(JP94059715-B2)      A heat-resistant substrate is composed of (a) a stainless steel plate having a surface roughness Rmax of 500-5000 A and (b) a polyimide resin layer coated on the surface of (a).    The polyimide resin is pref. a copolyimide comprising 10-30 mol% of repeat unit (A) and 90-70 mol% of repeat unit (B). The polyimide resin may be a copolyamidoimide comprising 70-90 mol% of repeat unit (C) and 30-10 mol% of repeat unit (D).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Usable as substrates for solar battery, photo-sensor, photo-switch, etc. in electronic material field. The surface smoothness is high and the heat-resistance, chemical-resistance and electric insulation are good. The substrate can be prepd. inexpensively.
(JP94059714-B2)      Substrate is composed of (a) a metal plate, (b) a polyimide resin layer adhered to the surface of (a), and (c) a releasable film adhered to the surface of (b).    The metal plate is pref stainless steel or Al plate. The polyimide resin is pref a copolyimide comprising 10-30 mol% of repeat unit (A) and 90-70 mol% of repeat unit (B). The polyimide resin may be a copolyamidoimide comprising 70-90 mol% of repeat unit (C) and 30-10 mol% of repeat unit (D).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Prod. is used as substrate for solar battery, photo-sensor, photo-switch, etc. By the provision of the protecting film (c), the surface of the substrate can be protected against dust or scratching during storage or transportation.
(DE3619521-C)      A solar module for several interconnected solar cells consists of a carrier foil (1), e.g. polyester 0.13 mm thick, with an adhesive foil (2), e.g. ethylene vinyl acetate 0.5-0.8 mm thick at the rear (4) of the solar cells. These foils form a rim around the cells. Several such modules are combined and fastened with the rim to a common carrier plate, made pref. of glass, wood or plastics. Strips (8) interconnect the cells.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For vehicle or aircraft models. This silicon cell module is lightweight, simple, flexible and universally usable.
(US4883726-A)      A battery structure with multiple cylindrical cells each with a Li or Ca anode. Between the cells is an electrically insulating material melting at 40-150 deg.C esp. wax, polyethylene and/or tar.    ADVANTAGE -   The inter cell filling allows the unimpaired transfer of heat from one cell to the other. Thus local overheating with the battery structure is prevented. (4pp)
(US4816324-A)      Photovoltaic device comprises, in order, (A) a transparent substrate, (B) a transparent conductive layer, (C) a TFS layer and (D) a conductive layer. (A) is a tetrafluoro ethyleneperfluoroalkoxy resin flexible film of m.pt. 300 deg.C.. The perfluoroalkoxy gp. of the resin has formula CFR1-CF(OR)-where R1 is F or perfluoroalkyl and R is perfluoroalkyl. ''TFS'' is thin layer film Si:H alloy.    (B) May be Zn oxide, Sn oxide or In Sn oxide. (A) is pref. 0.1-5 mils thick.    ADVANTAGE -   The device is flexible, has good optical properties and canbe mfd. in a continuous process. (A) is stable under the relatively high temp. processing conditions.
(EP294319-B1)      Device for the production of heat and cold comprising a solar collected which consists of a flexible solar absorber housed in a collector casing (2) of plastic, the solar absorber consisting of interconnected heat carrier ducts (4) covered by an absorption layer (3) in a heat-conducting manner, characterised in that the collector casing (2) encloses the solar absorber with a certain distance forming a void in which the evaporation agent is stored (14), and in that the absorption layer (3) is black and microporous.
(EP245144-B)      Colloids of at least one cationic conductive perfluorinated ionomer (I) are made by (i) dissolving an ionomer (I) having an equiv. wt. of less than 1500 in a water/alcohol mixt. at below 300 deg.C; (ii) concentrating and drying the soln. at a temp. of at most 100 deg.C; (iii) milling the prod. into a fine powder and (iv) dissolving and homogenising this powder in a solvent contg. at least one organic solvent at a temp. of at most 100 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Conversion of the ionomer into a fine powder allows it to be dissolved at relatively low temps. in solvents in which the original ionomer does not dissolve directly, to give gel-free colloidal solns. which are esp. useful as electrolyte in electrochemical battery cells.
(US4782584-A)      Alkaline cell (I) is made by (a) sequentially filling a positive mixt. powder, a separator mixt. powder and a negative mixt. powder into a mould; (b) compacting the positive mixt. powder, the separator mixt. powder and the negative mixt. powder in the mould to form a laminated cell tablet (II); (c) placing (II) into a container; (d) impregnating (II) with an alkaline electrolyte soln.; and (e) sealing the container to produce (I).    Pref. the positive mixt. powder contains a positive active material, esp. an oxidising agent; an electrical conductive material, esp. acetylene black, black lead, graphite or powdered nickel; and a binding agent.    ADVANTAGE -   The method is simple and cheap. (7pp)y    (EP240343-B)      Alkaline cell is made by: sequentially filling a mould with powders of positive material (I), separator mixt. and negative material (II); compacting; placing the resulting laminated tablet in a container; impregnating with an alkaline electrolyte soln.; and sealing.    (I) pref. contains an oxidising agent, conductive material and binder; and (II) pref. contains an H2 storage alloy, conductive material and binder. Oxidising agent is MnO2, Ni oxide (IV), WO3, PbO2 or MoO3; H2 storage alloy is TiNi, TiNiB0.01, TiNiMn0.01, LaNi5 or TiFe; conductive material is acetylene black, black Pb, graphite or powdered Ni; binder is carboxymethyl cellulose (salt) or PTFE; separator mixt. contains electrolyte supporting material, pref. SiO2 or Al2O3, and binder; and electrolyte is aq. KOH, NaOH, LiOH or a mixt. of these.    Method is claimed for forming an alkaline cell by placing a laminated and compacted tablet in the casing and sealing the casing.    ADVANTAGE -   Method is simple and low cost.
(EP237828-B)      Sodium-sulphur accumulator battery for space applications comprises several juxtaposed cylindrical accumulators (1), of which one base carries a terminal of a first polarity and the container comprises a terminal of a second polarity, which can be connected in series-parallel. The battery comprises a heat regulating device comprising:- (a) a heat insulated enclosure of parallelepipedal shape of which one wall has a large opening; (b) plaletets made of a heat conducting material in thermal contact, via an intermediate electrical insulator, on the one hand with the containers and on the other hand with a radiator common to all the accumulators, located at the level of the bottom of the containers and closing the opening of the heat insulated enclosure; (c) heating resistances interposed between the accumulators, capable of being fed by a source outside of the battery, and controlled at the internal temp. of the enclosure, the size and nature of the radiator as well as control of the feeding of the resistances being such that the temp. of the battery is kept at a value between 2 extreme temps. 290 and 380 deg.C, pref. 300-350 deg.C.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery is free from any moving component. It is very compact since it is not necessary to provide space for a forced circulation of cooling gas or convection of vaporised liquid. Exchange of heat towards the exterior is effected very simply by means of only one plane radiator, replacing one wall of the heat insulated enclosure. The battery is in modular form thus allowing prodn. of various types of batteries for meeting various specifications.
(US4774193-A)      Shorts are avoided in the mfr. of layered electrical components in which two electrodes are disposed one above the other, sepd. by an insulating film, partic. in mfr. of thin-film solar cells. The structure e.g. is of a base electrode (2) on a substrate e.g. glass (1), on which is an active semiconductor layer structure (3), e.g. of n-i-p or p-i-n sequence or amorphous Si layers. The layer structure is covered with a photo-resist (5), which flows (5a) into any voids formed in the layer structure. The structure is then irradiated from below (7) to expose the photo-resist in the void, leaving the remainder unexposed. The hardened plug is not removed when the remainder is washed away.    ADVANTAGE -   Reliable, uncomplicated and inexpensive method.    (6pp)
(DE3704437-C)      Amorphous photocell modules are made by producing an amorphous unit cell which is cut up into individual cells each with at least one collector finger. Finally these collectors are joined on each cell to exposed narrow areas of the bottom electrode of the adjoining photocell to form a series circuit.    ADVANTAGE -   This method is suitable for automation and mass prodn. and minimises the number of electrical connections. (Previously notified in week 8737) (8pp)
(US4748093-A)      In an electrochemical cell comprising aq. electrolyte, at least one electrode is porous and includes a promoter in the form of a solid material other than graphite having, under cell operating conditions, zeta potential of such size and polarity as to induce electroosmotic flow of electrolyte through the electrode when current is flowing through its electrolyte-contg. pores. Suitably, the cell is a lead-acid storage cell and the positive electrode contains, as promoter, a polymer having pendant sulphonate and halide gps.- esp. sulphonated PVdF.    ADVANTAGE -   A simple in situ pump with no external moving parts is provided. Flow rate is regulated by the current demand on the cell to replenish consumed electrolyte or component. Energy storage capacity, efficiency, cycle life and discharge potential are enhanced. (7pp).
(US4745078-A)      Prodn. of integrated series connections of thin film solar cells including thin photovoltaic films formed on a common insulative transparent substrate having spaced transparent front electrodes, with metal filled sepg. grooves formed in the films as connectors, involves depositing a readily removable strip pattern of material onto the photovoltaic film at intervals dependent on the size of the solar cells. The strips of the pattern are offset laterally relative to the front electrodes lying under the thin films and extending over the regions of the thin films not to be covered by back electrodes. Sepg. grooves are mechanically formed in the films alongside the strips and conductive metal is deposited over the whole surface. The strip pattern is then lifted off to leave gaps in metallised layer forming the sepd. back electrode of the solar cells.    The strip pattern may be composed of self-adhesive plastic strip, lacquer or foil.    ADVANTAGE -   Method is simpler and less costly.
(WO8804477-A)      System for forming electrodes for electrochemical cells comprises : conductive end electrodes (12,14) spaced apart in aq. electrolyte and connected to a power supply; a pair of precursor electrodes (20,22) each comprising electroactive material to be reduced or oxidised formed on a conductive substrate located in the electrolyte and also connected to the power supply; restraining means to maintain the shape of the precursor electrodes; and a separator (36) between the precursor and end electrodes to cause the restraining forces to be applied uniformly.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in formation of bipolar electrodes. System promotes high efficiency of the reduction oxidn. process resulting in utilisation of less power.    (EP299990-A)      System for forming electrodes for electrochemical cells comprises : conductive end electrodes (12,14) spaced apart in aq. electrolyte and connected to a power supply; a pair of precursor electrodes (20,22) each comprising electroactive material to be reduced or oxidised formed on a conductive substrate located in the electrolyte and also connected to the power supply; restraining means to maintain the shape of the precursor electrodes; and a separator (36) between the precursor and end electrodes to cause the restraining forces to be applied uniformly.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in formation of bipolar electrodes. System promotes high efficiency of the reduction oxidn. process resulting in utilisation of less power.
(US4705911-A)      Solar cell module comprises a CdS/CdTe junction (1) as a photovoltaic portion and an O2 releasing agent filled in the module, pref. a peroxide esp. Ca, Zn, or Mg peroxide, or ammonium persulphate.    Pref. the agent (9) is contg. in a polyethylene bag (90) in a space in the module with the bag mouth open.    ADVANTAGE -   Supply of O2 to the solar cell minimises the reduction in conversion efficiency which would result from shortage of O2. In an example polyethylene bag (90) is filled with 0.3 g ammonium persulphate (9) and air (30), to a thickness of about 1 mm and is left with its mouth open. (First major country equivalent to J62132371-A)
(US4769116-A)      Components of exhausted Pb acid batteries are recovered by a hydrometallurgical process in which the battery is crushed and wet paste is sepd. by wet-screening, polypropylene sepg. by water floating. Ebonite and PVC are sepd. from pure or alloyed Pb by a hydrodynamic process, a second hydrodynamic process sepg. the ebonite from the PVC paste is desulphurised by reaction of Pb sulphate in the paste with a stoichiometric amt. of Na carbonate at temps. ranging from about 30-40 deg.C in a soln. in which solid /liq. ratio is greater than or equal to 1:1, obtg. pure Na sulphate. The carbonated paste is treated to recover Pb in pure metal form by an electrowinning process.    ADVANTAGE -   Integral recovery of all components in industrially re-usable form. (5pp)a    (DE3700143-C2)      A hydrometallurigical process for recovering, in re-usable form, materials from exhausted lead-acid batteries such as polypropylene, ebonite, PVC, paste contg. Pb sulphatized cpds. and pure or alloyed metallic Pb, comprises the steps of (a) crushing the batteries, (b) sepn. of paste by wet screening, (c) sepn. of polypropylene by water flotation, (d) sepn. of ebonite and PVC from pure or alloyed metallic Pb by a first hydrodynamic sepn., (e) sepn. of ebonite from PVC by a second hydrodynamic sepn., (f) desulphatisation of the paste by carbonation with Na carbonate to give pure Na sulphate, (g) recovering the pure Na sulphate and (h) recovering pure metallic Pb from the carbonated paste by electro extraction.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process allows recovery of materials from scrap lead-acid batteries in re-usable form, is economically attractive and causes less environmental pollution than e.g. pyrometallurgical recovery processes.
(US4745039-A)      Sealed lead storage battery has a negative electrode plate able to absorb oxygen gas generated from a positive electrode plate during recharging. The battery casing has a breathing hole communicating with the casing interior and equipped with a safety valve comprising a flat synthetic rubber plate overlaying the hole in contact with the casing and an open celled elastic material pad placed over the rubber plate to urge the plate against the battery casing.    The opened celled material is e.g. EPDM copolymer, polyurethane, neoprene or SBR. Silicone oil sealant may be applied to the battery casing area which contacts the rubber plate.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery is reliable in performance and the safety valve occupies minimal space. (6pp)
(JP93005250-B)      Material comprises a fluoroplastic film surface-treated on both sides with a condensn. cured coat of an organic Si cpd. formed on one side and a layer of adhesive formed on the other side. The organic Si cpd. consists of an organo-trialkoxysilane, fluoroalkylalkoxysilane, and diorganopolysiloxane having OH gp. on both terminals. Both sides of the fluoroplastic film is surface-treated with pref. hf sputter etching.    A silicon-type primer coat is pref. formed between the fluoroplastic film and condensn. cured coat of organic Si cpd.. The silicon-type primer coat pref. consists of a cured coat of a mixt. of aminosilane and epoxysilane or a (meth)acrylic acid oxysilane-alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer. The layer of adhesive is of pref. hot melt adhesive. The compounding ratio of the organotrialkoxysilane:fluoroalkyl to alkoxysilane:diorganopolysiloxane is (e.g. 40-90:5-40:3-20 wt.%).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The surface protecting material is used for protecting solar cells. It has excellent moisture-resistance and abrasion resistance. Even if used outdoors, it does not deteriorate in appearance or lower energy conversion efficiency of solar cells. (J62101636-A)
(US4778737-A)      New compsn. having viscosity ageing property comprises a preponderant proportion of an alkaline material through which is distributed a small amt. of a polymer. The polymer is an uncrosslinked principal copolymer comprising a preponderance of at least one mono-unsatd. 3-8C carboxylic acid or its salt, and a small amt. of at least one suitable comonomer which imparts the viscosity ageing property to the copolymer.    ADVANTAGE -   Compsns. have the unique property of viscosity growth with time and/or gas release ability.
(DE3539834-C)      In an accumulator with an electrolyte hardened by addn. of a gelling agent (I), (I) comprises at least 2 components, which have a hardening effect when mixed. Pref. both components have polar gps. and undergo hydrogen bonding. One is finely divided SiO2 (in an amt. of 1.5-6, pref. 3.5-4.5 wt.% w.r.t. the electrolyte) and the other a polyelectrolyte, pref. (co)polyacrylamide (in am amt. of 0.1-1.0, pref. 0.2-0.5 wt.%), 0.05-10, (0.1-0.2) wt.% hydrophobic finely-divided SiO2 is added. Hydrophilic SiO2 is added in an amt. of 1.5-3 wt.%. The second component is also 0.05-1 wt.% hydrophobic SiO2 and 0.02-0.05 (0.025-0.035) wt.% surfactant. Pref. components are added so they cause an increase in viscosity first and cause hardening only after an interval. This is achieved by only roughly mixing them or by adding one (esp. the polyelectrolyte) in the form of a water-in-oil emulsion, with intermediate inversion to an oil-in-water emulsion.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrolyte is claimed for use in a lead accumulator with H2SO4 as electrolyte. It gives filling and sufficient strength in each operating state of the accumulator.
(JP94035510-B2)      The polyanilines are produced by oxidn.-polymerising (1) aniline, p-aminodiphenylamine or their derivs. with (2) oxidants in (3) acid solvents in the presence of (4) thionine acetate.    (1) pref. includes e.g., N-methylaniline, m-toluidine, N-methyldiphenylamine. (1) is used in an amt. of 0.010 to 4 moles/litre, pref. 0.01 to 2 moles/litre. The amt. of (4) used is 10 power(-4) to 1, pref. 10 power(-3) to 0.5 mole to 1 mole of (1). (2) includes pref. ammonium persulphate and is used in an amt. of 0.1-3 moles, pref. 0.5-2 moles to 1 mole of (1). (2) includes pref. ammonium persulphate and is used in an amt. of 0.1-3 moles, pref. 0.5-2 moles to 1 mole of (1). The concn. of acid in (3) is 0.1-10, pref. 0.5-5 moles to 1 mole of (1). The polymerisation is performed at 0-100 deg.C, pref. 10-80 deg.C for 0.5-24 hrs., pref. 1-12 hrs..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polyanilines are used for mfg. condensers and batteries. They have rod-like morphology and a conductivity at room temp. of 0.001 to 10 S/cm.. They are easily filtered out and have good mouldability and provide mouldings having good mechanical strength.
(US4686960-A)      Appts. for heating water with solar energy comprises a water container (1) of plastic sheet or film and with a cold water inlet and electromagnetic inlet valve (10) and a withdrawal opening. The container top is transparent and the bottom dark in colour. Water is withdrawn by an external pump (20) via a check valve (21). A sensor (18) measuring instantaneous water temp. and a desired temp. setter (14) for water to be supplied are connected to the inlet valve, which admist more water the higher the instantaneous temp. A ventilation hose extends sealingly through the container wall and its inner end is connected to a float so that the hose opening lies somewhat above the water surface. The container bottom is pref. cobalt blue and the container has a covering of UV-transparent plastic sheet or film secured to a frame.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for supplying large amts. of water to a household, is reliable, efficient and compatible with existing systems.
(US4682034-A)      A densitometer comprises a beta radiation source and a detector including a housing spaced from the source and holding a scintillator (26) under an abrasion resistant light seal preventing entry of ambient light while passing beta radiation. A photomultiplier tube (30) in the housing receives light from the scintillator and has a glass envelope and electrical connection pins secured directly to the envelope base.    A dynode divider chain is mounted directly on the tube pins, and an elastomeric potting cpd. (38) opaque to ambient light secures the envelope base, the pins and the divider chain within and out of contact with the housing. An O-ring (40) around the envelope centres the tube in the housing. The light seal is pref. an aluminised polyester film adhered to the scintillator.    ADVANTAGE -   Has much improved shock resistance.
(DE3537223-C)      Collector for collection of solar thermal energy consists of an absorber with a Cu foil and Cu tubes joined to headers. Its housing is pref. made of polystyrene, protected by an Al foil, and enclosed in a plastic foil. This is supported by a brass tube mesh. Pref. material for the foil is a copolymer of PTFE and ethylene, 65 micron thick.    ADVANTAGE -   Collector is produced at low cost. It has a high efficiency and is resistant to mechanical stresses.
(JP95089496-B2)      An ionically conducting material comprises a salt in soln. in a macromolecular material comprising mainly a polyether type amorphous structure. The novelty is that the salt is an ethoxylated salt of formula R-F-M (I) where M = alkali metal, pref. Li; R = polyether type structure and F = a functional gp. from alcoholate, sulph(on)ate, phosph(on)ate, amide and carboxylate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Prodn. of electrochemical accumulators. The anions of (I) have min. mobility when (I) is in soln. in the polymer and are perfectly compatible with the polymer. The accumulators have longer discharge time.
(US4686322-A)      Solar panel comprises an array of solar cells attached to a substrate comprising at least one ply of resin reinforced novoloid fabric. Pref. the substrate comprises 40-60 wt.% novoloid fabric and balance resin.    The fabric pref. has wt. of 278-286 g/m2 and the resin is pref. (isophthalic) polyester. Suitably, at least 6 plies of the fabric are present.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The substrate is strong, simple in construction, reliable and lightweight. The panel is esp. useful on spacecraft. (5pp)
(JP96009663-B2)      Prodn. of aniline polymer comprises polymerising salt of aniline cpd. in presence of oxidising agent at higher temp. than m.pt. of salt.    Salt of aniline cpd is represented by formula (I), where R1-R8=H, halogen, 1-6C alkyl, 1-6C alkenyl; 6-10C aryl, 1-6C alkoxy, amino, N-alkylamino or quat. N-alkylamino; X=halogen, BF4, ClO4, PF6, CH3COO, HSO4, CF3COO, NO2 or AsF6, and is selected from aniline hydrochloride, aniline hydrobromide, aniline acetate, aniline HBF4 salt, 2-methoxyaniline hydro-chloride, 2-ethoxyaniline hydrochloride, 2,5-dimethoxyaniline HBF4 salt, 2,5-dimethoxy-aniline hydrochloride, 4-aminoaniline hydrochloride, 1,4-diaminobenzene dihydrochloride, 2-methylaniline hydrochloride, 2-methylaniline hydrobromide, 2-methylaniline HBF4 salt and N-phenylaniline hydrochloride. Oxidising agent is e.g. H2O2, FeCl3, (NH4)2S2O8 or quinoline and is used at quantity of 1/5-5 equiv. to salt of aniline cpd.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Aniline polymer with high conductivity (10 power-3S.cm-1 - 10 power2S.cm-1) is produced in high yield and is useful for prim. or sec. battery material, photoconductive material etc.
(US4670300-A)      Carbon graphite composite is produced by first forming a precursor sheet structure consisting of a mixt. of cellulose fibres, purified graphite particles and carbonisable, thermosetting resin. The cellulose fibres support and position the graphite particles. The sheet structure is heated to a first temp. range to carbonise the cellulose fibres and resin so that the carbonised resin bonds the carbonised cellulose fibres and graphite particles together. The sheet structure is then heated to a second, higher temp. range to graphitise the carbonised cellulose fibres and resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In electrochemical cells, e.g. fuel cells. The precursor sheet can be produced by modern, paper-making techniques. The composite is strong and uniform. Warpage and shrinkage are reduced and enhanced electrical, mechanical and thermal properties are exhibited due to the presence of graphite.
(US4738872-A)      C-graphite electrode is produced by first forming a precursor sheet composed of cellulose fibres, carbonisable, thermosetting resin and 5-20 wt.% purified carbon particles by a paper making technique as used to form filter paper. The cellulose fibres are frayed, fibrillated and cut to provide a controlled pore structure.    The sheet is heated to carbonise the fibres and resin so that the resin bonds the fibres together. The sheet is then heated to a higher temp. to graphitise the purified carbon particles.    Pore structure, mean pore size, pore size range and max. pore size of the precursor sheet is controlled so that, when the sheet shrinks during heating the electrode has the desired pore structure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For fuel cells. Process is fast and suited to mass prodn. The electrode is rigid, strong and of uniform compsn.
(US4769298-A)      Laminated fuel cell consists of a stack of cell elements each comprising a rectangular electrolyte plate (1) sandwiched between an O2 electrode (2) and a fuel electrode (3) with a separate plate (4) separating adjacent elements. The plates and electrodes form identical reactangles with the long side at least twice the short side.    An oxidised gas and a fuel gas are supplied the passages (6,7) along one side of their respective electrodes, the passages extending in a direction parallel to the shorter side. Gas supply and discharge manifolds are provided.    ADVANTAGE -   High power output cell provided which can be easily assembled and transported with efficient use of available space. (First major country equivalent to J62264564-A).
(JP95062198-B2)      Al alloy is made by solidifying Al-Bi system alloy with approx. 10 power 4 deg.C/sec. or faster solidification rate. The alloy contains, e.g., 0.61-15.0 wt% Bi. When the alloy reacts with water, hydrogen gas is produced.    USE -   The alloy has high H2 generation rate, and is used to supply H2 for e.g. fuel cells.
(JP94059715-B2)      A heat-resistant substrate is composed of (a) a stainless steel plate having a surface roughness Rmax of 500-5000 A and (b) a polyimide resin layer coated on the surface of (a).    The polyimide resin is pref. a copolyimide comprising 10-30 mol% of repeat unit (A) and 90-70 mol% of repeat unit (B). The polyimide resin may be a copolyamidoimide comprising 70-90 mol% of repeat unit (C) and 30-10 mol% of repeat unit (D).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Usable as substrates for solar battery, photo-sensor, photo-switch, etc. in electronic material field. The surface smoothness is high and the heat-resistance, chemical-resistance and electric insulation are good. The substrate can be prepd. inexpensively.
(JP94059714-B2)      Substrate is composed of (a) a metal plate, (b) a polyimide resin layer adhered to the surface of (a), and (c) a releasable film adhered to the surface of (b).    The metal plate is pref stainless steel or Al plate. The polyimide resin is pref a copolyimide comprising 10-30 mol% of repeat unit (A) and 90-70 mol% of repeat unit (B). The polyimide resin may be a copolyamidoimide comprising 70-90 mol% of repeat unit (C) and 30-10 mol% of repeat unit (D).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Prod. is used as substrate for solar battery, photo-sensor, photo-switch, etc. By the provision of the protecting film (c), the surface of the substrate can be protected against dust or scratching during storage or transportation.
(DE3619521-C)      A solar module for several interconnected solar cells consists of a carrier foil (1), e.g. polyester 0.13 mm thick, with an adhesive foil (2), e.g. ethylene vinyl acetate 0.5-0.8 mm thick at the rear (4) of the solar cells. These foils form a rim around the cells. Several such modules are combined and fastened with the rim to a common carrier plate, made pref. of glass, wood or plastics. Strips (8) interconnect the cells.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For vehicle or aircraft models. This silicon cell module is lightweight, simple, flexible and universally usable.
(DE3777633-G)      Solar cell array comprises: GaAs solar cells; means for imposing a thermal gradient across the thickness of each cell greater than that normally experienced by exposure to direct sunlight; and face electrodes comprising a hot junction electrode producing high thermoelectric potential at the hot face and a cool junction electrode producing thermoelectric potential at the cool face of each solar cell. Electrodes are pref. formed of PbTe. The thermal gradient is imposed pref. by mirrors or lenses which concentrate the sunlight.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. as a spacecraft power source. Array has an enhanced power/wt. ratio.
(JP94102583-B2)      A porous ceramic structure comprises sintered ceramic as substrate and continuous pores having an equilibrium dia. corresp. to the graphite fibre. The porous ceramic structure is prepd. by calcining a mixt. of the base ceramic powder with graphite fibre, and calcining the mixt. at at least 1300 deg.C after moulding the mixt.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The porous ceramic structure has high gas permeability in spite of its relatively small porosity. The material has strength permitting effective reaction between gases in a fuel cell.
(DE3618881-C)      Cell consists of selfsupporting, thin panels of electrodes with identical compsn., pref. containing Ag and/or AgO, and/or Ag2O and/or an element with similar action. The electrodes act on 1 side as an ion-conductive, charge separation layer and on the other side as an absorber layer storing the energy received. The electrodes are connected via a layer capable of ionic transport.    The first electrode is pref. made as a 0.1-5 mm thick panel by compression of metal, metal-oxide, carbon and/or graphite with a thermoplastic binder at a pressure of 10-2000 bar/cm2 at a temp. of 20-400 C. The second electrode has a similar compsn., uses polyvinylchloride as a binder and is compressed at 28-480 C. The ion-conductive layer is pref. KOH,H3PO4, watery NaCl-soln. or a similar gel-based, liquid or solid electrolyte. The anode pref. contains active carbon with a grainsize of 2-4 micron.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell avoids the use of separate storage batteries when use is made of photo voltaic cells. The cell gives a higher current yield.
(US4781995-A)      Method of operating a fuel cell having oxygen and fuel electrodes and aq,. carbonate electrolyte comprises adding CO2 to at least one electrode during cell operation to maintain the free OH ion concn. in the immediate vicinity of the oxygen electrode at most mildly alkaline and the concn. of free H ions in the vicinity of the anode slightly alkaline or, at most, slightly acidic.    Pref. at least the fuel electrode is a "Teflon" (RTM)-bonded, Pt-contg. electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   T cell exhibits high activity over a long period and operates at lower or medium temps.. The electrolyte remains stable and corrosion and side redn. problems are minimised.
(JP93071584-B)      Cyclobutenedione derivs. of formula (I), where X is H, F, methyl or hydroxyl, R1 and R2 are methyl, p-chlorobenzyl, pentafluorobenzyl, phenyl, p-tolyl or octadecyl independently and Y is Cl or hydroxyl are new.    Cpds. of formulae, (II) and (III) are specifically claimed where each X, R1 and R2 is the same as in the formula (I). To prepare (I) 3,4-dichloro-3-cyclobutene-2,6-dione of formula (IV) and an aniline derivs. of formula (V) to give a cpd. of formula (II) and hydrolysis of the cpd. of formula (II) to give a cpd. of formula (III), where each X, R1 and R2 is the same as the formula (I).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   An easier mfg. method of cyclobutenedione derivs. with a high purity being synthetic intermediates for squarylium cpds. useful as electrophotographic photosensitive materials, recording materials for optical discs, solar batteries, infrared light cutoff filters, etc.. (J62249953-A)
(JP93057260-B)      Mfg. hydroxycyclobutenedione deriv. of formula (I) comprises reacting 3,4-dichloro- 3-cyclobutene-1,2-dione of formula (II) and an aniline deriv. of formula (III) to give a chlorocyclobutenedione cpd. of formula (IV) and hydrolysing the cpd. of formula (IV). In the formulae X = H, alkyl opt. substd., halogen, hydroxyl, phenyl opt. substd., carbonamide with alkyl or sulphonamide and each R1 and R2 = alkyl opt. substd., phenyl opt. substd. or benzyl opt. substd. independently.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   An easier mfg. process for hydroxy cyclobutenedione derivs. with a high purity being synthetic intermediates for squarylium cpds. useful as electrophotographic photosensitive materials, recording materials for optical discs, solar batteries, light cut-off filters, etc. (J62249952-A)
(US4828941-A)      New methanol/air fuel cell comprises cathode, anode and CO2-permeable anion exchange membrane as electrolyte of base polymer, viz. copolymer of vinl pyridine grafted on to PTFE, or obt. by chloromethylation of polystyrene crosslinked with divinylbenzene or copolymer of vinylbenzylchloride and divinylbenzene, or PVC, the copolymer being modified with an amine.    Pref. there is means for removing H2O and CO2 from cathode region e.g. by air stream. Cathode and/or anode are porous gas diffusion electrodes contg. layer of anion exchanger polmer and in which catalyst forms percolation network. Catalyst may be Co(salene) of formula (I) opt. bound in polymer, where R1-R4 are each H, Me, MeO, F, CF3, and R5 is -CH2CH2- or divalent Ph gp., Pref. the base polymer has glass transition temp. above 80 deg.C and ionic gps. are sepd. from the main chain by at least 4C atoms. Percolation network may be prepd.; by coating 0.02-0.5 mesh of stainless steel or Cu conductor mesh with catalyst covalently bound on to co-polymer by sintering mixt. powder on to conductor mesh.    ADVANTAGE -   Efficient liq. phase fuel cell avoiding CO2 and water removal problems, using air as oxidant.
(US4761350-A)      The processing method comprises the steps of making several holes in neighbouring two bipolar plates adjacent to the defective cell, the holes extending between the bipolar plates further their both ends to their centre area along the process gas channels of the bipolar plates. Corrosion-resisting conductive wire rods are press-fitted into the holes respectively to short circuit the neighbouring two bipolar plates.    The process gas channels of the two bipolar plates are closed with a heat-resisting sealing material at both ends of the process gas channels to stop the supply of the process gases to the defective fuel cell. The holes are made along inlet and/or outlet portions of the process gas channels at intervals of several process gas channels.    ADVANTAGE -   Can short circuit each defective cell without having influence on fuel cells adjacent to defective fuel cells.    (First major country equivalent to J62246268)
(US4774152-A)      Fuel cell including an electrolyte contains: a catalyst for reforming hydrocarbon or alcohol fuel gas into H2/CO fuel gas; and a material to remove electrolyte from the catalyst, pref. a porous material provided on the surface of the catalyst, more pref. a material which reacts with the electrolyte to remove it, esp. a cpd. contg. at least one of Si, Al and Cr.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in a molten carbonate fuel cell for power generation. The electrolyte-removing material of the reforming catalyst removes electrolyte from the fuel gas so that the catalyst is supplied with clean gas and its life extended. (First major country equivalent to J62237677-A)
(JP95096609-B2)      Polymers of heterocyclic cpds. having oxygen gp. elements are pref. furans, thiophenes, selenophenes, tellophenes or their derivs. substd. at 3 or 4 position of the rings. Builky anions having more than two valency are the ones having more than 10 angstroms dia., e.g. decachlorododecaborates (B10Cl10(2-)), dodecachlorododecaborates (B12Cl12(2-)) or polysulphonic acid sodium salts or polyvinylsulphonic acid potassium salts.    Prepn. of electric conductive compsns. comprises (1) electrolytic oxidn. of the anion polymer cpds. or (2) polymers obtd. by conventional process, are electrically doped by the anions or (3) oxidn. polymerisation in the presence of the anions. The electric conductive compsns. show stable electric conductivity in air.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The compsns. have very stable electric conductivity, and are used for prim. electric batteries, sec. electric batteries, solar batteries, optical conductive materials or the other electronic devices.
(US4794055-A)      A gas manifold (108) for a fu el cell provided on the side of a fuel cell stack comprises: (1) a casing (110), (2) a common protection layer (112) provided on contact areas between the casing and side of the fuel cell stack and adjacent portions for protecting the casing from corrosion, (3) an insulating layer (111) composed of an inorganic insulating material having stability towards electrolytes and provided over the outer surface of the corrosion protection layer, (4) a thermal stress relief layer (113) between the insulating and corrosion protective layers for relieving thermal stress between arising between casing and insulating layer under high temp. conditions.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. a molten carbonate type of fuel cell. Stable operation over long periods of time resulting from maintenance of insulation properties between single fuel cells and between a single fuel cell and the gas manifold. (First major country equivalent to J62232868-A)
(US4816324-A)      Photovoltaic device comprises, in order, (A) a transparent substrate, (B) a transparent conductive layer, (C) a TFS layer and (D) a conductive layer. (A) is a tetrafluoro ethyleneperfluoroalkoxy resin flexible film of m.pt. 300 deg.C.. The perfluoroalkoxy gp. of the resin has formula CFR1-CF(OR)-where R1 is F or perfluoroalkyl and R is perfluoroalkyl. ''TFS'' is thin layer film Si:H alloy.    (B) May be Zn oxide, Sn oxide or In Sn oxide. (A) is pref. 0.1-5 mils thick.    ADVANTAGE -   The device is flexible, has good optical properties and canbe mfd. in a continuous process. (A) is stable under the relatively high temp. processing conditions.
(JP2554664-B2)      Dual compartment anode structure for a molten carbonate fuel cell comprises: (a) an electrolyte porous metal plate (14a) with a ribbed surface (14b) facing away from the electrolyte; (b) an H ion-porous, H2 and electrolyte non-porous metal foil (15) contacting the ribs defining an anode reaction gas compartment; and (c) a corrugated current collector (16) contacting the foil defining an anode fuel gas compartment.    Metallic foil is pref. Cu or Ni, or a mixt. of these, of thickness 0.0001-0.001 in., pref. 0.0005 in. max.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrolyte and fuel are sepd. thus permitting internal cell reforming of hydrocarbon fuels without poisoning the reforming catalyst structure also provides greater cell stability due to redn. in corrosion and reduced electrolyte and electrode loss.
(US4814241-A)      An electrolyte for a negative or positive electrode of a radox flow battery contains 1-4 normalities of hydrochlorine acid, at least 0.5 mole of an active material per litre of electrolyte. The active material is chromium chloride for the negative electrode electrolyte and iron chloride or iron sulphate for the positive electrode electrolyte, the electrolyte further comprising 0.1-4 normalities of an acid comprising an anion form one or more hydrohalogenic acids which does not inhibit electrode reactions, in addn. to the hydrochlorine acid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Storage of surplus electric power generated by nuclear power and large-scale thermal power plants. Cell resistivity is reduced and stability fo an active material is improved resulting in a compact high performance radox flow battery. (First major country equivalent to J62216176-A)    (JP92037551-B)      Liq. comprises chloric acid 1 - 4N, active material. 5mol/l or more and H bromide acid 0.1 - 4N to reduce common ion effect; Cr chloride used as cathode active material.    Used for high power storage batteries. (J62216176-A)
(US4756718-A)      A fuel cell assembly has one or more unit cells each comprising at least two planar electrodes which are ribbed on one side (to allow access of fuel and oxidizing agent) and have a catalyst layer on the other. In mfr. of the cell, the electrodes are arranged on each side of a matrix impregnated with an electrolyte, in contact with the catalyst. A potential from an external source is applied in order to polarize the potential of at least one electrode in one of the positive and negative directions. Pref. both electrodes are polarized; and the polarization potential is reversed at least once (more pref. at least twice).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Typically a number of cells is laminated together to procide an assembly with the required output. The effect of applying potential in the described manner is to adjust the wettability by the electrolyte of the strongly hydrophobic catalyst (employing the principles of electro-osmosis). The statistical scatter of the unit cell characteristics in an assembly of cells is thereby reduced leading to high output performance and long life. (First major country equivalent to J62216172-A)
(US4711828-A)      In a CO-O2 fuel cell, a soln. contg. at least Cu(+) and a halide complexing agent for the Cu(+) is used as the anode electrolyte, CO being reacted in the soln. as Cu carbonyl complex. Pref. O2 is fed to the cathode gas electrode; or the cathode may be a soln. electrode, pref. contg. the same halide cpd. complexing agent as the anode electrolyte. Halide cpd. is pref. HBr and/or Br2.    Cell has a diaphragm separating the two electrodes. The anode electrolyte further includes a PT gp. metal (ion), esp. Pd, Rh or Ru.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell is able to use CO direct as its fuel without need for any shift converters. (First major country equivalent to J62213068-A)
(DE3780817-G)      Solar cell comprises: semiconductor layer of first type; semiconductor layer of second type forming a junction; AlGaAs semiconductor layer of second type with grooves through to the second layer; conductive material in the grooves; a bus bar (60) across the grooves; a conductive flat strip (50) spaced from the bar; and a conductive bridge (70) between bar and strip.    Junction may be pn or np type.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell contacts have low resistance and good mechanical integrity: since the strip does not contact the grid lines connections can be made to it by high temp. soldering or welding without damage to the semiconductor.
(JP2525735-B2)      A low temp. gas plasma is generated in the presence of a gaseous pyrrole and iodine so that a plasma-polymerised film of the iodine-contg. pyrrole is formed on a support. Excess iodine is then removed, to obtain a plasma-polymerised py rrole/iodine complex polymer.    Pyrroles of formula (I) can be used for the prepn. of the complex polymer. In (I), R1 to R5 each are H, alkyl, aromatic gp. alicyclic hydrocarbon, or ester residue, ketone residue or halogen derivative residue. The polymer film has a conductivity of 1 x 10 power(-3) - 1 x 10 power(2) S/cm in the film surface direction. The conductivity of the film in the film surface direction is 10 power2 to 10 power8 times of that in the film thickness direction. The iodien content in the film is 5-70 wt.%. The polymer film is porous. The low temp. gas plasma is generated in the presence of an inert gas (e.g. argon, H2, N2, helium).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The complex polymer is free from drawbacks of conventional organic polymer semiconductor materials and has high safety and high mechanical strength. (Previously notified in Week 8742)
(US4797380-A)      Prodn. of highly dispersed catalyst comprises: (a) mixing a cross-linking agent with a polymer which has a reactive functional gp. in its chain in a solvent to cross link the polymer with the cross-linking agent; (b) applying the mixt. from (a) to a carrier; (c) drying the carrier to remove the solvent and form a film of the polymer over the surface of the carrier; (d) impregnating the polymer film with a metallic complex cpd. soln. to connect the complex cpd. with the functional gp. of the polymer; (e) reducing the metallic complex cpd. connected to the polymer to the corresp. catalyst metal in a reducing atmosphere; and (f) heating the carrier to remove the polymer film by decomposition.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Highly dispersed catalysts are produced with superior catalytic properties and efficiency.    (JP2566754-B2)      Catalyst is produced by mixing polymer substance with reactive functional gps in molecule chain, crosslinking agent and solvent to bind polymer molecules by crosslinking coating mixed soln on a support or impregnating soln in a support, drying support to remove the solvent and to form polymer thin film, binding metal complex to the reactive functional group of the polymer substance, reducing the metal complex and drying the polymer thin film to decompose and remove.    Polymer substances are polyethylene imine, polyacrylic acid and cpds with them as side chain. Crosslinking agents are e.g. (CH2)3(CHO)2, (CH2)3(COOH)2, (CH2)6Br2, (CH2)6(NH2)2 and (CH2)4(CO)-2(NH2)2 etc. Solvents are water, alcohol, acetone, chloroform and THF etc. Metals in metal complex are pref Pt group metals and base metals.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The catalyst is used in synthesis of organic cpds., hydrogenation, oxidn, redn, fuel cells and electrolysis etc. Catalyst with good catalytic properties is easily and effectively produced.
(JP2566753-B2)      Catalyst is produced by mixing polymer substance with reactive functional gps in molecule chain and crosslinking agent in a solvent to bind polymer molecules by crosslinking, coating mixed soln on a support or impregnating the soln in a support, drying the support to remove the solvent and to form polymer film, impregnating metal complex soln in the polymer film to bind metal complex to the reactive functional gp of the polymer substance, and the reducing the metal complex.    Polymer substances are pref polyethylene imine, polyacrylic acid and cpds with them as side chain. Crosslinking agents are (CH2)3(CHO)2, (CH2)3(COOH)2, (CH2)6Br2, (CH2)6(NH2)2 and (CH2)4(CO)2(NH2)2 etc. Solvents are water, alcohol, acetone, chloroform and THF etc. Metals in metal complex are Pt group metals and base metals.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used in synthesis of organic cpds, hydrogenation, oxidn, redn, fuel cells and electrolysis etc. Catalyst with good catalytic properties is easily and effectively produced.
(US4812373-A)      Fuel cell generator (10) has a gas-tight housing (12) surrounding a number of chambers, including a generating chamber (14) and a combustion product or preheating chamber (16), with a reformable reactant inlet chamber (19) and an oxidant inlet chamber (18). High temp., elongated solid oxide fuel cells (40) extend between preheating and reactant inlet chambers, having open ends (42) in the preheating chamber and closed ends (45) in the genrating chamber (14). Each cell comprises solid oxide electrolyte sandwiched between two electrodes on a tubular support. Fuel feed conduits (60) are located between fuel cells to distribute unreformed fuel feed to the external electrode surfaces.    ADVANTAGE -   Effective in-situ reformation of fuel feed in the generator. (8pp)e
(US4926230-A)      Amorphous Si multiple junction solar power generation cell is formed from a pair of outer electrodes (10,11), a p-layer (6) adjacent to one electrode (10), an i-layer (7) adjacent to the p-layer and an n-layer (2) adjacent to the i-layer. An additional n-layer (9) is provided adjacent to the second electrode (11) and an interface i-layer is adjacent to n-layer (9). High purity concn. layers (4,5) are positioned on the n-p or p-n interface parts of the photovoltaic elements, the impurity content being increased to an extent sufficient to promote recombination of free electrons with electron holes near the interface.    ADVANTAGE -   High efficiency. @(4pp)@
(GB2188774-B)      Conductive pattern is formed on a semiconductor surface by: exposing portions of the surface to laser light; and immersing the surface, opt. simultaneously, in a metal plating soln. The laser power density is pref. 4.3-6.6 x 10 power 5 W/sq.cm.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in mfr. of Si solar cells (claimed). Method is fast and low cost: need for a plating mask is avoided.
(DE3727302-C)      Electricity is produced by a flow of H2 through an electrical conversion cell. The cell contains a pair of sepd. H2 permeable electrodes bathed by an electrolyte contg. a metal hydride selectively allowing the passage of ionised H (H(-)). H2 is reduced to H(-) at a 1st electrode and oxidised to H2 at a 2nd electrode. The H2 flow is induced by a gradient of the chemical potential formed by reaction of H2 and a metal to form a metal hydride above the cell whereby an electrical current is induced through an outer current circuit connecting the 2 electrodes.    The metal is pref. Li or Na. The metal hydride is LiH (NaH) which is thermal decomposed into H2 gas and Li (Na) at 1000-1400 (600-1000) deg.K and the metal is cooled to 500-800 (400-600) deg.K before re-use for reaction with H2. The electrodes are made of Ni, Pd, V, Zr or Nb.    ADVANTAGE -   Blockages in the electrodes are avoided, a satisfactory electrical current is produced. (8pp)
(JP92027179-B)      The glass comprises (in wt.%) 55.0-75.0 SiO2, 2.0-8.0 Al2O3, 3.0-13.0 B2O3, 0-4.0 MgO, 0-3.0 CaO, 0.5-6.0 BaO, 0-4.0 ZnO, 0-3.0 Li2O, 7.0-14.0 Na2O, 0-5.0 K2O, 2.0-8.0 CeO2, 0.3-2.0 TiO2, 0.1-2.0 Sb2O3 and 0-1.0 V2O5.    USE -   Exhibit excellent heat resistance, water resistance and UV rays-intercepting characteristics, as well as excellent light transparency from near IR to visible rays range. (J62187141-A)
(US4786567-A)      Uncharged all-V redox battering has anolyte and catholyte compartments sepd. by an ion-conductive separator, the analyte contg. V(4+) ions and the catholyte contg. a salt VO(x)g where y = 2 and X = F, Br or Cl, or y = 1 and X = SO4 or O, and the salt concn. is 0.25-5.0 M. A specific salt is VOSO4 at a concn. of 0.25-2.5M Pref. 0.5-2.25M esp. 1.0-2.0 M and more esp. 1.5-2.0 M.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a rechargeable redox battery for domestic or industrial use. Battery overcomes prior art redox battery system problems relating to diffusion, stability and solubility. (First major country equivalent to J62186473-A    (JP2724817-B2)      Uncharged all-V redox battering has anolyte and catholyte compartments sepd. by an ion-conductive separator, the analyte contg. V(4+) ions and the catholyte contg. a salt VO(x)g where y = 2 and X = F, Br or Cl, or y = 1 and X = SO4 or O, and the salt concn. is 0.25-5.0 M. A specific salt is VOSO4 at a concn. of 0.25-2.5M Pref. 0.5-2.25M esp. 1.0-2.0 M and more esp. 1.5-2.0 M.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a rechargeable redox battery for domestic or industrial use. Battery overcomes prior art redox battery system problems relating to diffusion, stability and solubility. (First major country equivalent to J62186473-A
(JP93004767-B)      Film is formed on a board by sputtering the target comprising In-oxide sintered compact contg. Sn-oxide, in which the film comprising dense and fine particles is formed on 300 deg.C or higher temp. transparent board by sputtering in vacuum oxygen-contg. inert gas, followed by sputtering in vacuum inert gas contg. low O2 concn. or no O2 to form a film whose grain size was abnormally grown.    USE -   Film formed on glass board, having surface asperity due to abnormal grain growth, but low resistivity such as 1.7-1.9x10 power (-4) ohm.cm can be obtd. Used for transparent electrodes for solar cells. (J62186417-A)
(US4722873-A)      Power system comprises: a first fuel cell supplied with fuel gas contg. water vapour and an oxidant gas; a second fuel cell supplied with exhaust gas from the first cell and an oxidant gas; and a humidity regulator for the exhaust gas fed from the first to the second cell so that the water vapour content of the gas is appropriate and C deposition in the second cell is prevented.    Fuel supply to the first cell pref. comprises H2, CO, and C02; other hydrocarbons may also be present.    ADVANTAGE -   System is able to operate with good, stable characteristics for a long period even at a high fuel utilisation ratio; and has high power generating efficiency. (First major country equivalent to J62184771-A)
(US4774193-A)      Shorts are avoided in the mfr. of layered electrical components in which two electrodes are disposed one above the other, sepd. by an insulating film, partic. in mfr. of thin-film solar cells. The structure e.g. is of a base electrode (2) on a substrate e.g. glass (1), on which is an active semiconductor layer structure (3), e.g. of n-i-p or p-i-n sequence or amorphous Si layers. The layer structure is covered with a photo-resist (5), which flows (5a) into any voids formed in the layer structure. The structure is then irradiated from below (7) to expose the photo-resist in the void, leaving the remainder unexposed. The hardened plug is not removed when the remainder is washed away.    ADVANTAGE -   Reliable, uncomplicated and inexpensive method.    (6pp)
(US4774194-A)      Solar cell device is mfd. on a single crystal substrate of GaAs or AlGaAs (1) on which a removable layer (2) is formed of AlxlGa1-x1As is formed, x1 being greater than or=0.9. A first solar cell layer (3) is then formed of Alx2Ga1-x2As is formed, x2 being in the range 0.4-0.8, followed by a second solar cell layer (4) of e.g. p-type GaAs and a third layer (5) e.g. of n-type GaAs. A reinforcement layer (6) is then formed and the entire wafer is soaked in a soln. to remove the removable layer selectively, sepg. the solar cell structure.    ADVANTAGE -   Lightweight and inexpensive structures can be formed with high mechanical strength and high conversion efficiency.
(US4766043-A)      Fuel cell has unit cells stacked in layers and separated from each other by separators. Each cell has an anode with a catalyst layer on the side facing an electrolyte matrix layer. Grooves are defined between ribs formed on the separator side of the anode. The cathode of each cell has a catalyst layer on the electrolyte matrix side.    The separators between the cells each have a recess on the side facing the anode of each cell. An oxidising gas channel is on the side of each separator and the recess is used to store electrolyte and receive the anode rib. The distance from the bottom of the recess to the inner surface of the grooves is greater than the depth of the recess. The end of the rib is immersed in electrolyte and fuel gas is supplied to each anode via a space between the inner surface of the groove and the electrolyte level. Electrolyte in the recess soaks through the ribs and anode to the electrolyte matrix.    ADVANTAGE -   Prolonged continuous operation of the cell is possible.
(US4759997-A)      Air supply appts. for a fuel cell comprises: a compressor (1) for supplying the air; an exhaust gas turbine (2) which drives the compressor using cell exhaust gas; an auxiliary combuster (3) upstream of and associated with the turbine; and a pipe (5) for cnducting exhaust gas from the cell to the auxiliary combustor. The auxiliary combustor includes a catalyst (31) and catalyst heater; a branch pipe (5a) conducts a variable amt. of the exhaust gas to the catalyst and another pipe (20) conducts a fuel/air mixt. to the catalyst.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of an auxiliary combustor stabilises operation under conditions of severs load fluctuation, avoiding blow-out, very hgih combustion temps. etc..(First major country equivalent to J62170169-A)
(US4900370-A)      Solar battery comprises a transparent electrode (I) formed on a substrate, and a semiconductor film and a metal electrode formed on (I) in the stated order. The improvement is that (I) comprises an impurity undoped tin oxide layer of a thickness of 0.08-0.2 micron, formed on the substrate; and an impurity doped tin oxide layer formed on the undoped layer.    Pref. the impurity in the doped layer is fluorine, chlorine, antimony or mixts. of these.    ADVANTAGE -   New battery has a transparent electrode made of a transparent conductive film which is large in area, low in resistance and has an uneven surface.    (JP93077192-B)      Solar battery comprises; a substrate; a transparent electrode formed of an undoped layer overlaid with a doped layer; a semiconductor layer; and a metal electrode. The transparent electrode material is pref. Sn oxide or ITO; the doped layer is doped pref. with one or more of F, C1 and Sb.    Pref. undoped layer thickness is less than 0.3 micron, pref. 0.08-0.2 micron. Forming the battery comprises sequential deposition steps.    ADVANTAGE -   Transparent electrode has a large area, low resistance and an uneven surface, enhancing battery performance. (J62198169-A)
(US4758526-A)      Integrated system of thin-film solar cells is produced on a substrate e.g. of glass from a photo-sensitive layer (4) of amorphous Si and electrode layers of transparent conducting oxide, e.g. In-Sn oxide, and a thin metal layer e.g. of Al. Predetermined areas of the metal electrode layer and the amorphous Si layer are removed and relatively narrow predetermined areas are removed from the oxide electrode layer and are covered with an insulating substance. Over this, an electrically conducting paste (12) is applied, connecting the margin (13) of the cell (14) with the first exposed electrode layer (16) of the adjacent solar cell (15).    ADVANTAGE -   Simple structured and economical process, also applicable to other devices. (4pp)f    (DE3604917-C)      In forming an integrated strip of thin-film solar cells, a first electrode layer, a photosensitive layer and a second electrode layer are deposited and set regions removed to form gaps for separate cells. Set regions of the second electrode and the sensitive layer are removed with partial leaving of the first layer which then has only a small gap. Next insulator material is placed in the gaps in the three layers so as to cover one edge of the second electrode and one edge of the sensitive layer, but to fill the small gap in the first electrode. Finally, over the insulator material a conductive paste (12) is placed which thus couples the second electrode of one cell (13) to the first electrode (16) of the adjacent cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple and effective method. (4pp)
(US4910153-A)      There is used, as a deposition feedstock material in the mfr. of hydrogenated amorphous silicon alloy, one or more cpds. of formula (MX3)n M'X4-n in which M and M' are different Gp. 4A atoms, selected from silicon, germanium and lead, one of M and M' being silicon; X is H, halogen or mixts. of these; and n is 1,2,3 or 4.    Pref. M is silicon, M' is germanium and X is H, fluorine or mixts. of these.    ADVANTAGE -   Enhanced control of incorporation of Gp.4A atoms into hydrogenated amorphous silicon alloys, thereby decreasing the likelihood of undesirable chemical bonds. @(22pp)@
(JP92050705-B)      Battery post is securely sealed in aperture passing through case of lead acid battery. The post is positioned in the aperture after that portion of it actually located in the aperture has been coated with a rubber undercoat completely devoid of fillers and the space between the annular undercoat and the battery case is filled with a rubber bonding epoxy material which bonds to both the undercoat and the case.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Method of sealing prevents leakage of highly corrosive liquid acidic electrolyte from a battery case around a battery post or terminal extending from the case used for withdrawing electrical power. The seal remains effective over very long periods. (J62290057-A)
(JP93016655-B)      Device is made by forming 1st. electroconductor layer, photoactivating layer, and 2nd. electroconductor layer on a board having 1st. electrode by glow discharge decomposition of Si-hydride, to provide 2nd. electrode. At least the photoactivating layer is formed using disilane, and by applying energy more than the quantity of the min. energy per unit mass of the disilane. The forming rate of the activated layer thin film depends mainly on the flow rate of disilane, and is not affected by the quantity of the applied energy. At least the initial range of formation of the activated layer is controlled by applying bias voltage (e.g. to hold negative potential to the earthed potential) to the 3rd. electrode disposed between the board and discharging electrode faced against the main plane of the board, on which photoactivating layer is to be formed.    USE -   Amorphous Si photoelectric transfer device (e.g. solar cell) can be made in high efficiency and at high deposition rate. (J62158315-A)
(US4745078-A)      Prodn. of integrated series connections of thin film solar cells including thin photovoltaic films formed on a common insulative transparent substrate having spaced transparent front electrodes, with metal filled sepg. grooves formed in the films as connectors, involves depositing a readily removable strip pattern of material onto the photovoltaic film at intervals dependent on the size of the solar cells. The strips of the pattern are offset laterally relative to the front electrodes lying under the thin films and extending over the regions of the thin films not to be covered by back electrodes. Sepg. grooves are mechanically formed in the films alongside the strips and conductive metal is deposited over the whole surface. The strip pattern is then lifted off to leave gaps in metallised layer forming the sepd. back electrode of the solar cells.    The strip pattern may be composed of self-adhesive plastic strip, lacquer or foil.    ADVANTAGE -   Method is simpler and less costly.
(US4818560-A)      A multi-layer structure film is prepd. on a substrate in a reaction space (I) by a plasma-assisted chemical vapour deposition method, by applying discharge energy to starting gases in (I), to effect film formation. Firstly, there are separately introduced into (I), a starting material gas (A) at a first flow rate (a) which is a major flow rate component, a starting material (B) at a second flow rate (b) which is a minor flow rate component, and activated hydrogen. The flow rate (b) is at most half of flow rate (a). Secondly, external discharge energy is applied to (I) to generate a plasma with gas (A), gas (B) and the activated hydrogen. Thirdly, a first deposited film layer (II) is formed on the substrate by permitting material (A), material (B) and the activated hydrogen to form a mixt. and chemically react while maintaining the discharge energy applied at a constant intensity and thereby produce layer (II) on the substrate having a first compsn. Finally, at least a second deposited film layer is formed on top of layer (II) by varying flow rate (b), relative to flow rate (a), while maintaining the discharge energy applied to (I) at the constant intensity applied when forming layer (II) and thereby produce the at least second deposited film layer having a second compsn. different from the first compsn., so as to form a multi-layer laminated film of at least two layers of different compsns. Each deposited film layer has a thickness ranging from 10-200 Angstroms.    ADVANTAGE -   New method has excellent productivity and bulk productivity, and produces high quality films.
(JP94084241-B2)      A fuel reformer (30) for fuel cells is equipped with a reformed gas passing layer (15) composed of porous ceramics placed at the exit of reactors (4) to convert vaporised methanol and steam to reformed gas, which mainly contains H2.    USE -   Used to recover heat from reformed gas exhausted from reactors and to eliminate or miniaturise heat exchangers provided at a back process.
(US4731408-A)      Prodn. of a processable conductive polymer coprises oxidatively polymerising an aromatic heterocyclic or aniline salt monomer which cna form a cationic polymer, in a reaction medium including a reaction medium-soluble chemical oxidising agent and a dispersed polymer having anionic surface character as counter anion for the produced cationic polymer.    Suitably the polymerisable monomer is pyrrole, thiophene or furan cpd. of formula (I), where R1 and R2 are H, alkyl, aryl, alkaryl or aralkyl or R1 and R2 combine to complete a cyclic structure; X is O, S or NR3; and R3 is H, alkyl, aryl, alkaryl or aralkyl.    ADVANTAGE -   The obtd. polymer has good stability and physical integrity and can be processed by conventional coating techniques. (8pp)    (JP93020451-B)      Processable conductive polymers are prepd. by oxidatively polymerising in a polymerisation reaction medium a monomer (I) which is oxidatively polymerisable to a cationic polymer, the reaction medium including a soluble chemical oxidising agent (II) for the (I) and a dispersed polymer (III) having anionic surface character as counterion for the cationic polymer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Process allows conductive polymers to be prepd. without the limitations of and the equipment required for electrochemical prodn. methods. Resulting polymer compsns. can be coated onto a variety of substrates to provide a conductive polymer film or layer useful e.g. in the prodn. of solar cells and batteries, EMI shielding, etc. (J62164717-A)
(US4705911-A)      Solar cell module comprises a CdS/CdTe junction (1) as a photovoltaic portion and an O2 releasing agent filled in the module, pref. a peroxide esp. Ca, Zn, or Mg peroxide, or ammonium persulphate.    Pref. the agent (9) is contg. in a polyethylene bag (90) in a space in the module with the bag mouth open.    ADVANTAGE -   Supply of O2 to the solar cell minimises the reduction in conversion efficiency which would result from shortage of O2. In an example polyethylene bag (90) is filled with 0.3 g ammonium persulphate (9) and air (30), to a thickness of about 1 mm and is left with its mouth open. (First major country equivalent to J62132371-A)
(US4776896-A)      An amorphous Si solar battery comprises a terminal (11) plus spring contact (5) connected to an external output conductor, the surface of the terminal comprising a metal layer (41) with an a-Si film (31) lying between it and an insulated substrate (1). The metal layer (4,41) is electrically connected to a transparent conductive film (2) and the metal layer of the terminal (41) may be electrically connected to a metal layer of the battery (4). The a-Si film acts as an adhesive agent between metal (4,41) and substrate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Conventional solar batteries using a biased spring contact suffer from the fact that the biasing pressure generates a shear force between the metal contact and the transparent conducting or insulating films which may cause layer separation. The present invention interposes an amorphous silicon layer between the metal and other layers which adheres strongly to both. Bad contacts are therefore avoided. (First major country equivalent to J62128571-A)
(US4824508-A)      Prodn. of a solid polymer electrolyte structure consists of (a) forming a suspension of catalytically active, electrically conductive particles and a liq.; (b) applying the suspension to a fluorocarbon membrane sheet that is in thermoplastic form; (c) removing all the liq. to leave the particles on the sheet; (d) pressing the particles into the membrane sheet; (e) contacting the particle-contg. side of the membrane sheet with an electrically conductive, hydraulically permeable matrix; and (f) applying pressure to bond the matrix to the membrane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For fuel cells, electrolysis cells and batteries. The structure offers lower electrical resistance, hence efficiency can be raised.
(US4708916-A)      Molten carbonate fuel cell has separator elements (13) interposed between adjacent stacked unit cells (12). Two internal manifolds extend in the stacking direction at the sides of the structure. Another manifold at the centre of the structure extends in the direction of stacking. Fuel gas passages, at the anode side of the separator element, communicate with the first and third manifolds. There are other fuel passages which communicate with the second and third manifolds. The arrangement form two circuits for the fuel gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Uniform current distribution and temp. Power is generated stably over a long period.
(US4702972-A)      An electrolyte replenishing system for a laminated type fuel cell comprises w.r.t. Fig.2: (a) a cell block (7) having cells; (b) an electrolyte replenishing throat (1) for supplying an electrolyte to (7), and having an outlet connected to (7); (c) an electrolyte exhaust valve (15) for exhausting excess electrolyte, having an inlet connected to the inlet of (1); (d) a head pressure adjusting vessel (13) for regulating the head pressure of the replenishing electrolyte which is brought into (7), having an outlet connected to the inlets of (15) and (1); (e) an electrolyte replenishing valve (12) having an output side connected to the inlet of (13); (f) an overflow line (14) for providing a predetermined head pressure in (13), one end of whic which is connected to (13) and the other end to the output of (15); (g) an exhausted electrolyte tank (16) for storing electrolyte from (15) and (14), and which is connected to the outlet of (15) and the other end of (14); (h) a pump (18) for returning the electrolyte, stored in (16)to the inlet of (12), having an input connected to the outlet of (16), and an output connected to the input of (12); and (i) a venting line (20) for exhausting gas in a reservoir in (7) connected to (7) at the opposite side to (1).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Partic. useful for replenishing electrolyte, e.g. a phosphoric acid, into the fuel cell from outside whilst maintaining a constant head pressure. Exhausting of excess electrolyte prevents damage to the separator plate. (First major country equivalent to J62119871-A)
(US4725558-A)      Semiconductor defects are cured by: connecting Zener diodes (23)in series with each other, connecting the anode of each diode to one side of the junction of an element (3) of the semiconductor device and applying a reverse bias voltage (24) to the diodes and to the elements so that the diode corresponding to each element has its Zener voltage less than the breakdown voltage of the corresponding element (3).    The device is pref. an array of solar cells, the elements each comprising a semiconductor layer (3) and a transparent oxide electrode (2).    ADVANTAGE -   Electrical shorts and shunts due to pinholes or gaps created in layer (3) during the mfg. process are eliminated by a simple process. (First major country equivalent to J62108580-A)
(JP94064935-B2)      The film comprises a base (e.g. glass), transparent conductor layer of metal oxides (e.g. In-Ti oxide) formed on the base and a SnO2 layer on the conductor layer. Between the two layers a SnO2-x layer (x = over 0 to below 1) is formed while varying oxidn. for SnO2-x and for SnO2. In either the SnO2 and/or SnO2-x layers, elements that reduce electric resistivity, such as Sn, F, P, etc., may be added.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The film is used for solar cells or transparent heaters to defrost windows in automobiles. Electric resistivity of the transparent film can be lowered and light transmission can be increased.
(US4677250-A)      Thin film photovoltaic solar cell has a substrate supporting an electrical contact, at least one semiconductor layer, including at least one photovoltaic junction and a second electrical contact.    There is an insulator contg. electrically conductive nucleation sites between the first contact and the semiconductor layer. Microscopic and macroscopic defects in the semiconductor layer terminate primarily on the insulator. The nucleation sites provide electrical communication between the first contact and the semiconductor layer.    ADVANTAGE -   High efficiency and low cost are achieved.    (US4772564-A)      Thin film photovoltaic solar cell has a substrate with an electrically conductive surface. Insulating material with selected nucleation site material dispersed in it, is applied to the surface. The site material is activated to form electrically conductive nucleation sites. At least one semiconductor layer is applied to the surface of the insulating layer followed by electrical contacts.    Pref. the substrate is metal sheet, metal foil, polymer film, ceramic or glass.    ADVANTAGE -   High efficiency and low cost solar cell is obtd.    (US4781766-A)      Thin film solar cell (20), formed on a substrate (200), consisting of support (210) and contact (205), e.g. of Al and an insulator (215), for a semiconductor layer (230), on which is a rectifying junction (235) and a semiconductor layer (240) of opposite conductivity type, with a transparent electric contact layer (250). Microscopic defects e.g. grain boundaries (260) and macroscopic defects (280) extend through the semiconductor layers and terminate on the insulator. Semiconductor layers communicate electrically with the electrical contact of the substrate through electrically conducting nucleation sites (218) in the insulating layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Insulation layer prevents contamination of the semiconductor layers during growth of the semiconductor layers and efficiency is improved.
(US4709119-A)      Photovoltaic cell has in sequence a conductive contact, a semiconductor layer, another semiconductor layer of opposite conductivity and another conductive contact. A layer which can be tunnelled through by electrons and holes in between one of the semiconductor layers and the nearest contact.    This layer is a semiconductor inversion layer which is not permeable to ions and is formed on the semiconductor layer. A low resistivity layer which easily conducts electrons or holes in between the inversion layer and the nearest contact.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Thin film solar cell of the Cu 2-x/Cd type where x is 0 to 1. Redn. of current density during irradiation is avoided.    (DE3542116-C)      A photo-voltaic cell includes a prim. electrically conducting contact, a prim. semiconductor layer, a sec. semiconductor layer of opposite conductivity, and a sec. conducting contact, arranged in layers on top of one another. An inversion layer is formed out of the sec. semiconductor layer, and a layer is formed on the surface of the sec. semiconductor layer.    ADVANTAGE -   The stability of the cell is improved. (7pp)
(JP93072685-B)      The transparent oxide thin film comprises composite oxides contg. Cd, Sn, and P, with Cd/Sn = 0.8-1.8 atomic ratio, and P/Sn = 0.01-1.0 atomic ratio. Film is prepd. by coating aq. soln. of organic solvent metal cpds. having hydrolysable or inflammable groups, on a baseboard, followed by heat treatment.    USE -   The transparent thin film is used for electrodes materials of displaying devices such as display for liq. crystal, electroluminescence, electrochromic devices, and photoelectric conversion devices such as solar cells, or infrared reflection films. It has good waterproof properties. (J62090809-A)
(JP95031950-B2)      The film consists of ZnO oriented in the C-axis direction and doped with Al. The layer is deposited pref. by DC-magnetron sputtering using a target composed of mixed ZnO and pref. 0.5-5 wt.%, see fig. 1, of Al2O3. The best properties are obtd. with a hot substrate, e.g. at 300 C, and at low Ar-pressure e.g. 5 x 10 power (-3) Torr.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The film has good electrical conductivity, transparency and improved thermal stability compared with current films. The magnetron allows a high deposition rate of the film to be achieved causing less damage to the substrate. This makes it possible to use foils as a substrate. The cost of the film is low. The film is used as electrode in electroluminescent or liq. crystal displays in solar cells and other light sensitive electrical elements.
(US4792384-A)      Electrochemical cell and fuel cell are combined in which e.g. a chlor-alkali cell (12) is used, from which H is passed to the fuel cell (14), while Cl is removed as product. A direct current regulator (15) with a direct current converter (17) and control (17) forms a regulating arrangement for regulating the power received from the fuel cell to adjust the voltage and current. The control can be a microcomputer developing a duty cycle signal for the converter, which may be sent to the regulator as a number of energising gate signals. A high voltage AC rectifier (18) connected to an external supply supplies direct current to the electrolysis cell under selected operating conditions.    ADVANTAGE -   Energy efficiency by supplementation of external power.
(US4714510-A)      Protective cover is bonded to a solar cell with an active surface which has at least one area including the photovoltaic junction and a metallic gridwork defining the area. The gridwork is deposited on a substrate and the protective cover overlaid on it. The gridwork is impressed into the cover by heating the assembly under pressure before removing the cover and gridwork. A thin metallic adherent layer is applied to the cell corresponding to the gridwork followed by a metallic compatibility layer. The cover and gridwork are overlaid so that the gridwork registers with the compatibility layer and is bonded to it where the cover is protectively attached to the cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Damage to the cell during mfr. or use is minimised.
(US4780187-A)      System for operating a fuel cell producing electrical energy using H2 in combination with a chlorate producing electrolysis cell. H2 produced by the chlorate cell is fed to the fuel cell.    A regulator is provided which is responsive to the power produced by the fuel cell and to the H2 available to the fuel cell for supplying power from the fuel cell to the electrolysis cell. The regulator is connected to both cells and includes a gated switch which intermittently passes current for regulating the power from the fuel cell to adjust the current and voltage supplied by the fuel cell so that the voltage change across the regulator matches the voltage different between the two cells.    ADVANTAGE -   The cells can be operated at voltages and currents which are independent of each other.
(US4797186-A)      In a method of operating an electrochemical fuel cell in combination with a second electrochemical cell, employing a direct current converter, the fuel cell consumes a fuel and an oxidant to provide electrical power while the second electrochemical cell produces a chemical product and an oxidant as a result of the consumption of power. Oxidant from the second cell is supplied to the fuel cell, which produces DC power at current and voltage which are independent of the second cell. The power from the fuel cell is converted to a third current and output voltage which matches that of the second cell, by passing current intermittently through a DC converter responsive to the power output of the fuel cell and the fuel available to the fuel cell. The third current is used to provide at least part of the power from prodn. of the chemical product.    ADVANTAGE -   Efficiency from use of the combination at independent voltages and currents.
(US4696871-A)      Electricity is produced by (a) reacting hydrocarbon-contg. feedstock with steam to produce a hydrogen-contg. gas stream at superatmospheric pressure, (b) feeding the gas stream to the anode spay of a fuel cell, (c) feeding air at superatmospheric pressure to the cathode gas space of the fuel cell, and (d) letting down at least the off-gas from the anode gas space through a turbine driving an air compressor-compressing the air required in step (c).    Air from the compressor is also reacted in stage (a) and produces heat by reaction with the feedstock which heat is required by the endothermic steam-feedstock reaction. Before step (d), the anode off-gas is reacted with compressed air from the compressor. Heat is recovered from the resulting waste gas by heat exchange to preheat reactant(s) for step (a). (7pp)a
(JP94070117-B2)      Phthalocyanine polymers are obtd. by addn.-condensing monomers of formula Pc(COHN-R)n (I) (where Pc = phthalocyanine residue; R = H or -LOH (L= a lower alkylene gp.); n = an integer of above 1).    The polymers are prepd. by addn.-condensing phthalocyanine cpds. of formula (I) (phthalocyanine content = below 50 wt.%) and condensable cpds., e.g. phenol, urea, melamine in the presence of acid or basic catalysts at 100-150 deg. C for 2-36 hrs. The monomer raw materials are used in the form of 1-50%, (5-25)% aq. soln. The amt. of the catalysts (e.g. oxalic acid, ammonium chloride) used is 0.1-2% of monomer. As addn.-condensates, phenol resin, urea resin, melamine resin, etc. contg. phthalocyanine in main chain are obtd. The resins can be moulded into upto 1 thick.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The polymers are used as resin-processing agents having deodorising ability, optical recording layer, electron photography carrier-forming layer, colour element layer of organic solar batteries.
(JP94065674-B2)      Phthalocyanine cpd. of formula Pc(-CONH-L-OH)n (I): where Pc=phthalocyanine residue, L is lower alkylene and n is an integer or 1 or higher) is new.    Prepn. of (I) comprises synthesis of an amido-substd. phthalocyanine from trimellitic anhydride or its driv., urea and a metal chloride. This is reached to aldehyde aq. soln. in the presence of a basic catalyst. This is dissolved in a large amt. of water, filtered concd. and recrystallised from methanol, ethanol, etc..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Phthalocyanine cpd. is capable of polymerisation condensation and addn. condensation. It is useful for resin processing with reduced odour, optical recording layer, electrophotography, solar battery, etc.. The -CONH-L-OH gp. bonds to an arbitrary position on the benzene ring of phthalocyanine, giving condensation capability.
(US4700463-A)      Solar battery is made by: forming a transparent electrode layer on a transparent substrate; adding a non-crystalline semiconductor film; detecting pinholes in the film, irradiating the electrode layer with a laser beam in a reducing atmos. through the pinholes to reduce those portions of the electrode layer and increase their resistance; and adding a metal film electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   Pinhole short-circuits are avoided without harm to the semiconductor film. (First major country equivalent to J62058685-A)
(US4696872-A)      Catalytic layer for a fuel cell electrode is produced by (a) separately mixing with a binder at least two carbons or mixts. of carbons; (b) intimately mixing these separate carbon/binder mixts. together; and (c) then forming the mixt. obtd. into a catalytic layer of the desired dimensions.    Pref. in step (a), carbon(s) (A) of a specific surface below 100 m2/g contg. 1-10 wt.% of noble metal is mixed with a binder; and, in addn., carbon(s) (B) with a specific surface above 150 m2/g contg. 0-10 wt.% noble metal is mixed with a binder. The % by wt. of noble metal on carbon(s) (A) is equal to or higher than the % by wt. of noble metal on carbon(s) (B).    ADVANTAGE -   Electrode so produced has an improved combination of stability and cell performance.
(US6823544-N)      Catalytic organic fuel processing appts. has a catalyst contg. chamber within a housing through which gases are recirculated at varying velocities. Varying amts. of organic fuel are injected into the gases. There is a combustion chamber with a combustion catalyst on the inside and an oxidn. catalyst on the outside. The combustion chamber is in indirect heat exchange with the organic fuel injecting system and in both indirect and direct heat exchange with the recirculating gases. Air is selectively injected into the recirculating gases upstream of the combustion gases and varying amts. of fuel and air are injected into the combustion chamber. Recirculating gases are selectively drawn off without drawing off newly introduced organic fuel vapour.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Fuel cell power system in which transient high demands can be accommodated during peak load times. The heat exchange rate is sufficient to meet high demands during peak load times. The appts. is compact and is useful in vehicles etc.
(US4683177-A)      Power generation system in a fuel cell having an air preheater for a fuel cell reaction in which the air will be fed to an afterburner of a high temp. solid electrolyte fuel cell, includes a combuster between the preheater and the after-burner for performing an additional combustion after the temp. of the air has been elevated by the preheater.    ADVANTAGE -   A compact structure of the afterburner can be retained and pressure loss can be minimised. (First major country equivalent to J62040171-A)
(US4686159-A)      Laminated layer type fuel cell comprises sepn. plates (1) each having rectilinear (4) and zigzag (5) portions of fuel and oxidiser channels (3) sandwiched between cells formed of fuel electrodes, electrolyte matrices and oxidiser electrodes.    ADVANTAGE -   Partial pressures of reaction gases are equalised throughout the cell to equalise cell reactions and temp. distribution in the cell. (claimed) (First major country equivalent to J62040168-A)
(US4803399-A)      Fluorescent lamp arrangement for uniformly illuminating a display panel (1) comprises a fluorescent lamp (2) having a glass tube, electrodes at either end, a fluorescent layer over an inner surface of the tube and an Hg/rare gas fill; and a light-shading patterned layer formed along a surface of the glass tube so as to make luminance on a display panel (1) uniform when the lamp (2) and the panel (1) are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lamp tube.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. as a backlight for a liq. crystal display device (claimed). System provides high uniformity of luminance. (First major country equivalent to J62040151-A)
(EP216703-B)      A transparent conductive substrate for a photo-electric element, esp. a solar cell, comprises a support (esp. of glass) coated with a transparent conductive layer based on tin oxide and formed by thermal decompsn. and oxidn., in contact with the support at high temp., of a tin cpd. contg. chlorine (but no other halogen) or a chlorine-free tin cpd. mixed with another cpd. contg. chlorine (e.g. ACl), the layer being at least 0.7 microns thick.    Also claimed is an amorphous silicon solar cell with a transparent conductive substrate comprising a glass support coated with an at least 0.7 microns thick tin oxide based layer obtained from a tin cpd. contg. chlorine (but no other halide).    ADVANTAGE -   The substrate improves photo-electric conversion yields to above those having a fluorine-doped tin oxide layer. (4pp)    (JP93072686-B)      The substrate for a photoelectric element, esp. a solar cell, comprises a support (esp. of glass) coated with a transparent conductive layer based on tin oxide and formed by thermal decomposition and oxidn., in contact with the support at high temp., of a tin cpd. contg. chlorine (and no other halogen) or a chlorine-free tin cpd. mixed with another cpd. contg. chlorine (e.g. ACl), and the layer is at least 0.7 microns thick.    Pref. an amorphous silicon solar cell with a transparent conductive substrate comprises a glass support coated with an at least 0.7 microns thick tin oxide based layer obtd. from a tin cpd. contg. chlorine (and no other halide).    ADVANTAGE -   The substrate improves photoelectric conversion yields to above those having a fluorine-doped tin oxide layer. (J62069405-A)
(EP229312-A)      In the storage of electrical energy by decomposing a metal halide (I) by supplying energy (charge) and recombing the decomposition prods. with generation of electrical energy (discharge), the novelty is that charging is carried out by exposing (I) in an aq. concn. mineral acid (II) soln. to sunlight or nuclear radiation in the presence of a catalyst (III).    (I) is a Pb or Ag chloride, bromide or iodide; (II) is conc. HCl; and (III) is Hg or an amalgam of Hg with Ag, Bi, Cd, Cu, Sn, Ga, In, Pb, Tl or a noble metal. The photochemical cell has a cathode (pref. of graphite or carbon); (II) as electrolyte; (I) in contact with a metal, esp. Hg or its solid or liquid amalgam; and an anode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Photochemical cells operating by this technique are also claimed. The process is simple and effective and allows electrical energy to be stored in cells of this type for longer than usual, with min. loss. (First major country equivalent to LU--86208-A)
(JP94104591-B2)      A thin-plate form carbon moulding is composed of a carbon powder and a thermosetting resin bound integrally to each other. It has a specific resistance of 7 x 10 power (-4) 20 x 10 power (-4) ohm cm, a thermal conductivity of 10 - 100 Kcal/ m / hr / deg.C, a heat expansion coefficient below 3.0 x 10 power (-6) deg.C, a beading strength of 900 - 1800 kg/cm, a gas permeability below 10 power (-4) cm/ cm2/ min., and an electrolytic consumption ratio below 2.0.    Prodn. of the thin-plate form carbon moulding involves mixing 100 pts.wt. of (a) a carbon powder having a mean particle size of 0.5 - 10 microns and 50 - 70 pts.wt., (b) of a thermosetting resin powder having a mean particle size of 0.5 - 10 micron, with (c) 50 - 70 pts.wt. of a liq. thermosetting resin, kneading the mixt. with pressing above 0.1 kg/cm2 in a reduced pressure condition for degassing to the internal of the mixing chamber below 30 mm Hg, moulding the kneading into a predetermined shape, hardening, and firing in the non-oxidative atmosphere for carbonation.    Pref. the carbon powder is graphite, coke, etc., and the resin in phenol, or furan-based material etc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For separators of phosphoric acid type fuel cells.
(US4721535-A)      Solar cell includes a multi-layer thin film contg. at least one non-doped layer of amorphous SiC or Si3N4 of thickness 10-300 Angstrom; and at least one p-doped amorphous SiC or Ni3N4 layer of given thickness, at least one face of this layer being in contact with the non-doped layer so that the multi-layer film exhibits, in effect, p-type conductivity.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell exhibits high conversion efficiency. (First major country equivalent to J62033479-A)
(US4734379-A)      Solar battery is made by depositing a conductive film on the substrate followed by forming a transparent electrode and then a deposit of non-crystalline material. At least one site on the non-crystalline material is exposed to light of sufficient intensity to form a low resistance polycrystalline region or a void in the layer. A metal electrode is formed on the non-crystalline material over the site.    ADVANTAGE -   In the mfr. of the battery involving the use of a laser beam, the laser output does not have to be adjusted according to the conditions of the layers.    (DE3684066-G)      A solar battery has a number of photoelectric conversion elements, each comprising a transparent electrode layer, a non-crystalline semiconductor layer and a metal electrode (in that order). In the semiconductor layer is a site for a polycrystalline region and beneath this site lies a conductive element positioned to sandwich the transparent electrode between it and the non-crystalline semiconductor layer. A method of forming the battery is also claimed in which the polycrystalline region is formed by exposing the non-crystalline material to light, esp. from a laser.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery can be mass-produced using a laser to form the polycrystalline region. The construction is such that over- or under-absorption of the laser light does not cause problems such as loss of electrical connection. Thus the laser beam does not require constant adjustment. ()
(US4680240-A)      Startup method for a fuel cell power system comprises heating a fuel cell stack to operating temp. with a circulating heat exchange fluid, while pressurising the pressure vessel and process chambers wit h an inert gas, controlling the vapour pressure in the insert gas in proportion to the detected temp. and pressure in the process chamber so that the vol. of the hygroscopic electrolyte is maintained constant.    ADVANTAGE -   Deterioration of the system due to a decrease or increase in the electrolyte vol. is avoided. (First major country equivalent to J62022374-A)
(US4734550-A)      In the scribing of a workpiece surface using a laser beam, the beam is modified to a rectangular shape and used to form a groove in the surface. The beam is periodically moved relative to and along the surface. Each movement of the beam forms overlapping portion in the groove, each portion overlapping an adjacent one by a predetermined amt.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Mfr. of thin film photoelectric conversion substrates for solar batteries. open grooves of even width are produced at high speed. (10pp)o
(US4737197-A)      Si solar cell has active impurities diffused into the substrate to form a pn junction. A front contact is formed from metal paste which includes metal powder which functions as a basic contact material, glass frit, organic binder and a solvent.    In the improvement 0.05-0.3 wt% P is included in the paste to improve resistance contact between the front contact and the substrate, and the cell has a fill factor of approx. 0.75.    ADVANTAGE -   Energy conversion efficiency is high.    (DE3612085-C)      Solar cell has (a) a semiconductor substrate having an n-doped diffusion layer (I); (b) an antireflection coating (II) positioned on layer (I); and (c) a front contact which contacts layer (I) through coating (II), and is produced from a metal paste contg., as main material, metal powder, a glaze material and phosphorus in doping amts of 0.05-0.3 wt. percent.    Pref. the metal of the paste is Cu, Ni or, esp. Ag. Pref. coating (II) comprises an electrically insulating material, esp. TiO2, SiO2, Ta2O5, SnO2 or Si3O4.    ADVANTAGE -   Good ohmic contact is obtd. between the front contact and the diffusion layer.
(US6812575-N)      Molten electrolyte content in a fuel cell stack is equalised using a device with a passageway for electrolyte flow from a portion adjacent the negative end of the stack to a portion adjacent to the positive end of the stack. The passageway is partially filled at the end portions with a porous ceramic wick which is wettable by the molten electrolyte. The first end of the passageway has means for vaporising and transferring electrolyte to the other end where the electrolyte is condensed and conducted back to the positive end of the stack face. Pref. the porous ceramic wick is LiAlO2, calcia stabilised ZrO2, Li2ZrO3 or LiFeO2.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrolyte content is equalised throughout the stack during use. (15pp)
(US4670702-A)      Controller for fuel cell power systems comprises a main switching element inserted between a fuel cell power unit and a dc-ac converter, a secondary battery connected to a charging switching element and a discharging switching element, and a control circuit for switching elements. The charging switching element are connected in series and across the main switching element. The battery is charged by turning on the charging switching element while holding the main switching element off during heating operation of the power unit with the heat of fuel cell reactions, or during stopping operation of the power unit. The battery is discharged through the dc-ac converter by turning on the discharging switching element when the fuel cell power until reaches its rated operating temp.
(EP213045-B)      Glass substrate is covered with a layer of SiO having grains of silica encrusted in its thickness to give it an irregular surface. The grains are 20-500 nm. The layer is formed by blowing onto the heated glass plate substrate from a multiorifice nozzle gaseous molecules contg. Si atoms and an oxidising gas diluted with inert gases. The concns. of gaseous molecules contg. Si, the oxidising gas and the mixt. gas and the rate of flow of each gas are controlled. The molecules of Si contg. gas and oxygen are made to start to react between the exits of the nozzle and the substrate, such on depositing on the substrate the components have not yet completely reacted so that the layer deposited is encrusted with grains of silica produced by the partial reaction, so as to form the irregular surface.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Method is used in forming a matt surface or an antireflecting surface on glass sheet or plate esp. in mfr. of substrates for semiconductor devices, esp. amorphous Si solar cells. The yield of amorphous Si solar cells made using these substrates is greater since the loss of light by reflection from the surface is reduced.
(US4686321-A)      Photovoltaic device comprises: a curved transparent light-receiving plate (3) adhered to a transparent substrate (1); and photoelectric conversion film elements (2) on the opposite substrate surface. The substrate is formed of rigid material not easily curved and the elements are formed on the flat substrate surface before adhesion to the light-receiving plate. Substrate is pref. glass or a synthetic resin; light receiving plate is pref. tempered glass or a synthetic resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a solar cell. Device having good electric properties, weather existance and yield is made in a simple low-cost process. (First major country equivalent to J62005671-A)
(US4769115-A)      Prodn. of an electroconductive polymer comprises dissolving or dispersing (A) benzene, biphenyl, diphenylbenzene, dibiphenylyl, naphthalene, anthracene or any deriv. or substd. cpd. of these and (B) a cpd. which provides iodide, chloride, fluoride, BF4-, ClO4-, AsF6-, SO3- or PF6- ion in (C) organic polar medium.    5-80V is applied across the soln. or dispersion to effect electrochemical anionic oxidn. at below 80 deg. C in inert gas in inert gas, in the presence of Cu, Ag(II), Fe(III), Mn(III), Ru, Re or Rh ion.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Polymer prods. have electroconductivity of 10-100 S/cm and can be for electric cell and display device cells, solar cells, semiconductor devices, etc.
(US4710331-A)      Prodn. of PTFE porous membranes comprises compression moulding PTFE resin powder of ave.-particle dia. 1-900 microns obtd. by suspension polymerisation of TFE; heating the obtd. preform at above 327 deg.C followed by skinning the heated preform into film form; heating the obtd. film at above 327 deg.C; slowly cooling the film at a rate of less than 70 deg.C/hr so as to adjust the crystallinity of the film to 60-75%; and stretching the heated film uniaxially or biaxially to 1.3-6.5 times while heating at 100-320 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Porous PTFE membranes are useful e.g. as filters for corrosive materials or high temp. substances, as diaphragms for electrolytic baths or fuel cells, etc. The obtd. membranes have pores which are almost circular and of uniform pore dia., have excellent mechanical strength, and on stretching have resistance to breakage or pinholing. Permeability is also high. (First major country equivalent to J61293830-A)
(US4940640-A)      Electrochemical cell comprises anode active means, cathode active mmeans and aprotic electrolyte. At least 1 of the anode and cathode comprise a polyaniline cpd. in which each N of the polymer is associated with 1 H atom.    The anode active means pref. comprises alkali(ne earth) metal and cathode active means comprises the polyaniline cpd. The polyaniline cpd. comprises sub units of formula (I) or (II), where A (-) is a counter ion.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for sec. battery and fuel cells. The electrodes have improved capacity and efficiency. (18pp)8    (DE3686750-G)      An electrochemical cell is claimed comprising an anode, a cathode and an aprotic electrolyte where either the anode or the cathode (pref. the cathode) comprises a polyaniline where each N of the polymer is associated with at least one, but not more than two, H, pref. with only one H. Pref. the anode comprises an alkali or alkaline earth metal.    The use of this cell as a sec. battery or a fuel cell is also claimed. An electrochemical electrode of a polyaniline where each N of the polymer chain is associated with one, but only one, H is also claimed. A method of reversible energy storage is also claimed by providing an electrode in an aprotic electrolyte and cyclically oxidising and reducing the electrode between the oxidised formula (I) (-(C6H4)-N(+)H=(C6H4)=N(+)H-) (2A(-)) and the reduced formula (II) (-(C6H4)-NH-(C6H4)-NH-); where A = counterion from the electrolyte.    Pref. the polyaniline is reversibly oxidisable to formula (I) and reversibly reducible to formula (II).    ADVANTAGE -   The cells have capacities and efficiencies close to the theoretical maximum.
(US4839701-A)      Hydrogenated amorphous silicon-film having a high photosensitivity at a long wavelength range of greater than 700 nm consists essentially of a cpd. of silicon and hydrogen. The amorphous film has a photosensitivity of not less than 0.1 cm2 e.g. -1 at 780nm and pref. a localized density of defects of not more than 3x10power5 cm(-3) eV(-1).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. as the photoconductive material of an electrophotographic photoreceptor as well as a photoreceptor of a semiconductor laser. The film, which combines high photosensitivity in both the long wavelength and visible light region with a low defect density, avoids the use of metal impurities such as Fe, Sn etc. and is provided at a high deposition rate. (First major country equivalent to J01278133-A)    (US4866006-A)      A hydrogenated amorphous silicon film of a silicon cpd., contg. at least one of hydrogen and halogens, is produced by firstly supplying a gas selected from SiH4, SiF4 and Si2H6, into a discharge space (I). (I) is divided into plural parts, having different discharge intensities to give a gradient of discharge intensity so that the strongest discharge intensity is present in the part facing a substrate on which the gas is deposited. Finally, the gas is subjected to flow discharge within (I). Pref.    a raw gas is passed from a part of (I) having a low discharge intensity, into a part of (I) having a high discharge intensity.    ADVANTAGE -   An a-SiH film is provided having a remarkable high sensitivity at a long wavelength region, while maintaining a high photosensitivity in the visible light region, and has a remarkable lower defect density. (8pp)
(US4670300-A)      Carbon graphite composite is produced by first forming a precursor sheet structure consisting of a mixt. of cellulose fibres, purified graphite particles and carbonisable, thermosetting resin. The cellulose fibres support and position the graphite particles. The sheet structure is heated to a first temp. range to carbonise the cellulose fibres and resin so that the carbonised resin bonds the carbonised cellulose fibres and graphite particles together. The sheet structure is then heated to a second, higher temp. range to graphitise the carbonised cellulose fibres and resin.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In electrochemical cells, e.g. fuel cells. The precursor sheet can be produced by modern, paper-making techniques. The composite is strong and uniform. Warpage and shrinkage are reduced and enhanced electrical, mechanical and thermal properties are exhibited due to the presence of graphite.
(US4738872-A)      C-graphite electrode is produced by first forming a precursor sheet composed of cellulose fibres, carbonisable, thermosetting resin and 5-20 wt.% purified carbon particles by a paper making technique as used to form filter paper. The cellulose fibres are frayed, fibrillated and cut to provide a controlled pore structure.    The sheet is heated to carbonise the fibres and resin so that the resin bonds the fibres together. The sheet is then heated to a higher temp. to graphitise the purified carbon particles.    Pore structure, mean pore size, pore size range and max. pore size of the precursor sheet is controlled so that, when the sheet shrinks during heating the electrode has the desired pore structure.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For fuel cells. Process is fast and suited to mass prodn. The electrode is rigid, strong and of uniform compsn.
(US4689874-A)      Thin film solar battery is formed by successively depositing layers of a transparent conductive film, semiconductor film and metal film on a transparent dielectric substrate; and successively laser scribing the films to form separate related layers which in turn form unit cells. An opaque layer is formed on a portion of the substrate remote from the cells and is scribed by a laser to serve as a marker so that the substrate can be properly aligned during the scribing steps.    ADVANTAGE -   The marker facilitates good pattern alignment and the occurrence shorts between misaligned electrodes. (First major country equivalent to J61263172-A)
(US4693945-A)      Fuel cell power generator comprises: a fuel cell d.c. generator which receives H2 and O2 from feed lines, the lines being supplied from H2 and O2 gas storage cylinders which in turn are fed from an electrolysis cell operated by d.c. from the fuel cell. The electrolysis cell comprises a tank contg. a pressurised electrolyte and H2 and O2 electrodes.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of H2 and O2 reservoirs overcomes any temporary shortage of fuel resulting from a rapid rise in load, so that the generator, has excellent responsiveness to rapid rise of load. (First major country equivalent to J61263065-A)
(US4704266-A)      Gamma form Li aluminate powder is made from Al alkoxide mixed with a Li salt of inorganic or organic acid, Li hydroxide, or Li oxide in the presence of a non-aq. solvent. Reaction is carried out with addn. of 1.5-2.0 moles water (including water of crystallisation in the Li cpd.), based on 1 mole Al alkoxide. Solvent is removed to obtain solids which are calcined at 650-1000 deg.C.$    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful as electrolyte tile for molten carbonate fuel cells. The powder has a large surface area.
(DE3619521-C)      A solar module for several interconnected solar cells consists of a carrier foil (1), e.g. polyester 0.13 mm thick, with an adhesive foil (2), e.g. ethylene vinyl acetate 0.5-0.8 mm thick at the rear (4) of the solar cells. These foils form a rim around the cells. Several such modules are combined and fastened with the rim to a common carrier plate, made pref. of glass, wood or plastics. Strips (8) interconnect the cells.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For vehicle or aircraft models. This silicon cell module is lightweight, simple, flexible and universally usable.
(US4757687-A)      The electrical power generating system includes a high and conically tapering tower which is located above a ring channel that is supplied with water diverted from a nearby river. The wall of the tower includes several uptakes which are preferably arranged in a plane containing the central axis of the tower. Further a fall down pipe is arranged inside the tower, said pipe being connected with a fluid turbine.    At the upper end portion of the tower there are condensers for a gaseous energy carrier. In the ring channel there are provided, below the uptakes, heat exchangers which serve as evaporators, and above said first heat exchangers there are arranged further heaters for the energy carrier.    ADVANTAGE -   Inoffensive to environment, efficient, and power output is adaptable to respective current demand both in winter and summer. (9pp)
(US4749928-A)      The device acts proportionally to any difference between the value (X) of the position of the adjusting member (3) of a generator (4) and the overall reference position signal (&) (Y) on the input of a integral action circuit (8) of a regulator (1).    In the case of a turbine having two adjusting members, such as a Pelton turbine, only one of these members is chosen in any case, i.e. the one of which the max speed of variation (X) is the most adapted to the adjustment envisaged.    The signal (X-Y) leaving a comparator (20) enters into a multiplier (21) which multiplies this difference by a parameter (G) which is a function of the characteristics of the hydraulic motor of the turbo-generator (4) in order to determine a signal (3). The signal (e) is sent into another comparator (22) which also receives the difference (aF) between the frequency reference and the frequency of the circuit. The comparator emits an output which is directly introduced into the integral action circuit.    ADVANTAGE -   Reduces lag in position of non-linear subsidiary of or copying system for regulation loop for turbo generators. (4pp)
(US4823018-A)      The control system for a variable speed water turbine generator appts. includes a function generator that is responsive to an output command signal. The function generator produces a rotation number command signal. A speed adjuster produces an output signal in accordance with a different signal between the function generator output and an actual rotation number. An adder adds the generator output command signal to the speed adjuster output signal to determine an overall output command signal. An output adjuster produces an output signal in accordance with a difference between the adder output and an actual power output of the generator for controlling the firing angles of the frequency converter.    A second function generator, responsive to the generator output command signal, determines an opening command signal for the variable opening vanes. An opening adjuster produces an output signal in accordance with a difference signal between the second function generator output and an actual opening of the variable opening vanes to control the variable opening vanes. The two function generators increase command values for the rotation number and the variable opening vanes, respectively, as the output command signal increases. The frequency converter is further controlled to maintain the rotation number within a predetermined operation range.    (DE3781198-G)      The system controls the firing angle of a frequency converter which is connected to the secondary winding of the generator, such that the electric output and the rotation number of the variable speed water-wheel generator. The correct opening of the variable vanes is controlled. The system has a function generator which is responsive to an output command signal (Po) for the generator to determine the rotation number command signal (Na).    A speed adjuster (10,11) produces an output signal in accordance with a signal indicative of the differ
(US4816696-A)      The variable-speed pumped-storage power generating system includes a variable-speed generator/motor, a frequency converter connected to an electric power system, and a pump/turbine driven by the generator/motor. The power generating system comprises an optimum rotation speed function generator calculating an optimum rotation speed of the motor for driving the pump and a speed detector generating a speed detection signal of the motor. A speed regulator receives the output signals from the function generator and a speed detector generates an output correction signal to output command signal, and a comparator comparing the output signal of the adder with an output power detection signal generated from a motor output detector and generates an error signal. An output regulator controls the excitation of the secondary winding of the motor through the frequency converter so as to decrease the output power error to zero, thereby controlling the output and rotation speed of the motor. (18pp)p    (JP8254175-A)      The generating system comprises a circuit (10) for controlling the firing angle of the frequency converter according to an error signal between an output command signal for the output power required for the generator and a power signal indicative of an actual output power of the generator/motor. The output signal commanding the output power required for the power generator is applied from a central load-dispatching office generally controlling the electric power system and includes an automatic frequency control signal of the power system.    An output correction signal is added to the output command signal, the output of the adder then being compared with an output power detection signal.    ADVANTAGE -   Fully exhibits automatic frequency control during pumping operation.
(US4790135-A)      A head or load of the hydraulic machine is first detected and a basic signal is obtained on the basis of the thus detected value to control the revolution speed of the hydraulic machine. A vibration or hydraulic pressure variation is detected and the thus detected value is converted into an auxiliary signal through an auxiliary signal converter.    The revolution speed of the hydraulic machine operating at a variable speed is controlled in such a manner as that the revolution speed is controlled by the basic signal when the auxiliary signal is below a predetermined upper limit regarding the vibration or hydraulic pressure variation. Otherwise, the revolution speed is controlled by a signal other than the basic signal when the auxiliary signal is beyond the upper limit.    USE -   Steady operation method for a hydraulic machine such as a generator operating at a variable revolution speed. (6pp)c    (DE3713522-C)      The hydraulic machine is continuously operated at a variable rotational speed. It is controlled depending on the hydrostatic pressure of the load. A base signal (x) is produced depending on the determined value of the hydrostatic pressure or the load. Parallel to this a vibration value of a value of the alteration of the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic machine is determined.    The determined vibrational value of the value of the alteration of the hydraulic pressure is converted by means of an auxiliary signal converter in to an auxiliary signal (y). The rotational speed alone is controlled by the base signal (x), if the auxiliary signal (y) stays under a specified upper limit (yO), whilst the rotational speed is controlled by a signal deviating from the base signal (x), if the auxiliary signal (y) exceeds the specified upper limit (yO).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Hydrostatic machines e.g. water turbines or pump turbines. Control prevents excessive vibrations and/or alteration of the hydraulic pressure.
(JP2552518-B2)      In the prodn. of anisotropic polymer materials (I) by polymerising polymerisable materials (II) in the usual way, the novelty is that polymerisation is carried out in the presence of cpd(s). (III) producing a nonionic lyotropic phase. New (I) are also claimed, which are produced as above. Pref. (III) contain polymerisable gps. Pref. polymerisation is carried out in non-aq. phase.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) are claimed for use as optical media in electronics or as organic substrate in fibre and film technology. They are useful as organic glasses with anisotropic properties which can be modified widely, e.g. for light or solar collectors, organic phototropic glasses and optical and magnetic memories. (I) are useful as matrix for substances with nonlinear properties for producing nonlinear optical devices. The process (largely) avoids various disadvantages, e.g. polymerisation of thermotropic liq. crystalline substances which are not readily available and often lose their anisotropic nature on polymerisation; exclusion of many monomers and oligomers in interfacial polymerisation and micellar and vesicular systems using aq. or similar polar solvents; and loss of anisotropic characteristics during removal of solvents.
(DE3780817-G)      Solar cell comprises: semiconductor layer of first type; semiconductor layer of second type forming a junction; AlGaAs semiconductor layer of second type with grooves through to the second layer; conductive material in the grooves; a bus bar (60) across the grooves; a conductive flat strip (50) spaced from the bar; and a conductive bridge (70) between bar and strip.    Junction may be pn or np type.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell contacts have low resistance and good mechanical integrity: since the strip does not contact the grid lines connections can be made to it by high temp. soldering or welding without damage to the semiconductor.
(US4853754-A)      Semiconductor device for generating an electron beam, e.g. for electron microscopy, comprises a cathode with a semiconductor body (1), having an n+-type surface region (3) sepd. from a p+-type substrate (4) by an intrinsic semiconductor layer, which can be formed by sub-layers (5,6). Surface region (3), substrate (4) and sub-layer (6) are pref. of GaAs, while the other sublayer (5) consists of a region having a higher band gap, pref. AlxGa1-xAs. Voltages are applied via metal contacts (8,9) and emission is limited to an aperture (10) in the connection load (8), because a semiconductor region (11) had been rendered inactive.    ADVANTAGE -   High efficiency without CS or other material to decrease work function.
(US4784701-A)      The mutli-layered thin film solar cell includes a substrate,, transparent electrodes, and groups of photoelectric conversion elements formed of semiconductor material and forming succesive photoelectric conversion layers. The layers have optical band gaps which decrease successively in a direction away from a side of the cell adapted to receive incident light.    The groups of elements forming the layers are laminated on the substrate. Each of the elements belonging to one of the groups is connected in series with one of the elements belonging to another of the groups and is connected in parallel with other elements in the group to which it belongs.    ADVANTAGE -   Formed on single substrate. (6pp)    (DE3709153-C)      A multi-position htin film solar cell includes a substrate (1), transparent electrodes (2) and photoelectric converter elements with photoelectric conversion layers (31,32,33). These comprise semiconductors whose energy gaps increase sequentially from the side of the light input. The elements are Laminated on the substrate, and one of the elements, arranged in gps. with a set energy gap, is parallel-coupled with a respective other element belonging to another gp. Such parallel-coupled elements are connecting the series to each other.    One of the gps. may be shifted inwards about an element at the end of the horizontal arrangement, the transparent electrodes (2) being inserted between vertically adjacent layers. (7pp)
(DE3704437-C)      Amorphous photocell modules are made by producing an amorphous unit cell which is cut up into individual cells each with at least one collector finger. Finally these collectors are joined on each cell to exposed narrow areas of the bottom electrode of the adjoining photocell to form a series circuit.    ADVANTAGE -   This method is suitable for automation and mass prodn. and minimises the number of electrical connections. (Previously notified in week 8737) (8pp)
(JP94004916-B2)      The reaction is by plasma glow discharging. Plasma, which is generated by exciting the gas molecules other than the main material gas with the electron from the cathode tube, decomposes the gas of the main material metallic cpd.. Alloy film is deposited on the base plate whose surface temp. is controlled.    USE -   Even large area base plate may be coated with film at high speed. (J62174382-A)
(JP95013742-B2)      The optical acceptance member for electrophotography comprises an optical acceptance layer in which the surface layer consists of an amorphous material contg. silicon, carbon and hydrogen atom, and an optical electric conduction layer on support body.
(US4726849-A)      Photovoltaic cell array comprises: an array of first electrodes (14) on an insulating substrate; an elongated conductor (20) formed in contact with each electrode along its edge; an elongated insulator (22) in contact with each conductor; a photo-active layer (16) formed on the first electrode and conductor; and a second electrode (18) formed on the photo-active layer.    The photo-active layer (16) and second electrode layer (18) are sepd. to define each cell by irradiation with an energy beam (LB1); and the second electrode (18) is connected to the first electrode (14) of an adjacent cell via the conductor by irradiation of the conductor with an energy beam (LB2).    ADVANTAGE -   Device can be stably and reliably formed by beam scribing, without need for precise control of beam energy density. (First major country equivalent to J62166572-A)
(US4758526-A)      Integrated system of thin-film solar cells is produced on a substrate e.g. of glass from a photo-sensitive layer (4) of amorphous Si and electrode layers of transparent conducting oxide, e.g. In-Sn oxide, and a thin metal layer e.g. of Al. Predetermined areas of the metal electrode layer and the amorphous Si layer are removed and relatively narrow predetermined areas are removed from the oxide electrode layer and are covered with an insulating substance. Over this, an electrically conducting paste (12) is applied, connecting the margin (13) of the cell (14) with the first exposed electrode layer (16) of the adjacent solar cell (15).    ADVANTAGE -   Simple structured and economical process, also applicable to other devices. (4pp)f    (DE3604917-C)      In forming an integrated strip of thin-film solar cells, a first electrode layer, a photosensitive layer and a second electrode layer are deposited and set regions removed to form gaps for separate cells. Set regions of the second electrode and the sensitive layer are removed with partial leaving of the first layer which then has only a small gap. Next insulator material is placed in the gaps in the three layers so as to cover one edge of the second electrode and one edge of the sensitive layer, but to fill the small gap in the first electrode. Finally, over the insulator material a conductive paste (12) is placed which thus couples the second electrode of one cell (13) to the first electrode (16) of the adjacent cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple and effective method. (4pp)
(JP2656020-B2)      In the film forming chamber of the appts., the deposition source gas and the source gas oxidiser are reacted to produce the deposition film. For the opposing both walls of the film forming chamber, the gas releasing means including the deposition source gas releasing port and the source gas oxidiser releasing port are provided. In the plane connecting these two gas releasing means, at least a part of the substrate holding means is dispsoed.    Pref. several chambers having this construction are provided in a series in the appts..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Energy saving, deposition domain widening and homogenising of the film quality are satisfactorily attained.
(US4717831-A)      The ocean and river water power generator has a number of water wheel power generators. Each water wheel power generator includes a common concrete base, a water wheel having a main shaft and a number of water wheel impellers.    These are fixedly and radially attached to the main shaft for transforming potential energy of water in the ocean or a river to rotational energy. Speed-up gear appts. having an input shaft connected with one end of the main shaft increases the number of RPM of the main shaft, increasing the rotational energy.    ADVANTAGE -   Replaces single, large power stations with number of smaller ones.
(US4745078-A)      Prodn. of integrated series connections of thin film solar cells including thin photovoltaic films formed on a common insulative transparent substrate having spaced transparent front electrodes, with metal filled sepg. grooves formed in the films as connectors, involves depositing a readily removable strip pattern of material onto the photovoltaic film at intervals dependent on the size of the solar cells. The strips of the pattern are offset laterally relative to the front electrodes lying under the thin films and extending over the regions of the thin films not to be covered by back electrodes. Sepg. grooves are mechanically formed in the films alongside the strips and conductive metal is deposited over the whole surface. The strip pattern is then lifted off to leave gaps in metallised layer forming the sepd. back electrode of the solar cells.    The strip pattern may be composed of self-adhesive plastic strip, lacquer or foil.    ADVANTAGE -   Method is simpler and less costly.
(US4740702-A)      The radiation detection appts., e.g. for i.c. radiation is formed of inner and outer cylindrical stainless steel vessels, the inner vessels being supported from the top wall of the outer vessel by a thin, relatively long stainless steel tube. A heat transfer mounting member is attached to the bottom of the inner vessel and extends outwardly and then upwardly between and out of contact with, the vessels to the position of a window opening within the outer vessel.    A detector device is affixed in good thermal contact with the mounting member at the position of the window and thus is maintained at the temp. of the bottom surface of the inner vessel. The surfaces of the inner and outer vessels may be highly polished to prevent heat transfer to the inner vessel by infrared radiation. The use of stainless steel for the outer vessel also allows utilization of a vacuum port window structure having a metal gasket to minimize potential gas infiltration.
(US4749255-A)      A surface coating for passivation or anti-reflection is provided on the optical device. The coating comprises ZrO2 doped with yttrium, magnesium or calcium. The doped ZrO2 is preferably deposited on the device surface by electron-beam evaporation from a single crystal source of ZrO2 and Y2O3, MgO or CaO.    The device is perf. a distributed feedback laser with mirror facets and the coating covers at least one face with its channeled substrate buried heterostructure capable of withstanding current pulse of 1 amp. The thickness of the coating is an odd multiple of lambda/2n where is the wavelength of the light emitted or received by the device and n is the index of refraction of the coating.    ADVANTAGE -   Coating prevents oxidation of laser surface yet does not adversely affect device performance. (First major country equivalent to J62144388)
(US4847669-A)      The device includes a pair of substrates, at least one of which is transparent and a structure for supporting the pair of substrates in parallel. A photoelectric conversion semiconductor device is formed on one of the opposed inner surfaces of the pair of substrates. A second photoelectric conversion semiconductor device is formed on the other of the opposed inner surfaces of pair of substrates such that there is a gap between the first and second photoelectric conversion semiconductor devices.    An insulating material filling the gap between first and second photoelectric conversion semiconductor devices serves for preventing teh semiconductor devices from contacting air. (First major country equivalent to J62142372)
(US4806781-A)      A machine set (1) consists of a water-driven turbine (11) coupled to a generator (12). The generator feeds a network of constant frequency (3) via a frequency-controlled converter (2). The speed reference value (n-star) of the machine set is given by simulated turbine characteristics (4) in dependence on two characteristic quantities (ao or phi) with optimum efficiency and is finely optimised (n) preferably by a maximum power-point control (5).    The upper and lower water level (Lu, Lh) can be preset, in a single or double-action controlled tu rbine (11) additionally by a control device (6) if one of the two characteristic quantities (ao or phi, respectively) is used as a control signal for the nozzle orifice or the aperture at the guide wheel or rotor. Advantangeously, in the case of the double-controlled turbine, the characteristic quantity not needed for the level control is slaved as a further control with the optimum efficinecy, and the characteristic qu entity used for the level control is limited. (7pp)6    (EP230636-B)      Machine set (1) consisting of a water turbine (11), which can be regulated by means of an electrical speed regulation, and a generator firmly coupled onto the water turbine, which feeds an electrical network of constant frequency by means of a frequency-controllable converter with means (4), which dependent on the actual height of fall (H) and second turbine characteristic quantities, on the openings of the guide wheel blade and rotor blade group (ao, Q) or with Pelton turbines on the openings of the nozzles and of the rotor blade group, and by means of a characteristics field, characterizing the operational performance of the turbine, specify a speed desired value for the machine set, where with maximum efficiency optimum active power (PW) is delivered to the electrical network. (8pp)
(JP94060002-B2)      Germanes of high purity with improved stability contain less than 5 wt. ppm of halogen elements.    Halogen elements are F, Cl and Br. Removal of halogens from germanes is pref by adsorption removal with active carbon or bubbling into weak alkaline aq soln..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Germanes are used for controlling energy gap of amorphous Si solar cell, or amorphous Si photosensitive body. By controlling the content of the halogen elements to less than 5 wt. ppm (pref 3 wt.ppm), germanes of high purity and with improved stability are obtd..
(DE3545385-C)      The process for producing a solar cell arrangement includes forming an electrode layer and selectively removing the layer. A semiconductor layer by vacuum deposition from the gas phone, forming a second electrode layer, and forming contact members.    The semiconductor layer and the second electrode layer are applied directly by vacuum deposition, one after the other. The contact members are formed between the first and second electrodes. The second electrode layer is pref. a metal layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved production reliability and efficiency.    (6pp)    (GB2184601-B)      A process for producing a solar cell arrangement in series connection and integrated thin layer technology, in which first of all a first electrode layer is applied over an area of a substrate and then excavated in specific regions, then a semiconductor layer suitably structured for the conversion of incident electromagnetic radiation into electric energy is applied by vacuum deposition from the gas phase, over a similar area, and in a further process cycle a second electrode layer is deposited over a similar area and separate contact elements serving for series connection of the individual solar cells are applied, characterised in that the semiconductor layer and the second electrode layer are applied directly in succession by vacuum deposition, then the second electrode layer is removed in separate regions approximately following the pattern of the excavated regions of the first electrode layer, those regions of the semiconductor layer which are thus exposed are at least partially excavated, and finally the separate contact elements are applied in the layer gaps afforded by the removed and excavated regions of the second electrode layer and the semiconductor layer to provide electrical contact exclusively between the first and second electrode layers or respective neighbouring solar cells.
(JP94078311-B2)      TCNQ complex consisting of (a) N-alkyl-4-phenyl pyridinium cation (I) (where R = 1-8C alkyl), (b) 7,7,8,8-tetracyano-quinodimethane anion radical (TCNQ-) and (c) neutral TCNQ(TCNQo), which is of high electroconductivity, is new.    ADVANTAGE -   New electro-chemical or optical performances are obtd.    In an example, A mixt. of 4.7 g (0.03 mol) of 4-phenyl pyridine and 5.6 g of n-butyl iodide was heated at 90-110 deg.C for 15 mins. Precipitating crystals were recrystallised from acetone-ethanol to give 9.2 g of N-n-butyl- 4-phenyl pyridinium iodide as yellow powdery crystals, m.pt., 163-164 deg.C. (Yield: 90.4%). In 150 ml of acetonitrile was dissolved 3.06 g (15 mmol) of TCNQ while warming. To the soln. was added dropwise 3.82 g of N-n-butyl-4-phenyl pyridinium iodide dissolved in 100 ml of acetonitrile. The mixt. was refluxed for one hour. The reaction soln. was cooled. Precipitating crystals were collected by filtration, followed by recrystallisation from acetonitrile to give 3.7 g of blackish purple needles. (Yield: 79.4%). Specific resistance is 8 ohm.cm, Endothermic point is 247 deg.C, Exothermic decompsn pt. is 279 deg.C, and (TCNQo) to (TCNQ-) = 0.98.
(US4853043-A)      The solar battery for a time piece comprises an insulated substrate, and a set of generating regions arranged in a circular pattern around a first point on the insulated substrate. Each region includes a non-crystalline semiconductor film, and upper and lower electrodes on opposite sides of the film. Each of the electrodes has first through seventh sides, with the first and second sides extending radially from a second point. The fifth side extends from the fourth to the sixth sides.    Connecting means for reducing the power loss of the battery are provided, including overlapping areas at surfaces between adjacent regions, and overlapping perimeter areas at surfaces on the perimeter of adjacent regions, for connecting the upper and lower electrodes of adjacent regions.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased efficiency. (First major country equivalent to J62086876)
(GB2182980-B)      The hydroelectric apparatus includes a high level reservoir (13), a conduit (14) leading to a lower point and a turbine (16) for generating electricity in the conduit. A low level reservoir (15) is also included for containing the water downstream of the turbine. A valve (17) is provided to control water flow out of the low level reservoir (15), and another valve (21) is provided to control the flow of water into the high level reservoir.    When used with tidal waters the high level reservoir (13) is separated from the tidal waters (11) by the low level reservoir (15), and a water connection (41) between the tidal waters and the high level reservoir is provided with a sea lock to allow navigation. In an alternative version used with tidal waters, the low level reservoir (15) may be totally defined by a barrier (18) separating it from the tidal waters (11) and the high level reservoir (13).
(US4766360-A)      The induction generator/motor system has an induction machine connected at its secondary side to a cyclo-converter. An induced voltage develops when the cyclo-converter pauses during a transient phenomenon occurring in the system. When the induced voltage exceeds a predetermined voltage range which covers the maximum output voltage derivable from the cyclo-converter, the polarity of thyristor converters of the cyclo-converter is switched so that the induced voltage is applied to a thyristor converter to be rendered conductive next in forward relationship.    The polarity switching device shortens a pause period for polarity switching by the thyristor power converter when the polarity inverting command device generates the polarity inverting command signal at the time that the detection current becomes substantially zero.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Pumped storage electricity generation system. Prevents occurrence of overvoltage, high reliability. (First major country equivalent to J62071496)
(US4675272-A)      Electrophotographic photoreceptor substrate is made with a microcrystalline Si alloy blocking layer overlying the deposition surface. A photoconductive layer of Si alloys, Ge alloys, or Si-Ge alloys overlies the blocking layer and a top protective layer overlies the photoconductive layer.    An electrically conductive substrate is provided which is electroplated with a continuous defect-free levelling layer of conductive material which includes an additive which selectively retards the rate of deposition at the regions of the substrate which exhibit the highest current dnesity. A blocking layer is formed by glow discharge depositing successive layers of semiconductor alloy of varying compsns.    ADVANTAGE -   Presence of surface defects is significantly reduced and homogeneous uniform layers of semiconductor alloy obtd. (12pp)
(US4694189-A)      The control system for a turbine generator appts. comprises an induction generator connected at its primary side to an AC power line system, a secondary excitation controller connected to the secondary side of the induction generator and being responsive to a generator output command signal. A guide valve regulates the amount of water supplied to the hydraulic turbine and the rotation speed of the induction generator is detected.    A rotation speed command calculator calculates an optimum rotation speed command. A rotation speed controller compares the command with a rotation speed signal from the detector and produces a guide valve opening control signal in accordance with a difference between the optimum rotation speed command and the rotation speed signal.    ADVANTAGE -   Stable, can employ cyclo-converter of minimal capacity without output forbidden zone.    (JP8019298-A)      A rotational speed command calculator (15) is responsive to a generator output command (Po) and a signal relative to water head (H), both supplied externally, to generate an optimum rotation speed command (Na). This signal (Na) is compared in a rotation speed controller (16) with a signal of actual speed (N) from the detector (6), to produce a guide valve opening or closing command (Ya) to the guide valve driver (10) operating the guide valve (11) which regulates the amount of water supplied to the turbine (2) thereby controlling the speed of the induction generator (1) coupled to it.    The AC power line system (4) has a secondary excitation controller (3) connected to the secondary side (1b) of the induction generator (1). The primary side of the induction generator is connected directly to the AC power line system.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved stability of AC power line system.
(US4734379-A)      Solar battery is made by depositing a conductive film on the substrate followed by forming a transparent electrode and then a deposit of non-crystalline material. At least one site on the non-crystalline material is exposed to light of sufficient intensity to form a low resistance polycrystalline region or a void in the layer. A metal electrode is formed on the non-crystalline material over the site.    ADVANTAGE -   In the mfr. of the battery involving the use of a laser beam, the laser output does not have to be adjusted according to the conditions of the layers.    (DE3684066-G)      A solar battery has a number of photoelectric conversion elements, each comprising a transparent electrode layer, a non-crystalline semiconductor layer and a metal electrode (in that order). In the semiconductor layer is a site for a polycrystalline region and beneath this site lies a conductive element positioned to sandwich the transparent electrode between it and the non-crystalline semiconductor layer. A method of forming the battery is also claimed in which the polycrystalline region is formed by exposing the non-crystalline material to light, esp. from a laser.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery can be mass-produced using a laser to form the polycrystalline region. The construction is such that over- or under-absorption of the laser light does not cause problems such as loss of electrical connection. Thus the laser beam does not require constant adjustment. ()
(US4668840-A)      The photovoltaic device has several photoelectric converting regions formed on an insulating surface of a light transmissive substrate. Each converting region has a transparent film electrode, an amorphous semiconductor portion having a PIN junciont parallel to the film surface and a back film electrode connected to the transparent film electrode of an adjacent region of the insulating surface. On a portion of the electrode, there is formed an insulting adiabatic layer.    The adiabatic layer is formed at a position where an energy beam is to be irradiated in the production process. When the energy beam is irradiated and the back electrode film is divided corresponding to each converting region, thermal damage to the electrode due to the energy beam is prevented by the insulating adiabatic layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solar cell. Lower layer thermal damage avoided. (First major country equivalent to J61280679)
(US4645866-A)      Photovoltaic device comprises a series of power generating regions each comprising a lower electrode, amorphous semiconductor and upper electrode, the upper electrode being connected to the lower electrode of an adjacent region. An isolation wall defined by a vertical slot is provided at the end of the connection side of the region and extended to the surface of the lower electrode.    A conductive connection section is formed by filling and firing conductive material into a vertical gap between the isolation wall and upper electrode of one region, and lower electrode of an adjacent region.    ADVANTAGE -   The series connection has very low resistance and direct electrode-electrode contact is avoided. The structure is easy to form, with no hose alignment steps. (First major country equivalent to J61278170-A)
(US4689874-A)      Thin film solar battery is formed by successively depositing layers of a transparent conductive film, semiconductor film and metal film on a transparent dielectric substrate; and successively laser scribing the films to form separate related layers which in turn form unit cells. An opaque layer is formed on a portion of the substrate remote from the cells and is scribed by a laser to serve as a marker so that the substrate can be properly aligned during the scribing steps.    ADVANTAGE -   The marker facilitates good pattern alignment and the occurrence shorts between misaligned electrodes. (First major country equivalent to J61263172-A)
(EP250312-B1)      A process for the production of a dog engagement tooth arrangement in the form of a ring with a leading edge forming a sharp edged angle, comprising forming on the leading edge (3) of each tooth to be produced a first face (10) which is in secant relationship with the axis XX of the tooth, a second face (11) which is in secant relationship with said axis and in opposite relationship to the first face, and forming the sides (14 and 15) of the teeth which define the gaps between the teeth in order to form tapers (D) which are oriented in opposite relationship to the tips (6) of the teeth, characterised in that a blank for the tooth arrangement is produced by cutting out same from a metal plate, that the first and second faces (10 and 11) are formed by successive die shaping operations followed by simultaneous die shaping operations followed by simultaneous die shaping operation for the first and second faces (10, 11), forming the leading edges of the teeth, and that the sides (14, 15) of the teeth are also formed by a die shaping operation.    (DE3779495-G)      The teeth of a pinion, used in a motor vehicle gearbox, have inclined surfaces (4,5) formed on their end faces. A first stamping operation removes material from one side (10) of the end face. This is followed by a second stamping operation which removes material from the other side of the end face to produce two inclined faces (101,11).    A third stamping operation produces the finished inclined end faces (4,5) which meet at a sharp edge (6) which lies on the centre-line (X-X) of the tooth (2).    USE -   Production of motor vehicle gear boxes.
(DE3619521-C)      A solar module for several interconnected solar cells consists of a carrier foil (1), e.g. polyester 0.13 mm thick, with an adhesive foil (2), e.g. ethylene vinyl acetate 0.5-0.8 mm thick at the rear (4) of the solar cells. These foils form a rim around the cells. Several such modules are combined and fastened with the rim to a common carrier plate, made pref. of glass, wood or plastics. Strips (8) interconnect the cells.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For vehicle or aircraft models. This silicon cell module is lightweight, simple, flexible and universally usable.
(US4741157-A)      An L-shaped duct includes a horizontally extending portion which is in fluidic communication with vertically extending portion the horizontally extending portion having an open rear end. A floatable main body is attached to the duct as located rearwardly of the vertically extending portion with respect to the advancing direction of travelling waves moving past the apparatus in operation.    An electric energy generator is mounted to be in operative association with an air flow discharged out of the duct. The apparatus is moved such that the apparatus floats on the water surface with the open rear end of the horizontally extending portion directed backwardly with respect to the advancing direction of travelling waves. (14pp)e
(DE3780817-G)      Solar cell comprises: semiconductor layer of first type; semiconductor layer of second type forming a junction; AlGaAs semiconductor layer of second type with grooves through to the second layer; conductive material in the grooves; a bus bar (60) across the grooves; a conductive flat strip (50) spaced from the bar; and a conductive bridge (70) between bar and strip.    Junction may be pn or np type.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell contacts have low resistance and good mechanical integrity: since the strip does not contact the grid lines connections can be made to it by high temp. soldering or welding without damage to the semiconductor.
(DE3719099-C)      The absorber surfaces and/or solar cells are arranged rigidly on the roof of a building or on supporting elements (14), whilst the mirror surfaces are fixed in a plane running inclined to the absorber plane stretching northwards or southwards, and the mirror surfaces free of shadows extending out sideways over the absorber surfaces.    The mirror surfaces, with their associated supporting elements arranged on one of the planes extending to the north or south, are subdivided into at least two plane mirror surfaces (17a,17b, 17c,17d), the inclination of which (gamma 1-4) increases with larger distance from the absorber (2) w.r.t. the horizontal. A distance (d) is set between at least two of the mirror surfaces (17c,17d), into which a spacer (27) is fitted.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solar plant for energy conversion. Enables energy from sun in early morning and late evening to be utilised in addition to direct sun's rays, without rearrangement of absorber or solar cells.    (DE3744829-C)      The solar lay-out comprises planar absorbers and/or cells in a collector panel as equipped with edge mirrors angled to absorbers and/or cells to reflect sun rays onto these. All cells and mirrors are fixed immovably to the supports so the mirrors lie in a northward and/or southward plane angled relative the absorbers, with the mirrors extended to the side behind the absorbers for reflection without shadow.    The mirrors (17a, b, c) and associated supports should be bent in side elevation to give a gradual transition from the smaller angle of inclination (GAMMA1) to the larger angles (GAMMA2,3) between the mirror surfaces and the horizontal ground, roof.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Renewable alternative energy sources. Angled mirrors ensure maximum sun reflection onto absorbers in permanently fixed design. (11pp)
(US4784701-A)      The mutli-layered thin film solar cell includes a substrate,, transparent electrodes, and groups of photoelectric conversion elements formed of semiconductor material and forming succesive photoelectric conversion layers. The layers have optical band gaps which decrease successively in a direction away from a side of the cell adapted to receive incident light.    The groups of elements forming the layers are laminated on the substrate. Each of the elements belonging to one of the groups is connected in series with one of the elements belonging to another of the groups and is connected in parallel with other elements in the group to which it belongs.    ADVANTAGE -   Formed on single substrate. (6pp)    (DE3709153-C)      A multi-position htin film solar cell includes a substrate (1), transparent electrodes (2) and photoelectric converter elements with photoelectric conversion layers (31,32,33). These comprise semiconductors whose energy gaps increase sequentially from the side of the light input. The elements are Laminated on the substrate, and one of the elements, arranged in gps. with a set energy gap, is parallel-coupled with a respective other element belonging to another gp. Such parallel-coupled elements are connecting the series to each other.    One of the gps. may be shifted inwards about an element at the end of the horizontal arrangement, the transparent electrodes (2) being inserted between vertically adjacent layers. (7pp)
(US4725025-A)      The deployment system comprises a support and an extensible boom secured to the support. A collapsible structure is elongated and extended in the deployed orientation and collapsed and folded in the retracted orientation. The end of the structure is pivotally secured to the boom adjacent an end of the boom.    Selected spaced portions of the structure are releasably secured to the boom at corresponding spaced locations along the length with negligible play as the boom extends. The selected portions are uncoupled from the boom as the boom retracts. The structure is aligned to the boom when the portions are uncoupled from the length of the boom. The boom is selectively extended and retracted.    (DE3709148-C)      The unfolding mechanism for a foldable structure (12) contains a carrier with an extensible boom (24), and a collapsible structure extended on unfolding. The structure is rotatably attached to one end of the boom and detachably joined to selected regions of the boom with negligible play when the boom is extended.    The detachable connections are made by a device which releases them, when the boom is retracted, and contains a mechanism for coaxial alignment of the released structure and boom. A boom extension and retraction mechanism is joined to the carrier and boom.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For spacecraft solar cell system and aerials, with a rigid construction and min. free play.
(GB2188410-B)      A body in the form of a box is provided with a double glazed face panel(3) having integrally joined lenses of a specific size. Optic fibres (2) are surrounded by collars of a selective absorbent material and a base plate of the same.    The fibres of selected dia. and surface finish are coiled in an interlocking spiral configuration, channelling energy to the panel core. The panel is pref. filled with a selective absorbent medium.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved collection efficiency.
(EP239454-B)      The displacement of the stack of panels (6), e.g. solar panels, from the support e.g. a satellite, is achieved by breaking the retaining bolt and by the action of the leaf springs (28,29). The leaf springs are attached to the centre tie bolt (12) by a series of pivots (38) mounted on a header plate. This plate incorporates stops (48) to limit the travel of the leaf spring attachment blocks (31) when the assembly is in the stacked position.    After detachment from the support the leaf spring force pushes the panels and their centre bushes off the tie bolt when fully deployed the leaf springs are straight. A sliding shock absorber collar (50) reduces the impact of the initial release forces.    ADVANTAGE -   Leaf springs provide controllable progressive deployment force and their assembly is more compact than coil spring arrangement.
(DE3704437-C)      Amorphous photocell modules are made by producing an amorphous unit cell which is cut up into individual cells each with at least one collector finger. Finally these collectors are joined on each cell to exposed narrow areas of the bottom electrode of the adjoining photocell to form a series circuit.    ADVANTAGE -   This method is suitable for automation and mass prodn. and minimises the number of electrical connections. (Previously notified in week 8737) (8pp)
(US6926061-N)      The photovoltaic solar cell system comprises a hollow light tube of conventional design of optically transparent material, square cross section and preselected length and width having on the outer surfaces of it longitudinally extending triangularly shaped grooves defining a number of ridges having triangular cross section along the tube length. Each ridge having a 90 apex angle and surfaces along its length defining 45 angle with the inner surfaces of the tube.    Light concentrating optics are operatively connected to one end of the tube for directing light into the tube. A number of solar cells are disposed on the outer surfaces of the tube in a rectangular array of size corresponding to tube size with the photoactive surfaces of the cells facing inwardly of the tube. The tube may be hermetically sealed and either evacuated or filled with inert gas in certain appliances.    USE -   Remote applications.
(US4726849-A)      Photovoltaic cell array comprises: an array of first electrodes (14) on an insulating substrate; an elongated conductor (20) formed in contact with each electrode along its edge; an elongated insulator (22) in contact with each conductor; a photo-active layer (16) formed on the first electrode and conductor; and a second electrode (18) formed on the photo-active layer.    The photo-active layer (16) and second electrode layer (18) are sepd. to define each cell by irradiation with an energy beam (LB1); and the second electrode (18) is connected to the first electrode (14) of an adjacent cell via the conductor by irradiation of the conductor with an energy beam (LB2).    ADVANTAGE -   Device can be stably and reliably formed by beam scribing, without need for precise control of beam energy density. (First major country equivalent to J62166572-A)
(US4758526-A)      Integrated system of thin-film solar cells is produced on a substrate e.g. of glass from a photo-sensitive layer (4) of amorphous Si and electrode layers of transparent conducting oxide, e.g. In-Sn oxide, and a thin metal layer e.g. of Al. Predetermined areas of the metal electrode layer and the amorphous Si layer are removed and relatively narrow predetermined areas are removed from the oxide electrode layer and are covered with an insulating substance. Over this, an electrically conducting paste (12) is applied, connecting the margin (13) of the cell (14) with the first exposed electrode layer (16) of the adjacent solar cell (15).    ADVANTAGE -   Simple structured and economical process, also applicable to other devices. (4pp)f    (DE3604917-C)      In forming an integrated strip of thin-film solar cells, a first electrode layer, a photosensitive layer and a second electrode layer are deposited and set regions removed to form gaps for separate cells. Set regions of the second electrode and the sensitive layer are removed with partial leaving of the first layer which then has only a small gap. Next insulator material is placed in the gaps in the three layers so as to cover one edge of the second electrode and one edge of the sensitive layer, but to fill the small gap in the first electrode. Finally, over the insulator material a conductive paste (12) is placed which thus couples the second electrode of one cell (13) to the first electrode (16) of the adjacent cell.    ADVANTAGE -   Simple and effective method. (4pp)
(DE3777601-G)      The mechanical energy converter comprises a float for up and down movement in response to the waves. A prezoelectric member converts strains to electrical energy and an energy transfer couples the up and down movement of the float to the member for causing alternate straining and de-straining. The output impedance of the energy transfer unit is equal to the input impedance of the member.    The output impedance of the float equals the the output impedance of the energy transfer. The up and down movement of the float causes a corresponding change in the strained dimension of the member.
(US4717831-A)      The ocean and river water power generator has a number of water wheel power generators. Each water wheel power generator includes a common concrete base, a water wheel having a main shaft and a number of water wheel impellers.    These are fixedly and radially attached to the main shaft for transforming potential energy of water in the ocean or a river to rotational energy. Speed-up gear appts. having an input shaft connected with one end of the main shaft increases the number of RPM of the main shaft, increasing the rotational energy.    ADVANTAGE -   Replaces single, large power stations with number of smaller ones.
(US4745078-A)      Prodn. of integrated series connections of thin film solar cells including thin photovoltaic films formed on a common insulative transparent substrate having spaced transparent front electrodes, with metal filled sepg. grooves formed in the films as connectors, involves depositing a readily removable strip pattern of material onto the photovoltaic film at intervals dependent on the size of the solar cells. The strips of the pattern are offset laterally relative to the front electrodes lying under the thin films and extending over the regions of the thin films not to be covered by back electrodes. Sepg. grooves are mechanically formed in the films alongside the strips and conductive metal is deposited over the whole surface. The strip pattern is then lifted off to leave gaps in metallised layer forming the sepd. back electrode of the solar cells.    The strip pattern may be composed of self-adhesive plastic strip, lacquer or foil.    ADVANTAGE -   Method is simpler and less costly.
(US4847669-A)      The device includes a pair of substrates, at least one of which is transparent and a structure for supporting the pair of substrates in parallel. A photoelectric conversion semiconductor device is formed on one of the opposed inner surfaces of the pair of substrates. A second photoelectric conversion semiconductor device is formed on the other of the opposed inner surfaces of pair of substrates such that there is a gap between the first and second photoelectric conversion semiconductor devices.    An insulating material filling the gap between first and second photoelectric conversion semiconductor devices serves for preventing teh semiconductor devices from contacting air. (First major country equivalent to J62142372)
(US4776896-A)      An amorphous Si solar battery comprises a terminal (11) plus spring contact (5) connected to an external output conductor, the surface of the terminal comprising a metal layer (41) with an a-Si film (31) lying between it and an insulated substrate (1). The metal layer (4,41) is electrically connected to a transparent conductive film (2) and the metal layer of the terminal (41) may be electrically connected to a metal layer of the battery (4). The a-Si film acts as an adhesive agent between metal (4,41) and substrate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Conventional solar batteries using a biased spring contact suffer from the fact that the biasing pressure generates a shear force between the metal contact and the transparent conducting or insulating films which may cause layer separation. The present invention interposes an amorphous silicon layer between the metal and other layers which adheres strongly to both. Bad contacts are therefore avoided. (First major country equivalent to J62128571-A)
(US4714798-A)      Article for use in thermoelectric generators comprises a solid electrolyte with a Ti nitride film on the surface. The film is not more than 10 microns thick. Pref. there is a layer of Ti between the nitride film and the electrolyte. The Ti layer is pref. 10-20 angstroms thick. The electrolyte is pref. beta or beta'' alumina.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful in the mfr. of electrodes for Na heat engines etc. Electrode-electrolyte interface bonding is enhanced and articles of thin cross-section and/or unusual shape can be produced.    (EP227467-B1)      An article to be used as a separator between the two reaction zones of a thermoelectric generator, which article comprises a solid electrolyte and a film electrode of titanium nitride adhering to the surface of said solid electrolyte, said film electrode having a thickness less than 10 microns.    (DE3686407-G)      Prod. suitable for use in thermoelectric generators comprises a solid electrolyte with an adherent TiN film of thickness below 10 micron, pref. 2-3 micron. Film compsn. is pref. stoichiometric. Electrolyte is pref. beta-Al2O3.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in Na heat engines. TiN electrode material has a good expansion match with the solid electrolyte, good alkali metal ion conductivity and avoids prior art problems of power loss due to evapn. of refractory metal cpd. liq. phases.    (JP94086654-B2)      Prod. suitable for use in thermoelectric generators comprises a solid electrolyte with an adherent TiN film of thickness below 10 micron, pref. 2-3 micron. Film compsn. is pref. stoichiometric. Electrolyte is pref. beta-Al2O3.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in Na heat engines. TiN electrode material has a good expansion match with the solid electrolyte, good alkali metal ion conductivity and avoids prior art problems of power loss due to evapn. of refractory metal cpd. liq. phases.
(US4725558-A)      Semiconductor defects are cured by: connecting Zener diodes (23)in series with each other, connecting the anode of each diode to one side of the junction of an element (3) of the semiconductor device and applying a reverse bias voltage (24) to the diodes and to the elements so that the diode corresponding to each element has its Zener voltage less than the breakdown voltage of the corresponding element (3).    The device is pref. an array of solar cells, the elements each comprising a semiconductor layer (3) and a transparent oxide electrode (2).    ADVANTAGE -   Electrical shorts and shunts due to pinholes or gaps created in layer (3) during the mfg. process are eliminated by a simple process. (First major country equivalent to J62108580-A)
(DE3545385-C)      The process for producing a solar cell arrangement includes forming an electrode layer and selectively removing the layer. A semiconductor layer by vacuum deposition from the gas phone, forming a second electrode layer, and forming contact members.    The semiconductor layer and the second electrode layer are applied directly by vacuum deposition, one after the other. The contact members are formed between the first and second electrodes. The second electrode layer is pref. a metal layer.    ADVANTAGE -   Improved production reliability and efficiency.    (6pp)    (GB2184601-B)      A process for producing a solar cell arrangement in series connection and integrated thin layer technology, in which first of all a first electrode layer is applied over an area of a substrate and then excavated in specific regions, then a semiconductor layer suitably structured for the conversion of incident electromagnetic radiation into electric energy is applied by vacuum deposition from the gas phase, over a similar area, and in a further process cycle a second electrode layer is deposited over a similar area and separate contact elements serving for series connection of the individual solar cells are applied, characterised in that the semiconductor layer and the second electrode layer are applied directly in succession by vacuum deposition, then the second electrode layer is removed in separate regions approximately following the pattern of the excavated regions of the first electrode layer, those regions of the semiconductor layer which are thus exposed are at least partially excavated, and finally the separate contact elements are applied in the layer gaps afforded by the removed and excavated regions of the second electrode layer and the semiconductor layer to provide electrical contact exclusively between the first and second electrode layers or respective neighbouring solar cells.
(US4853043-A)      The solar battery for a time piece comprises an insulated substrate, and a set of generating regions arranged in a circular pattern around a first point on the insulated substrate. Each region includes a non-crystalline semiconductor film, and upper and lower electrodes on opposite sides of the film. Each of the electrodes has first through seventh sides, with the first and second sides extending radially from a second point. The fifth side extends from the fourth to the sixth sides.    Connecting means for reducing the power loss of the battery are provided, including overlapping areas at surfaces between adjacent regions, and overlapping perimeter areas at surfaces on the perimeter of adjacent regions, for connecting the upper and lower electrodes of adjacent regions.    ADVANTAGE -   Increased efficiency. (First major country equivalent to J62086876)
(US4717790-A)      The contoured solar generator has cells and associated electrical terminals and connecting lines embedded in a laminate including at least the solar cells, an elastic thermosetting adhesive foil and a glass panel.    To adapt the solar generator to a given external contour or to fit it into a given contour, the solar generator is configured as a curved laminate including at least one-dimensionally bent solar cells.    (DE3538986-C)      The solar energy panel is formed of a number of elements that can be built into such as a sunroof on a road vehicle. The solar cells (6) are arranged in a matrix pattern and are embedded in an elastic bonding foil (5).    The foil is set between a carrier layer (7) and a gloss plate (4), which can be produced with a required curvature to match the line of a vehicle roof. The carrier lay may also be made of glass or some form of transparent foil. The element are bonded together under the application of heat.    USE -   Solar cells built into functional panels of road vehicle.
(US4713492-A)      The solar power module has several hinge knuckles associated with at least one edge of each large area panel. Each of the knuckles includes a passage adapted to receive pin members. The knuckles of adjacent panels are positioned in a sapced apart, generally coplanar, interdigitating relationship. The flexible pins sequentially pass through the interdigitating knuckles, whereby the spaced apart knuckles allow for a degree of planar displacement of adjoining large area panels relative to one another, as well as allowing for the folding of the panels in a sandwiched relationship.    The pins allow the panels to be rolled into a cylindrical configuration.    (DE3684984-G)      The stowable, deployable large area solar module (30) comprises a number of flexible large area solar photovoltaic panels (32,34,36,38). A device (42) hingedly interconnects the panels and is adapted to provide for the panels to be folded in overlying sandwiched relationship while also providing for the sandwiched panels to be helically wound into a stowable cylindrical configuration.    The device for interconnecting the panels comprises a number of hinge knuckles (54,56) associated with at least one edge of each large area panel. Each of the knuckles includes a passage through it adapted to receive a pintle. The knuckles of adjacent panels are disposed in a spaced apart, generally coplanar, interdigitating relationship.
(US4690355-A)      The solar energy collector arrangement is comprised of several parallely arranged strip-like mirrors, preferably made of aluminium with a silver layer on a concavely curved surface and solar cells being arranged on the rear convexly curved surface, upon which the mirror next to the first mentioned one concentrates solar radiation. These mirror strips are suspended by means of cable inbetween two bars so as to change the orientation of them vis-a-vis the sun.    The bars are preferably pivotably connected to a telescopic mast, there being additionally guide cable for gathering the individual mirrors. The entire arrangement is pulled together by pulling all mirrors in juxtaposed position and pivoting the transverse bars against the telescopic mast.    ADVANTAGE -   Can be folded to occupy small volume, and uses strip-like mirrors adjustable independently of solar panel as whole.    (DE3536290-C)      The solar energy collector has a series of adjacent mirror strips (11) carrying solar cells on their reverse side for providing electrical energy from the received solar radiation. The mirror strips are supported between a pair of parallel rails (13,14) via four carrier wires (12) allowing them to pivot under control of a pair of guide wires (15). The two parallel raisl (13,14) are pivoted to a telescopic mast (10), pref. with two sets of mirror strips supported on both sides of the mast (10). Pref. the rails (13,14) and the mast (10) are both made of a glass fibre reinforced material, the mirror strips (11) made of a heat conductive material with the solar cells in contact with their rear surfaces.    ADVANTAGE -   Portable, deployable device. (7pp)
(EP229312-A)      In the storage of electrical energy by decomposing a metal halide (I) by supplying energy (charge) and recombing the decomposition prods. with generation of electrical energy (discharge), the novelty is that charging is carried out by exposing (I) in an aq. concn. mineral acid (II) soln. to sunlight or nuclear radiation in the presence of a catalyst (III).    (I) is a Pb or Ag chloride, bromide or iodide; (II) is conc. HCl; and (III) is Hg or an amalgam of Hg with Ag, Bi, Cd, Cu, Sn, Ga, In, Pb, Tl or a noble metal. The photochemical cell has a cathode (pref. of graphite or carbon); (II) as electrolyte; (I) in contact with a metal, esp. Hg or its solid or liquid amalgam; and an anode.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Photochemical cells operating by this technique are also claimed. The process is simple and effective and allows electrical energy to be stored in cells of this type for longer than usual, with min. loss. (First major country equivalent to LU--86208-A)
(US4734379-A)      Solar battery is made by depositing a conductive film on the substrate followed by forming a transparent electrode and then a deposit of non-crystalline material. At least one site on the non-crystalline material is exposed to light of sufficient intensity to form a low resistance polycrystalline region or a void in the layer. A metal electrode is formed on the non-crystalline material over the site.    ADVANTAGE -   In the mfr. of the battery involving the use of a laser beam, the laser output does not have to be adjusted according to the conditions of the layers.    (DE3684066-G)      A solar battery has a number of photoelectric conversion elements, each comprising a transparent electrode layer, a non-crystalline semiconductor layer and a metal electrode (in that order). In the semiconductor layer is a site for a polycrystalline region and beneath this site lies a conductive element positioned to sandwich the transparent electrode between it and the non-crystalline semiconductor layer. A method of forming the battery is also claimed in which the polycrystalline region is formed by exposing the non-crystalline material to light, esp. from a laser.    ADVANTAGE -   The battery can be mass-produced using a laser to form the polycrystalline region. The construction is such that over- or under-absorption of the laser light does not cause problems such as loss of electrical connection. Thus the laser beam does not require constant adjustment. ()
(US4691524-A)      The system for the storage and of energy comprises a storage space partly filled with a fluid having a relatively high density and a second space partly filled with a second fluid having a relatively low density, the fluids are hardly or not at all miscible with each other. A connecting line is filled with the second fluid located between the top part of the first storage space and the top part of the second storage space.    A pump/turbine unit is the same height as, or above, the first storage space, and is connected to the bottom part of the first storage space and to the bottom part of the secod storage space. During normal operation, the first fluid is pumped from the second space to the first storage space or the first fluid flowing is driven from the first storage space to the second storage space.
(DE3528970-C)      A foldable solar generator has each assembly contg. e.g. four folding surfaces with solar cells. On the horizontal integration table with a rectangular, removable pressure plate (8) is deposited the first solar panel assembly (9) such that two folding surfaces are secured to the pressure plate in the folded state. The third and further folding surfaces lie on the table (7) with the solar cells pointing downwards.    Four folding surfaces of the second solar panel surfaces (10) are deposited on the table with their solar cells pointing towards the table. The mechanical and electric couplings between the last surface of the first assembly and the first surface of the second assembly are then formed. The entire system is then suspended from a guiding traverse (5) of a hoist for vertical lifting. The process steps can be repeated for other panels.
(US4697042-A)      Separate and spaced semiconductor solar cells (1,2) having surfaces (11,21) for light incidence, are electrically interconnected. Elastically deformable connection contacts (3) are included for the light incidence surfaces and for the opposite rear faces (13,23), with each solar cell having a separate surface covering.    The surface coverings (14,24) are designed so that the spaces (18) between adjacent solar cells, in which the connection contacts (3) are located, are each covered by a bridge (15) connected solely to, and supported solely by, a respective surface covering. The bridge is arranged as a separate element (15a) on the surface covering, the latter being made of glass. (3pp)t    (DE3527001-C)      The solar generator consists of separate semiconductor cells (1,2) with light-exposed surfaces (11,21) and elastic connections (3) that interlink adjacent, opposite surfaces (11,23). The upper surfaces are encapsulated under glass (14,24). A bridge (15) covers the connector and links the encapsulation between adjacent cells and, thereby, forms a protection against oxidation of the connecting link caused by the high oxygen concentration at very high altitudes. The bridge can be a separate glass cover or an overlapping extension of the cover of one cell. An elastic silicon compound is used as sealant.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Extends useful life of device. Solar cells for space craft. (5pp)
(US4668840-A)      The photovoltaic device has several photoelectric converting regions formed on an insulating surface of a light transmissive substrate. Each converting region has a transparent film electrode, an amorphous semiconductor portion having a PIN junciont parallel to the film surface and a back film electrode connected to the transparent film electrode of an adjacent region of the insulating surface. On a portion of the electrode, there is formed an insulting adiabatic layer.    The adiabatic layer is formed at a position where an energy beam is to be irradiated in the production process. When the energy beam is irradiated and the back electrode film is divided corresponding to each converting region, thermal damage to the electrode due to the energy beam is prevented by the insulating adiabatic layer.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solar cell. Lower layer thermal damage avoided. (First major country equivalent to J61280679)
(US4645866-A)      Photovoltaic device comprises a series of power generating regions each comprising a lower electrode, amorphous semiconductor and upper electrode, the upper electrode being connected to the lower electrode of an adjacent region. An isolation wall defined by a vertical slot is provided at the end of the connection side of the region and extended to the surface of the lower electrode.    A conductive connection section is formed by filling and firing conductive material into a vertical gap between the isolation wall and upper electrode of one region, and lower electrode of an adjacent region.    ADVANTAGE -   The series connection has very low resistance and direct electrode-electrode contact is avoided. The structure is easy to form, with no hose alignment steps. (First major country equivalent to J61278170-A)
(US4689874-A)      Thin film solar battery is formed by successively depositing layers of a transparent conductive film, semiconductor film and metal film on a transparent dielectric substrate; and successively laser scribing the films to form separate related layers which in turn form unit cells. An opaque layer is formed on a portion of the substrate remote from the cells and is scribed by a laser to serve as a marker so that the substrate can be properly aligned during the scribing steps.    ADVANTAGE -   The marker facilitates good pattern alignment and the occurrence shorts between misaligned electrodes. (First major country equivalent to J61263172-A)
(US4788746-A)      Concentric tubes, mounted for relative rotation about their common axis, each include radially extending hinge plates. The tubes carry contra-rotational cam slots through which project the ends of a cross-shaft. Bearings on the ends of the cross-shaft engage the milled cam slots. A cylindrical cross roller bearing block mounting the cross-shaft is axially, slidably positioned within the inner tube and is under a biasing force exerted by a compression spring abutting one end of the block.    The cam profiles of the slots includes portions at the ends of the slots extending parallel to the rotational axis. This locks the inner and outer tubes together at the beginning and end of the stroke, with the cam profile controlling the hinge plate acceleration, deceleration, and velocity, in addition to ensuring positive locking of the hinge in the plate open and closed position.    USE -   Self-locking hinge esp. for solar panels on the exterior of a spacecraft.
(US4769298-A)      Laminated fuel cell consists of a stack of cell elements each comprising a rectangular electrolyte plate (1) sandwiched between an O2 electrode (2) and a fuel electrode (3) with a separate plate (4) separating adjacent elements. The plates and electrodes form identical reactangles with the long side at least twice the short side.    An oxidised gas and a fuel gas are supplied the passages (6,7) along one side of their respective electrodes, the passages extending in a direction parallel to the shorter side. Gas supply and discharge manifolds are provided.    ADVANTAGE -   High power output cell provided which can be easily assembled and transported with efficient use of available space. (First major country equivalent to J62264564-A).
(US4781995-A)      Method of operating a fuel cell having oxygen and fuel electrodes and aq,. carbonate electrolyte comprises adding CO2 to at least one electrode during cell operation to maintain the free OH ion concn. in the immediate vicinity of the oxygen electrode at most mildly alkaline and the concn. of free H ions in the vicinity of the anode slightly alkaline or, at most, slightly acidic.    Pref. at least the fuel electrode is a "Teflon" (RTM)-bonded, Pt-contg. electrode.    ADVANTAGE -   T cell exhibits high activity over a long period and operates at lower or medium temps.. The electrolyte remains stable and corrosion and side redn. problems are minimised.
(US4828941-A)      New methanol/air fuel cell comprises cathode, anode and CO2-permeable anion exchange membrane as electrolyte of base polymer, viz. copolymer of vinl pyridine grafted on to PTFE, or obt. by chloromethylation of polystyrene crosslinked with divinylbenzene or copolymer of vinylbenzylchloride and divinylbenzene, or PVC, the copolymer being modified with an amine.    Pref. there is means for removing H2O and CO2 from cathode region e.g. by air stream. Cathode and/or anode are porous gas diffusion electrodes contg. layer of anion exchanger polmer and in which catalyst forms percolation network. Catalyst may be Co(salene) of formula (I) opt. bound in polymer, where R1-R4 are each H, Me, MeO, F, CF3, and R5 is -CH2CH2- or divalent Ph gp., Pref. the base polymer has glass transition temp. above 80 deg.C and ionic gps. are sepd. from the main chain by at least 4C atoms. Percolation network may be prepd.; by coating 0.02-0.5 mesh of stainless steel or Cu conductor mesh with catalyst covalently bound on to co-polymer by sintering mixt. powder on to conductor mesh.    ADVANTAGE -   Efficient liq. phase fuel cell avoiding CO2 and water removal problems, using air as oxidant.
(US4761350-A)      The processing method comprises the steps of making several holes in neighbouring two bipolar plates adjacent to the defective cell, the holes extending between the bipolar plates further their both ends to their centre area along the process gas channels of the bipolar plates. Corrosion-resisting conductive wire rods are press-fitted into the holes respectively to short circuit the neighbouring two bipolar plates.    The process gas channels of the two bipolar plates are closed with a heat-resisting sealing material at both ends of the process gas channels to stop the supply of the process gases to the defective fuel cell. The holes are made along inlet and/or outlet portions of the process gas channels at intervals of several process gas channels.    ADVANTAGE -   Can short circuit each defective cell without having influence on fuel cells adjacent to defective fuel cells.    (First major country equivalent to J62246268)
(US4774152-A)      Fuel cell including an electrolyte contains: a catalyst for reforming hydrocarbon or alcohol fuel gas into H2/CO fuel gas; and a material to remove electrolyte from the catalyst, pref. a porous material provided on the surface of the catalyst, more pref. a material which reacts with the electrolyte to remove it, esp. a cpd. contg. at least one of Si, Al and Cr.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. in a molten carbonate fuel cell for power generation. The electrolyte-removing material of the reforming catalyst removes electrolyte from the fuel gas so that the catalyst is supplied with clean gas and its life extended. (First major country equivalent to J62237677-A)
(US4743516-A)      The power plant is based on a molten carbonate fuel cell and a gas turbine combined plant comprising a gas turbine. A steam turbine and a common generator driven by the gas turbine and the steam turbine is disclosed. A reformer for a fuel gas to the anode fo the fuel cell is heated through exchange with the cathode off-gas from the fuel cell to obtain the necessary heat for the reforming.    A portion of the anode off-gas from the fuel cell is combusted in a separate burner to form a Carbon Dioxide recycle to the cathode, while the most of the remaining anode off-gas is supplied to the gas turbine combustor. The existing gas turbine combined plant can be used, as it is, without any substantial modification, and the present fuel cell power generation plant can be simply added to it as an auxiliary unit.    ADVANTAGE -   Increases net thermal efficiency.
(US4939111-A)      Method comprising mixing equal quantities of two particulate materials having diameters of about 1 micron, and heating the mixture to cell operating temps. in the presence of a carbonate electrolyte to sinter the mixt.. The first material sinters to form a skeletal structure coated by particles of the second material to form a cathode having a stable porosity of 60% - 70% vol. at steady-state cell operating conditions.    Pref. the first material is an oxide of Zn, Ni, Co and Cu mixed equal quantities of the second material of Li2MnO3 and LiFeO2.    ADVANTAGE -   Porosity is constant during prolonged cell operation. Macro-pores of size 25-50 microns are provided together with micro-pores of size approx. 0.1 micrn. @(5pp Dwg.No.1/1)@
(US4794055-A)      A gas manifold (108) for a fu el cell provided on the side of a fuel cell stack comprises: (1) a casing (110), (2) a common protection layer (112) provided on contact areas between the casing and side of the fuel cell stack and adjacent portions for protecting the casing from corrosion, (3) an insulating layer (111) composed of an inorganic insulating material having stability towards electrolytes and provided over the outer surface of the corrosion protection layer, (4) a thermal stress relief layer (113) between the insulating and corrosion protective layers for relieving thermal stress between arising between casing and insulating layer under high temp. conditions.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. a molten carbonate type of fuel cell. Stable operation over long periods of time resulting from maintenance of insulation properties between single fuel cells and between a single fuel cell and the gas manifold. (First major country equivalent to J62232868-A)
(JP92032768-B)      Na.Bi.Ti.W oxide with cubic non-stoichiometric pyrochlorite structure is represented by general formula    Na2xBi2yTizWu Ox+3y+2z+3u    (where x = 0.037-0.047, y = 0.247-0.260, z = 0.632-0.653, u = 0.055-0.070 and x+y+z+u = 1). Na.Bi.Ti.W oxide with cubic non-stoichiometric pyrochlorite structure is prepd. by mixing Na2CO3 or cpd. decomposing to Na2O by heating, Bi2O3 or cpd. decomposing to Bi2O3 by heating TiO2 or cpd. decomposing to TiO2 and WO3 or cpd. decomposing to WO3 in such amts. that Na2CO3 is 3.7-4.7 mole.%, Bi2O3 24.7-26.0 mole.%, TiO2 63.2-65.3 and WO3 5.5-7.0 mole.% and heating the mixt. at 900 deg.C in air or by firing the mixt. with Na2WO4 as flux. The mixt. is fired at 1300 deg.C with Na2WO4 and cooled at the rate of 2 deg.C/hour to obtain Na.Bi.Ti.W oxide.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The oxide obtd. is new and can be used as ionic conductor of fuel cell. As components contained in the oxide are stable the oxide is easily produced in air. (J62230621-A)
(JP95022694-B2)      Reformer comprises reaction tube and reforming catalyst supported along wall faces of reaction tube to reform reactive gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Since reforming catalyst is held by wall surface of reaction tube, heat transfer ability near wall of reaction tube is increased to speedily perform reforming reaction.
(US4814241-A)      An electrolyte for a negative or positive electrode of a radox flow battery contains 1-4 normalities of hydrochlorine acid, at least 0.5 mole of an active material per litre of electrolyte. The active material is chromium chloride for the negative electrode electrolyte and iron chloride or iron sulphate for the positive electrode electrolyte, the electrolyte further comprising 0.1-4 normalities of an acid comprising an anion form one or more hydrohalogenic acids which does not inhibit electrode reactions, in addn. to the hydrochlorine acid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Storage of surplus electric power generated by nuclear power and large-scale thermal power plants. Cell resistivity is reduced and stability fo an active material is improved resulting in a compact high performance radox flow battery. (First major country equivalent to J62216176-A)    (JP92037551-B)      Liq. comprises chloric acid 1 - 4N, active material. 5mol/l or more and H bromide acid 0.1 - 4N to reduce common ion effect; Cr chloride used as cathode active material.    Used for high power storage batteries. (J62216176-A)
(US4756718-A)      A fuel cell assembly has one or more unit cells each comprising at least two planar electrodes which are ribbed on one side (to allow access of fuel and oxidizing agent) and have a catalyst layer on the other. In mfr. of the cell, the electrodes are arranged on each side of a matrix impregnated with an electrolyte, in contact with the catalyst. A potential from an external source is applied in order to polarize the potential of at least one electrode in one of the positive and negative directions. Pref. both electrodes are polarized; and the polarization potential is reversed at least once (more pref. at least twice).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Typically a number of cells is laminated together to procide an assembly with the required output. The effect of applying potential in the described manner is to adjust the wettability by the electrolyte of the strongly hydrophobic catalyst (employing the principles of electro-osmosis). The statistical scatter of the unit cell characteristics in an assembly of cells is thereby reduced leading to high output performance and long life. (First major country equivalent to J62216172-A)
(US4711828-A)      In a CO-O2 fuel cell, a soln. contg. at least Cu(+) and a halide complexing agent for the Cu(+) is used as the anode electrolyte, CO being reacted in the soln. as Cu carbonyl complex. Pref. O2 is fed to the cathode gas electrode; or the cathode may be a soln. electrode, pref. contg. the same halide cpd. complexing agent as the anode electrolyte. Halide cpd. is pref. HBr and/or Br2.    Cell has a diaphragm separating the two electrodes. The anode electrolyte further includes a PT gp. metal (ion), esp. Pd, Rh or Ru.    ADVANTAGE -   Cell is able to use CO direct as its fuel without need for any shift converters. (First major country equivalent to J62213068-A)
(US4812373-A)      Fuel cell generator (10) has a gas-tight housing (12) surrounding a number of chambers, including a generating chamber (14) and a combustion product or preheating chamber (16), with a reformable reactant inlet chamber (19) and an oxidant inlet chamber (18). High temp., elongated solid oxide fuel cells (40) extend between preheating and reactant inlet chambers, having open ends (42) in the preheating chamber and closed ends (45) in the genrating chamber (14). Each cell comprises solid oxide electrolyte sandwiched between two electrodes on a tubular support. Fuel feed conduits (60) are located between fuel cells to distribute unreformed fuel feed to the external electrode surfaces.    ADVANTAGE -   Effective in-situ reformation of fuel feed in the generator. (8pp)e
(DE3727302-C)      Electricity is produced by a flow of H2 through an electrical conversion cell. The cell contains a pair of sepd. H2 permeable electrodes bathed by an electrolyte contg. a metal hydride selectively allowing the passage of ionised H (H(-)). H2 is reduced to H(-) at a 1st electrode and oxidised to H2 at a 2nd electrode. The H2 flow is induced by a gradient of the chemical potential formed by reaction of H2 and a metal to form a metal hydride above the cell whereby an electrical current is induced through an outer current circuit connecting the 2 electrodes.    The metal is pref. Li or Na. The metal hydride is LiH (NaH) which is thermal decomposed into H2 gas and Li (Na) at 1000-1400 (600-1000) deg.K and the metal is cooled to 500-800 (400-600) deg.K before re-use for reaction with H2. The electrodes are made of Ni, Pd, V, Zr or Nb.    ADVANTAGE -   Blockages in the electrodes are avoided, a satisfactory electrical current is produced. (8pp)
(US4786567-A)      Uncharged all-V redox battering has anolyte and catholyte compartments sepd. by an ion-conductive separator, the analyte contg. V(4+) ions and the catholyte contg. a salt VO(x)g where y = 2 and X = F, Br or Cl, or y = 1 and X = SO4 or O, and the salt concn. is 0.25-5.0 M. A specific salt is VOSO4 at a concn. of 0.25-2.5M Pref. 0.5-2.25M esp. 1.0-2.0 M and more esp. 1.5-2.0 M.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a rechargeable redox battery for domestic or industrial use. Battery overcomes prior art redox battery system problems relating to diffusion, stability and solubility. (First major country equivalent to J62186473-A    (JP2724817-B2)      Uncharged all-V redox battering has anolyte and catholyte compartments sepd. by an ion-conductive separator, the analyte contg. V(4+) ions and the catholyte contg. a salt VO(x)g where y = 2 and X = F, Br or Cl, or y = 1 and X = SO4 or O, and the salt concn. is 0.25-5.0 M. A specific salt is VOSO4 at a concn. of 0.25-2.5M Pref. 0.5-2.25M esp. 1.0-2.0 M and more esp. 1.5-2.0 M.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   As a rechargeable redox battery for domestic or industrial use. Battery overcomes prior art redox battery system problems relating to diffusion, stability and solubility. (First major country equivalent to J62186473-A
(US4719157-A)      The fuel cell stack assembly comprises a fuel cell stack, thin current collectors arranged on opposite ends of the stack, and end plates arranged on the current collector by a heat resisting insulator arranged. Each of the current collectors comprises several independent current collecting sections. The sections on each end of be stack are spaced from each other and each is provided with a single terminal extending through the insulator and end plate.    The current collector comprises four triangular section, so arranged that the spaces formed between sides of the adjacent two sections extend radially from the centre of the collector along the diagonal lines of the current collector.    ADVANTAGE -   Prevents current collector from deformation due to expansion with heat. (First major country equivalent to J62184777)
(US4722873-A)      Power system comprises: a first fuel cell supplied with fuel gas contg. water vapour and an oxidant gas; a second fuel cell supplied with exhaust gas from the first cell and an oxidant gas; and a humidity regulator for the exhaust gas fed from the first to the second cell so that the water vapour content of the gas is appropriate and C deposition in the second cell is prevented.    Fuel supply to the first cell pref. comprises H2, CO, and C02; other hydrocarbons may also be present.    ADVANTAGE -   System is able to operate with good, stable characteristics for a long period even at a high fuel utilisation ratio; and has high power generating efficiency. (First major country equivalent to J62184771-A)
(US4766043-A)      Fuel cell has unit cells stacked in layers and separated from each other by separators. Each cell has an anode with a catalyst layer on the side facing an electrolyte matrix layer. Grooves are defined between ribs formed on the separator side of the anode. The cathode of each cell has a catalyst layer on the electrolyte matrix side.    The separators between the cells each have a recess on the side facing the anode of each cell. An oxidising gas channel is on the side of each separator and the recess is used to store electrolyte and receive the anode rib. The distance from the bottom of the recess to the inner surface of the grooves is greater than the depth of the recess. The end of the rib is immersed in electrolyte and fuel gas is supplied to each anode via a space between the inner surface of the groove and the electrolyte level. Electrolyte in the recess soaks through the ribs and anode to the electrolyte matrix.    ADVANTAGE -   Prolonged continuous operation of the cell is possible.
(US4759997-A)      Air supply appts. for a fuel cell comprises: a compressor (1) for supplying the air; an exhaust gas turbine (2) which drives the compressor using cell exhaust gas; an auxiliary combuster (3) upstream of and associated with the turbine; and a pipe (5) for cnducting exhaust gas from the cell to the auxiliary combustor. The auxiliary combustor includes a catalyst (31) and catalyst heater; a branch pipe (5a) conducts a variable amt. of the exhaust gas to the catalyst and another pipe (20) conducts a fuel/air mixt. to the catalyst.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of an auxiliary combustor stabilises operation under conditions of severs load fluctuation, avoiding blow-out, very hgih combustion temps. etc..(First major country equivalent to J62170169-A)
(US4882013-A)      Biosensor electrode comprises a biochemical redox system involving at least one enzyme (e.g. glucose oxidase, glucose. dehydrogenase, aminoacid oxidase, or tissues, cells or cell fragments contg. such enzymes), pref. immobilised on the electrode; an inert electrode; and tetrathiafulvalene as an electron transfer agent, either immobilised on the electrode or free in soln.; and a supporting electrolyte.    USE -   The prods. are aids for rapid clinical analysis and diagnosis. (14pp)s
(US4751156-A)      The cap (10) includes a main body (20) inside which there is a chamber (13) suited for the distribution of the distilled water through a hole (14). The hole is shut by a valve (32) controlled by a float (30) and connected to the float using a toggle joint. The joint consists of a right-angled lever (35) and of a shaft (34) connected by a hinge to the lever and to the valve. The toggle joint ensures a very high force for the shutting of the valve, such as to stand high deliveries of liquid even under pressure.    The cap has a float (30) in the shape of an upside-down glass, i.e., open at the bottom on the side of the liquid upper surface, so that the push on the float is determined by the over-pressure of the air and the agses contained in the interior of the float. The overpressure increases in direct relation to the rising of the electrolyte level. The gases which develop inside the accumulator are discharged through a cap (40) equipped with radial holes (5) and with a ceramic filter suited to the expansion of the gases.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Vehicle accumulator battery. Carries out re-filling with environment pressure as well as under pressure systems, avoids clogging and float does not breakdown. (7pp)
(US4689280-A)      Stack of fuel cells has an end plate assembly in which there is a thick top plate and a thinner bottom plate. The bottom plate has a flat horizontal central region (54a) with other regions (54b,54c) at opposite transverse ends. Each of these regions form U-shaped passages with the central region. The top plate (60) is supported on horizontal portions and the arrangement portions and the arrangement defines a channel (59) in which a corrugated plate (56) is supported. There is a further horizontal plate (58) and the combination of the two plates gives the structure resilient properties.    ADVANTAGE -   The end plates of the cells have greater resiliency than prior art plates. (5pp)G    (JP2696319-B2)      Each fuel cell assembly is assumed to be a molten carbonate assembly comprising upper and lower bipolar plates which together sandwich an anode electrode, an electrolyte matrix, and a cathode electrode. The plate structure (50) comprises a thick top plate (60), and a thinner bottom plate (54) which has a horizontally disposed flat central region (54a) with similar flat regions (54b and 54c) at opposite transverse ends (54a' and 54a''). The regions (54b and 54c) together with the central region (54a) form U shaped passages.    The plate (60) is supported on the horizontal portions (54b'' and 54c'') defining the channel (59) situated within which is a resilient corrugated plate (56) extending to the opposite transverse ends (54a',54a''). As a result, a space equal to the thickness of teh plate (54) is formed between the crest regions (56a') of the plate (56) and the plate (60).    ADVANTAGE -   Increased resiliency and compliance to adjacent fuel cells with constant internal resistance.
(US4820594-A)      A fuel cell power generation system is composed of a reforming part packed with reforming catalyst and a heating part. A fuel is fed to the reformer inlet and the fuel is combusted at the heating part, to heat the reforming part. The fuel which has been passed through the reformer reforming part is introduced to the anode and the exhaust gas produced at the reformer heating part is fed to the cathode.    The fuel cell power generation system is started to ignite the fuel present at the reformer heating part only when the reformer reforming part has been filled with fuel.    USE -   Method for starting fuel cell power system in which fuel is used directly as heating medium for raising temp. of system.
(US4774026-A)      In oxidising or reducing a dissolved substance with a semiconductor photocatalyst, e.g. for photo-reductive recovery of noble metal elements from spent radioactive solns., exciting light is passed to irradiate a soln. contg. fine particles of a photocatalyst, uniformly distributed by a stirrer. The soln. contains a dissolved substance, selected from noble metals, heavy metals, transition metals, and actinide elements, with a water-soluble electron acceptor or donor for the partic. photocatalyst. The photocatalyst is selected from the gp. TiO2, SrTiO3, CdS, CdSe, Si, SiC, ZnO, GaP, and WO3.    ADVANTAGE -   Considerable increase in oxidn. or redn. efficiency.
(DE3779355-G)      The galvanic cell includes a stack of positive and negative polarity, lug-bearing plates alternately interleaved with one another. A device electrically joins aligned plate lugs into sets of like polarity. The lugs each have a root portion close to the plate and a distal portion more remote from the plate and engaging the device. A discrete, insulating collar tightly surrounds the root portion of each lug.    The collars of the aligned lugs abut one another so as to space the aligned lugs apart and to insulate the joining devi ce from the plates of opposite polarity.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Lead acid, Ni-2n batteries. Liquid tight seal around lugs.
(US4791347-A)      The auxiliary power supply contains a single battery mounted in an outer housing to form a self contained supply. The supply also includes a charger circuit within the housing that is connected to the battery in the housing to effect charging at desired intervals.    The housing carries connections for input power, and for output power. The housing carries arms that are connectable to the terminals of a battery to be augmented and which are arranged to engage directly onto the terminal post of such an automobile battery.    ADVANTAGE -   Eliminates need for jump leads. (6pp)t    (GB2186132-B)      An electrical power supply, for use in augmenting the supply provided by a battery of an automobile having an electric starter motor, at the time of starting the automobile, comprising a housing; a battery mounted in the housing; a battery charger circuit arrangement mounted in the housing; switch means by which the output of the battery charger circuit arrangement is selectively connectible to the battery in the housing to effect charging thereof, or to a charging outlet means by way of which the battery charger circuit arrangement can be used to charge a battery outside the housing; power input means accessible from the exterior of the housing and by way of which electrical power can be supplied to the battery charger circuit arrangement or directly to the battery in the housing; and oower output means by which the battery in the housing can be connected to the battery of an automobile to augment the power thereof.
(JP94084241-B2)      A fuel reformer (30) for fuel cells is equipped with a reformed gas passing layer (15) composed of porous ceramics placed at the exit of reactors (4) to convert vaporised methanol and steam to reformed gas, which mainly contains H2.    USE -   Used to recover heat from reformed gas exhausted from reactors and to eliminate or miniaturise heat exchangers provided at a back process.
(US4877693-A)      The fuel cell appts. has fuel cells each having first and second end faces which are arranged in stack fashion and with their respective end faces aligned. Each fuel cell includes an anode chamber which runs between and which has gas entry and gas exit ports adjacent to its end faces.    A catalyst chamber is provided in heat conducting relationship to the stack of cells. The chamber runs in the direction of the anode chambers and has gas entry and exit ports adjacent to the end faces. Catalyst promotive of endothermic reformation of a fuel supply is disposed in the chambers of the cells and appts. is provided for coupling the gas entry ports of the anode chambers of the cells to the gas exit port of the catalyst chamber.    ADVANTAGE -   Avoids non-uniform temp. profile.
(US4824508-A)      Prodn. of a solid polymer electrolyte structure consists of (a) forming a suspension of catalytically active, electrically conductive particles and a liq.; (b) applying the suspension to a fluorocarbon membrane sheet that is in thermoplastic form; (c) removing all the liq. to leave the particles on the sheet; (d) pressing the particles into the membrane sheet; (e) contacting the particle-contg. side of the membrane sheet with an electrically conductive, hydraulically permeable matrix; and (f) applying pressure to bond the matrix to the membrane.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For fuel cells, electrolysis cells and batteries. The structure offers lower electrical resistance, hence efficiency can be raised.
(US4708916-A)      Molten carbonate fuel cell has separator elements (13) interposed between adjacent stacked unit cells (12). Two internal manifolds extend in the stacking direction at the sides of the structure. Another manifold at the centre of the structure extends in the direction of stacking. Fuel gas passages, at the anode side of the separator element, communicate with the first and third manifolds. There are other fuel passages which communicate with the second and third manifolds. The arrangement form two circuits for the fuel gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Uniform current distribution and temp. Power is generated stably over a long period.
(US4702972-A)      An electrolyte replenishing system for a laminated type fuel cell comprises w.r.t. Fig.2: (a) a cell block (7) having cells; (b) an electrolyte replenishing throat (1) for supplying an electrolyte to (7), and having an outlet connected to (7); (c) an electrolyte exhaust valve (15) for exhausting excess electrolyte, having an inlet connected to the inlet of (1); (d) a head pressure adjusting vessel (13) for regulating the head pressure of the replenishing electrolyte which is brought into (7), having an outlet connected to the inlets of (15) and (1); (e) an electrolyte replenishing valve (12) having an output side connected to the inlet of (13); (f) an overflow line (14) for providing a predetermined head pressure in (13), one end of whic which is connected to (13) and the other end to the output of (15); (g) an exhausted electrolyte tank (16) for storing electrolyte from (15) and (14), and which is connected to the outlet of (15) and the other end of (14); (h) a pump (18) for returning the electrolyte, stored in (16)to the inlet of (12), having an input connected to the outlet of (16), and an output connected to the input of (12); and (i) a venting line (20) for exhausting gas in a reservoir in (7) connected to (7) at the opposite side to (1).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Partic. useful for replenishing electrolyte, e.g. a phosphoric acid, into the fuel cell from outside whilst maintaining a constant head pressure. Exhausting of excess electrolyte prevents damage to the separator plate. (First major country equivalent to J62119871-A)
(EP220062-A)      The battery includes a container (2) defining a number of cells separated by integral inter cell partitions (4,8) extending up to the lid and contain no free unabsorbed electrolyte. Each adjacent pair of cells is connted by a respective inter cell connector (18) which passes through an aperture (20) in the associated inter cell partition. The portion (34) defining the base of the aperture (20) is of reduced thickness and is deformed against the underside of the inter cell connector (18) and forms a seal with it.    The sides of the aperture (20) form a seal with the sides of the inter cell connector by virtue of similar reduced thickness portions or by virtue of an inverted U-shaped sealing member (22) which engages the inter cell partition and the side and tops of the inter cell connector. There is thus no gas leakage path around the inter cell connectors but apertures (26,28) are provided in the inter cell partitions for the purpose of the initial filling of the battery with electrolyte. (First major country equivalent to J62117262)
(US4826554-A)      Solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) structure is formed by firstly forming a mxit. of a polytetrafluoroethylene or a fluorocarbon ion exchange active polymer, in its thermoplastic form, and a plurality of catalytically active, electrically conductive particles having an average particle size diameter of 10-30 microns and a surface area of 800-1800 m2/g, and the mixt. is then formed into a particle-contg. film (I).    Film (I) is contacted with a fluorocarbon membrane in its thermoplastic form. Film (I) is contacted with an electrically conductive, hydraulically permeable matrix, thereby forming a laminate having a membrane on one side, a matrix on another side and a plurality of catalytically active particles between them. The matrix is carbon cloth, carbon paper, carbon felt, metallic screen, metallic felt or a porous metallic sheet. The matrix has a resistivity of 600,000-1375 micro ohm cm. Finally, sufficient pressure is applied to the laminate to bond at least part of the matrix to the membrane, thereby forming a membrane having catalytically active particles present on the membrane in amt. of less than 25 mg/cm2 of membrane area.    ADVANTAGE -   An SPE structure is provided which minimises the electrical resistance between the current collector and the embedded or bonded electrode. (6pp)e    (JP95116630-B2)      Solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) structure comprises(a) a membrane sheet; (b) catalytically active and electrically conductive particles; and (c) an electrically conductive, hydraulically permeable matrix structure. The particles and matrix are in physical and electrical contact with each other and are embeded in or bonded to the membrane sheet.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The SPE structure is useful in electrochemical cells, e.g. fuel cells, electrolysis cells or batteries. The intimate contact of the components minimises resistance to electrical flow so that the cell operates more efficiently than cells of known SPE structures.
(US4759989-A)      Electrode substrate for a fuel cell comprises a flexible carbon material having flexibility ratio D/d of up to 200, where D is dia. of curvature just before breakage of the material when bent and d is the material thickness. The material is obtd. by (1) treating polyacrylonitrile, rayon, phenol resin, or (an)isotropic pitch fibres at at least 1500 deg.C under reduced pressure or in an inert atmos.; (2) preparing a composite of the resulting carbon fibres of 6-50 mm mean length and 4-25 micron dia. and organic binder having carbonising yield at least 10%; (3) thermally moulding the obtd. composite and (4) wholly carbonising it by calcining under reduced pressure or in an inert atmos. at at least 850 deg.C. Carbon lumps derived from the binder are thus dispersed in the carbon fibre matrix and retain the fibres to slidably hold them together.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The electrode contacts the flow channels for a reactant gas. It has high flexibility and good heat resistance and mechanical properties.    (DE3640108-C)      Electrode substrate, for a fuel cell of the wind tunnel for a type having gas reactants, is such that at least part of the substrate comprises a flexible C material (II) which is in contact with tunnels (I). (II) contains (a) a matrix of C fibres of mean length 6-50 mm and a dia. of 4-25 microns; and (b) C lumps, dispersed in (a), derived from an organic binder with a carbonisation yield of not less than 10%, the dia. of lumps (b) being 2-200 times that of the C fibres. The lumps (b) fix the C fibres in matrix (a) glidably on one another, but are not physically or chemically bonded on them. The amt. of C fibres is 5-50% and the amt. of lumps (b) is 5-70%, each based on the total vol. of flexible C material (II).    ADVANTAGE -   C material used has excellent flexibility. (17pp)
(US4792384-A)      Electrochemical cell and fuel cell are combined in which e.g. a chlor-alkali cell (12) is used, from which H is passed to the fuel cell (14), while Cl is removed as product. A direct current regulator (15) with a direct current converter (17) and control (17) forms a regulating arrangement for regulating the power received from the fuel cell to adjust the voltage and current. The control can be a microcomputer developing a duty cycle signal for the converter, which may be sent to the regulator as a number of energising gate signals. A high voltage AC rectifier (18) connected to an external supply supplies direct current to the electrolysis cell under selected operating conditions.    ADVANTAGE -   Energy efficiency by supplementation of external power.
(US4696871-A)      Electricity is produced by (a) reacting hydrocarbon-contg. feedstock with steam to produce a hydrogen-contg. gas stream at superatmospheric pressure, (b) feeding the gas stream to the anode spay of a fuel cell, (c) feeding air at superatmospheric pressure to the cathode gas space of the fuel cell, and (d) letting down at least the off-gas from the anode gas space through a turbine driving an air compressor-compressing the air required in step (c).    Air from the compressor is also reacted in stage (a) and produces heat by reaction with the feedstock which heat is required by the endothermic steam-feedstock reaction. Before step (d), the anode off-gas is reacted with compressed air from the compressor. Heat is recovered from the resulting waste gas by heat exchange to preheat reactant(s) for step (a). (7pp)a
(US4717634-A)      Electric cell comprises (A) a positive electrode contg., as active material, a polyaniline with water content 1000 ppm or less; (B) a negative electrode contg., as active material, Li or Li alloy contg. 0.004-0.170 mol. of effective Li capable of electrochemical occlusion and release upon charging and discharging per g of polyaniline in (A); and (C) electrolyte soln. comprising 1-6 mol./l (exclusive) electrolyte in non-aq. solvent. The polyaniline may be formed as a film on a stainless steel substrate by electrolytic polymerisation and the substrate used as positive electrode collector or container.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   High cell performance, e.g. low internal resistance or long cycle life, and high-energy density and discharge voltages are obtd. Used esp, for small coin-form or cylindrical sec. cells. (14pp)    (JP93021308-B)      Electrochemical cell has a polyaniline (I) as positive electrode active material; Li (alloy) as negative electrode active material, which can take up and release 4x10 power(-3) to 170x10 power(-3) mole effective Li/g (I) electrochemically on charge and discharge; and a non-aq. electrolyte soln. contg. over 1 mole/l to less than 6 mole/l electrolyte (II) in a non-aq. solvent (III).    Pref. (I) has a water content of 10000 ppm or less and is in the form of a film deposited by electrolytic polymerisation on a stainless steel substrate, which acts as positive electrode collector or container.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The cell has high capacity, low internal resistance or high cycle lifetime, high energy density and high discharge voltage. It can be used for small cells, e.g. button cells or cylindrical cells, or for sec. cells, e.g. for mobile equipment (cars, electric cars, aircraft and watches), battery buffer for IC memories of personal computers etc. (J62097261-A)
(DE3535118-C2)      The A/D converter (5) receives the analogue measuring voltage via one channel (E1.A second input channel (E8) receives a precision reference voltage, obtained from the output of a supply voltage stabilisation stage (2). The absolute value of the analogue measuring voltage is obtained by dividing the converted digital value for the measuring voltage by the converted digital value for the reference voltage.    Pref. the analogue measuring voltage is supplied to the A/D converter via a variable voltage divider (3), the output of the A/D converter fed to a processing unit (6).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For detecting supply battery voltage or source voltage in automobile.Improvement in accuracy without excessive cost.
(DE3638856-C2)      A porous plate (18,24,30) for an electrochemical cell (8) has a seal region (28,41,42) in which silicon carbide, carbon or graphite is deposited in teh void structure of th porous plate. The silicon carbide, carbon or graphite has particle size of 1 micron or less. The seal region (28,41,42) is clamped by the sealing surfaces (28) of adjacent structures of the cell (8) to prevent gas leakage during fuel cell operation. The density of the seal region (28,41,42) is greater than that of the plate, e.g. 1.1-1.4 g/cc, of 0.3-1.0 g/cc. The seal region (28,41,42) has a capillary characteristic of at least 5 psi for phosphoric acid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The seal is used esp. in phosphoric acid fuel cell power plants and can stand higher edge seal cross pressures, esp. transient pressures.    (JP2513649-B2)      A porous plate (18,24,30) for an electrochemical cell (8) has a seal region (28,41,42) in which silicon carbide, carbon or graphite is deposited in teh void structure of th porous plate. The silicon carbide, carbon or graphite has particle size of 1 micron or less. The seal region (28,41,42) is clamped by the sealing surfaces (28) of adjacent structures of the cell (8) to prevent gas leakage during fuel cell operation. The density of the seal region (28,41,42) is greater than that of the plate, e.g. 1.1-1.4 g/cc, of 0.3-1.0 g/cc. The seal region (28,41,42) has a capillary characteristic of at least 5 psi for phosphoric acid.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The seal is used esp. in phosphoric acid fuel cell power plants and can stand higher edge seal cross pressures, esp. transient pressures.
(US4699852-A)      The fuel battery comprises a number of unit fuel cells each having the cylindrical anode. The cylindrical solid electrolyte is in contact with eha node and the cylindrical cathode is in contact with the solid electrolyte. The unit fuel cells are connected to each other with the interposition of connectors, the fuel battery being characterised in that the thickness of the anode is smaller with distance from the portion connected to the cathode of the adjacent fuel cell.    The thickness of the cathode is smaller with distance from the portion connected to the anode of the other adjacent fuel cell. These fuel cells are firmed on cylindrical porous support pipes which are disposed in parallel.    ADVANTAGE -   Decreases loss due to electric resistance in cathode, electrolyte and anode. (First major country equivalent to J62044959)
(US6823544-N)      Catalytic organic fuel processing appts. has a catalyst contg. chamber within a housing through which gases are recirculated at varying velocities. Varying amts. of organic fuel are injected into the gases. There is a combustion chamber with a combustion catalyst on the inside and an oxidn. catalyst on the outside. The combustion chamber is in indirect heat exchange with the organic fuel injecting system and in both indirect and direct heat exchange with the recirculating gases. Air is selectively injected into the recirculating gases upstream of the combustion gases and varying amts. of fuel and air are injected into the combustion chamber. Recirculating gases are selectively drawn off without drawing off newly introduced organic fuel vapour.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Fuel cell power system in which transient high demands can be accommodated during peak load times. The heat exchange rate is sufficient to meet high demands during peak load times. The appts. is compact and is useful in vehicles etc.
(US4683177-A)      Power generation system in a fuel cell having an air preheater for a fuel cell reaction in which the air will be fed to an afterburner of a high temp. solid electrolyte fuel cell, includes a combuster between the preheater and the after-burner for performing an additional combustion after the temp. of the air has been elevated by the preheater.    ADVANTAGE -   A compact structure of the afterburner can be retained and pressure loss can be minimised. (First major country equivalent to J62040171-A)
(US4686159-A)      Laminated layer type fuel cell comprises sepn. plates (1) each having rectilinear (4) and zigzag (5) portions of fuel and oxidiser channels (3) sandwiched between cells formed of fuel electrodes, electrolyte matrices and oxidiser electrodes.    ADVANTAGE -   Partial pressures of reaction gases are equalised throughout the cell to equalise cell reactions and temp. distribution in the cell. (claimed) (First major country equivalent to J62040168-A)
(US4687715-A)      Fuel cell has a layer of porous electrolyte retaining matrix between spaced electrodes. The matrix layer consists of particulate ZrP2O7.    Pref. the matrix layer also contains binder and the electrolyte is an acid electrolyte. The binder is pref. a fluorocarbon and the electrolyte is phosphoric acid. The matrix layer pref. contains not more than 5 wt.% ZrO2.    ADVANTAGE -   Matrix layer provides a high performance at a high temp. and is inert.
(US4677037-A)      The fuel cell power supply comprises a fuel cell current detector for detecting the current generated by the fuel cell. A detector load current detects current flowing through the lod of the cell power supply producing a signal corresponding to the load current. A signal is produced by a setting circuit corresponding to the strength and time variation pattern of the output signal fo the load current detector. A controller receives the output signal of the fuel cell current detector and the signal from the setting circuit, controlling the strength of the fuel cell current with the set signal as a set value. In the fuel cell power supply, the fuel cell current is caused by the described means to become overcurrent, exceeding the rated output current in such a state that the overcurrent exceeding the rated output current of the fuel cell is produced in the load current at logn intervals.    By allowing the overcurrent to have a value corresponding to the time interval at wich the overload current is generated, the duel cell is forced to output the overcurrent. Thus, it becomes possible to utilise a secondary cell having a capacity smaller than that of a conventional fuel cell power supply in which the secondary cell must bear the full overcurrent.    ADVANTAGE -   Secondary all has small capacity bearing full overcurrent. (First major country equivalent to J62035462)
(US4675255-A)      The pole terminal for a storage battery, includes connections for an indicating or measuring device comprises a pole body for connection to a conventional cable connection clamp of a battery cable. The pole body is formed with the configuration of a battery pole. A current sensor is located within the pole body for detecting current flowing through the battery pole.    The pole body of the connection terminal has a clamping piece for fastening the pole terminal to a battery pole.    USE -   Batteries on motor vehicles. (6pp)
(DE3532335-C)      Electrochemical cell for generation of H2 and/or O2 has an anode, a cathode and an aq. electrolyte in a metal and/or plastics housing. The anode compsn. is a substance subject only to electrochemical oxidn. in its initial state and the cathode compsn. is a H2-releasing electrode or electrochemically reducible substance; and the cell contains an O2-releasing electrode; and H2 or O2 is formed when current flow, which results in the pores of a gas diffusion electrode functioning at cathode or anode, and passes to the outside through the pores of a hydrophobic diffusion membrane.    Pref. H2 generating cell has a metal, pref. Zn anode, H2 cathode and alkaline electrolyte, the cathode consisting of a layer of metal and/or C powder with PTFE binder on a metal mesh, with a porous PTFE film laminated, e.g. rolled, onto pref. the side opposite the metal mesh.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   H2 or O2 is formed in amts. almost equiv. to the current. The gas is useful for transport of a fluid medium, e.g. for operating a grease gun.
(US4680240-A)      Startup method for a fuel cell power system comprises heating a fuel cell stack to operating temp. with a circulating heat exchange fluid, while pressurising the pressure vessel and process chambers wit h an inert gas, controlling the vapour pressure in the insert gas in proportion to the detected temp. and pressure in the process chamber so that the vol. of the hygroscopic electrolyte is maintained constant.    ADVANTAGE -   Deterioration of the system due to a decrease or increase in the electrolyte vol. is avoided. (First major country equivalent to J62022374-A)
(EP218800-B)      Electrode assembly for a storage battery cell, comprising positive and negative electrode plates and interposed separators, the lower edges of the electrode plates being provided with feet, with which the plates stand on supporting ridges on the bottom of the cell container, characterised in that the feet of the positive plates are at a greater distance from one another, and thereby always lie nearer to the outsides of the plates, than the feet of the negative plates.
(US6812575-N)      Molten electrolyte content in a fuel cell stack is equalised using a device with a passageway for electrolyte flow from a portion adjacent the negative end of the stack to a portion adjacent to the positive end of the stack. The passageway is partially filled at the end portions with a porous ceramic wick which is wettable by the molten electrolyte. The first end of the passageway has means for vaporising and transferring electrolyte to the other end where the electrolyte is condensed and conducted back to the positive end of the stack face. Pref. the porous ceramic wick is LiAlO2, calcia stabilised ZrO2, Li2ZrO3 or LiFeO2.    ADVANTAGE -   Electrolyte content is equalised throughout the stack during use. (15pp)
(US4670702-A)      Controller for fuel cell power systems comprises a main switching element inserted between a fuel cell power unit and a dc-ac converter, a secondary battery connected to a charging switching element and a discharging switching element, and a control circuit for switching elements. The charging switching element are connected in series and across the main switching element. The battery is charged by turning on the charging switching element while holding the main switching element off during heating operation of the power unit with the heat of fuel cell reactions, or during stopping operation of the power unit. The battery is discharged through the dc-ac converter by turning on the discharging switching element when the fuel cell power until reaches its rated operating temp.
(US4822538-A)      A carbonaceous, thin and dense plate (I) is produced by firstly disposing between the pressing surfaces of a heating press, a composite material comprising A) a carbonaceous raw material, which is carbonised and solidifies after being softened by heating, and B) paper-like cpds. which are carbonised without melting. Material (A) is sandwiched between cpds. (B) and each cpd. (B) is contacted with each of the pressing surfaces of the heating press. The thus disposed composite material is press-moulded at 150-450 deg.C.; at a pressure of not more than 100 kg/cm2G and a pressure-retaining time of 10-120 mins. The press-moulded composite material is then heated to 600-650 deg.C under a pressure of 0.1-100 kg/cm2G thereby carbonising the material. Carbonised thin plate thus obtd. is then removed from the press. Finally, the carbonised thin plate is interposed between two pieces of flat and smooth graphite plate, and the plate is further calcined or graphitised, under reduced pressure, or in an inert gas, to obtain plate (I).    ADVANTAGE -   Plate (I) so obtd. has low permeability to gases or liqs. and is simply produced, industrially in large size, e.g. 1 metre in length and width, without crevices and cracks occurring.    (JP92035434-B)      A carbon thin plate (1) is produced by heat-pressing a carbon material (2), and applying a paper (3) between the surfaces of the carbon material and the press. The carbon material (2) is a pitch or a mixt. of pitch and carbon powder. The paper (3) is a paper consisting of plant fibres.    USE -   Formation of cracks is prevented. The plate is used as a separator of fuel batteries. (J62046909-A)
(JP94008173-B2)      Alumina hydrate of at least 1 of boehmite, imitation boehmite, diaspore, gibbsite, or barite, and lithium hydroxide are mixed in the presence of solvent. Then the solvent is removed, and obtd. solid part is burn at 650-1,000 deg. C (pref 700-950 deg.C), to produce gamma-type lithium aluminate powder.    Specifically before the burning, the solid parts are grinded or mixed. The solvent is at least one of water or alcohol, i.e., water, hexane, heptane, pentene, hexene, cyclopentane, cyclohexane, benzene, toluene, methanol (pref.) ethanol, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methylisobutyl ketone, diethylether, tetrahydrofuran, etc. The lithium hydroxide is pref. 1 hydrate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In obtd. lithium aluminate, above 70% of it has gamma-type crystal form and the residue has beta-type crystal form. It has small granule dia. and large surface area e.g. above 15 m2/g. It is suitable as raw materials of electrolyte tile for fused carbonate fuel battery.(J61295228-A)
(JP92050244-B)      Catalytic layers for reforming methanol and catalytic layers for burning fuel gas are alternately arranged. The catalytic layer for burning fuel is filled with combustion catalyst using three dimensional sieve-shaped metal e.g. spongy metal, as a carrier.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Conversion of methanol can be increased as the decomposition zones can be kept at high temp
(US4710331-A)      Prodn. of PTFE porous membranes comprises compression moulding PTFE resin powder of ave.-particle dia. 1-900 microns obtd. by suspension polymerisation of TFE; heating the obtd. preform at above 327 deg.C followed by skinning the heated preform into film form; heating the obtd. film at above 327 deg.C; slowly cooling the film at a rate of less than 70 deg.C/hr so as to adjust the crystallinity of the film to 60-75%; and stretching the heated film uniaxially or biaxially to 1.3-6.5 times while heating at 100-320 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Porous PTFE membranes are useful e.g. as filters for corrosive materials or high temp. substances, as diaphragms for electrolytic baths or fuel cells, etc. The obtd. membranes have pores which are almost circular and of uniform pore dia., have excellent mechanical strength, and on stretching have resistance to breakage or pinholing. Permeability is also high. (First major country equivalent to J61293830-A)
(US4670361-A)      A closure plte having a protrusive portion, is mounted on the shell to form a manifold box, with a distribution unit arranged in the sheel to partition an interior space of the shell inot two chambers. The unit comprises a pair of partitioning members and a plate mounted in a spaced relationship to form slit-like gaps between them. The protrusive portion of the closure plate is provided with slit-like blowholes to supply process gas to a fuel cell stack.    The partitioning plate is provided with a distributor and a deflector. The distributor is positioned in front of the opening so as to divide the gas flow from the opening into an upward flow and a downward flow, while the deflector is mounted on the exterior surface of the plate and extends vertically in parallel to a centre line of the protrusive portion to allow the gas to converge to the protrusive portion of the closure plate.    ADVANTAGE -   Manifold enables gas to be uniformly supplied to fuel cell stack regardless of fluctuation in flow rate. (First major country equivalent to J61292863)
(JP93053750-B)      Sintered gamma-LiAlO2 prod. is produced by granulating and shaping finely powdered alpha-LiAlO2, and baking at 1,000-1,100 deg.C.    Pref. 1-15 wt.% of MgO or ZrO2 powder is used in combination with alpha-LiAlO2 to further improve strength.    ADVANTAGE -   The gamma-LiAlO2 prod. has good alkali corrosion resistance, and is suitable for use as the material of vessel for the fusion or reaction of carbonates, etc. (J61291452-A)
(JP93053749-B)      Sintered gamma-LiAlO2 prod. is produced by granulating and shaping finely powdered beta-LiAlO2, and baking at 1,000-1,100 deg.C under CO2 gas atmos. Pref. MgO or ZrO2 powder are also used in combination with beta-LiAlO2 to more improve strength.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Prod. exhibits excellent corrosion resistance against alkali material, and is suitable for use as material for vessels for fusion or reaction of carbonate, etc. (J61291451-A)
(JP92050246-B)      Reformer comprises identical metal cases charged with reforming catalyst and thermal medium which are alternately lmainated through partition plates and integrated with the plates.    USE -   For reforming hydrocarbons. (J61286204-A)
(US4940640-A)      Electrochemical cell comprises anode active means, cathode active mmeans and aprotic electrolyte. At least 1 of the anode and cathode comprise a polyaniline cpd. in which each N of the polymer is associated with 1 H atom.    The anode active means pref. comprises alkali(ne earth) metal and cathode active means comprises the polyaniline cpd. The polyaniline cpd. comprises sub units of formula (I) or (II), where A (-) is a counter ion.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for sec. battery and fuel cells. The electrodes have improved capacity and efficiency. (18pp)8    (DE3686750-G)      An electrochemical cell is claimed comprising an anode, a cathode and an aprotic electrolyte where either the anode or the cathode (pref. the cathode) comprises a polyaniline where each N of the polymer is associated with at least one, but not more than two, H, pref. with only one H. Pref. the anode comprises an alkali or alkaline earth metal.    The use of this cell as a sec. battery or a fuel cell is also claimed. An electrochemical electrode of a polyaniline where each N of the polymer chain is associated with one, but only one, H is also claimed. A method of reversible energy storage is also claimed by providing an electrode in an aprotic electrolyte and cyclically oxidising and reducing the electrode between the oxidised formula (I) (-(C6H4)-N(+)H=(C6H4)=N(+)H-) (2A(-)) and the reduced formula (II) (-(C6H4)-NH-(C6H4)-NH-); where A = counterion from the electrolyte.    Pref. the polyaniline is reversibly oxidisable to formula (I) and reversibly reducible to formula (II).    ADVANTAGE -   The cells have capacities and efficiencies close to the theoretical maximum.
(US4695118-A)      The clamp is formed of a housing within which is located an enlarged internal opening. A battery terminal post is locatable in a snug fitting manner within this enlarged internal opening. Also formed within the housing is a tangentially located open-ended hole within which is located the bare wire end of an electrical conductor. This hole connects with the enlarged opening and the bare wire end of the electrical connector will physically abut against the terminal post.    Also formed within the housing is an open-ended slot within which is pivotally mounted a handle. In moving the handle from the unlocked position to the locked position, the handle is connected to a cam which presses against the terminal post and in turn lightly presses the terminal post against the bare wire at the end of the electrical conductor. The handle member can be permenantly fixed to the housing or can be removably connected.    ADVANTAGE -   Does not require separate fastener such as bolt, minimises periodic maintenance.
(US4693945-A)      Fuel cell power generator comprises: a fuel cell d.c. generator which receives H2 and O2 from feed lines, the lines being supplied from H2 and O2 gas storage cylinders which in turn are fed from an electrolysis cell operated by d.c. from the fuel cell. The electrolysis cell comprises a tank contg. a pressurised electrolyte and H2 and O2 electrodes.    ADVANTAGE -   Use of H2 and O2 reservoirs overcomes any temporary shortage of fuel resulting from a rapid rise in load, so that the generator, has excellent responsiveness to rapid rise of load. (First major country equivalent to J61263065-A)
(GB2177537-B)      A multicell recombination electric storage battery comprising a container which is closed by a lid and which defines a plurality of cells separated by inter cell partitions which extend up to the lid and containing substantially no free unabsorbed electrolyte, each inter cell partition having two apertures formed in it, one aperture having an area of between 5 and 10 mm 2 and being situated adjacent one side of the associated inter cell partition and the other aperture having an area of between 10 and 20 mm 2 and being situated adjacent the other side of the associated inter cell partition.
(US4704266-A)      Gamma form Li aluminate powder is made from Al alkoxide mixed with a Li salt of inorganic or organic acid, Li hydroxide, or Li oxide in the presence of a non-aq. solvent. Reaction is carried out with addn. of 1.5-2.0 moles water (including water of crystallisation in the Li cpd.), based on 1 mole Al alkoxide. Solvent is removed to obtain solids which are calcined at 650-1000 deg.C.$    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful as electrolyte tile for molten carbonate fuel cells. The powder has a large surface area.
(US4777138-A)      A fermentation unit has a scoop wheel driven about a horizontal axis and movable along bunker silos from one to the next. The wheel periphery has scoops which act on the compost to put it into contact with the air and transfer it to a lateral conveyor for transferring the compost to a neighbouring silo. At least one aeration duct extends along the base of the silos and is connected to an air feed. Flexible scrapers on the periphery of the wheel scrape the duct and unstacking barbs project radially toward the outside.    Pref. the scoops are interchangeable for those adapted to materials to be treated.    ADVANTAGE -   The ability to treat garbage of fibrous or soft and resilient types is provided. )4pp)    (DE3727451-C2)      In a fermentation arrangement with an excavator wheel (1) with buckets (8) which rotates about a horizontal axis to aerate the compost and to move it to a conveyor (9) at the side for transfer to the next silo gallery. The galleries (7) are fitted with aeration channels (11) which are supplied by a compressor. At the periphery of the wheel, flexible rakes (12) are provided to pass over the channels and turning teeth (13) face outwards. Devices facilitate changing of buckets.    ADVANTAGE -   Stable treatment of a range of materials with fluctuating moisture content.
(DE3726614-C)      The composting of lawn cuttings in plastic or rubber bags is impeded by premature putrefaction because of the absence of air. This can be remedied by providing holes on two opposite sides and by laying the bag, after filling, horizontally on a grate.    ADVANTAGE -   Ensures adequate ingress of air and rapid composting without putrefaction.
(JP93035116-B)      Raw material is converted to compost by fermentation, while stirrer is moved from raw material inlet to compost outlet. Stirrer is moved above discharge conveyor for removing bridge formed on the conveyor.    ADVANTAGE -   A bridge is removed without enlarging the size of discharge conveyor. (J62252390-A)
(DE3618387-C)      Deposits such as tips contg. harmful or potentially harmful material, e.g. oil, sludge, bags of contaminated median, are prepd. for mechanical removal by being frozen hard. A hollow lance has its pointed end driven into the deposit and is then chilled with cold transferred into the surroundings, by internal circulation of coolant, e.g. liq. N2 held in or fed to an internal cavity. The coolant may be discharged from holes near the lance tip into an annular cavity between outer and inner walls. Lances can be inserted at intervals to freeze an extensive area.    ADVANTAGE -   Irrespective of initial consistency, material can be safely removed in inert conditions, without emissions.
(JP94079720-B2)      Method comprises breeding seed bacteria contg. anaerobic fatty acid cracking bacteria and methane bacteria in a culture medium and supplementing the seed bacteria to the tank.    USE -   For wastes treating plants.
(JP94083836-B2)      Treatment comprises treating the sewage mixed with active sludge using an ultrafiltration membrane unit, sepg. the mixt. into a filtrate and dense liq., and returning the liq. to bioreactors.    USE -   For sewage treating plants.
(EP250786-B1)      A method of ensilage of green fodder using preparations of lactic acid-producing bacteria, characterised in that Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 3676 and/or Lactobacillus plantarum DSM 3677 is used.    (DE3781943-G)      The acidification of green feedstuff using bacterium prepns. from lactic acid producing bacteria comprises using lactobacillus plantarum DSM 3676 and/or lactobacillus plantarum DSM 3677.    Pref. the bacterial prepn. is a mixt. consisting of 10-90 (esp. 30-70) lactobacillus plantarum DSM 3676 and 90-(O) (esp. 30-70) lactobacillus plantarum DSM 3677.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process is used in the silaging of green feedstuff to give improved silage esp. in a faster time to give greater acidification, while essentially avoiding butyric acid fermentation.
(JP92038731-B)      Prepn. of hydrocarbons contg. two or more C atoms is effected by treating methane with catalyst composed of (a) one or more alkali metal(s) and (b) one or more first transition series metal(s) in presence of oxygen.    Pref. (a) components are lithium chloride, lithium carbonate and lithium nitrate. Oxides of titanium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper and zinc are used as (b). Molar ratio of (a)/(b) is 0.01-50/99.9-50; (b) is added to aq. (a) soln., the mixt. evapd., the residue dried at 100-200 deg.C to support (a) on (b), and finally roasted at 500-900 deg.C to prepare the catalyst.    Pref. molar ratio of CH4/O2 is 0.1-100. Reaction is carried out at 500-1000 deg.C under 0.1-100 kg/sq.cm.    ADVANTAGE -   Ethylene is prepd. from methane selectively. (J62238220-A)
(GB2190682-B)      Organic waste is digested in an aerobic digester to evolve biogas which is introduced into a storage space through a pipe which terminates below the surface of a volume of water forming a seal of a gas storage space, so that the water scrubs the gas to remove its soluble impurities. The water is continually removed and replenished to maintain the water vol. substantially constant.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In the prodn. of biogas for use in engines or boilers. Provides a simple inexpensive appts. for cleaning and storing biogas so that it will have less corrosive effect on engines and boilers than uncleaned gas.
(EP249748-B)      A process for the production of hydrocarbons from carbonbearing wastes by the hydrogenating separation of the carbon-bearing wastes with hydrogen and/or hydrogen-bearing gases and/or compounds which give off hydrogen, characterised in that the hydrogenating separation operation is effected at 250 to 900 deg.C and 5 to 280 bars in a fluidised bed. (8pp)
(US4849108-A)      Waste water from mfr. of chemical or thermomechanical pulp is purified, by (a) sedimenting to remove coarser constituents, (b) cooling water obtd., (c) aerobically detoxifying it, (d) anaerobically hydrolysing and preacidifying with addn. of nutrient salts and adjusting redox potential, (e) fermenting to produce CH4 in a fermenter and (f) aerobically purifying and sepg. biological aerobic sludge obtd. Aerobic sludge is sepd. before anaerobic hydrolysis. Waste water contains excess H2O2 or excess Na2SO3, such that H2O2 is added to reduce excess Na2SO3 and biological sludge is added to reduce excess H2O2. Opt. FeCD3 is added to waste water before anaerobic hydrolysis.    ADVANTAGE -   Can be operated fully automatically through measurement of redox potential and pH. (4pp)
(JP92023600-B)      Appts. includes a container main body having an exhaust port in the bottom and a sealing lid. The container includes a filter layer on the bottom, a fermentation facilitating layer above it and a refuse contg. section having means of keeping the temp. in the refuse contg. section constant. (J62225299-A)
(JP94060077-B2)      Air tubes having small holes are laid in heaped compost material to heat the material by electric heating wire arranged in the tubes.    ADVANTAGE -   As the compost material is heated from the inside, fermentation starts soon after piling the material. Since outside air is introduced through the tubes into the heap of material, incubation of aerobic bacteria is promoted to form compost in a short time without using labour to cut back the material.
(JP94049568-B2)      Solid acid substance is ZrO2-SiO2 type substance having strong acid point with the acid strength (Ho) of less than -8.2, expressed as formula (xZrO2.ySiO2)zF.mS..(1) (where x and y are molar numbers of ZrO2 and SiO2 respectively, the value x/y shows the atomic ratio of Zr/Si. z and ma are wt.% of F atom against (xZrO2.ySiO2) x/g = 99.9/0.1-10/90 and z is 0.1-10, m is 0.01-5).    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Solid acid substance has very high strength and ultra strong acid point is not easily decomposed on contact with water. When hydrocarbons contg. 5-10 paraffins are reacted in the presence of the solid acid substance, lower aliphatic hydrocarbons contg. paraffin of 3-4C as main component are obtained in high yield.
(EP247393-B)      A process for the prevention of odour-fading from organosulphur-odourised LPG stored in containers having active interior steel surfaces comprising treating the surfaces with a deactivating amt. of benzotriazole, tolyl triazole, mercapto-benzothiazole, benzothiazyl disulphide or mixts. thereof and loading the container with liquefied petroleum gas odourised with one or more reduced organosulphur cpds. contg. 1-5 carbon atoms. (4pp)
(JP94049867-B2)      Hydrocarbon stock is fed to a thermal cracking reactor together with methane gas heated externally at at least 850 deg.C. The hydrocarbon stock is thermally cracked in the presence of high temp. methane gas and the reaction prods. are cooled rapidly to provide olefins and aromatic hydrocarbons.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process increases methyl radical concn. in the reaction system to increase the yields of ethylene and ethane without degrading the yields of propylene and 4C olefin. The presence of methane controls the decomposition of propylene and 4C olefins to reduce the yield of methane and to increase the yields of propylene and 4C olefins.
(DE3778960-G)      A membrane having a spen. factor for O and N of 6.5 or greater at 24 deg. C comprises a polycarbonate of formula A= gp. (i) R1=-CO-, -SO2-, -O-, a single direct bond, 1-6C divalent hydrocarbon, 1-6C divalent fluorocarbon, or inertly susbtd. 1-6C divalent hydrocarbon, R2=1-20C divalent, opt. halo-substd. hydrocarbon; W=residue of a monofunctional cpd. reactive with chloroformate; x=0,1; y=0,1; n=at least 50, such that the ratio of x:y when x, y=1 is between 99+1 to 1:99 inclusive.    O2 is sepd. from a mixt. of gases contg. O2 and N2 by (a) contacting the gas mixt. with one side of the membrane at 0-80 deg. C, esp. 5-45 deg. C while maintaining a pressure difference across the membrane of 40-200, esp. 95-200 psig (275-1400, esp. 650-830 kPa) with the lower pressure on the other side (b) removing the permeated O2 from the other side.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The random tetrabromo-bisphenol polyestercarbonate semi-permeable, composite or homogeneous membranes are highly selective, and perform at high rates under high temps. and pressure conditions.
(DE3614056-C)      Agricultural waste such as liquid manure and straw is treated by charging in the nitrification space of a rotary drum. The air in the latter is circulated through an external heat exchanger and fresh air is added. A scoop moves the waste in the denitrification space of the drum. The air of this is circulated through an external nitrogen separator, filled with an absorbent solution, containing preferably phosphoric acid.    ADVANTAGES -   This produces a low-nitrate fertiliser which can be applied in quantity without spoiling the ground water. It also produces heat, no nuisance due to evil smell and a nitrogen-saturated solution.
(JP92068291-B)      Purificn. of raw material He gas contg. N2 as impurity component, comprises contacting with micro-ground hydrogen absorbing/storing alloy (the hydrogen absorbing/storing alloy is previously activated by absorbing and releasing hydrogen gas, then micro ground to increase the surface area) at above normal temp., so that N2 gas component is adsorbed by the micro-powdered alloy while He gas component is permeated through the voids of the powder. The N2 is sepd. and removed from the raw material He gas, and He gas component is selectively recovered.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The raw material He gas (Ar gas or CH4 gas) is purified to a higher level than those processed in conventional process where physical absorbing agents, e.g. silica gel or active carbon, are used, i.e. when it is treated at normal temp., the impurity N2 becomes less than a few ppm (under heating treatment less than 1 ppm). (J62212208-A)
(JP94034705-B2)      Mould can form spores on the culture medium contg. coal as the only C source.    P.MT-6001 can grow well under aerobic condition and can grow also under anaerobic condition. It can grow at 20-30 deg.C pref. at ca. 25 deg.C at pH 1-8. It can use glucose or carbon, but cannot utilise starch, xylose, etc. as carbon source.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Sepd. novel microbe can multiply using coal exclusively as C source and is P. MT-6001. By using the microbe, coal can be easily liquefied and desulphurised.
(GB2189237-B)      An anaerobic digester has a venturi device having a venturi nozzle through which sewage sludge is circulated to and from the digester. The venturi has an inlet through which bio-gas is introduced into the circulating sludge.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Anaerobic digester incorporating a venturi device for mixing sewage sludge in the digester. Digestion is even and quick.
(DE3612734-C)      In a process for the catalytic methanisation of a synthesis gas (I) contg. CO, CO2 and H2 in a solid-catalyst bed which is cooled with a coolant, gas (I) flows through, in the catalyst bed, consecutively, an entry area for (I), an area having high temp. of (I) (hot-spot area) and an exit area having a reduced temp. of (I). The coolant is converted into superheated steam by transferof the heat resulting during the methanisation.    The improvement is that the coolant is evaporated at boiling temp. at least in the exit area of the catalyst bed, and the steam formed in the hot-spot area is superheated.    Pref. the hot-spot area and the exit area are used for the evapn. of the coolant.    ADVANTAGE -   The prodn. of superheated steam and also the prodn. of a methane-rich prod. gas are obtd. a one-step process.    (US4839391-A)      Catalytic methanisation of gas contg. CO, CO2 and H2 has cooling water flowing countercurrent to the gas flowing through a catalyst bed in a reactor.    The water follows a path which includes one complete transist through the bed. Conversion of the cooling water to steam is produced by heat transfer in the outward gas flow region and a hot spot region.    ADVANTAGE -   Catalyst stability is not impaired.
(EP241357-B)      Process which makes it possible to carry out the simultaneous biodegradation, on the one hand, of a cellulosic substrate and, on the other hand, of a substrate suitable for anaerobic fermentation in which the said cellulosic substrate, in a compact state, is capable of being immersed, process according to which each of the aforementioned substrates are made to move inside a fermenter from one end of it to the other, in order to collect the said substrates once they have been subjected to the anaerobic biodegradation, as well as the biogas formed during the fermentation process, characterised in that the cellulosic substrate is subjected to an additional compacting as it enters in the compact state the fermentation zone of the said fermenter which leads to an increase in the density of this substrate moving slowly inside the said fermenter and, consequently, to an increase in its bacteria-fixing potential.    (DE3777225-G)      Cellulose is biodegraded by compressing it and introducing it into one end of an anaerobic fermenter with a fermentable material submerging it, compressing the cellulose further, and collecting biogas, degraded cellulose, and fermented material from the fermenter.    A fermenter for carrying out the process is also claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For agricultural, animal, and domestic waste. Densification of the cellulose improves its bacteria fixing properties.
(DE3610896-C)      A tank for the production of compost, biomass and humus from organic waste has walls made of a material which is permeable to air, preferably blocks of pumice or raw wood. The bottom includes an electrical heating foil with reflectors and a thermostat control. The walls (1) bound a receptacle (2) for organic waste. The bottom is assembled from several layers. A wire grid (4) with a mesh size of 8-10 mm gives protection from moles and mice. The following heat insulating layer (5) is covered by tarpaulin or foil (6) as protection against moisture (0.2 mm thick) and a heat reflecting foil (7), coated with an aluminium foil. The heating foil (8) carries embedded resistance elements and is protected on top by a foil (11) and by a layer of wooden boards (12). A thermostat (9) controls the temps..    ADVANTAGE -   This reduces the time required for composting and produces humus of uniform and high quality.
(CH664263-A)      Nuts with thick and hard shells fom the Arecacea palm trees and Brazil nuts are processed by grinding the shells including the kernels to a finely granulated fibrous mass in at least two or three stages which incorporates hammer mills. The material is then treated by a mechanical and/or chemical oil. extn..    ADVANTAGE -   Arecacea nuts available in large quantities in the Brazilian jungle but their use for food as well as Diesel fuel substitute or detergents has been little utilised due to processing difficulties which are overcome by the new process. (First country equivalent to BR8605886-A)
(US4824440-A)      Process for the gasification of aromatic oils comprises reaction with steam in the presence of a nickel-alumina catalyst at temp. up to 500 deg.C. The feed is obtd. by fractional distillation of tarry condensates produced in coal gasification, followed by removal of sulphur cpds.; the resulting aromatic fractions have b.p. not above 500 deg.C (e.g. 80-270 deg.C) and contain O-heterocyclics and O-substd. aromatics. Coal is gasified with steam and oxygen in the presence of catalysts.    USE -   The process gives good yields of methane and other lower hydrocarbon gaseous fuels.    (EP238173-B)      A process for the production of methane-containing gases wherein an aromatic feedstock is reacted with steam in the presence of a nickel-alumina-containing coprecipitated catalyst characterised in that the aromatic feedstock is a heterocyclic or O-substituted aromatic compound and that said reaction is effected at a temperature of not greater than 500 deg. C. (3pp)    (GB2188061-B)      A process for the production of methane-containing gases wherein an aromatic feedstock is reacted with steam in the presence of a nickel-alumina-containing coprecipitated catalyst wherein the feedstock contains a heterocyclic oxygen-containing aromatic compound and/or an oxygen-substituted aromatic compound, and.the reaction is effected at a temperature of not greater than 500 deg.C.
(DE3607082-C)      A finely-divided fuel is produced from household waste (I), industrial waste which is similar to (I) and/or organic waste from agriculture and arboriculture. The waste contg. a proportion of non-combustible materials, after a coarse comminution, is subjected to a magnetic deposition to remove iron components; and then finely comminuted and dried.    The improvement is than after the magnetic deposition, an intermediate sieving is effected, for which the sieve passage has a max. particle size of 50 mm; the sieve passage of the intermediate sieving is dried to a max residual moisture of 15 wt.%; a fine comminution is associated with the drying; then the dried, comminuted refuse is subjected to a prod. sieving, the fine-particled fuel being recovered as a sieve passage having max. particle size of 10mm.    ADVANTAGE -   Safety-technical expenditure on prodn., storage, transport and covering are largely avoided. (4pp),
(DE3609117-C)      Prodn. of a biologically stable fuel from domestic refuse comprises drying the sepd. organic fraction to a max. water content of 15 wt.% by mixing with quicklime in an amt. (wt.%) of at least 1.5 times the amt. by which the initial water content of the fraction exceeds 15 wt.%.    ADVANTAGE -   Sufficient drying for biological stability is achieved without using energy from external sources or from the fuel produced in the process itself. Side effects of the added lime are: (a) it acts as binding agent, so that if the fuel prod. ispressed to briquettes the pressure required is reduced; and (b) it binds pollutants, e.g. S and Cl, in the fuel prod., with surplus binding capacity in which can be exploited by mixing-in S-rich coal.
(US5181950-A)      Organic waste is composted by setting by treating in an anaerobic and aerobic decompsn. step with countercurrent aeration and in a second aerobic post-rotting step with countercurrent aeration with fresh air. Waste air from the two steps is drawn off, CO2 content is determined and is used to control the amt. of fresh air supplied and waste air drawn off to continuously maintain aerobic conditions in the second step.    The waste air from the second step is used for aeration in the first step and the CO2 content of first step waste air is used to control fresh air input. At least some gases produced in the pre-retting step and fresh air are pref. fed into the lower part of a pre-retting vessel while the material passes from top to bottom.    ADVANTAGE -   Simpler process has reduced energy consumption.    (DE3607920-C2)      A process for composting organic waste in two stages, includes an anaerobic and aerobic pre-rotting prim. stage, and an aerobic sec. stage. The waste moves from the top downwards and fresh air passes up through the waste and is sucked upwards. The air drawn from the sec. stage is mixed with fresh air for the primary stage.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is simple and effective, and the energy used is reduced.
(JP93050327-B)      Enhanced gas sepn. process employs a permeable membrane or membrane stages for initial bulk gas sepn., with the permeate gas being passed to a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) system for the sepn. and recovery of a high purity prod. gas. The PSA waste gas is compressed and blended with the feed gas for passage to the membrane, from which non-permeate gas is withdrawn at the elevated pressure. In processing variations, the non-permeate gas and/or the PSA waste stream can be passed to additional membrane stages for enhanced recovery purposes, with a prod. gas being recovered at high purity from the PSA system in each instance.    ADVANTAGE -   The enhanced gas sepn. process uses the convenience of permeable membranes while producing high purity prod. gas at desirable recovery levels. (J62282616-A)
(EP237430-B)      Organic effluent with a chemical oxygen demand greater than 5 g/l and at least 1 g/l suspended solids is fermented to yield methane by anaerobically fermenting it while passing it downwards through a packed bed, recycling separated liquid and sludge from a settler to the bed at a higher flow rate than that of the effluent, and passing some of the liquid from the settler to a second packed bed where it is anaerobically fermented as an ascending flow.    Apparatus for carrying out the process is also claimed. The packing is pref. polyvinyl chloride rings.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For sugar cane washings. Solids and microorganisms have a long residence time.    (JP95029110-B2)      Organic effluent with a chemical oxygen demand greater than 5 g/l and at least 1 g/l suspended solids is fermented to yield methane by anaerobically fermenting it while passing it downwards through a packed bed, recycling separated liquid and sludge from a settler to the bed at a higher flow rate than that of the effluent, and passing some of the liquid from the settler to a second packed bed where it is anaerobically fermented as an ascending flow.    Apparatus for carrying out the process is also claimed. The packing is pref. polyvinyl chloride rings.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For sugar cane washings. Solids and microorganisms have a long residence time.
(DE3780044-G)      Biotechnological processes in fixed-bed ractors with carrier elements for a growth of micro-organisms usually release a gas e.g. CH4 or CO2. The coagulation and the release of the gases produced can be promoted by mechanical action on the carrier elements. The preferred action is a continuous or intermittent vibratin or a rotary/reciprocating motion of the bed.    ADVANTAGE -   This intensifies the gas detachment and improves the bacterial reaction.p    (US5159694-A)      Biological reactor for gas prodn. reaction process, comprises a horizontal vessel which has inlet and outlet ports at opposite ends, and has at least 65% of its vol. occupied by a solids carrier particle bed supporting microbial growth.    The vessel is oscillated about its horizontal axis to keep the bed packed, and the space above it free to receive evolved gas removed near the outlet end of the vessel, pref. by a pipe screened to exclude particles. Pref. a transverse barrier isolates the bed from the vessel outlet port.    USE -   Processing nitrate-contg. water.
(JP94067517-B2)      In fermentation of waste water contg. organic substances, mixed gas comprising mainly CH4 and CO2 generated in bioreactor with anaerobic bacteria is desulphurised and sepd. to CO2 and CH4 by sepg. membrane. The CH4 generated is recovered and CO2 is dissolved in waste water fed to the reactor.    ADVANTAGE -   Lowering of water pH at inlet port of the reactor is prevented without adjusting water pH by reagents and without circulating the treated water. Bioreactor is effectively operated.    In an example, waste water with COD of 375 mg/l, floating substances of 123 mg/k and pH of 6.8 was fed to fermentation tank of effective vol. 2302 with fixed bed of anaerobic bacteria at flow rate of 460 1/day. CH4 and CO2 were desulphurised and then sepd. by sepg. membrane. The CH4 was recovered and the CO2 was dissolved in waste water and the water was fed to the bioreactor. The pH of the water near inlet part of the water was kept at 6.0 and 46.1l of gas was generated a day.
(JP94030773-B2)      To ferment organic substances in waste water to methane in a bioreactor with anaerobic bacteria, Ca(OH)2 is added to the water.    Waste water is fed to acid forming tank, where organic substances are made soluble by bacteria. After removing bacteria in solid-liq. tank, waste water is fed to bioreactor with anaerobic bacteria where organic substances are fermented to CO2 and CH4. When waste water contg. organic substances and SO4 or proteins with S is treated, SO4 is formed by the decomposition of proteins. To prevent redn. of SO4 which occurs more easily than formation of CH4, Ca(OH)2 is added to the water to change SO4 to CaSO4. Ca(OH)2 is added in such amt. that pH of waste water fed to the reactor is under 12. Ca(OH)2 concn. in Ca(OH)2 aq. soln. added is 10%.    ADVANTAGE -   Waste water contg. organic substances and SO4 or contg. proteins with S can be fermented by the method without reducing the yield of CH4.
(DE3606704-C2)      Prodn. of an industrial cheap fuel of high calorific value, combustible at the usual temps. of 1200-1500 (esp. up to 1400) deg.C, with simultaneous disposal of sewage sludge, comprises: (i) mixing biological, principally municipal sludge, withdrawn after the digester, and/or high-calorific value industrial sludge low in pollutants, possibly with organic carbon sources; (ii) mechanically partially drying the mixt. to 20-40wt.% dry substance; and (iii) grinding in a mill with hard or brown coal of 1-5 mm particle size, with addn. of carbon-derived stabilisers used for coal-water suspensions, to give a coal-sludge-water suspension, handleable and burning like fuel oil and contg. about 25-35wt.% water. In a pref. embodiment, the ash from combustion of the fuel is incorporated into road-making asphalt.    ADVANTAGE -   The process is less complicated and much cheaper than briquetting, used previously to dispose of sewage sludge as a fuel. No pollutants are released on combustion.
(US4797135-A)      Highly comminuted flour, wood or other vegetable biomasses are produced by (a) treating coarsely ground wood/briomass with dil. aq. soln. of alkaline substance; then (b) drying by exposure to elevated temps. Treated coarsely ground material is ground to form a finely-divided powder with narrow particle size distribution. Alkaline substance used is NaOH or KOH, and treatment of coarsely ground material is by impregnation or absorption, by suspension in dil. alkaline. soln.    USE -   As fuel, e.g. for replacing oil in boilers. (3pp)
(US4689062-A)      Gas mixt. contg. H2, N2, CH4, Ar, NH3 esp. NH3 plant purge gas is treated e.g. in a zeolite adsorption bed to remove NH3. Ammonia depleted gas mixt. is fed to a pressure swing adsorption unit to remove CH4 and most of the N2. The mixt. is then fed to e.g. a membrane sepn. unit for sepn. of H2 and the resulting stream is passed to a cryogenic distn. unit to separate an Ar prod. and a stream contg. remaining N2 and any residual H2. NH3 can alternatively be removed in an H2O scrubber and dehydrators.    Adsorbent material in PSA unit is pref. a 5A, 10X, 13X zeolite etc. and operating pressure is 400-1100 psig. NH3 and CH4 removal may be effected in a single PSA unit.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Operating and capital costs are lower. High pressure purge gas from NH3 plant provides all energy requirements for non cryogenic sepn. Purge gas can also be fed to a turbine to supply cooling for cryogenic sepn. Process employs compact units which are portable.
(JP95029945-B2)      Prodn. of butanes from propane comprises: (i) contacting a propane feed in absence of added H2 and at at least 50 psig with a catalyst comprising a crystalline zeolite with SiO2:Al2O3 = at least 12:1 and Constraint Index 1-12 measured at a temp. of about 290-538 deg. C, the combination of temp., pressure and WHSV being such that up to about 25 wt.% propane is converted to a hydrocarbons mixt. contg. butanes in an amt. of at least 35% of the converted propane; and (ii) recovering the butanes. Pref. zeolites have the structure of ZSM-5 (esp. pref.), -11, -12, -22, -23, -35 and -50. The catalyst pref. also contains a hydrogenation-dehydrogenation component, esp. a Pt gp..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Propane by-prod. of low economic value can be converted. Final sepn. can provide a fraction contg. up to 80-90 wt.% mixed butanes, from which an isobutane fraction can be obtd. which is useful for converting to alkylate blending stock for gasoline. Long catalyst cycle life.
(JP94033372-B2)      Methanol is introduced at the upstream pt. of CO converter in a town gas producer.    Specifically, methanol and steam are reacted to produce CO2 and 3H2 by endothermic reaction of 11.8 kcal/mol and CO and H2O are reacted exothermally to produce CO2 and H2 (reaction heat 9.8 kcal/mol) concurrently with the reaction of methanol with H2O and compensates the endothermic reaction heat of methanol by controlling the reaction rate of CO-converting reaction.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The introduction of methanol provides CO2 and 3H2 in the presence of CO-converting catalyst. The conventional low pressure cyclic process can be converted into continuous partial combustion process by the introduction of methanol without changing the combustion range to reduce the CO content in the output gas to 1-3%.    In an example, cracked gas comprising 39.8% N2, 4.1% CO2, 35.5% H2 and 1.0% CH4, the balance being C4H10 was converted in a CO converter added with methanol at the upstream pt. into -town gas comprising 22.6% N2, 16.7% CO2, 47.7% H2, 0.6% CH4 and 9.0% C4H10.
(DE3637393-C)      A method of composting household waste or similar garbage (2) consists of regulating the feed of air through the garbage heap to suit the microbe growth, without moving the nutrient substrate itself; the organic constituents that are more easily biologically broken down are converted into heat and carbon dioxide, after which the process is stopped by drying the waste.    Preferably, before treatment starts the waste is comminuted to increase the contact area with the air and thus benefit to the maximum from the exponential growth in cell division of the microorganisms. Preferably, alternatively, the waste is thoroughly mixed in advance to create considerable cavities within it. After the foregoing phase, the remaining material is sufficiently dried for bacteria growth to be largely stopped and only fungus growth to remain.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For composting of household and similar waste. Maximum use is made of the exponential rate of cell division of the microorganisms without the need to build up a large substrate.
(DE3605258-C)      A method of composting solid and liquid organic waste, esp. vegetable matter, animal manure, liquid manure, sewage sludge etc. by aerobic fermentation consists of mixing the solid and liquid constituents at intervals, esp. regular intervals, and introduction air or oxygen during this mixing. A local zone of the waste may be subjected to such mixing, followed by other zones in the same cycle. In particular the waste is mixed by raising part of the mixture and depositing it on the surface of the remaining mixture.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For composting by aerobic treatment liquid and solid mixed organic waste such as vegetable matter, animal manure, sewage sludge etc. Hot fermentation is carried out with inexpensive equipment in a rapid process.
(JP93054880-B)      Condensn. of methane from a gas mixt. of H2, CH4, CO2, and N2 and/or CO. comprises pressurising the mixt. and introducing it into a permeation membrane separator to separate H2 by selective permeation. The resulting methane-enriched gas is then introduced into a pressure swing adsorber to remove CO2 and N2 and/or CO and to recover concentrated methane-enriched gas. The selectively sepd. H2 gas is introduced to another adsorption separator to remove impurities. Part or all of the resulting hydrogen-enriched gas is used as purge gas to regenerate the adsorbent in the cylinder.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   A very-high-calorie methane-rich gas in a concn. as high as 75-85 vol.% with an N2 content reduced to 3-5 vol.% is obtd.. The efficient use of H2 as the purge gas improves the recovery of the methane-rich gas. (J62153389-A)
(JP94013720-B2)      In a new prepn. of methane-rich gas, hydrocarbon(s) or methanol is mixed with superheated steam to provide heat required to react and fed to adiabatic steam reforming reaction zone.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The method simplifies the prod. of methane-rich gas. It is esp. used for medium-to-small-scale prodn. of gas used in town gas, etc.    In an example, the hydrocarbons are from LPG, naphtha, etc. The method can merely comprise replacing an ordinary boiler by a generator of superheated steam. Conventional catalysts for low-temp. steam reforming and, opt. for hydro desulphurisation are used. The relationship between LPG-steam temps. indicated that, e,g., the temp. of the steam required to keep the inlet temp. of the reactor at 400 deg.C is about 512 deg.C for 300 deg.C desulphurised LPG. A gas thus obtd. comprised 65.3 vol.% of CH4, 14.8 vol.% of H2, 0.9 vol.% of CO, and 19.0 vol.% of CO2. (J62153387-A).
(DE3603792-C)      A multistage process for reaction of substances by catalysts, esp. biocatalysts, utilises a single reaction vessel with a series of conical trays. The raw materials enter at the bottom via an oblique inlet, thus generating a rotary motion in the reactor contents and bringing the raw materials into intimate contact with the catalysts; the liquid flows from one stage to the next stage above through overflow ducts.    The reaction prod. leaves at the top of the vessel. The gases formed in the process may be collected beneath inverted (apex upwards) conical trays as shown, via a central discharge pipe equipped with a float valve at each level. The catalysts used may be immobilized microorganisms and/or immobilized enzymes. In a variant, catalysts, esp. immobilized enzymes are conducted downwards through the vessel in counter-flow to the ascending substrate which passes from one stage to the next as above; in this latter variant, the conical trays may have the apex downwards.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For industrial reaction of substances by means of catalysts, esp. biocatalysts, more specifically immobilized microorganisms and enzymes. Typical applications include the treatment of difficult liquids and sewage. High output with a relatively small apparatus. Process is used for biological sewage treatment, using hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis and methane prodn., the purified water leaving at the top of the reactor. Denitrification and nitrification of sewage including removal of metal cpds. Prodn. of enzymes. The prodn. of pharmaceutical, cosmetic and chemical products. Prodn. of liquid sugar, saccharification of starch, decomposition of dissolved fats, clarification of fruit and vegetable juices.
(GB2186090-B)      Electrical sensor comprises a semiconductor material (I) in communication with a solid electrolyte (II). Pref. (I) is an oxide esp. Sn or Zn oxide, or a Gd-contg. Ba stannate perovskite; and (II) is stabilised ZrO2, pref. ZrO2-10 mole % Y2O3.    Specifically sensor is porous and comprises a compressed, two part pellet onto which electrodes are sputtered or painted. The pellet is formed from powders. The device includes a voltage measuring means. Process for forming the sensor and gas sensing method are claimed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used to sense gases such as H2, CO, CH4 or C2H4 in air, by measuring the voltage generated across (I) and (II) (claimed). Need for an external power source is avoided.
(GB2186087-B)      Semiconductor gas sensor contains a film, 1-50 molecules thick, of cpd. (I). A and B = C or N; R1,R'1,R6 and R'6 = H,Me or form part of a 6-membered fused ring; one of R2 and R3 = hydrophilic atom or gp., the other a hydrophobic atom or gp.; each pair of X's and Y's complete phenyl; naphthalene; anthracene; 2,3- or 3,4-pyridine, or phenyl gps. which, together with adjacent N and R1,R'1,R6 and R'6, form part of a condensed double or triple 6-membered ring system; or they are H; each R4,R'4,R5 and R'5 = H, Cl, Br, I, NO2, COOH, 1-4C alkyl, CN or ester gp.; M = Mn, Fe, Co, Cu or Zn, or 2 H atoms. R2 and R3 = COOH (or amide or ester); alcohol; alkyl, aralkyl or alkaryl gps.; R1,R'1,R6 and R'6 = H; M = Nc.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The sensors are esp. used to detect N oxides, but by suitable choice of M can be made responsive to many other gases, e.g. Co, CH4 or H2. Because the film thickness is much lower than in known sensors, response is much quicker. Some (I), not specified, are new: they are prepd. by literature methods, e.g. Makromol, Chem., 176(1975)2775. Films of (I) are pref. deposited by Langmuir-Blodgett techniques, forming a molecularly-ordered layer, and the pref. substrates are Si or GaAs. The sensors show a significant change in conductivity when in contact with N oxides, and the increased current is amplified, displayed, etc. conventionally, and opt. used to trigger an alarm. The sensor is pref. used in conjunction with an identical device protected against exposure to gas so as to compensate for any temperature-induced drift. (5pp)
(GB2186076-B)      A chemical monitor has a sample chamber for a gas to be monitored. The chamber contains a solid-state radiation source for generating radiation corresponding to an absorption wavelength of a component of the gas and a detector for detecting the radiation. The amt. of radiation detected by the detector is representative of the amt. of the component of the gas present.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Chemical monitor in which electromagnetic radiation is passed through a gas to monitor the gas, for example in a mine to detect the presence of methane or other dangerous gases. The monitor can be used without hazard with an explosive gas. There is no distortion of the radiation from the solid state source before it encounters the gas to provide max. efficiency.
(US4793855-A)      A process for gasification of sewage or carbon contg. wastes in a gasifier of bottom, middle and upper areas comprises feeding them with solid fuel and oxygen contg. gas into a gasifier. Gasification gas is formed and a slag bath established adjacent the bottom. A fluidised bed is formed, above the slag bath, from the sewage sludge/carbon materials, the fuel and the gasification gas.    Pref. the bed includes middle and upper areas with the treated materials being fed adjacent the middle and upper areas.    ADVANTAGE -   Complete reaction of sewage occurs at high temp. reducing risk of dioxin prodn.    (JP94073679-B2)      Degasifying sewage sludge or other carbon-contg. waste material utilises a gasifier which is supplied with a solid fuel and oxygen-containing gas. Gasification takes place in a fluidised bed above a slag bath which is formed in the bottom of the gasifier.The bed is constituted by the dried sewage sludge or waste materials, the solid fuel, the oxygen-contg. gas and the gasification gas.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Power generation or prodn. of a gas to serve as a reducing gas for iron ore. Sponge iron can simultaneously be melted in the gasifier and reduced to pig iron. Sewage sludge with a residual moisture of 10% can be admixed in a proportion of 15% with the fuel, without impairing the reducing and melting process.    (DE3603054-C2)      Gasifying sewage sludge or other carbon contg. waste material, in a gasifier, includes supplying a solid fuel and an oxygen-contg. gas to the gasifier. The base of the gasifier contains a sludge bath. The gasification takes place in a vortex layer above the bath. The vortex layer consists of the sludge, solid fuel, the oxygen contg. gas and gasification gas.    ADVANTAGE -   The process utilises combustion energy in the sludge.
(US4816572-A)      Lignocellulose material (LM) is thermocondensed in a finely divided, anhydrous state by displacing the LM along a 1st path with a volume of virtually O2 free gas at 220-280 deg. C through a) a 1st zone in which the temp. of the LM is raised rapidly to 200 deg.C, b) a 2nd zone in which the temp. of the LM is raised gradually to the temp. of the hot gas and c) a 3rd zone where the temp. of the LM is maintained near the temp. of the hot gas.    The hot gas flows through the zone along numerous spaced apart 2nd paths transversely to the flow of displaced LM. The displacement rates ensures a contact time of not more than 30 min. of LM with hot gas. The thermocondensed LM is recovered and cooled. The hot gas is in contact with the LM for 1-10 sec. The gas is water vapour, CO2 and/or autogenous gas.    ADVANTAGE -   An industrial, continuous, commercially usable method allowing control and/or inhibition of the exothermic reactions during the treatment. (7pp)e    (US4954620-A)      Thermocondensed lignocellulose material is obtd. by heat treatment of lignocellulose which is highly hydrophobic with residual hemi-cellulose content less than 2 wt.%.    Lignocellulose prod. has no internal and benzopyrene content less than 2 micro-g. per kg., with fixed C-content of 27-35 wt.%.    ADVANTAGE -   Has 20% or more greater net calorific value w.r.t. starting material. (7pp)
(JP93005560-B)      Sewage sludge is reacted under alkaline conditions at 250-350 deg.C at over satd. steam pressure and then cooled. Sewage sludge before digestion is pref. used. To make the sludge alkaline, NaOH, KOH, Na2CO3, KHCO3, NHCOONa, CaO, Ca(OH)2 and Mg(OH)2 etc. are used. 0.001-0.5 wt.pts. e.g. 0.01-0.2 wt. pts. of alkali are added per wt. part of sewage sludge. Reaction time is 5-180 minutes. Water contents in sludge treated is 60-85, e.g. 70-80 wt.%. Pressing can be performed by using N2, CO2 or Ar gas if necessary.    Specifically sewage sludge is heated to 300-350 deg.C at rate of 5-20 deg/C/min. and kept at that temp. for 0-30 mins.. The reaction prod. rapidly cooled to under 100 deg.C.. The prod. is sepd. in to aq. and slurry phases. The slurry phase is then sepd. into solid and oily phases.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Oily matter used as liq. fuel is obtd. from sewage sludge (calorific value is 8000 Kcal/Kg). Yield of oily matter is 50% to dried organic substances. Oily matter is easily recovered. (J62136299-A)
(JP94035495-B2)      Copolymer comprises (a) ethylene and (b) unsated. Si cpds. selected from gamma-methacryloxy-propyl trimethoxysilane or gamma-acryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane. The copolymer has (I) Si cpd. content of 0.2 - 5 wt.%, (2) Mw/Mn of less than 10, (3) melt flow rate of 0.1 - 10 g/10 min., (4) density of less than 0.932 g/cm3, (5) Cl content of below 0.2 wt.ppm, (6) methacrylic acid content of below 0.2 wt.ppm and (7) acrylic acid content of below 0.2 ppm.    The monomers are copolymerised at 150 - 280 deg.C, 1,000 -4,000 kg/cm2 in presence of radical polymerisation initiators and chain transfer agents. The initiator includes e.g. lauroyl peroxide, benzoyl peroxide or t-butyl hydroperoxide. The transfer includes e.g. methane, butene, acetone or acetaldehyde. The copolymer is cured in presence of catalysts e.g. dibutyltin dilaurate, lead naphthenate or tetrabutyl titanate.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The copolymer is curable in presence of water. The copolymer has improved storage stability, processability and curing properties. The copolymer is used for moulding materials or coating materials. Films, foams, vessels or pipes are obtd. using the copolymer.
(JP94085870-B2)      Compsn. is composed of clinoptilolite type zeolite contg. Ca ion in a mol ratio CaO/A12O3 of 0.4 to 0.75.    Ca ion can be incorporated into clinoptilolite by applying ion exchange method. After completion of the ion exchange, the new clinoptilolite is washed enough, and dried at 100-150 deg.C, then activated by heating.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   This compsn. can separate molecules with a kinetic dia. less than 3.7 angstroms from molecules with that of 3.7 angstroms or greater. Sepn. of mixed gas having mutually approximate value of kinetic dia. is possible. Compsn. is used for removal of a small quantity of nitrogen from methane gas; methane recovery by removing nitrogen from coke oven gas or coal mine draught gas; removal of hydrogen sulphide from methane gas; removal of argon from xenon, etc.
(JP92055409-B)      Prodn. involves partial oxidn. of methane by annealing alkali metal and/or samarium-carrying magnesium oxide at above 850 deg.C and using it as a catalyst.    Catalyst is prepd. by mixing magnesium oxide and alkali metal cpd., e.g. lithium carbonate or sodium carbonate and/or samarium cpd., e.g. samarium nitrate with water to form a suspension, heating then evaporating to dryness at 100-200 deg.C, baking, if desired for 1-30 hrs. in air at 500-700 deg.C and further annealing at above 850 deg.C to obtain desired material. Annealing is performed pref. in the presence of air or helium under reduced pressure. Alkali metal and/or samarium content(s) in the catalyst is pref. 0.1-7.0 wt.% as metal. Molar ratio of methane and oxygen in oxidative coupling of methane is 1-10 (CH4/O2). Pref. reaction temp. is 700-800 deg.C and contact time is 0.1-60 sec.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   C2 cpds. are prepd. from methane with very high selectivities. (J62129227-A
(EP233455-B)      A process for reducing carbonyl compounds or heteroaromatic, fused aromatic or fused heteroaromatic compounds, which comprises reacting these compounds with hydrocarbons in the presence of carbon at 150-500 deg.C. (4pp)
(DE3600492-C)      Waste liq. with high fibre content is fed outwards from the interior of a motor-driven rotating filter drum inside an external casing and formed of coarse wire mesh, with apertures 1-10(2;8)mm which trap fibres, if necessary on a pre-coat of separately applied saw-dust etc., which themselves then form the filter. To control resulting cake thickness build-up, the drum rotates past a vertical scraper edge adjacent a feed-worm for surplus material detached from the cake. Cake thickness is set by varying the distance from the drum of the scraper, which is mounted on an arm (22) pivoted at one end and moved by a threaded bar (23) axially advanced or withdrawn by a rotary knob.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Esp. for making compost from liq. manure. Cake thickness is adaptable to raw material natue.
(US4759786-A)      A method for sepg. a mixt. comprising carbon dioxide and method for sepg. a mixt. compris carbon dioxide and methane, comprises steps of feeding the mixture into a first liuqid-vapour contact column, performing a first rectification of the mixt. to form a product vapour fractioncontg. a reduced concn. of carbon dioxide at the top of the column and a fraction enriched in carbon dioxide relative to the mixt. at the bottom of the column. The enriched fraction contains up to aout 12 percent by volume of carbod dioxide. The carbon dioxide-enriched fraction is then subjected to a second rectification in a second liquid-vapour contact column operating at a higher pressure than the first column and thereby forms at the bottom of the second column a liquid fraction in which carbon dioxide predominates, and at the top of the second column a vapour fraction contg. a lower proportion of carbon dioxide than the carbon dioxide enriched fraction. Fluid from or near the top of the second column is then returned first column, the concentrations of carbon dioxide in the gaseous mixture and in the carbon dioxide-enriched fraction, and the operating pressure sin the columns being selected so as to avoid the deposition of solid carbon dioxide.
(DE3628909-C)      Waste water is biologically purified in a multi-chamber plant with an actuation shaft (2) for biological decomposition and purification, having an outer pipe (4) extending downwards and contg. a riser pipe (3) in which an aeration device (3a) is fitted for supply of compressed air. Downstream of the shaft is a sludge collection chamber (6) or an intermediate setting tank. Waste water is circulated in the shaft by the compressed air while activation with bacteria takes place. The sludge is stabilised in the tank while water is treated further in a subsequent stage.    ADVANTAGE -   Large treatment ponds are replaced by a small purification stage.
(EP228626-B)      Process for the decontamination of soil by means of microorganisms, in which microorganisms having specificity for harmful substances are introduced in a high concentration into the layers of soil contaminated with one or more organic harmful substances, characterised in that the microorganisms having specificity for harmful substances are introduced in a fixed form in the presence of water, oxygen and mineral salts.    (US4871673-A)      Process for decontaminating soil contg. toxic or harmful substances comprises treatment with a porous carrier (surface area 100-1500 m2/g) on which microorganisms specific for the harmful substances have been adsorbed; and irrigation with oxygen-rich aq. liquors contg. nutrients. Or the soil is treated with the carrier and attached microorganisms; then water contg. harmful substances is applied to the soil; and the water draining from the soil is collected.    USE -   The process is applicable to soil and waste water decontamination.    (EP228626-B2)      A process for the decontamination of soil using microorganisms, in which contaminant-specific microorganisms are introduced in high concentration into layers of earth contaminated with one or more organic contaminant, characterised in that contaminant-specific microorganisms are introduced to the soil in a form fixed to a carrier material, in the presence of water, oxygen and mineral salts, either by initially introducing the carrier material into the soild and then sprinkling with an aqueous suspension of the contaminant-specific microorganisms or by bringing the carrier material into contact with an aqueous suspension of the contaminant-specific microorganisms before introduction into the soil and introducing the carrier or biocatalyst loaded with microorganisms into the soil.
(US4769149-A)      Solid residues of industrial, agricultural or domestic origin are recovered and exploited, by (a) subjecting to bacterial digestion in a methanisation digester to form a recovered and storable combustible gas; and (b) incinerating a solid phase of dig estate leaving the digester in a furnace to produce thermal energy.    Incineration conditions are improved by injecting part of the gas coming from the digester into the furnace. Conditions of CH4-prodn. are improved using the heat of the furnace as a heat in bacterial digestion.    ADVANTAGE -   Prod. has high value of organo-mineral or fertiliser type without rejection of polluting residues into the environment. (6pp)f    (US4857458-A)      A plant for recovering energy from waste and residues sieves them, bacterially digest them in a methanisation reactor and incinerates the solid phase in a furnace for supply of heat to a recovery device. The furnace is supplied with methane by the digester and the heated fumes from the recovery device may be used for heating a circuit for heating residues during digester treatment or the liq. phase of the digestate, before recycling through the digestor.    Neutralising soln. is prepd. in a vat and used for wasting the combustion gases after they have been through heat recovery devices. Ashes from the device are used as organo-mineral soil improvers. A condenser is used to recover moisture and heat from this is used to the methanisation reactor.    ADVANTAGE -   Total recovery of residue is provided. (6pp)
(JP92068038-B)      A waste water contg. less than 10000 mg/litre BOD is anaerobically treated in a bioreactor, in which insol. support materials having more than 10 m2/g surface area are charged and bacteria are made to adhere to the support materials to maintain a high bacteria concn.    Natural cristobalite is pref. used as the support material. The support materials are sustained in a fluidised, moving, expanding, or fixed bed.    ADVANTAGE -   The rate of methane fermentation is increased; so that the waste water can be efficiently treated. (J62102894-A)
(US4732091-A)      Combustible solids are subjected to pyrolysis and combustion by moving them downwards through a pyrolysis chamber at a controlled rate using multiple horizontally movable grates within the chamber. Carbon char is deposited at the base of the chamber and air is introduced to oxidise this to form hot gaseous products which pass upwards, countercurrent to the incoming solids, to drive off volatile material. A hot combustible fuel gas is recovered from the top of the reactor while ash is continuously removed from the reactor base.    ADVANTAGE -   The system can be used to treat waste materials and recover useful heat in an environmentally acceptable manner.
(EP224801-B)      Appts. is externally of the tank and removably connectable to a circulation conduit and to an orientable conduit communicating with the tank, and comprises a tubular element with enlarged ends. One end holds a venturi constriction with air intake ports upstream of its smaller diameter end.    The constriction pref. has a smaller diameter end of polygonal cross-section and the ports are circular openings spaced at 90 deg. into the interspace between the element and constriction. The larger diameter end of the constriction is pref. formed for rapid connection and disconnection in a circulation line, and the smaller polygonal end may have fins to increase turbulence and mixing.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   E.g. for use at livestock units, provides optimum rapid oxygenation at low cost.
(EP224648-B)      Sewage in its passage to a collector tank flows through a tubular element (12) having enlarged end portions (13,14) in the first (13) of which is a construction defining a venturi (15). At this point and upstream of its smaller end, there is provided a number of air intake ports (18) with an arrangement for removing any sewage flowing out through the ports and for increasing the turbulence.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Used for oxygenating sewage in a collector tank in a form sewage installation. Provides optimum blending of oxygen and sewage in an appts. which is provided outside the tank and is therefore easy to inspect and clean in a quick and easy manner, thus providing maintenance at low cost.
(JP94088860-B2)      Air is blown into the accumulated layer of mud waste. By action of microorganisms, the mud waste is fermented. In the process, the temp. in the accumulated layer is measured. The temp. is kept at 35-50 (40-46) deg.C by regulating the air-blowing amt. to the accumulated layer.    ADVANTAGE -   By keeping the temp. of the accumulated layer at 35-50 deg.C, the activity of nitrification bacteria can be kept high. NH4+ is oxidised actively and NH4+ concn. in the accumulated layer is kept low. The bad smell problem associated with the mfr. of fertiliser from mud waste is easily solved.
(DD242396-B)      Method for combining heating of the substrate (liq. manure) esp. in a biogas prodn. plant, where the manure is subjected successively to aerobic and anaerobic treatment, is as follows. The heat produced in the aerobic pretreatment, in combination with the waste heat of an internal combustion engine driven by the biogas, is transferred to the incoming liq. manure. This engine drives a pump supplying liq. manure to an injector, to which air is also supplied after preheating in the engine casing. The exhaust gas from the engine is also pref. supplied directly into the airstream to the injector.    The temp. of the substrate in the biogas reactor is regulated by varying speed of the engine. Pref. the gas engine is a 4-stroke otto engine.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   In biogas plants and in the aerobic treatment of sewage in general. Applications in industrial microbiology.
(JP93008983-B)      In forming a gas sensor element contg. SnO2 as main component and a metal oxide semiconductor contg. Pd and Pt as catalysts. SnO2 is mixed with SnCl2 and baked to form activated SnO2. The activated SnO2 is mixed with a PdCl2 soln. and a H2PtCl6 soln. in a Pd/Sn ratio=0.1-8 mole.% and a Pt/Sn ratio =0.5-8 mol.% and then with an organic solvent to form a paste. The paste is coated on an nsulator with paired electrodes an dried to form an element. The element is baked in air or an atmos. of a Sb oxidising gas at 600-850 deg. C. The Sb oxidising gas is prepd. by putting a Sb cpd. of 1x10 power-9 -4.5x10 power-8 mole/xm3 (in terms of antimony trioxide) in atmos. of 600-850 deg. C for 5-60 min..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The gas sensor element can exactly detect combustible gases, e.g., H2, C2H4, C2H4, C2H6, etc., with quick respondency and with high S/N ratio. (J62075247-A)
(US4678860-A)      Prodn. of 7-17C liquid paraffinic fuels free from oxygenated cpds. from biomasses (e.g. cellulosic crop materials) and other sources (e.g. synethtic polymers) comprises pyrolysis of the disintegrated materials at temps. about 1200-2000 F to obtain a gas mixt. contg. H2 (about 10-53 mol%), CO (about 6-60 mol%), olefins (about 5-39 mol%), paraffins (about 6-33 mol%) and CO2 (about 4-26 mol%); which is passed to a catalytic reactor contg. Co, Ru, Ni and/or Fe cpds. dispersed with an inert carrier (e.g. alumina, silica, kieselguhr or diatomaceous earths) at about 500 F/140 psig; and separation of the resulting mixt of water, alcohols and hydrocarbon fuels.    USE -   The prods. are petrols and diesel fuels for internal combustion engines. (9pp)x    (DE3684553-G)      Prodn. of liq. hydrocarbon fuels comprising 7-17C paraffinic hydrocarbons free of oxygenated cpds. from O2-contg. biomass comprises pyrolysing comminuted biomass at 650-11-0 deg. C to produce an intermediate synthesis contg. (mole %) 10-53% H2, 6-60% CO, 5-39% olefins, 6-33% paraffins and 4-26% CO2. The gas is then passed into a catalytic reactor operating at ca. 260 deg. C and 9.7 bar contg. Co, Ru, Ni or Fe catalyst supported on alumina, silica, Kieselguhr or diatomaceous earth to give a water/alcohol binary and the liq. hydrocarbon fuel which is then sepd..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Useful in prodn. of diesel fuel, etc. capable of replacing no. 2 diesel, kerosene, JP-4, etc. on both small and large scales, economically and environmentally acceptably. The process can give 0.13-0.21 l fuel/Kg biomass using relatively inexpensive catalysts, using a renewable feedstock.
(US4684755-A)      Transhydrogenation of hydrocarbon blend comprises at least one alkene acting as hydrogen acceptor and at least one alkane comprises contacting the blend with a trans hydrogenation catalyst.    The reaction conditions are (a) pressure of the blend at the catalyst is atmospheric to 4 atmos (gauge) (b) hydrogen acceptor is present in blend at 5-30% of its vol. (c) catalyst temp. is 400-600 deg.C and (d) during process catalyst temp. is raised at 1-15 deg.C per hour.    Pref. catalyst is an oxide of Cr, V and Zn pref. used with alumina support of surface area 86-300 M2 g-1. Pref. catalyst is regenerated by heating in gas flow contg. 10% by vol.O2 (initially) at 400-600 deg.C.    ADVANTAGE -   Catalyst life is extended. (4pp)
(JP93010999-B)      Appts. comprises outer box with inlet and outlet ports and inner box which is placed in outer box while being spaced at specific intervals. Inner box comprises porous upper and lower end plates, microorganism metabolism inducing agent charged into inner box, and gas diffuser placed in inducing agent.    ADVANTAGE -   Bacteria producing metabolic product contg. phenol or phenol-exposed gps. can be effectivley cultivated. (J62065794-A)
(US4683814-A)      Appts. and process for compressing material contg. moisture comprises smooth-surfaced nip rolls which are under predetermd. loading, one of which is rotated at a predetermd. lower speed than the other so that heat is generated frictionally. Compressed material adheres to the slower roll and moisture to the other, both rolls pref. engaged by wipers to remove adhered material and moisture.    Specifically, the material is soft maple chips, hardwood chips, wastewood, or vegetable or animal biomass, or peat or animal biomass contg. about 50% of carrier material comprising sawdust, shredded paper or wood chips. Pref. the material is processed repeatedly for max. moisture removal.    ADVANTAGE -   Low energy expenditure in absence of pre-drying and a heater. (14pp)u    (US4752316-A)      Organic fertiliser or soil conditioner is produced from moisture contg. animal biomass by the action of aerobic microorganisms with O2, then compressing decomposed biomass. Process comprises (a) introducing biomass into a container which has an end adapted to receive biomass and another to discharge decomposed biomass; (b) introducing an O2-contg. medium into the container to decompose biomass; (c) advancing biomass through the container and discharging upon decomposition; (d) mixing predetermd. amts. of decomposed biomass and sawdust, shredded paper or wood chips as carrier material to enhance advancement between a pair of opposed rolls; (e) advancing mixt. obtd. between the rolls to apply a predetermd. rolling load and compresss it to remove at least part of the moisture; and (f) rotating 1 roll at a predetermd. lower speed than the other so as to develop friction between the rolls causing rolls to be heated which is applied to remove further moisture, adhering biomass to 1 roll and removed moisture to the other.    ADVANTAGE -   Biodigester used functions as an environmental control appts. for decomposing farm manure. (13pp)
(EP252924-B)      The use as a fuel of a mixt. of (1) cellulosic fibres, and (2) fat- and/or oil-contg. sludge or waste material from slaughter houses, milk-condensation plants, fishing industry, distilleries, public sewage purifying plants and tanker transports, said mixt. being prepared as a fuel immediately ready for use by heating the fat- and/or oil-contg. sludge or waste material to 15-40 deg. C after which the sludge or waste material is admixed with te cellulosic fibres, in such a proportion that the resultant fuel has a dry matter content of 40-80% by wt. and a water content of 20-60% by wt.. (4pp)    (JP2550333-B2)      Fuels are produced by mechanically mixing cellulosic fibres (e.g. straw or bagasse) with fat- and/or oil-contg. sludge from slaughterhouses, milk condensn. plants, fishing industry, distilleries, dry-cleaners and tankers. The sludge is preheated to 15-40 deg. C and mixed with the fibres in amt. so that prod. has a moisture content of 20-60 (esp. 40)%.    Pref. the ratio of fibres to sludge is 26:74-74:26, esp. 50:50. The sludge typically contains 15% oil and/or fat, or 60% after drying.    ADVANTAGE -   Large amts. of sludge can be used without an expensive briquetting appts.
(GB2181667-B)      In the removal of carbon dioxide and water from a gas (I) by adsorption, the gas is passed through a bed of molecular sieve (zeolite), the bed regenerated by passage of a heated gas until the carbon dioxide and water are desorbed, and the bed is then cooled. Process is improved by effecting the cooling by passing the gas (I) contg. carbon dioxide and water through the bed.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   (I) is esp. natural gas which is to be liquefied. In conventional operation, the regenerator gas is fed initially e.g. at ca 300 deg.C, raising the bed temp. in part ot ca. 250 deg.C; unheated regenerator gas is then fed to reduce the bed temp. to ca. 25 deg.C. The process gas is used to cool the bed at the same time as the gas is being purified. Regeneration time is thus decreased, and the economy of the process improved.
(GB2181666-B)      In the removal of carbon dioxide and water from a gas by adsorption, the gas is passed through a bed of molecular sieve (zeolite) and regenerated by passing a heated gas through the bed. Process is improved by (a) the presence of a bed of silica gel immediately preceding the molecular sieve, and (b) the temp. of the regenerating gas exiting the beds being in the range 175-200 deg.C.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The gas treated is esp. natural gas which is to be liquefied. In conventional operation, the molecular sieve adsorbs both carbon dioxide and water. In the regeneration, a temp. of at least 250 deg.C is required to desorb both components; it is however the desorption of water that requires this temp.- the carobn dioxide could be desorbed at e.g. 175 deg.C. In the present process the water is adsorbed by the silica gel, from which it is more easily desorbed; the overall temp. and time for regeneration can then be decreased, and the economy of the process is thus improved.
(DE3632534-C)      Generation of energy from alkaline fuels of low heating value is effected by (a) gasifying the fuel in a reactor contg. a circulating fluidised bed at a temp. below the sintering temp. of the alkaline components or their eutectic mixts. with the fuel; (b) removing the alkaline ash from the bottom of the reactor; (c) separating alkaline fines from the product gas and opt. recycling them to the reactor; (d) burning the gas in a combustion zone to generate heat, or in a steam boiler to generate steam; (e) removing alkaline slag from the combustion zone or steam boilers; and (f) removing alkaline lines from the flue gas.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The process may be used to generate heat or steam from fuels such as manure or lignite that would cause severe fouling of the combustion zone if burned directly. The process avoids slagging in the fluidised bed and recycle system, avoids fouling and corrosion of heat exchangers and dust separators, and allows the combustion reaction to be controlled irrespective of variations in the heating value of the fuel. (Previously notified in Week 8717)
(JP92062799-B)      CO2 (-contg.) gas, e.g., flue gas etc. is directly contacted with condensed waste water of pulp and then gas generated by methane fermentation is contacted to make waste water suitable for methane fermentation.    Methane fermentation is pref. effected at 30-40 deg.C at pH 5.2-6.3 by using bacterial. before fermentation, fermentation inhibiting components are pref. removed by CO2 in fermentation gas.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Condensed waste water of pulp consisting of condensate of steam from digesting kettle and that of steam from condensn.. Appts. for recovering used digesting soln. in prodn. of kraft pulp is treated. As condensed waste water is made suitable for methane fermentation, treatment cost is reduced and CH4 gas as a useful fuel is efficiently formed. (J62057696-A)
(EP221866-B)      A composter for composting organic wastes, comprising side walls (1), a bottom (2) and a cover (3) defining a space in which the wastes are to be placed, wherein at least the walls (1) are of thermal lagging sheets of porous material which is permeable to air, characterized in that on the outer surface of the cover (3) has been attached a gas-tight and thermally wall conductive surfacing material, such as an aluminium sheet (6). (5pp)
(JP93004160-B)      The gas generated by methane fermentation is directly contacted with waste water to control the water for fermentation. Alkali deg. of water is adjusted by alkali or acid for fermentation before contacting gas. Pref. fermentation conditions are 30-40 deg.C and pH 5.2-6.3. Water after pretreatment has pH of 4.5-8.1, S content of 350 ppm after fermentation, 85-95% of organic component is changed to the gas.    ADVANTAGE -   Alkaline pulp condensate waste water is neutralised by absorption of CO2 in fermentation gas and fermentation-inhibiting component (e.g. S cpd.) is removed by methane. Treatment of water is economical. Methane gas contg. fermentation gas is efficiently generated and is used as fuel. (J62053795-A)
(US4683674-A)      Garden planter or similar receptacle, such as a compost bin, comprises multiple vertical panels of plastic assembled side-by-side, the edges of each panel being provided with hinged strips movable to project into the bin interior, as an overlap connector with an adjacent panel and also as a reinforcing rib.    Pref. inwardly-open channels alongside the edges of the panels also provide reinforcement, and panels are stacked to form bins of desired height.    ADVANTAGE -   Versatile panels can be assembled to form bins of various heights and dia.
(DE3534605-C)      Crude sludge extracted from a biological sewage treatment is processed to produce sewage gas and a readily disposable or usable solid product. A first anaerobic acidification stage is followed by a second anaerobic methanizing stage. Prior to the acidification stage the sludge is thickened and/or decanted to a dry matter content of 5-12% (9%).    ADVANTAGE -   The different residence times in the two stages permit the cultivation of different biocoenosia. It facilitates the operation at optimum conditions for the environment of the microbes.
(JP95094669-B2)      A biomass gasifier is operated by (a) introducing inlet gas at a velocity below 7 ft/sec. to fluidise a bed in a gasifier vessel; (b) forming the bed into a fluidised bed in a first space region by means of the inlet gas, the fluidised bed contg. a circulating hot relatively fine and inert solid bed particle component; (c) inputting carbonaceous material into the first space region with fluidised bed at a rate of 500-4400 lbs/ft2-hr; (d) endothermally pyrolysing the carbonaceous material by means of the circulating hot inert particle component so as to form a product gas; (e) forming contiguous to and above the fluidised bed a lower average density entrained space region contg. an entrained mixt. of inert solid particles, char, and carbonaceous material, and the prod. gas; (f) gradually and continuously removing portions of the entrained mixt. and the prod. gas from the entrained space region of the gasifier to a separator; (g) sepg. the entrained mixt. from the prod. gas; (h) passing the inert solid particles through an exothermic reaction zone to add heat; and (i) returning at least the inert solid particles to the first space region.    ADVANTAGE -   The discovery that it is possible to operate using a low inlet gas velocity and high biomass throughput and maintain a steady-state inventory in the reactor with removal of sand and char by entrainment allows a very substantial improvement over the existing art.
(JP92046173-B)      Moisture removal from gas mixt. contg. steam supplied to the gas sepn. equipment as it is moved along the supply side of the gas sepn. membrane, while a dry gas (the amt. of which is less than 10 vol. % of the mixed gas) is supplied to the equipment and moved along the permeation side of the gas sepn. membrane to remove the steam of the mixed gas permeated through the gas sepn. membrane. The exit of the permeated gas and entrance of the dry gas are connected with the permeation side of the gas sepn. membrane, while the entrance of the gas mixt. and the exit of the non-permeated gas are connected with the supply side of the membrane. The gas sepn. membrane is made of an aromatic polyimide having the selective permeation capacity (shown as the ratio of the gas permeation rates for steam and methane i.e. P H2O/P CH4) of more than 200.    USE -   The equipment is useful for removing steam selectively from various gas mixts. such as air, natural gas, ferment gas etc. (J62042723-A
(JP94047060-B2)      Sepn. of steam where a mixt. gas contg steam and methane is contacted with a sepg membrane to remove steam. As membrane, a composite membrane comprising porous support (made of polyolefin resin), and a thin layer coating the surface of the support (made of copolyimide or polyamino acid urethane) is used.    ADVANTAGE -   Steam is selectively and efficiently sepd from a mixt gas contg. steam and methane. E.g. sepn. capacity, the ratio of the permeation speeds for steam and methane is more than about 50 (under a specified condition, about 100-500). Permeation of methane is more than 1x10 power -7 cm3/cm3 sec cm Hg (under a specified condition it reaches about 1x10 power5 cm3/cm3 sec cmHg). The mechanical strength of the sepn. membrane is also big and it is easily handled.
(US4684759-A)      Energy is recovered from an ethane-rich feed stream flowing to a pyrolysis furnace used for prodn. of ethylene.    Process comprises (a) reducing pressure of ethane-rich stream to below inlet pressure of furnace to decrease temp. of stream and form a chilled ethane-rich stream; (b) vaporising this by heat exchange with a process stream to form a vaporised ethane-rich stream; (d) passing compressed ethane-rich stream to pyrolysis furnace; and (e) using chilled process stream to reduce refrigeration energy consumption.    ADVANTAGE -   Refrigeration energy consumption is at lower temp. leading to savings in capital and operating costs.
(EP215149-B)      A circulating reactor for the anaerobic purification of effluents with a high load of organic waste has a slimness ratio S of the height of filling H to the dia. D of 2-20, and a central tube vol. of 50-80% of the total vol. The narrower top part of the central tube Db should be 8-40 % of the lower part Da and should ensure a min. flow velocity of 0.5 cm/s.    ADVANTAGE -   This reactor requires no special drive for the high internal flow velocity. The biogas generation itself ensures an adequate and steady fluid circulation.
(JP95029944-B2)      Sepn. of paraffinic and olefinic 4C hydrocarbons by extractive distn. with morpholine as selective solvent is characterised by the absence of added water from the morpholine.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   For sepg: (a) the mixt. of iso- and n-butane, butene-1 and cis/trans butene-2 obtd. from the 4C fraction from steam, catalytic or thermal crackers, after removing butadiene and isobutene; or (b) mixts. of cis/trans butene-2 with iso and n-butane or with n-butane alone (in the latter case e.g.to obtain butenes-2 for dimerisation to octenes). The anhydrous morpholine has sufficient selectivity and is a better solvent for 4C hydrocarbons than the aq. morpholine of the prior art. E.g. with only 5-25 % olefin in the feed, the olefin yield from the extn. may exceed 99 %. The extract and raffinate no longer need to be dried. The downstream column for stripping olefins from the solvent may be operated under conditions allowing the top prod. to be condensed with air or ordinary water (3-3.5 bar absolute and ca. 35 deg.C), without needing a compressor or refrigeration; and with a bottoms temp. of 180 deg.C or less, so avoiding solvent decompsn.
(JP96004695-B2)      A filter medium is inside a closed vessel and comprises biogenetic silica with a porosity of at least 50% by vol. Pref. up to 2% of a water-swellable polymer or activated carbon is in the medium. Silica is pref. made by the pyrolysis of plants, esp. rice hull devoid of fibre, which forms an amorphous ash.    Pref. feed water is delivered to a vessel contg. medium, and the filtrate is discharged axially. Plants used to form silica should contain at least 15% silica w/w in dry matter. E.g. stalks and hulls of rice, equisetum (horsetails), bamboos, pollen or palm leaves esp. polymra. Pref. the ash is formed by heating to 800-1400 deg. C.    USE -   Used to treat swimming pool water, to remove moisture from trichloroethylene, or to remove methane and ethane gas from an air stream.
(JP94091943-B2)      A hollow fibre or film is formed by extrusion of crystalline thermoplastic polymer under the condition of Tm to (Tm + 200) deg. C (Tm: = m.pt. of crystal) m.pt., Df = 20 - 10000 draft ratio, the fibre or the film is drawn by 5 - 200% at (Tg - 20) to (Tg + 50) deg. C (Tg:glass transition temp.), the fibre or film is heated at (Tg + 20) for (Tm - 10) deg. C, the fibre or film is stretched 1.1 - 3.0 at (Tg - 50) to (Tm - 10) deg. C, the fibre or film is set at the temp. of the stretching temp. - Tm, and the obtd. fibre or film, having independent foams or semi-independent foams, is treated with plasma.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The membrane is useful for sepn. of O2-enriched air from the air, recovery of CO and H2 in waste gas, removal of NO2 and SO2 in waste gas, and separation of CO/O2, H2/CO, H2/O2 or CH4/C2H6. The method is useful for prodn. of membranes which have high sepn. properties, a high permeable speed and excellent physical properties.
(US5091315-A)      Bioconversion reactor effects anaerobic fermentation of organic material in the form of a liq. stream, comprises a shell having inlet and outlet at opposite ends, and contg. multiple upwardly and downwardly projecting baffles generating upward and then downward flow of liq. moving from inlet to outlet. Specifically the shell has a gas outlet port and sampling ports; and opt. gas from the outlet port is recycled to the shell.    USE -   Methane prodn. (11pp)y    (DE3686107-G)      A bioconversion reactor supports the anaerobic fermentation of organic material supplied via one end of a housing. Vertical baffles in the housing are staggered vertically so lower ends of alternate baffles are sealed to the base of the housing. This forces the flow to pass over these baffles and under the adjacent baffles spaced from the housing floor. Gas is removed from the top of the appts..    Pref. feed passes underneath the baffles of one set and over the baffles of the interdigitated set. Effluent is discharged from the righthand side and methane is removed from an outlet at the top. Pref. lower ends of the baffles of one set are inclined in a downstream direction. Pref. housing is circular and the baffles extend radially. Sample ports are along the length of the reactor and also facilitate the unclogging of the reactor.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The reactor is used to ferment an agricultural residue, e.g. corn stover, wheat- or rice-straw. The reactor is of simple design and has a detention time of less than one day.
(US4935038-A)      Usable gas is recovered from garbage contg. water-soluble and water-insoluble organic cpds. and inorganic cpds. by: (a) sepg. garbage into a wet vegetable fraction contg. water-soluble organic cpds. and a light dry fraction contg. inorganic cpds. and water-insoluble organic cpds.; (b) passing wet fraction to a biogas generation zone maintained to form CH4-contg. prod. gas stream; (c) passing dry fraction into a zone maintained to form pellets contg. 25 wt% or less moisture; (d) passing pellets into a reaction zone maintained under temp. and O2-deficiency to form pyrolysis gas contg. uncombusted organic cpds. and a pyrolysis residual ash contg. organic residue; (e) passing ash to biogas generation zone; (f) passing pyrolysis gas to high temp. reaction zone comprising a hot carbonaceous bed, to form fuel gas prod. stream and a high temp. reaction ash contg. an organic residue; (g) passing ash obtd. to pyrolysis reaction zone; and (b) recovering CH4-prod. gas stream and fuel gas prod. stream.    ADVANTAGE -   Amt. of ammonia in waste water is minimised. (6pp)
(DE3529461-C)      Biogas is produced by the anaerobic fermentation of the waste produced during the mfr. of tapioca from cassava roots. Before the fermentation the waste material is brought to a pH-value of at least 4 and this acidified waste material is adjusted by neutralisation to a pH-value which is permissible for microorganisms to produce biogas.    ADVANTAGE -   This creates a useful outlet for this material which at present are discharged in rivers or the sea and adds to the environmental pollution. (4pp)h
(US4789477-A)      A system for charging granular or pulp-like material to a large container has a conveyor feeding material into the upper part, a second conveyor removing material from the lower part, and a distributor feeding material over the upper surface and comprising a carriage movable over the surface and supporting at least one pair of juxtaposed feed screw, in parallel, horizontal and side-by-side arrangement to receive material from the first conveyor at one end of the screws.    Adjacent screws are rotated oppositely so that the material is moved longitudinally and inwardly. The carriage pref. has a plough-shaped guide directing material from the conveyor to the screws.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   partic. for feeding sewage purification sludge and carbonaceous material to a composting container, provides a smoother and more level upper surface for a large mass.
(US4710032-A)      Composting appts. is charged with a mixt. of sewage sludge, carbonaceous material such as sawdust, and previously composted material, all three fed by one conveyor to a mixer from which the mixt. is conveyed to the composting appts.    A residence tank is fed with composted material from the appts. by another conveyor. One feeder near the tank top extracts composted material as the final prod., and another feeder at the tank bottom extracts compost for recycle to the first conveyor feeding the mixer, or to the second conveyor.    ADVANTAGE -   Using residence tank improves operation of the appts.
(JP94088915-B2)      The mixt. is fed to a distn. column and water is supplied to obtain distillate in which contents of alcohol(s) and organic acid(s) are lowered. Amt. of water (added to compsn.) is determined to the theoretical amt required to synthesise alcohol(s) contained in the mixt. or one third of the sum of the above theoretical amt. and that required to form on azeotrope with alcohol(s) if the alcohol(s) form an azeotrope with water.    Process is applied to a system composed of 2-5C hydrocarbon(s), 1-5C alcohol(s), 1-5C organic acid(s) and water, esp. a system composed of 4C hydrocarbon(s), tert. butanol, acetic acid and water. Distn. column is operated under a pressure of 2-10 kg/sq. cmG (esp. 2.5-4.0 kg/sq.cmG), temp. below 150 deg.C (esp. below 100 deg.C) and reflux ratio of hydrocarbon(s) below 1.0 (esp. below 0.5). Water is supplied to upper part of distn. column. Contents of alcohol(s) and organic acid(s) in recovered hydrocarbon(s) are lowered to below 2000 ppm wt. and below 10 ppm wt..    USE/ADVANTAGE -   Hydrocarbon(s) can be recovered efficiently. Procedure can be applied to recover 4C hydrocarbon(s) from crude tert. butanol composed of 4C hydrocarbon(s), tert. butanol, water and acetic acid. Recovered hydrocarbon(s) is/are used to prepare methyl tert. butyl ether or butene-1, etc..
(JP92075799-B)      The process comprises pretreating step and methane-fermenting step. In pretreatment, paper prodn. waste water-evaporated and condensed liq. is adjusted to pH 3 with acid to remove methane fermentation-interrupting substance by pptn. and coagulation, followed by neutralisation.    ADVANTAGE -   CO2 and hydrogen sulphide in methane gas can be easily removed. (J61293595-A)
(GB2178334-B)      Prodn. of compsns. which, after reductive activation, are useful as catalysts for conversion of synthetsis gas to C2+ hydrocarbons and which comprise less than 1 wt.% Ru on CeO2, is effected by impregnating CeO2 with a soln. of a thermally decomposable Ru cpd. (other than a carbonyl) in a nonaqueous organic solvent.    USE/ADVANTAGE -   The catalysts have high selectivity for prodn. of gasoline-range hydrocarbons. Specifically the CeO2 is pref. impregnated to incipient wetness with a soln. of Ru acetylacetonate in acetone and then heated in a N2 or air stream at 250-600 deg.C.. The compsns. may also contain up to 2 wt.% alkali metal. Activation is effected by heating in a reducing gas (esp. H2/N2) atmos.. The resulting catalyst, opt. in combination with a zeolite (esp. HZSM-5), is used to convert synthesis gas at 190-400 (esp. 250-350) deg.C and 0-100 (esp. 10-50) bar.    (6pp)
(JP93010998-B)      Appts. comprises sludge inlet port formed at incubating stirrer, seed sludge outlet port formed at maturing tank, connected to the stirrer and connected to adjusting stirrer connected to the maturing tank.    USE -   Used for incubating soil bacteria. (J61285983-A)
(JP94099206-B2)      Pretreatment method includes charging the bags contg. e.g. urban waste into a bag breaking appts. so that the bags may be broken and the waste may be granulated, removing objects that do not form compost such as plastics, removing batteries and metals, and breaking objects that can be made into compost.
(JP94060075-B2)      Appts. includes sets of paired endless wires put in grooves in wire drums that are spaced so that the wires can be run around the drums. Pressing discs are positioned in the upper paths of the endless wires. A wire spreading drum that is rotatable, has grooves and is positioned in the lower paths of the endless wires.