I) has high current carrying capabilities, allowing operation, of the cell at high current density and high voltage.
(US4608753-A)      Voltage delay in an electrochemical cell having a lithium (alloy) anode, a cathode current collector and a liq. oxyhalide electrolyte is reduced by dissolving an alkyl cyanoacrylate or (substd.) acrylic polymer in the electrolyte prior to cell assembly. Alternatively, the alkyl cyanoacrylate or (substd.) acrylic polymer is placed on an internal cell component remote from and not contiguous with the anode, but in contact with the electrolyte. The electrolyte may be LiAlCl4 dissolved in thionyl chloride. The alkyl cyanoacrylate may be ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate (I). Pref. 61.5 mg (I) are dissolved in each ml electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   No specific anode treatment or any films contiguous with the anode are required. (3pp)
(US4503088-A)      Passivation of a Li electrode used in a cell having a thionyl chloride liq. cathode is reduced by providing an alkyl (substd.) acrylate polymer film contg. a salt in the polymer matrix on the electrode surface.    Suitably the electrode is coated with a soln. contg. a non aq. solvent., a soluble salt and a cyanacrylate ester, acrylic ester, or non-nitrile substd. acrylic ester, then the solvent is evapd. The salt is e.g. LiClO3.    ADVANTAGE -   Voltage delay of the cell is reduced. (6pp)
(GB2146835-B)      A non-aqueous electrochemical cell comprising an anode coursed of an alkali or alkaline earth metal, a cathode depolariser which provides an open circuit voltage with said anod f at least 3 volts, and an electrolyte comprised of an electrolyte salt dissolved in a non-aqueous solvent characterised in that said solvent is comprised of a substantially non-polymerising methyl substituted 1,3 dioxolane.    (JP92075630-B)      Cell comprises (1) alkali(ne earth) metal anode; (2) cathode depolariser providing open-circuit voltage (OCV) of at least 3V and (3) as electrolyte, a soln. of salt (I) in non-polymerisable methyl-substd. 1,3-dioxolan (II) solvent.    Pref. (II) is the 4-Me (pref.)-;2-Me-,2,2-Me2;2,4-Me2- or 4,4-Me2-cpd., opt. mixed with gamma-butyrolactone, sulpholane or (pref.) propylene carbonate.    ADVANTAGE -   Unlike unsubstd. 1,3-dioxolan, (II) do not polymerise even in presence of highly oxidising depolarisers. Polymerisation reduces the performance of high rate cells and can cause dangerous increases in cell temp. (J60086770-A
(US4507857-A)      Electrochemical cell is assembled by forming a pair of through holes in a thin resilient non-metallic sheet, placing each hole between a respective pair of overlying conductive members, sealing the members of each pair to the material around the hole, electrically coupling the members and connecting an anode and cathode respectively to the member of a different pair on one side of the sheet.    The sheet is formed into a pouch with minimal sepn. of anode and cathode, electrolyte is introduced to contact the electrodes, and the pouch is sealed. The sheet is pref. of thermoplastics and the pouch is heat-sealed. Members are pref. bonded together so that the material between them is held in sealing compression.    USE -   Partic. for use in multi-cell battery. (5pp)
(US5079107-A)      The fuel cell includes a phosphoric acid electrolyte and a cathode comprising an electroconductive support with an electrocatalyst layer composed of a ternary alloy PtNiCo, PtCrC or PtCrCe, the alloy having a catalytic activity for the redn. of O2 at least 25mV at 200mA/cm2 current density higher relative to an analloyed Pt electrocatalyst under the same conditions.    ADVANTAGE -   Greater activity and stability than known catalysts, and are less costly. Less catalyst needs to be used. @(3pp)
(US4609595-A)      A gaseous fuel cell for use in a stacked array has first and second gas permeable electrodes positioned in contact with an electrolyte and first and second catalyst assemblies. A flat conductive plate is held by resilient sealing flanges in contact with one electrode. Biasing means within the channels used to locate the plate urge the facing members together and thus establish and maintain a gas tight seal.    ADVANTAGE -   The arrangement can be used with a molten carbonate fuel cell. Good sealing and corrosion resistance is obtained. (8pp)
(US4643957-A)      H3PO4 fuel cell includes two gas-diffusible, electrodes each with a catalyst-supporting, conductive, porous fired layer contg. a water-repellant binder. The anode has a layer H3PO4 satn. absorption than the cathode by having a lower amt. of water repellant binder and a lower fixing temp. The H3PO4 is contd. in a porous matrix between the electrodes.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell voltage is maintained since migration of the electrolyte to the cathode is minimised. (First major country equivalent to J60216457-A)
(US6612951-N)      Carbonate fuel cell electrolyte reservoir which also functions as an electrode is made of a uniform mixt. of electrode-active powder and porous ceramic particles. The ceramic particles are of size 1-3 microns and a carbonate electrolyte is in the pores of the ceramic particles.    Typically Ni- or Cu-plated Sr titanate is used which is ground together with an organic binder. This is subsequently mixed with e.g. flake Ni deposited on a substrate, sintered and impregnated with electrolyte such as Li2CO3-K2CO3 mixt.    ADVANTAGE -   The matrix need be only thick enough to be fabricable, so that cell resistance is reduced. Gas diffusion is rapid and the stored electrolyte does not degrade performance. Overall dimensions allow incorporation into present cell designs. (12pp)
(US4631351-A)      Integrated solar cell comprises a transparent support; a transparent electrode formed of parallel strips; semiconductor layer formed of parallel strips such that each does not cover one edge of the el-ctrode strips but extends over the other edge; and a back side electrode layer in the form of parallel strips such that each does not cover one edge of the semiconductor strips but extends over the other edge.    A dimensional relationship between the components is given.    ADVANTAGE -   The output per unit area of the cell is optimised. (First major country equivalent to J60182757-A)
(US4576861-A)      Composite material as gas diffusing electrode, comprises (a) a first layer comprising a sheet of expanded porous PTFE having nodes interconnected by fibrils having an initial thickness, and contg. a powdered electroconductive substance; and (b) a second layer comprising a sheet of pure, expanded porous PTFE having nodes interconnected by fibrils having an initial thickness.    Layer (b) is more highly porous than (a), and is bonded to and integrated with it. Thickness of composite is less than the combined initial thicknesses of (a) and (b). Part of the nodes and fibrils of (a) and (b) are interconnected and intertwined to form the bond between the layers.    USE -   In electrolytic cells or in batteries, e.g. fuel cells, oxygen-metal cells, zinc-air battery, and sodium chloride electrolytic cells, retaining waterproof characteristic for a long time. (5pp)
(JP93071671-B)      Laminated electrolytic tank is composed of unit electrolytic cells electrically connected in series and laminated one above another. Each cell has a positive electrode chamber and negative electrode chamber surrounded by a frame.    Improvement is that electrolyte soln. entrance and exit holes communicating with the positive and negative electrode chambers are independently formed every 2 or more unit cells. The no. of these holes is less than the no. of the unit cells. A pump to feed the soln. into the soln. entrance hole may be attached to each entrance hole. (J60181288-A)
(DE3512867-C)      Sheet comprises a flexible graphite sheet (I) impregnated with 0.5-20 wt.% thermosetting resin (II) with a carbonising yield of more than 20%.    (I) is de-aerated and then immersed in liquid (II) under reduced pressure, pref. below atmospheric. This is then heat-set using a hot-press followed by calcining at above 800 deg.C. (II) is pref. a phenolic resin adhesive or epoxy resin adhesive (I) is impregnated with (II), and the pressure is reduced until low b.pt. constituents begin to volatilise. The pressure is returned to atmospheric and depressurisation is repeated. Residual liquid is removed before heat-setting.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The reinforced sheet has improved gas permeability (0.2 x 10 -5 to 1.6 x 10 -5 cm/s.mm Aq), reduced swelling (rate no more than 6) and improved mechanical strength (tensile strength = 0.5-5 kg/cm2), suitable for heat-resistant packings and fuel cell separators, etc.    (US4729910-A)      Prodn. of reinforced flexible graphite sheets comprises de-aeration of a flexible graphite sheet at reduced pressure; impregnation of the treated sheet with a soln. of a phenolic resin, under reduced pressure, removal of the impregnatedsheet from the reduced pressure system; removal of excess resin soln. from the surfaces of thesheet; and hardening the impregnated sheets in a hot press.    USE -   The prods. have improved mechanical properties, low gas permeability, and are not subject to swelling in electrolytes, and serve as diaphragms in fuel cells or as heat-resistant packing. (4pp)
(US4596748-A)      Fuel cell is operated by delivering reactant gas into the cell and electrochemically reacting the gas to produce current, exhausting spent gas from the cell. Electrolyte lost from the cell involves incorporating electrolyte into the reactant gas being delivered to the cell and dispersing the electrolyte in the gas. During the dispersion the electrolyte is vapourised or atomised so that it enters the cell entrained within the reactant gas. Pref. fuel gas is delivered to the anode and oxidant gas to the cathode.    ADVANTAGE -   Loss of electrolyte due to evaporation is reduced. (5pp)
(DE3508153-C)      A fuel cell includes a fuel electrode and an oxidising agent electrode, an electrolyte and an arrangement for controlling the concn. of the fuel. The fuel concn. measuring section comprises a main surface in direct contact with part of the fuel before it is fed into the cell. The oxidising agent electrode main surfaces are in direct contact with fuel electrode material. The potential difference between the electrodes is measured and fuel is controlled in such a manner that the potential difference remains constant.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Cell is used for producing electrical energy. Efficient and reliable. (14pp)a    (US4810597-A)      Methanol-air, acid electrolyte fuel cell (15) comprises fuel electrode (1) and oxidant electrode (2), with an ion-exchange membrane (3) contg. sulphuric acid interposed closely between the electrodes. Fuel electrode faces fuel passing through fuel feed pipe (9), while air electrode is supplied with part of the air fed to the cell stack. Open circuit voltage of the cell is sensed by a voltmeter (17) and sensed signal is feedback controlled by a compensation device (18) on the basis of the relationship between the open circuit voltage and the methanol concn.    Output power can be maintained without fluctuations. (14pp)
(US4599157-A)      O2 permeable membrane with micropores has a thin layer contg. metallic oxide in a C matrix fixed to one surface. The oxide is that of Sn, Zn, Al, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ti, Si, Cu (I), Mn (I), Ni, Co (III), V, Mo, W, Ru, Nb, Cr, Re, Os, Rh, Ir or Pt and the assembly is impermeable to water vapour. Pref. the thin layer is 0.01-1.0 micron thick, and the micropores and not more than 1 micron in dia.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   H2-O2 fuel cells, metal-air battery cells, O2 sensors. Heavy load discharge is maintained over a long period. (10pp)g    (JP92059007-B)      Membrane (I), has a layer of carbon-matrix contg. metal oxide (II) on one or both surface of a finely porous membrane (III).    The pore dia. and the thickness of (III) are smaller than 1 micron and 0.01-1.0 micron, respectively. As (III), those made of polycarbonate, cellulose ester, polypropylene, etc. are useful, On one or both surface of (III), a layer of c matrix contg. (II) is plated by sputtering method using a gas of alkane or alkene mixed with argon. Examples of (II) are hydrophilic metal oxides such as SnO ZnO, A12O3 MgO SrO TiO2 and SiO2, oxygen-absorbing metal oxides such Cu2O SnO MnO NiO and ZnO and rutyl-structured metal oxides such as Ti Vm V dioxide, Mo dioxide, Rd dioxide and Nb diode.    ADVANTAGE -   (I) is used in a gas-diffusion electrode. Since (I) has a high selectively for oxygen-permeation, it prevents the permeat permeation of steam or carbon dioxide into the electrode, resulting in prolongation of the life time of the electrode. (J60179112-A
(JP93040427-B)      Carbon dioxide is blown in an aq. slurry contg. as the solid content 97-85 wt.% powder of Li oxide and/or Li carbonate and alumina and 3-15 wt.% pulp and the pH value is adjusted to 8-10. By adding a flocculating agent, the powder is adsorbed by the pulp and flocked. By paper making it is formed into a sheet-like or plate-like moulded prod. After drying, the moulded prod. is baked in an oxidising atmos. by which the wood pulp content is burnt and vaporised. Then the resulting prod. is sintered.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The ceramic porous body obtd. has good properties as an electrolytical tile and good durability. (J60121679-A)
(JP93021309-B)      Fuel cell (1) uses lithium cobalt oxide micro particle-sintered cpd. as the electrode. The Li content X of Li Co oxide (LixCo1-xO) is 0.05-0.2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cpd. is pref. sintered at 850-950 deg.C, and the obtd. oxide has excellent corrosion resistance and electric conductivity. The cpd. is a highly active electrode material, and gives excellent electrode performance. Using the cpd. (1) has improved cell characteristics. (J60117566-A)
(US4576877-A)      Fuel cell has the anode connected to the cathode via at least one conductive member. The arithmetic prod. of the total electrical resistance between the anode and cathode is 10 power(-4) - 10 ohm m2.    Pref. the anode and cathode are embedded in frames of conductive plastics connected to each other. The plastics pref. incorporates carbon and/or metal particles.    ADVANTAGE -   Good stability over a period of time is obtd.. (5pp)
(US4605601-A)      In the operation of a fuel cell a stoichiometric excess of fuel is supplied to the anode relative to the amt. of oxidant in the cathode chamber. Subsequently the supply of oxidant is stopped nad the drain of current by the external current drain source is also stopped, the anode chamber being left filled with fuel. The anode and cathode are left connected such that the arithmetic prod. of the total electrical resistance between them is 10 power(-4) to 10 ohm/m2.    Pref. the cell uses H2 as a fuel and the oxidant is O2.    ADVANTAGE -   Good stability is achieved. (4pp)
(EP149293-B)      Electro-catalyst comprises an alloy of Pt and up to 50 pref. 10-30 wt.% Ga, dispersed on a suitable carrier, pref. C Pref. Pt-Ga alloy has a surface area of at least 30 sq. m./g. and is present in an amt. 0.1-2 mg per sq. cm. of support surface.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In a cathode for an acid electrolyte/ fuel cell (claimed). Catalyst has enhanced performance and stability over prior art catalysts.
(US4670334-A)      Electrode for use as a -type semiconductor in a photoelectric transducer comprises Ir oxide formed by reactive sputtering of Ir or Ir oxide in 02. Pref. the film is 200-1000 Angstrom thick and is deposited on a plastic substrate, pref. acrylic resin, polyester resin, polyethylene resin or vinyl resin.    Sputtering is effected at a pressure of 0.01-1 pref. 0.1-1 torr, power 0.4 W/sq. an max. oref. 0.2-0.4 w/sq. cm., and and deposition speed 0.05-0.15 Anstrom/sec. Film has a transmittance to He-Ne laser light (633nm) of 90% or more and a resitivity of 0.01 ohm. cm or less.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in a solar cell. Transparent, low resistance p-type film is obtd. at low temp. e.g. a substrate temp. of about 20-25 deg.C. (First major country equivalent to J60084716-A)
(EP143300-B)      A battery made up of redox cells connected in series in bipolar manner and which each have two electrode chambers separated from one another by a membrane, characterised in that the electrode chambers of adjacent cells, which are intended for electrodes of differing polarities, are in each case separated from one another only by a flexible, non-porous graphite foil. (5pp)
(CA1255194-A)      Pin-type amorphous semiconductor solar cell includes an amorphous Si semiconductor film contg. H, C and O as impurities and has a refractive index 2.0-3.4. The total C + O = at least 0.1 at% and the film form the p or n layer and is used as the cell window.    Film is doped n-type with a V element or p-type with a III elment. Process ofr deposition of the film by CVD from silane (fluorides) and at least one of CO, CO2, O-contg. organics and mixts. of hydrocarbons and O2 is claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   Material has low light absorption, a controllable refractive index to minimise reflection and good adhesion to stainless steel substrates and transparent electrodes. (First major country equivalent to J60031222-A).
(US4695518-A)      Fuel cell comprises spaced apart gas diffusion electrodes having a porous electrolyte retaining matrix in the space between them. The matrix has porosity at least 38% and consists of 70-90 wt.% SiC and balance hydrophilic polyethersulphone as binder. Phosphoric acid electrolyte is disposed within the matrix. The matrix remains in tact for at least 17000 hr. of fuel cell operation at 375 deg. F. Pref. the matrix includes 10-20 wt.% polyethersulphone and the polyether sulphone has unit formula -p-C6H4-SO2-p-C6H4-O- and number average mol. wt. at least 17.000, esp. at least 25000.    ADVANTAGE -   The matrix has improved strength and good wettability and bubble pressure characteristics. (6pp),
(JP92050335-B)      Membranes comprise (1) one layer contg. cation exchange gps. on pendant chains and (2) other layer contg. anion exchange gps. on pendant chains and (3) main chain comprising perfluoro-carbon polymers.    Preferably, cation exchange gps. include sulphonic acid gps. and/or carboxylic acid gps. and the anion exchange gps. include quat. ammonium gps. Preferably (1) and (2) comprise repeating units of formula (I) and (II) respectively. (X is F or CF3; Y is SO3M or COOM (M; an alkali metal); 1 : O or 1-5; m: O or 1; n: 1 or 2-5; p and q; positive numbers, p/q: 2-16; Z; a quaternary ammonium gp., contg. (gp). (1) and (2) are preferably 5-3000 micron thick. The membranes are plane film or tubular.    ADVANTAGE -   The membranes resist repetition of drying and swelling and are not released and have chemical and solvent resistance. They are used as separators for fuel batteries and for hydrolysis of salt solutions. (J60001234-A
(US4778579-A)      Electrochemical fuel cell and an electrochemical cell are operated using a d.c. converter, the second cell producing a chemical prod. The cell is operated at a predetermined current and voltage to produce the prod. It is operated at another current and voltage to consume fuel and produce d.c. power, this voltage being independent of the voltage of the cell. The power output at the second current and voltage is converted to a value which matches the first voltage by passing current intermittently through the d.c. converter. Another current is supplied to produce the chemical prod.    ADVANTAGE -   The two cell operate at a voltage most beneficial to them. (17pp)
(US4642273-A)      Control system for an endothermic fuel reforming reaction comprises: fuel gas and steam feed controls; a reformed gas flow control, means for detecting the rate of change of the external load; and a reaction pressure controller responsive to the rate of change of load, the pressure being controlled below a preset steady-state value when the rate of change of load is outside a predetermined range.    Load change is pref. determined as a change in rate of current output from the fuel cell. Reaction pressure control is obtd. by computing a preset value for the reformer from signals obtd. from the rate of load change detector and the reaction pressure detector.    ADVANTAGE -   Constant temp. control is achieved in the reaction, enhancing the efficiency of the system. (First major country equivalent to J59213601-A)
(JP92012120-B)      Method comprises (a) reacting test sample, one of ATP or NAD which is not to be determined, water soluble salt which can release Mg ion or Mn ion and NAD-kinase for forming ADP Or NADP, (b) practising a cycling reaction for NADP using (i) a reagent for forming reduced-type NADP consisting of NADP-anaclitic dehydrogenase and the reduce-type substrate for NADP-anaclitic dehydrogenase use and (ii) a NADP forming reagent consisting of an other NADP-anaclitic dehydrogenase and an oxidised-type substrate for NADP-anaclitic dehydrogenase use and (c) determining the detectable amt. of the substance related to the reactions.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   ATP or NAD can be determined with high sensitivity through simple processes and the process can be easily automated. The method can be adapted for a test sample contg. a cpd. which can release ATP or NAD. (J59213400-A)
(US4706376-A)      Device is formed by: forming a non-single crystal layer of first type on a substrate; adding a non-single crystal intrinsic layer; adding a non-single crystal layer of secon type; irradiating the surface to crystallise selectively the outer layer; and irradiating the surface at a different wavelength to crystallise selectively a portion of the intrinsic layer adjacent the outer layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Conversion efficiency of the device is enhanced. (First major country equivalent to J60224282-A)
(US4569200-A)      A turbine discharge port is in the ocean-fronting wall of the holding tank at the level of the turbine outlet. Whenever the tidal level is suitably below the discharge port, the turbine is caused to discharge directly into the ocean through the port, but whenever the tidal level rises above the discharge port, the port is automatically shut and the required head differential between the turbine inlet and outlet is maintained by allowing the turbine to discharge into the holding tank.    A further drainage port is provided at the bottom of the ocean-fronting wall of the holding tank (above low tide level) for draining water accumulated in the holding tank each time there is a low tide. The capacity of the holding tank is such that accumulated water does not reach the level of the turbine before it is discharged through the drainage port. (8pp)
(US4829353-A)      A photoelectric converting device comprises a photoelectric converting means a photoelectric converting element of a sandwich structure in which the photoconductive layer (I) is sandwiched by a layer electrode formed on a substrate and a light permeable upper electrode (II), a sitottky junction is formed between (I) and (II), and a passivation film directly covering the photoelectric converting means.    The improvement is the passivation film having a thickness of 1-100,micron, and being formed by heating and hardening a mixt. fo silicone bare polymer having a number ave. mol.wt. of 6000-9000 and a wt. ave. mol. wt. of 30x10power3-40x10power3 silicone oligomer having mol. wt. of 6700-1500.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The photoelectric converting device is stable with time even when environmental conditions are changed. The passivation film formed can be bonded tightly and stably to the device. The curing temp. of the passivation film is relatively low, and so the sensor is not susceptible to adverse influence during formation of the film. (First mamor country equivalent to J60220967-A)
(US4638109-A)      The generator comprises a conductive substrate being an output electrode. Amorphous semiconductor layers are provided on the substrate. The layers include at least a single p-i-n junction structure for the formation of a sun light battery element and a protection diode. A collection electrode is affixed on the sun light battery element and a metal electrode is provided for the protection diode. The metal electrode and the collection electrode are affixed to the same light incident surface of the amorphous semiconductor layers but separated from each other by a predetermined distance.    A connection electrode is provided on a region of the conductive substrate where the amorphous layers are not provided. The collection electrode, metal electrode, the connection electrode are simultaneously affixed to the sun light battery element, protection diode, and the conductive substrate, respectively, thus reducing construction time and enhancing reliability.    ADVANTAGE -   No need for soldering small element. (6pp)
(US4680074-A)      Carrier material for a solar generator having a number of solar cells electrically interconnected and secured at one side to the material is produced by forming fabric of intersecting glass fibres (8,9), applying a plastics solution to the points of intersection only, evaporating the solvent, and hardening the plastics (10) so that the fibres are firmly mechanically interconnected.    The soln. may be applied with a brush, roller, mask or by screen printing, and the fabric may be further reinforced (11) with plastics applied as melt or soln. The hardening step may include heat-treatment, and solar cells are attached using transparent silicone adhesive.    ADVANTAGE -   The material has low wt., high light permeability and max. stiffness.
(US4631351-A)      Integrated solar cell comprises a transparent support; a transparent electrode formed of parallel strips; semiconductor layer formed of parallel strips such that each does not cover one edge of the el-ctrode strips but extends over the other edge; and a back side electrode layer in the form of parallel strips such that each does not cover one edge of the semiconductor strips but extends over the other edge.    A dimensional relationship between the components is given.    ADVANTAGE -   The output per unit area of the cell is optimised. (First major country equivalent to J60182757-A)
(US4739182-A)      At least one inner shaft (1) is provided which, by closure members (2,3), communicates with the upstream and downstream water levels. In the shaft a sufficiently heavy float (4) is mounted for movement which by its up and down movement actuates an operating chamber (8) of a dual functioning piston pump.    The pump operates in turn on a liquid chamber of a hydropneumatic pressure storage tank (13). Pressurised fluid (10) which is brought to a high pressure in this manner is suppo supplied to a flow machine, preferably a turbine (20) and expanded and returned to the operating chamber in a closed cycle.    USE -   A stationary weir erected in water. (4pp)n
(US4633032-A)      Solar cell package comprises: a glass substrate with a first surface for receiving light anf a second surface with a solar cell element; a spaced backplate on the second surface and connected via a peripheral frame; a sealing resin around the inside of the frame sealing the space between backplate and second surface; a layer of dessicant on the inner surface of the backplate; and leads from the solar cell element. Dessicant is pref. a zeolite.    ADVANTAGE -   Package provides good protection for the cell and permits cell to withstand harsh conditions over a long period; it is low cost and can be mass produced. (First major country equivalent to J60170270-A)
(GB2153917-B)      Tidal water source is arranged to flow to and from a reservoir via a valve arrangement. A chamber contains a generator and valve arrangement. An inlet gate in the chamber is used via which tidal water is fed to the generator and valve arrangement and via which tidal water is returned to the source. The vertical position of the generator and valve arrangement are controlled such that the generator can be positioned within the chamber so as to be driven as the tide ebbs and flows consequent upon appropriate operation of the valve arrangement.    The valve arrangement comprises two inlet valves and two outlet valves arranged so that the generator can be driven in the same rotary direction when the tide ebbs as when it flows.    ADVANTAGE -   Operates efficiently during various states and conditions of tide.
(US4715927-A)      Improved method of forming a photoconductive member comprises providing a susbtrate; providing a source (I) of microwave energy; providing an enclosed reaction vessel; operatively disposing the substrate in the vessel; coupling microwave energy fromt he source into the interior of the vessel; introducing into the vessel at least one reaction gas which includes at least one semiconductor element to be deposited; energising the source (I) to generate a plasma in the vessel and to deposit semiconductor alloy material from the reaction gas on to the substrate; evacuating the vessel to an operating pressure about an order of magnitude below conventional RF deposition pressure; depositing a bottom blocking layer on to the substrate by adding at least one dopant to the reaction gas; depositing an intrinsic, amorphous photoconductive layer (II) on to the blocking layer, layer (II) having a first density of defect states; changing at least one deposition parameter so as to deposit an enhancement layer on top oflayer (II), the enhancement layer having a second density of defect states less than the first density of defect states; and depositing a hard top stabilising layer (III) on top of the enhancement layer, the layer (III) being formed from a reaction gas including at least one of carbon, nitrogen or oxygen.    ADVANTAGE -   Process has commercially viable reaction gas conversion efficiency and deposition rate. (14pp)a
(DE3402072-C)      Both the product and the process are claimed. Silicon powder, with particles smaller than 500 micrometer, is coated with copper particles in a suspension. The copper deposits itself as particles which adhere to the silicon-particles as in a cementation-process. The copper-content of the product may vary between 0.001 and 50 wt.%, pref. between 0.001 and 10 wt.% and the particles have a dia. of less than 1 micrometer. The electroless deposition occurs in a suspension contg. HF at 1-40 wt.%, a suitable copper-salt and an oxidation -agent. By treating the silicon-powder first with mineral acid the level of impurities can be reduced considerably. By heating the product to a temp. between 200 and 600 deg.C, possibly under a reducing ambient, the Cu is diffused into the silicon.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The Cu-particles adhere to the silicon-particles without an intervening oxide-layer. This allows both alloying with copper and low temp. diffusion of Cu into Si. The method allows the formation of a material with a wide range of Cu content. It allows the Si-powder to be subjected to a cleaning step while the process itself also has a cleaning effect on the silicon. This allows the impurity content to be very low. Material with a high Cu-content can be used as anodes in a Si-refining process after pressing of the material into plates or rods, while material with very low Cu-content can be used in the prodn. of solar cells. A wide range of particle-sizes can be used.
(US4626613-A)      The solar cell comprises a substrate, a front surface having a number of grooves or hollows and a rectifying junction formed on the surface extending into the grooves. A top layer of the junction has a sheet resistivity which is greater in the region between the grooves than in the region within the grooves. The sheet resistivity of the top layer within the grooves is in the order of 25-50 ohms per unit area while sheet resistivity of the top layer between the grooves is in the order of 100-200 ohms per unit area. The grooves comprise through holes provided in the substrate and the lower resistivity regions of the top later extend into the through holes and along a portion of the rear surface of the cell. Metallized contacts to the lower resistivity regions are provided on the rear surface of the substrate to make low resistance electrical contact with the top layer of the junction.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Space environment. Enhances performance of all by increasing life time of minority carries in bulk of substrate. (9pp)    (JP8037318-A)      The cell has a semiconductor substate (10) with pattern of grooves (23) in its surface (22). The sloping faces (29) of the grooves are covered with a semiconductor layer of the opposite conductivity type to that of the substrate. A laser forms the grooves, and the layer forms a rectifier junction with the substrate. The laser device is forms a pattern of grooves or holes, and a chemical etching stage is used before the junction is formed.    A contact is made between the upper and lower surfaces of the substrate. Grooves can be formed on the underside, reducing the thickness of the cell structure, these grooves being between the surface grooves.    ADVANTAGE -   Absorption is high.
(US4547958-A)      For fabricating a vertical junction silicon solar cell a silicon wafer (13) with parallel surfaces along a given crystallographic plane is cleaved along a second plane perpendicular to the first to provide a straight edge (14) of known orientation. The wafer is then positioned in a close-fitting recess (21) in a base plate (11).    The recess has a straight edge for abutting the wafer cleaved edge, and a mask plate (23) is placed to cover base plate and wafer, the mask having a pattern (26) through which the wafer can be exposed for fabrication to form a cell. The base plate is e.g. a glass plate and the recess is formed by glueing to it four pieces (15-18) of silicon wafer, so that a round wafer can have a piece cut from the edge to leave a straight edge to abut one of the pieces.    ADVANTAGE -   Accurate alignment of wafer. (4pp)
(US4759735-A)      Solar powered signal beacon comprises a battery in a water-tight caisson, and solar cells on the outer surface of the upper wall of the caisson. Electrical conductors pass through the upper wall to connect the cells to the batteries. The upper wall is pref. of truncated cone shape.    ADVANTAGE -   Good weather resistance. (8pp)i
(EP144297-B)      The turbine includes a housing (10) supported at one end of a tubular elongate rigid member (17) so as to be disposed below water. The housing has a turbine wheel at one end, the wheel having a hub (11) mounted on the input shaft (12) of a bevel gear (16) in the housing.    The wheel has blades (20) and the bevel gear has an output shaft connected to a generator. A truncated, hollow, conical ring (21) is mounted around the blades coaxial with the housing centre axis.    ADVANTAGE -   Since the ring larger dia. is closest to the housing, flow through the wheel is maximised.
(US4625125-A)      The method of controlling a variable-speed hydraulic power generation system comprising an induction generator having an excitation secondary winding, a hydraulic machine is connected to the induction generator for driving it. A guide vane controls the quantity of water supplied to the machine and a frequency converter applies and AC excitation to the second winding of the generator. A control unit changes the quantity of water by controlling the guide vane and changes th e amount of excitation by controlling the frequency converter.    The method comprises detecting variation is any one of the frequency of a power system electrically connected to the power generation system and a power demand from the power system to the power generation system. The guide vane is controlled using detected variations so damping the variations. (9pp)s
(US5057244-A)      Reductive, transparent and electrically conductive film comprises C and either Sn, Pb, In or Tl in proportions defined by MxC3 (I). In (I) M=Sn, Pb, In or Tl and x+3=1. Pref. film further comprises at least one of H, O, N or S. Esp. H is contained in film to provide a reducing atmos.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful as transparent electrode in various optical devices. Transparency and electrode conductivity are improved. @(18pp)@
(DE3332544-C)      The regulator uses a signal representing the actual rotation rate and a signal representing the actual water level. The two signals are used to obtain a control signalfor adjustment of a servomotor controlling the angle of the turbine blades.    The turbine and the associated synchronous generator can either be used in isolation or in conjunction with the mains network. The regulator is used to maintain a constant rotation rate, or to maintain a given water level or vol. flow rate respectively.    USE -   For Michell-Ossberger turbine operated in isolation or in conjunction with mains.
(CA1255194-A)      Pin-type amorphous semiconductor solar cell includes an amorphous Si semiconductor film contg. H, C and O as impurities and has a refractive index 2.0-3.4. The total C + O = at least 0.1 at% and the film form the p or n layer and is used as the cell window.    Film is doped n-type with a V element or p-type with a III elment. Process ofr deposition of the film by CVD from silane (fluorides) and at least one of CO, CO2, O-contg. organics and mixts. of hydrocarbons and O2 is claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   Material has low light absorption, a controllable refractive index to minimise reflection and good adhesion to stainless steel substrates and transparent electrodes. (First major country equivalent to J60031222-A).
(US4544849-A)      The appts. comprises a buoyant container having a balancing buoyant room and a flood gate, a power transmission apparatus having a converting apparatus, and a four-way valve. The buoyancy force of the buoyant container is decreased during the upward movement of the container while the kinetic energy decreases during the downward movement of said container. With control of the four-way valve, the decreasing buoyancy force is partially compensated for by the pumping of water from the buoyant container and the kinetic energy is reinforced by filling the buoyant container with water.    The converting apparatus comprises two conic helical gears. By using the conic helical gear, the buoyancy force and the kinetic energy are constantly transmitted into the pump. (11pp)t
(US4670293-A)      A semiconductor film is deposited on a substrate by plasma glow discharge using at least one pair of opposed discharge electrodes in a chamber supplied with reaction gas.    The deposition region of the substrate is arranged just outside the plasma region formed between the electrodes with the substrate surface perpendicular to the electrode surfaces.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is esp. suitable for applying semiconductor films to curved surfaces e.g. photoconductive drums or isobar cell devices. Used for mfr. of photovoltaic device. (19pp)
(US4578526-A)      Solar module has a solar cell array of Gp. II-IV cpd. semiconductor cells formed on a glass superstrata to leave a margin along the periphery. There is a resin layer coated on the array and the peripheral margin of the superstrata. The resin consists of a fluoropolymer derived from a cpd. contg. a perfluoroalkylene gp. and active H atoms.    Also claimed is a similar module with a back cover adhered to the resin layer by the adhesiveness of the latter. The back cover is pref. a resin coated Al layer and the solar cells are pref. of the CdS/CdTe type.    ADVANTAGE -   Inexpensive, reliable, simple and light-weight modules. (5pp)
(DE3328899-C)      In prodn. of frontal electrically conducting, pref. lattice, contacts in a photovoltaic (solar) cell with at least 2 semi-conducting layers, a perforated mask of non-conducting material is applied to the front (upper) semi-conductor layer, and electrically conducting material is applied to the perforations.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell is made simply and cheaply. Loss due to shading of the active layers by the electrical contact is reduced. Efficiency is increased by about 20%. The mask can be removed after appln. of the electrically conducting material. Application or prepn. of modules comprising several photovoltaic cells is claimed.
(US4721629-A)      Photovoltaic device is formed by: forming a substrate with an insulating surface; adding a transparent electrode film (11); patterning the film with an energy beam to form islands of the film each corresp. to a photoelectric converting region (14), forming a semiconductor film on the islands; adding second electrodes of adjacent islands to each other.    ADVANTAGE -   Process avoids accidental shorts between electrodes in the photoelectric conversion regions; mfg. yield is increased and costs reduced. (First major country equivalent to J60003164-A)    (US4824488-A)      Photovoltaic device has a substrate (10) of transparent or semitransparent insulating material, on which a transparent conductive film is formed and patterned by a laser beam to produce sections (11a,11b,11c) corresp. to photoelectric converting ranges (14a,14b,14c), through removal of film at spaces between the sections. The spaces electrically isolate the sections. Semiconductor parts (12a,12b,12c) are formed on the sections, such that end portions of the transparent films are exposed beyond the longitudinal ends of the semiconductor parts. A transparent back electrode is formed and divided (13a,13b,13c) over the semiconductor parts.    ADVANTAGE -   Accidental short circuit in the photoelectric converting region is prevented. (17pp)
(DE3327456-C)      The runner wheel has a rim of profiled blades and two front discs at its ends. An axially intermediate connecting disc completes the radial plane assembly on a shaft, with radially outwards slits matching the blade profiles for their retention. The intermediate sections (22) of the connecting disc (8) between the slits (20) are fitted with offset outer edges (30) in the region of the blade suction sides (26) w.r.t. the outer edges (28) on the blade pressure sides (24).    The radial offset is preferably 1/4 of the bladelength. The intermediate sections may extend in the region of the blade pressure sides radially outwards up to the inlet edges (34) of the blades (2).    ADVANTAGE -   Improved static and dynamic strength of the runner wheel and flow ratios in the blade channels.    (EP133306-B)      Impeller for a cross-flow turbine having a flow pattern such that fluid flows therethrough radially from the outside to the inside and then radially from the inside to the outside, comprising a ring of profiled vanes and a pair of end discs at the ends and at least one axially interposed connecting disc arranged in radial planes on a shaft and provided radially outside with slots formed matingly to the vane profiles for receiving the vanes, characterised in that the intermediate portions (22) of the connecting disc (8) situated between the slots (20) are radially inwardly offset at their outer edges (30) in the region of the suction sides (26) of the vanes relative to their outer edges (28) in the region of the pressure sides (24) of the vanes. (7pp)
(US4582953-A)      A projected section is formed on a side of a module case. A groove section is formed on the opposite side to accommodate the projected section and terminals of the solar cell devices. Several solar cell modules may be connected mechanically and electrically, where engagement sections on the projections and grooves couple together.    Marks which indicate the reference positions for insertion of the module cases and marks which indicate the regular connection positions for proper connection of the cases are used.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces risk of modules being decoupled. (8pp)i    (DE3426667-C)      The module comprises a number of interconnected solar cell assemblies, as well as a groove section for retaining the protruding section on its opposite eside. Along the section length on the module side are engagement sections for the centre part of its length, which can engage the grooved section. The latter is of a length extending over the entire side of the module housing.    engagement sections when the section is inserted into the grooved section. In this manner two module housing are interconnectable by engagement of one protruding section into the grooved section of the other housing. By mutual shifting of the module housings along their sides, their connecting terminals are also connectable in the regular position of the two housings.    ADVANTAGE -   Easy formation of modular solar cell assembly with electrical and mechanical connection of individual modules.
(US4742012-A)      The production method comprises using an apparatus having a single film forming chamber which is so designed that a dopant gas concentration can be controlled according to a position in the chamber. On base plate a p-type layer is formed containing a dopant impurity continuously decreasing to zero.    An i-type layer is then formed containing no dopant impurity on the p-type layer or n-type layer and then on the i-type layer the other of the n-type layer or p-type layer is formed containing dopant impurity continuously increasing from zero to a predetermined amount to form a graded P-I-N or N-I-P junction amorphous semiconductor device. The layer is changed by controlling the concentration of each respective dopant in a raw gas. The dopant concentration in the raw material gas varies as a function of position in the chamber. (First major country equivalent to J59229878)
(US4692782-A)      The semiconductor radiation detector comprises a single crystal semiconductor substrate having a specific resistance of at least 10 K cm, and having electrode surfaces separated by side surfaces. An undoped amorphous semiconductor layer has a specific resistance higher than that of the substrate and the amorphous layer coats at least one of the electrode surfaces at least up to the sude surface. A electrode is deposited on the amorphous layer, and a second electrode is deposited over the other of the electrode surfaces.    An amorphous semiconductor layer of specific resistance higher than that of the substrate, coats the other electrode surface and the second electrode is deposited over the latter amorphous layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Does not have variable ageing characteristics.    (First major country equivalent to J59227168)
(US4729623-A)      A base member formed as a right dehedron has two surfaces on which are respectively secured a plate bearing a photodetector and a platelet bearing an optical fibre end. The position of the fibre endface with respect to a photosensitive surface of the photodetector is checked using an optical magnifier to observe a spot of a white light beam emitted by the fibre end onto the photosensitive surface. The spot must be concentric with the outline of the photosensitive surface.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids hard contact between fibre endface and photosensitive surface thus avoids damage. (9pp)d
(US4654467-A)      Photoelectric conversion panel has a transparent substrate with a K-contg. surface layer. The substrate supports a laminate of a transparent conductive layer, at least one PIN non-single crystal semiconductor photoelectric conversion member and another conductive member. A Si nitride impurity blocks the layer between the substrate and the laminate. A second impurity blocking layer is formed on the laminate preventing impurities entering the laminate from outside.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Assembly is flexible, and mechanically strong and resists wind pressure etc. when used as a solar panel.    (5pp)a    (US4659867-A)      Photoelectric conversion panel has a transparent substrate supporting a laminate of a light transparent conductive layer, at least one PIN non single crystal semiconductor laminate conversion member and another conductive layer. The substrate consists of glass which can be bent with a bend radius below 3 m.    Pref. the substrate is chemically reinforced glass.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Assembly is easy to handle due to the flexible nature of the panel and its associated frame. (5pp)G    (US33208-E)      A photoelectric conversion panel comprises (a) a transparent substrate, and (b) a laminated member composed of a transparent 1st conductive layer, at least one PIN type non-single-crystal semiconductor laminate photoelectric conversion member, and a 2nd conductive layer.    The substrate comprises a flexible carbon-fibre or -cloth reinforced glass sheet having potassium-contg. glass layers formed in the opposite main surfaces of an alkali-free or alkali-contg. glass sheet 0.2-1.2 mm thick. An Si3N4 impurity blocking layer is formed-between the substrate and the laminated member to prevent K entering the laminate.    A semiconductor device and a photoelectric device comprising the panel are also claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   The panel does not get damaged if bent by high winds. @(5pp)@
(US6559504-N)      A V-shaped aluminium extrusion has a pair of outer faces each formed with a channel receiving a string of solar cells in thermal contact with the extrusion. Each string is attached to a continuous glass cover secured within the channel with spring clips to isolate the string from the external environment. Repair or replacement of solar cells is effected by detaching the spring clips to remove the cover/cell assembly without interrupting circulation of coolant fluid through the receiver.    The lower surface of the channel in thermal contact with the cells of the string is anodised to establish a suitable standoff voltage capability between the cells and the extrusion. Primary electrical insulation is provided by a dielectric tape disposed between the coolant tube and extrusion. Adjacent solar cells are soldered to interconnect members designed to accommodate thermal expansion and mismatches.    ADVANTAGE -   Has separate electrical insulation and thermal conduction structures. (30pp)
(US4681987-A)      The equipment comprises a circuit including a number of key input contacts. A frame is arranged on the surface of the circuit structure, and key input buttons are arranged one for each of the key input contacts. The frame has holes for each of the key input contacts, an insulative layer adjoining the electrical circuit and a metal layer which is in contact with the electrical circuit.    The metal layer is exposed at the holes so that the key input buttons, which fit into the holes, selectively and electrically connect the key input contacts to the metal layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Thin structure. (First major country equivalent to J59211286)
(US4562637-A)      A method of mfg. a solar battery comprises serially connecting a number of solar battery elements arranged spaced from each other.    A pair of flexible films e.g. of polyester are used to sandwich the arrangement of the elements, each of the films having a number of conductive members which may be of copper formed at positions corresponding to the elements.    Each conductive member has one end portion extended beyond the surface of the corresponding battery element. When the pair of flexible films are disposed to sandwich the elements, the extended end portion of the conductive member on the side of the light receiving surface of one solar battery element is positioned in the space between adjacent elements opposite the end portion of the conductive member on the side of the back surface of the next element. The end portions are welded together by a light beam to connect the elements in series. (4pp)    (DE3423172-C2)      This is a method of producing a solar battery from several solar cells arranged one after the other. The solar cells (44) are positioned at intervals between a substrate (52) in the shape of a flexible foil and another flexible foil (50). On the two sides of the substrate and the other foil facing one another, there are two conductors (46a, 46b) coated with solder (48a, 48b) fastened rigidly together using heat and pressure and having electrodes (40, 42) formed on the light-sensitive upper side and the under side of each solar cell, as shown. Other features are also explained.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Suitable for solar energy installations. The solar cells are connected together with great precision, though still capable of mass production.
(US4611089-A)      The device includes a heat source having a mating face and a heat sink also having a mating face. The converter also includes a thermoelectric conversion module positioned between the faces. The module includes an electrically insulative holder having a side positioned adjacent the heat source and a second side disposed adjacent the heat sink.    The holder includes spaced parallel walls and spaced parallel second walls extending normal to the first wall so that the walls define an array of compartments with each compartment containing a thermoelectric element. The module further includes a compressed resilient, thermally conductive pad positioned in each compartment. (7pp)
(EP162579-B)      The plant harnesses the temp. difference between the warm water in the superficial layer of the ocean, and the cold water in the deeper regions. The plant incudes an evaporating section and condensing section connected by an electric power generating section comprising a turbine and electric generator.    The evaporators are supplied from a liquid reservoir including a tank and pump. Sections of the pipe work are insulated whilst valves control the flow of water. The system is capable of operating in a low power mode at night, during which the evaporators are flushed out to remove accumulated deposits.    ADVANTAGE -   Efficiency maintained by self-cleansing process.
(DE3490710-T)      The solar energy layout has a receive (1) and a heliostat (2) mounted on a support and revolving mechanism with a main shaft (4). A device having a drive shaft (14) enables it to follow the movement of the sun. The device has a drive shaft (7) the same width as the geographical width of the location of the solar energy layout, which is kinematically connected with the heliostat by sliding shoes (10) and a system of holding down rods (8, 9).    The shafts (14, 4) are coaxial, and the geometrical centre of the heliostat (2) and its revolving centre are unified at (B).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Kinematic layout imparts greater degree of exactitude' to device for following the movement of the sun. (5pp)
(US4585581-A)      A thin film comprises a polymer blend of highly conductive polymer (I) selected from polypyrrole, polyindole, polyazulene, polythiophene, poly-N-p-nitro-phenyl pyrrole and polyfuran, and a dry solid electron or ion exchange polymer electrolyte (II) which is complexed with an electron acceptor cpd. (I) is the major component of the film on one face, and (II) is the major component on the other face. (I) is more conductive than (II).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The film provides an improved electric charge transfer across the film interface of an electrochemical/photovoltaic cell. It has an efficiency of almost 35% c.f. 25% for a conventional cell, and a voltage of 0.625 v c.f. 0.2-05 v for the conventional cell. The cells may operate where the angle of incident light is not necessarily perpendicular to the cell face.
(US6569085-N)      Control members adjustably tension a membrane as well as control a focus produced by the membrane members. Each control member is assigned to a structural member. The collector also comprises an elongated flexible tensioner which serves to stretch the membrane and sleeve members which serve to provide the membrane with a desired surface contour during its tensioning.    The tensioner is coupled to the structural member such that it is adjustably tensioned through the structural members. The tensioner is also coupled to the membrane through the sleeve members such that they uniformly and symmetrically stretch the membrane upon applying tension to the tensioner by the control members.    ADVANTAGE -   Low cost, simply constructed, fairly lightweight tensioning components compensating for variations and creep. (30pp)
(US4638109-A)      The generator comprises a conductive substrate being an output electrode. Amorphous semiconductor layers are provided on the substrate. The layers include at least a single p-i-n junction structure for the formation of a sun light battery element and a protection diode. A collection electrode is affixed on the sun light battery element and a metal electrode is provided for the protection diode. The metal electrode and the collection electrode are affixed to the same light incident surface of the amorphous semiconductor layers but separated from each other by a predetermined distance.    A connection electrode is provided on a region of the conductive substrate where the amorphous layers are not provided. The collection electrode, metal electrode, the connection electrode are simultaneously affixed to the sun light battery element, protection diode, and the conductive substrate, respectively, thus reducing construction time and enhancing reliability.    ADVANTAGE -   No need for soldering small element. (6pp)
(US4680074-A)      Carrier material for a solar generator having a number of solar cells electrically interconnected and secured at one side to the material is produced by forming fabric of intersecting glass fibres (8,9), applying a plastics solution to the points of intersection only, evaporating the solvent, and hardening the plastics (10) so that the fibres are firmly mechanically interconnected.    The soln. may be applied with a brush, roller, mask or by screen printing, and the fabric may be further reinforced (11) with plastics applied as melt or soln. The hardening step may include heat-treatment, and solar cells are attached using transparent silicone adhesive.    ADVANTAGE -   The material has low wt., high light permeability and max. stiffness.
(US4631351-A)      Integrated solar cell comprises a transparent support; a transparent electrode formed of parallel strips; semiconductor layer formed of parallel strips such that each does not cover one edge of the el-ctrode strips but extends over the other edge; and a back side electrode layer in the form of parallel strips such that each does not cover one edge of the semiconductor strips but extends over the other edge.    A dimensional relationship between the components is given.    ADVANTAGE -   The output per unit area of the cell is optimised. (First major country equivalent to J60182757-A)
(US4633032-A)      Solar cell package comprises: a glass substrate with a first surface for receiving light anf a second surface with a solar cell element; a spaced backplate on the second surface and connected via a peripheral frame; a sealing resin around the inside of the frame sealing the space between backplate and second surface; a layer of dessicant on the inner surface of the backplate; and leads from the solar cell element. Dessicant is pref. a zeolite.    ADVANTAGE -   Package provides good protection for the cell and permits cell to withstand harsh conditions over a long period; it is low cost and can be mass produced. (First major country equivalent to J60170270-A)
(US4628142-A)      The tracking mechanism comprises a solar radiant energy receiver secured to a base set on the ground and rotatable about a shaft which extends horizontally in an east-west direction and a number of compound parabolic concentrators secured to both longitudinal edges of the solar receiving mechanism in parallel to the shaft.    The sun energy concentrated on suitable device such as shape mempry alloy coil or solar cell module located at a position coincident with the focal line of the compound parabolic concentrator is transferred to a mechanism for driving the rotating shaft of the solar radiant energy receiver thereby to rotate the same and continuously obtain the solar radiant energy.    ADVANTAGE -   No electric power supply or electric control devices. (8pp)e
(US4594853-A)      The generator comprises a resonant chamber in the ocean. The chamber has an exterior vertical wall perpendicular to the plane of the water with an opening facing the direction of wave propagation for passage of water into and out of the chamber. The chamber amplifies the wave motion of the body of water in the fundamental mode so that the amplitude of waves in the chamber is greater than the amplitude of the waves passing into the chamber.    The chamber is sized so that the equivalent diameter of the chamber is from 0.15L/pi to L/pi where L is the length between the crest of waves passing into the chamber. Generally the equivalent dia. of the chamber is le-s than 100 feet. For a chamber that is circular in horizontal cross-section, pref. its dia. is from about 0.2L/pi to about 0.6L/pi (40 to 70 feet).    A float in the chamber moves up and down in response to the wave motion in the chamber. A power generator is operatively connected to the float for converting the kinetic energy of the float to useful energy.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases efficiency by amplifying twice amplitude of incoming waves. Protects float and associated equipment from damaging action of ocean. (10pp)g
(US4626613-A)      The solar cell comprises a substrate, a front surface having a number of grooves or hollows and a rectifying junction formed on the surface extending into the grooves. A top layer of the junction has a sheet resistivity which is greater in the region between the grooves than in the region within the grooves. The sheet resistivity of the top layer within the grooves is in the order of 25-50 ohms per unit area while sheet resistivity of the top layer between the grooves is in the order of 100-200 ohms per unit area. The grooves comprise through holes provided in the substrate and the lower resistivity regions of the top later extend into the through holes and along a portion of the rear surface of the cell. Metallized contacts to the lower resistivity regions are provided on the rear surface of the substrate to make low resistance electrical contact with the top layer of the junction.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Space environment. Enhances performance of all by increasing life time of minority carries in bulk of substrate. (9pp)    (JP8037318-A)      The cell has a semiconductor substate (10) with pattern of grooves (23) in its surface (22). The sloping faces (29) of the grooves are covered with a semiconductor layer of the opposite conductivity type to that of the substrate. A laser forms the grooves, and the layer forms a rectifier junction with the substrate. The laser device is forms a pattern of grooves or holes, and a chemical etching stage is used before the junction is formed.    A contact is made between the upper and lower surfaces of the substrate. Grooves can be formed on the underside, reducing the thickness of the cell structure, these grooves being between the surface grooves.    ADVANTAGE -   Absorption is high.
(US4625709-A)      A plate provided with solar collectors is carreid by a mast, which rests on a member which defines the top of a liquid-filled chamber, which has a variable volume. When an outlet nozzle of the chamber is opened, the weight of the mast compresses a bellows, which defines the chamber. As a result, the mast descends and is rotated at the same time because a radial pin slides in a helical groove or slot formed in the tube.    In large tracking solar collector installations the chamber is not provided with a compression spring and the liquid is pumped by hand from a supply vessel through valves into the chamber so that the liquid raises the mast and causes it to rotate at the same time. The weight of the mast forces liquid out of the chamber through a throttle valve into the supply vessel.    ADVANTAGE -   Tracks sun without using electric power. (9pp)d    (EP164066-B)      Device for guiding a solar collector plate on a supporting mast rotatable in an upright pipe, characterised in that the upright pipe (2) surrounds, at a distance, a fluid-filled chamber (inside sleeve (7)) of variable volume, on the cover of which stands the supporting mast (3) for the solar collector plate (17), the upright pipe (2) or the supporting mast (3) being provided with at least one spiral groove (6) and alternately the support mast (3) or the upright pipe (2) having at least one bolt guided in the spiral groove (6), and the support mast (3) reducing the volume of the chamber trough its weight by sinking and thereby forcing the fluid displaced from the chamber via a throttle valve or outlet nozzle (14) into a storage container (15) in sleeve (7). (10pp)
(US4636577-A)      The solar panel module comprises a number of solar panels and a low profile, elongated frame including a generally flat, rectangular base having a number of planar surfaces for supporting the under surfaces of the solar panels. The panels are removably sealed to the frames at the under surfaces rendering the upper surfaces fully free and unencumbered for receipt of incident solar radiation.    The frame includes, integrally with it upstanding walls adjacent opposite edges of the panel supporting surfaces, defining raceway channels for concealed passage of electrical wires connected to the solar panels. The channels and walls have provision for overlapping interlocking with similarly fabricated frames for ease of installation, weather-proofing and high-density panel mounting. (8pp)
(US4717227-A)      The solar ray collecting device for use in space includes a heat-conductive supporting base plate provided with a large number of adjacent hexagonal recess portions, and a large number of optical systems installed on each of the recess portions. A number of heat-conductive protective bars set up on an upper vertex of a side wall form the recess portion.    A protective cover is used for covering a light-receiving surface side of the supporting base plate and has the function of a filter capable of letting visible rays pass through. A pointed end portion of the protective bar is brought into heat-conductive contact with the protective cover.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in space where plenty of X-rays and UV rays are present and where there is much heat radiation. Prevents lens from being destroyed by extreme heat, enables focus position of each lens to always coincide with light-receiving edge of optical fibre. (7pp)
(US4580756-A)      The balancer comprises a foundation, a rotatable shaft mounted on the foundation and a motor mounted on the foundation for rotating the shaft. The shaft has an end portion and a cylindrical member mounted on the end portion, with an axis which is perpendicular to the axis of the shaft and which intersects the axis. A second rotatable shaft has an axis axially aligned with the axis of the cylindrical member such that the axis of the second shaft passes through the point of intersection. A carrying table is supported by the second shaft which is rotated by a second motor.    A third rotatable shaft has an axis which passes through the point of intersection, rotatabley supported by the cylindrical member and is rotated by a third motor. The carrying table is maintainable in a horizontal position as the disposition of the foundation varies as the three motors rotate the three shafts respectively.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For carrying solar ray collecting device. Reduces or eliminates rocking motion. (7pp)
(DE3330495-C)      The system has two separate optical systems (2,3) respectively used for tracking the target and for supplying the steering guidance signals to the missile. Both optical systems (2,3) are associated with a common scanning and imaging system (4,5,6), for line by line scanning of the common field of view.    The scanning and imaging system (4,5,6) has a periodic beam switching device (11) for alternate coupling with the optical systems (2,3). Pref. one of the optical systems (2,3) uses a thermal imager (2), while the other uses a laser transmitter (3) for sending the steering guidance signals to the missile.    USES -   For steering missile onto target during daylight or at night.    (GB2146450-B)      A device for guiding a missile into a target and comprising an optical mechanical system for scanning a field of vision in elevation and azimuth, and including a target observation apparatus, and a guidance apparatus for transmitting guidance signals to the missiel, said apparatuses being combined in a single guidance station or emplacement, characterised in that the scanning system includes a single common optical input channel for the two apparatuses, a scanning element for elevational scanning of the field of vision, and a deflecting mirror arrangement after which is a periodic beam switch in the form of a rotatable polygonal wheel with alternating differently-inclined polygon surfaces which serve alternately to deflect light entering the optical input channel to the target observation apparatus and to deflect radiation from the guidance apparatus along the same beam path to the missile.
(US4565185-A)      The difference in height between the respective steps is set so as to be at least approximately equal to the dia. of the light-receiving surface of the solar ray collecting device. Consequently, the collectors do not project any shadow toward the rear solar ray collecting device. The collectors have doors (101-107') for use as an entrance and as an exit so that various adjustments can be made by a worker upon obtaining access through the doors.    The adjustment mechanism can position the light-receiving edge of the optical conductor cable at the location of the lens focus. Such adjustment is performed while the solar ray collecting device is in use so that it may be ndessary to do the adjustment facing in a southerly direction. For this reason, the door as entrance and exit is installed at the northern side of the device.    ADVANTAGE -   Large number of collectors can be installed in small space. (9pp)n
(DE3331779-C)      In the thermoelectric assembly, several thermo-elements of metals, semi-metals or semiconductors are connected in series by welding the ends of legs to form a meandering arrangement. The preferred method of joining the ends is by explosive welding. Any cavity is filled up by an insulating material.    ADVANTAGE -   Thermocouple junctions of greater mechanical strength and lower electrical contact resistance. (5pp)
(US4544849-A)      The appts. comprises a buoyant container having a balancing buoyant room and a flood gate, a power transmission apparatus having a converting apparatus, and a four-way valve. The buoyancy force of the buoyant container is decreased during the upward movement of the container while the kinetic energy decreases during the downward movement of said container. With control of the four-way valve, the decreasing buoyancy force is partially compensated for by the pumping of water from the buoyant container and the kinetic energy is reinforced by filling the buoyant container with water.    The converting apparatus comprises two conic helical gears. By using the conic helical gear, the buoyancy force and the kinetic energy are constantly transmitted into the pump. (11pp)t
(US4513734-A)      A pair of flat plate reflector elements are disposed at right angles to and reflect upon the opposite faces of a collector element adjacent the base. The collector element is oriented at an angle from 30-60 deg. The reflector elements reflect the maximum amount of solar radiation incident onto the collector element. The collector incorporates a third, flat plate reflector element disposed parallel to the collector element and spaced from it by a distance at least equal to the length of the adjacent reflector element. The third reflector element dimensions are such as to reflect the maximum amount of solar radiation incincident on it. The latter is performed either directly or indirectly by reflection from the adjacent reflector, upon the back face of the collector element.    ADVANTAGE -   All radiation is concentrated, whether direct or iindirectc as from skylight. (6pp)
(US4578526-A)      Solar module has a solar cell array of Gp. II-IV cpd. semiconductor cells formed on a glass superstrata to leave a margin along the periphery. There is a resin layer coated on the array and the peripheral margin of the superstrata. The resin consists of a fluoropolymer derived from a cpd. contg. a perfluoroalkylene gp. and active H atoms.    Also claimed is a similar module with a back cover adhered to the resin layer by the adhesiveness of the latter. The back cover is pref. a resin coated Al layer and the solar cells are pref. of the CdS/CdTe type.    ADVANTAGE -   Inexpensive, reliable, simple and light-weight modules. (5pp)
(DE3328899-C)      In prodn. of frontal electrically conducting, pref. lattice, contacts in a photovoltaic (solar) cell with at least 2 semi-conducting layers, a perforated mask of non-conducting material is applied to the front (upper) semi-conductor layer, and electrically conducting material is applied to the perforations.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell is made simply and cheaply. Loss due to shading of the active layers by the electrical contact is reduced. Efficiency is increased by about 20%. The mask can be removed after appln. of the electrically conducting material. Application or prepn. of modules comprising several photovoltaic cells is claimed.
(US4721629-A)      Photovoltaic device is formed by: forming a substrate with an insulating surface; adding a transparent electrode film (11); patterning the film with an energy beam to form islands of the film each corresp. to a photoelectric converting region (14), forming a semiconductor film on the islands; adding second electrodes of adjacent islands to each other.    ADVANTAGE -   Process avoids accidental shorts between electrodes in the photoelectric conversion regions; mfg. yield is increased and costs reduced. (First major country equivalent to J60003164-A)    (US4824488-A)      Photovoltaic device has a substrate (10) of transparent or semitransparent insulating material, on which a transparent conductive film is formed and patterned by a laser beam to produce sections (11a,11b,11c) corresp. to photoelectric converting ranges (14a,14b,14c), through removal of film at spaces between the sections. The spaces electrically isolate the sections. Semiconductor parts (12a,12b,12c) are formed on the sections, such that end portions of the transparent films are exposed beyond the longitudinal ends of the semiconductor parts. A transparent back electrode is formed and divided (13a,13b,13c) over the semiconductor parts.    ADVANTAGE -   Accidental short circuit in the photoelectric converting region is prevented. (17pp)
(DE3327539-C)      The marine-powered energy generation plant uses at least one container acting as a float and coupled to an electrical generator and filled with sufficient ballast to ensure that it remains upright at the water surface at a height which matches that of the received waves.    Pref. the float container is positioned at a height of between 1.3 and 0.2 times the max. wave height (Hwmax) and is freely movable within a hollow body which is open at the bottom and top. This hollow body may be coupled to a front section with upwards angled plates extending across its front between the opposing sidewalls and a rear surface for coverting the horizontal velocity component of the received waves into a vertical velocity component.    ADVANTAGE -   Efficient utilisation of wave energy.
(US4582953-A)      A projected section is formed on a side of a module case. A groove section is formed on the opposite side to accommodate the projected section and terminals of the solar cell devices. Several solar cell modules may be connected mechanically and electrically, where engagement sections on the projections and grooves couple together.    Marks which indicate the reference positions for insertion of the module cases and marks which indicate the regular connection positions for proper connection of the cases are used.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces risk of modules being decoupled. (8pp)i    (DE3426667-C)      The module comprises a number of interconnected solar cell assemblies, as well as a groove section for retaining the protruding section on its opposite eside. Along the section length on the module side are engagement sections for the centre part of its length, which can engage the grooved section. The latter is of a length extending over the entire side of the module housing.    engagement sections when the section is inserted into the grooved section. In this manner two module housing are interconnectable by engagement of one protruding section into the grooved section of the other housing. By mutual shifting of the module housings along their sides, their connecting terminals are also connectable in the regular position of the two housings.    ADVANTAGE -   Easy formation of modular solar cell assembly with electrical and mechanical connection of individual modules.
(US4654467-A)      Photoelectric conversion panel has a transparent substrate with a K-contg. surface layer. The substrate supports a laminate of a transparent conductive layer, at least one PIN non-single crystal semiconductor photoelectric conversion member and another conductive member. A Si nitride impurity blocks the layer between the substrate and the laminate. A second impurity blocking layer is formed on the laminate preventing impurities entering the laminate from outside.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Assembly is flexible, and mechanically strong and resists wind pressure etc. when used as a solar panel.    (5pp)a    (US4659867-A)      Photoelectric conversion panel has a transparent substrate supporting a laminate of a light transparent conductive layer, at least one PIN non single crystal semiconductor laminate conversion member and another conductive layer. The substrate consists of glass which can be bent with a bend radius below 3 m.    Pref. the substrate is chemically reinforced glass.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Assembly is easy to handle due to the flexible nature of the panel and its associated frame. (5pp)G    (US33208-E)      A photoelectric conversion panel comprises (a) a transparent substrate, and (b) a laminated member composed of a transparent 1st conductive layer, at least one PIN type non-single-crystal semiconductor laminate photoelectric conversion member, and a 2nd conductive layer.    The substrate comprises a flexible carbon-fibre or -cloth reinforced glass sheet having potassium-contg. glass layers formed in the opposite main surfaces of an alkali-free or alkali-contg. glass sheet 0.2-1.2 mm thick. An Si3N4 impurity blocking layer is formed-between the substrate and the laminated member to prevent K entering the laminate.    A semiconductor device and a photoelectric device comprising the panel are also claimed.    ADVANTAGE -   The panel does not get damaged if bent by high winds. @(5pp)@
(US6559504-N)      A V-shaped aluminium extrusion has a pair of outer faces each formed with a channel receiving a string of solar cells in thermal contact with the extrusion. Each string is attached to a continuous glass cover secured within the channel with spring clips to isolate the string from the external environment. Repair or replacement of solar cells is effected by detaching the spring clips to remove the cover/cell assembly without interrupting circulation of coolant fluid through the receiver.    The lower surface of the channel in thermal contact with the cells of the string is anodised to establish a suitable standoff voltage capability between the cells and the extrusion. Primary electrical insulation is provided by a dielectric tape disposed between the coolant tube and extrusion. Adjacent solar cells are soldered to interconnect members designed to accommodate thermal expansion and mismatches.    ADVANTAGE -   Has separate electrical insulation and thermal conduction structures. (30pp)
(US4681987-A)      The equipment comprises a circuit including a number of key input contacts. A frame is arranged on the surface of the circuit structure, and key input buttons are arranged one for each of the key input contacts. The frame has holes for each of the key input contacts, an insulative layer adjoining the electrical circuit and a metal layer which is in contact with the electrical circuit.    The metal layer is exposed at the holes so that the key input buttons, which fit into the holes, selectively and electrically connect the key input contacts to the metal layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Thin structure. (First major country equivalent to J59211286)
(US4562637-A)      A method of mfg. a solar battery comprises serially connecting a number of solar battery elements arranged spaced from each other.    A pair of flexible films e.g. of polyester are used to sandwich the arrangement of the elements, each of the films having a number of conductive members which may be of copper formed at positions corresponding to the elements.    Each conductive member has one end portion extended beyond the surface of the corresponding battery element. When the pair of flexible films are disposed to sandwich the elements, the extended end portion of the conductive member on the side of the light receiving surface of one solar battery element is positioned in the space between adjacent elements opposite the end portion of the conductive member on the side of the back surface of the next element. The end portions are welded together by a light beam to connect the elements in series. (4pp)    (DE3423172-C2)      This is a method of producing a solar battery from several solar cells arranged one after the other. The solar cells (44) are positioned at intervals between a substrate (52) in the shape of a flexible foil and another flexible foil (50). On the two sides of the substrate and the other foil facing one another, there are two conductors (46a, 46b) coated with solder (48a, 48b) fastened rigidly together using heat and pressure and having electrodes (40, 42) formed on the light-sensitive upper side and the under side of each solar cell, as shown. Other features are also explained.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Suitable for solar energy installations. The solar cells are connected together with great precision, though still capable of mass production.
(US4609595-A)      A gaseous fuel cell for use in a stacked array has first and second gas permeable electrodes positioned in contact with an electrolyte and first and second catalyst assemblies. A flat conductive plate is held by resilient sealing flanges in contact with one electrode. Biasing means within the channels used to locate the plate urge the facing members together and thus establish and maintain a gas tight seal.    ADVANTAGE -   The arrangement can be used with a molten carbonate fuel cell. Good sealing and corrosion resistance is obtained. (8pp)
(US4643957-A)      H3PO4 fuel cell includes two gas-diffusible, electrodes each with a catalyst-supporting, conductive, porous fired layer contg. a water-repellant binder. The anode has a layer H3PO4 satn. absorption than the cathode by having a lower amt. of water repellant binder and a lower fixing temp. The H3PO4 is contd. in a porous matrix between the electrodes.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell voltage is maintained since migration of the electrolyte to the cathode is minimised. (First major country equivalent to J60216457-A)
(JP94037281-B2)      Process includes (a) introducing reaction gas consisting of a raw fuel and steam into a reforming tube; (b) detecting the pressure difference between the internal pressure and the external pressure of the reforming tube by a pressure difference detector; (c) balancing the pressure difference signal and the pressure signal obtd. from the gas that is released; (d) controlling the release of the gas so that the internal pressure of the reforming tube is higher than the external pressure at least by a specified amt.    ADVANTAGE -   Breakage of reforming tube is prevented, and system has a long useful life.
(US4560454-A)      An anode suitable for the generation of halogens by the electrolysis of halide contg. solns. is formed of an alloy PtpAaDd where A is Cr, Mo, W, Fe, Os, Cu, Ni, Ag, V and/or Au, D is B, Si, Al, Ge, P, As, Sb, and/or Sn, p is 40-92, a is 0-40 and d is 8-60 with the proviso that p + a + d = 100. The alloy is pref. 60-100% amorphous and is esp. suitable for use with chloride sol. e.g. brine. The electrolysis being conducted at 0-100 degrees C and a current density of 10-2000 mA/sq cm.    ADVANTAGE -   The alloys are very corrosion resistant and can be used either to form an entire anode or as a cooling on a suitable substrate alloy. (6pp)
(US4684537-A)      Titanium oxide-based oxidn.-redn. photocatalyst is sensitised by chemically bonding to its surface a chromophore consisting of a fragment of a complex of a transition metal with a ligand of the bipyridyl or phenanthrolyl type and causing the light absorption band of the catalyst to shift into the visible region.    Pref. the chromophore consists of a fragment of a Ru, Cr or Fe complex, e.g. RuL2(++) where L is 2,2'-bipyridyl-4,4'-dicarboxylate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst remains stable and active for several weeks and can be used for generation of hydrogen and oxygen by aq. liq. decomposition with satisfactory efficiency. (5pp).
(US4604332-A)      Several fuel cells are disposed in electrical contact with one another, each cell comprising an electrolyte filling the gap between two porous electrodes, and two impermeable bipolar current collectors. The bottom and top portions of the collectors (23) are provided on both faces with grooves or hollows enabling the anode face of the collectors to be supplied with fuel and the cathode face to be supplied with oxidant.    Elongate ribs (39,37,38) constitute distribution channels (35,36) for the gas flows, the channels supplying channels which run over the central conductive zones (24) of the collectors vertically.    ADVANTAGE -   Gas flow is more uniform. (15pp)s    (DE3516766-C2)      A fuel cell includes two porous electrodes (1,2) forming one element of the cell. The anode (1) contacts the electrolyte on one side and the gaseous fuel on the other side, while the cathode (2) contacts the electrolyte on one side and a gaseous oxygen carrier on the other side.    The two electrodes each lie on one side on a frame (3) made of an insulating material, e.g. based on polypropylene, and having through-ways (8A,B) in its upper (6) and lower (5) zones for allowing the fuel and the electrolyte to pass through the fuel cell. Each element also has two non-permeable, bipolar current collectors, each with at least one central conducting zone provided with grooves or furrows on each collector face.    Flow distributors are provided as long fins or ribs in the channels and hollows formed in the upper and lower zones of the current collectors for the flow of fuel and oxygen carrier.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved distribution of gaseous flows.
(US4590134-A)      The structure is constituted by a number of cells disposed in electrical contact with one another, each cell comprising two porous electrodes (1,2), an electrolyte filling the gap between the electrodes and two impermeable bipolar current collectors. The electrodes are pressed against opposite faces of a frame (3) having a central orifice (4). One face (10) of the frame includes two grooves (11) for distributing electrolyte from an inlet orifice (8A) to a distributing manifold (12) which is in communication with the electrolyte chamber.    The grooves also convey electrolyte away from the electrolyte chamber to an exit orifice (8B). The electrolyte distribution network on the frame is sealed by a thin film (15) which extends over the network and which is fixed to the frame, that one of the electrodes (1) which overlaps the said film (15) being fixed to it. (18pp)m    (DE3516765-C2)      The fuel cell has two porous electrodes (1,2) per element. The anode (1) is in contact with the electrolyte on one side and with the fuel on the other side. The cathode (2) contacts the electrolyte on one side and the gaseous oxygen carrier on the other side.    The two electrodes lie on one side on a frame (3), which has a central quadratic cut-away section (4), the frame being made of a plastics material, e.g. based on polypropylene, and having passageways in its lower (5) and upper (6) parts for conveyance of the fuel and the electrolyte through the fuel cell.    Each element also has two non-permeable, bipolar current collectors, each with at least one central conducting zone provided with grooves or furrows on each face.    The integrity of the electrolyte distribution network is guaranteed on one side by the film (15) made of an insulating plastics material, and on the other side by one of the electrodes.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids taking discharge currents across electrolytes running through cells.
(US4590135-A)      The structure is constituted by a number of cells disposed in electrical contact with one another, each cell comprising two porous electrodes, an electrolyte filling the gap between the said electrodes, and two impermeable bipolar current collectors. One of the electrodes (2) is pressed against a frame (3) having a central orifice (4). One face of the frame includes grooves (11) for conveying electrolyte from an inlet orifice (8A) to a distribution manifold (12) which is in communication with the electroylte compartment.    The grooves also convey electrolyte from the central compartment to an outlet orifice (8B). The electrolyte conveying network on the frame is sealed by means of a second frame (55) made of insulating material and pressed over the said network. The frames are fixed together. (16pp)    (DE3516758-C2)      A fuel cell includes two porous electrodes (1,2) forming one element of the cell. The anode (1) contacts the electrolyte on one side and the gaseous fuel on the other side, while the cathode (2) contacts the electrolyte on one side and a gaseous oxygen carrier on the other side.    The electrode (2) lies on a frame (3) made of an insulating plastics material, e.g. based on polypropylene, and having through-ways (8A,B) for circulation of electrolyte in the cell.    Each element also has two non-permeable bipolar current collectors, each with one central conducting zone provided with grooves or furrows on each collector face.    A second frame (55) made of an insulating plastics material and having the same contour as the first one (3) is provided, and has passageways for passage of the fuel and the electrolyte (67,68A,68B).    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids discharge currents occurring in cell.
(US4687607-A)      A porous carbonaceous electrode substrate, provided with a gp. of elongated holes for reactant gases, for fuel cells is prepd. by the steps: (a) introducing into a metal mould of predetermined shape and dimension, in order, (1) a first material for producing the elctrode substrate, (2) a high polymeric substance in the shape of a cloth-like fabric or a grating like moulding for forming the elongated holes, and (3) a second amt. of material (1); (b) press-moulding the materials in the mould heated at 70-170 deg.C at a pressure of 5-100 kg/cm2 for 1-160 mins; (c) subjecting the material to after hardening; and (d) calcining the material in an inert atmos. at 800-3,000 deg.C to thermal-decompose a larger pt. of material (2) and carbonise it, resulting in a porous carbonaceous electrode substrate provided with holes, as (7), which are open from one side to the oppsite side through nearly the central region of the thickness of the susbtrate.    Material (1) comprises: 10-50 wt.% of a filling material (i) which is short carbon fibres or granular activated carbon, 20-40 wt.% of a binding material (ii) selected from phenol activated carbon, 20-40 wt.% of a binding material (ii) selected from phenol resin, epoxy resin, furfuryl alcohol resin, pitch derived from petroleum or coal, and mxits., providing a carbonisation yield of 30-75 wt.%, and 20-50 wt. of a micropore regulating material (iii) selected from polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl chloride, polystyreene, polyethylene, polypropylene, sucrose and mixts. Material (2) is selected from polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride and polyvinyl alcohol to give a carbonisation yield of less than 30.wt.%.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   substrate is thinner than conventional ones and the thinner gas diffusion layer, provides a smaller resistance to gas diffusion and a larger current density. (First major country equivalent to J60195876-A)
(US6612951-N)      Carbonate fuel cell electrolyte reservoir which also functions as an electrode is made of a uniform mixt. of electrode-active powder and porous ceramic particles. The ceramic particles are of size 1-3 microns and a carbonate electrolyte is in the pores of the ceramic particles.    Typically Ni- or Cu-plated Sr titanate is used which is ground together with an organic binder. This is subsequently mixed with e.g. flake Ni deposited on a substrate, sintered and impregnated with electrolyte such as Li2CO3-K2CO3 mixt.    ADVANTAGE -   The matrix need be only thick enough to be fabricable, so that cell resistance is reduced. Gas diffusion is rapid and the stored electrolyte does not degrade performance. Overall dimensions allow incorporation into present cell designs. (12pp)
(JP93071671-B)      Laminated electrolytic tank is composed of unit electrolytic cells electrically connected in series and laminated one above another. Each cell has a positive electrode chamber and negative electrode chamber surrounded by a frame.    Improvement is that electrolyte soln. entrance and exit holes communicating with the positive and negative electrode chambers are independently formed every 2 or more unit cells. The no. of these holes is less than the no. of the unit cells. A pump to feed the soln. into the soln. entrance hole may be attached to each entrance hole. (J60181288-A)
(EP158760-B)      Plant comprises filter-press type electrolytic cells (CE) connected in series and operating under pressure, and condenser chambers (C) for condensing the steam from produced gases and connected with the cells. The cells and chambers are similar and interconnected using the same mechanical components.    Cells and chambers are cooled in the same way and are interconnected to form a unitary assembly of nearly prismatic shape. The cell electrodes can pref. be used as they are as sepg. elements in the chambers and as coolers in both cells and chambers by circulating air through passageways in the metal plate electrodes (4) folded in U-shaped around a spacer.    ADVANTAGE -   Provides compact mobile plant partic. to supply limited amts. of gases for welding or cutting or to produce therapeutic oxygen.
(US4596748-A)      Fuel cell is operated by delivering reactant gas into the cell and electrochemically reacting the gas to produce current, exhausting spent gas from the cell. Electrolyte lost from the cell involves incorporating electrolyte into the reactant gas being delivered to the cell and dispersing the electrolyte in the gas. During the dispersion the electrolyte is vapourised or atomised so that it enters the cell entrained within the reactant gas. Pref. fuel gas is delivered to the anode and oxidant gas to the cathode.    ADVANTAGE -   Loss of electrolyte due to evaporation is reduced. (5pp)
(US4614692-A)      Fuel cell electrode has at least one catalytic active component consisting of a Gp. I or Gp. VIII noble metal. This is carried on the surfaces and among the lamellar crystalline layers of a porous electroconductive substrate consisting of a donor graphite intercalation cpd.    Pref. the intercalation cpd. is a graphite-alkali metal cpd., and/or a graphite-alkaline earth metal cpd. The substrate is pref. made from C fibres having a graphitised layer structure.    ADVANTAGE -   A better cell performance is achieved than that obtd. by coating an electrode catalyst on the substrate. (15pp)o    (JP93052029-B)      Fuel cell electrode comprises a catalyst of a Gp. I or VIII noble metal carried on surfaces and among lamellar crystalline layers of a porous, conductive graphite substrate, pref. a donor-type graphite intercalation cpd. obtd. from graphite and an alkali(ne earth) metal. Catalyst loading is pref. 0.1-2-mg/sq.cm of apoarent surface area.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. with cells contg. liq. fuels e.g. methanol, hydrazine, H3P04 etc. Cell performance is better than with electrodes having a catalyst coating on a porous conductive substrate.(J60208054-A)
(DE3411335-C)      An ionisation chamber, esp. for gasoue oxygen, comprises a relatively elongated, esp. cylindrical vessel (1) with oxygen inlet at one end and outlet at the other. The anode (5) and cathode (6) are oriented transversely to the flow direction and are located one behind the other, esp. with the anode (5) downstream of the cathode (6).    Pref. both electrodes are of wire, esp. copper wire, more specifically coated with a lacquer. The applied voltage pref. does not exceed 10 kV and may be adjustable. Pref. spacing between anode and cathode is 10-50 (20) mm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For the ionisation of, in particular, oxygen but also of air and other media. Applications include the treatment of normal room air or treatment of inhalation air and oxygen for medicinal purposes. In the latter case, in partic., the prodn. of ozone is a disadvantage which normally accompanies ionisation.    (US4686370-A)      Ionisation chamber for generating ions in a medium contg. O2 for medicinal or therapeutic purposes has a cylindrical body (1') forming the ionisation chamber between a pair of plates (10,11), with diametrically opposite openings (2,3) forming inlet and outlet openings. Anode (5") and cathode (6") extend transverse to the flow of O2, the anode being further downstream than the cathode. The cathode is pref. about 10 mm from the inlet and the anode is pref. about 20 mm from the cathode. They are made of Cu wire with a lacquer coating. The cathode is at a fixed potential, while the anode receives a variable potential w.r.t. the cathode.    ADVANTAGE -   High concns. of ionised O, up to 1.5 x 10 power 6 ions/cm3, can be achieved with minimum ozone formation. (9pp)
(US4548875-A)      Each stack contains several fuel cells, each fuel cell containing liquid electrolyte. The stacks are attached to and enclosed by a protective containing vessel. The vessel has a lifting device so that it and the attached, enclosed fuel cell stacks can be moved. The meating device is attached to a power source, and is capable of generating an amount of heat to provide an electrolyte temperature over the electrolyte crystallisation temperature.    The central cooling duct is surrounded by four fuel cell stacks, with oxidant and coolant, usually air, entering the enclosed module at the bottom of the dome. All of the air passes through coolant plate channels in the stacks, to exit into the central cooling duct. Part of the air then passes through oxidant channels in fuel cell bipolar plates. Hydrogen or other fuel gas is passed through fuel channels in the fuel cell bipolar plates, to exit at the opposite side of the fuel cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents electrolyte crystallisation during transport. (11pp)m
(US4588660-A)      A fuel cell has a frame (12) with fuel feed and product discharge passages, and a cell element and separator fitted to annular offset sections (15,16) at the frame inner edges on both sides. The separator is conductive and has grooves and ridges on both sides, with the ridge top surfaces on one side electrically connected to the element.    The frame has inner packings (21) between the element outer edges and separator and the inner faces of the offset sections, and an outer packing (23) continuously along one side of the frame nearer to its outer edge than the passages. The packings are pref. of rubber or thermoplastics, and the element has an anode and cathode interleaved by an electrolyte.    ADVANTAGE -   Is compact, easy to assemble and completely prevents fuel leakage. (8pp)p
(US4619753-A)      A bipolar plate for appts. having a stack of electrochemical cells and using solid electrolyte has a porous Ti support acting as current collector and formed as a plate (1) with parallel groove structure (5), welded on its face side to a non-porous solid Ti plate (2) so that laterally closed continuous channels are formed.    The outer side of the porous plate has a surface layer or coating (6) of catalyst for the electrolytic reaction, pref. of iridium dioxide, ruthenium dioxide and/or a platinum material, or of lead dioxide. Alternatively, a grooved solid non-porous composite graphite-PVF plate may be used in place of the grooved titanium plate.    ADVANTAGE -   Permits lower cost mfr. (8pp)o
(DE3508153-C)      A fuel cell includes a fuel electrode and an oxidising agent electrode, an electrolyte and an arrangement for controlling the concn. of the fuel. The fuel concn. measuring section comprises a main surface in direct contact with part of the fuel before it is fed into the cell. The oxidising agent electrode main surfaces are in direct contact with fuel electrode material. The potential difference between the electrodes is measured and fuel is controlled in such a manner that the potential difference remains constant.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Cell is used for producing electrical energy. Efficient and reliable. (14pp)a    (US4810597-A)      Methanol-air, acid electrolyte fuel cell (15) comprises fuel electrode (1) and oxidant electrode (2), with an ion-exchange membrane (3) contg. sulphuric acid interposed closely between the electrodes. Fuel electrode faces fuel passing through fuel feed pipe (9), while air electrode is supplied with part of the air fed to the cell stack. Open circuit voltage of the cell is sensed by a voltmeter (17) and sensed signal is feedback controlled by a compensation device (18) on the basis of the relationship between the open circuit voltage and the methanol concn.    Output power can be maintained without fluctuations. (14pp)
(US4584359-A)      Membrane is made of a vinyl polymer comprising (A) 10-90 mol.% units of monomer of formula CHA=CH2, (B) 10-90 mol.% units derived from vinyl pyridines and (C) 0-80 mol.% units derived from vinyl (co)monomers. In the formula, A is a Co(salene) gp. of formula (I), where R1-4 are H, CH3, CH3O, F or CF3 and R5 is CH2CH2 or a gp. of formula (II).    Pref. the polymer consists of (A), vinyl pyridine and styrene units.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The membrane has excellent oxygen permeability, good sepn. factor and increased lift. Used for oxygen sepn. from air, air enrichment with oxygen, and fuel cell cathodes. (4pp)
(US4569730-A)      In a method for continuous coating of a solid electrolyte (I) with a coating comprised of catalytically active metal, in which (I), in the form of a film, is impregnated with a soln. contg. the metal as a salt, is rinsed in water, and is subjected to an electrolysis process in a cell supplied with distilled water, which cell comprises a tank contg. two rolls as electrodes, a carbon felt and further contg. a water bath, the improvement is that (I) is passed between the rolls at least once with a speed of 15 cm/min. minimum and 30 cm/min. maximum and at least one additional time with a speed of 1 cm/min. minimum and 2 cm/ min. maximum; and that the linear current density referred to the contact line between the rolls and (I) is at least 830 mA/cm.    Pref. the rolls are oriented horizontally. Pref. the anode roll comprises platinised titanium material and the cathode roll comprises a corrosion-resistant steel material.    ADVANTAGE -   Wear-resistant, mechanically- and chemically stable and resistant coatings (or platings) are ensured, which are distinguished by stable behaviour over long periods and by low cell voltage in electrochemical cells. (6pp)    (EP151954-B)      Process for continuously coating a solid electrolyte with a catalytically active metal, in which the solid electrolyte which takes the form of a film, is soaked with a solution containing the metal as salt, rinsed in water and subjected to an electrolysis operation in a cell fed with distilled water in the form of a tank containing two rollers as electrodes and a carbon felt and a water bath, characterized in that the solid electrolyte is passed at least once with a velocity of at least 15 cm/min and at most 50 cm/min and at least a further time with a velocity of at least 1 cm/min and at most 2 cm/min between the rollers and that the linear current between coverage with reference to the line of contact between the roller and the solid electrolyte is at least 830 mA/cm. (7pp)
(JP93040427-B)      Carbon dioxide is blown in an aq. slurry contg. as the solid content 97-85 wt.% powder of Li oxide and/or Li carbonate and alumina and 3-15 wt.% pulp and the pH value is adjusted to 8-10. By adding a flocculating agent, the powder is adsorbed by the pulp and flocked. By paper making it is formed into a sheet-like or plate-like moulded prod. After drying, the moulded prod. is baked in an oxidising atmos. by which the wood pulp content is burnt and vaporised. Then the resulting prod. is sintered.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The ceramic porous body obtd. has good properties as an electrolytical tile and good durability. (J60121679-A)
(US6598611-N)      The housing (2) of the fuel cell (1) can be formed by steel plates (2A,2B), disc-shaped and spaced by a dielectric spacer (3). A first fuel conduit (4A,4B) is provided for passing a first fuel plus electrolyte through the cell.    A single electrode cathode (S) is mounted in a recess (2A') formed in a plate (2A). The cathode is coated with a catalyst to promote a desired electro-chemical reaction. A dual anode (8) has two electrodes (8A,8B) spaced, e.g. by a metal mesh screen (9).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Anode operable to electro-oxidise gaseous and liq. fuel simultaneously. Alternatively, dual electrode cathode simultaneously reduces gaseous and liq. oxidants to electro-oxidise a fuel supplied to the cell. (28pp)
(JP93021309-B)      Fuel cell (1) uses lithium cobalt oxide micro particle-sintered cpd. as the electrode. The Li content X of Li Co oxide (LixCo1-xO) is 0.05-0.2.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cpd. is pref. sintered at 850-950 deg.C, and the obtd. oxide has excellent corrosion resistance and electric conductivity. The cpd. is a highly active electrode material, and gives excellent electrode performance. Using the cpd. (1) has improved cell characteristics. (J60117566-A)
(US4627897-A)      In the electrolysis of liq. electrolytes, in which gas bubbles are formed, cells are used which are non-partitioned or partitioned by at least one separator, and in which at least one electrode is perforated. Gravity flow of the electrolyte is promoted in such a way a gas space is formed laterally to the direction of flow of the electrolyte.    Pref. electrolyte flow is made so that the electrodes are wetted.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Electrolysis of alkali metal chlorides, HCl, water, melts chlorates, and prepn. of propylene oxide. A constant, very small pressure difference can be maintained between the catholyte and anolyte. (7pp)l
(US5104497-A)      In a process for manipulation of liq. electrolyte and gas during the operation of an electrochemical cell, with at least one gas diffusion electrode and a counter-electrode forming a space for a flowing electrolyte flowing from the top to the bottom of the cell, the space being non-partitioned or partitioned by a separator, gas is fed to or discharged from the gas space and electrolyte is allowed only to flow through its space under graviy. Hydrostatic pressure between the top and bottom of the space is compensated for by decreasing the hydrodynamic pressure to provide constant pressure at all locations along the length of the electrolyte space.    ADVANTAGE -   Hydrostatic and hydrodynamic effects are eliminated.
(US4576877-A)      Fuel cell has the anode connected to the cathode via at least one conductive member. The arithmetic prod. of the total electrical resistance between the anode and cathode is 10 power(-4) - 10 ohm m2.    Pref. the anode and cathode are embedded in frames of conductive plastics connected to each other. The plastics pref. incorporates carbon and/or metal particles.    ADVANTAGE -   Good stability over a period of time is obtd.. (5pp)
(US4605601-A)      In the operation of a fuel cell a stoichiometric excess of fuel is supplied to the anode relative to the amt. of oxidant in the cathode chamber. Subsequently the supply of oxidant is stopped nad the drain of current by the external current drain source is also stopped, the anode chamber being left filled with fuel. The anode and cathode are left connected such that the arithmetic prod. of the total electrical resistance between them is 10 power(-4) to 10 ohm/m2.    Pref. the cell uses H2 as a fuel and the oxidant is O2.    ADVANTAGE -   Good stability is achieved. (4pp)
(US4546056-A)      The device has at least two or more storage cells of an alkali metal and chalcogen type with each cell bounded by a metallic housing. A defined number of storage cells forming a module are combined. The housing of each storage cell is formed by at least two concentrically arranged elements, which are separated from each other by electrical insulation.    The storage cells of each module are arranged in a defined manner, and adjacent storage cells are connected to each other at least in some regions via their outer housing elements. (10pp)    (DE3340425-C)      The pack is based upon battery cells (1,50) that have metallic housings (2) with a cylindrical cup shaped form. The housing has an inner (2I) and an outer (2A) element with an intermediate insulating layer (2G). The inner element (2I) is cup shaped and is produced of aluminium, while the outer element (2A) is produced from a cylinder (2H) and two discs (25) are of aluminium or titanium.    Within the cell is a solid electrolyte acting as an anode space. Between miner inner and outer housing elements there is a cathode space. The cells are constructed to allow axial expansion and are coupled together by terminal bridging strips (9A).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For electrically driven road vehicles. Allows close packing without reducing cell cooling.
(US4581306-A)      The cell connection is for at least two storage cells based on alkali metal and chalcogen with each cell having at least one anode space and a cathode space. The spaces are separated from each other by an alkali ion-conducting solid electrolyte and are bounded at least in some regions by a metallic housing. The connection has two connecting elements. At least one fastening element is provided on the surface of the housing, by means of which the first connecting element of the first storage cell can be locked, together with a second connecting element of the second storage cell on the surface.    The second connecting element of the first storage cell is likewise designed for the detachable connection to the fastening element of a third storage cell.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   High temp. rechargeable storage batteries. Good heat stability. (10pp)    (DE3340079-C)      The storage cell unit for at least two storage cells, based on an alkali metal and a chalcogen, includes an anode chamber, a cathode chamber, an alkali-ion conducting solid electrolyte, a metal housing and a cathodic and anodic connection element. A fixing member is located on the upper surface of the housing, which enables storage cell connection elements to be held in place.    ADVANTAGE -   Storage cell unit cell connections have very low ohmic resistance. (11pp)
(US6595012-N)      A flat, rectangular, gas-impermeable plate is disposed between adjacent cells. Two opposite side margins are folded back over one side of the plate to form two first seal flanges. The other side margins are folded back over the opposite side of the plate to form two second seal flanges, each of the seal flanges cooperating with the plate to define a channel in which a resiliently compressible stack of thin metal sheets is disposed.    The two first seal flanges cooperate with the electroylte matrix of one of the cells to form a gas-impermeable seal between an electrode of one cell and one of two reactant gas manifolds. The second seal flanges cooperate with the electrolyte matrix of the other cell for forming a gas-impermeable seal between an electrode of the other cell and the other of the two reactant gas manifolds.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Separating adjacent fuel cells in a stack (11). Can adjust two changes in thickness of cell parts during use. (26pp)    (DE3511751-C2)      A flat, rectangular, gas-impermeable plate is disposed between adjacent cells and has two opposite side margins folded back over one side of the plate to form two seal flanges. The other side margins are folded back over the opposite side of the plate to form two second seal flanges. Each of the seal flanges cooperates with the plate to define a channel in which is disposed a resiliently compressible stack of thin metal sheets.    The two first flanges cooperate with the electrolyte matrix of one of the cells to form a gas-permeable seal between an electrode of the one cell and one of two reactant gas manifolds. The second seal flanges cooperate with the electrolyte matrix of the other cell for forming a gas-impermeable seal between an electrode of the other cell and the other of the two reactant gas manifolds.    ADVANTAGE -   Is resiliently compressible, and can adjust to changes in thickness to cell parts during use.
(CA1219902-A)      The generator comprises an anode electrode having at least one surface and a cathode electrode having at least one surface. The electrodes are mounted with their respective surfaces being in parallel planes and spaced from each other by a predetermined distance with an electrolyte flowing between the surfaces of the electrodes. electrodes are rotated about an axis and adapted to cause a substantial centrifugal force to be applied to at least one of the surfaces in a direction perpendicular to it.    The rotator is also operative to rotate the electrolyte and includes a device operative at least in part in response to the rotation of the electrolyte for causing the electrolyte to circulate through a predetermined path including in part time space between the electrodes. (First major country equivalent to FI8301738)
(EP143300-B)      A battery made up of redox cells connected in series in bipolar manner and which each have two electrode chambers separated from one another by a membrane, characterised in that the electrode chambers of adjacent cells, which are intended for electrodes of differing polarities, are in each case separated from one another only by a flexible, non-porous graphite foil. (5pp)
(US4627944-A)      A separator for a fuel cell is produced by A) forming a single sheet from a mixt. of cellulose fibres, pref. paper, and a thermosetting resin and B) curing the resin, then baking the shaped sheet at 800-1,300 deg. C to convert the resin into C.    The resin is pref. a furan or phenol resin. The wt. ratio resin:fibres is 100:25-70. The sheet is subjected to a static pressure of 1-100 kg/cm2 for 10-20 hr during curing. Baking is suitably carried out at 800-1,200 deg. C for 50-400 hr..    ADVANTAGE -   Thermal shrinkage and crack formation during baking is avoided; the separator has a high electrical conductivity, is free from warping and is very strong. (5pp)
(US4562123-A)      A fuel chamber is disposed adjacent to the fuel electrode, and an oxidiser chamber is disposed adjacent to the oxidiser electrode. Fuel tanks supply liquid fuel to the fuel chambers. At least two vertically-spaced passages permitting communication of the fuel tanks with all of the fuel chambers are provided so that one of them serves as a passage for liquid fuel while the other serves as a passage for gas produced at the fuel electrodes.    The liq. fuel, in an amount smaller than the tank volume is charged in each of the fuel tanks to leave a non-charged space. Gas vent ports are disposed mid-way of the passages and/or on the tank wall portions corresp. to the non-charged spaces defined in the fuel tanks.    ADVANTAGE -   Can satisfactorily generate power at whatever attitude, and gas produced at the fuel electrodes can be vented to the exterior of the cell without leakage of fuel. (14pp)m
(DE3333650-C)      Electrochemical redox cell has a perm-selective ion exchange membrane which divides the cell into an anode chamber and a cathode chamber, through which hydrochloric acid-contg. anolyte and catholyte liquids, respectively pass. The anode chamber contains thallium as catalyst for electrochemical catalysation of the redox process at the anode. The thallium is pref. present as an anode coating, produced directly or by addn. of a thallium salt to the anolyte liq.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell is useful as a Fe-Cr type redox cell. The thallium catalyst gives a 30% increase in load capacity, and 10% redn. in hydrogen evolution compared with the lead catalyst of the cell described in WO8001221.    (EP137990-B)      An electrochemical redox cell having an anode compartment through which flows a hydrochloric anode liquid and which contains an anode electrode and at least one catalyst for the electrocatalytic acceleration of the Cr3+/Cr2+ redox processes at the anode, and which is separated by a permselective ion-exchange membrane from a cathode compartment through which flows a hydrochloric cathode liquid and which contains a cathode electrode, characterised in that the catalyst is thallium. (7pp)
(US4695518-A)      Fuel cell comprises spaced apart gas diffusion electrodes having a porous electrolyte retaining matrix in the space between them. The matrix has porosity at least 38% and consists of 70-90 wt.% SiC and balance hydrophilic polyethersulphone as binder. Phosphoric acid electrolyte is disposed within the matrix. The matrix remains in tact for at least 17000 hr. of fuel cell operation at 375 deg. F. Pref. the matrix includes 10-20 wt.% polyethersulphone and the polyether sulphone has unit formula -p-C6H4-SO2-p-C6H4-O- and number average mol. wt. at least 17.000, esp. at least 25000.    ADVANTAGE -   The matrix has improved strength and good wettability and bubble pressure characteristics. (6pp),
(US4520082-A)      A housing defines a number of chambers, including a generator chamber and a combustion produces chamber separated by a porous barrier. Several elongated annular fuel cells each have a closed and an open end with the open ends disposed within the combustion product chamber. The cells extend from the open end through the porous barrier and into the generator chamber. A conduit extends into a portion of each cell, each conduit discharging a gaseous reactant into a cell.    A manifold supplies the reactant to the conduits with the manifold disposed within the combustion product chamber between the porous barrier and an exhaust. A support and bypass allows combustion products from two gaseous reactants to flow past the manifold to the exhaust. The second gaseous reactant then flows into the generator chamber. (10pp)1
(JP92050335-B)      Membranes comprise (1) one layer contg. cation exchange gps. on pendant chains and (2) other layer contg. anion exchange gps. on pendant chains and (3) main chain comprising perfluoro-carbon polymers.    Preferably, cation exchange gps. include sulphonic acid gps. and/or carboxylic acid gps. and the anion exchange gps. include quat. ammonium gps. Preferably (1) and (2) comprise repeating units of formula (I) and (II) respectively. (X is F or CF3; Y is SO3M or COOM (M; an alkali metal); 1 : O or 1-5; m: O or 1; n: 1 or 2-5; p and q; positive numbers, p/q: 2-16; Z; a quaternary ammonium gp., contg. (gp). (1) and (2) are preferably 5-3000 micron thick. The membranes are plane film or tubular.    ADVANTAGE -   The membranes resist repetition of drying and swelling and are not released and have chemical and solvent resistance. They are used as separators for fuel batteries and for hydrolysis of salt solutions. (J60001234-A
(DE3325874-C)      The parent patent describes prodn. of a tungsten carbide-activated electrode (esp. a cathode), comprising an electrically conductive support material of graphite or similar material with a surface active layer of tungsten carbide, adhesively bonded to the support material by chemical reaction. The prodn. process involves applying tungsten oxide or a thermally decomposable precursor of tunsten oxide onto the support, and then converting the applied layer to tungsten carbide by opt. thermal decompsn. redn. and carburisation.    In this patent of addn., the tungsten oxide-coated support is carburised at 620-950 (pref. 750-950) deg.C in a flowing CO/CO2 atmos.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrode is useful as a cathode for hydrogen prodn. by electrolysis of a sulphuric acid soln. opt. with simultaneous anodic oxidn. of SO2. It has higher activity than electrodes made by the parent patent process.
(US4778579-A)      Electrochemical fuel cell and an electrochemical cell are operated using a d.c. converter, the second cell producing a chemical prod. The cell is operated at a predetermined current and voltage to produce the prod. It is operated at another current and voltage to consume fuel and produce d.c. power, this voltage being independent of the voltage of the cell. The power output at the second current and voltage is converted to a value which matches the first voltage by passing current intermittently through the d.c. converter. Another current is supplied to produce the chemical prod.    ADVANTAGE -   The two cell operate at a voltage most beneficial to them. (17pp)
(EP131173-B)      Electrolysis appts. for electrolysing water to produce oxygen and hydrogen at separate outlets comprises a number of electrode plates which are spaced apart to form a cell between each pair of adjacent plates. A gas impervious diaphragm is located between each pair of plates dividing the cell into oxygen and hydrogen generating sections.    A duct extends horizontally through the cells, connecting the oxygen generating cells together, at one end to an electrolyte inlet and at the other to an oxygen outlet. In a similar manner another duct extends through the cells, connecting the hydrogen generating cells together, at one end to an electrolyte inlet and at the other to a hydrogen outlet.    ADVANTAGE -   It is not necessary to provide two connections to the exterior of each cell section (one for electrolyte and one for generated gas).
(US4642273-A)      Control system for an endothermic fuel reforming reaction comprises: fuel gas and steam feed controls; a reformed gas flow control, means for detecting the rate of change of the external load; and a reaction pressure controller responsive to the rate of change of load, the pressure being controlled below a preset steady-state value when the rate of change of load is outside a predetermined range.    Load change is pref. determined as a change in rate of current output from the fuel cell. Reaction pressure control is obtd. by computing a preset value for the reformer from signals obtd. from the rate of load change detector and the reaction pressure detector.    ADVANTAGE -   Constant temp. control is achieved in the reaction, enhancing the efficiency of the system. (First major country equivalent to J59213601-A)
(EP161766-B)      A process for converting a lignocellulosic material into a reconstituted composite prod. comprises (a) treating the lignocellulosic material in divided form with steam to heat the material to a temp. high enough to release hemicellulose but not exceeding the temp. of carbonisation, for a time sufficient to decompose and hydrolyse hemicellulose into free sugars, sugar polymers, dehydrated carbohydrates, furfural prods. and other decompsn. prods.; (b) forming the treated lignocellulosic material into a mat and pressing the mat at a temp. not exceeding the temp. at which the mat would char, at a pressure and for a time sufficient to transform and thermoset the free sugars, sugar polymers, dehydrated carbohydrates, furfural prods. and other decompsn. prods. in the lignocellulose materials into a polymeric substance which adhesively bonds together the lignocellulosic material to yield the reconstituted composite prod.    ADVANTAGE -   Process allows prodn. of reconstituted composite prods. such as panel boards, composite timber, moulded articles, etc., without using synthetic resin binders, and using any lignocellulosic materials regardless of origin, species, source, form and shape, esp. residues from agricultural crops in the form of trunk, bark, stalk, root, foliage, shell, pod, straw, husk, nut, etc.